1
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Wang H, Yu H, Li Q. Exploration of cell-cell interactions and the notch signaling pathway in the gonadal niche of Crassostrea gigas. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 294:111639. [PMID: 38641164 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in governing cell fate determinations within the gonadal niche. This study provides an extensive elucidation of the male and female gonadal niches within Crassostrea gigas. Examination via transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of desmosome-like connection not only between germ cells and niche cells but also among adjacent niche cells within the oyster gonad. Transcriptomic analysis identified several putative Notch pathway components, including CgJAG1, CgNOTCH1, CgSuh, and CgHey1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between CgJAG1, CgNOTCH1, and CgHey1 and Notch members present in Drosophila. Expression profiling results indicated a notable abundance of CgHey1 in the gonads, while CgJAG1 and CgNOTCH1 displayed distinct expression patterns associated with sexual dimorphism. In situ hybridization findings corroborated the predominant expression of CgJAG1 in male niche cells, while CgNOTCH1 was expressed in both male and female germ cells, as well as female niche cells. These findings demonstrate the important role of the Notch signaling pathway in the gonadal niche of oysters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China. https://twitter.com/huihui_wang12707
| | - Hong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
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2
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Petrova M, Bogomolova E. The female reproductive system of the sea spider Phoxichilidium femoratum (Rathke, 1799). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2024; 81:101370. [PMID: 38848644 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2024.101370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Sea spiders (Pycnogonida) are marine chelicerates. Current pycnogonid phylogeny based on molecular data remains uncertain and contradicts traditional morphological perspectives. To resolve this conflict, understanding their inner anatomy is crucial. The reproductive system of sea spiders shows promise as a source of phylogenetic signal, yet our knowledge in this area is limited. This study presents the first description of the whole female reproductive system of a sea spider at the ultrastructural level. We suggest a more detailed functional regionalization of the ovary based on the ovarian wall ultrastructure and distribution of oocyte developmental stages. Meiosis begins in the germarium, and oocytes progress to the vitellarium through a transportational zone. Vitellogenic oocytes extend through the vitellarium wall, connected with it by a stalk - specialized cells. Balbiani bodies are present in early vitellogenic oocytes but dissipate later. The formation of the vitelline envelope, yolk, and fertilization envelope involves functionally diverse RER vesicles. The study also identifies a reproductive sinus as a separate haemocoel compartment that may enhance nutrient concentration near vitellogenic oocytes. Additionally, oviduct and gonopore glands are described in the female of P. femoratum, although their specific functions and prevalence in other sea spider species remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Petrova
- Department of Invertebrates Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Vorob'evy Gory 1, Building 12, Moscow, 119992, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina Bogomolova
- Department of Invertebrates Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Vorob'evy Gory 1, Building 12, Moscow, 119992, Russia.
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3
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Glaviano F, Esposito R, Somma E, Sagi A, Aflalo ED, Costantini M, Zupo V. Molecular Approaches Detect Early Signals of Programmed Cell Death in Hippolyte inermis Leach. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6169-6185. [PMID: 38921039 PMCID: PMC11202572 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060368] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The protandric shrimp Hippolyte inermis is the only known marine invertebrate whose sex determination is strongly influenced by the composition of its food. In H. inermis, a sex reversal is triggered by the ingestion of diatoms of the genus Cocconeis associated with leaves of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. These diatoms contain compounds that promote programmed cell death (PCD) in H. inermis and also in human cancer cells. Transcriptomic analyses suggested that ferroptosis is the primary trigger of the shrimp's sex reversal, leading to the rapid destruction of the androgen gland (AG) followed by a chain of apoptotic events transforming the testes into ovaries. Here, we propose a molecular approach to detect the effects of compounds stimulating the PCD. An RNA extraction method, suitable for young shrimp post-larvae (five days after metamorphosis; PL5 stage), was established. In addition, six genes involved in apoptosis, four involved in ferroptosis, and seven involved in the AG switch were mined from the transcriptome, and their expression levels were followed using real-time qPCR in PL5 fed on Cocconeis spp., compared to PL5 fed on a basic control feed. Our molecular approach, which detected early signals of sex reversal, represents a powerful instrument for investigating physiological progression and patterns of PCD in marine invertebrates. It exemplifies the physiological changes that may start a few days after the settlement of post-larvae and determine the life destiny of an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Glaviano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80077 Ischia, Italy; (F.G.); (E.S.)
| | - Roberta Esposito
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton n. 55, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Somma
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80077 Ischia, Italy; (F.G.); (E.S.)
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (A.S.); (E.D.A.)
| | - Eliahu D. Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (A.S.); (E.D.A.)
- Department of Life Sciences, Achva Academic College, Arugot 7980400, Israel
| | - Maria Costantini
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton n. 55, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Valerio Zupo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80077 Ischia, Italy; (F.G.); (E.S.)
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Chikami Y, Yahata K. The structural and functional modularity of ovarian follicle epithelium in the pill-millipede Hyleoglomeris japonica Verhoeff, 1936 (Diplopoda: Glomerida: Glomeridae). Tissue Cell 2024; 88:102372. [PMID: 38598872 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian somatic tissues typically surround developing oocytes and play a crucial role in oogenesis across various metazoans, often displaying structural properties specific to their functions. However, there is an absence of evident structural modularity in the follicle epithelium of Myriapoda. We report here two structurally and developmentally distinct domains within the follicle epithelium of the Japanese pill millipede, Hyleoglomeris japonica. The follicle epithelium of H. japonica exhibits a thick cell mass at the apex of the follicle. These cells harbor abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi complexes, and numerous microvilli, indicative of synthetic/secretory activities. Moreover, their height increases as oogenesis progresses. In contrast, another region of the epithelium lacks these features. Our findings highlight the presence of structural and functional modularity in the follicle epithelium of H. japonica. We suggest classifying the follicle epithelium of Myriapoda into three types: homogenous epithelia with enhanced synthetic activities, homogenous epithelia with diminished such activities, and heterogeneous epithelia with varying synthetic activities. These findings prompt a reevaluation of the nature of ovarian somatic tissues in Myriapoda as well as in Arthropoda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Chikami
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan.
| | - Kensuke Yahata
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan.
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5
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Wang H, Yu H, Li Q. Integrative analysis of single-nucleus RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq reveals germline cells development dynamics and niches in the Pacific oyster gonad. iScience 2024; 27:109499. [PMID: 38571762 PMCID: PMC10987912 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109499] [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] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gametogenesis drives the maturation of germ cell precursors into functional gametes, facilitated by interactions with the niche environment. However, the molecular mechanisms, especially in invertebrates, remain incompletely understood. In this study, the gonadal microenvironment and gametogenic processes in the Pacific oyster, a model for diffuse gonadal organization and periodic gametogenesis, are investigated. We combine single-nucleus RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq to analyze gonadal microenvironments in oysters. Twenty-three male and nineteen female gonadal cell clusters are identified, revealing four male and three female germ cell types, alongside follicular cells in females and Sertoli/Leydig cells in males. The NOTCH and BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) signaling pathways play a significant role in the male germline niche, suggesting similarities with mammalian germ cell microenvironment. This study offers valuable insights into germ cell developmental transitions and microenvironmental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
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6
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Habib MR, Bu L, Posavi M, Zhong D, Yan G, Zhang SM. Yolk proteins of the schistosomiasis vector snail Biomphalaria glabrata revealed by multi-omics analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1820. [PMID: 38245605 PMCID: PMC10799875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52392-x] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenesis is the most important process in animal reproduction, in which yolk proteins play a vital role. Among multiple yolk protein precursors, vitellogenin (Vtg) is a well-known major yolk protein (MYP) in most oviparous animals. However, the nature of MYP in the freshwater gastropod snail Biomphalaria glabrata remains elusive. In the current study, we applied bioinformatics, tissue-specific transcriptomics, ovotestis-targeted proteomics, and phylogenetics to investigate the large lipid transfer protein (LLTP) superfamily and ferritin-like family in B. glabrata. Four members of LLTP superfamily (BgVtg1, BgVtg2, BgApo1, and BgApo2), one yolk ferritin (Bg yolk ferritin), and four soma ferritins (Bg ferritin 1, 2, 3, and 4) were identified in B. glabrata genome. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that, among the putative yolk proteins, BgVtg1 was the yolk protein appearing in the highest amount in the ovotestis, followed by Bg yolk ferritin. RNAseq profile showed that the leading synthesis sites of BgVtg1 and Bg yolk ferritin are in the ovotestis (presumably follicle cells) and digestive gland, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BgVtg1 is well clustered with Vtgs of other vertebrates and invertebrates. We conclude that, vitellogenin (BgVtg1), not yolk ferritin (Bg yolk ferritin), is the major yolk protein precursor in the schistosomiasis vector snail B. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed R Habib
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Lijing Bu
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Marijan Posavi
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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7
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Brubacher JL. Female Germline Cysts in Animals: Evolution and Function. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:23-46. [PMID: 37996671 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Germline cysts are syncytia formed by incomplete cytokinesis of mitotic germline precursors (cystoblasts) in which the cystocytes are interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges, permitting the sharing of molecules and organelles. Among animals, such cysts are a nearly universal feature of spermatogenesis and are also often involved in oogenesis. Recent, elegant studies have demonstrated remarkable similarities in the oogenic cysts of mammals and insects, leading to proposals of widespread conservation of these features among animals. Unfortunately, such claims obscure the well-described diversity of female germline cysts in animals and ignore major taxa in which female germline cysts appear to be absent. In this review, I explore the phylogenetic patterns of oogenic cysts in the animal kingdom, with a focus on the hexapods as an informative example of a clade in which such cysts have been lost, regained, and modified in various ways. My aim is to build on the fascinating insights of recent comparative studies, by calling for a more nuanced view of evolutionary conservation. Female germline cysts in the Metazoa are an example of a phenomenon that-though essential for the continuance of many, diverse animal lineages-nevertheless exhibits intriguing patterns of evolutionary innovation, loss, and convergence.
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Świątek P, Thounaojam RS, Singh TB, James S, Gajda Ł, Małota K, Raś D, Urbisz AZ. Ovary organization and ultrastructure in six species of Amynthas and Metaphire earthworms (Annelida, Crassiclitellata, Megascolecidae). ZOOLOGY 2023; 160:126109. [PMID: 37586295 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2023.126109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Ovaries in earthworms belonging to the family Megascolecidae are paired structures attached to the septum in the anterior part of the XIII segment. They are fan to rosette shaped with numerous rows of growing oocytes, known as egg strings, radiating from the ovary center towards the segmental cavity. The histological and ultrastructural ovary organization in megascolecids and the course of oogenesis remain unknown. The paper presents the results of light and electron microscopy analyses of ovaries in six megascolecid species, three from the genus Amynthas and three from Metaphire. Both parthenogenetic and sexually reproducing species were included in the study. The organization and ultrastructure of ovaries in all studied species are broadly similar. Considering the histological organization of ovaries, they could be divided into two zones. Zone I (proximal, close to the connection with the septum) is tightly packed with germline and somatic cells. Germ cells are interconnected via intercellular bridges and thin strands of the central cytoplasm (known as cytophore) and form syncytial cysts. Cysts unite oogonia, early meiotic cells (till diplotene), and clustering cells develop synchronously. During diplotene, interconnected cells lose developmental synchrony; most probably, one cell per cyst grows faster than others, detaches from the cysts, and becomes an oocyte. The remaining cells grow slightly and are still interconnected via the thin and reticular cytophore; these cells are considered nurse cells. Zone II has a form of egg strings where growing oocytes are isolated one from another by thin somatic cells and form short cords. We present the ultrastructural details of germline and somatic cells. We propose the term "Amynthas" type of ovaries for this ovary organization. We suppose that such ovaries are characteristic of other megascolecids and related families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Świątek
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Rojen Singh Thounaojam
- Department of Life Sciences (Zoology), Manipur University, Canchipur 795003, Manipur, India
| | - Th Binoy Singh
- Department of Life Sciences (Zoology), Manipur University, Canchipur 795003, Manipur, India
| | - Samuel James
- Regenerative Organic Agriculture Department, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA 52557, USA
| | - Łukasz Gajda
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Karol Małota
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dominika Raś
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Z Urbisz
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
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Vasconcellos V, Leys S, Lanna E. Ultrastructure of oogenesis in two tropical oviparous Demospongiae (Porifera): Cinachyrella apion and Tethya maza. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21625. [PMID: 37585226 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction is a key step for propagation of any species. Consequently, gametogenesis is crucial, as it links one generation to the other. Oogenesis is influenced by different factors, but it is usually related to the quality and quantity of the food and the capacity of the female to convert these resources into egg production. In Demospongiae (Porifera), oocytes vary in several aspects (e.g., origin, size, and vitellogenic pathways). However, data on oocyte morphology is still fragmentary, and the ultrastructural organization of reproductive cells has been investigated only in a few species, mainly of viviparous sponges. Here, we aimed to comprehend the oogenesis of two tropical oviparous demosponges (Cinachyrella apion and Tethya maza) using light and electron microscopy. In both species, oocytes seemed to originate from archaeocytes. Oocytes of C. apion were surrounded by a collagenous matrix and nurse cells containing many lipid vesicles. The increase of biosynthetic organelles, concomitantly with the presence of yolk vesicle in the ooplasm, indicated that the vitellogenesis was carried out through the mixed pathway. The oocytes of T. maza were surrounded by a follicle cell membrane and nurse cells containing yolk vesicles. The absence of characteristic biosynthetic organelles in the egg of this species indicated that vitellogenesis occured through the heterosynthetic pathway. The oogenesis of C. apion is similar to other species of the genus, while the follicle membrane and nurse cells surrounding the oocytes of T. maza are not observed in any other species of Tethya. These accessory cells were considered to have a trophic role during the oogenesis of the studied species. Moreover, the presence of these accessory cells may have ecological significance, as they accelerate the egg's production through trophic support of the growing oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Vasconcellos
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Biologia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, Salvador, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Instituto de Biologia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Sally Leys
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emilio Lanna
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Biologia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, Salvador, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Instituto de Biologia, Salvador, Brazil
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García-Rodríguez J, Cunha AF, Morales-Guerrero A, González-Chaves A, Camacho A, Miranda LS, Serrano FC, Jaimes-Becerra A, Marques AC. Reproductive and environmental traits explain the variation in egg size among Medusozoa (Cnidaria). Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230543. [PMID: 37528708 PMCID: PMC10394409 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0543] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Medusozoa (Cnidaria) are characterized by diverse life cycles, with different semaphoronts (medusa, medusoid, fixed gonophore, polyp) representing the sexual phase and carrying the gametes. Although egg size is often considered a proxy to understand reproductive and developmental traits of medusozoans, understanding of the processes influencing egg size variation in the group under an evolutionary context is still limited. We carried out a comprehensive review of the variation of egg size in Medusozoa to test whether this variation is related to biological/sexual or environmental traits. Egg size presents a strong phylogenetic signal (λ = 0.79, K = 0.67), explaining why closely related species with different reproductive strategies and different individual sizes have similar egg sizes. However, variation in egg size is influenced by the number of eggs, depth and temperature, with larger eggs frequently present in species with few eggs (1-15), in deep-sea species and in cold-water species. Conversely, the production of small eggs among cold-water species of Staurozoa might be associated with the development of a small benthic larvae in this group. Our study reinforces that egg sizes respond to reproductive and environmental traits, although egg size is highly conserved within medusa classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena García-Rodríguez
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, R. Matão, Tv. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Ferreira Cunha
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, R. Matão, Tv. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, 36570-900 Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Adriana Morales-Guerrero
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, R. Matão, Tv. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adrian González-Chaves
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, R. Matão, Tv. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Agustín Camacho
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Av. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lucília Souza Miranda
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Filipe C. Serrano
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, R. Matão, Tv. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adrian Jaimes-Becerra
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, R. Matão, Tv. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Antonio Carlos Marques
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, R. Matão, Tv. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Świątek P, Novo M, Marchán DF, Gajda Ł, Małota K, Urbisz AZ. Ovary micromorphology in hormogastrid earthworms with a particular emphasis on the organization of the germline cysts. ZOOLOGY 2023; 158:126081. [PMID: 36871333 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2023.126081] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
There is a gap in our knowledge of microorganization and the functioning of ovaries in earthworms (Crassiclitellata) and allied taxa. Recent analyses of ovaries in microdriles and leech-like taxa revealed that they are composed of syncytial germline cysts accompanied by somatic cells. Although the pattern of cyst organization is conserved across Clitellata - each cell is connected via one intercellular bridge (ring canal) to the central and anuclear cytoplasmic mass termed the cytophore - this system shows high evolutionary plasticity. In Crassiclitellata, only the gross morphology of ovaries and their segmental localization is well known, whereas ultrastructural data are limited to lumbricids like Dendrobaena veneta. Here we present the first report about ovarian histology and ultrastructure in Hormogastridae, a small family of earthworms inhabiting the western parts of the Mediterranean sea basin. We analyzed three species from three different genera and showed that the pattern of ovary organization is the same within this taxon. Ovaries are cone-like, with a broad part connected to the septum and a narrow distal end forming an egg string. Ovaries are composed of numerous cysts uniting a small number of cells, eight in Carpetania matritensis. There is a gradient of cysts development along the long ovary axis, and three zones can be distinguished. In zone I, cysts develop in complete synchrony and unite oogonia and early meiotic cells (till diplotene). Then (zone II), the synchrony is lost, and one cell (prospective oocyte) grows faster than the rest (prospective nurse cells). In zone III, oocytes pass the growth phase and gather nutrients; at this time, their contact with the cytophore is lost. Nurse cells grow slightly, eventually die via apoptosis, and are removed by coelomocytes. The most characteristic feature of hormogastrid germ cysts is the inconspicuous cytophore in the form of thread-like thin cytoplasmic strands (reticular cytophore). We found that the ovary organization in studied hormogastrids is very similar to that described for D. veneta and propose the term "Dendrobaena" type of ovaries. We expect the same microorganization of ovaries will be found in other hormogastrids and lumbricids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Świątek
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Marta Novo
- Departmento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Fernández Marchán
- Departmento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; UMR, CEFE, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Łukasz Gajda
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Karol Małota
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Z Urbisz
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
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12
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Lebouvier M, Miramón-Puértolas P, Steinmetz PRH. Evolutionarily conserved aspects of animal nutrient uptake and transport in sea anemone vitellogenesis. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4620-4630.e5. [PMID: 36084649 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of systemic nutrient transport was a key challenge during animal evolution, yet it is poorly understood. Circulatory systems distribute nutrients in many bilaterians (e.g., vertebrates and arthropods) but are absent in non-bilaterians (e.g., cnidarians and sponges), where nutrient absorption and transport remain little explored at molecular and cellular levels. Vitellogenesis, the accumulation of egg yolk, necessitates high nutrient influx into oocytes and is present throughout animal phyla and therefore represents a well-suited paradigm to study nutrient transport evolution. With that aim, we investigated dietary nutrient transport to the oocytes in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis (Anthozoa). Using a combination of fluorescent bead labeling and marker gene expression, we found that phagocytosis, micropinocytosis, and intracellular digestion of food components occur within the gonad epithelium. Pulse-chase experiments further show that labelled fatty acids rapidly translocate from the gonad epithelium through the extracellular matrix (ECM) into oocytes. Expression of conserved lipid transport proteins vitellogenin (vtg) and apolipoprotein-B (apoB) and colocalization of labeled fatty acids with a fluorescently tagged ApoB protein further support the lipid-shuttling role of the gonad epithelium. Complementary oocyte expression of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (vldlr) orthologs, which mediate endocytosis of bilaterian ApoB- and Vtg-lipoproteins, supports that this evolutionarily conserved ligand/receptor pair underlies lipid transport during sea anemone vitellogenesis. In addition, we identified lipid- and ApoB-rich cells with potential lipid transport roles in the ECM. Altogether, our work supports a long-standing hypothesis that an ECM-based lipid transport system predated the cnidarian-bilaterian split and provided a basis for the evolution of bilaterian circulatory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Lebouvier
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Paula Miramón-Puértolas
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Patrick R H Steinmetz
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5008 Bergen, Norway.
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13
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Abstract
Animal development is an inherently complex process that is regulated by highly conserved genomic networks, and the resulting phenotype may remain plastic in response to environmental signals. Despite development having been studied in a more natural setting for the past few decades, this framework often precludes the role of microbial prokaryotes in these processes. Here, we address how microbial symbioses impact animal development from the onset of gametogenesis through adulthood. We then provide a first assessment of which developmental processes may or may not be influenced by microbial symbioses and, in doing so, provide a holistic view of the budding discipline of developmental symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Carrier
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel 24105, Germany.,Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Thomas C G Bosch
- Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
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14
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Carrier TJ, Maldonado M, Schmittmann L, Pita L, Bosch TCG, Hentschel U. Symbiont transmission in marine sponges: reproduction, development, and metamorphosis. BMC Biol 2022; 20:100. [PMID: 35524305 PMCID: PMC9077847 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges (phylum Porifera) form symbioses with diverse microbial communities that can be transmitted between generations through their developmental stages. Here, we integrate embryology and microbiology to review how symbiotic microorganisms are transmitted in this early-diverging lineage. We describe that vertical transmission is widespread but not universal, that microbes are vertically transmitted during a select developmental window, and that properties of the developmental microbiome depends on whether a species is a high or low microbial abundance sponge. Reproduction, development, and symbiosis are thus deeply rooted, but why these partnerships form remains the central and elusive tenet of these developmental symbioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Carrier
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany.
- Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Manuel Maldonado
- Department of Marine Ecology, Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Girona, Spain
| | | | - Lucía Pita
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ute Hentschel
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
- Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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15
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Microscopic anatomy of gonadal area in the deep-sea clam Calyptogena pacifica (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae) with emphasis on somatic cells. Tissue Cell 2022; 75:101743. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Seaver EC, de Jong DM. Regeneration in the Segmented Annelid Capitella teleta. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111769. [PMID: 34828375 PMCID: PMC8623021 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The segmented worms, or annelids, are a clade within the Lophotrochozoa, one of the three bilaterian superclades. Annelids have long been models for regeneration studies due to their impressive regenerative abilities. Furthermore, the group exhibits variation in adult regeneration abilities with some species able to replace anterior segments, posterior segments, both or neither. Successful regeneration includes regrowth of complex organ systems, including the centralized nervous system, gut, musculature, nephridia and gonads. Here, regenerative capabilities of the annelid Capitella teleta are reviewed. C. teleta exhibits robust posterior regeneration and benefits from having an available sequenced genome and functional genomic tools available to study the molecular and cellular control of the regeneration response. The highly stereotypic developmental program of C. teleta provides opportunities to study adult regeneration and generate robust comparisons between development and regeneration.
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