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Chacón CF, Parachú Marcó MV, Poletta GL, Siroski PA. Lipid metabolism in crocodilians: A field with promising applications in the field of ecotoxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119017. [PMID: 38704009 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119017] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
In the last years, lipid physiology has become an important research target for systems biology applied to the field of ecotoxicology. Lipids are not only essential components of biological membranes, but also participate in extra and intracellular signaling processes and as signal transducers and amplifiers of regulatory cascades. Particularly in sauropsids, lipids are the main source of energy for reproduction, growth, and embryonic development. In nature, organisms are exposed to different stressors, such as parasites, diseases and environmental contaminants, which interact with lipid signaling and metabolic pathways, disrupting lipid homeostasis. The system biology approach applied to ecotoxicological studies is crucial to evaluate metabolic regulation under environmental stress produced by xenobiotics. In this review, we cover information of molecular mechanisms that contribute to lipid metabolism homeostasis in sauropsids, specifically in crocodilian species. We focus on the role of lipid metabolism as a powerful source of energy and its importance during oocyte maturation, which has been increasingly recognized in many species, but information is still scarce in crocodiles. Finally, we highlight priorities for future research on the influence of environmental stressors on lipid metabolism, their potential effect on the reproductive system and thus on the offspring, and their implications on crocodilians conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Chacón
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada (LEMA), Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (ICiVet Litoral-CONICET/UNL), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Proyecto Yacaré (MAyCC, Gob. de Santa Fe), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - M V Parachú Marcó
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada (LEMA), Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (ICiVet Litoral-CONICET/UNL), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Proyecto Yacaré (MAyCC, Gob. de Santa Fe), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G L Poletta
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada (LEMA), Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (ICiVet Litoral-CONICET/UNL), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Toxicología, Farmacología y Bioquímica Legal, FBCB-UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje El Pozo S/N, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - P A Siroski
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada (LEMA), Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (ICiVet Litoral-CONICET/UNL), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Proyecto Yacaré (MAyCC, Gob. de Santa Fe), Av. Aristóbulo del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Wen J, Ishihara T, Renfree MB, Griffith OW. Comparing the potential for maternal-fetal signalling in oviparous and viviparous lizards. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210262. [PMID: 36252210 PMCID: PMC9574625 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of a placenta requires several steps including changing the timing of reproductive events, facilitating nutrient exchange, and the capacity for maternal-fetal communication. To understand the evolution of maternal-fetal communication, we used ligand-receptor gene expression as a proxy for the potential for cross-talk in a live-bearing lizard (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii) and homologous tissues in a related egg-laying lizard (Lampropholis guichenoti). Approximately 70% of expressed ligand/receptor genes were shared by both species. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that there was no GO-enrichment in the fetal membranes of the egg-laying species, but live-bearing fetal tissues were significantly enriched for 50 GO-terms. Differences in enrichment suggest that the evolution of viviparity involved reinforcing specific signalling pathways, perhaps to support fetal control of placentation. One identified change was in transforming growth factor beta signalling. Using immunohistochemistry, we show the production of the signalling molecule inhibin beta B (INHBB) occurs in viviparous fetal membranes but was absent in closely related egg-laying tissues, suggesting that the evolution of viviparity may have involved changes to signalling via this pathway. We argue that maternal-fetal signalling evolved through co-opting expressed signalling molecules and recruiting new signalling molecules to support the complex developmental changes required to support a fetus in utero. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Wen
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Teruhito Ishihara
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Marilyn B. Renfree
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Oliver W. Griffith
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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3
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Griffith OW. Novel tissue interactions support the evolution of placentation. J Morphol 2021; 282:1047-1053. [PMID: 33433907 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Organ development occurs through the coordinated interaction of distinct tissue types. So, a question at the core of understanding the evolution of new organs is, how do new tissue-tissue signalling networks arise? The placenta is a great model for understanding the evolution of new organs, because placentas have evolved repeatedly, evolved relatively recently in some lineages, and exhibit intermediate forms in extant clades. Placentas, like other organs, form from the interaction of two distinct tissues, one maternal and one fetal. If each of these tissues produces signals that can be received by the other, then the apposition of these tissues is likely to result in new signalling dynamics that can be used as a scaffold to support placenta development. Using published data and examples, in this review I demonstrate that placentas are derived from hormonally active organs, that considerable signalling potential exists between maternal and fetal tissues in egg-laying vertebrates, that this signalling potential is conserved through the oviparity-viviparity transition, and that consequences of these interactions form the basis of derived aspects of placentation including embryo implantation. I argue that the interaction of placental tissues, is not merely a consequence of placenta formation, but that novel interactions form the basis of new placental regulatory networks, functions, and patterning mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W Griffith
- Department of Biological Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Langer SV, Kapron CM, Davy CM. Abnormal persistence of the chorioallantoic membrane is associated with severe developmental abnormalities in freshwater turtles. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Development in oviparous reptiles requires the correct formation and function of extra-embryonic membranes in the egg. In 2017, we incubated 2583 eggs from five species of freshwater turtle during a long-term ecological study and opened eggs that failed to hatch. We described a previously unreported developmental anomaly: the retention of an extra-embryonic membrane around 7 turtles (1 Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera (Le Sueur, 1827)), 1 Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus, 1758)), and 5 Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica (Le Sueur, 1817))) that were alive but unhatched >14 days after their clutch mates had emerged. We investigated the association between retention of this membrane and the exhibition of other developmental deformities of varying severity, and we tested whether this novel abnormality was associated with reduced fertility or hatching success in affected clutches. Consultation of ∼150 years of literature suggests that we observed persistence of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM; also called the chorioallantois). Our data suggest that clutches where at least one turtle exhibits a persistent CAM may also exhibit slightly reduced fertility or hatch success in the rest of the clutch compared with conspecific clutches that do not contain this anomaly. Future research should investigate the factors predicting CAM retention and other developmental abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah V. Langer
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Carolyn M. Kapron
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
- Biology Department, Trent University, 2089 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 1Z8, Canada
| | - Christina M. Davy
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
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Steroid receptors and their regulation in avian extraembryonic membranes provide a novel substrate for hormone mediated maternal effects. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11501. [PMID: 31395925 PMCID: PMC6687743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure of the vertebrate embryo to maternal hormones can have long-lasting effects on its phenotype, which has been studied extensively by experimentally manipulating maternal steroids, mostly androgens, in bird eggs. Yet, there is a severe lack of understanding of how and when these effects are actually mediated, hampering both underlying proximate and ultimate explanations. Here we report a novel finding that the embryo expresses androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ERα) mRNA in its extraembryonic membranes (EMs) as early as before its own hormone production starts, suggesting a novel substrate for action of maternal hormones on the offspring. We also report the first experimental evidence for steroid receptor regulation in the avian embryo in response to yolk steroid levels: the level of AR is dependent on yolk androgen levels only in the EMs but not in body tissues, suggesting embryonic adaptation to maternal hormones. The results also solve the problem of uptake of lipophilic steroids from the yolk, why they affect multiple traits, and how they could mediate maternal effects without affecting embryonic sexual differentiation.
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Qasimi MI, Mohibbi H, Nagaoka K, Watanabe G. Accumulation of steroid hormones in the eggshells of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 259:161-164. [PMID: 29174486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Oviparous mother transfer significant amounts of steroid to egg yolk during oviposition and the amounts may vary throughout the embryonic development. Eggshell may contain steroid hormones and the amounts could be different during embryonic development inside the egg. This study was designed to quantify the steroid concentrations in the eggshells of Japanese quail. We hypothesized that the steroids would be accumulated in the eggshells in a sex-dependent manner. Eggshells were obtained from three different stages (after laying, 15 days of incubation, and after hatching). The internal contents of the shells were carefully removed, completely dried and pulverized. The steroid contents of the eggshells were then measured by RIA. Physiologic variations in steroids were analyzed according to the amounts accumulated in the eggshells with the different embryonic stages. Results indicate that eggshell testosterone concentrations were high after laying. However, the concentrations were decreased during embryonic development and hatching and no difference was found in eggshell testosterone levels between male and female. However, eggshell estradiol concentrations were undetectable at laying time and the amounts were significantly increased at 15 days of incubation and slightly after hatching. Eggshell estradiol levels were significantly high in female eggshells than male during embryonic development. In contrast, eggshell corticosterone levels were significantly higher in males than in females after hatching. These results clearly demonstrated that eggshells accumulated steroid hormones, and the amounts varied during embryonic development concomitant with changes the internal contents of the eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ibrahim Qasimi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu 183-8509, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Basic Veterinary Science, the United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hadi Mohibbi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu 183-8509, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Basic Veterinary Science, the United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu 183-8509, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Basic Veterinary Science, the United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu 183-8509, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Basic Veterinary Science, the United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
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7
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Griffith OW, Brandley MC, Whittington CM, Belov K, Thompson MB. Comparative genomics of hormonal signaling in the chorioallantoic membrane of oviparous and viviparous amniotes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 244:19-29. [PMID: 27102939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In oviparous amniotes (reptiles, birds, and mammals) the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) lines the inside of the egg and acts as the living point of contact between the embryo and the outside world. In livebearing (viviparous) amniotes, communication during embryonic development occurs across placental tissues, which form between the uterine tissue of the mother and the CAM of the embryo. In both oviparous and viviparous taxa, the CAM is at the interface of the embryo and the external environment and can transfer signals from there to the embryo proper. To understand the evolution of placental hormone production in amniotes, we examined the expression of genes involved in hormone synthesis, metabolism, and hormone receptivity in the CAM of species across the amniote phylogeny. We collected transcriptome data for the chorioallantoic membranes of the chicken (oviparous), the lizards Lerista bougainvillii (both oviparous and viviparous populations) and Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii (viviparous), and the horse Equus caballus (viviparous). The viviparous taxa differ in their mechanisms of nutrient provisioning: L. bougainvillii is lecithotrophic (embryonic nourishment is provided via the yolk only), but P. entrecasteauxii and the horse are placentotrophic (embryos are nourished via placental transport). Of the 423 hormone-related genes that we examined, 91 genes are expressed in all studied species, suggesting that the chorioallantoic membrane ancestrally had an endocrine function. Therefore, the chorioallantoic membrane appears to be a highly hormonally active organ in all amniotes. No genes are expressed only in viviparous species, suggesting that the evolution of viviparity has not required the recruitment of any specific hormone-related genes. Our data suggest that the endocrine function of the CAM as a placental tissue evolved in part through co-option of ancestral gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W Griffith
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Matthew C Brandley
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; New York University - Sydney, The Rocks, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Camilla M Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Griffith OW, Wagner GP. The placenta as a model for understanding the origin and evolution of vertebrate organs. Nat Ecol Evol 2017; 1:72. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-017-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Cantu TM, Bowden JA, Scott J, Pérez-Viscasillas JB, Huncik K, Guillette MP, Guillette LJ. Alterations in eicosanoid composition during embryonic development in the chorioallantoic membrane of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and domestic chicken (Gallus gallus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 238:78-87. [PMID: 27401262 PMCID: PMC5584055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Eicosanoids are signaling lipids known to regulate several physiological processes in the mammalian placenta, including the initiation of parturition. Though all amniotes construct similar extraembryonic membranes during development, the composition and function of eicosanoids in extraembryonic membranes of oviparous reptiles is largely unknown. The majority of effort placed in eicosanoid investigations is typically targeted toward defining the role of specific compounds in disease etiology; however, comprehensive characterization of several pathways in eicosanoid synthesis during development is also needed to better understand the complex role of these lipids in comparative species. To this end, we have examined the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) during development. Previously, our lab has demonstrated that the CAM of several oviparous species shared conserved steroidogenic activity, a feature originally attributed to mammalian amniotes. To further explore this, we have developed a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method that is used here to quantify multiple eicosanoids in the CAM of two oviparous species at different stages of development. We identified 18 eicosanoids in the alligator CAM; the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway showed the largest increase from early development to later development in the alligator CAM. Similarly, the chicken CAM had an increase in COX products and COX activity, which supports the LC-MS/MS analyses. Jointly, our findings indicate that the CAM tissue of an oviparous species is capable of eicosanoid synthesis, which expands our knowledge of placental evolution and introduces the possibility of future comparative models of placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Cantu
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States.
| | - John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Jacob Scott
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Jimena B Pérez-Viscasillas
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, 205 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Kevin Huncik
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Environmental Chemical Sciences Group, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Matthew P Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
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McCoy KA, Roark AM, Boggs ASP, Bowden JA, Cruze L, Edwards TM, Hamlin HJ, Cantu TM, McCoy JA, McNabb NA, Wenzel AG, Williams CE, Kohno S. Integrative and comparative reproductive biology: From alligators to xenobiotics. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 238:23-31. [PMID: 27013381 PMCID: PMC5497304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dr. Louis J. Guillette Jr. thought of himself as a reproductive biologist. However, his interest in reproductive biology transcended organ systems, life history stages, species, and environmental contexts. His integrative and collaborative nature led to diverse and fascinating research projects conducted all over the world. He doesn't leave us with a single legacy. Instead, he entrusts us with several. The purpose of this review is to highlight those legacies, in both breadth and diversity, and to illustrate Dr. Guillette's grand contributions to the field of reproductive biology. He has challenged the field to reconsider how we think about our data, championed development of novel and innovative techniques to measure endocrine function, helped define the field of endocrine disruption, and lead projects to characterize new endocrine disrupting chemicals. He significantly influenced our understanding of evolution, and took bold and important steps to translate all that he has learned into advances in human reproductive health. We hope that after reading this manuscript our audience will appreciate and continue Dr. Guillette's practice of open-minded and passionate collaboration to understand the basic mechanisms driving reproductive physiology and to ultimately apply those findings to protect and improve wildlife and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista A McCoy
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 278585, USA
| | - Alison M Roark
- Department of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA
| | - Ashley S P Boggs
- Environmental Chemical Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Environmental Chemical Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Lori Cruze
- Department of Biology, Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC 29303, USA
| | - Thea M Edwards
- Department of Biology, University of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383, USA
| | - Heather J Hamlin
- School of Marine Sciences, Aquaculture Research Institute, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Theresa M Cantu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Jessica A McCoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Nicole A McNabb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Graduate Program in Marine Biology, University of Charleston at College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Abby G Wenzel
- Environmental Chemical Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Cameron E Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Graduate Program in Marine Biology, University of Charleston at College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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Parsley LM, Wapstra E, Jones SM. Placental and embryonic tissues exhibit aromatase activity in the viviparous lizard Niveoscincus metallicus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 200:61-6. [PMID: 24631640 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase is a key regulator of circulating testosterone (T) and 17-β-oestradiol (E2), two steroids which are critical to the development, maintenance and function of reproductive tissues. The role of aromatase in sexual differentiation in oviparous (egg-laying) reptiles is well understood, yet has never been explored in viviparous (live-bearing) reptiles. As a first step towards understanding the functions of aromatase during gestation in viviparous reptiles, we measured aromatase activity in maternal and embryonic tissues at three stages of gestation in the viviparous skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Maternal ovaries and adrenals maintained high aromatase activity throughout gestation. During the early phases of embryonic development, placental aromatase activity was comparable to that in maternal ovaries, but declined significantly at progressive stages of gestation. Aromatase activity in the developing brains and gonads of embryos was comparable with measurements in oviparous reptiles. Aromatase activity in the developing brains peaked mid development, and declined to low levels in late stage embryos. Aromatase activity in the embryonic gonads was low at embryonic stage 29-34, but increased significantly at mid-development and then remained high in late stage embryos. We conclude that ovarian estrogen synthesis is supplemented by placental aromatase activity and that maternal adrenals provide an auxiliary source of sex steroid. The pattern of change in aromatase activity in embryonic brains and gonads suggests that brain aromatase is important during sexual differentiation, and that embryonic gonads are increasingly steroidogenic as development progresses. Our data indicate vital roles of aromatase in gestation and development in viviparous lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Parsley
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay Campus, Private Bag 5, 7000 Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay Campus, Private Bag 5, 7000 Tasmania, Australia
| | - Susan M Jones
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay Campus, Private Bag 5, 7000 Tasmania, Australia
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