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Cīrulis A, Nordén AK, Churcher AM, Ramm SA, Zadesenets KS, Abbott JK. Sex-limited experimental evolution drives transcriptomic divergence in a hermaphrodite. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evad235. [PMID: 38155579 PMCID: PMC10786194 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad235] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of gonochorism from hermaphroditism is linked with the formation of sex chromosomes, as well as the evolution of sex-biased and sex-specific gene expression to allow both sexes to reach their fitness optimum. There is evidence that sexual selection drives the evolution of male-biased gene expression in particular. However, previous research in this area in animals comes from either theoretical models or comparative studies of already old sex chromosomes. We therefore investigated changes in gene expression under 3 different selection regimes for the simultaneous hermaphrodite Macrostomum lignano subjected to sex-limited experimental evolution (i.e. selection for fitness via eggs, sperm, or a control regime allowing both). After 21 and 22 generations of selection for male-specific or female-specific fitness, we characterized changes in whole-organism gene expression. We found that female-selected lines had changed the most in their gene expression. Although annotation for this species is limited, gene ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggest that metabolic changes (e.g. biosynthesis of amino acids and carbon metabolism) are an important adaptive component. As predicted, we found that the expression of genes previously identified as testis-biased candidates tended to be downregulated in the female-selected lines. We did not find any significant expression differences for previously identified candidates of other sex-specific organs, but this may simply reflect that few transcripts have been characterized in this way. In conclusion, our experiment suggests that changes in testis-biased gene expression are important in the early evolution of sex chromosomes and gonochorism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aivars Cīrulis
- Department of Biology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Pathology, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR,”Riga LV-1076, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | - Anna K Nordén
- Department of Biology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Allison M Churcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Steven A Ramm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- UMR 6553 ECOBIO, Université de Rennes, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - Kira S Zadesenets
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology and Bionformatics, The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
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2
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Wiberg RAW, Brand JN, Viktorin G, Mitchell JO, Beisel C, Schärer L. Genome assemblies of the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworms Macrostomum cliftonense and Macrostomum hystrix. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad149. [PMID: 37398989 PMCID: PMC10468722 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The free-living, simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworms of the genus Macrostomum are increasingly used as model systems in various contexts. In particular, Macrostomum lignano, the only species of this group with a published genome assembly, has emerged as a model for the study of regeneration, reproduction, and stem-cell function. However, challenges have emerged due to M. lignano being a hidden polyploid, having recently undergone whole-genome duplication and chromosome fusion events. This complex genome architecture presents a significant roadblock to the application of many modern genetic tools. Hence, additional genomic resources for this genus are needed. Here, we present such resources for Macrostomum cliftonense and Macrostomum hystrix, which represent the contrasting mating behaviors of reciprocal copulation and hypodermic insemination found in the genus. We use a combination of PacBio long-read sequencing and Illumina shot-gun sequencing, along with several RNA-Seq data sets, to assemble and annotate highly contiguous genomes for both species. The assemblies span ∼227 and ∼220 Mb and are represented by 399 and 42 contigs for M. cliftonense and M. hystrix, respectively. Furthermore, high BUSCO completeness (∼84-85%), low BUSCO duplication rates (8.3-6.2%), and low k-mer multiplicity indicate that these assemblies do not suffer from the same assembly ambiguities of the M. lignano genome assembly, which can be attributed to the complex karyology of this species. We also show that these resources, in combination with the prior resources from M. lignano, offer an excellent foundation for comparative genomic research in this group of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Axel W Wiberg
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel 4051, Switzerland
| | - Jeremias N Brand
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel 4051, Switzerland
| | - Gudrun Viktorin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel 4051, Switzerland
| | - Jack O Mitchell
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel 4051, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Schärer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel 4051, Switzerland
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3
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Ma Y, He J, Sieber M, von Frieling J, Bruchhaus I, Baines JF, Bickmeyer U, Roeder T. The microbiome of the marine flatworm Macrostomum lignano provides fitness advantages and exhibits circadian rhythmicity. Commun Biol 2023; 6:289. [PMID: 36934156 PMCID: PMC10024726 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04671-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The close association between animals and their associated microbiota is usually beneficial for both partners. Here, we used a simple marine model invertebrate, the flatworm Macrostomum lignano, to characterize the host-microbiota interaction in detail. This analysis revealed that the different developmental stages each harbor a specific microbiota. Studies with gnotobiotic animals clarified the physiological significance of the microbiota. While no fitness benefits were mediated by the microbiota when food was freely available, animals with microbiota showed significantly increased fitness with a reduced food supply. The microbiota of M. lignano shows circadian rhythmicity, affecting both the total bacterial load and the behavior of specific taxa. Moreover, the presence of the worm influences the composition of the bacterial consortia in the environment. In summary, the Macrostomum-microbiota system described here can serve as a general model for host-microbe interactions in marine invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Ma
- Kiel University, Zoological Institute, Molecular Physiology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jinru He
- Kiel University, Zoological Institute, Cell and Developmental Biology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Sieber
- Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Dept. Evolutionary Theory, Plön, Germany
| | - Jakob von Frieling
- Kiel University, Zoological Institute, Molecular Physiology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Iris Bruchhaus
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - John F Baines
- Kiel University, Medical Faculty, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel, Germany
- Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Group Evolutionary Medicine, Plön, Germany
| | - Ulf Bickmeyer
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Biosciences, Ecological Chemistry, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Kiel University, Zoological Institute, Molecular Physiology, Kiel, Germany.
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Airway Research Center North, Kiel, Germany.
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4
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Sticking Together an Updated Model for Temporary Adhesion. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20060359. [PMID: 35736161 PMCID: PMC9229212 DOI: 10.3390/md20060359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-parasitic flatworms are known to temporarily attach to the substrate by secreting a multicomponent bioadhesive to counteract water movements. However, to date, only species of two higher-level flatworm taxa (Macrostomorpha and Proseriata) have been investigated for their adhesive proteins. Remarkably, the surface-binding protein is not conserved between flatworm taxa. In this study, we sequenced and assembled a draft genome, as well as a transcriptome, and generated a tail-specific positional RNA sequencing dataset of the polyclad Theama mediterranea. This led to the identification of 15 candidate genes potentially involved in temporary adhesion. Using in situ hybridisation and RNA interference, we determined their expression and function. Of these 15 genes, 4 are homologues of adhesion-related genes found in other flatworms. With this work, we provide two novel key components on the flatworm temporary adhesion system. First, we identified a Kringle-domain-containing protein (Tmed-krg1), which was expressed exclusively in the anchor cell. This in silico predicted membrane-bound Tmed-krg1 could potentially bind to the cohesive protein, and a knockdown led to a non-adhesive phenotype. Secondly, a secreted tyrosinase (Tmed-tyr1) was identified, which might crosslink the adhesive proteins. Overall, our findings will contribute to the future development of reversible synthetic glues with desirable properties for medical and industrial applications.
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5
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Ustyantsev KV, Vavilova VY, Blinov AG, Berezikov EV. Macrostomum lignano as a model to study the genetics and genomics of parasitic flatworms. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2021; 25:108-116. [PMID: 34901708 PMCID: PMC8629357 DOI: 10.18699/vj21.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are infected by various species of parasitic flatworms. Without
treatment, acute and chronical infections frequently lead to the development of severe pathologies and even death.
Emerging data on a decreasing efficiency of some important anthelmintic compounds and the emergence of resistance to them force the search for alternative drugs. Parasitic flatworms have complex life cycles, are laborious and
expensive in culturing, and have a range of anatomic and physiological adaptations that complicate the application
of standard molecular-biological methods. On the other hand, free-living flatworm species, evolutionarily close to
parasitic flatworms, do not have the abovementioned difficulties, which makes them potential alternative models
to search for and study homologous genes. In this review, we describe the use of the basal free-living flatworm
Macrostomum lignano as such a model. M. lignano has a number of convenient biological and experimental properties, such as fast reproduction, easy and non-expensive laboratory culturing, optical body transparency, obligatory
sexual reproduction, annotated genome and transcriptome assemblies, and the availability of modern molecular
methods, including transgenesis, gene knockdown by RNA interference, and in situ hybridization. All this makes
M. lignano amenable to the most modern approaches of forward and reverse genetics, such as transposon insertional mutagenesis and methods of targeted genome editing by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Due to the availability of
an increasing number of genome and transcriptome assemblies of different parasitic flatworm species, new knowledge generated by studying M. lignano can be easily translated to parasitic flatworms with the help of modern
bioinformatic methods of comparative genomics and transcriptomics. In support of this, we provide the results of
our bioinformatics search and analysis of genes homologous between M. lignano and parasitic flatworms, which
predicts a list of promising gene targets for subsequent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Ustyantsev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V Yu Vavilova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A G Blinov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E V Berezikov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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6
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Wiberg RAW, Brand JN, Schärer L. Faster Rates of Molecular Sequence Evolution in Reproduction-Related Genes and in Species with Hypodermic Sperm Morphologies. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:5685-5703. [PMID: 34534329 PMCID: PMC8662610 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection drives the evolution of many striking behaviors and morphologies and should leave signatures of selection at loci underlying these phenotypes. However, although loci thought to be under sexual selection often evolve rapidly, few studies have contrasted rates of molecular sequence evolution at such loci across lineages with different sexual selection contexts. Furthermore, work has focused on separate sexed animals, neglecting alternative sexual systems. We investigate rates of molecular sequence evolution in hermaphroditic flatworms of the genus Macrostomum. Specifically, we compare species that exhibit contrasting sperm morphologies, strongly associated with multiple convergent shifts in the mating strategy, reflecting different sexual selection contexts. Species donating and receiving sperm in every mating have sperm with bristles, likely to prevent sperm removal. Meanwhile, species that hypodermically inject sperm lack bristles, potentially as an adaptation to the environment experienced by hypodermic sperm. Combining functional annotations from the model, Macrostomum lignano, with transcriptomes from 93 congeners, we find genus-wide faster sequence evolution in reproduction-related versus ubiquitously expressed genes, consistent with stronger sexual selection on the former. Additionally, species with hypodermic sperm morphologies had elevated molecular sequence evolution, regardless of a gene's functional annotation. These genome-wide patterns suggest reduced selection efficiency following shifts to hypodermic mating, possibly due to higher selfing rates in these species. Moreover, we find little evidence for convergent amino acid changes across species. Our work not only shows that reproduction-related genes evolve rapidly also in hermaphroditic animals, but also that well-replicated contrasts of different sexual selection contexts can reveal underappreciated genome-wide effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Axel W Wiberg
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jeremias N Brand
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Schärer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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7
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(Un)expected Similarity of the Temporary Adhesive Systems of Marine, Brackish, and Freshwater Flatworms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212228. [PMID: 34830109 PMCID: PMC8621496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many free-living flatworms have evolved a temporary adhesion system, which allows them to quickly attach to and release from diverse substrates. In the marine Macrostomum lignano, the morphology of the adhesive system and the adhesion-related proteins have been characterised. However, little is known about how temporary adhesion is performed in other aquatic environments. Here, we performed a 3D reconstruction of the M. lignano adhesive organ and compared it to the morphology of five selected Macrostomum, representing two marine, one brackish, and two freshwater species. We compared the protein domains of the two adhesive proteins, as well as an anchor cell-specific intermediate filament. We analysed the gene expression of these proteins by in situ hybridisation and performed functional knockdowns with RNA interference. Remarkably, there are almost no differences in terms of morphology, protein regions, and gene expression based on marine, brackish, and freshwater habitats. This implies that glue components produced by macrostomids are conserved among species, and this set of two-component glue functions from low to high salinity. These findings could contribute to the development of novel reversible biomimetic glues that work in all wet environments and could have applications in drug delivery systems, tissue adhesives, or wound dressings.
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Davey PA, Power AM, Santos R, Bertemes P, Ladurner P, Palmowski P, Clarke J, Flammang P, Lengerer B, Hennebert E, Rothbächer U, Pjeta R, Wunderer J, Zurovec M, Aldred N. Omics-based molecular analyses of adhesion by aquatic invertebrates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1051-1075. [PMID: 33594824 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many aquatic invertebrates are associated with surfaces, using adhesives to attach to the substratum for locomotion, prey capture, reproduction, building or defence. Their intriguing and sophisticated biological glues have been the focus of study for decades. In all but a couple of specific taxa, however, the precise mechanisms by which the bioadhesives stick to surfaces underwater and (in many cases) harden have proved to be elusive. Since the bulk components are known to be based on proteins in most organisms, the opportunities provided by advancing 'omics technologies have revolutionised bioadhesion research. Time-consuming isolation and analysis of single molecules has been either replaced or augmented by the generation of massive data sets that describe the organism's translated genes and proteins. While these new approaches have provided resources and opportunities that have enabled physiological insights and taxonomic comparisons that were not previously possible, they do not provide the complete picture and continued multi-disciplinarity is essential. This review covers the various ways in which 'omics have contributed to our understanding of adhesion by aquatic invertebrates, with new data to illustrate key points. The associated challenges are highlighted and priorities are suggested for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Davey
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Anne Marie Power
- Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Room 226, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Romana Santos
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente (MARE), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Philip Bertemes
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Pawel Palmowski
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Jessica Clarke
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Patrick Flammang
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 23, Mons, 7000, Belgium
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Elise Hennebert
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 23, Mons, 7000, Belgium
| | - Ute Rothbächer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Julia Wunderer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Michal Zurovec
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Nick Aldred
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, U.K
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9
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Brand JN, Wiberg RAW, Pjeta R, Bertemes P, Beisel C, Ladurner P, Schärer L. RNA-Seq of three free-living flatworm species suggests rapid evolution of reproduction-related genes. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:462. [PMID: 32631219 PMCID: PMC7336406 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06862-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The genus Macrostomum consists of small free-living flatworms and contains Macrostomum lignano, which has been used in investigations of ageing, stem cell biology, bioadhesion, karyology, and sexual selection in hermaphrodites. Two types of mating behaviour occur within this genus. Some species, including M. lignano, mate via reciprocal copulation, where, in a single mating, both partners insert their male copulatory organ into the female storage organ and simultaneously donate and receive sperm. Other species mate via hypodermic insemination, where worms use a needle-like copulatory organ to inject sperm into the tissue of the partner. These contrasting mating behaviours are associated with striking differences in sperm and copulatory organ morphology. Here we expand the genomic resources within the genus to representatives of both behaviour types and investigate whether genes vary in their rate of evolution depending on their putative function. Results We present de novo assembled transcriptomes of three Macrostomum species, namely M. hystrix, a close relative of M. lignano that mates via hypodermic insemination, M. spirale, a more distantly related species that mates via reciprocal copulation, and finally M. pusillum, which represents a clade that is only distantly related to the other three species and also mates via hypodermic insemination. We infer 23,764 sets of homologous genes and annotate them using experimental evidence from M. lignano. Across the genus, we identify 521 gene families with conserved patterns of differential expression between juvenile vs. adult worms and 185 gene families with a putative expression in the testes that are restricted to the two reciprocally mating species. Further, we show that homologs of putative reproduction-related genes have a higher protein divergence across the four species than genes lacking such annotations and that they are more difficult to identify across the four species, indicating that these genes evolve more rapidly, while genes involved in neoblast function are more conserved. Conclusions This study improves the genus Macrostomum as a model system, by providing resources for the targeted investigation of gene function in a broad range of species. And we, for the first time, show that reproduction-related genes evolve at an accelerated rate in flatworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremias N Brand
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - R Axel W Wiberg
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philip Bertemes
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lukas Schärer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Kang V, Lengerer B, Wattiez R, Flammang P. Molecular insights into the powerful mucus-based adhesion of limpets ( Patella vulgata L.). Open Biol 2020; 10:200019. [PMID: 32543352 PMCID: PMC7333891 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Limpets (Patella vulgata L.) are renowned for their powerful attachments to rocks on wave-swept seashores. Unlike adult barnacles and mussels, limpets do not adhere permanently; instead, they repeatedly transition between long-term adhesion and locomotive adhesion depending on the tide. Recent studies on the adhesive secretions (bio-adhesives) of marine invertebrates have expanded our knowledge on the composition and function of temporary and permanent bio-adhesives. In comparison, our understanding of the limpets' transitory adhesion remains limited. In this study, we demonstrate that suction is not the primary attachment mechanism in P. vulgata; rather, they secrete specialized pedal mucus for glue-like adhesion. Through combined transcriptomics and proteomics, we identified 171 protein sequences from the pedal mucus. Several of these proteins contain conserved domains found in temporary bio-adhesives from sea stars, sea urchins, marine flatworms and sea anemones. Many of these proteins share homology with fibrous gel-forming glycoproteins, including fibrillin, hemolectin and SCO-spondin. Moreover, proteins with potential protein- and glycan-degrading domains could have an immune defence role or assist degrading adhesive mucus to facilitate the transition from stationary to locomotive states. We also discovered glycosylation patterns unique to the pedal mucus, indicating that specific sugars may be involved in transitory adhesion. Our findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying P. vulgata adhesion and provide opportunities for future studies on bio-adhesives that form strong attachments and resist degradation until necessary for locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Kang
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons 7000, Belgium
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Microbiology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons 7000, Belgium
| | - Patrick Flammang
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons 7000, Belgium
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11
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Weber M, Patlar B, Ramm SA. Effects of two seminal fluid transcripts on post-mating behaviour in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:714-726. [PMID: 32064699 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) transferred to mating partners along with sperm often play crucial roles in mediating post-mating sexual selection. One way in which sperm donors can maximize their own reproductive success is by modifying the partner's (sperm recipient's) post-copulatory behaviour to prevent or delay re-mating, thereby decreasing the likelihood or intensity of sperm competition. Here, we adopted a quantitative genetic approach combining gene expression and behavioural data to identify candidates that could mediate such a response in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We identified two putative SFPs-Mlig-pro46 and Mlig-pro63-linked to both mating frequency and 'suck' frequency, a distinctive behaviour, in which, upon ejaculate receipt, the worm places its pharynx over its female genital opening and apparently attempts to remove the received ejaculate. We, therefore, performed a manipulative experiment using RNA interference-induced knockdown to ask how the loss of Mlig-pro46 and Mlig-pro63 expression, singly and in combination, affects mating frequency, partner suck propensity and sperm competitive ability. None of the knockdown treatments impacted strongly on the mating frequency or sperm competitive ability, but knockdown of Mlig-pro63 resulted in a significantly decreased suck propensity of mating partners. This suggests that Mlig-pro63 may normally act as a cue in the ejaculate to trigger recipient suck behaviour and-given that other proteins in the ejaculate have the opposite effect-could be one component of an ongoing arms race between donors and recipients over the control of ejaculate fate. However, the adaptive significance of Mlig-pro46 and Mlig-pro63 from a donor perspective remains enigmatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weber
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Bahar Patlar
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Steven A Ramm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Wudarski J, Egger B, Ramm SA, Schärer L, Ladurner P, Zadesenets KS, Rubtsov NB, Mouton S, Berezikov E. The free-living flatworm Macrostomum lignano. EvoDevo 2020; 11:5. [PMID: 32158530 PMCID: PMC7053086 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-020-00150-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrostomum lignano is a free-living flatworm that is emerging as an attractive experimental animal for research on a broad range of biological questions. One feature setting it apart from other flatworms is the successful establishment of transgenesis methods, facilitated by a steady supply of eggs in the form of single-cell zygotes that can be readily manipulated. This, in combination with the transparency of the animal and its small size, creates practical advantages for imaging and fluorescence-activated cell sorting in studies related to stem cell biology and regeneration. M. lignano can regenerate most of its body parts, including the germline, thanks to the neoblasts, which represent the flatworm stem cell system. Interestingly, neoblasts seem to have a high capacity of cellular maintenance, as M. lignano can survive up to 210 Gy of γ-irradiation, and partially offset the negative consequence of ageing. As a non-self-fertilizing simultaneous hermaphrodite that reproduces in a sexual manner, M. lignano is also used to study sexual selection and other evolutionary aspects of sexual reproduction. Work over the past several years has led to the development of molecular resources and tools, including high-quality genome and transcriptome assemblies, transcriptional profiling of the germline and somatic neoblasts, gene knockdown, and in situ hybridization. The increasingly detailed characterization of this animal has also resulted in novel research questions, such as bio-adhesion based on its adhesion-release glands and genome evolution due to its recent whole-genome duplication.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wudarski
- 1European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bernhard Egger
- 2Institute of Zoology and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Steven A Ramm
- 3Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lukas Schärer
- 4Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Ladurner
- 2Institute of Zoology and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kira S Zadesenets
- 5The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090 Russia
| | - Nikolay B Rubtsov
- 5The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090 Russia
| | - Stijn Mouton
- 1European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eugene Berezikov
- 1European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands.,5The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090 Russia
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Pjeta R, Lindner H, Kremser L, Salvenmoser W, Sobral D, Ladurner P, Santos R. Integrative Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis of the Tube Foot and Adhesive Secretions of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030946. [PMID: 32023883 PMCID: PMC7037938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030946] [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: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinoderms, such as the rock-boring sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, attach temporarily to surfaces during locomotion using their tube feet. They can attach firmly to any substrate and release from it within seconds through the secretion of unknown molecules. The composition of the adhesive, as well as the releasing secretion, remains largely unknown. This study re-analyzed a differential proteome dataset from Lebesgue et al. by mapping mass spectrometry-derived peptides to a P. lividusde novo transcriptome generated in this study. This resulted in a drastic increase in mapped proteins in comparison to the previous publication. The data were subsequently combined with a differential RNAseq approach to identify potential adhesion candidate genes. A gene expression analysis of 59 transcripts using whole mount in situ hybridization led to the identification of 16 transcripts potentially involved in bioadhesion. In the future these data could be useful for the production of synthetic reversible adhesives for industrial and medical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (R.P.); (W.S.)
| | - Herbert Lindner
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (H.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Leopold Kremser
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (H.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Willi Salvenmoser
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (R.P.); (W.S.)
| | - Daniel Sobral
- Departamento Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia–Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (R.P.); (W.S.)
- Correspondence: (P.L.); (R.S.)
| | - Romana Santos
- Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (P.L.); (R.S.)
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14
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Patlar B, Weber M, Temizyürek T, Ramm SA. Seminal Fluid-Mediated Manipulation of Post-mating Behavior in a Simultaneous Hermaphrodite. Curr Biol 2020; 30:143-149.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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Schärer L, Brand JN, Singh P, Zadesenets KS, Stelzer C, Viktorin G. A phylogenetically informed search for an alternative
Macrostomum
model species, with notes on taxonomy, mating behavior, karyology, and genome size. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schärer
- Evolutionary Biology Zoological Institute University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Jeremias N. Brand
- Evolutionary Biology Zoological Institute University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Pragya Singh
- Evolutionary Biology Zoological Institute University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Kira S. Zadesenets
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS Novosibirsk Russia
| | | | - Gudrun Viktorin
- Evolutionary Biology Zoological Institute University of Basel Basel Switzerland
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16
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Weber M, Giannakara A, Ramm SA. Seminal fluid-mediated fitness effects in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:13889-13901. [PMID: 31938489 PMCID: PMC6953679 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
As a class, seminal fluid proteins are expected to exert strong effects on mating partners due to the selection pressures of sperm competition and sexual conflict. But because of the complexity of this secretion, linking specific proteins to downstream effects on own fitness-via manipulating the reproductive behavior, physiology, and ultimately the sperm utilization of mating partners-is not straightforward. Here, we adopted a systematic gene knockdown approach to screen for seminal fluid-mediated fitness effects in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We focused on 18 transcripts in M. lignano seminal fluid, testing how their RNA interference-induced knockdown impacted on three aspects of donor (male) reproductive success: (a) fertility (offspring production of the partner); (b) defensive sperm competitive ability, P 1; and (c) offensive sperm competitive ability, P 2. In general, the knockdown of most individual transcripts appeared to have only a minor impact on male reproductive success, though we found evidence that the knockdown of up to five different transcripts impacted on fertility; the knockdown of two other transcripts resulted in reduced P 2; and knockdown of a further transcript actually increased P 2. We thus identify a number of candidate seminal fluid transcripts that appear to modulate offspring production and sperm competitiveness in M. lignano. That only a minority of transcripts exhibit such a pattern likely reflects both the difficulty of accurately estimating sperm competitiveness and the functional redundancy of seminal fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weber
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Athina Giannakara
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Steven A. Ramm
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
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17
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Azlan A, Halim MA, Azzam G. Genome-wide identification and characterization of long intergenic noncoding RNAs in the regenerative flatworm Macrostomum lignano. Genomics 2019; 112:1273-1281. [PMID: 31381967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The free-living flatworm Macrostoma lignano (M. lignano) is an emerging model organism for aging and regeneration research. Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) have important roles in many biological processes such as aging, stem cell maintenance and differentiation. However, to date, there is no systematic identification of lincRNAs in M. lignano. By using public RNA-seq data, we identified a total of 2547 lincRNA transcripts in M. lignano genome. We discovered that M. lignano lincRNAs shared many characteristics with other species such as shorter in length, lower GC content, and lower in expression compared to protein-coding genes. Unlike protein-coding genes, M. lignano lincRNAs showed higher tendency to be expressed in temporal and region-specific fashion. Additionally, co-expression network analysis and functional enrichment suggest that M. lignano lincRNAs have potential roles in regeneration. This study will provide important resources and pave the way for investigations on non-coding genes involved in aging and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azali Azlan
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia; USM-RIKEN International Centre for Ageing Science (URICAS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Mardani Abdul Halim
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia; USM-RIKEN International Centre for Ageing Science (URICAS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ghows Azzam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia; USM-RIKEN International Centre for Ageing Science (URICAS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
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18
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Patlar B, Weber M, Ramm SA. Genetic and environmental variation in transcriptional expression of seminal fluid proteins. Heredity (Edinb) 2019; 122:595-611. [PMID: 30356222 PMCID: PMC6461930 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0160-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are crucial mediators of sexual selection and sexual conflict. Recent studies have chiefly focused on environmentally induced plasticity as one source of variation in SFP expression, particularly in response to differing sperm competition levels. However, understanding the evolution of a trait in heterogenous environments requires estimates of both environmental and genetic sources of variation, as well as their interaction. Therefore, we investigated how environment (specifically mating group size, a good predictor of sperm competition intensity), genotype and genotype-by-environment interactions affect seminal fluid expression. To do so, we reared 12 inbred lines of a simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano in groups of either two or eight worms and measured the expression levels of 58 putative SFP transcripts. We then examined the source of variation in the expression of each transcript individually and for multivariate axes extracted from a principal component analysis. We found that mating group size did not affect expression levels according to the single transcript analyses, nor did it affect the first principal component (presumably representing overall investment in seminal fluid production). However, mating group size did affect the relative expression of different transcripts captured by the second principal component (presumably reflecting variation in seminal fluid composition). Most transcripts were genetically variable in their expression level and several exhibited genotype-by-environment interactions; relative composition also showed high genetic variation. Collectively, our results reveal the tightly integrated nature of the seminal fluid transcriptome and provide new insights into the quantitative genetic basis of seminal fluid investment and composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Patlar
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Michael Weber
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Steven A Ramm
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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19
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Mouton S, Wudarski J, Grudniewska M, Berezikov E. The regenerative flatworm Macrostomum lignano, a model organism with high experimental potential. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 62:551-558. [PMID: 29938766 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.180077eb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the process of regeneration has been one of the longstanding scientific aims, from a fundamental biological perspective, as well as within the applied context of regenerative medicine. Because regeneration competence varies greatly between organisms, it is essential to investigate different experimental animals. The free-living marine flatworm Macrostomum lignano is a rising model organism for this type of research, and its power stems from a unique set of biological properties combined with amenability to experimental manipulation. The biological properties of interest include production of single-cell fertilized eggs, a transparent body, small size, short generation time, ease of culture, the presence of a pluripotent stem cell population, and a large regeneration competence. These features sparked the development of molecular tools and resources for this animal, including high-quality genome and transcriptome assemblies, gene knockdown, in situ hybridization, and transgenesis. Importantly, M. lignano is currently the only flatworm species for which transgenesis methods are established. This review summarizes biological features of M. lignano and recent technological advances towards experimentation with this animal. In addition, we discuss the experimental potential of this model organism for different research questions related to regeneration and stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Mouton
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Wunderer J, Lengerer B, Pjeta R, Bertemes P, Kremser L, Lindner H, Ederth T, Hess MW, Stock D, Salvenmoser W, Ladurner P. A mechanism for temporary bioadhesion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:4297-4306. [PMID: 30782790 PMCID: PMC6410801 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814230116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The flatworm Macrostomum lignano features a duo-gland adhesive system that allows it to repeatedly attach to and release from substrates in seawater within a minute. However, little is known about the molecules involved in this temporary adhesion. In this study, we show that the attachment of M. lignano relies on the secretion of two large adhesive proteins, M. lignano adhesion protein 1 (Mlig-ap1) and Mlig-ap2. We revealed that both proteins are expressed in the adhesive gland cells and that their distribution within the adhesive footprints was spatially restricted. RNA interference knockdown experiments demonstrated the essential function of these two proteins in flatworm adhesion. Negatively charged modified sugars in the surrounding water inhibited flatworm attachment, while positively charged molecules impeded detachment. In addition, we found that M. lignano could not adhere to strongly hydrated surfaces. We propose an attachment-release model where Mlig-ap2 attaches to the substrate and Mlig-ap1 exhibits a cohesive function. A small negatively charged molecule is secreted that interferes with Mlig-ap1, inducing detachment. These findings are of relevance for fundamental adhesion science and efforts to mitigate biofouling. Further, this model of flatworm temporary adhesion may serve as the starting point for the development of synthetic reversible adhesion systems for medicinal and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wunderer
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philip Bertemes
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Leopold Kremser
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Lindner
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Ederth
- Division of Molecular Physics, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michael W Hess
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Stock
- Institute for Material Technology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Willi Salvenmoser
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
- Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Lengerer B, Ladurner P. Properties of temporary adhesion systems of marine and freshwater organisms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/16/jeb182717. [PMID: 30166319 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.182717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Underwater adhesive secretions are a promising source of inspiration for biomedical and industrial applications. Although marine permanent adhesives have been extensively investigated, reversible adhesion, e.g. as used for locomotion and feeding, is still poorly understood. Here, we summarise the current knowledge on secretion-based, temporary adhesive systems in aquatic environments, with a special emphasis on the morphology and structure of adhesive organs and adhesive material. Many animals employing temporary adhesion to the substratum rely on so-called duo-gland adhesive organs, consisting of two secretory gland cells and one supportive cell. We give a detailed depiction of a basic duo-gland adhesive organ and variations thereof. Additionally, we discuss temporary adhesive systems with an alternative building plan. Next, the topography of secreted adhesive footprints is described based on examples. The limited data on the composition of temporary adhesives are summarised, separating known protein components and carbohydrate residues. There are still large gaps in our understanding of temporary adhesion. We discuss three proposed models for detachment, although the actual mechanism of voluntary detachment is still a matter for debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Lengerer
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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22
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Lengerer B, Bonneel M, Lefevre M, Hennebert E, Leclère P, Gosselin E, Ladurner P, Flammang P. The structural and chemical basis of temporary adhesion in the sea star Asterina gibbosa. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 9:2071-2086. [PMID: 30202680 PMCID: PMC6122182 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.9.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Marine biological adhesives are a promising source of inspiration for biomedical and industrial applications. Nevertheless, natural adhesives and especially temporary adhesion systems are mostly unexplored. Sea stars are able to repeatedly attach and detach their hydraulic tube feet. This ability is based on a duo-gland system and, upon detachment, the adhesive material stays behind on the substrate as a 'footprint'. In recent years, characterization of sea star temporary adhesion has been focussed on the forcipulatid species Asterias rubens. Results: We investigated the temporary adhesion system in the distantly related valvatid species Asterina gibbosa. The morphology of tube feet was described using histological sections, transmission-, and scanning electron microscopy. Ultrastructural investigations revealed two adhesive gland cell types that both form electron-dense secretory granules with a more lucid outer rim and one de-adhesive gland cell type with homogenous granules. The footprints comprised a meshwork on top of a thin layer. This topography was consistently observed using various methods like scanning electron microscopy, 3D confocal interference microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and light microscopy with crystal violet staining. Additionally, we tested 24 commercially available lectins and two antibodies for their ability to label the adhesive epidermis and footprints. Out of 15 lectins labelling structures in the area of the duo-gland adhesive system, only one also labelled footprints indicating the presence of glycoconjugates with α-linked mannose in the secreted material. Conclusion: Despite the distant relationship between the two sea star species, the morphology of tube feet and topography of footprints in A. gibbosa shared many features with the previously described findings in A. rubens. These similarities might be due to the adaptation to a benthic life on rocky intertidal areas. Lectin- and immuno-labelling indicated similarities but also some differences in adhesive composition between the two species. Further research on the temporary adhesive of A. gibbosa will allow the identification of conserved motifs in sea star adhesion and might facilitate the development of biomimetic, reversible glues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Lengerer
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Marie Bonneel
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Mathilde Lefevre
- Cell Biology Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Elise Hennebert
- Cell Biology Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Philippe Leclère
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Center for Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Gosselin
- Laboratory of Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces (LPSI), University of Mons, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Patrick Flammang
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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23
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Weber M, Wunderer J, Lengerer B, Pjeta R, Rodrigues M, Schärer L, Ladurner P, Ramm SA. A targeted in situ hybridization screen identifies putative seminal fluid proteins in a simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:81. [PMID: 29848299 PMCID: PMC5977470 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Along with sperm, in many taxa ejaculates also contain large numbers of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs). SFPs and sperm are transferred to the mating partner, where they are thought to play key roles in mediating post-mating sexual selection. They modulate the partner's behavior and physiology in ways that influence the reproductive success of both partners, thus potentially leading to sexual conflict. Despite the presumed general functional and evolutionary significance of SFPs, their identification and characterization has to date focused on just a few animal groups, predominantly insects and mammals. Moreover, until now seminal fluid profiling has mainly focused on species with separate sexes. Here we report a comprehensive screen for putative SFPs in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. RESULTS Based on existing transcriptomic data, we selected 150 transcripts known to be (a) predominantly expressed in the tail region of the worms, where the seminal fluid-producing prostate gland cells are located, and (b) differentially expressed in social environments differing in sperm competition level, strongly implying that they represent a phenotypically plastic aspect of male reproductive allocation in this species. For these SFP candidates, we then performed whole-mount in situ hybridization (ISH) experiments to characterize tissue-specific expression. In total, we identified 98 transcripts that exhibited prostate-specific expression, 76 of which we found to be expressed exclusively in the prostate gland cells; additional sites of expression for the remaining 22 included the testis or other gland cells. Bioinformatics analyses of the prostate-limited candidates revealed that at least 64 are predicted to be secretory proteins, making these especially strong candidates to be SFPs that are transferred during copulation. CONCLUSIONS Our study represents a first comprehensive analysis using a combination of transcriptomic and ISH screen data to identify SFPs based on transcript expression in seminal fluid-producing tissues. We thereby extend the range of taxa for which seminal fluid has been characterized to a flatworm species with a sequenced genome and for which several methods such as antibody staining, transgenesis and RNA interference have been established. Our data provide a basis for testing the functional and evolutionary significance of SFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weber
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Julia Wunderer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marcelo Rodrigues
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Current address: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Ridley Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England NE1 7RU UK
| | - Lukas Schärer
- Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Steven A. Ramm
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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Grudniewska M, Mouton S, Grelling M, Wolters AHG, Kuipers J, Giepmans BNG, Berezikov E. A novel flatworm-specific gene implicated in reproduction in Macrostomum lignano. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3192. [PMID: 29453392 PMCID: PMC5816591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living flatworms, such as the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, are extensively used as model organisms to study stem cells and regeneration. The majority of flatworm studies so far focused on broadly conserved genes. However, investigating what makes these animals different is equally informative for understanding its biology and might have biomedical value. We re-analyzed the neoblast and germline transcriptional signatures of the flatworm M. lignano using an improved transcriptome assembly and show that germline-enriched genes have a high fraction of flatworm-specific genes. We further identified the Mlig-sperm1 gene as a member of a novel gene family conserved only in free-living flatworms and essential for producing healthy spermatozoa. In addition, we established a whole-animal electron microscopy atlas (nanotomy) to visualize the ultrastructure of the testes in wild type worms, but also as a reference platform for different ultrastructural studies in M. lignano. This work demonstrates that investigation of flatworm-specific genes is crucial for understanding flatworm biology and establishes a basis for such future research in M. lignano.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Grudniewska
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn Mouton
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Margriet Grelling
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk H G Wolters
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kuipers
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ben N G Giepmans
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eugene Berezikov
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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