1
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Mangiacotti M, Fumagalli M, Casali C, Biggiogera M, Forneris F, Sacchi R. Carbonic anhydrase IV in lizard chemical signals. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14164. [PMID: 37644071 PMCID: PMC10465503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41012-9] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of chemical signals is subject to environmental constraints. A multicomponent signal may combine semiochemical molecules with supporting compounds able to enhance communication efficacy. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are ubiquitous enzymes catalysing the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide, a reaction involved in a variety of physiological processes as it controls the chemical environment of the different tissues or cellular compartments, thus contributing to the overall system homeostasis. CA-IV isoform has been recently identified by mass spectrometry in the femoral gland secretions (FG) of the marine iguana, where it has been hypothesized to contribute to the chemical stability of the signal, by regulating blend pH. Lizards, indeed, use FG to communicate by delivering the waxy secretion on bare substrate, where it is exposed to environmental stressors. Therefore, we expect that some molecules in the mixture may play supporting functions, enhancing the stability of the chemical environment, or even conferring homeostatic properties to the blend. CA-IV may well represent an important candidate to this hypothesized supporting/homeostatic function, and, therefore, we can expect it to be common in FG secretions of other lizard species. To evaluate this prediction and definitely validate CA identity, we analysed FG secretions of eight species of wall lizards (genus Podarcis), combining mass spectrometry, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrate CA-IV to actually occur in the FG of seven out of the eight considered species, providing an immunochemistry validation of mass-spectrometry identifications, and localizing the enzyme within the secretion mass. The predicted structure of the identified CA is compatible with the known enzymatic activity of CA-IV, supporting the hypothesis that CA play a signal homeostasis function and opening to new perspective about the role of proteins in vertebrate chemical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mangiacotti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Marco Fumagalli
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudio Casali
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Biggiogera
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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2
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Mangiacotti M, Baeckens S, Fumagalli M, Martín J, Scali S, Sacchi R. Protein-lipid Association in Lizard Chemical Signals. Integr Org Biol 2023; 5:obad016. [PMID: 37228571 PMCID: PMC10205002 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical communication in terrestrial vertebrates is often built on complex blends, where semiochemical and structural compounds may form an integrated functional unit. In lizards, many species have specialized epidermal glands whose secretions are waxy, homogeneous blends of lipids and proteins, both active in communication. The intimate co-occurrence of such compounds allows us to hypothesize that they should undergo a certain degree of covariation, considering both their semiochemical role and the support-to-lipid function hypothesized for the protein fraction. In order to assess the occurrence and level of protein-lipid covariation, we compared the composition and complexity of the two fractions in the femoral gland secretions of 36 lizard species, combining phylogenetically-informed analysis with tandem mass spectrometry. We found the composition and complexity of the two fractions to be strongly correlated. The composition of the protein fraction was mostly influenced by the relative proportion of cholestanol, provitamin D3, stigmasterol, and tocopherol, while the complexity of the protein pattern increased with that of lipids. Additionally, two identified proteins (carbonic anhydrase and protein disulfide isomerase) increased their concentration as provitamin D3 became more abundant. Although our approach does not allow us to decrypt the functional relations between the proteinaceous and lipid components, nor under the semiochemical or structural hypothesis, the finding that the proteins involved in this association were enzymes opens up to new perspectives about protein role: They may confer dynamic properties to the blend, making it able to compensate predictable variation of the environmental conditions. This may expand the view about proteins in the support-to-lipid hypothesis, from being a passive and inert component of the secretions to become an active and dynamic one, thus providing cues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Baeckens
- Functional Morphology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - M Fumagalli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - J Martín
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - S Scali
- Sezione Erpetologia, Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano, Corso Venezia 55, IT-20121 Milano, Italy
| | - R Sacchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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3
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Scali S, Sacchi R, Gozzo E, Chiesa S, Coladonato AJ, Zuffi MAL, Mangiacotti M. The size of a smell: assessment of rival’s relative size from femoral secretions in the common wall lizards, Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768). Behav Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arac128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Animal communication depends on signals conveying information to a receiver who must perceive and decode them. Signals involved in territoriality are usually complex stimuli that should be correctly interpreted to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Lacertids use both visual and chemical stimuli in modulating their aggressive response against conspecifics and the rival’s size is one of the most important information, affecting the success probability in combat. To assess the actual ability of decoding information about a rival’s size based on its chemical stimulus alone, 60 males of Podarcis muralis were tested for three consecutive days in an arena bearing a mirror (to simulate an equal-sized intruder), and the chemical cues (femoral secretions) from an unknown individual of different size. Significant differences were observed in tongue-flicks number, which grew as the size difference between the focal lizard and the secretion donor decreased. This can be interpreted as the need for the lizard to better evaluate the potential competitor’s characteristics. The size difference also affected the number of bites against the mirror. They increased when the size of the focal lizard was larger than the donor triggering the aggressive response with a higher probability of winning the contest. This confirms that the focal lizard had correctly decoded the information about the opponent’s size by chemical stimulus. Although previous studies have shown that some components of the chemical signals are potentially informative about the signaler’s size, this is the first demonstration that male P. muralis is actually able to decode and use such information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Scali
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano , Corso Venezia 55, I-20121 Milano , Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente, Università di Pavia , Viale Torquato Taramelli 24, I-27100, Pavia , Italy
| | - Elisabetta Gozzo
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano , Corso Venezia 55, I-20121 Milano , Italy
| | - Stefano Chiesa
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano , Corso Venezia 55, I-20121 Milano , Italy
| | - Alan J Coladonato
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente, Università di Pavia , Viale Torquato Taramelli 24, I-27100, Pavia , Italy
| | - Marco A L Zuffi
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Pisa , Via Roma 79 , I-56011 Calci, PI , Italy
| | - Marco Mangiacotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente, Università di Pavia , Viale Torquato Taramelli 24, I-27100, Pavia , Italy
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4
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Colour morph predicts social behaviour and contest outcomes in a polymorphic lizard (Podarcis erhardii). Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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5
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Carreira Bruinjé A, de Alencar Paiva TM, Costa GC. Multimodal female mate choice in a polymorphic flat rock lizard. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03181-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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6
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Ibáñez A, Skupien-Rabian B, Jankowska U, Kędracka-Krok S, Zając B, Pabijan M. Functional Protein Composition in Femoral Glands of Sand Lizards ( Lacerta agilis). MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072371. [PMID: 35408771 PMCID: PMC9000839 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are ubiquitous macromolecules that display a vast repertoire of chemical and enzymatic functions, making them suitable candidates for chemosignals, used in intraspecific communication. Proteins are present in the skin gland secretions of vertebrates but their identity, and especially, their functions, remain largely unknown. Many lizard species possess femoral glands, i.e., epidermal organs primarily involved in the production and secretion of chemosignals, playing a pivotal role in mate choice and intrasexual communication. The lipophilic fraction of femoral glands has been well studied in lizards. In contrast, proteins have been the focus of only a handful of investigations. Here, we identify and describe inter-individual expression patterns and the functionality of proteins present in femoral glands of male sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) by applying mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Our results show that the total number of proteins varied substantially among individuals. None of the identified femoral gland proteins could be directly linked to chemical communication in lizards, although this result hinges on protein annotation in databases in which squamate semiochemicals are poorly represented. In contrast to our expectations, the proteins consistently expressed across individuals were related to the immune system, antioxidant activity and lipid metabolism as their main functions, showing that proteins in reptilian epidermal glands may have other functions besides chemical communication. Interestingly, we found expression of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) among the multiple and diverse biological processes enriched in FGs, tentatively supporting a previous hypothesis that MHC was coopted for semiochemical function in sand lizards, specifically in mate recognition. Our study shows that mass spectrometry-based proteomics are a powerful tool for characterizing and deciphering the role of proteins secreted by skin glands in non-model vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ibáñez
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;
- Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Bozena Skupien-Rabian
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (B.S.-R.); (U.J.)
| | - Urszula Jankowska
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (B.S.-R.); (U.J.)
| | - Sylwia Kędracka-Krok
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Bartłomiej Zając
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Maciej Pabijan
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;
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7
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Mangiacotti M, Baeckens S, Scali S, Martín J, Van Damme R, Sacchi R. Evolutionary and biogeographical support for species-specific proteins in lizard chemical signals. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The species-specific components of animal signals can facilitate species recognition and reduce the risks of mismatching and interbreeding. Nonetheless, empirical evidence for species-specific components in chemical signals is scarce and mostly limited to insect pheromones. Based on the proteinaceous femoral gland secretions of 36 lizard species (Lacertidae), we examine the species-specific component potential of proteins in lizard chemical signals. By quantitative comparison of the one-dimensional electrophoretic patterns of the protein fraction from femoral gland secretions, we first reveal that the protein composition is species specific, accounting for a large part of the observed raw variation and allowing us to discriminate species on this basis. Secondly, we find increased protein pattern divergence in sympatric, closely related species. Thirdly, lizard protein profiles show a low phylogenetic signal, a recent and steep increase in relative disparity and a high rate of evolutionary change compared with non-specifically signal traits (i.e. body size and shape). Together, these findings provide support for the species specificity of proteins in the chemical signals of a vertebrate lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mangiacotti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Simon Baeckens
- Laboratory for Functional Morphology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - José Martín
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raoul Van Damme
- Laboratory for Functional Morphology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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8
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Scali S, Mangiacotti M, Sacchi R, Coladonato AJ, Falaschi M, Saviano L, Rampoldi MG, Crozi M, Perotti C, Zucca F, Gozzo E, Zuffi MAL. Close encounters of the three morphs: Does color affect aggression in a polymorphic lizard? Aggress Behav 2021; 47:430-438. [PMID: 33682154 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Color polymorphism is genetically controlled, and the process generating and maintaining morphs can affect speciation/extinction rates. Color badges are useful signals in intraspecific communication because they convey information about alternative strategies and can potentially decrease unnecessary conflicts among different color morphs. Competition and aggressive interactions among color morphs can contribute to polymorphism maintenance. This could lead to an uneven spatial distribution of morphs in a population because the local frequency of each morph establishes the intensity of the competition and the fitness of each male. We used a polymorphic lizard, Podarcis muralis, to assess if aggression varies among morphs under two contrasting hypotheses: a heteromorphic versus homomorphic aggression. We used laboratory mirror tests after lizard color manipulation, and we verified the consistency of results with an analysis of the spatial distribution of morphs in a wild population. Both the experiments confirmed that aggression is more common during homomorphic than heteromorphic contests. The adoption of alternative behavioral strategies that minimize risks and costs could facilitate the stable coexistence of the phenotypes and reduce competition. A bias in aggression would advantage rarer morph, which would suffer less harassment by common morphs obtaining a fitness advantage. This process would be negatively-frequency-dependent and would stabilize polymorphism, possibly contributing to sympatric speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Scali
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology Natural History Museum of Milan Milano Italy
| | - Marco Mangiacotti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Pavia Pavia Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Pavia Pavia Italy
| | | | - Mattia Falaschi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of Milan Milano Italy
| | - Luca Saviano
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology Natural History Museum of Milan Milano Italy
| | | | - Matteo Crozi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Pavia Pavia Italy
| | - Cesare Perotti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Pavia Pavia Italy
| | - Francesco Zucca
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Pavia Pavia Italy
| | - Elisabetta Gozzo
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology Natural History Museum of Milan Milano Italy
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9
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Abalos J, Pérez i de Lanuza G, Bartolomé A, Aubret F, Uller T, Font E. Viability, behavior, and color expression in the offspring of matings between common wall lizard Podarcis muralis color morphs. Curr Zool 2021; 68:41-55. [PMID: 35169628 PMCID: PMC8836344 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Color polymorphisms are widely studied to identify the mechanisms responsible for the origin and maintenance of phenotypic variability in nature. Two of the mechanisms of balancing selection currently thought to explain the long-term persistence of polymorphisms are the evolution of alternative phenotypic optima through correlational selection on suites of traits including color and heterosis. Both of these mechanisms can generate differences in offspring viability and fitness arising from different morph combinations. Here, we examined the effect of parental morph combination on fertilization success, embryonic viability, newborn quality, antipredator, and foraging behavior, as well as inter-annual survival by conducting controlled matings in a polymorphic lacertid Podarcis muralis, where color morphs are frequently assumed to reflect alternative phenotypic optima (e.g., alternative reproductive strategies). Juveniles were kept in outdoor tubs for a year in order to study inter-annual growth, survival, and morph inheritance. In agreement with a previous genome-wide association analysis, morph frequencies in the year-old juveniles matched the frequencies expected if orange and yellow expressions depended on recessive homozygosity at 2 separate loci. Our findings also agree with previous literature reporting higher reproductive output of heavy females and the higher overall viability of heavy newborn lizards, but we found no evidence for the existence of alternative breeding investment strategies in female morphs, or morph-combination effects on offspring viability and behavior. We conclude that inter-morph breeding remains entirely viable and genetic incompatibilities are of little significance for the maintenance of discrete color morphs in P. muralis from the Pyrenees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Abalos
- Ethology Lab, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillem Pérez i de Lanuza
- Ethology Lab, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alicia Bartolomé
- Ethology Lab, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fabien Aubret
- SETE, Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UPR2001, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Tobias Uller
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Enrique Font
- Ethology Lab, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Carvalho ALG, Jeckel AM, Nisa C, Luna MC, Piantoni C. A novel epidermal gland type in lizards (α-gland): structural organization, histochemistry, protein profile and phylogenetic origins. Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Chemical signalling is an essential component of the communication system of lizards, and epidermal glands are responsible for producing semiochemicals that regulate many behavioural interactions. Two types of epidermal glands have been previously described for lizards: follicular and generation glands. Generation glands are characterized by the aggregation of novel glandular cell types in the epithelium and the lack of a lumen or external pore. Despite the fact that several subtypes of generation glands have been recognized over the years, the morphology, taxonomic distribution, function and evolutionary origins of generation glands remain nearly unexplored in Neotropical clades. Here, we describe a novel escutcheon-type generation gland (‘α-gland’) for lizards of the South American family Tropiduridae, characterize its structural and ultrastructural organization, and study the homology of the constituent parts in a phylogenetic framework. The α-glands emerged in the ancestor of Eurolophosaurus, Plica, Strobilurus, Tropidurus and Uracentron, and are found in at least 39 species with diverse ecological habits. We preliminarily analysed the protein profile of α-glands and discovered differential expression of protein components between sexes. Our investigations change the general view about epidermal gland homology, leading us to argue that generation and follicular glands are possibly more closely related functionally and evolutionarily than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L G Carvalho
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, Travessa, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana M Jeckel
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, Travessa, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina Nisa
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, Travessa, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - María Celeste Luna
- División Herpetología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘Bernardino Rivadavia’. Av. Ángel Gallardo, Buenos Aires, DJR, Argentina
| | - Carla Piantoni
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, Travessa, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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11
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Testing the Functionality of Lipids from Feces in the Conspecific Recognition of the Weeping Lizard, Liolaemus chiliensis. J HERPETOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1670/19-074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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12
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Coladonato AJ, Mangiacotti M, Scali S, Zuffi MAL, Pasquariello C, Matellini C, Buratti S, Battaiola M, Sacchi R. Morph-specific seasonal variation of aggressive behaviour in a polymorphic lizard species. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10268. [PMID: 33240621 PMCID: PMC7682419 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The persistence of colour polymorphism (CP) within a given population is generally associated with the coexistence of alternative reproductive strategies, each one involving specific trade-offs among behavioural, morphological, physiological, and other life histories. Common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), is a medium-sized diurnal lizard, showing CP in three main colours (yellow, white, and red) on throat and belly, and a morph-specific pattern for both immunocompetence and seasonal variation of T levels. Yellow males show low stamina with high plasma T levels at the beginning of the season, while white males show high stamina with a higher plasma T levels at the end of the season. We hypothesised the presence of two strategies: a risky one, characterised by high aggressiveness played by yellow-morph, and a conservative one by white morph with low aggressiveness. Thus, we tested the aggressive response to conspecifics of yellow and white morphs using a mirror inserted into their cage, mimicking an intrusion of a stranger in their territories, throughout the breeding season (from April to July, 117 trials). We considered three types of aggressive response, with different levels of aggressiveness: (i) bite against the image reflected in the mirror, (ii) seconds spent by the individuals into the half mirrored cage, and (iii) number of times the lizard entered the half mirrored cage. We also considered the number of tongue flicking as explorative behaviour variable. All lizards were tested after a period of acclimatisation to the captivity conditions. Results demonstrate that yellow males showed a higher aggressive response in the early season and a decrease aggressive response towards the end, whereas white males showed an opposite pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Mangiacotti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Cristian Matellini
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Buratti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mara Battaiola
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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13
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Brock KM, Baeckens S, Donihue CM, Martín J, Pafilis P, Edwards DL. Trait differences among discrete morphs of a color polymorphic lizard, Podarcis erhardii. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10284. [PMID: 33194436 PMCID: PMC7649010 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Color polymorphism defies evolutionary expectations as striking phenotypic variation is maintained within a single species. Color and other traits mediate social interactions, and stable polymorphism within a population is hypothesized to be related to correlational selection of other phenotypic traits among color morphs. Here, we report on a previously unknown throat color polymorphism in the Aegean Wall Lizard (Podarcis erhardii) and examine morph-correlated differences in traits important to social behavior and communication: maximum bite force capacity and chemical signal profile. We find that both sexes of P. erhardii have three color morphs: orange, yellow, and white. Moreover, orange males are significantly larger and tend to bite harder than yellow and white males. Although the established color polymorphism only partially matches the observed intraspecific variation in chemical signal signatures, the chemical profile of the secretions of orange males is significantly divergent from that of white males. Our findings suggest that morph colors are related to differences in traits that are crucial for social interactions and competitive ability, illustrating the need to look beyond color when studying polymorphism evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey M Brock
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States of America.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States of America
| | - Simon Baeckens
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Colin M Donihue
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - José Martín
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Panayiotis Pafilis
- Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, Greece.,Zoological Museum, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Danielle L Edwards
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States of America
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Abalos J, Pérez i de Lanuza G, Bartolomé A, Liehrmann O, Laakkonen H, Aubret F, Uller T, Carazo P, Font E. No evidence for differential sociosexual behavior and space use in the color morphs of the European common wall lizard ( Podarcis muralis). Ecol Evol 2020; 10:10986-11005. [PMID: 33144943 PMCID: PMC7593164 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Explaining the evolutionary origin and maintenance of color polymorphisms is a major challenge in evolutionary biology. Such polymorphisms are commonly thought to reflect the existence of alternative behavioral or life-history strategies under negative frequency-dependent selection. The European common wall lizard Podarcis muralis exhibits a striking ventral color polymorphism that has been intensely studied and is often assumed to reflect alternative reproductive strategies, similar to the iconic "rock-paper-scissors" system described in the North American lizard Uta stansburiana. However, available studies so far have ignored central aspects in the behavioral ecology of this species that are crucial to assess the existence of alternative reproductive strategies. Here, we try to fill this gap by studying the social behavior, space use, and reproductive performance of lizards showing different color morphs, both in a free-ranging population from the eastern Pyrenees and in ten experimental mesocosm enclosures. In the natural population, we found no differences between morphs in site fidelity, space use, or male-female spatial overlap. Likewise, color morph was irrelevant to sociosexual behavior, space use, and reproductive success within experimental enclosures. Our results contradict the commonly held hypothesis that P. muralis morphs reflect alternative behavioral strategies, and suggest that we should instead turn our attention to alternative functional explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Abalos
- Ethology LabInstituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología EvolutivaUniversitat de ValènciaValènciaSpain
| | - Guillem Pérez i de Lanuza
- Ethology LabInstituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología EvolutivaUniversitat de ValènciaValènciaSpain
- CIBIO/InBIOCentro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Alicia Bartolomé
- Ethology LabInstituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología EvolutivaUniversitat de ValènciaValènciaSpain
| | | | | | - Fabien Aubret
- SETEStation d’Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleUMR5321Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueParisFrance
| | | | - Pau Carazo
- Ethology LabInstituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología EvolutivaUniversitat de ValènciaValènciaSpain
| | - Enrique Font
- Ethology LabInstituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología EvolutivaUniversitat de ValènciaValènciaSpain
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Proteins from femoral gland secretions of male rock lizards Iberolacerta cyreni allow self—but not individual—recognition of unfamiliar males. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02847-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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16
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Bruinjé AC, Coelho FEA, Maggi BS, Costa GC. Chemical signalling behaviour in intrasexual communication of lizards lacking femoral pores. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andre C. Bruinjé
- Departamento de Fisiologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Felipe E. A. Coelho
- Post-Graduate Program in Ecology, Bioscience Institute Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal Brazil
| | - Bruno S. Maggi
- Post-Graduate Program in Ecology, Bioscience Institute Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal Brazil
| | - Gabriel C. Costa
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery AL USA
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17
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Zoological terms in the human histological nomenclature Terminologia Histologica. What we think, what we know, and what we think we know. Biologia (Bratisl) 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-019-00356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Mangiacotti M, Pezzi S, Fumagalli M, Coladonato AJ, d'Ettorre P, Leroy C, Bonnet X, Zuffi MAL, Scali S, Sacchi R. Seasonal Variations in Femoral Gland Secretions Reveals some Unexpected Correlations Between Protein and Lipid Components in a Lacertid Lizard. J Chem Ecol 2019; 45:673-683. [PMID: 31407198 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-019-01092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Animals modulate intraspecific signal shape and intensity, notably during reproductive periods. Signal variability typically follows a seasonal scheme, traceable through the expression of visual, acoustic, chemical and behavioral patterns. The chemical channel is particularly important in lizards, as demonstrated by well-developed epidermal glands in the cloacal region that secrete lipids and proteins recognized by conspecifics. In males, the seasonal pattern of gland activity is underpinned by variation of circulating androgens. Changes in the composition of lipid secretions convey information about the signaler's quality (e.g., size, immunity). Presumably, individual identity is associated with a protein signature present in the femoral secretions, but this has been poorly investigated. For the first time, we assessed the seasonal variability of the protein signal in relation to plasma testosterone level (T), glandular activity and the concentration of provitamin D3 in the lipid fraction. We sampled 174 male common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) over the entire activity season. An elevation of T was observed one to two months before the secretion peak of lipids during the mating season; such expected delay between hormonal fluctuation and maximal physiological response fits well with the assumption that provitamin D3 indicates individual quality. One-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of proteins showed that gel bands were preserved over the season with an invariant region; a result in agreement with the hypothesis that proteins are stable identity signals. However, the relative intensity of bands varied markedly, synchronously with that of lipid secretion pattern. These variations of protein secretion suggest additional roles of proteins, an issue that requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mangiacotti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano, Corso Venezia 55, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Pezzi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Fumagalli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "L. Spallanzani", Unit of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alan Jioele Coladonato
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia d'Ettorre
- LEEC Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Chloé Leroy
- LEEC Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS UMR 7372 - Université de La Rochelle, 405 Route de La Canauderie, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Marco A L Zuffi
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Pisa, Via Roma 79, I-56011, Calci, PI, Italy
| | - Stefano Scali
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano, Corso Venezia 55, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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