1
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Westneat DF, Young RC, Cones AG, Kucera AC, Anacleto A, Heidinger BJ. Early-life telomeres are influenced by environments acting at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5959-5970. [PMID: 37837282 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17166] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
An individual's telomere length early in life may reflect or contribute to key life-history processes sensitive to environmental variation. Yet, the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors in shaping early-life telomere length is not well understood as it requires samples collected from multiple generations with known developmental histories. We used a confirmed pedigree and conducted an animal model analysis of telomere lengths obtained from nestling house sparrows (Passer domesticus) sampled over a span of 22 years. We found significant additive genetic variation for early-life telomere length, but it comprised a small proportion (9%) of the total biological variation. Three sources of environmental variation were important: among cohorts, among-breeding attempts within years, and among nestmates. The magnitude of variation among breeding attempts and among nestmates also differed by cohort, suggesting that interactive effects of environmental factors across time or spatial scales were important, yet we were unable to identify the specific causes of these interactions. The mean amount of precipitation during the breeding season positively predicted telomere length, but neither weather during a given breeding attempt nor date in the breeding season contributed to an offspring's telomere length. At the level of individual nestlings, offspring sex, size and mass at 10 days of age also did not predict telomere length. Environmental effects appear especially important in shaping early-life telomere length in some species, and more focus on how environmental factors that interact across scales may help to explain some of the variation observed among studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Westneat
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rebecca C Young
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Alexandra G Cones
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Aurelia C Kucera
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Angelo Anacleto
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Britt J Heidinger
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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2
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Ton R, Boner W, Raveh S, Monaghan P, Griffith SC. Effects of heat waves on telomere dynamics and parental brooding effort in nestlings of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia castanotis) transitioning from ectothermy to endothermy. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:4911-4920. [PMID: 37395529 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Heat waves are predicted to be detrimental for organismal physiology with costs for survival that could be reflected in markers of biological state such as telomeres. Changes in early life telomere dynamics driven by thermal stress are of particular interest during the early post-natal stages of altricial birds because nestlings quickly shift from being ectothermic to endothermic after hatching. Telomeres of ectothermic and endothermic organisms respond differently to environmental temperature, but few investigations within species that transition from ectothermy to endothermy are available. Also, ambient temperature influences parental brooding behaviour, which will alter the temperature experienced by offspring and thereby, potentially, their telomeres. We exposed zebra finch nestlings to experimental heat waves and compared their telomere dynamics to that of a control group at 5, 12 and 80 days of age that encapsulate the transition from the ectothermic to the endothermic thermoregulatory stage; we also recorded parental brooding, offspring sex, mass, growth rates, brood size and hatch order. Nestling mass showed an inverse relationship with telomere length, and nestlings exposed to heat waves showed lower telomere attrition during their first 12 days of life (ectothermic stage) compared to controls. Additionally, parents of heated broods reduced the time they spent brooding offspring (at 5 days old) compared to controls. Our results indicate that the effect of heat waves on telomere dynamics likely varies depending on age and thermoregulatory stage of the offspring in combination with parental brooding behaviour during growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Ton
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Winnie Boner
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shirley Raveh
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Simon C Griffith
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Voirin CJ, Tsunekage T, Liu Y, Alexy KF, Levin II. Brood size is associated with apparent telomere lengthening in nestling barn swallows. Oecologia 2023; 202:29-40. [PMID: 37087699 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05375-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Early life for animals is often a time of rapid growth and development. In a resource-limited environment, life history theory predicts that there must be trade-offs between resource sinks in ways that optimize future survival and reproductive success. Telomeres have emerged as putative indicators of these early life trade-offs, but there are conflicting accounts as to how developmental traits and conditions impact telomere length and dynamics. For 2 years, we studied the nestlings of a breeding population of barn swallows from day 6 to day 12 of life, measuring various ontogenetic factors to understand to what extent they explain variation in telomere length and dynamics. We unexpectedly found that telomeres lengthened between the two sampling points. Nestlings in large broods had shorter telomeres, but surprisingly, individuals that grew faster from day 6 to day 12 had longer telomeres and more telomere lengthening. Nestlings with higher mass relative to their nestmates on d6 had shorter telomeres, suggesting that the relatively fast growth barn swallows experience early in development is more costly than the relatively slower growth later in development. These effects were only found in the first year of study. Telomere lengthening may be due to the initiation of new hematopoietic cell lines during development or the expression of telomerase early in life. Favorable early life conditions and high parental investment could allow for more growth with little to no cost to telomere length or dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Toshi Tsunekage
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
| | - Kate F Alexy
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
| | - Iris I Levin
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43022, USA
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4
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Pepke ML, Kvalnes T, Lundregan S, Boner W, Monaghan P, Saether BE, Jensen H, Ringsby TH. Genetic architecture and heritability of early-life telomere length in a wild passerine. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6360-6381. [PMID: 34825754 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early-life telomere length (TL) is associated with fitness in a range of organisms. Little is known about the genetic basis of variation in TL in wild animal populations, but to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of TL it is important to quantify the relative importance of genetic and environmental variation in TL. In this study, we measured TL in 2746 house sparrow nestlings sampled across 20 years and used an animal model to show that there is a small heritable component of early-life TL (h2 = 0.04). Variation in TL among individuals was mainly driven by environmental (annual) variance, but also brood and parental effects. Parent-offspring regressions showed a large maternal inheritance component in TL ( h maternal 2 = 0.44), but no paternal inheritance. We did not find evidence for a negative genetic correlation underlying the observed negative phenotypic correlation between TL and structural body size. Thus, TL may evolve independently of body size and the negative phenotypic correlation is likely to be caused by nongenetic environmental effects. We further used genome-wide association analysis to identify genomic regions associated with TL variation. We identified several putative genes underlying TL variation; these have been inferred to be involved in oxidative stress, cellular growth, skeletal development, cell differentiation and tumorigenesis in other species. Together, our results show that TL has a low heritability and is a polygenic trait strongly affected by environmental conditions in a free-living bird.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sarah Lundregan
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bernt-Erik Saether
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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5
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Pepke ML, Kvalnes T, Rønning B, Jensen H, Boner W, Saether BE, Monaghan P, Ringsby TH. Artificial size selection experiment reveals telomere length dynamics and fitness consequences in a wild passerine. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6224-6238. [PMID: 34997994 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere dynamics could underlie life-history trade-offs among growth, size and longevity, but our ability to quantify such processes in natural, unmanipulated populations is limited. We investigated how 4 years of artificial selection for either larger or smaller tarsus length, a proxy for body size, affected early-life telomere length (TL) and several components of fitness in two insular populations of wild house sparrows over a study period of 11 years. The artificial selection was expected to shift the populations away from their optimal body size and increase the phenotypic variance in body size. Artificial selection for larger individuals caused TL to decrease, but there was little evidence that TL increased when selecting for smaller individuals. There was a negative correlation between nestling TL and tarsus length under both selection regimes. Males had longer telomeres than females and there was a negative effect of harsh weather on TL. We then investigated whether changes in TL might underpin fitness effects due to the deviation from the optimal body size. Mortality analyses indicated disruptive selection on TL because both short and long early-life telomeres tended to be associated with the lowest mortality rates. In addition, there was a tendency for a negative association between TL and annual reproductive success, but only in the population where body size was increased experimentally. Our results suggest that natural selection for optimal body size in the wild may be associated with changes in TL during growth, which is known to be linked to longevity in some bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bernt Rønning
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bernt-Erik Saether
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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6
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Sheldon EL, Ton R, Boner W, Monaghan P, Raveh S, Schrey AW, Griffith SC. Associations between DNA methylation and telomere length during early life: Insight from wild zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6261-6272. [PMID: 34551154 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length and DNA methylation (DNAm) are two promising biomarkers of biological age. Environmental factors and life history traits are known to affect variation in both these biomarkers, especially during early life, yet surprisingly little is known about their reciprocal association, especially in natural populations. Here, we explore how variation in DNAm, growth rate, and early-life conditions are associated with telomere length changes during development. We tested these associations by collecting data from wild, nestling zebra finches in the Australian desert. We found that increases in the level of DNAm were negatively correlated with telomere length changes across early life. We also confirm previously documented effects of post hatch growth rate and clutch size on telomere length in a natural ecological context for a species that has been extensively studied in the laboratory. However, we did not detect any effect of ambient temperature during developmental on telomere length dynamics. We also found that the absolute telomere length of wild zebra finches, measured using the in-gel TRF method, was similar to that of captive birds. Our findings highlight exciting new opportunities to link and disentangle potential relationships between DNA based biomarkers of ageing, and of physiological reactions to environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Sheldon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Riccardo Ton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shirley Raveh
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aaron W Schrey
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus, Savannah, Georgia, USA
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Young RC, Westneat DF, Vangorder-Braid J, Sirman AE, Siller SJ, Kittilson J, Ghimire A, Heidinger BJ. Stressors interact across generations to influence offspring telomeres and survival. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220868. [PMID: 36069016 PMCID: PMC9449473 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental stress often has long-term consequences for offspring. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects and how they are shaped by conditions offspring subsequently experience are poorly understood. Telomeres, which often shorten in response to stress and predict longevity, may contribute to, and/or reflect these cross-generational effects. Traditionally, parental stress is expected to have negative effects on offspring telomeres, but experimental studies in captive animals suggest that these effects may depend on the subsequent conditions that offspring experience. Yet, the degree to which parental stress influences and interacts with stress experienced by offspring to affect offspring telomeres and survival in free-living organisms is unknown. To assess this, we experimentally manipulated the stress exposure of free-living parent and offspring house sparrows (Passer domesticus). We found a weak, initial, negative effect of parental stress on offspring telomeres, but this effect was no longer evident at the end of post-natal development. Instead, the effects of parental stress depended on the natural sources of stress that offspring experienced during post-natal development whereby some outcomes were improved under more stressful rearing conditions. Thus, the effects of parental stress on offspring telomeres and survival are context-dependent and may involve compensatory mechanisms of potential benefit under some circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Young
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | | | | | - Aubrey E. Sirman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Stefanie J. Siller
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kittilson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Anuj Ghimire
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Britt J. Heidinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
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8
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Pepke ML, Kvalnes T, Ranke PS, Araya‐Ajoy YG, Wright J, Sæther B, Jensen H, Ringsby TH. Causes and consequences of variation in early-life telomere length in a bird metapopulation. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9144. [PMID: 35923948 PMCID: PMC9339764 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during early-life development can have lasting effects shaping individual heterogeneity in fitness and fitness-related traits. The length of telomeres, the DNA sequences protecting chromosome ends, may be affected by early-life conditions, and telomere length (TL) has been associated with individual performance within some wild animal populations. Thus, knowledge of the mechanisms that generate variation in TL, and the relationship between TL and fitness, is important in understanding the role of telomeres in ecology and life-history evolution. Here, we investigate how environmental conditions and morphological traits are associated with early-life blood TL and if TL predicts natal dispersal probability or components of fitness in 2746 wild house sparrow (Passer domesticus) nestlings from two populations sampled across 20 years (1994-2013). We retrieved weather data and we monitored population fluctuations, individual survival, and reproductive output using field observations and genetic pedigrees. We found a negative effect of population density on TL, but only in one of the populations. There was a curvilinear association between TL and the maximum daily North Atlantic Oscillation index during incubation, suggesting that there are optimal weather conditions that result in the longest TL. Dispersers tended to have shorter telomeres than non-dispersers. TL did not predict survival, but we found a tendency for individuals with short telomeres to have higher annual reproductive success. Our study showed how early-life TL is shaped by effects of growth, weather conditions, and population density, supporting that environmental stressors negatively affect TL in wild populations. In addition, shorter telomeres may be associated with a faster pace-of-life, as individuals with higher dispersal rates and annual reproduction tended to have shorter early-life TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Peter Sjolte Ranke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Yimen G. Araya‐Ajoy
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Jonathan Wright
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Bernt‐Erik Sæther
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
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9
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Romero-Haro AÁ, Morger J, Haussmann MF, Tschirren B. Reproductive strategies affect telomere dynamics across the life course. Am Nat 2022; 200:373-382. [DOI: 10.1086/720440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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10
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Inbreeding is associated with shorter early-life telomere length in a wild passerine. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractInbreeding can have negative effects on survival and reproduction, which may be of conservation concern in small and isolated populations. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying inbreeding depression are not well-known. The length of telomeres, the DNA sequences protecting chromosome ends, has been associated with health or fitness in several species. We investigated effects of inbreeding on early-life telomere length in two small island populations of wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus) known to be affected by inbreeding depression. Using genomic measures of inbreeding we found that inbred nestling house sparrows (n = 371) have significantly shorter telomeres. Using pedigree-based estimates of inbreeding we found a tendency for inbred nestling house sparrows to have shorter telomeres (n = 1195). This negative effect of inbreeding on telomere length may have been complemented by a heterosis effect resulting in longer telomeres in individuals that were less inbred than the population average. Furthermore, we found some evidence of stronger effects of inbreeding on telomere length in males than females. Thus, telomere length may reveal subtle costs of inbreeding in the wild and demonstrate a route by which inbreeding negatively impacts the physiological state of an organism already at early life-history stages.
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11
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Gómez J, Morrissey CA, Cabezas S, Marchant TA, Clark RG. Phenotypic differences among wild passerine nestlings in relation to early-life rearing environment. CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Subtle changes in stress physiology during critical developmental stages have been linked to long-term fitness; however, the biological processes and phenotypic responses to early-life rearing environments, such as anthropogenic land use conditions, have not been fully evaluated in insectivorous birds. We manipulated Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808)) brood sizes at sites with contrasting agricultural land use to assess phenotypic changes in body condition and genetic and physiological biomarkers of stress during the sensitive nestling growth phase. We predicted that nestling swallows raised on cropland-dominated sites, especially those in enlarged broods, would have lower body condition, shorter telomeres, and higher feather corticosterone than nestlings raised in smaller broods at grassland sites. Body condition was highest among nestlings raised in reduced broods but was unrelated to land use. Telomere lengths tended to be shorter in nestlings from enlarged broods and at cropland sites. Corticosterone was not related to any factor. Locally abundant insect populations associated with wetlands may have dampened the effects and (or) parent swallows assumed higher costs of reproduction rather than passing these costs to nestlings. Results suggest that food or other environmental stressors could reduce fledgling survival via telomere shortening; a hypothesis that requires further investigation due to its potential importance to population viability in multiple declining aerial insectivore species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christy A. Morrissey
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada
| | - Sonia Cabezas
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada
| | - Tracy A. Marchant
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada
| | - Robert G. Clark
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X4, Canada
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12
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Ibouroi MT, Arnal V, Cheha A, Dhurham SAO, Montgelard C, Besnard A. Noninvasive genetic sampling for flying foxes: a valuable method for monitoring demographic parameters. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Thani Ibouroi
- Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE UMR 5175) EPHE PSL Research University, CNRS University of Montpellier, SupAgro, IRD, INRA Montpellier F‐34293 France
- Sustainable Development Task Force (GIDD) Moroni Hamramba Comores
| | - Véronique Arnal
- Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE UMR 5175) EPHE PSL Research University, CNRS University of Montpellier, SupAgro, IRD, INRA Montpellier F‐34293 France
| | - Ali Cheha
- Sustainable Development Task Force (GIDD) Moroni Hamramba Comores
| | | | - Claudine Montgelard
- Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE UMR 5175) EPHE PSL Research University, CNRS University of Montpellier, SupAgro, IRD, INRA Montpellier F‐34293 France
| | - Aurélien Besnard
- Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE UMR 5175) EPHE PSL Research University, CNRS University of Montpellier, SupAgro, IRD, INRA Montpellier F‐34293 France
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13
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Quque M, Paquet M, Zahn S, Théron F, Faivre B, Sueur C, Criscuolo F, Doutrelant C, Covas R. Contrasting associations between nestling telomere length and pre and postnatal helpers' presence in a cooperatively breeding bird. Oecologia 2021; 196:37-51. [PMID: 33864121 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04917-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Studies on cooperative breeders have addressed the effects of non-breeding 'helpers' on reproduction and parental care, but the consequences for offspring physiology and long-term survival are less understood. Helpers are expected to benefit offspring, but their presence can also lead to decreased pre- or post-natal parental reproductive effort. To examine whether prenatal and postnatal helpers influence offspring condition, we conducted a whole-clutch cross-fostering experiment in sociable weavers (Philetairus socius) that altered the nestlings' social environment (presence/absence of helpers). We tested whether relative telomere length (rTL), an indicator of somatic maintenance, was influenced by prenatal and/or postnatal presence of helpers 9 and 17 days after hatching, and whether rTL predicted long-term survival. Nine days after hatching, we found an overall positive effect of postnatal helpers on rTL: for nestlings with prenatal helpers, a reduction in the number of helpers post-hatch was associated with shorter telomeres, while nestlings swapped from nests without helpers to nests with helpers had a larger rTL. However, when prenatal helpers were present, an increased number of helpers after hatching led to shorter telomeres. Nine-day old chicks with longer rTL tended to be more likely to survive over the 5 years following hatching. However, close to fledging, there was no detectable effect of the experiment on rTL and no link between rTL and survival. This experimental study of a wild cooperative breeder, therefore, presents partial support for the importance of the presence of helpers for offspring rTL and the link between early-life telomere length and long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Quque
- CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Matthieu Paquet
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sandrine Zahn
- CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frank Théron
- CNRS, CEFE UMR 5175, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Faivre
- Biogéosciences, CNRS UMR 6282, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Cédric Sueur
- CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | | | - Claire Doutrelant
- CNRS, CEFE UMR 5175, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Research Centre On Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, CIBIO-InBio, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Covas
- Research Centre On Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, CIBIO-InBio, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Cheron M, Angelier F, Ribout C, Brischoux F. Clutch quality is related to embryonic development duration, hatchling body size and telomere length in the spined toad (Bufo spinosus). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Reproductive success is often related to parental quality, a parameter expressed through various traits, such as site selection, mate selection and energetic investment in the eggs or progeny. Owing to the complex interactions between environmental and parental characteristics occurring at various stages of the reproductive event, it is often complicated to tease apart the relative contributions of these different factors to reproductive success. Study systems where these complex interactions are simplified (e.g. absence of parental care) can help us to understand how metrics of parental quality (e.g. gamete and egg quality) influence reproductive success. Using such a study system in a common garden experiment, we investigated the relationships between clutch hatching success (a proxy of clutch quality) and offspring quality in an amphibian species lacking post-oviposition parental care. We found a relationship between clutch quality and embryonic development duration and hatchling phenotype. We found that hatchling telomere length was linked to hatching success. These results suggest that clutch quality is linked to early life traits in larval amphibians and that deciphering the influence of parental traits on the patterns we detected is a promising avenue of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Cheron
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC-CNRS UMR 7372, 79360 Villiers en Bois,France
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC-CNRS UMR 7372, 79360 Villiers en Bois,France
| | - Cécile Ribout
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC-CNRS UMR 7372, 79360 Villiers en Bois,France
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC-CNRS UMR 7372, 79360 Villiers en Bois,France
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15
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Casagrande S, Stier A, Monaghan P, Loveland JL, Boner W, Lupi S, Trevisi R, Hau M. Increased glucocorticoid concentrations in early life cause mitochondrial inefficiency and short telomeres. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb222513. [PMID: 32532864 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.222513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are DNA structures that protect chromosome ends. However, telomeres shorten during cell replication and at critically low lengths can reduce cell replicative potential, induce cell senescence and decrease fitness. Stress exposure, which elevates glucocorticoid hormone concentrations, can exacerbate telomere attrition. This phenomenon has been attributed to increased oxidative stress generated by glucocorticoids ('oxidative stress hypothesis'). We recently suggested that glucocorticoids could increase telomere attrition during stressful periods by reducing the resources available for telomere maintenance through changes in the metabolic machinery ('metabolic telomere attrition hypothesis'). Here, we tested whether experimental increases in glucocorticoid levels affected telomere length and mitochondrial function in wild great tit (Parus major) nestlings during the energy-demanding early growth period. We monitored resulting corticosterone (Cort) concentrations in plasma and red blood cells, telomere lengths and mitochondrial metabolism (metabolic rate, proton leak, oxidative phosphorylation, maximal mitochondrial capacity and mitochondrial inefficiency). We assessed oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolites as well as the total non-enzymatic antioxidant protection in plasma. Compared with control nestlings, Cort-nestlings had higher baseline corticosterone, shorter telomeres and higher mitochondrial metabolic rate. Importantly, Cort-nestlings showed increased mitochondrial proton leak, leading to a decreased ATP production efficiency. Treatment groups did not differ in oxidative damage or antioxidants. Hence, glucocorticoid-induced telomere attrition is associated with changes in mitochondrial metabolism, but not with ROS production. These findings support the hypothesis that shortening of telomere length during stressful periods is mediated by glucocorticoids through metabolic rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Casagrande
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Evolutionary Physiology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Antoine Stier
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jasmine L Loveland
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Behavioural Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Winifred Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Sara Lupi
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Evolutionary Physiology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, A-1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rachele Trevisi
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Evolutionary Physiology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Michaela Hau
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Evolutionary Physiology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, D-78464 Konstanz, Germany
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16
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Sánchez-Montes G, Martínez-Solano Í, Díaz-Paniagua C, Vilches A, Ariño AH, Gomez-Mestre I. Telomere attrition with age in a wild amphibian population. Biol Lett 2020; 16:20200168. [PMID: 32673551 PMCID: PMC7423040 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening with age has been documented in many organisms, but few studies have reported telomere length measurements in amphibians, and no information is available for growth after metamorphosis, nor in wild populations. We provide both cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence of net telomere attrition with age in a wild amphibian population of natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita). Based on age-estimation by skeletochronology and qPCR telomere length measurements in the framework of an individual-based monitoring programme, we confirmed telomere attrition in recaptured males. Our results support that toads experience telomere attrition throughout their ontogeny, and that most attrition occurs during the first 1-2 years. We did not find associations between telomere length and inbreeding or body condition. Our results on telomere length dynamics under natural conditions confirm telomere shortening with age in amphibians and provide quantification of wide telomere length variation within and among age-classes in a wild breeding population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Sánchez-Montes
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, c/ José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Íñigo Martínez-Solano
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, c/ José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Díaz-Paniagua
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, c/ Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Vilches
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Navarra, c/ Irunlarrea, 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arturo H. Ariño
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Navarra, c/ Irunlarrea, 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, c/ Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
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17
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Chatelain M, Drobniak SM, Szulkin M. The association between stressors and telomeres in non‐human vertebrates: a meta‐analysis. Ecol Lett 2019; 23:381-398. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Chatelain
- Centre of New Technologies University of Warsaw Banacha 2C 02‐097 Warszawa Poland
| | - Szymon M. Drobniak
- Institute of Environmental Sciences Jagiellonian University Gronostajowa 7 30‐387 Kraków Poland
- Ecology & Evolution Research Centre School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Marta Szulkin
- Centre of New Technologies University of Warsaw Banacha 2C 02‐097 Warszawa Poland
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18
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Masterson EE, Hayes MG, Kuzawa CW, Lee NR, Eisenberg DTA. Early life growth and adult telomere length in a Filipino cohort study. Am J Hum Biol 2019; 31:e23299. [PMID: 31380592 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the relationship between early life growth patterns and blood telomere length (TL) in adulthood using conditional measures of lean and fat mass growth to evaluate potentially sensitive periods of early life growth. METHODS This study included data from 1562 individuals (53% male; age 20-22 years) participating in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, located in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Primary exposures included length-for-age z-score (HAZ) and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) at birth and conditional measures of linear growth and weight gain during four postnatal periods: 0-6, 6-12, and 12-24 months, and 24 months to 8.5 years. TL was measured at ~21 years of age. We estimated associations using linear regression. RESULTS The study sample had an average gestational age (38.5 ± 2 weeks) and birth size (HAZ = -0.2 ± 1.1, WAZ = -0.7 ± 1.0), but by age 8.5 years had stunted linear growth (HAZ = -2.1 ± 0.9) and borderline low weight (WAZ = -1.9 ± 1.0) relative to World Health Organization references. Heavier birth weight was associated with longer TL in early adulthood (P = .03), but this association was attenuated when maternal age at birth was included in the model (P = .07). Accelerated linear growth between 6 and 12 months was associated with longer TL in adulthood (P = .006), whereas weight gain between 12 and 24 months was associated with shorter TL in adulthood (P = .047). CONCLUSIONS In Cebu, individuals who were born heavier have longer TL in early adulthood, but that birthweight itself may not explain the association. Findings suggest that childhood growth is associated with the cellular senescence process in adulthood, implying early life well-being may be linked to adult health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Masterson
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - M Geoffrey Hayes
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines.,Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and History, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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19
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Risques RA, Promislow DEL. All's well that ends well: why large species have short telomeres. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2016.0448. [PMID: 29335372 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Among mammal species, almost all life-history traits are strongly size dependent. This size dependence even occurs at a molecular level. For example, both telomere length and telomerase expression show a size-dependent threshold. With some exceptions, species smaller than approximately 2 kg express telomerase, while species larger than that do not. Among species greater than approximately 5 kg, telomeres tend to be short-less than 25 kb-while among smaller species, some species have short and some have long telomeres. Here, we present a model to explore the role of body size-dependent trade-offs in shaping this threshold. We assume that selection favours short telomeres as a mechanism to protect against cancer. At the same time, selection favours long telomeres as a protective mechanism against DNA damage and replicative senescence. The relative importance of these two selective forces will depend on underlying intrinsic mortality and risk of cancer, both of which are size-dependent. Results from this model suggest that a cost-benefit model for the evolution of telomere length could explain phylogenetic patterns observed within the Class Mammalia. In addition, the model suggests a general conceptual framework to think about the role that body size plays in the evolution of tumour suppressor mechanisms.This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding diversity in telomere dynamics'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Ana Risques
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Daniel E L Promislow
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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20
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Monaghan P, Ozanne SE. Somatic growth and telomere dynamics in vertebrates: relationships, mechanisms and consequences. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:20160446. [PMID: 29335370 PMCID: PMC5784066 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Much telomere loss takes place during the period of most rapid growth when cell proliferation and potentially energy expenditure are high. Fast growth is linked to reduced longevity. Therefore, the effects of somatic cell proliferation on telomere loss and cell senescence might play a significant role in driving the growth-lifespan trade-off. While different species will have evolved a growth strategy that maximizes lifetime fitness, environmental conditions encountered during periods of growth will influence individual optima. In this review, we first discuss the routes by which altered cellular conditions could influence telomere loss in vertebrates, with a focus on oxidative stress in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the relationship between body growth and telomere length, and evaluate the empirical evidence that this relationship is generally negative. We further discuss the potentially conflicting hypotheses that arise when other factors are taken into account, and the further work that needs to be undertaken to disentangle confounding variables.This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding diversity in telomere dynamics'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Level 4, Box 289, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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21
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McLennan D, Armstrong JD, Stewart DC, McKelvey S, Boner W, Monaghan P, Metcalfe NB. Links between parental life histories of wild salmon and the telomere lengths of their offspring. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:804-814. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Darryl McLennan
- Institute of Biodiversity; Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | | | | | - Simon McKelvey
- Cromarty Firth Fishery Trust; CKD Galbraith; Inverness UK
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity; Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity; Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Neil B. Metcalfe
- Institute of Biodiversity; Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
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22
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Olsson M, Wapstra E, Friesen CR. Evolutionary ecology of telomeres: a review. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1422:5-28. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mats Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Wollongong Wollongong New South Wales Australia
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Biological Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Christopher R. Friesen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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23
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Telomere length and antioxidant defense associate with parasite-induced retarded growth in wild brown trout. Oecologia 2017; 185:365-374. [PMID: 28900791 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-3953-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Early growth conditions can have profound impacts on individuals' development, growth and physiology, with subsequent long-term consequences for individuals' fitness and life expectancy. Telomere length (TL) has been suggested to indicate both individual fitness and life expectancy in wide range of species, as the telomere attrition rate at early age can be accelerated due to exposure to various stressors, including parasites and inflammatory diseases, which increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and influence antioxidant (AO) levels. We investigated impacts of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae infection, a causative agent of proliferative kidney disease (PKD), on AO status and TL in a natural population of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta). The fish with higher parasite load showed more severe kidney hyperplasia, anemia and smaller body size compared to less parasitized fish. Furthermore, fish with severe PKD symptoms had lower SOD-, CAT- and GST activity than fish with milder kidney hyperplasia. However, parasite load was not directly correlated either with AOs or with TL. Smaller fish showed shorter TLs, potentially reflecting lower individual quality. The fish, which were less sensitive to parasite-induced impaired growth, quantified as parasite load-adjusted fork length, showed also longer TLs, lower GR- and GST activity and less GSHtot compared to more sensitive fish. These results provide novel knowledge about the impacts of the PKD in brown trout at the molecular level and support the idea that TL may reflect individual quality and ability to cope with parasitic infections.
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24
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Beaulieu M, Benoit L, Abaga S, Kappeler PM, Charpentier MJE. Mind the cell: Seasonal variation in telomere length mirrors changes in leucocyte profile. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:5603-5613. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Beaulieu
- Zoological Institute and Museum; University of Greifswald; Greifswald Germany
| | | | | | - Peter M. Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit; German Primate Center (DPZ); Göttingen Germany
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25
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Is telomere length associated with mate choice in a songbird with a high rate of extra-pair paternity? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182446. [PMID: 28783753 PMCID: PMC5544213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is related to aging in many eukaryotes and the rate of telomere attrition has been suggested to reflect individual genetic quality. Telomere length could thus have implications for mate choice. We investigated telomere length variation in bluethroat Luscinia svecica families with mixed paternity, including social parents, extra-pair fathers and nestlings, testing whether telomere length is associated with social and/or extra-pair mate choice through assortative mating or selection of mates with relatively long telomeres. In adults, relative telomere length (rTL) did not differ between the sexes, nor between two age categories. In chicks, however, rTL decreased with body mass at sampling (an index of nestling age). We found a positive correlation between the rTL of social mates, suggesting assortative mating with respect to telomere length or a correlative thereof. However, extra-pair males did not differ from social mates in rTL, and accordingly there was also no difference between within- and extra-pair young (i.e. half-siblings) when controlling for the effect of mass. We found no relationships between telomere length, age and fitness-related traits in adults, but an intriguing year-difference in telomere length in both sexes. In conclusion, we found no support for the idea that females choose extra-pair males based on their telomere length, but social mate choice seems to be influenced by rTL, possibly through its co-variation with aspects reflecting individual quality, like early arrival at the breeding grounds.
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26
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Cerchiara JA, Risques RA, Prunkard D, Smith JR, Kane OJ, Boersma PD. Magellanic penguin telomeres do not shorten with age with increased reproductive effort, investment, and basal corticosterone. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:5682-5691. [PMID: 28811878 PMCID: PMC5552965 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
All species should invest in systems that enhance longevity; however, a fundamental adult life‐history trade‐off exists between the metabolic resources allocated to maintenance and those allocated to reproduction. Long‐lived species will invest more in reproduction than in somatic maintenance as they age. We investigated this trade‐off by analyzing correlations among telomere length, reproductive effort and output, and basal corticosterone in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Telomeres shorten with age in most species studied to date, and may affect adult survival. High basal corticosterone is indicative of stressful conditions. Corticosterone, and stress, has been linked to telomere shortening in other species. Magellanic penguins are a particularly good model organism for this question as they are an unusually long‐lived species, exceeding their mass‐adjusted predicted lifespan by 26%. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found adults aged 5 years to over 24 years of age had similar telomere lengths. Telomeres of adults did not shorten over a 3‐year period, regardless of the age of the individual. Neither telomere length, nor the rate at which the telomeres changed over these 3 years, correlated with breeding frequency or investment. Older females also produced larger volume clutches until approximately 15 years old and larger eggs produced heavier fledglings. Furthermore, reproductive success (chicks fledged/eggs laid) is maintained as females aged. Basal corticosterone, however, was not correlated with telomere length in adults and suggests that low basal corticosterone may play a role in the telomere maintenance we observed. Basal corticosterone also declined during the breeding season and was positively correlated with the age of adult penguins. This higher basal corticosterone in older individuals, and consistent reproductive success, supports the prediction that Magellanic penguins invest more in reproduction as they age. Our results demonstrate that telomere maintenance may be a component of longevity even with increased reproductive effort, investment, and basal corticosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack A Cerchiara
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinals Department of BiologyUniversity of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | | | - Donna Prunkard
- Department of Pathology University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - Jeffrey R Smith
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinals Department of BiologyUniversity of Washington Seattle WA USA.,School of Environmental and Forest Sciences University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - Olivia J Kane
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinals Department of BiologyUniversity of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - P Dee Boersma
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinals Department of BiologyUniversity of Washington Seattle WA USA.,Wildlife Conservation Society The Bronx Zoo New York City, NY USA
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27
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Meister H, Esperk T, Välimäki P, Tammaru T. Evaluating the role and measures of juvenile growth rate: latitudinal variation in insect life histories. OIKOS 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.04233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Panu Välimäki
- Dept of Ecology and Genetics; Univ. of Oulu; Oulu Finland
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28
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Cerchiara JA, Risques RA, Prunkard D, Smith JR, Kane OJ, Boersma PD. Telomeres shorten and then lengthen before fledging in Magellanic penguins ( Spheniscus magellanicus). Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 9:487-493. [PMID: 28186493 PMCID: PMC5361676 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For all species, finite metabolic resources must be allocated toward three competing systems: maintenance, reproduction, and growth. Telomeres, the nucleoprotein tips of chromosomes, which shorten with age in most species, are correlated with increased survival. Chick growth is energetically costly and is associated with telomere shortening in most species. To assess the change in telomeres in penguin chicks, we quantified change in telomere length of wild known-age Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) chicks every 15 days during the species' growth period, from hatching to 60 days-of-age. Magellanic penguins continue to grow after fledging so we also sampled a set of 1-year-old juvenile penguins, and adults aged 5 years. Telomeres were significantly shorter on day 15 than on hatch day but returned to their initial length by 30 days old and remained at that length through 60 days of age. The length of telomeres of newly hatched chicks, chicks aged 30, 45 and 60 days, juveniles, and adults aged 5 years were similar. Chicks that fledged and those that died had similar telomere lengths. We show that while telomeres shorten during growth, Magellanic penguins elongate telomeres to their length at hatch, which may increase adult life span and reproductive opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack A Cerchiara
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rosa Ana Risques
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Donna Prunkard
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Smith
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Olivia J Kane
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - P Dee Boersma
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
- Global Penguin Society, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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29
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30
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Sebastiano M, Eens M, Angelier F, Pineau K, Chastel O, Costantini D. Corticosterone, inflammation, immune status and telomere length in frigatebird nestlings facing a severe herpesvirus infection. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cow073. [PMID: 28070333 PMCID: PMC5214968 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Herpesvirus outbreaks are common in natural animal populations, but little is known about factors that favour the infection and its consequences for the organism. In this study, we examined the pathophysiological consequences of a disease probably attributable to herpesvirus infection for several markers of immune function, corticosterone, telomere length and inflammation. In addition, we assessed whether any markers used in this study might be associated with the occurrence of visible clinical signs of the disease and its impact on short-term survival perspectives. To address our questions, in spring 2015, we collected blood samples from nestlings of the magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) that were free of any clinical signs or showed visible signs of the disease. We found that the plasma concentration of haptoglobin was strongly associated with the infection status and could predict probabilities of survival. We also found that nestlings with clinical signs had lower baseline corticosterone concentrations and similar telomere length compared with healthy nestlings, whereas we did not find any association of the infection status with innate immune defenses or with nitric oxide concentration. Overall, our results suggest that the plasma concentration of haptoglobin might be a valuable tool to assess survival probabilities of frigatebird nestlings facing a herpesvirus outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manrico Sebastiano
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Corresponding author:Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium. Tel: +32484566385.
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Frederic Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR7372 – CNRS/Université La Rochelle, F-79360, France
| | - Kévin Pineau
- Groupe d'Etude et de Protection des Oiseaux en Guyane (GEPOG), 15 Avenue Pasteur 97300 Cayenne, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR7372 – CNRS/Université La Rochelle, F-79360, France
| | - David Costantini
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 7 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France
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Walton RT, Mudway IS, Dundas I, Marlin N, Koh LC, Aitlhadj L, Vulliamy T, Jamaludin JB, Wood HE, Barratt BM, Beevers S, Dajnak D, Sheikh A, Kelly FJ, Griffiths CJ, Grigg J. Air pollution, ethnicity and telomere length in east London schoolchildren: An observational study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 96:41-47. [PMID: 27591803 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short telomeres are associated with chronic disease and early mortality. Recent studies in adults suggest an association between telomere length and exposure to particulate matter, and that ethnicity may modify the relationship. However associations in children are unknown. OBJECTIVES We examined associations between air pollution and telomere length in an ethnically diverse group of children exposed to high levels of traffic derived pollutants, particularly diesel exhaust, and to environmental tobacco smoke. METHODS Oral DNA from 333 children (8-9years) participating in a study on air quality and respiratory health in 23 inner city London schools was analysed for relative telomere length using monochrome multiplex qPCR. Annual, weekly and daily exposures to nitrogen oxides and particulate matter were obtained from urban dispersion models (2008-10) and tobacco smoke by urinary cotinine. Ethnicity was assessed by self-report and continental ancestry by analysis of 28 random genomic markers. We used linear mixed effects models to examine associations with telomere length. RESULTS Telomere length increased with increasing annual exposure to NOx (model coefficient 0.003, [0.001, 0.005], p<0.001), NO2 (0.009 [0.004, 0.015], p<0.001), PM2.5 (0.041, [0.020, 0.063], p<0.001) and PM10 (0.096, [0.044, 0.149], p<0.001). There was no association with environmental tobacco smoke. Telomere length was increased in children reporting black ethnicity (22% [95% CI 10%, 36%], p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Pollution exposure is associated with longer telomeres in children and genetic ancestry is an important determinant of telomere length. Further studies should investigate both short and long-term associations between pollutant exposure and telomeres in childhood and assess underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Walton
- Asthma UK Centre for Applied Asthma Research, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian S Mudway
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isobel Dundas
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Marlin
- Asthma UK Centre for Applied Asthma Research, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lee C Koh
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Layla Aitlhadj
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Vulliamy
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeenath B Jamaludin
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen E Wood
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben M Barratt
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Beevers
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Dajnak
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Medical School Doorway 3, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frank J Kelly
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris J Griffiths
- Asthma UK Centre for Applied Asthma Research, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Grigg
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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32
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Gangoso L, Lambertucci SA, Cabezas S, Alarcón PAE, Wiemeyer GM, Sanchez‐Zapata JA, Blanco G, Hiraldo F, Donázar JA. Sex‐dependent spatial structure of telomere length in a wild long‐lived scavenger. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gangoso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC C/Américo Vespucio s/n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Grupo de Biología de la Conservación Laboratorio Ecotono INIBIOMA (CONICET‐National University of Comahue) Quintral 1250, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche 8400 Bariloche Argentina
| | - Sonia Cabezas
- Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC C/Américo Vespucio s/n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
- University of Saskatchewan 72 Campus Drive SK S7N 5E2 Saskatoon Canada
| | - Pablo A. E. Alarcón
- Grupo de Biología de la Conservación Laboratorio Ecotono INIBIOMA (CONICET‐National University of Comahue) Quintral 1250, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche 8400 Bariloche Argentina
- The Peregrine Fund 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane Boise Idaho 83709 USA
| | - Guillermo M. Wiemeyer
- The Peregrine Fund 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane Boise Idaho 83709 USA
- Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (CABA) Avenida Sarmiento and Avenida Las Heras CP1425 Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - José A. Sanchez‐Zapata
- University Miguel Hernández Avinguda de la Universitat d'Elx, s/n E‐03202 Alicante Spain
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- National Museum of Natural Sciences CSIC C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2 E‐28006 Madrid Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC C/Américo Vespucio s/n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - José A. Donázar
- Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC C/Américo Vespucio s/n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
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Nettle D, Andrews C, Reichert S, Bedford T, Gott A, Parker C, Kolenda C, Martin-Ruiz C, Monaghan P, Bateson M. Brood size moderates associations between relative size, telomere length, and immune development in European starling nestlings. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:8138-8148. [PMID: 27891221 PMCID: PMC5108265 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
For young birds in a nest, body size may have implications for other aspects of development such as telomere length and immune function. However, it is possible to predict associations in either direction. On the one hand, there may be trade-offs between growth and telomere maintenance, and growth and investment in immune function, suggesting there will be negative correlations. On the other hand, relatively larger individuals might be advantaged in competition with their nest-mates, allowing them to garner more resources overall, leading to positive correlations. We studied development over the nestling period in 34 nests of wild European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris. Intrabrood competition is typically more intense in larger broods. Hence, we predicted that body size should become an increasingly positive predictor of telomere length and immune functioning as brood size increases. In partial support of our prediction, there were significant interactions between brood size and body size in predicting both erythrocyte telomere length change and plasma levels of the cytokine interleukin-6. The associations between body size and these outcomes went from negative in the smallest broods to positive in the largest. A further immune marker, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, showed no systematic patterning with body size or brood size. Our results confirm that the size to which a nestling grows is important for telomere dynamics and the development of the immune system, but the phenotypic associations are moderated by the competitive context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettle
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Clare Andrews
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Sophie Reichert
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Tom Bedford
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Annie Gott
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Craig Parker
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Claire Kolenda
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Carmen Martin-Ruiz
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Melissa Bateson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
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McLennan D, Armstrong JD, Stewart DC, Mckelvey S, Boner W, Monaghan P, Metcalfe NB. Interactions between parental traits, environmental harshness and growth rate in determining telomere length in wild juvenile salmon. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:5425-5438. [PMID: 27662635 PMCID: PMC5091633 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A larger body size confers many benefits, such as increased reproductive success, ability to evade predators and increased competitive ability and social status. However, individuals rarely maximize their growth rates, suggesting that this carries costs. One such cost could be faster attrition of the telomeres that cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and play an important role in chromosome protection. A relatively short telomere length is indicative of poor biological state, including poorer tissue and organ performance, reduced potential longevity and increased disease susceptibility. Telomere loss during growth may also be accelerated by environmental factors, but these have rarely been subjected to experimental manipulation in the natural environment. Using a wild system involving experimental manipulations of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Scottish streams, we found that telomere length in juvenile fish was influenced by parental traits and by direct environmental effects. We found that faster‐growing fish had shorter telomeres and there was a greater cost (in terms of reduced telomere length) if the growth occurred in a harsher environment. We also found a positive association between offspring telomere length and the growth history of their fathers (but not mothers), represented by the number of years fathers had spent at sea. This suggests that there may be long‐term consequences of growth conditions and parental life history for individual longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D McLennan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - J D Armstrong
- Marine Scotland - Science, Freshwater Laboratory, Faskally, Pitlochry, PH16 5LB, UK
| | - D C Stewart
- Marine Scotland - Science, Freshwater Laboratory, Faskally, Pitlochry, PH16 5LB, UK
| | - S Mckelvey
- Cromarty Firth Fishery Trust, CKD Galbraith, Reay House, 17 Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness, IV2 3HF, UK
| | - W Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - P Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - N B Metcalfe
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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