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Zheng Y, Cong X, Liu H, Storey KB, Chen M. Neuronal cell populations in circumoral nerve ring of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus: Ultrastructure and transcriptional profile. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 52:101263. [PMID: 38850626 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The echinoderm nervous system has been studied as a model for understanding the evolution of the chordate nervous system. Neuronal cells are essential groups that release a 'cocktail' of messenger molecules providing a spectrum of biological actions in the nervous system. Among echinoderms, most evidence on neuronal cell types has been obtained from starfish and sea urchin. In sea cucumbers, most research has focused on the location of neuronal cells, whereas their transcriptional features have rarely been investigated. Here, we observed the ultrastructure of neuronal cells in the sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus. The transcriptional profile of neuronal cells from the circumoral nerve ring (CNR) was investigated using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and a total of six neuronal cell types were identified. 26 neuropeptide precursor genes (NPPs) and 28 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) were expressed in the six neuronal cell types, comprising five NPP/NP-GPCR pairs. Unsupervised pseudotime analysis of neuronal cells showed their different differentiation status. We also located the neuronal cells in the CNR by immunofluorescence (IF) and identified the potential hub genes of key cell populations. This broad resource serves as a valuable support in the development of cell-specific markers for accurate cell-type identification in sea cucumbers. It also contributes to facilitating comparison across species, providing a deeper understanding of the evolutionary processes of neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China. https://twitter.com/Yingqiu_Zheng
| | - Xiao Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Huachen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
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2
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Satake H, Sasakura Y. The neuroendocrine system of Ciona intestinalis Type A, a deuterostome invertebrate and the closest relative of vertebrates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 582:112122. [PMID: 38109989 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Deuterostome invertebrates, including echinoderms, hemichordates, cephalochordates, and urochordates, exhibit common and species-specific morphological, developmental, physiological, and behavioral characteristics that are regulated by neuroendocrine and nervous systems. Over the past 15 years, omics, genetic, and/or physiological studies on deuterostome invertebrates have identified low-molecular-weight transmitters, neuropeptides and their cognate receptors, and have clarified their various biological functions. In particular, there has been increasing interest on the neuroendocrine and nervous systems of Ciona intestinalis Type A, which belongs to the subphylum Urochordata and occupies the critical phylogenetic position as the closest relative of vertebrates. During the developmental stage, gamma-aminobutylic acid, D-serine, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones regulate metamorphosis of Ciona. In adults, the neuropeptidergic mechanisms underlying ovarian follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and ovulation have been elucidated. This review article provides the most recent and fundamental knowledge of the neuroendocrine and nervous systems of Ciona, and their evolutionary aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
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3
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Wang Y, Liu X, Zheng Y, Yang Y, Chen M. Endocrine regulation of reproductive biology in echinoderms: An evolutionary perspective from closest marine invertebrate relatives to chordates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 580:112105. [PMID: 37952726 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Echinoderms are a phylum of invertebrate deuterostomes, which contain echinoids, asteroids, holothuroids, crinoids, and ophiuroids. Echinoderms have special evolutionary position and unique characteristics, including pentamerous radial body structure, elaborate calcareous endoskeletons, and versatile water vascular system. Echinoderms exhibit extraordinarily diverse reproductive modes: asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction, sexual reversal, etc. Endocrine regulation plays important well-known roles in sex differentiation, gonadal development and maturation, gametogenesis, and reproductive behavior in vertebrates. However, the entire picture of reproductive endocrinology in echinoderms as an evolutionary model of the closest marine invertebrate relatives to chordates has not been revealed. Here, we reviewed previous and recent research progress on reproductive endocrinology in echinoderms, mainly including two sections: Sex steroids in echinoderms and neuropeptide regulation in echinoderm reproduction. This review introduces a variety of endocrine regulatory mechanisms in reproductive biology of echinoderms. It discusses the vertebrate-like sex steroids, putative steroidogenic pathway and metabolism, and reproduction-related neuropeptides. The review will provide a deeper understanding about endocrine regulatory mechanisms of gonadal development in lower deuterostomes and the application of endocrine control in economic echinoderm species in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinghai Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yujia Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
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Liu H, Chen M. Morphology and Chemical Messenger Regulation of Echinoderm Muscles. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1349. [PMID: 37887059 PMCID: PMC10603993 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The muscular systems of echinoderms play important roles in various physiological and behavioral processes, including feeding, reproduction, movement, respiration, and excretion. Like vertebrates, echinoderm muscle systems can be subdivided into two major divisions, somatic and visceral musculature. The former usually has a myoepithelial organization, while the latter contains muscle bundles formed by the aggregation of myocytes. Neurons and their processes are also detected between these myoepithelial cells and myocytes, which are capable of releasing a variety of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides to regulate muscle activity. Although many studies have reported the pharmacological effects of these chemical messengers on various muscles of echinoderms, there has been limited research on their receptors and their signaling pathways. The muscle physiology of echinoderms is similar to that of chordates, both of which have the deuterostome mode of development. Studies of muscle regulation in echinoderms can provide new insights into the evolution of myoregulatory systems in deuterostomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China;
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5
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Cong X, Liu H, Zheng Y, Chen M. A Putative Role of Vasopressin/Oxytocin-Type Neuropeptide in Osmoregulation and Feeding Inhibition of Apostichopus japonicus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14358. [PMID: 37762661 PMCID: PMC10532012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasopressin/oxytocin (VP/OT)-type neuropeptide is an ancient neurophysin-associated neuropeptide and has been intensively studied to be involved in multiple physiological processes in protostomian and deuterostome vertebrates. However, little is known about the functions of VP/OT-type neuropeptide in deuterostome invertebrates especially in echinoderms. Here, we firstly report VP/OT-type neuropeptide signaling in an important economic species, Apostichopus japonicus, which is widely cultured in Asia, with high nutritional and medicinal values. Molecular characterization analysis of holotocin and its precursor revealed the highly conserved features of VP/OT family. The candidate receptor for holotocin (AjHOR) was confirmed to be able to activate the signaling via cAMP-PKA and possible Ca2+-PKC pathway, and further activated the downstream ERK1/2 cascade. Holotocin precursor expression profile showed that they were mainly concentrated in circumoral nerve ring. Furthermore, in vitro pharmacological experiments demonstrated that holotocin caused contractile responses in preparations from A. japonicus. And in vivo functional studies indicated that short-term injection of holotocin resulted in body bloat and long-term injection resulted in reduced body mass, suggesting potential roles of holotocin in osmoregulation and feeding co-inhibition with holotocin-CCK. Our findings provided a comprehensive description of AjHOR-holotocin signaling, revealed ancient roles of holotocin in osmoregulation and feeding inhibition by controlling muscle contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.C.); (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
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Phetsanthad A, Vu NQ, Yu Q, Buchberger AR, Chen Z, Keller C, Li L. Recent advances in mass spectrometry analysis of neuropeptides. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2023; 42:706-750. [PMID: 34558119 PMCID: PMC9067165 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to their involvement in numerous biochemical pathways, neuropeptides have been the focus of many recent research studies. Unfortunately, classic analytical methods, such as western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, are extremely limited in terms of global investigations, leading researchers to search for more advanced techniques capable of probing the entire neuropeptidome of an organism. With recent technological advances, mass spectrometry (MS) has provided methodology to gain global knowledge of a neuropeptidome on a spatial, temporal, and quantitative level. This review will cover key considerations for the analysis of neuropeptides by MS, including sample preparation strategies, instrumental advances for identification, structural characterization, and imaging; insightful functional studies; and newly developed absolute and relative quantitation strategies. While many discoveries have been made with MS, the methodology is still in its infancy. Many of the current challenges and areas that need development will also be highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Phetsanthad
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nhu Q. Vu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Qing Yu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Amanda R. Buchberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Zhengwei Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Caitlin Keller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Guo X, Zhang L, Xiao K. Effect of Kisspeptin-Type Neuropeptide on Locomotor Behavior and Muscle Physiology in the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040705. [PMID: 36830492 PMCID: PMC9951865 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins are neuropeptides encoded by the kiss1 gene, and little is known about them outside the vertebrate lineage. Two kisspeptin-type neuropeptides (KPs) have been discovered in Apostichopus japonicus (AjK1 and AjK2), an edible sea cucumber, and have been linked to reproductive and metabolic regulation. In this study, we evaluated how KPs affected locomotor behavior in one control group and two treatment groups (AjK1 and AjK2). We discovered that AjK1 had a significant dose effect, primarily by shortening the stride length and duration of movement to reduce the sea cucumber movement distance, whereas AjK2 had little inhibitory effect at the same dose. The levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), uridine, glycine, and L-serine in the longitudinal muscle of A. japonicus treated with AjK1 differed significantly from those of the control, which may explain the observed changes in locomotor behavior. Treatment with AjK2 induced changes in aspartate levels. Our results imply that AjK1 is more likely than AjK2 to have a role in the regulation of A. japonicus locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Kang Xiao
- Beijing Yanshan Earth Critical Zone National Research Station, College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
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Aleotti A, Wilkie IC, Yañez-Guerra LA, Gattoni G, Rahman TA, Wademan RF, Ahmad Z, Ivanova DA, Semmens DC, Delroisse J, Cai W, Odekunle E, Egertová M, Ferrario C, Sugni M, Bonasoro F, Elphick MR. Discovery and functional characterization of neuropeptides in crinoid echinoderms. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1006594. [PMID: 36583101 PMCID: PMC9793003 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1006594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are one of the largest and most diverse families of signaling molecules in animals and, accordingly, they regulate many physiological processes and behaviors. Genome and transcriptome sequencing has enabled the identification of genes encoding neuropeptide precursor proteins in species from a growing variety of taxa, including bilaterian and non-bilaterian animals. Of particular interest are deuterostome invertebrates such as the phylum Echinodermata, which occupies a phylogenetic position that has facilitated reconstruction of the evolution of neuropeptide signaling systems in Bilateria. However, our knowledge of neuropeptide signaling in echinoderms is largely based on bioinformatic and experimental analysis of eleutherozoans-Asterozoa (starfish and brittle stars) and Echinozoa (sea urchins and sea cucumbers). Little is known about neuropeptide signaling in crinoids (feather stars and sea lilies), which are a sister clade to the Eleutherozoa. Therefore, we have analyzed transcriptome/genome sequence data from three feather star species, Anneissia japonica, Antedon mediterranea, and Florometra serratissima, to produce the first comprehensive identification of neuropeptide precursors in crinoids. These include representatives of bilaterian neuropeptide precursor families and several predicted crinoid neuropeptide precursors. Using A. mediterranea as an experimental model, we have investigated the expression of selected neuropeptides in larvae (doliolaria), post-metamorphic pentacrinoids and adults, providing new insights into the cellular architecture of crinoid nervous systems. Thus, using mRNA in situ hybridization F-type SALMFamide precursor transcripts were revealed in a previously undescribed population of peptidergic cells located dorso-laterally in doliolaria. Furthermore, using immunohistochemistry a calcitonin-type neuropeptide was revealed in the aboral nerve center, circumoral nerve ring and oral tube feet in pentacrinoids and in the ectoneural and entoneural compartments of the nervous system in adults. Moreover, functional analysis of a vasopressin/oxytocin-type neuropeptide (crinotocin), which is expressed in the brachial nerve of the arms in A. mediterranea, revealed that this peptide causes a dose-dependent change in the mechanical behavior of arm preparations in vitro-the first reported biological action of a neuropeptide in a crinoid. In conclusion, our findings provide new perspectives on neuropeptide signaling in echinoderms and the foundations for further exploration of neuropeptide expression/function in crinoids as a sister clade to eleutherozoan echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Aleotti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iain C. Wilkie
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luis A. Yañez-Guerra
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giacomo Gattoni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tahshin A. Rahman
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard F. Wademan
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zakaryya Ahmad
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deyana A. Ivanova
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dean C. Semmens
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jérôme Delroisse
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Weigang Cai
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Odekunle
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Ferrario
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonasoro
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurice R. Elphick
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Maurice R. Elphick,
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Zheng Y, Cong X, Liu H, Wang Y, Storey KB, Chen M. Nervous System Development and Neuropeptides Characterization in Embryo and Larva: Insights from a Non-Chordate Deuterostome, the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101538. [PMID: 36290441 PMCID: PMC9598280 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Here, we described the complex nervous system at five early developmental stages (blastula, gastrula, auricularia, doliolaria and pentactula) of a holothurian species with highly economic value, Apostichopus japonicus. The results revealed that the nervous system of embryos and larvae is mainly distributed in the anterior apical region, ciliary bands or rings, and the feeding and attachment organs, and that serotonergic immunoreactivity was not observed until the embryo developed into the late gastrula; these are evolutionarily conserved features of echinoderm, hemichordate and protostome larvae. Furthermore, based on available transcriptome data, we reported the neuropeptide precursors profile at different embryonic and larval developmental stages. This analysis showed that 40 neuropeptide precursors present in adult sea cucumbers were also identified at different developmental stages of embryos and larvae, and only four neuropeptide precursors (SWYG precursor 2, GYWKDLDNYVKAHKT precursor, Neuropeptide precursor 14-like precursor, GLRFAmprecursor-like precursor) predicted in adults were absent in embryos and larvae. Combining the quantitative expression of ten specific neuropeptide precursor genes (NPs) by qRT-PCR, we revealed the potential important roles of neuropeptides in embryo development, feeding and attachment in A. japonicus larvae. In conclusion, this work provides novel perspectives on the diverse physiological functions of neuropeptides and contributes to understanding the evolution of neuropeptidergic systems in echinoderm embryos and larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiao Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Huachen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kenneth B. Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence:
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Li C, Zheng Y, Cong X, Liu H, Storey KB, Chen M. Molecular and functional characterization of the luqin-type neuropeptide signaling system in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Peptides 2022; 155:170839. [PMID: 35839946 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The functional characteristics of neuropeptides in marine invertebrates have attracted significant attention recently although functional studies of luqin-type neuropeptides are still very limited, especially in deuterostomes. The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, is a representative species of deuterostomian Holothurian invertebrates. The species has high nutritional and medicinal value in China. In this study, we report the first comprehensive histological, biochemical and pharmacological characterization of luqin-type neuropeptide signaling in the sea cucumber A. japonicus. The A. japonicus luqin-like neuropeptide precursor (AjLQP) contains a single typical deuterostomian luqin-like neuropeptide AjLQ with an xFxRWamide motif. AjLQ was identified as the ligand for a luqin-type neuropeptide receptor AjLQR, that was previously predicted to be a tachykinin-type receptor, and triggers a rapid intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, followed by receptor internalization and a transient increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR analysis revealed extensive expression of AjLQP and AjLQ in A. japonicus tissues, especially in locomotion-related organs. In vitro pharmacological tests revealed that AjLQ caused 12.69% ± 1.99% (p < 0.01) relaxation of longitudinal muscle preparations at 10-7 M concentration. Furthermore, we observed significantly increased expression of AjLQP (about 17.63 fold, p < 0.01) in intestine of deeply aestivating sea cucumbers, which suggests that AjLQ might be involved in feeding inhibition during aestivation. The present study provides a first insight into the experimental characterization of luqin-type neuropeptide signaling in a sea cucumber. The results will broaden our understanding of the potential function of neuropeptides during important biological processes in marine invertebrates and provide theoretical support for optimizing sea cucumber aquaculture technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyi Li
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xiao Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Huachen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China.
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11
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Escudero Castelán N, Semmens DC, Guerra LAY, Zandawala M, Dos Reis M, Slade SE, Scrivens JH, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Mirabeau O, Elphick MR. Receptor deorphanization in an echinoderm reveals kisspeptin evolution and relationship with SALMFamide neuropeptides. BMC Biol 2022; 20:187. [PMID: 36002813 PMCID: PMC9400282 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptins are neuropeptides that regulate reproductive maturation in mammals via G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion from the hypothalamus. Phylogenetic analysis of kisspeptin-type receptors indicates that this neuropeptide signaling system originated in a common ancestor of the Bilateria, but little is known about kisspeptin signaling in invertebrates. RESULTS Contrasting with the occurrence of a single kisspeptin receptor in mammalian species, here, we report the discovery of an expanded family of eleven kisspeptin-type receptors in a deuterostome invertebrate - the starfish Asterias rubens (phylum Echinodermata). Furthermore, neuropeptides derived from four precursor proteins were identified as ligands for six of these receptors. One or more kisspeptin-like neuropeptides derived from two precursor proteins (ArKPP1, ArKPP2) act as ligands for four A. rubens kisspeptin-type receptors (ArKPR1,3,8,9). Furthermore, a family of neuropeptides that act as muscle relaxants in echinoderms (SALMFamides) are ligands for two A. rubens kisspeptin-type receptors (ArKPR6,7). The SALMFamide neuropeptide S1 (or ArS1.4) and a 'cocktail' of the seven neuropeptides derived from the S1 precursor protein (ArS1.1-ArS1.7) act as ligands for ArKPR7. The SALMFamide neuropeptide S2 (or ArS2.3) and a 'cocktail' of the eight neuropeptides derived from the S2 precursor protein (ArS2.1-ArS2.8) act as ligands for ArKPR6. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal a remarkable diversity of neuropeptides that act as ligands for kisspeptin-type receptors in starfish and provide important new insights into the evolution of kisspeptin signaling. Furthermore, the discovery of the hitherto unknown relationship of kisspeptins with SALMFamides, neuropeptides that were discovered in starfish prior to the identification of kisspeptins in mammals, presents a radical change in perspective for research on kisspeptin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayeli Escudero Castelán
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Dean C Semmens
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Present address: Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Luis Alfonso Yañez Guerra
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Present Address: Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Present Address: Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Dos Reis
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Susan E Slade
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Present address: Waters Corporation, Stamford Avenue, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4AX, UK
| | - James H Scrivens
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Present address: School of Science, Engineering & Design, Stephenson Street, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, TS1 3BA, Tees Valley, UK
| | | | - Alexandra M Jones
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Olivier Mirabeau
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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12
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Ding K, Zhang L, Fan X, Zhuo P, Feng Q, Zhang S, Guo X, Liu X. Influence of an L-type SALMFamide neuropeptide on locomotory performance and muscle physiology in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:272337. [PMID: 34477872 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides in the SALMFamide family serve as muscle relaxants in echinoderms and may affect locomotion, as the motor behavior in sea cucumbers involves alternating contraction and extension of the body wall, which is under the control of longitudinal muscle. We evaluated the effect of an L-type SALMFamide neuropeptide (LSA) on locomotory performance of Apostichopus japonicus. We also investigated the metabolites of longitudinal muscle tissue using ultra performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) to assess the potential physiological mechanisms underlying the effect of LSA. The hourly distance, cumulative duration and number of steps moved significantly increased in sea cucumbers in the fourth hour after injection with LSA. Also, the treatment enhanced the mean and maximum velocity by 9.8% and 17.8%, respectively, and increased the average stride by 12.4%. Levels of 27 metabolites in longitudinal muscle changed after LSA administration, and the increased concentration of pantothenic acid, arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and the altered phosphatidylethanolamine/phosphatidylcholine ratio are potential physiological mechanisms that could explain the observed effect of LSA on locomotor behavior in A. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China.,Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, 266071 Qingdao, China
| | - Xinhao Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China
| | - Pengji Zhuo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Qiming Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Shuangyan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Xueying Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China
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13
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Tinoco AB, Barreiro-Iglesias A, Yañez Guerra LA, Delroisse J, Zhang Y, Gunner EF, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Egertová M, Elphick MR. Ancient role of sulfakinin/cholecystokinin-type signalling in inhibitory regulation of feeding processes revealed in an echinoderm. eLife 2021; 10:e65667. [PMID: 34488941 PMCID: PMC8428848 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfakinin (SK)/cholecystokinin (CCK)-type neuropeptides regulate feeding and digestion in protostomes (e.g. insects) and chordates. Here, we characterised SK/CCK-type signalling for the first time in a non-chordate deuterostome - the starfish Asterias rubens (phylum Echinodermata). In this species, two neuropeptides (ArSK/CCK1, ArSK/CCK2) derived from the precursor protein ArSK/CCKP act as ligands for an SK/CCK-type receptor (ArSK/CCKR) and these peptides/proteins are expressed in the nervous system, digestive system, tube feet, and body wall. Furthermore, ArSK/CCK1 and ArSK/CCK2 cause dose-dependent contraction of cardiac stomach, tube foot, and apical muscle preparations in vitro, and injection of these neuropeptides in vivo triggers cardiac stomach retraction and inhibition of the onset of feeding in A. rubens. Thus, an evolutionarily ancient role of SK/CCK-type neuropeptides as inhibitory regulators of feeding-related processes in the Bilateria has been conserved in the unusual and unique context of the extra-oral feeding behaviour and pentaradial body plan of an echinoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B Tinoco
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Antón Barreiro-Iglesias
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Jérôme Delroisse
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ya Zhang
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth F Gunner
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Cleidiane G Zampronio
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics, Research Technology Platform, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Alexandra M Jones
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics, Research Technology Platform, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Michaela Egertová
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
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14
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Activation of murine RAW264.7 macrophages by oligopeptides from sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) and its molecular mechanisms. J Funct Foods 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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15
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Huang D, Zhang B, Han T, Liu G, Chen X, Zhao Z, Feng J, Yang J, Wang T. Genome-wide prediction and comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the G protein-coupled receptors involved in gonadal development of Apostichopus japonicus. Genomics 2020; 113:967-978. [PMID: 33144216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is dioecious, with seasonal reproduction. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signaling systems might play critical roles in the reproductive control of A. japonicus. Here, we classified GPCR from the genome in silico and used transcriptomic analyses to further mine those that function in gonadal-development control. Totally, 487 GPCRs were predicted from A. japonicus, and 183 of these were further annotated to molecular pathways. Transcriptome analysis revealed 327 GPCRs expressed in gonads, and these were classified into four families and 19 subfamilies. Three pathways were apparently associated with reproduction, including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways. Seven and eight ovary- and testis-specific GPCRs were filtered, and the gene expression profiles were determined in multiple tissues and gonads at different developmental stages by qPCR. These results provide new insights into the discovery of GPCR-mediated signaling control in sea cucumber reproduction, especially in gonadal development control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexiang Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, 316022, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangbin Liu
- Marine Biology Institute of Shandong Province, 266104 Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihao Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqian Feng
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China; National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tianming Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Marine Germplasm Resources Exploration and Utilization, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China; National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Ding K, Zhang L, Fan X, Guo X, Liu X, Yang H. The Effect of Pedal Peptide-Type Neuropeptide on Locomotor Behavior and Muscle Physiology in the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Front Physiol 2020; 11:559348. [PMID: 33192555 PMCID: PMC7642236 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.559348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are endogenous active substances that are present in nervous tissues and participate in behavioral and physiological processes of the animal system. Locomotor behavior is basic to predation, escape, reproduction in animals, and neuropeptides play an important role in locomotion. In this study, the function of pedal peptide-type neuropeptide (PDP) in the process of locomotor behavior of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus was evaluated. The locomotor behavior of A. japonicus was recorded by infrared camera before and after PDP administration, and muscle physiology was studied by ultra performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-off-light mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) to clarify the potential physiological mechanisms. The results showed that PDP enhanced the cumulative duration of moving significantly at the 7th h after injection, and reduced the mean and maximum velocity by 16.90 and 14.22% in A. japonicus. The data of muscle metabolomics suggested that some significantly changed metabolites were related to locomotor behavior of sea cucumbers. The decreases of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) might result in the increases of lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPC) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lysoPE), and suggested the change of fluidity and permeability in the muscle cell membrane, which would affect the physiology and function of muscle cells, and finally alter the locomotor behavior. In addition, the increased level of arachidonic acid (ARA) might activate K+ ion channels and then affect the signaling of muscle cells, or promote the sensitivity of muscle cells to Ca2+ and then result in the contractility of longitudinal muscles in sea cucumbers. ARA was also involved in the linoleic acid metabolism which was the only pathway that disturbed significantly after PDP administration. In conclusion, PDP participated in the regulation of locomotor behavior in the sea cucumber, and the decreased PE and PC, increased lysoPC, lysoPE and ARA might be the potential physiological mechanisms that responsible for behavioral effects of PDP in A. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinhao Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xueying Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
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17
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Zhang Y, Yañez Guerra LA, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Elphick MR. Molecular and functional characterization of somatostatin-type signalling in a deuterostome invertebrate. Open Biol 2020; 10:200172. [PMID: 32898470 PMCID: PMC7536072 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatostatin (SS) and allatostatin-C (ASTC) are structurally and evolutionarily related neuropeptides that act as inhibitory regulators of physiological processes in mammals and insects, respectively. Here, we report the first molecular and functional characterization of SS/ASTC-type signalling in a deuterostome invertebrate—the starfish Asterias rubens (phylum Echinodermata). Two SS/ASTC-type precursors were identified in A. rubens (ArSSP1 and ArSSP2) and the structures of neuropeptides derived from these proteins (ArSS1 and ArSS2) were analysed using mass spectrometry. Pharmacological characterization of three cloned A. rubens SS/ASTC-type receptors (ArSSR1–3) revealed that ArSS2, but not ArSS1, acts as a ligand for all three receptors. Analysis of ArSS2 expression in A. rubens using mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed stained cells/fibres in the central nervous system, the digestive system (e.g. cardiac stomach) and the body wall and its appendages (e.g. tube feet). Furthermore, in vitro pharmacological tests revealed that ArSS2 causes dose-dependent relaxation of tube foot and cardiac stomach preparations, while injection of ArSS2 in vivo causes partial eversion of the cardiac stomach. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular evolution of SS/ASTC-type signalling in the animal kingdom and reveal an ancient role of SS-type neuropeptides as inhibitory regulators of muscle contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhang
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | | | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Cleidiane G Zampronio
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Alexandra M Jones
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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18
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Wang T, Cao Z, Shen Z, Yang J, Chen X, Yang Z, Xu K, Xiang X, Yu Q, Song Y, Wang W, Tian Y, Sun L, Zhang L, Guo S, Zhou N. Existence and functions of a kisspeptin neuropeptide signaling system in a non-chordate deuterostome species. eLife 2020; 9:53370. [PMID: 32513385 PMCID: PMC7282810 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kisspeptin system is a central modulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in vertebrates. Its existence outside the vertebrate lineage remains largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the kisspeptin system in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The gene encoding the kisspeptin precursor generates two mature neuropeptides, AjKiss1a and AjKiss1b. The receptors for these neuropeptides, AjKissR1 and AjKissR2, are strongly activated by synthetic A. japonicus and vertebrate kisspeptins, triggering a rapid intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, followed by receptor internalization. AjKissR1 and AjKissR2 share similar intracellular signaling pathways via Gαq/PLC/PKC/MAPK cascade, when activated by C-terminal decapeptide. The A. japonicus kisspeptin system functions in multiple tissues that are closely related to seasonal reproduction and metabolism. Overall, our findings uncover for the first time the existence and function of the kisspeptin system in a non-chordate species and provide new evidence to support the ancient origin of intracellular signaling and physiological functions that are mediated by this molecular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China.,Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Zheng Cao
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhangfei Shen
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China.,Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Xu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Ke Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Xiaowei Xiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Qiuhan Yu
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Yimin Song
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Tian
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Su Guo
- Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Naiming Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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19
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Odekunle EA, Elphick MR. Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology of Vasopressin/ Oxytocin-Type Neuropeptide Signaling in Invertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:225. [PMID: 32362874 PMCID: PMC7181382 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of structurally related hypothalamic hormones that regulate blood pressure and diuresis (vasopressin, VP; CYFQNCPRG-NH2) or lactation and uterine contraction (oxytocin, OT; CYIQNCPLG-NH2) was a major advance in neuroendocrinology, recognized in the award of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1955. Furthermore, the discovery of central actions of VP and OT as regulators of reproductive and social behavior in humans and other mammals has broadened interest in these neuropeptides beyond physiology into psychology. VP/OT-type neuropeptides and their G-protein coupled receptors originated in a common ancestor of the Bilateria (Urbilateria), with invertebrates typically having a single VP/OT-type neuropeptide and cognate receptor. Gene/genome duplications followed by gene loss gave rise to variety in the number of VP/OT-type neuropeptides and receptors in different vertebrate lineages. Recent advances in comparative transcriptomics/genomics have enabled discovery of VP/OT-type neuropeptides in an ever-growing diversity of invertebrate taxa, providing new opportunities to gain insights into the evolution of VP/OT-type neuropeptide function in the Bilateria. Here we review the comparative physiology of VP/OT-type neuropeptides in invertebrates, with roles in regulation of reproduction, feeding, and water/salt homeostasis emerging as common themes. For example, we highlight recent reports of roles in regulation of oocyte maturation in the sea-squirt Ciona intestinalis, extraoral feeding behavior in the starfish Asterias rubens and energy status and dessication resistance in ants. Thus, VP/OT-type neuropeptides are pleiotropic regulators of physiological processes, with evolutionarily conserved roles that can be traced back to Urbilateria. To gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of VP/OT-type neuropeptide function it may be necessary to not only determine the actions of the peptides but also to characterize the transcriptomic/proteomic/metabolomic profiles of cells expressing VP/OT-type precursors and/or VP/OT-type receptors within the framework of anatomically and functionally identified neuronal networks. Furthermore, investigation of VP/OT-type neuropeptide function in a wider range of invertebrate species is now needed if we are to determine how and when this ancient signaling system was recruited to regulate diverse physiological and behavioral processes in different branches of animal phylogeny and in contrasting environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurice R. Elphick
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Yañez-Guerra LA, Elphick MR. Evolution and Comparative Physiology of Luqin-Type Neuropeptide Signaling. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:130. [PMID: 32132900 PMCID: PMC7041311 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Luqin is a neuropeptide that was discovered and named on account of its expression in left upper quadrant cells of the abdominal ganglion in the mollusc Aplysia californica. Subsequently, luqin-type peptides were identified as cardio-excitatory neuropeptides in other molluscs and a cognate receptor was discovered in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed that orthologs of molluscan luqin-type neuropeptides occur in other phyla; these include neuropeptides in ecdysozoans (arthropods, nematodes) that have a C-terminal RYamide motif (RYamides) and neuropeptides in ambulacrarians (echinoderms, hemichordates) that have a C-terminal RWamide motif (RWamides). Furthermore, precursors of luqin-type neuropeptides typically have a conserved C-terminal motif containing two cysteine residues, although the functional significance of this is unknown. Consistent with the orthology of the neuropeptides and their precursors, phylogenetic and pharmacological studies have revealed that orthologous G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate effects of luqin-type neuropeptides in spiralians, ecdysozoans, and ambulacrarians. Luqin-type signaling originated in a common ancestor of the Bilateria as a paralog of tachykinin-type signaling but, unlike tachykinin-type signaling, luqin-type signaling was lost in chordates. This may largely explain why luqin-type signaling has received less attention than many other neuropeptide signaling systems. However, insights into the physiological actions of luqin-type neuropeptides (RYamides) in ecdysozoans have been reported recently, with roles in regulation of feeding and diuresis revealed in insects and roles in regulation of feeding, egg laying, locomotion, and lifespan revealed in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, characterization of a luqin-type neuropeptide in the starfish Asterias rubens (phylum Echinodermata) has provided the first insights into the physiological roles of luqin-type signaling in a deuterostome. In conclusion, although luqin was discovered in Aplysia over 30 years ago, there is still much to be learnt about luqin-type neuropeptide signaling. This will be facilitated in the post-genomic era by the emerging opportunities for experimental studies on a variety of invertebrate taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alfonso Yañez-Guerra
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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