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Zheng P, Gong Y, Wang B, Yu H, Huang S, Liao X, Jiang J, Ran J, Xie F. Love Hug-Functional Validation of Nuptial Pad-Secreted Pheromone in Anurans. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1550. [PMID: 38891597 PMCID: PMC11171324 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111550] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical communication is an important mode of communication in the courtship and breeding processes of amphibians. In caudates, multiple components of sexual pheromones have been identified and functionally verified. One of these pheromone systems is plethodontid modulating factor (PMF). In anurans, the pheromone called amplexin was found in nuptial pads of ranids and was considered a member of the PMF system, yet its bio-function has not been tested. In this study, we obtained 18 amplexin transcript sequences from nuptial pads of Nidirana pleuraden (Amphibia, Ranidae) by transcriptome sequencing and found that the proteins translated by these transcripts are diversified, hydrophilic, and relatively stable. We also acquired a N. pleuraden amplexin isoform with the highest expression level in the transcriptome analysis through the prokaryotic expression system. Using two different animal behavioral experimental settings, we have tested the bio-function of the recombinant PMF protein (rPMF) in N. pleuraden's reproduction and found that the rPMF does not attract females but shortens the duration of amplexus significantly. This is the first study to verify the function of the PMF pheromone in Anura, indicating the pervasiveness of chemical communication during breeding in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puyang Zheng
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuzhou Gong
- Shanghai Natural History Museum, Branch of Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, Shanghai 200041, China;
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haoqi Yu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Sining Huang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xun Liao
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianping Jiang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianghong Ran
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China;
| | - Feng Xie
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Kröner L, Lötters S, Hopp MT. Insights into caudate amphibian skin secretions with a focus on the chemistry and bioactivity of derived peptides. Biol Chem 2024; 0:hsz-2024-0035. [PMID: 38766708 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2024-0035] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Amphibians are well-known for their ability to produce and secrete a mixture of bioactive substances in specialized skin glands for the purpose of antibiotic self-protection and defense against predators. Some of these secretions contain various small molecules, such as the highly toxic batrachotoxin, tetrodotoxin, and samandarine. For some time, the presence of peptides in amphibian skin secretions has attracted researchers, consisting of a diverse collection of - to the current state of knowledge - three to 104 amino acid long sequences. From these more than 2000 peptides many are known to exert antimicrobial effects. In addition, there are some reports on amphibian skin peptides that can promote wound healing, regulate immunoreactions, and may serve as antiparasitic and antioxidative substances. So far, the focus has mainly been on skin peptides from frogs and toads (Anura), eclipsing the research on skin peptides of the ca. 700 salamanders and newts (Caudata). Just recently, several novel observations dealing with caudate peptides and their structure-function relationships were reported. This review focuses on the chemistry and bioactivity of caudate amphibian skin peptides and their potential as novel agents for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Kröner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Stefan Lötters
- Department of Biogeography, University of Trier, D-54286 Trier, Germany
| | - Marie-T Hopp
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
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3
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Hasunuma I. Central regulation of reproduction in amphibians. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:219-229. [PMID: 38084833 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
This review article includes a literature review of synteny analysis of the amphibian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) genes, the distribution of GnRH 1 and GnRH2 neurons in the central nervous system of amphibians, the function and regulation of hypophysiotropic GnRH1, and the function of GnRH1 in amphibian reproductive behaviors. It is generally accepted that GnRH is the key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Three independent GnRH genes, GnRH1, GnRH2, and GnRH3, have been identified in vertebrates. Previous genome synteny analyses suggest that there are likely just two genes, gnrh1 and gnrh2, in amphibians. In three groups of amphibians: Anura, Urodela, and Gymnophiona, the distributions of GnRH1 and GnRH2 neurons in the central nervous system have also been previously reported. Moreover, these neuronal networks were determined to be structurally independent in all species examined. The somata of GnRH1 neurons are located in the terminal nerve, medial septum (MS), and preoptic area (POA), and some GnRH1 neurons in the MS and POA project into the median eminence. In contrast, the somata of GnRH2 neurons are located in the midbrain tegmentum. In amphibians, GnRH1 neurons originate from the embryonic olfactory placode, while GnRH2 neurons originate from the midbrain. The characterization and feedback regulation mechanisms of hypophysiotropic GnRH1 neurons in amphibians, the involvement of GnRH1 in amphibian reproductive behavior, and its possible mechanism of action should be elucidated in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itaru Hasunuma
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
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Kikuyama S, Yamamoto K, Toyoda F, Kouki T, Okada R. Hormonal and pheromonal studies on amphibians with special reference to metamorphosis and reproductive behavior. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:321-336. [PMID: 37246964 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12868] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we review studies which have been conducted to investigate the hormonal influence on metamorphosis in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) and Japanese toad (Bufo japonicus) larvae, in addition to studies conducted on the hormonal and pheromonal control of reproductive behavior in red-bellied newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster). Metamorphosis was studied with an emphasis on the roles of prolactin (PRL) and thyrotropin (TSH). The release of PRL was shown to be regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and that of TSH was evidenced to be regulated by corticotropin-releasing factor. The significance of the fact that the neuropeptide that controls the secretion of TSH is different from those encountered in mammals is discussed in consideration of the observation that the release of TRH, which stimulates the release of PRL, is enhanced when the animals are subjected to a cold temperature. Findings that were made by using melanin-rich cells of Bufo embryos and larvae, such as the determination of the origin of the adenohypophyseal primordium, identification of the pancreatic chitinase, and involvement of the rostral preoptic recess organ as the hypothalamic inhibitory center of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) secretion, are mentioned in this article. In addition, the involvement of hormones in eliciting courtship behavior in male red-bellied newts and the discovery of the peptide sex pheromones and hormonal control of their secretion are also discussed in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakae Kikuyama
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Sciences, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Yamamoto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Sciences, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiyo Toyoda
- Physiology Department I, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Tom Kouki
- Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Reiko Okada
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
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Seike T, Niki H. Pheromone Response and Mating Behavior in Fission Yeast. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0013022. [PMID: 36468849 PMCID: PMC9769774 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00130-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most ascomycete fungi, including the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, secrete two peptidyl mating pheromones: C-terminally modified and unmodified peptides. S. pombe has two mating types, plus and minus, which secrete two different pheromones, P-factor (unmodified) and M-factor (modified), respectively. These pheromones are specifically recognized by receptors on the cell surface of cells of opposite mating types, which trigger a pheromone response. Recognition between pheromones and their corresponding receptors is important for mate discrimination; therefore, genetic changes in pheromone or receptor genes affect mate recognition and cause reproductive isolation that limits gene flow between populations. Such genetic variation in recognition via the pheromone/receptor system may drive speciation. Our recent studies reported that two pheromone receptors in S. pombe might have different stringencies in pheromone recognition. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanism of pheromone response and mating behavior, emphasizing pheromone diversification and its impact on reproductive isolation in S. pombe and closely related fission yeast species. We speculate that the "asymmetric" system might allow flexible adaptation to pheromone mutational changes while maintaining stringent recognition of mating partners. The loss of pheromone activity results in the extinction of an organism's lineage. Therefore, genetic changes in pheromones and their receptors may occur gradually and/or coincidently before speciation. Our findings suggest that the M-factor plays an important role in partner discrimination, whereas P-factor communication allows flexible adaptation to create variations in S. pombe. Our inferences provide new insights into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying pheromone diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Seike
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hironori Niki
- Microbial Physiology Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
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6
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Iwasa A, Hanaoka N, Ohwada K, Iwamuro S, Toyoda F, Kikuyama S, Hasunuma I. Cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the adult telencephalon of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Dev Growth Differ 2022; 64:474-485. [PMID: 36398337 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12826] [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: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Urodele amphibians have the ability to regenerate several organs, including the brain. For this reason, the research on neurogenesis in these species after ablation of some parts of the brain has markedly progressed. However, detailed information on the characteristics and fate of proliferated cells as well as the function of newly generated neurons under normal conditions is still limited. In this study, we focused on investigating the proliferative and neurogenic zones as well as the fate of proliferated cells in the adult brain of the Japanese red-bellied newt to clarify the significance of neurogenesis in adulthood. We found that the proximal region of the lateral ventricles in the telencephalon and the preoptic area in the diencephalon were the main sites for continuous cell proliferation in the adult brain. Furthermore, we characterized proliferative cells and analyzed neurogenesis through a combination of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) labeling and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against the stem cell marker Sox2 and neuronal marker NeuN. Twenty-four hours after EdU injection, most of the EdU-positive cells were Sox2-immunopositive, whereas, EdU-positive signals and NeuN-immunoreactivities were not colocalized. Two months after EdU injection, the colocalization ratio of EdU-positive signals with Sox2-immunoreactivities decreased to approximately 10%, whereas the ratio of colocalization of EdU-positive signals with NeuN-immunoreactivities increased to approximately 60%. Furthermore, a portion of the EdU-incorporated cells developed into γ-aminobutyric acid-producing cells, which are assumed to function as interneurons. On the basis of these results, the significance of newly generated neurons was discussed with special reference to their reproductive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Iwasa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoki Hanaoka
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ohwada
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shawichi Iwamuro
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Fumiyo Toyoda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Sakae Kikuyama
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Sciences, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Itaru Hasunuma
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
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7
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Kawahara G, Takayama Y, Sugiyama M, Ikadai H, Hashimoto O. Dermocystidinfection in Japanese fire-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:1410-1416. [PMID: 36047163 PMCID: PMC9586028 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report details of a new infectious disease in wild-caught Japanese fire-bellied
newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster), a Near Threatened species. Skin lesions
consisting of numerous masses were found in the animals near Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture,
Japan. The gross appearance of the skin lesions showed blister-, cyst-, and/or tumor-like
morphology. Various sizes of skin lesions were observed on their entire body surface.
Histologically, spherical basophilic cysts, including numerous spores, were observed in
the dermis layer. Ultrastructural analysis indicated the presence of main bodies of
flagellated zoospores within the spores. While 18s rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the
skin lesions were due to dermocystid infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report
of dermocystid infection in this amphibian in Japan. Further studies are needed to prevent
epidemics and to establish diagnostic and treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go Kawahara
- Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology
| | - Yuta Takayama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Makoto Sugiyama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Hiromi Ikadai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Osamu Hashimoto
- Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology.,Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University
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8
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Woodley SK, Staub NL. Pheromonal communication in urodelan amphibians. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:327-345. [PMID: 33427952 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pheromonal communication is an ancient and pervasive sensory modality in urodelan amphibians. One family of salamander pheromones (the sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) family) originated 300 million years ago, at the origin of amphibians. Although salamanders are often thought of as relatively simple animals especially when compared to mammals, the pheromonal systems are varied and complex with nuanced effects on behavior. Here, we review the function and evolution of pheromonal signals involved in male-female reproductive interactions. After describing common themes of salamander pheromonal communication, we describe what is known about the rich diversity of pheromonal communication in each salamander family. Several pheromones have been described, ranging from simple, invariant molecules to complex, variable blends of pheromones. While some pheromones elicit overt behavioral responses, others have more nuanced effects. Pheromonal signals have diversified within salamander lineages and have experienced rapid evolution. Once receptors have been matched to pheromonal ligands, rapid advance can be made to better understand the olfactory detection and processing of salamander pheromones. In particular, a large number of salamander species deliver pheromones across the skin of females, perhaps reflecting a novel mode of pheromonal communication. At the end of our review, we list some of the many intriguing unanswered questions. We hope that this review will inspire a new generation of scientists to pursue work in this rewarding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
| | - Nancy L Staub
- Biology Department, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, 99203, USA
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9
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Kikuyama S, Okada R, Hasunuma I, Nakada T. Some aspects of the hypothalamic and pituitary development, metamorphosis, and reproductive behavior as studied in amphibians. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 284:113212. [PMID: 31238076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this review article, information about the development of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis, endocrine control of metamorphosis, and hormonal and pheromonal involvements in reproductive behavior in some amphibian species is assembled from the works conducted mainly by our research group. The hypothalamic and pituitary development was studied using Bufo embryos and larvae. The primordium of the epithelial hypophysis originates at the anterior neural ridge and migrates underneath the brain to form a Rathke's pouch-like structure. The hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis develops under the influence of thyroid hormone (TH). For the morphological and functional development of the median eminence, which is a key structure in the transport of regulatory hormones to the pituitary, contact of the adenohypophysis with the undeveloped median eminence is necessary. For the development of proopiomelanocortin-producing cells, contact of the pituitary primordium with the infundibulum is required. The significance of avascularization in terms of the function of the intermediate lobe of the pituitary was evidenced with transgenic Xenopus frogs expressing a vascular endothelial growth factor in melanotropes. Metamorphosis progresses via the interaction of TH, adrenal corticosteroids, and prolactin (PRL). We emphasize that PRL has a dual role: modulation of the speed of metamorphic changes and functional development of organs for adult life. A brief description about a novel type of PRL (1B) that was detected was made. A possible reason why the main hypothalamic factor that stimulates the release of thyrotropin is not thyrotropin-releasing hormone, but corticotropin-releasing factor is considered in light of the fact that amphibians are poikilotherms. As regards the reproductive behavior in amphibians, studies were focused on the courtship behavior of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. Male newts exhibit a unique courtship behavior toward sexually developed conspecific females. Hormonal interactions eliciting this behavior and hormonal control of the courtship pheromone secretion are discussed on the basis of our experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakae Kikuyama
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Sciences, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
| | - Reiko Okada
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
| | - Itaru Hasunuma
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Nakada
- Department of Comparative and Behavioral Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
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Matsunami M, Suzuki M, Haramoto Y, Fukui A, Inoue T, Yamaguchi K, Uchiyama I, Mori K, Tashiro K, Ito Y, Takeuchi T, Suzuki KIT, Agata K, Shigenobu S, Hayashi T. A comprehensive reference transcriptome resource for the Iberian ribbed newt Pleurodeles waltl, an emerging model for developmental and regeneration biology. DNA Res 2019; 26:217-229. [PMID: 31006799 PMCID: PMC6589553 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Urodele newts have unique biological properties, notably including prominent regeneration ability. The Iberian ribbed newt, Pleurodeles waltl, is a promising model amphibian distinguished by ease of breeding and efficient transgenic and genome editing methods. However, limited genetic information is available for P. waltl. We conducted an intensive transcriptome analysis of P. waltl using RNA-sequencing to build and annotate gene models. We generated 1.2 billion Illumina reads from a wide variety of samples across 12 different tissues/organs, unfertilized egg, and embryos at eight different developmental stages. These reads were assembled into 1,395,387 contigs, from which 202,788 non-redundant ORF models were constructed. The set is expected to cover a large fraction of P. waltl protein-coding genes, as confirmed by BUSCO analysis, where 98% of universal single-copy orthologs were identified. Ortholog analyses revealed the gene repertoire evolution of urodele amphibians. Using the gene set as a reference, gene network analysis identified regeneration-, developmental-stage-, and tissue-specific co-expressed gene modules. Our transcriptome resource is expected to enhance future research employing this emerging model animal for regeneration research as well as for investigations in other areas including developmental biology, stem cell biology, and cancer research. These data are available via our portal website, iNewt (http://www.nibb.ac.jp/imori/main/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Matsunami
- Department of Advanced Genomics and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-Cho, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Miyuki Suzuki
- Department of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Haramoto
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akimasa Fukui
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inoue
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsushi Yamaguchi
- Functional Genomics Facility, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ikuo Uchiyama
- NIBB Core Research Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuki Mori
- Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Lab. (CBBD-OIL), Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tashiro
- Laboratory of Molecular Gene Technology, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Ito
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Takeuchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi T Suzuki
- Department of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
- Center for the Development of New Model Organisms, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Agata
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- NIBB Core Research Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshinori Hayashi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
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11
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Seike T, Shimoda C, Niki H. Asymmetric diversification of mating pheromones in fission yeast. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000101. [PMID: 30668560 PMCID: PMC6342294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In fungi, mating between partners depends on the molecular recognition of two peptidyl mating pheromones by their respective receptors. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Sp) has two mating types, Plus (P) and Minus (M). The mating pheromones P-factor and M-factor, secreted by P and M cells, are recognized by the receptors mating type auxiliary minus 2 (Mam2) and mating type auxiliary plus 3 (Map3), respectively. Our recent study demonstrated that a few mutations in both M-factor and Map3 can trigger reproductive isolation in S. pombe. Here, we explored the mechanism underlying reproductive isolation through genetic changes of pheromones/receptors in nature. We investigated the diversity of genes encoding the pheromones and their receptor in 150 wild S. pombe strains. Whereas the amino acid sequences of M-factor and Map3 were completely conserved, those of P-factor and Mam2 were very diverse. In addition, the P-factor gene contained varying numbers of tandem repeats of P-factor (4–8 repeats). By exploring the recognition specificity of pheromones between S. pombe and its close relative Schizosaccharomyces octosporus (So), we found that So-M-factor did not have an effect on S. pombe P cells, but So-P-factor had a partial effect on S. pombe M cells. Thus, recognition of M-factor seems to be stringent, whereas that of P-factor is relatively relaxed. We speculate that asymmetric diversification of the two pheromones might be facilitated by the distinctly different specificities of the two receptors. Our findings suggest that M-factor communication plays an important role in defining the species, whereas P-factor communication is able to undergo a certain degree of flexible adaptation–perhaps as a first step toward prezygotic isolation in S. pombe. An asymmetric pheromone/receptor system in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe might allow flexible adaptation of pheromones to mutational changes while maintaining stringent recognition for mating partners, perhaps as a first step toward prezygotic mating isolation. The emergence of a new species might occur when two groups can no longer mate. Although such reproductive isolation is considered a key evolutionary process, the mechanisms by which it actually occurs have been confined to conjecture. The two sexes (Plus [P] and Minus [M]) of S. pombe each secrete a pheromone (P-factor and M-factor), which binds to a corresponding receptor (mating type auxiliary minus 2 [Mam2] and mating type auxiliary plus 3 [Map3]) on cells of the opposite sex. The interaction between a pheromone and its receptor is essential for successful mating. Here, we explored conservation of the mating pheromone communication system among 150 wild S. pombe strains of different geographical origins and the closely related species S. octosporus. We found that 1) the M-factor/Map3 interaction was completely conserved, whereas the P-factor/Mam2 interaction was very diverse in the strains investigated, and 2) most of the P-factor variants were functional across species. Thus, we have revealed an asymmetric pheromone/receptor system in fungal mating: namely, whereas M-factor communication operates extremely stringently, P-factor communication has the flexibility to create variations, perhaps facilitating prezygotic isolation in S. pombe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Seike
- Genetics Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Chikashi Shimoda
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hironori Niki
- Genetics Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
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Treer D, Maex M, Van Bocxlaer I, Proost P, Bossuyt F. Divergence of species-specific protein sex pheromone blends in two related, nonhybridizing newts (Salamandridae). Mol Ecol 2017; 27:508-519. [PMID: 29087032 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In animals that use chemical communication during courtship and reproduction, speciation is often associated with divergence of their sex pheromones. In multicomponent pheromone systems, divergence can be obtained either by adding or deleting components, or by altering the relative contribution of individual components to the mixture. Protein pheromone systems can additionally evolve by amino acid sequence divergence to produce pheromones with a species-specific effect. The sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) pheromone system, a blend of proteins that essentially enhances receptivity in salamanders, has had a long and dynamic evolution of gene duplications, but the mechanisms that govern interspecific divergence and the role they play in reproductive isolation remain elusive. Here, we use transcriptomics and proteomics to characterize the SPF protein repertoire of the alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris), and compare it to the previously identified repertoire of SPF proteins of the palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus), a related but nonhybridizing species. Subsequent phylogenetic analyses indicate that, despite the availability of multiple SPF gene copies, both species predominantly express the same subset of orthologs. Our study demonstrates that species specificity in the SPF protein pheromone system can be established by gradual sequence divergence of the same set of proteins alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag Treer
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Margo Maex
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ines Van Bocxlaer
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paul Proost
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Franky Bossuyt
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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