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Brammer-Robbins E, Nouri MZ, Griffin EK, Aristizabal-Henao JJ, Denslow ND, Bowden JA, Larkin IV, Martyniuk CJ. Lipidomics and plasma hormone analysis differentiate reproductive and pregnancy statuses in Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 50:101231. [PMID: 38643744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101231] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) are protected as a threatened species, and data are lacking regarding their reproductive physiology. This study aimed to (1) quantify plasma steroid hormones in Florida manatees from two field sites, Crystal River and Indian River Lagoon, at different gestational stages and to (2) identify individual lipids associated with pregnancy status. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric analysis was used to measure plasma steroid hormones and lipids. Pregnant female manatees were morphometrically distinct from male and non-pregnant female manatees, characterized by larger body weight and maximal girth. Progesterone concentrations in manatees were also elevated during early gestation versus late gestation. Cholesterol, an important metabolic lipid, and precursor for reproductive steroids, was not different between groups. Mass spectrometry quantified 949 lipids. Plasma concentrations of glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, acylcarnitines, and cholesteryl esters were associated with pregnancy status in the Florida manatee. Most of the lipid species associated with pregnancy were triacylglycerides, phosphatidylethanolamines, and ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamines, which may serve as energy sources for fetal development. This research contributes to improving knowledge of manatee reproductive physiology by providing data on plasma steroid hormones relative to reproductive status and by identifying plasma lipids that may be important for pregnancy. Elucidation of lipid species directly associated with pregnancy has the potential to serve as a diagnostic approach to identify pregnant individuals in fresh and archived samples. These biochemical and morphometric indicators of reproductive status advance the understanding of manatee physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Brammer-Robbins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Mohammad-Zaman Nouri
- Access Genetics & OralDNA Labs, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, United States of America
| | - Emily K Griffin
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | | | - Nancy D Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - Iske V Larkin
- Aquatic Animal Health Program, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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Chatterjee A, Bhattacharyya S. Assessing the threats facing wetland mammals in India using an evidence‐based conservation approach. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Chatterjee
- Department of Zoology University of Calcutta 35 Ballygunge Circular Road Kolkata700019India
| | - Sabuj Bhattacharyya
- Centre for Ecological Sciences Indian Institute of Science Bangalore Karnataka560012India
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3
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Lind CM, Lorch JM, Moore IT, Vernasco BJ, Farrell TM. Seasonal sex steroids indicate reproductive costs associated with snake fungal disease. J Zool (1987) 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. M. Lind
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Stockton University Galloway NJ USA
- Department of Biology Stetson University Deland FL USA
| | - J. M. Lorch
- US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center Madison WI USA
| | - I. T. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA USA
| | - B. J. Vernasco
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA USA
| | - T. M. Farrell
- Department of Biology Stetson University Deland FL USA
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Markov GV, Girard J, Laudet V, Leblanc C. Hormonally active phytochemicals from macroalgae: A largely untapped source of ligands to deorphanize nuclear receptors in emerging marine animal models. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 265:41-45. [PMID: 29908834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Hormonally active phytochemicals (HAPs) are signaling molecules produced by plants that alter hormonal signaling in animals, due to consumption or environmental exposure. To date, HAPs have been investigated mainly in terrestrial ecosystems. To gain a full understanding of the origin and evolution of plant-animal interactions, it is necessary also to study these interactions in the marine environment, where the major photosynthetic lineages are very distant from the terrestrial plants. Here we focus on chemicals from red and brown macroalgae and point out their potential role as modulators of the endocrine system of aquatic animals through nuclear hormone receptors. We show that, regarding steroids and oxylipins, there are already some candidates available for further functional investigations of ligand-receptor interactions. Furthermore, several carotenoids, produced by cyanobacteria provide candidates that could be investigated with respect to their presence in macroalgae. Finally, regarding halogenated compounds, it is not clear yet which molecules could bridge the gap to explain the transition from lipid sensing to thyroid hormone high affinity binding among nuclear receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel V Markov
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Integrative Biology of Marine Models (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff (SBR), 29680 Roscoff, France.
| | - Jean Girard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Integrative Biology of Marine Models (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff (SBR), 29680 Roscoff, France
| | - Vincent Laudet
- Sorbonne Université, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer, UMR CNRS 7232, 1 Avenue Pierre Fabre, 66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Catherine Leblanc
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Integrative Biology of Marine Models (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff (SBR), 29680 Roscoff, France
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Tubbs CW, McDonough CE. Reproductive Impacts of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Wildlife Species: Implications for Conservation of Endangered Species. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2017; 6:287-304. [PMID: 29140722 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-030117-014547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife have proven valuable to our understanding of the potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health by contributing considerably to our understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of EDC exposure. But the threats EDCs present to populations of wildlife species themselves are significant, particularly for endangered species whose existence is vulnerable to any reproductive perturbation. However, few studies address the threats EDCs pose to endangered species owing to challenges associated with their study. Here, we highlight those barriers and review the available literature concerning EDC effects on endangered species. Drawing from other investigations into nonthreatened wildlife species, we highlight opportunities for new approaches to advance our understanding and potentially mitigate the effects of EDCs on endangered species to enhance their fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Tubbs
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, California 92027, USA;
| | - Caitlin E McDonough
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA;
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Combosch DJ, Lemer S, Ward PD, Landman NH, Giribet G. Genomic signatures of evolution in Nautilus-An endangered living fossil. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:5923-5938. [PMID: 28872211 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Living fossils are survivors of previously more diverse lineages that originated millions of years ago and persisted with little morphological change. Therefore, living fossils are model organisms to study both long-term and ongoing adaptation and speciation processes. However, many aspects of living fossil evolution and their persistence in the modern world remain unclear. Here, we investigate three major aspects of the evolutionary history of living fossils: cryptic speciation, population genetics and effective population sizes, using members of the genera Nautilus and Allonautilus as classic examples of true living fossils. For this, we analysed genomewide ddRAD-Seq data for all six currently recognized nautiloid species throughout their distribution range. Our analyses identified three major allopatric Nautilus clades: a South Pacific clade, subdivided into three subclades with no signs of admixture between them; a Coral Sea clade, consisting of two genetically distinct populations with significant admixture; and a widespread Indo-Pacific clade, devoid of significant genetic substructure. Within these major clades, we detected five Nautilus groups, which likely correspond to five distinct species. With the exception of Nautilus macromphalus, all previously described species are at odds with genomewide data, testifying to the prevalence of cryptic species among living fossils. Detailed FST analyses further revealed significant genome-wide and locus-specific signatures of selection between species and differentiated populations, which is demonstrated here for the first time in a living fossil. Finally, approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) simulations suggest large effective population sizes, which may explain the low levels of population differentiation commonly observed in living fossils.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Combosch
- Museum of Comparative Zoology & Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, GU, USA
| | - Sarah Lemer
- Museum of Comparative Zoology & Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, GU, USA
| | - Peter D Ward
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Neil H Landman
- Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gonzalo Giribet
- Museum of Comparative Zoology & Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Tubbs CW, Moley LA, Ivy JA, Metrione LC, LaClaire S, Felton RG, Durrant BS, Milnes MR. Estrogenicity of captive southern white rhinoceros diets and their association with fertility. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 238:32-38. [PMID: 27167501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The captive southern white rhinoceros (SWR) population is not currently self-sustaining, primarily due to poor or absent reproduction of captive-born (F1+) females. In this study, we investigate the role of dietary phytoestrogens in this reproductive phenomenon by characterizing activation of SWR estrogen receptors (ESRs) 1 and 2 by diet items from nine North American institutions and comparing female SWR fertility to total diet estrogenicity. Of the diet items tested, alfalfa hay and soy and alfalfa-based commercial pellets were found to be the most potent activators of SWR ESRs. In contrast, most grass hays tested were not estrogenic. The estrogenicity of total diets varied across the institutions surveyed and the degree of diet estrogenicity was positively associated with the percentage of the total diet comprised by pellets. Comparisons of fertility records of the institutions surveyed showed no significant relationship between diet estrogenicity and fertility for female SWR conceived or born in the wild (F0). However, for F1+ females, there was a significant negative relationship between institutional diet estrogenicity and fertility. Taken together, these data suggest that developmental exposure to phytoestrogens may be the cause of poor fertility in captive-born female SWR. Whether the low fertility of the current population of captive-born female SWR is permanent or can be reversed by removing phytoestrogens from the diet remains unclear. However, our findings suggest that in order for the SWR population to become self-sustaining, the development and feeding of low phytoestrogen diets should be strongly considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Tubbs
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States.
| | - Laura A Moley
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
| | - Jamie A Ivy
- San Diego Zoo Global, Life Sciences, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112, United States
| | - Lara C Metrione
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction and Conservation, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, United States
| | - Sydney LaClaire
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
| | - Rachel G Felton
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
| | - Barbara S Durrant
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
| | - Matthew R Milnes
- Mars Hill University, P.O. Box 6671, 100 Athletic Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, United States
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Tubbs CW. California condors and DDT: Examining the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in a critically endangered species. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/23273747.2016.1173766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Felton RG, Steiner CC, Durrant BS, Keisler DH, Milnes MR, Tubbs CW. Identification of California Condor Estrogen Receptors 1 and 2 and Their Activation by Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4448-57. [PMID: 26372180 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recently, California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) have been reintroduced to coastal regions of California where they feed on marine mammal carcasses. There is evidence that coastal-dwelling condors experience reproductive issues, such as eggshell thinning, likely resulting from exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). To address this problem, we have identified and cloned condor estrogen receptors (ESRs) 1 and 2 and characterized their activation by EDCs present in the coastal habitats where condors reside. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites all activated ESR1 and ESR2, although their relative potency differed between the receptors. Bisphenol A, dieldrin, trans-nonachlor, and polychlorinated biphenyl 52 (PCB52) moderately activated both ESRs, whereas PCB138 and PCB153 stimulated little to no activation. Overall, EDC activation of condor ESR2, which is the first ESR2 cloned from a raptor species, was greater than that of ESR1. Significant activation of both condor ESRs by EDCs occurred at high concentrations (≥1μM), which are within the range of plasma levels of certain EDCs (eg, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [p'p-DDE]) in coastal-dwelling condors. Finally, phylogenetic analyses of ESRs of 41 avian species identified a single amino acid position in ESR2 under positive selection. Mutation of this amino acid affected receptor activation by EDCs, suggesting the identity of this amino acid may influence EDC sensitivity of avian species. Together, these findings broaden our understanding of EDC interactions with ESRs in avian species. For condors specifically, these data could be used to evaluate EDC exposure risk at future release sites to identify those least likely to compromise the continued recovery of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel G Felton
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (R.G.F., C.C.S., B.S.D., C.W.T.), Escondido, California 92027; Division of Animal Sciences (D.H.K.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; and Department of Natural Sciences (M.R.M.), Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
| | - Cynthia C Steiner
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (R.G.F., C.C.S., B.S.D., C.W.T.), Escondido, California 92027; Division of Animal Sciences (D.H.K.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; and Department of Natural Sciences (M.R.M.), Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
| | - Barbara S Durrant
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (R.G.F., C.C.S., B.S.D., C.W.T.), Escondido, California 92027; Division of Animal Sciences (D.H.K.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; and Department of Natural Sciences (M.R.M.), Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
| | - Duane H Keisler
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (R.G.F., C.C.S., B.S.D., C.W.T.), Escondido, California 92027; Division of Animal Sciences (D.H.K.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; and Department of Natural Sciences (M.R.M.), Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
| | - Matthew R Milnes
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (R.G.F., C.C.S., B.S.D., C.W.T.), Escondido, California 92027; Division of Animal Sciences (D.H.K.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; and Department of Natural Sciences (M.R.M.), Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
| | - Christopher W Tubbs
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (R.G.F., C.C.S., B.S.D., C.W.T.), Escondido, California 92027; Division of Animal Sciences (D.H.K.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; and Department of Natural Sciences (M.R.M.), Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
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