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De Pao Mendonca K, Rocher C, Dufour A, Schenkelaars Q, Heimbürger-Boavida LE, le Bivic A, Borchiellini C, Issartel J, Renard E. Methylmercury exposure of the sponge O. lobularis induces strong tissue and cell defects. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:141839. [PMID: 38636911 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Mediterranean marine biota suffers from various anthropogenic threats. Among them, pollutants such as mercury (Hg) represent important environmental issues that are exacerbated by bioaccumulation and bioamplification along food webs via its organic form, monomethylmercury (MMHg). To date, very little is known regarding the impact of mercury on Porifera and the few available studies have been exclusively focused on Demospongiae. This work studies the effect of MMHgCl at different biological levels of Oscarella lobularis (Porifera, Homoscleromorpha). Bioaccumulation assays show that MMHgCl significantly accumulated in sponge tissues after a 96-h exposure to 0.1 μg L-1. Toxicity assays (LC5096h) show a sensibility that depends on life-stage (adult vs bud). Additionally, we show that the exposure to 1 μg L-1 MMHgCl negatively impacts the epithelial integrity and the regeneration process in buds, as shown by the loss of cell-cell contacts and the alteration of osculum morphogenesis. For the first time in a sponge, a whole set of genes classically involved in metal detoxification and in antioxidant response were identified. Significant changes in catalase, superoxide dismutase and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 expressions in exposed juveniles were measured. Such an integrative approach from the physiological to the molecular scales on a non-model organism expands our knowledge concerning sensitivity and toxicity mechanisms induced by MMHg in Porifera, raising new questions regarding the possible defences used by marine sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassandra De Pao Mendonca
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, UMR7288, Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Rocher
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Dufour
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| | | | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| | - André le Bivic
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, UMR7288, Marseille, France
| | | | - Julien Issartel
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, FR 3098 ECCOREV, F-13545, Aix-en-Provence, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Renard
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, UMR7288, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, FR 3098 ECCOREV, F-13545, Aix-en-Provence, France.
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2
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Kim HY, Sinha I, Sears KE, Kuperwasser C, Rauner G. Expanding the evo-devo toolkit: generation of 3D mammary tissue from diverse mammals. Development 2024; 151:dev202134. [PMID: 38276965 PMCID: PMC10905751 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The varying pathways of mammary gland development across species and evolutionary history are underexplored, largely due to a lack of model systems. Recent progress in organoid technology holds the promise of enabling in-depth studies of the developmental adaptations that have occurred throughout the evolution of different species, fostering beneficial phenotypes. The practical application of this technology for mammary glands has been mostly confined to rodents and humans. In the current study, we have successfully created next-generation 3D mammary gland organoids from eight eutherian mammals and the first branched organoid of a marsupial mammary gland. Using mammary organoids, we identified a role for ROCK protein in regulating branching morphogenesis, a role that manifests differently in organoids from different mammals. This finding demonstrates the utility of the 3D organoid model for understanding the evolution and adaptations of signaling pathways. These achievements highlight the potential for organoid models to expand our understanding of mammary gland biology and evolution, and their potential utility in studies of lactation or breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hahyung Y. Kim
- Department of Developmental, Chemical & Molecular Biology, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Ishani Sinha
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Karen E. Sears
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Charlotte Kuperwasser
- Department of Developmental, Chemical & Molecular Biology, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Laboratory for the Convergence of Biomedical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Gat Rauner
- Department of Developmental, Chemical & Molecular Biology, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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3
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Riesgo A, Santodomingo N, Koutsouveli V, Kumala L, Leger MM, Leys SP, Funch P. Molecular machineries of ciliogenesis, cell survival, and vasculogenesis are differentially expressed during regeneration in explants of the demosponge Halichondria panicea. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:858. [PMID: 36581804 PMCID: PMC9798719 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09035-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponges are interesting animal models for regeneration studies, since even from dissociated cells, they are able to regenerate completely. In particular, explants are model systems that can be applied to many sponge species, since small fragments of sponges can regenerate all elements of the adult, including the oscula and the ability to pump water. The morphological aspects of regeneration in sponges are relatively well known, but the molecular machinery is only now starting to be elucidated for some sponge species. Here, we have used an explant system of the demosponge Halichondria panicea to understand the molecular machinery deployed during regeneration of the aquiferous system. We sequenced the transcriptomes of four replicates of the 5-day explant without an osculum (NOE), four replicates of the 17-18-day explant with a single osculum and pumping activity (PE) and also four replicates of field-collected individuals with regular pumping activity (PA), and performed differential gene expression analysis. We also described the morphology of NOE and PE samples using light and electron microscopy. Our results showed a highly disorganised mesohyl and disarranged aquiferous system in NOE that is coupled with upregulated pathways of ciliogenesis, organisation of the ECM, and cell proliferation and survival. Once the osculum is formed, genes involved in "response to stimulus in other organisms" were upregulated. Interestingly, the main molecular machinery of vasculogenesis described in vertebrates was activated during the regeneration of the aquiferous system. Notably, vasculogenesis markers were upregulated when the tissue was disorganised and about to start forming canals (NOE) and angiogenic stimulators and ECM remodelling machineries were differentially expressed once the aquiferous system was in place (PE and PA). Our results are fundamental to better understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of the aquiferous system in sponges, and its similarities with the early onset of blood-vessel formation in animal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Riesgo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW5 7BD, UK.
| | - Nadia Santodomingo
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW5 7BD, UK
- Department of Earth Sciences, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3AN, UK
| | - Vasiliki Koutsouveli
- Marine Symbioses Research Unit, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lars Kumala
- Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
- Marine Biological Research Center, University of Southern Denmark, Hindsholmvej 11, 5300, Kerteminde, Denmark
| | - Michelle M Leger
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), Paseo Marítimo de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sally P Leys
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Peter Funch
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade, 114-116, Aarhus C, Denmark
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4
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Hall C, Camilli S, Dwaah H, Kornegay B, Lacy C, Hill MS, Hill AL. Freshwater sponge hosts and their green algae symbionts: a tractable model to understand intracellular symbiosis. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10654. [PMID: 33614268 PMCID: PMC7882143 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In many freshwater habitats, green algae form intracellular symbioses with a variety of heterotrophic host taxa including several species of freshwater sponge. These sponges perform important ecological roles in their habitats, and the poriferan:green algae partnerships offers unique opportunities to study the evolutionary origins and ecological persistence of endosymbioses. We examined the association between Ephydatia muelleri and its chlorophyte partner to identify features of host cellular and genetic responses to the presence of intracellular algal partners. Chlorella-like green algal symbionts were isolated from field-collected adult E. muelleri tissue harboring algae. The sponge-derived algae were successfully cultured and subsequently used to reinfect aposymbiotic E. muelleri tissue. We used confocal microscopy to follow the fate of the sponge-derived algae after inoculating algae-free E. muelleri grown from gemmules to show temporal patterns of symbiont location within host tissue. We also infected aposymbiotic E. muelleri with sponge-derived algae, and performed RNASeq to study differential expression patterns in the host relative to symbiotic states. We compare and contrast our findings with work in other systems (e.g., endosymbiotic Hydra) to explore possible conserved evolutionary pathways that may lead to stable mutualistic endosymbioses. Our work demonstrates that freshwater sponges offer many tractable qualities to study features of intracellular occupancy and thus meet criteria desired for a model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Hall
- Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States of America.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sara Camilli
- Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States of America.,Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States of America
| | - Henry Dwaah
- Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Kornegay
- Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Christie Lacy
- Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Malcolm S Hill
- Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States of America.,Biology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME, United States of America
| | - April L Hill
- Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States of America.,Biology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME, United States of America
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5
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Fierro-Constaín L, Rocher C, Marschal F, Schenkelaars Q, Séjourné N, Borchiellini C, Renard E. In Situ Hybridization Techniques in the Homoscleromorph Sponge Oscarella lobularis. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2219:181-194. [PMID: 33074541 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0974-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The Porifera are one of the best candidates as the sister group to all other metazoans. Studies on this phylum are therefore expected to shed light on the origin and early evolution of key animal features. Transcriptomic or genomic data acquired during the last 10 years have highlighted the conservation of most of the main genes and pathways involved in the development of the other metazoans. The next step is to determine how similar genetic tool boxes can result in widely dissimilar body plan organization, dynamics, and life histories. To answer these questions, three main axes of research are necessary: (1) conducting more gene expression studies; (2) developing knockdown protocols; and (3) reinterpreting sponge cell biology using modern tools. In this chapter we focus on the in situ hybridization (ISH) technique, needed to establish the spatiotemporal expression of genes, both on whole mount individuals and paraffin sections, and at different stages of development (adults, embryos, larvae, buds) of the homoscleromorph sponge Oscarella lobularis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Rocher
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
| | - Florent Marschal
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
| | - Quentin Schenkelaars
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (IGe3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
| | - Nina Séjourné
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Renard
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France.
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6
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Beljan S, Herak Bosnar M, Ćetković H. Rho Family of Ras-Like GTPases in Early-Branching Animals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102279. [PMID: 33066017 PMCID: PMC7600811 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-bilaterian animals consist of four phyla; Porifera, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, and Placozoa. These early-diverging animals are crucial for understanding the evolution of the entire animal lineage. The Rho family of proteins make up a major branch of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, which function as key molecular switches that play important roles in converting and amplifying external signals into cellular responses. This review represents a compilation of the current knowledge on Rho-family GTPases in non-bilaterian animals, the available experimental data about their biochemical characteristics and functions, as well as original bioinformatics analysis, in order to gain a general insight into the evolutionary history of Rho-family GTPases in simple animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvestar Beljan
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Division of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Herak Bosnar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Helena Ćetković
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-456-1115
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7
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Hall C, Rodriguez M, Garcia J, Posfai D, DuMez R, Wictor E, Quintero OA, Hill MS, Rivera AS, Hill AL. Secreted frizzled related protein is a target of PaxB and plays a role in aquiferous system development in the freshwater sponge, Ephydatia muelleri. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212005. [PMID: 30794564 PMCID: PMC6386478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling, as well as the Pax/Six gene network, are involved in patterning the freshwater sponge aquiferous system. Using computational approaches to identify transcription factor binding motifs in a freshwater sponge genome, we located putative PaxB binding sites near a Secreted Frizzled Related Protein (SFRP) gene in Ephydatia muelleri. EmSFRP is expressed throughout development, but with highest levels in juvenile sponges. In situ hybridization and antibody staining show EmSFRP expression throughout the pinacoderm and choanoderm in a subpopulation of amoeboid cells that may be differentiating archeocytes. Knockdown of EmSFRP leads to ectopic oscula formation during development, suggesting that EmSFRP acts as an antagonist of Wnt signaling in E. muelleri. Our findings support a hypothesis that regulation of the Wnt pathway by the Pax/Six network as well as the role of Wnt signaling in body plan morphogenesis was established before sponges diverged from the rest of the metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Hall
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Melanie Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Josephine Garcia
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Dora Posfai
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rachel DuMez
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Erik Wictor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, United States of America
| | - Omar A. Quintero
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Malcolm S. Hill
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine, United States of America
| | - Ajna S. Rivera
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, United States of America
| | - April L. Hill
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine, United States of America
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8
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Holz O, Apel D, Steinmetz P, Lange E, Hopfenmüller S, Ohler K, Sudhop S, Hassel M. Bud detachment in hydra requires activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor and a Rho-ROCK-myosin II signaling pathway to ensure formation of a basal constriction. Dev Dyn 2017; 246:502-516. [PMID: 28411398 PMCID: PMC5518445 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background:Hydra propagates asexually by exporting tissue into a bud, which detaches 4 days later as a fully differentiated young polyp. Prerequisite for detachment is activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling. The mechanism which enables constriction and tissue separation within the monolayered ecto‐ and endodermal epithelia is unknown. Results: Histological sections and staining of F‐actin by phalloidin revealed conspicuous cell shape changes at the bud detachment site indicating a localized generation of mechanical forces and the potential enhancement of secretory functions in ectodermal cells. By gene expression analysis and pharmacological inhibition, we identified a candidate signaling pathway through Rho, ROCK, and myosin II, which controls bud base constriction and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Specific regional myosin phosphorylation suggests a crucial role of ectodermal cells at the detachment site. Inhibition of FGFR, Rho, ROCK, or myosin II kinase activity is permissive for budding, but represses myosin phosphorylation, rearrangement of F‐actin and constriction. The young polyp remains permanently connected to the parent by a broad tissue bridge. Conclusions: Our data suggest an essential role of FGFR and a Rho‐ROCK‐myosin II pathway in the control of cell shape changes required for bud detachment. Developmental Dynamics 246:502–516, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Developmental Dynamics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists Hydra bud detachment involves the separation of two intact epithelia without cell death. Remarkable cell shape changes and multicellular rosettes at the bud base indicate functional specification and strong mechanical forces. mRNA colocalization, phospho‐myosin analysis and similar phenotypes obtained by pharmacological inhibition suggest a tight correlation between FGFR and a Rho‐ROCK‐Myosin II candidate signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Holz
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Biology, Morphology and Evolution of Invertebrates, Marburg, Germany
| | - David Apel
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Biology, Morphology and Evolution of Invertebrates, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Steinmetz
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ellen Lange
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Biology, Morphology and Evolution of Invertebrates, Marburg, Germany
| | - Simon Hopfenmüller
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Biology, Morphology and Evolution of Invertebrates, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Ohler
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Biology, Morphology and Evolution of Invertebrates, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Sudhop
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CANTER), Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Hassel
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Biology, Morphology and Evolution of Invertebrates, Marburg, Germany
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9
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Schenkelaars Q, Fierro-Constain L, Renard E, Borchiellini C. Retracing the path of planar cell polarity. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:69. [PMID: 27039172 PMCID: PMC4818920 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Planar Cell Polarity pathway (PCP) has been described as the main feature involved in patterning cell orientation in bilaterian tissues. Recently, a similar phenomenon was revealed in cnidarians, in which the inhibition of this pathway results in the absence of cilia orientation in larvae, consequently proving the functional conservation of PCP signaling between Cnidaria and Bilateria. Nevertheless, despite the growing accumulation of databases concerning basal lineages of metazoans, very few information concerning the existence of PCP components have been gathered outside of Bilateria and Cnidaria. Thus, the origin of this module or its prevalence in early emerging metazoans has yet to be elucidated. RESULTS The present study addresses this question by investigating the genomes and transcriptomes from all poriferan lineages in addition to Trichoplax (Placozoa) and Mnemiopsis (Ctenophora) genomes for the presence of the core components of this pathway. Our results confirm that several PCP components are metazoan innovations. In addition, we show that all members of the PCP pathway, including a bona fide Strabismus ortholog (Van gogh), are retrieved only in one sponge lineage (Homoscleromorpha) out of four. This highly suggests that the full PCP pathway dates back at least to the emergence of homoscleromorph sponges. Consequently, several secondary gene losses would have occurred in the three other poriferan lineages including Amphimedon queenslandica (Demospongiae). Several proteins were not retrieved either in placozoans or ctenophores leading us to discuss the difficulties to predict orthologous proteins in basally branching animals. Finally, we reveal how the study of multigene families may be helpful to unravel the relationships at the base of the metazoan tree. CONCLUSION The PCP pathway antedates the radiation of Porifera and may have arisen in the last common ancestor of animals. Oscarella species now appear as key organisms to understand the ancestral function of PCP signaling and its potential links with Wnt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Schenkelaars
- />Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE UMR 7263), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Station marine d’Endoume, Batterie des Lions, 13007 Marseille, France
- />Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (IGe3), Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Fierro-Constain
- />Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE UMR 7263), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Station marine d’Endoume, Batterie des Lions, 13007 Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Renard
- />Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE UMR 7263), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Station marine d’Endoume, Batterie des Lions, 13007 Marseille, France
| | - Carole Borchiellini
- />Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE UMR 7263), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Station marine d’Endoume, Batterie des Lions, 13007 Marseille, France
- />Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (IGe3), Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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