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Jiang C, Storey KB, Yang H, Sun L. Aestivation in Nature: Physiological Strategies and Evolutionary Adaptations in Hypometabolic States. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14093. [PMID: 37762394 PMCID: PMC10531719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aestivation is considered to be one of the "purest" hypometabolic states in nature, as it involves aerobic dormancy that can be induced and sustained without complex factors. Animals that undergo aestivation to protect themselves from environmental stressors such as high temperatures, droughts, and food shortages. However, this shift in body metabolism presents new challenges for survival, including oxidative stress upon awakening from aestivation, accumulation of toxic metabolites, changes in energy sources, adjustments to immune status, muscle atrophy due to prolonged immobility, and degeneration of internal organs due to prolonged food deprivation. In this review, we summarize the physiological and metabolic strategies, key regulatory factors, and networks utilized by aestivating animals to address the aforementioned components of aestivation. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive overview of the advancements made in aestivation research across major species, including amphibians, fish, reptiles, annelids, mollusks, and echinoderms, categorized according to their respective evolutionary positions. This approach offers a distinct perspective for comparative analysis, facilitating an understanding of the shared traits and unique features of aestivation across different groups of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (C.J.); (H.Y.)
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science & Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kenneth B. Storey
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada;
| | - Hongsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (C.J.); (H.Y.)
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science & Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lina Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (C.J.); (H.Y.)
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science & Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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2
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Rinkevich B, Ballarin L, Martinez P, Somorjai I, Ben‐Hamo O, Borisenko I, Berezikov E, Ereskovsky A, Gazave E, Khnykin D, Manni L, Petukhova O, Rosner A, Röttinger E, Spagnuolo A, Sugni M, Tiozzo S, Hobmayer B. A pan-metazoan concept for adult stem cells: the wobbling Penrose landscape. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:299-325. [PMID: 34617397 PMCID: PMC9292022 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adult stem cells (ASCs) in vertebrates and model invertebrates (e.g. Drosophila melanogaster) are typically long-lived, lineage-restricted, clonogenic and quiescent cells with somatic descendants and tissue/organ-restricted activities. Such ASCs are mostly rare, morphologically undifferentiated, and undergo asymmetric cell division. Characterized by 'stemness' gene expression, they can regulate tissue/organ homeostasis, repair and regeneration. By contrast, analysis of other animal phyla shows that ASCs emerge at different life stages, present both differentiated and undifferentiated phenotypes, and may possess amoeboid movement. Usually pluri/totipotent, they may express germ-cell markers, but often lack germ-line sequestering, and typically do not reside in discrete niches. ASCs may constitute up to 40% of animal cells, and participate in a range of biological phenomena, from whole-body regeneration, dormancy, and agametic asexual reproduction, to indeterminate growth. They are considered legitimate units of selection. Conceptualizing this divergence, we present an alternative stemness metaphor to the Waddington landscape: the 'wobbling Penrose' landscape. Here, totipotent ASCs adopt ascending/descending courses of an 'Escherian stairwell', in a lifelong totipotency pathway. ASCs may also travel along lower stemness echelons to reach fully differentiated states. However, from any starting state, cells can change their stemness status, underscoring their dynamic cellular potencies. Thus, vertebrate ASCs may reflect just one metazoan ASC archetype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruch Rinkevich
- Israel Oceanographic & Limnological ResearchNational Institute of OceanographyPOB 9753, Tel ShikmonaHaifa3109701Israel
| | - Loriano Ballarin
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaVia Ugo Bassi 58/BPadova35121Italy
| | - Pedro Martinez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i EstadísticaUniversitat de BarcelonaAv. Diagonal 643Barcelona08028Spain
- Institut Català de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA)Passeig Lluís Companys 23Barcelona08010Spain
| | - Ildiko Somorjai
- School of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt Andrews, FifeKY16 9ST, ScotlandUK
| | - Oshrat Ben‐Hamo
- Israel Oceanographic & Limnological ResearchNational Institute of OceanographyPOB 9753, Tel ShikmonaHaifa3109701Israel
| | - Ilya Borisenko
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of BiologySaint‐Petersburg State UniversityUniversity Embankment, 7/9Saint‐Petersburg199034Russia
| | - Eugene Berezikov
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 1Groningen9713 AVThe Netherlands
| | - Alexander Ereskovsky
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of BiologySaint‐Petersburg State UniversityUniversity Embankment, 7/9Saint‐Petersburg199034Russia
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IRD, Avignon UniversityJardin du Pharo, 58 Boulevard Charles LivonMarseille13007France
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of SciencesUlitsa Vavilova, 26Moscow119334Russia
| | - Eve Gazave
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques MonodParisF‐75006France
| | - Denis Khnykin
- Department of PathologyOslo University HospitalBygg 19, Gaustad Sykehus, Sognsvannsveien 21Oslo0188Norway
| | - Lucia Manni
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaVia Ugo Bassi 58/BPadova35121Italy
| | - Olga Petukhova
- Collection of Vertebrate Cell CulturesInstitute of Cytology, Russian Academy of SciencesTikhoretsky Ave. 4St. Petersburg194064Russia
| | - Amalia Rosner
- Israel Oceanographic & Limnological ResearchNational Institute of OceanographyPOB 9753, Tel ShikmonaHaifa3109701Israel
| | - Eric Röttinger
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN)Nice06107France
- Université Côte d'Azur, Federative Research Institute – Marine Resources (IFR MARRES)28 Avenue de ValroseNice06103France
| | - Antonietta Spagnuolo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine OrganismsStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla ComunaleNaples80121Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP)Università degli Studi di MilanoVia Celoria 26Milan20133Italy
| | - Stefano Tiozzo
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche‐sur‐mer (LBDV)06234 Villefranche‐sur‐MerVillefranche sur MerCedexFrance
| | - Bert Hobmayer
- Institute of Zoology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of InnsbruckTechnikerstrInnsbruck256020Austria
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Hanache P, Thomann T, Caron V, Desurmont GA. Can Estivation Preferences Be Used to Develop Novel Management Tools against Invasive Mediterranean Snails? INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121118. [PMID: 34940206 PMCID: PMC8708318 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Terrestrial snails living in warm and dry climates had to develop strategies to survive. Several species climb on vertical supports when temperatures rise and spend the warmest months resting, typically in groups. Understanding this behavior could be useful in developing new management tools for species that are invasive. Here, we focused on four invasive snail species, and assessed their preferences for vertical supports varying in widths and heights under laboratory and field conditions. We also tested whether the presence of other snails from the same or different species affected these preferences. The snails strongly preferred wider supports in laboratory choice tests, and one species (Theba pisana) preferred taller supports as well. Results were similar in the field, where more snails were found on wider and taller supports 24 h after being released. The percentage of snails found in groups on a support was strongly density-dependent. The presence of other snails or their mucus did not affect the choices made. Overall, our results point towards the possibility of developing attractive supports to trap snails in the field. Abstract Terrestrial snails that live in hot and dry climates have developed strategies to cope with high summer temperatures. Several species estivate during the warmest months of the years by resting on vertical supports, typically in groups. Understanding how snails choose their estivation sites and aggregate may lead to the development of new management tools in areas where these snails are invasive. Here, we investigated the preferences of four snail species for vertical supports varying in widths and heights under laboratory and field conditions, and tested whether the presence of conspecifics or snails of other species affected these preferences. The results show that the snails strongly preferred wider supports in laboratory dual-choice tests, and one species (Theba pisana) showed a consistent preference for taller supports as well. These results were confirmed in the field, where more snails were found on wider and taller supports 24 h after being placed in test quadrats. The percentage of snails found in groups on a support was strongly density-dependent. The presence of conspecifics or their mucus did not affect the choices of the snails, nor did the presence of snails of other species or their mucus. Taken together, these results could lead to the development of attractive supports that could be used to mass-capture snails in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscillia Hanache
- CSIRO European Laboratory, 34980 Montferrier-sur-Lez, France; (P.H.); (T.T.)
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Jean Monnet, 42100 Saint Etienne, France
| | - Thierry Thomann
- CSIRO European Laboratory, 34980 Montferrier-sur-Lez, France; (P.H.); (T.T.)
| | - Valerie Caron
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-6218-3475
| | - Gaylord A. Desurmont
- European Biological Control Laboratory USDA-ARS, 34980 Montferrier-sur-Lez, France;
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Jackson HJ, Larsson J, Davison A. Quantitative measures and 3D shell models reveal interactions between bands and their position on growing snail shells. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:6634-6648. [PMID: 34141246 PMCID: PMC8207382 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The nature of shell growth in gastropods is useful because it preserves the ontogeny of shape, colour, and banding patterns, making them an ideal system for understanding how inherited variation develops, is established and maintained within a population. However, qualitative scoring of inherited shell characters means there is a lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms that control fine variation. Here, we combine empirical measures of quantitative variation and 3D modeling of shells to understand how bands are placed and interact. By comparing five-banded Cepaea individuals to shells lacking individual bands, we show that individual band absence has minor but significant impacts upon the position of remaining bands, implying that the locus controlling band presence/absence mainly acts after position is established. Then, we show that the shell grows at a similar rate, except for the region below the lowermost band. This demonstrates that wider bands of Cepaea are not an artifact of greater shell growth on the lower shell; they begin wider and grow at the same rate as other bands. Finally, we show that 3D models of shell shape and banding pattern, inferred from 2D photos using ShellShaper software, are congruent with empirical measures. This work therefore establishes a method that may be used for comparative studies of quantitative banding variation in snail shells, extraction of growth parameters, and morphometrics. In the future, studies that link the banding phenotype to the network of shell matrix proteins involved in biomineralization and patterning may ultimately aid in understanding the diversity of shell forms found in molluscs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Larsson
- Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Angus Davison
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
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Klein AH, Ballard KR, Storey KB, Motti CA, Zhao M, Cummins SF. Multi-omics investigations within the Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda: from ecological application to breakthrough phylogenomic studies. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 18:377-394. [PMID: 31609407 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastropods are the largest and most diverse class of mollusc and include species that are well studied within the areas of taxonomy, aquaculture, biomineralization, ecology, microbiome and health. Gastropod research has been expanding since the mid-2000s, largely due to large-scale data integration from next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry in which transcripts, proteins and metabolites can be readily explored systematically. Correspondingly, the huge data added a great deal of complexity for data organization, visualization and interpretation. Here, we reviewed the recent advances involving gastropod omics ('gastropodomics') research from hundreds of publications and online genomics databases. By summarizing the current publicly available data, we present an insight for the design of useful data integrating tools and strategies for comparative omics studies in the future. Additionally, we discuss the future of omics applications in aquaculture, natural pharmaceutical biodiscovery and pest management, as well as to monitor the impact of environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne H Klein
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Kaylene R Ballard
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry & Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Cape Ferguson, Townsville Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Min Zhao
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Scott F Cummins
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia
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Griko Y, Regan MD. Synthetic torpor: A method for safely and practically transporting experimental animals aboard spaceflight missions to deep space. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 16:101-107. [PMID: 29475515 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Animal research aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station has provided vital information on the physiological, cellular, and molecular effects of spaceflight. The relevance of this information to human spaceflight is enhanced when it is coupled with information gleaned from human-based research. As NASA and other space agencies initiate plans for human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), incorporating animal research into these missions is vitally important to understanding the biological impacts of deep space. However, new technologies will be required to integrate experimental animals into spacecraft design and transport them beyond LEO in a safe and practical way. In this communication, we propose the use of metabolic control technologies to reversibly depress the metabolic rates of experimental animals while in transit aboard the spacecraft. Compared to holding experimental animals in active metabolic states, the advantages of artificially inducing regulated, depressed metabolic states (called synthetic torpor) include significantly reduced mass, volume, and power requirements within the spacecraft owing to reduced life support requirements, and mitigated radiation- and microgravity-induced negative health effects on the animals owing to intrinsic physiological properties of torpor. In addition to directly benefitting animal research, synthetic torpor-inducing systems will also serve as test beds for systems that may eventually hold human crewmembers in similar metabolic states on long-duration missions. The technologies for inducing synthetic torpor, which we discuss, are at relatively early stages of development, but there is ample evidence to show that this is a viable idea and one with very real benefits to spaceflight programs. The increasingly ambitious goals of world's many spaceflight programs will be most quickly and safely achieved with the help of animal research systems transported beyond LEO; synthetic torpor may enable this to be done as practically and inexpensively as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Griko
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, United States.
| | - Matthew D Regan
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53706, United States
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Zhao M, Wang T, Stewart MJ, Bose U, Suwansa-ard S, Storey KB, Cummins SF. eSnail: A transcriptome-based molecular resource of the central nervous system for terrestrial gastropods. Mol Ecol Resour 2017; 18:147-158. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- School of Engineering; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld Australia
| | - Tianfang Wang
- School of Engineering; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld Australia
| | - Michael J. Stewart
- School of Engineering; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld Australia
| | - Utpal Bose
- School of Engineering; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld Australia
| | - Saowaros Suwansa-ard
- School of Engineering; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld Australia
| | - Kenneth B. Storey
- Department of Biology; Institute of Biochemistry; Carleton University; Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Scott F. Cummins
- School of Engineering; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld Australia
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Wang T, Nuurai P, McDougall C, York PS, Bose U, Degnan BM, Cummins SF. Identification of a female spawn-associated Kazal-type inhibitor from the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina. J Pept Sci 2016; 22:461-70. [PMID: 27352998 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abalone (Haliotis) undergoes a period of reproductive maturation, followed by the synchronous release of gametes, called broadcast spawning. Field and laboratory studies have shown that the tropical species Haliotis asinina undergoes a two-week spawning cycle, thus providing an excellent opportunity to investigate the presence of endogenous spawning-associated peptides. In female H. asinina, we have isolated a peptide (5145 Da) whose relative abundance in hemolymph increases substantially just prior to spawning and is still detected using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography chromatograms up to 1-day post-spawn. We have isolated this peptide from female hemolymph as well as samples prepared from the gravid female gonad, and demonstrated through comparative sequence analysis that it contains features characteristic of Kazal-type proteinase inhibitors (KPIs). Has-KPI is expressed specifically within the gonad of adult females. A recombinant Has-KPI was generated using a yeast expression system. The recombinant Has-KPI does not induce premature spawning of female H. asinina when administered intramuscularly. However it displays homomeric aggregations and interaction with at least one mollusc-type neuropeptide (LRDFVamide), suggesting a role for it in regulating neuropeptide endocrine communication. This research provides new understanding of a peptide that can regulate reproductive processes in female abalone, which has the potential to lead to the development of greater control over abalone spawning. The findings also highlight the need to further explore abalone reproduction to clearly define a role for novel spawning-associated peptide in sexual maturation and spawning. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfang Wang
- Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Parinyaporn Nuurai
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi, 20131, Thailand
| | - Carmel McDougall
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Patrick S York
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Utpal Bose
- Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Bernard M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Scott F Cummins
- Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
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9
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Stewart MJ, Wang T, Koene JM, Storey KB, Cummins SF. A "Love" Dart Allohormone Identified in the Mucous Glands of Hermaphroditic Land Snails. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:7938-50. [PMID: 26817846 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.704395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals have evolved many ways to enhance their own reproductive success. One bizarre sexual ritual is the "love" dart shooting of helicid snails, which has courted many theories regarding its precise function. Acting as a hypodermic needle, the dart transfers an allohormone that increases paternity success. Its precise physiological mechanism of action within the recipient snail is to close off the entrance to the sperm digestion organ via a contraction of the copulatory canal, thereby delaying the digestion of most donated sperm. In this study, we used the common garden snailCornu aspersumto identify the allohormone that is responsible for this physiological change in the female system of this simultaneous hermaphrodite. The love dart allohormone (LDA) was isolated from extracts derived from mucous glands that coat the dart before it is stabbed through the partner's body wall. We isolated LDA from extracts using bioassay-guided contractility measurement of the copulatory canal. LDA is encoded within a 235-amino acid precursor protein containing multiple cleavage sites that, when cleaved, releases multiple bioactive peptides. Synthetic LDA also stimulated copulatory canal contractility. Combined with our finding that the protein amino acid sequence resembles previously described molluscan buccalin precursors, this indicates that LDA is partially conserved in helicid snails and less in other molluscan species. In summary, our study provides the full identification of an allohormone that is hypodermically injected via a love dart. More importantly, our findings have important consequences for understanding reproductive biology and the evolution of alternative reproductive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Stewart
- From the Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Tianfang Wang
- From the Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Joris M Koene
- the Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- the Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Scott F Cummins
- From the Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia,
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