1
|
Bunker ME, Weiss SL. The reproductive microbiome and maternal transmission of microbiota via eggs in Sceloporus virgatus. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2024; 100:fiae011. [PMID: 38308517 PMCID: PMC10873522 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae011] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal transmission of microbes occurs across the animal kingdom and is vital for offspring development and long-term health. The mechanisms of this transfer are most well-studied in humans and other mammals but are less well-understood in egg-laying animals, especially those with no parental care. Here, we investigate the transfer of maternal microbes in the oviparous phrynosomatid lizard, Sceloporus virgatus. We compared the microbiota of three maternal tissues-oviduct, cloaca, and intestine-to three offspring sample types: egg contents and eggshells on the day of oviposition, and hatchling intestinal tissue on the day of hatching. We found that maternal identity is an important factor in hatchling microbiome composition, indicating that maternal transmission is occurring. The maternal cloacal and oviductal communities contribute to offspring microbiota in all three sample types, with minimal microbes sourced from maternal intestines. This indicates that the maternal reproductive microbiome is more important for microbial inheritance than the gut microbiome, and the tissue-level variation of the adult S. virgatus microbiota must develop as the hatchling matures. Despite differences between adult and hatchling communities, offspring microbiota were primarily members of the Enterobacteriaceae and Yersiniaceae families (Phylum Proteobacteria), consistent with this and past studies of adult S. virgatus microbiomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie E Bunker
- Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma, WA 98416, United States
| | - Stacey L Weiss
- Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma, WA 98416, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Veelen HPJ, Salles JF, Matson KD, van Doorn GS, van der Velde M, Tieleman BI. The microbial environment modulates non-genetic maternal effects on egg immunity. Anim Microbiome 2022; 4:44. [PMID: 35902980 PMCID: PMC9331593 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-022-00195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a diverse microbial world immune function of animals is essential. Diverse microbial environments may contribute to extensive variation in immunological phenotypes of vertebrates, among and within species and individuals. As maternal effects benefit offspring development and survival, whether females use cues about their microbial environment to prime offspring immune function is unclear. To provide microbial environmental context to maternal effects, we asked if the bacterial diversity of the living environment of female zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata shapes maternal effects on egg immune function. We manipulated environmental bacterial diversity of birds and tested if females increased immunological investment in eggs in an environment with high bacterial diversity (untreated soil) versus low (gamma-sterilized soil). We quantified lysozyme and ovotransferrin in egg albumen and IgY in egg yolk and in female blood, and we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile maternal cloacal and eggshell microbiotas. Results We found a maternal effect on egg IgY concentration that reflected environmental microbial diversity: females who experienced high diversity deposited more IgY in their eggs, but only if maternal plasma IgY levels were relatively high. We found no effects on lysozyme and ovotransferrin concentrations in albumen. Moreover, we uncovered that variation in egg immune traits could be significantly attributed to differences among females: for IgY concentration in yolk repeatability R = 0.80; for lysozyme concentration in albumen R = 0.27. Furthermore, a partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) linking immune parameters of females and eggs, which included maternal and eggshell microbiota structures and female body condition, recapitulated the treatment-dependent yolk IgY response. The PLS-PM additionally suggested that the microbiota and physical condition of females contributed to shaping maternal effects on egg immune function, and that (non-specific) innate egg immunity was prioritized in the environment with low bacterial diversity. Conclusions The microbial environment of birds can shape maternal effects on egg immune function. Since immunological priming of eggs benefits offspring, we highlight that non-genetic maternal effects on yolk IgY levels based on cues from the parental microbial environment may prove important for offspring to thrive in the microbial environment that they are expected to face. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-022-00195-8.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zheng J, Zuidema E, Zhang Z, Guo M, Székely T, Komdeur J. A novel function of egg burial: burying material prevents eggs rolling out of wind-swayed nests. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
4
|
Svobodová J, Kreisinger J, Gvoždíková Javůrková V. Temperature-induced changes in egg white antimicrobial concentrations during pre-incubation do not influence bacterial trans-shell penetration but do affect hatchling phenotype in Mallards. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12401. [PMID: 34824913 PMCID: PMC8590799 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiome formation and assemblage are essential processes influencing proper embryonal and early-life development in neonates. In birds, transmission of microbes from the outer environment into the egg’s interior has been found to shape embryo viability and hatchling phenotype. However, microbial transmission may be affected by egg-white antimicrobial proteins (AMPs), whose concentration and antimicrobial action are temperature-modulated. As both partial incubation and clutch covering with nest-lining feathers during the pre-incubation period can significantly alter temperature conditions acting on eggs, we experimentally investigated the effects of these behavioural mechanisms on concentrations of both the primary and most abundant egg-white AMPs (lysozyme and avidin) using mallard (Anas platyrhychos) eggs. In addition, we assessed whether concentrations of egg-white AMPs altered the probability and intensity of bacterial trans-shell penetration, thereby affecting hatchling morphological traits in vivo. We observed higher concentrations of lysozyme in partially incubated eggs. Clutch covering with nest-lining feathers had no effect on egg-white AMP concentration and we observed no association between concentration of egg-white lysozyme and avidin with either the probability or intensity of bacterial trans-shell penetration. The higher egg-white lysozyme concentration was associated with decreased scaled body mass index of hatchlings. These outcomes demonstrate that incubation prior to clutch completion in precocial birds can alter concentrations of particular egg-white AMPs, though with no effect on bacterial transmission into the egg in vivo. Furthermore, a higher egg white lysozyme concentration compromised hatchling body condition, suggesting a potential growth-regulating role of lysozyme during embryogenesis in precocial birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Svobodová
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Ecology, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Kreisinger
- Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Gvoždíková Javůrková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Animal Science, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Videla EA, Giayetto O, Fernández ME, Chacana PA, Marín RH, Nazar FN. Immediate and transgenerational effects of thymol supplementation, inactivated Salmonella and chronic heat stress on representative immune variables of Japanese quail. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18152. [PMID: 33097768 PMCID: PMC7584634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental challenges are integrated in the inmunoneuroendocrine interplay, impacting the immune system of the challenged individuals, and potentially implying transgenerational effects on their offspring. This study addressed whether dietary supplementation with thymol can modulate the immune response of adult Japanese quail when simultaneously exposed to an inoculum of inactivated Salmonella Enteritidis and a chronic heat stress (CHS). We also evaluated whether the experienced situations by adults can affect the immune response of their undisturbed offspring. In the parental generation, supplemented quail exposed to CHS had a higher inflammatory response and similar values of the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio than those that were not supplemented. In their offspring, those chicks whose parents were exposed to CHS showed higher inflammatory response and lower antibody production. Regarding the H/L ratio, chicks whose parents were supplemented showed lower H/L ratio values. Dietary supplementation with thymol partially and positively modulated the inflammatory response and avoided H/L ratio alteration in the parental generation exposed to high environmental temperatures, suggesting these adults were better at dealing with the challenge. The lower H/L ratio values in the offspring suggests that chicks are more capable to deal with potential stressful situations associated with conventional breeding conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E A Videla
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Los Alimentos (ICTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT, CONICET-UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina.,School of Biology, Sir Harold Mitchell Building, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TH, UK
| | - O Giayetto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT, CONICET-UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M E Fernández
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Los Alimentos (ICTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT, CONICET-UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - P A Chacana
- Instituto de Patobiología, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R H Marín
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Los Alimentos (ICTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT, CONICET-UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - F N Nazar
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Los Alimentos (ICTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT, CONICET-UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), X5000JJC, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Department of Animal Production, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bleu J, Agostini S, Angelier F, Biard C. Experimental increase in temperature affects eggshell thickness, and not egg mass, eggshell spottiness or egg composition in the great tit (Parus major). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 275:73-81. [PMID: 30735670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic effects of global warming have been documented in many different taxa. However, the importance of transgenerational phenotypic plasticity in these adaptations are seldom studied. In birds, temperature could affect egg characteristics. Higher temperatures during egg-laying may reduce maintenance costs for females and allow a higher investment in reproduction. Yet, females may also use temperatures as a cue for the risk of mismatch latter in the season. Thus, higher temperatures may be correlated to an acceleration of embryonic development (e.g. via hormonal manipulation). We performed an experiment in which night-time temperature was increased in the nestbox by approximately 1 °C throughout the entire laying period in great tits (Parus major). We collected one pre-treatment egg (beginning of the laying sequence) and one post-treatment egg (end of the laying sequence). Egg content (yolk androgens and lysozymes in the albumen), eggshell coloration, eggshell mass, egg mass, and shape were not affected by the treatment. However, last-laid eggs in clutches from control nestboxes had a thicker eggshell than last-laid eggs from heated nestboxes, suggesting a putative slight decrease of maternal investment with the experimental increase of temperature. We also observed effects of the laying sequence on egg characteristics. Eggs that were laid late in the laying sequence were heavier, larger, had larger spots and higher yolk androgens than eggs laid earlier. Lysozyme concentration decrease with the laying sequence in late clutches only. Thus, effects of temperature may also change with the laying sequence and it would be interesting in the future to tests the effects on first-laid eggs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josefa Bleu
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Simon Agostini
- CEREEP-Ecotron Ile-de-France, UMS 3194, École Normale Supérieure, St-Pierre-les-Nemours, France
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 - CNRS & Université de la Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Clotilde Biard
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris-Est Créteil, UMR 7618, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Svobodová J, Šmídová L, Javůrková VG. Different incubation patterns affect selective antimicrobial properties of the egg interior: experimental evidence from eggs of precocial and altricial birds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.201442. [PMID: 30814292 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.201442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Avian eggs contend with omnipresent microorganisms entering the egg interior, where they affect embryo viability and hatchling phenotype. The incubation behaviour and deposition of egg white antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) vary highly across the avian altricial-precocial spectrum. Experimental evidence of how these alterations in avian reproductive strategies affect the antimicrobial properties of the precocial and altricial egg interior is lacking, however. Here, we tested the egg white antimicrobial activity in eggs of two representative model species, from each end of the avian altricial-precocial spectrum, against potentially pathogenic and beneficial probiotic microorganisms. Eggs were experimentally treated to mimic un-incubated eggs in the nest, partial incubation during the egg-laying period, the onset of full incubation and the increased deposition of two main egg white AMPs, lysozyme and ovotransferrin. We moreover assessed to what extent egg antimicrobial components, egg white pH and AMP concentrations varied as a result of different incubation patterns. Fully incubated precocial and altricial eggs decreased their antimicrobial activity against a potentially pathogenic microorganism, whereas partial incubation significantly enhanced the persistence of a beneficial probiotic microorganism in precocial eggs. These effects were most probably conditioned by temperature-dependent alterations in egg white pH and AMP concentrations. While lysozyme concentration and pH decreased in fully incubated precocial but not altricial eggs, egg white ovotransferrin increased along with the intensity of incubation in both precocial and altricial eggs. This study is the first to experimentally demonstrate that different incubation patterns may have selective antimicrobial potential mediated by species-specific effects on antimicrobial components in the egg white.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Svobodová
- Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Ecology, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Šmídová
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Gvoždíková Javůrková
- Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Animal Science, Kamýcká 957, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hoi H, Darolová A, Krištofík J, Poláček M, Majtán J, Zeman M, Okuliarová M, Turčoková L, Knauer F. Covariation between eggshell colouration and eggshell bacteria abundance and egg characteristics in blackbirds. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2019.1575910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Hoi
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alžbeta Darolová
- Department of Animal Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ján Krištofík
- Department of Animal Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Poláček
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Juraj Majtán
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Zeman
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Okuliarová
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Turčoková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Felix Knauer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Peralta-Sánchez JM, Martín-Platero AM, Wegener-Parfrey L, Martínez-Bueno M, Rodríguez-Ruano S, Navas-Molina JA, Vázquez-Baeza Y, Martín-Gálvez D, Martín-Vivaldi M, Ibáñez-Álamo JD, Knight R, Soler JJ. Bacterial density rather than diversity correlates with hatching success across different avian species. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2019; 94:4847879. [PMID: 29438507 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial communities within avian nests are considered an important determinant of egg viability, potentially selecting for traits that confer embryos with protection against trans-shell infection. A high bacterial density on the eggshell increases hatching failure, whether this effect could be due to changes in bacterial community or just a general increase in bacterial density. We explored this idea using intra- and interspecific comparisons of the relationship between hatching success and eggshell bacteria characterized by culture and molecular techniques (fingerprinting and high-throughput sequencing). We collected information for 152 nests belonging to 17 bird species. Hatching failures occurred more frequently in nests with higher density of aerobic mesophilic bacteria on their eggshells. Bacterial community was also related to hatching success, but only when minority bacterial operational taxonomic units were considered. These findings support the hypothesis that bacterial density is a selective agent of embryo viability, and hence a proxy of hatching failure only within species. Although different avian species hold different bacterial densities or assemblages on their eggs, the association between bacteria and hatching success was similar for different species. This result suggests that interspecific differences in antibacterial defenses are responsible for keeping the hatching success at similar levels in different species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Peralta-Sánchez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Calle Fuentenueva, s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain.,Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, C.S.I.C. Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, E-41092 Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Manuel Martínez-Bueno
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Calle Fuentenueva, s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Sonia Rodríguez-Ruano
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Calle Fuentenueva, s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - José Antonio Navas-Molina
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yoshiki Vázquez-Baeza
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David Martín-Gálvez
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Manuel Martín-Vivaldi
- Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Diego Ibáñez-Álamo
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen. 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Juan José Soler
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva. Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, C.S.I.C., E-04120 Almería, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Valcu CM, Scheltema RA, Schweiggert RM, Valcu M, Teltscher K, Walther DM, Carle R, Kempenaers B. Life history shapes variation in egg composition in the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus. Commun Biol 2019; 2:6. [PMID: 30740542 PMCID: PMC6320336 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0247-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal investment directly shapes early developmental conditions and therefore has long-term fitness consequences for the offspring. In oviparous species prenatal maternal investment is fixed at the time of laying. To ensure the best survival chances for most of their offspring, females must equip their eggs with the resources required to perform well under various circumstances, yet the actual mechanisms remain unknown. Here we describe the blue tit egg albumen and yolk proteomes and evaluate their potential to mediate maternal effects. We show that variation in egg composition (proteins, lipids, carotenoids) primarily depends on laying order and female age. Egg proteomic profiles are mainly driven by laying order, and investment in the egg proteome is functionally biased among eggs. Our results suggest that maternal effects on egg composition result from both passive and active (partly compensatory) mechanisms, and that variation in egg composition creates diverse biochemical environments for embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina-Maria Valcu
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Richard A. Scheltema
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ralf M. Schweiggert
- Plant Foodstuff Technology and Analysis, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mihai Valcu
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Kim Teltscher
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Dirk M. Walther
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Reinhold Carle
- Plant Foodstuff Technology and Analysis, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Biological Science Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brusch GA, Heulin B, DeNardo DF. Dehydration during egg production alters egg composition and yolk immune function. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 227:68-74. [PMID: 30300746 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Parent-offspring conflicts occur when resources are limited for allocation, and, historically, energy has been the primary currency of focus when examining these trade-offs. Water is a fundamental resource that has received far less consideration for parent-offspring conflicts. Previous research suggests that, when water is limited, reproductive females are compromised in favor of developing embryos. However, these studies limited their assessments to standard metrics such as clutch size and mass. We tested the hypothesis that the mother-offspring conflict over limited water resources leads to finer scale morphological and physiological impacts on the eggs in Children's pythons (Antaresia childreni). We predicted that water deprivation during gravidity alters female investment into her eggs, impacting egg water content and shell development. Additionally, we predicted that the yolk in these dehydrated eggs would have enhanced immune performance metrics, as has been documented in dehydrated adults. We found that eggs from water-deprived females were dehydrated as indicated by reduced percent water and greater yolk osmolality compared to eggs from females that received ad libitum water. We also found that eggs from dehydrated mothers had thinner shells and higher water loss rates. The impacts were not entirely negative as dehydrated eggs had higher antimicrobial capabilities. Also, thinner and more permeability eggshells might allow for elevated rates of rehydration from nest substrate. Overall, by examining an array of egg traits, we demonstrated that dehydration of gravid females impacts the eggs, not just the females as previously reported. As a result, the mother-offspring conflicts are indeed two-sided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George A Brusch
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
| | - Benoit Heulin
- Paimpont Biological Station, CNRS UMR6553, University of Rennes 1, 35380 Paimpont, France
| | - Dale F DeNardo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mitigating the impact of microbial pressure on great (Parus major) and blue (Cyanistes caeruleus) tit hatching success through maternal immune investment. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204022. [PMID: 30286089 PMCID: PMC6171831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The hatching success of a bird’s egg is one of the key determinants of avian reproductive success, which may be compromised by microbial infections causing embryonic death. During incubation, outer eggshell bacterial communities pose a constant threat of pathogen translocation and embryo infection. One of the parental strategies to mitigate this threat is the incorporation of maternal immune factors into the egg albumen and yolk. It has been suggested that habitat changes like forest fragmentation can affect environmental factors and life-history traits that are linked to egg contamination. This study aims at investigating relationships between microbial pressure, immune investment and hatching success in two abundant forest bird species and analyzing to what extent these are driven by extrinsic (environmental) factors. We here compared (1) the bacterial load and composition on eggshells, (2) the level of immune defenses in eggs, and (3) the reproductive success between great (Parus major) and blue (Cyanistes caeruleus) tits in Belgium and examined if forest fragmentation affects these parameters. Analysis of 70 great tit and 34 blue tit eggshells revealed a similar microbiota composition (Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillus spp., Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes), but higher bacterial loads in great tits. Forest fragmentation was not identified as an important explanatory variable. Although a significant negative correlation between hatching success and bacterial load on the eggshells in great tits corroborates microbial pressure to be a driver of embryonic mortality, the overall hatching success was only marginally lower than in blue tits. This may be explained by the significantly higher levels of lysozyme and IgY in the eggs of great tits, protecting the embryo from increased infection pressure. Our results show that immune investment in eggs is suggested to be a species-specific adaptive trait that serves to protect hatchlings from pathogen pressure, which is not directly linked to habitat fragmentation.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ruuskanen S, Gienapp P, Groothuis TGG, Schaper SV, Darras VM, Pereira C, de Vries B, Visser ME. Heritable variation in maternally derived yolk androgens, thyroid hormones and immune factors. Heredity (Edinb) 2016; 117:184-90. [PMID: 27381323 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2016.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal reproductive investment can critically influence offspring phenotype, and thus these maternal effects are expected to be under strong natural selection. Knowledge on the extent of heritable variation in the physiological mechanisms underlying maternal effects is however limited. In birds, resource allocation to eggs is a key mechanism for mothers to affect their offspring and different components of the egg may or may not be independently adjusted. We studied the heritability of egg components and their genetic and phenotypic covariation in great tits (Parus major), using captive-bred full siblings of wild origin. Egg mass, testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A4) hormone concentrations showed moderate heritability, in agreement with earlier findings. Interestingly, yolk triiodothyronine hormone (T3), but not its precursor, thyroxine hormone (T4), concentration was heritable. An immune factor, albumen lysozyme, showed moderate heritability, but yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) did not. The genetic correlation estimates were moderate but statistically nonsignificant; a trend for a positive genetic correlation was found between A4 and egg mass, T and lysozyme and IgY and lysozyme, respectively. Interestingly, phenotypic correlations were found only between A4 and T, and T4 and T3, respectively. Given that these egg components are associated with fitness-related traits in the offspring (and mother), and that we show that some components are heritable, it opens the possibility that natural selection may shape the rate and direction of phenotypic change via egg composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Ruuskanen
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - P Gienapp
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - T G G Groothuis
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - S V Schaper
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - V M Darras
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Pereira
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B de Vries
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M E Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chatelain M, Gasparini J, Haussy C, Frantz A. Trace Metals Affect Early Maternal Transfer of Immune Components in the Feral Pigeon. Physiol Biochem Zool 2016; 89:206-12. [DOI: 10.1086/685511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
15
|
Brown GP, Shine R. Maternal body size influences offspring immune configuration in an oviparous snake. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2016; 3:160041. [PMID: 27069670 PMCID: PMC4821281 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Like most ectothermic vertebrates, keelback snakes (Tropidonophis mairii) do not exhibit parental care. Thus, offspring must possess an immune system capable of dealing with challenges such as pathogens, without assistance from an attendant parent. We know very little about immune system characteristics of neonatal reptiles, including the magnitude of heritability and other maternal influences. To identify sources of variation in circulating white blood cell (WBC) concentrations and differentials, we examined blood smears from 246 hatchling snakes and their field-caught mothers. WBC concentrations were lower in hatchlings than in adults, and hatchlings had more basophils and fewer azurophils than adults. A hatchling keelback's WBC differential was also influenced by its sex and body size. Although hatchling WBC measures exhibited negligible heritability, they were strongly influenced by maternal body size and parasite infection (but not by maternal body condition, relative clutch mass or time in captivity). Larger mothers produced offspring with more azurophils and fewer lymphocytes. The mechanisms and consequences of WBC variation are currently unknown, but if these maternal effects enhance offspring fitness, the impact of maternal body size on reproductive success may be greater than expected simply from allometric increases in the numbers and sizes of progeny.
Collapse
|
16
|
Fang J, Ma M, Jin Y, Qiu N, Ren G, Huang X, Wang C. Changes in the antimicrobial potential of egg albumen during the early stages of incubation and its impact on the growth and virulence response ofSalmonellaEnteritidis. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2012.e17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
17
|
Abstract
Selective pressures imposed by pathogenic microorganisms to embryos have selected in hosts for a battery of antimicrobial lines of defenses that includes physical and chemical barriers. Due to the antimicrobial properties of volatile compounds of green plants and of chemicals of feather degrading bacteria, the use of aromatic plants and feathers for nest building has been suggested as one of these barriers. However, experimental evidence suggesting such effects is scarce in the literature. During two consecutive years, we explored experimentally the effects of these nest materials on loads of different groups of bacteria (mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and Enterococcus) of eggshells in nests of spotless starlings (Sturnus unicolor) at the beginning and at the end of the incubation period. This was also explored in artificial nests without incubation activity. We also experimentally increased bacterial density of eggs in natural and artificial nests and explored the effects of nest lining treatments on eggshell bacterial load. Support for the hypothetical antimicrobial function of nest materials was mainly detected for the year and location with larger average values of eggshell bacterial density. The beneficial effects of feathers and plants were more easily detected in artificial nests with no incubation activity, suggesting an active role of incubation against bacterial colonization of eggshells. Pigmented and unpigmented feathers reduced eggshell bacterial load in starling nests and artificial nest boxes. Results from artificial nests allowed us to discuss and discard alternative scenarios explaining the detected association, particularly those related to the possible sexual role of feathers and aromatic plants in starling nests. All these results considered together confirm the antimicrobial functionality mainly of feathers but also of plants used as nest materials, and highlight the importance of temporally and geographically environmental variation associated with risk of bacterial proliferation determining the strength of such effects. Because of costs associated to nest building, birds should adjust nest building effort to expected bacterial environments during incubation, a prediction that should be further explored.
Collapse
|
18
|
Javůrková V, Krkavcová E, Kreisinger J, Hyršl P, Hyánková L. Effects of experimentally increased in ovo lysozyme on egg hatchability, chicks complement activity, and phenotype in a precocial bird. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [PMID: 26205223 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In birds, spectrum of egg white proteins deposited into the egg during its formation are thought to be essential maternal effects. Particularly, egg white lysozyme (LSM), exhibiting great between and within species variability, is considered to be essential for developing avian embryos due to its physiological, antimicrobial, and innate immune defense functions. However, there have been few studies investigating effects of LSM on early post-hatching phenotype, despite its broad physiological and protective role during embryogenesis. Here, we test how experimentally increased concentrations of egg white LSM affect hatchability in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and chick phenotype immediately after hatching (particularly body weight, tarsus length, plasma LSM concentration, and plasma complement activity). Chicks from eggs with increased LSM concentration displayed reduced tarsus length compared to chicks from control eggs while hatchability, body weight and plasma LSM concentration were unaffected. It is worth noting that no effect of increased in ovo lysozyme on eggs hatchability could be related to pathogen-free environment during artificial incubation of experimental eggs causing minimal pressure on embryo viability. While tangible in vivo mechanisms during avian embryogenesis remain to be tested, our study is the first to document experimentally that egg white LSM appears to have growth-regulation role during embryo development, with possible underlying phenotypic consequences in the early post-hatching period in precocial birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Javůrková
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Krkavcová
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Kreisinger
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trentino, Italy
| | - Pavel Hyršl
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Hyánková
- Department of Genetics and breeding of farm animals, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Grizard S, Versteegh MA, Ndithia HK, Salles JF, Tieleman BI. Shifts in bacterial communities of eggshells and antimicrobial activities in eggs during incubation in a ground-nesting passerine. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121716. [PMID: 25880684 PMCID: PMC4400097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial invasion of egg contents is a cause of embryonic death. To counter infection risks, the embryo is protected physically by the eggshell and chemically by antimicrobial proteins. If microbial pressure drives embryo mortality, then females may have evolved, through natural selection, to adapt their immune investment into eggs. Although frequently hypothesized, this match between immune allocation and microorganisms has not been explored yet. To examine if correlations between microbes on eggs and immunity in eggs exist, we collected eggs from red-capped larks (Calandrella cinerea) and simultaneously examined their bacterial communities and antimicrobial components—pH, lysozyme and ovotransferrin—during natural incubation. Using molecular techniques, we find that bacterial communities are highly dynamic: bacterial abundance increases from the onset to late incubation, Shannon’s α-diversity index increases during early incubation stages, and β-diversity analysis shows that communities from 1 day-old clutches are phylogenetically more similar to each other than the older ones. Regarding the antimicrobials, we notice a decrease of pH and lysozyme concentration, while ovotransferrin concentration increases during incubation. Interestingly, we show that two eggs of the same clutch share equivalent immune protection, independent of clutch age. Lastly, our results provide limited evidence of significant correlation between antimicrobial compounds and bacterial communities. Our study examined simultaneously, for the first time in a wild bird, the dynamics of bacterial communities present on eggshells and of albumen-associated antimicrobial components during incubation and investigated their relationship. However, the link between microorganisms and immunity of eggs remains to be elucidated further. Identifying invading microbes and their roles in embryo mortality, as well as understanding the role of the eggshell microbiome, might be key to better understand avian strategies of immune maternal investment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Grizard
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Maaike A. Versteegh
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henry K. Ndithia
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Zoology, Ornithology section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joana F. Salles
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B. Irene Tieleman
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jacob S, Parthuisot N, Vallat A, Ramon‐Portugal F, Helfenstein F, Heeb P. Microbiome affects egg carotenoid investment, nestling development and adult oxidative costs of reproduction in Great tits. Funct Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Staffan Jacob
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique (EDB) UMR 5174 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Ecole Nationale de Formation Agronomique (ENFA) – Université Paul Sabatier 118 Route de Narbonne F‐31062 Toulouse France
| | - Nathalie Parthuisot
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique (EDB) UMR 5174 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Ecole Nationale de Formation Agronomique (ENFA) – Université Paul Sabatier 118 Route de Narbonne F‐31062 Toulouse France
| | - Armelle Vallat
- Institute of Chemistry University of Neuchâtel Avenue de Bellevaux 51 2000 Neuchâtel Switzerland
| | - Felipe Ramon‐Portugal
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique (EDB) UMR 5174 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Ecole Nationale de Formation Agronomique (ENFA) – Université Paul Sabatier 118 Route de Narbonne F‐31062 Toulouse France
| | - Fabrice Helfenstein
- Institute of Biology University of Neuchâtel Emile‐Argand 11 2000 Neuchâtel Switzerland
| | - Philipp Heeb
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique (EDB) UMR 5174 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Ecole Nationale de Formation Agronomique (ENFA) – Université Paul Sabatier 118 Route de Narbonne F‐31062 Toulouse France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Okuliarova M, Kankova Z, Bertin A, Leterrier C, Mostl E, Zeman M. Maternally derived egg hormones, antibodies and antimicrobial proteins: common and different pathways of maternal effects in Japanese quail. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112817. [PMID: 25390303 PMCID: PMC4229250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian eggs contain a variety of maternally-derived substances that can influence the development and performance of offspring. The levels of these egg compounds vary in relation to environmental and genetic factors, but little is known about whether there are correlative links between maternal substances in the egg underlying common and different pathways of maternal effects. In the present study, we investigated genetically determined variability and mutually adjusted deposition of sex hormones (testosterone-T, androstenedione-A4 and progesterone-P4), antibodies (IgY) and antimicrobial proteins (lysozyme) in eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). We used different genetic lines that were independently selected for yolk T concentrations, duration of tonic immobility and social reinstatement behaviour, since both selections for behavioural traits (fearfulness and social motivation, respectively) produced considerable correlative responses in yolk androgen levels. A higher selection potential was found for increased rather than decreased yolk T concentrations, suggesting that there is a physiological minimum in egg T levels. Line differences in yolk IgY concentrations were manifested within each selection experiment, but no consistent inter-line pattern between yolk IgY and T was revealed. On the other hand, a consistent inverse inter-line pattern was recorded between yolk IgY and P4 in both selections for behavioural traits. In addition, selections for contrasting fearfulness and social motivation were associated with changes in albumen lysozyme concentrations and an inverse inter-line pattern between the deposition of yolk IgY and albumen lysozyme was found in lines selected for the level of social motivation. Thus, our results demonstrate genetically-driven changes in deposition of yolk T, P4, antibodies and albumen lysozyme in the egg. This genetic variability can partially explain mutually adjusted maternal deposition of sex hormones and immune-competent molecules but the inconsistent pattern of inter-line differences across all selections indicates that there are other underlying mechanisms, which require further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Okuliarova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Zuzana Kankova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Aline Bertin
- INRA Val de Loire, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements CNRS-UMR 7247 - Université de Tours – IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Christine Leterrier
- INRA Val de Loire, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements CNRS-UMR 7247 - Université de Tours – IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Erich Mostl
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michal Zeman
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovak Republic
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Huang HL, Cheng YS. A novel minisequencing single-nucleotide polymorphism marker of the lysozyme gene detects high hatchability of Tsaiya ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Theriogenology 2014; 82:1113-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
23
|
D'Alba L, Jones DN, Badawy HT, Eliason CM, Shawkey MD. Antimicrobial properties of a nanostructured eggshell from a compost-nesting bird. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 217:1116-21. [PMID: 24311808 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.098343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Infection is an important source of mortality for avian embryos but parental behaviors and eggs themselves can provide a network of antimicrobial defenses. Mound builders (Aves: Megapodiidae) are unique among birds in that they produce heat for developing embryos not by sitting on eggs but by burying them in carefully tended mounds of soil and microbially decomposing vegetation. The low infection rate of eggs of one species in particular, the Australian brush-turkey (Alectura lathami), suggests that they possess strong defensive mechanisms. To identify some of these mechanisms, we first quantified antimicrobial albumen proteins and characterized eggshell structure, finding that albumen was not unusually antimicrobial, but that eggshell cuticle was composed of nanometer-sized calcite spheres. Experimental tests revealed that these modified eggshells were significantly more hydrophobic and better at preventing bacterial attachment and penetration into the egg contents than chicken eggs. Our results suggest that these mechanisms may contribute to the antimicrobial defense system of these eggs, and may provide inspiration for new biomimetic anti-fouling surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana D'Alba
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bedrani L, Helloin E, Guyot N, Réhault-Godbert S, Nys Y. Passive maternal exposure to environmental microbes selectively modulates the innate defences of chicken egg white by increasing some of its antibacterial activities. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:128. [PMID: 23758641 PMCID: PMC3681677 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Egg defence against bacterial contamination relies on immunoglobulins (IgY) concentrated in the yolk and antimicrobial peptides/proteins predominantly localized in the egg white (EW). Hens contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms export specific IgYs to the egg (adaptative immunity). No evidence of such regulation has been reported for the antimicrobial peptides/proteins (innate immunity) which are preventively secreted by the hen oviduct and are active against a large range of microbes. We investigated whether the egg innate defences can be stimulated by the environmental microbial contamination by comparing the antimicrobial activity of EW of hens raised in three extreme breeding conditions: Germ-free (GF), Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) and Conventional (C) hens. RESULTS The difference in the immunological status of GF, SPF and C hens was confirmed by the high stimulation of IL-1β, IL-8 and TLR4 genes in the intestine of C and SPF groups. EW from C and SPF groups demonstrated higher inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus (13 to 18%) and against Streptococcus uberis (31 to 35%) as compared to GF but showed similar activity against Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Gallinarum, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. To further investigate these results, we explored putative changes amongst the three main mechanisms of egg antimicrobial defence: the sequestration of bacterial nutrients, the inactivation of exogenous proteases and the direct lytic action on microorganisms. Lysozyme activity, chymotrypsin-, trypsin- and papain-inhibiting potential of EW and the expression of numerous antimicrobial genes were not stimulated suggesting that these are not responsible for the change in anti-S. aureus and anti-S. uberis activity. Moreover, whereas the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TLR4 genes were modified by the breeding conditions in the intestine of C and SPF groups they were not modified in the magnum where egg white is formed. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these data revealed that the degree of environmental microbial exposure of the hen moderately stimulated the egg innate defence, by reinforcing some specific antimicrobial activities to protect the embryo and to insure hygienic quality of table eggs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larbi Bedrani
- UR83 Recherches Avicoles, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Emmanuelle Helloin
- UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Nicolas Guyot
- UR83 Recherches Avicoles, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sophie Réhault-Godbert
- UR83 Recherches Avicoles, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Yves Nys
- UR83 Recherches Avicoles, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Matson KD, Mauck RA, Lynn SE, Irene Tieleman B. Island life shapes the physiology and life history of eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis). Physiol Biochem Zool 2013; 87:172-82. [PMID: 24457931 DOI: 10.1086/670811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Island organisms face a range of extrinsic threats to their characteristically small populations. Certain biological differences between island and continental organisms have the potential to exacerbate these threats. Understanding how island birds differ from their continental relatives may provide insight into population viability and serve as a predictive tool for conservation efforts. We compared an eastern bluebird population in Ohio with a threatened population in Bermuda in terms of the birds' development, morphology, immunology, and reproduction. These comparisons revealed that island nestlings had shorter wings and island adults had longer wings than their continental analogs. Island nestlings also had shorter tarsi than continental nestlings at day 8 posthatch, but this difference was absent at day 15 and in adults. Adults weighed less in Bermuda than in Ohio, and both nestlings and adults in Bermuda exhibited higher levels of two immunological indexes (concentrations of an acute-phase protein and titers of nonspecific antibodies). Clutch sizes and hatch rates did not differ between the island and continental populations; however, as the breeding season progressed, brood sizes declined in Bermuda, whereas no such decline occurred in Ohio. Despite these differences and differences in nestling development, island and continental parents fed their nestlings at equal rates. Overall, our results suggest that the Bermuda phenotype may be adjusted to certain aspects of the island environment but not to others. Efforts to conserve the bluebirds of Bermuda may be improved by focusing on the intraseasonal patterns in nestling mortality and, more generally, the survival probabilities of different age classes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Matson
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, Netherlands; 2Department of Biology, Higley Hall, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio 43022; 3Department of Biology, College of Wooster, 931 College Mall, Wooster, Ohio 44691
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Krištofík J, Darolová A, Griggio M, Majtán J, Okuliarová M, Zeman M, Zídková L, Hoi H. Does egg colouration signal female and egg quality in reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)? ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2012.744357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
27
|
Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide in laying hens stimulates antimicrobial properties of egg white against Staphylococcus aureus. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2013; 152:225-36. [PMID: 23351641 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The natural protective system of eggs relies on egg yolk immunoglobulins and on antimicrobial proteins/peptides mainly concentrated in the egg white. There is much evidence concerning the specific stimulation of immunoglobulins by antigens but to date, the influence of the hen milieu on the regulation of the egg innate molecular immunity has not been established. To explore the hypothesis of modulation in egg antimicrobial molecules, laying hens were immune-challenged with intravenous injections of Salmonella enterica Enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 24 h intervals. Eggs of the control and LPS groups were collected over a period of 21 days following the first LPS injection and the egg white activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were assessed. The increase in egg white anti-S. aureus activity reached 20.9% and 23.4% (p<0.05) respectively on days 5 and 6 after the first LPS injection. Anti-E. coli activity increased moderately only on days 9 and 15 after the LPS treatment. To explore the origin of these increased antimicrobial activities, we analyzed the lysozyme and proteases inhibiting (anti-trypsin and anti-chymotrypsin) activities and the pH variations of egg whites. We recorded no significant variations between the two experimental groups for these potential modulating factors. Finally, using RT-qPCR we studied the expression of several genes coding for antimicrobial proteins and peptides involved in the immune response in the infundibulum and the magnum, Out of the 11 genes, only TLR4 in the magnum and ovocalyxin-36 in infundibulum were over-expressed respectively 24h and 8 days after the first LPS injection. The other candidate genes showed similar or down regulated expression in the LPS group as compared to the control especially during the first 24h. Our results suggest that the hen enhances the albumen antimicrobial activity of its eggs when exposed to immune stimulations or infections. This could be an attempt to preventively reinforce the protection of the embryo with nonspecific antimicrobial agents in addition to the specific antibodies exported to the egg. The origin of this stimulation of egg molecular immunity remains to be characterized amongst the numerous novel egg proteins recently identified.
Collapse
|
28
|
Foye-Jackson OT, Long JA, Bakst MR, Blomberg LA, Akuffo VG, Silva MVB, Guthrie HD, McMurtry JP. Oviductal expression of avidin, avidin-related protein-2, and progesterone receptor in turkey hens in relation to sperm storage: effects of oviduct tissue type, sperm presence, and turkey line. Poult Sci 2011; 90:1539-47. [PMID: 21673170 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-01159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm storage tubules (SST) of the turkey hen, which are located in the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) of the oviduct, maintain viable sperm for up to 10 wk after a single insemination. The mechanisms of this in vivo sperm storage are poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of avidin and 2 avidin-associated factors, avidin-related protein-2 (AVR2) and progesterone receptor, in the oviducts of 2 different lines to determine the extent to which they were sperm responsive and tissue specific. At 38 wk of age, Hybrid Grade Maker and Converter turkey hens were artificially inseminated with diluted semen (AI) or were sham-inseminated with extender alone (SI). Forty-eight hours after insemination, total RNA was extracted from the UVJ epithelium (containing SST) and vaginal epithelium (VGE) of SI and AI hens. Real time-polymerase chain reaction data showed a clear tissue region-specific effect on gene expression in the turkey hen oviduct, with much greater (P < 0.0001) expression in the UVJ compared with VGE region for avidin and AVR2 mRNA in both lines and for progesterone receptor mRNA in the Converter line. In contrast to real-time PCR data, in situ hybridization of SI and AI tissues showed that the presence of sperm increased avidin mRNA in the SST and UVJ surface epithelium in the Converter hens. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of avidin protein in the epithelium of the UVJ in both lines; however, whereas avidin protein was localized in the SST of SI-Grade Maker hens, this protein was not detected in the SST of Converter hens. The upregulation of avidin and AVR2 mRNA within the sperm storage region indicates the involvement of avidin, and perhaps avidin analogs, in the sustained storage of sperm in the SST, possibly through the binding of biotin to avidin. The absence of avidin protein in the SST and VGE of Converter hens in the presence of increased mRNA may indicate a rapid turnover of protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O T Foye-Jackson
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Horrocks NPC, Matson KD, Tieleman BI. Pathogen Pressure Puts Immune Defense into Perspective. Integr Comp Biol 2011; 51:563-76. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icr011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
|
30
|
Giraudeau M, Duval C, Czirják GA, Bretagnolle V, Eraud C, McGraw KJ, Heeb P. Maternal investment of female mallards is influenced by male carotenoid-based coloration. Proc Biol Sci 2011; 278:781-8. [PMID: 20843851 PMCID: PMC3030838 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The differential allocation hypothesis predicts that females modify their investment in a breeding attempt according to its reproductive value. One prediction of this hypothesis is that females will increase reproductive investment when mated to high-quality males. In birds, it was shown that females can modulate pre-hatch reproductive investment by manipulating egg and clutch sizes and/or the concentrations of egg internal compounds according to paternal attractiveness. However, the differential allocation of immune factors has seldom been considered, particularly with an experimental approach. The carotenoid-based ornaments can function as reliable signals of quality, indicating better immunity or ability to resist parasites. Thus, numerous studies show that females use the expression of carotenoid-based colour when choosing mates; but the influence of this paternal coloration on maternal investment decisions has seldom been considered and has only been experimentally studied with artificial manipulation of male coloration. Here, we used dietary carotenoid provisioning to manipulate male mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) bill coloration, a sexually selected trait, and followed female investment. We show that an increase of male bill coloration positively influenced egg mass and albumen lysozyme concentration. By contrast, yolk carotenoid concentration was not affected by paternal ornamentation. Maternal decisions highlighted in this study may influence chick survival and compel males to maintain carotenoid-based coloration from the mate-choice period until egg-laying has been finished.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Giraudeau
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Horrocks NPC, Irene Tieleman B, Matson KD. A simple assay for measurement of ovotransferrin - a marker of inflammation and infection in birds. Methods Ecol Evol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-210x.2011.00096.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
32
|
Experimental evidence that keeping eggs dry is a mechanism for the antimicrobial effects of avian incubation. Naturwissenschaften 2010; 97:1089-95. [PMID: 21057768 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-010-0735-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Revised: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Avian incubation dramatically reduces the abundance and diversity of microbial assemblages on eggshells, and this effect has been hypothesized as an adaptive explanation for partial incubation, the bouts of incubation that some birds perform during the egg-laying period. However, the mechanisms for these antimicrobial effects are largely unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that microbial inhibition is partly achieved through removal of liquid water, which generally enhances microbial growth, from eggshells, and experimentally tested this hypothesis in two ways. First, we placed the first- and second-laid eggs of tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) clutches in unincubated holding nests with either ambient or increased water on eggshells. Second, we added water to eggshells in naturally partially incubated nests. We compared microbial growth on shells during a 5-day experimental period and found that, as predicted, both unincubated groups had higher microbial growth than naturally partially incubated controls, and that only in the absence of incubation did wetted eggs have higher microbial growth than unwetted eggs. Thus, we have shown that water increases microbial growth on eggshells and that incubation nullifies these effects, suggesting that removal of water from egg surfaces is one proximate mechanism for the antimicrobial effects of incubation.
Collapse
|
33
|
D’Alba L, Shawkey MD, Korsten P, Vedder O, Kingma SA, Komdeur J, Beissinger SR. Differential deposition of antimicrobial proteins in blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) clutches by laying order and male attractiveness. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2010; 64:1037-1045. [PMID: 20414331 PMCID: PMC2854352 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-010-0919-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Revised: 01/30/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Female birds can influence offspring fitness by varying the relative quantities of egg components they deposit within and between clutches. Antimicrobial proteins (lysozyme, ovotransferrin, and avidin) are significant components of the avian albumen and likely aid in defense of embryos from microbial infection. Within clutches, females may enhance antimicrobial defense of early-laid eggs to protect them from the high risk of infection incurred before the onset of incubation. Among entire clutches, females may invest more resources in young sired by more attractive males because they have higher reproductive value. We tested these hypotheses by quantifying antimicrobial protein distribution within and among clutches in blue tit eggs. Contrary to our hypothesis, clutches showed no differential deposition of lysozyme or avidin within clutches, but eggs laid in the middle of the sequence had higher concentrations of ovotransferrin than eggs in the beginning and end. Consistent with our second hypothesis, we found that females produced eggs with higher concentrations of lysozyme (although not ovotransferrin or avidin) when mated to more attractive (more UV-reflective) males. Furthermore, females mated to polygynous males deposited less lysozyme than those mated to monogamous males. These data suggest that allocation of lysozyme at the clutch level may be a maternal effect mediated by male qualities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana D’Alba
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - Matthew D. Shawkey
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - Peter Korsten
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 14, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
- Present Address: Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT UK
| | - Oscar Vedder
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 14, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - Sjouke A. Kingma
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 14, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Schlossallee 2, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Animal Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 14, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - Steven R. Beissinger
- Ecosystem Sciences Division, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bonisoli-Alquati A, Rubolini D, Romano M, Cucco M, Fasola M, Caprioli M, Saino N. Egg antimicrobials, embryo sex and chick phenotype in the yellow-legged gull. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-010-0901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
35
|
Pizzolon M, Giacomello E, Marri L, Marchini D, Pascoli F, Mazzoldi C, Rasotto MB. When fathers make the difference: efficacy of male sexually selected antimicrobial glands in enhancing fish hatching success. Funct Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2009.01608.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
36
|
|