1
|
Murray BA, Machin KL. Utilizing NMR fecal metabolomics as a novel technique for detecting the physiological effects of food shortages in waterfowl. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1229152. [PMID: 38269059 PMCID: PMC10806059 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1229152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics is the study of small, endogenous metabolites that participate in metabolic reactions, including responses to stressors. Anthropogenic and environmental changes that alter habitat and food supply can act as stressors in wild waterfowl. These alterations invoke a series of physiological processes to provide energy to restore homeostasis and increase survival. In this study, we utilized fecal metabolomics to measure metabolites and identify pathways related to a 6-day feed restriction in captive mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos, n = 9). Fecal samples were collected before (baseline) and during feed restriction (treatment). H1 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was performed to identify metabolites. We found that fecal metabolite profiles could be used to distinguish between the feed-restricted and baseline samples. We identified metabolites related to pathways for energy production and metabolism endpoints, and metabolites indicative of gut microbiota changes. We also demonstrated that mallard ducks could utilize endogenous reserves in times of limited caloric intake. Fecal metabolomics shows promise as a non-invasive novel tool in identifying and characterizing physiological responses associated with stressors in a captive wild bird species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen L. Machin
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Palacios C, Wang P, Wang N, Brown MA, Capatosto L, Du J, Jiang J, Zhang Q, Dahal N, Lamichhaney S. Genomic Variation, Population History, and Long-Term Genetic Adaptation to High Altitudes in Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae). Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad214. [PMID: 37768198 PMCID: PMC10583571 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Species residing across elevational gradients display adaptations in response to environmental changes such as oxygen availability, ultraviolet radiation, and temperature. Here, we study genomic variation, gene expression, and long-term adaptation in Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) populations residing across the elevational gradient of the Tibetan Plateau. We generated a high-quality draft genome and used it to carry out downstream population genomic and transcriptomic analysis. The P. hodgsoniae populations residing across various elevations were genetically distinct, and their phylogenetic clustering was consistent with their geographic distribution. We identified possible evidence of gene flow between populations residing in <3,000 and >4,200 m elevation that is consistent with known habitat expansion of high-altitude populations of P. hodgsoniae to a lower elevation. We identified a 60 kb haplotype encompassing the Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) gene, showing strong genetic divergence between populations of P. hodgsoniae. We identified six single nucleotide polymorphisms within the ESR1 gene fixed for derived alleles in high-altitude populations that are strongly conserved across vertebrates. We also compared blood transcriptome profiles and identified differentially expressed genes (such as GAPDH, LDHA, and ALDOC) that correlated with differences in altitude among populations of P. hodgsoniae. These candidate genes from population genomics and transcriptomics analysis were enriched for neutrophil degranulation and glycolysis pathways, which are known to respond to hypoxia and hence may contribute to long-term adaptation to high altitudes in P. hodgsoniae. Our results highlight Tibetan Partridges as a useful model to study molecular mechanisms underlying long-term adaptation to high altitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Palacios
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Megan A Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Lukas Capatosto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Juan Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Jiahu Jiang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Qingze Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Nishma Dahal
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP 176061, India
| | - Sangeet Lamichhaney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Valachovic AC, Chaves JN, DeMoranville KJ, Garbenis T, Nguyen BMH, Hughes M, Huss JM, Schaeffer PJ. Manipulation of photoperiod induces fat storage, but not fat mobilization in the migratory songbird, Dumetella carolinensis (Gray Catbird). J Comp Physiol B 2023; 193:569-580. [PMID: 37728689 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-023-01508-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The annual cycle of migratory birds requires significant phenotypic remodeling. We sought to induce the migratory phenotype in Gray Catbirds by exposing them to a short-day light cycle. While adipose storage was stimulated, exceeding that typically seen in wild birds, other aspects of the migratory phenotype were unchanged. Of particular interest, the rate of lipid export from excised adipose tissue was nearly halved. This is in contrast to wild migratory birds in which lipid export rates are increased. These data suggest that exposure to an altered light cycle only activated the lipid storage program while inhibiting the lipid transport program. The factors governing lipid mobilization and transport remain to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail C Valachovic
- Department of Biology, Miami University, 700 E. High St., 212 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jussara N Chaves
- Department of Biology, Miami University, 700 E. High St., 212 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
- Rua Maria Do Bom Sucesso de Proença Moraes, No. 200 - Casa c34, São Paulo, 18214-570, Brazil
| | - Kristen J DeMoranville
- Department of Biology, Miami University, 700 E. High St., 212 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
- Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Taylor Garbenis
- Department of Statistics, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
- Nationwide Insurance, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
| | - Boi Minh Ha Nguyen
- Department of Statistics, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
- Deloitte & Touche LLP, Chicago, IL, 60601, USA
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Statistics, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Janice M Huss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul J Schaeffer
- Department of Biology, Miami University, 700 E. High St., 212 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deeming DC. Allometry of the pectoral flight muscles in birds: Flight style is related to variability in the mass of the supracoracoideus muscle. J Zool (1987) 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. C. Deeming
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories Lincoln UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Swanson DL, Zhang Y, Jimenez AG. Skeletal muscle and metabolic flexibility in response to changing energy demands in wild birds. Front Physiol 2022; 13:961392. [PMID: 35936893 PMCID: PMC9353400 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.961392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypically plastic responses of animals to adjust to environmental variation are pervasive. Reversible plasticity (i.e., phenotypic flexibility), where adult phenotypes can be reversibly altered according to prevailing environmental conditions, allow for better matching of phenotypes to the environment and can generate fitness benefits but may also be associated with costs that trade-off with capacity for flexibility. Here, we review the literature on avian metabolic and muscle plasticity in response to season, temperature, migration and experimental manipulation of flight costs, and employ an integrative approach to explore the phenotypic flexibility of metabolic rates and skeletal muscle in wild birds. Basal (minimum maintenance metabolic rate) and summit (maximum cold-induced metabolic rate) metabolic rates are flexible traits in birds, typically increasing with increasing energy demands. Because skeletal muscles are important for energy use at the organismal level, especially to maximum rates of energy use during exercise or shivering thermogenesis, we consider flexibility of skeletal muscle at the tissue and ultrastructural levels in response to variations in the thermal environment and in workloads due to flight exercise. We also examine two major muscle remodeling regulatory pathways: myostatin and insulin-like growth factor -1 (IGF-1). Changes in myostatin and IGF-1 pathways are sometimes, but not always, regulated in a manner consistent with metabolic rate and muscle mass flexibility in response to changing energy demands in wild birds, but few studies have examined such variation so additional study is needed to fully understand roles for these pathways in regulating metabolic flexibility in birds. Muscle ultrastrutural variation in terms of muscle fiber diameter and associated myonuclear domain (MND) in birds is plastic and highly responsive to thermal variation and increases in workload, however, only a few studies have examined ultrastructural flexibility in avian muscle. Additionally, the relationship between myostatin, IGF-1, and satellite cell (SC) proliferation as it relates to avian muscle flexibility has not been addressed in birds and represents a promising avenue for future study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L. Swanson
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- College of Health Science, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ana Gabriela Jimenez
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Ana Gabriela Jimenez,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wei C, Sangster G, Olsson U, Rasmussen PC, Svensson L, Yao CT, Carey GJ, Leader PJ, Zhang R, Chen G, Song G, Lei F, Wilcove DS, Alström P, Liu Y. Cryptic species in a colorful genus: Integrative taxonomy of the bush robins (Aves, Muscicapidae, Tarsiger) suggests two overlooked species. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2022; 175:107580. [PMID: 35810968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Several cryptic avian species have been validated by recent integrative taxonomic efforts in the Sino-Himalayan mountains, indicating that avian diversity in this global biodiversity hotspot may be underestimated. In the present study, we investigated species limits in the genus Tarsiger, the bush robins, a group of montane forest specialists with high species richness in the Sino-Himalayan region. Based on comprehensive sampling of all 11 subspecies of the six currently recognized species, we applied an integrative taxonomic approach by combining multilocus, acoustic, plumage and morphometric analyses. Our results reveal that the isolated north-central Chinese populations of Tarsiger cyanurus, described as the subspecies albocoeruleus but usually considered invalid, is distinctive in genetics and vocalisation, but only marginally differentiated in morphology. We also found the Taiwan endemic T. indicus formosanus to be distinctive in genetics, song and morphology from T. i. indicus and T. i. yunnanensis of the Sino-Himalayan mountains. Moreover, Bayesian species delimitation using BPP suggests that both albocoeruleus and formosanus merit full species status. We propose their treatment as 'Qilian Bluetail' T. albocoeruleus and 'Taiwan Bush Robin' T. formosanus, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chentao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | | | - Urban Olsson
- Biology and Environmental Sciences, Systematics and Biodiversity, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden; Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Box 461, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pamela C Rasmussen
- Department of Integrative Biology and MSU Museum, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA; Bird Group, The Natural History Museum-UK, Akeman Street, Tring, UK
| | | | - Cheng-Te Yao
- Medium Altitude Experimental Station, Endemic Species Research Institute, Chichi, 15 Nantou 552, Taiwan, China
| | - Geoff J Carey
- AEC Ltd, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul J Leader
- AEC Ltd, 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruiying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guoling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Gang Song
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fumin Lei
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - David S Wilcove
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Per Alström
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liang D, Pan X, Luo X, Wenda C, Zhao Y, Hu Y, Robinson SK, Liu Y. Seasonal variation in community composition and distributional ranges of birds along a subtropical elevation gradient in China. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol School of Life Sciences & School of Ecology Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Faculty of Biodiversity and Conservation Southwest Forestry University Kunming China
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs Princeton University Princeton NJ USA
| | - Xinyuan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol School of Life Sciences & School of Ecology Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Xu Luo
- Faculty of Biodiversity and Conservation Southwest Forestry University Kunming China
| | - Cheng Wenda
- Division for Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol School of Life Sciences & School of Ecology Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Yiming Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
| | - Scott K. Robinson
- Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol School of Life Sciences & School of Ecology Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mosto MC, Picasso MBJ, Montes MM, Tudisca AM, Krone O. Flight muscles in falcons (Falconiformes, Falconinae): A quantitative approach. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:1287-1293. [PMID: 34463033 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The family Falconidae has contrasting behaviors on its flight within the subfamilies. Falcons are primarily aerial predators requiring accuracy, high speed, and controlled movements during flight. Caracaras are generalists that seek food while walking and their flight is characterized as slow and erratic. We aimed to explore the muscle mass of the primary wing muscles in several species of Falconinae and to identify possible differences related to the role that these muscles perform during flight. We studied 34 wing muscles in 11 specimens of five species of falcons. The percentage of each muscle with respect to body mass was calculated as well as the total wing muscle mass. The search for differences between muscles of falcons and caracaras was analyzed using Bayesian statistical inference. Published data from Polyborinae were used for comparison. Five muscles were significantly different between both subfamilies mm. latissimus dorsi pars caudalis, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis, and extensor digitorum communis. The first two muscles were larger in Polyborinae, which could be useful to achieve more strength and stabilization. In falcons the last three muscles listed were larger, which might be associated with their fast and acrobatic flight. Variations in certain muscles generate, in turn, differences in function, which is reflected in their type of flight and its use. These findings reinforce the modular character of the locomotor system of birds whereby the regions involved in locomotion can have morphological peculiarities according to their lifestyle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Clelia Mosto
- División Paleontología Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Museo de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina-CONICET
| | - Mariana Beatriz Julieta Picasso
- División Paleontología Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Museo de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina-CONICET
| | - Martín Miguel Montes
- CEPAVE-CONICET Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores-Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Martín Tudisca
- División Paleontología Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo-Museo de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|