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Yang T, Geng F, Tang X, Yu Z, Liu Y, Song B, Tang Z, Wang B, Ye B, Yu D, Zhang S. UV radiation-induced peptides in frog skin confer protection against cutaneous photodamage through suppressing MAPK signaling. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e625. [PMID: 38919335 PMCID: PMC11196897 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexposure to ultraviolet light (UV) has become a major dermatological problem since the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is increasing. As an adaption to outside environments, amphibians gained an excellent peptide-based defense system in their naked skin from secular evolution. Here, we first determined the adaptation and resistance of the dark-spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) to constant ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. Subsequently, peptidomics of frog skin identified a series of novel peptides in response to UVB. These UV-induced frog skin peptides (UIFSPs) conferred significant protection against UVB-induced death and senescence in skin cells. Moreover, the protective effects of UIFSPs were boosted by coupling with the transcription trans-activating (TAT) protein transduction domain. In vivo, TAT-conjugated UIFSPs mitigated skin photodamage and accelerated wound healing. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that multiple pathways were modulated by TAT-conjugated UIFSPs, including small GTPase/Ras signaling and MAPK signaling. Importantly, pharmacological activation of MAPK kinases counteracted UIFSP-induced decrease in cell death after UVB exposure. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for the potential preventive and therapeutic significance of UIFSPs in UV-induced skin damage by antagonizing MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, these results suggest a practicable alternative in which potential therapeutic agents can be mined from organisms with a fascinating ability to adapt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyi Yang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Fenghao Geng
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaoyou Tang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Medical College of Tibet University, Tibet UniversityLhasaChina
| | - Zuxiang Yu
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yulan Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChina National Nuclear Corporation 416 HospitalChengduChina
| | - Bin Song
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhihui Tang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Baoning Wang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bengui Ye
- Medical College of Tibet University, Tibet UniversityLhasaChina
| | - Daojiang Yu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChina National Nuclear Corporation 416 HospitalChengduChina
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Medical College of Tibet University, Tibet UniversityLhasaChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChina National Nuclear Corporation 416 HospitalChengduChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation (Mianyang Central Hospital)MianyangChina
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Geng F, Zhong L, Yang T, Chen J, Yang P, Jiang F, Yan T, Song B, Yu Z, Yu D, Zhang J, Cao J, Zhang S. A Frog Skin-Derived Peptide Targeting SCD1 Exerts Radioprotective Effects Against Skin Injury by Inhibiting STING-Mediated Inflammation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306253. [PMID: 38582510 PMCID: PMC11220654 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The extensive application of nuclear technology has increased the potential of uncontrolled radiation exposure to the public. Since skin is the largest organ, radiation-induced skin injury remains a serious medical concern. Organisms evolutionally develop distinct strategies to protect against environment insults and the related research may bring novel insights into therapeutics development. Here, 26 increased peptides are identified in skin tissues of frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) exposed to electron beams, among which four promoted the wound healing of irradiated skin in rats. Specifically, radiation-induced frog skin peptide-2 (RIFSP-2), from histone proteolysis exerted membrane permeability property, maintained cellular homeostasis, and reduced pyroptosis of irradiated cells with decreased TBK1 phosphorylation. Subsequently, stearyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is identified, a critical enzyme in biogenesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) as a direct target of RIFSP-2 based on streptavidin-biotin system. The lipidomic analysis further assured the restrain of MUFAs biogenesis by RIFSP-2 following radiation. Moreover, the decreased MUFA limited radiation-induced and STING-mediated inflammation response. In addition, genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of STING counteracted the decreased pyroptosis by RIFSP-2 and retarded tissue repair process. Altogether, RIFSP-2 restrains radiation-induced activation of SCD1-MUFA-STING axis. Thus, the stress-induced amphibian peptides can be a bountiful source of novel radiation mitigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghao Geng
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Radiation Medicine Department of Institute of Preventive MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Li Zhong
- School of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionState Key Laboratory of Radiation MedicineSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123China
| | - Tingyi Yang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Jianhui Chen
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Ping Yang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Fengdi Jiang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Tao Yan
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Bin Song
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Zuxiang Yu
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Daojiang Yu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChina National Nuclear Corporation 416 HospitalChengdu610051China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Radiation Medicine Department of Institute of Preventive MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Jianping Cao
- School of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionState Key Laboratory of Radiation MedicineSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChina National Nuclear Corporation 416 HospitalChengdu610051China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation (Mianyang Central Hospital)Mianyang621099China
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3
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Xie W, Dhinojwala A, Gianneschi NC, Shawkey MD. Interactions of Melanin with Electromagnetic Radiation: From Fundamentals to Applications. Chem Rev 2024; 124:7165-7213. [PMID: 38758918 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Melanin, especially integumentary melanin, interacts in numerous ways with electromagnetic radiation, leading to a set of critical functions, including radiation protection, UV-protection, pigmentary and structural color productions, and thermoregulation. By harnessing these functions, melanin and melanin-like materials can be widely applied to diverse applications with extraordinary performance. Here we provide a unified overview of the melanin family (all melanin and melanin-like materials) and their interactions with the complete electromagnetic radiation spectrum (X-ray, Gamma-ray, UV, visible, near-infrared), which until now has been absent from the literature and is needed to establish a solid fundamental base to facilitate their future investigation and development. We begin by discussing the chemistries and morphologies of both natural and artificial melanin, then the fundamentals of melanin-radiation interactions, and finally the exciting new developments in high-performance melanin-based functional materials that exploit these interactions. This Review provides both a comprehensive overview and a discussion of future perspectives for each subfield of melanin that will help direct the future development of melanin from both fundamental and applied perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjie Xie
- Department of Biology, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructure Group, University of Ghent, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simpson-Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Lurie Cancer Center, and International Institute of Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Department of Biology, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructure Group, University of Ghent, Gent 9000, Belgium
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Chen J, Frempong KEB, Ding P, He G, Zhou Y, Kuang M, Wei Y, Zhou J. Plant polyphenol surfactant construction with strong surface activity and chelation properties as efficient decontamination of UO 22+ on cotton fabric. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127451. [PMID: 37871720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127451] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemically synthesized surfactants have promising applications in the treatment of uranium, however, their hazardous environmental effects, non-biodegradability, and numerous drawbacks prevent them from being widely used in practice. Herein, we successfully synthesized a green chelating and foaming integrated surfactant (BTBS) by Mannich reaction and acylation of bayberry tannin for the effective removal of UO22+ from aqueous environments or solid surfaces. The as-prepared surfactant was systematically characterized by FT-IR, showing that the hydrophobic groups were successfully grafted onto tannin. The modified material showed better foaming and emulsifying properties, which proved this method could improve the amphiphilicity of tannin. Moreover, for the first time, a foam fractionation method in conjunction with a tannin-based surfactant was applied for UO22+ removal from water. This surfactant was used as a co-surfactant and could readily remove 90 % of UO22+ (20 mg L-1) from water. The removal of UO22+ could be completed in a short time (30 min), and the maximum adsorption capacity was determined as 175.9 mg g-1. This surfactant can also be used for efficient decontamination of uranium-contaminated cotton cloth with a high removal rate of 94.55 %. In addition, the mechanism studies show that the adsorption of BTBS for UO22+ can be mainly attributed to a chelating mechanism between UO22+ and the adjacent phenolic hydroxyls. The novel biomass-derived BTBS with advantages such as high capture capacity, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness suggests that it plays an important role in the remediation of radionuclide pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialang Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China
| | - Kwame Eduam Baiden Frempong
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China
| | - Pingping Ding
- The Collelge of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan 610059, PR China
| | - Guiqiang He
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Mianyang Central Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, PR China
| | - Meng Kuang
- Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Anyang, Henan 455000, PR China
| | - Yanxia Wei
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China.
| | - Jian Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China.
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Yuzon JD, Schultzhaus Z, Wang Z. Transcriptomic and genomic effects of gamma-radiation exposure on strains of the black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis evolved to display increased ionizing radiation resistance. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0221923. [PMID: 37676019 PMCID: PMC10581076 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02219-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Ionizing radiation poses a significant threat to living organisms and human health, given its destructive nature and widespread use in fields such as medicine and the potential for nuclear disasters. Melanized fungi exhibit remarkable survival capabilities, enduring doses up to 1,000-fold higher than mammals. Through adaptive laboratory evolution, we validated the protective role of constitutive upregulation of DNA repair genes in the black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis, enhancing survival after radiation exposure. Surprisingly, we found that evolved strains lacking melanin still achieved high levels of radioresistance. Our study unveiled the significance of robust activation and enhancement of redox homeostasis, as evidenced by the profound transcriptional changes and increased accumulation of mutations, in substantially improving ionizing radiation resistance in the absence of melanin. These findings underscore the delicate balance between DNA repair and redox homeostasis for an organism's ability to endure and recover from radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D. Yuzon
- National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
| | - Zachary Schultzhaus
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
| | - Zheng Wang
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, USA
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Hanly JJ, Francescutti CM, Loh LS, Corning OBWH, Long DJ, Nakatani MA, Porter AH, Martin A. Genetics of yellow-orange color variation in a pair of sympatric sulphur butterflies. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112820. [PMID: 37481719 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous color polymorphisms can serve as a tractable model for the genetic and developmental architecture of traits. Here we investigated continuous color variation in Colias eurytheme and Colias philodice, two species of sulphur butterflies that hybridize in sympatry. Using quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and high-throughput color quantification, we found two interacting large-effect loci affecting orange-to-yellow chromaticity. Knockouts of red Malpighian tubules (red), likely involved in endosomal maturation, result in depigmented wing scales. Additionally, the transcription factor bric-a-brac can act as a modulator of orange pigmentation. We also describe the QTL architecture of other continuously varying traits, together supporting a large-X effect model where the genetic control of species-defining traits is enriched on sex chromosomes. This study sheds light on the range of possible genetic architectures that can underpin a continuously varying trait and illustrates the power of using automated measurement to score phenotypes that are not always conspicuous to the human eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Hanly
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panama.
| | | | - Ling S Loh
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Olaf B W H Corning
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Derek J Long
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marshall A Nakatani
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Adam H Porter
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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7
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Videvall E, Burraco P, Orizaola G. Impact of ionizing radiation on the environmental microbiomes of Chornobyl wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121774. [PMID: 37178954 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Radioactive contamination has the potential to cause damage to DNA and other biomolecules. Anthropogenic sources of radioactive contamination include accidents in nuclear power plants, such as the one in Chornobyl in 1986 which caused long-term radioactive pollution. Studies on animals within radioactive zones have provided us with a greater understanding of how wildlife can persevere despite chronic radiation exposure. However, we still know very little about the effects of radiation on the microbial communities in the environment. We examined the impact of ionizing radiation and other environmental factors on the diversity and composition of environmental microbiomes in the wetlands of Chornobyl. We combined detailed field sampling along a gradient of radiation together with 16 S rRNA high-throughput metabarcoding. While radiation did not affect the alpha diversity of the microbiomes in sediment, soil, or water, it had a significant effect on the beta diversity in all environment types, indicating that the microbial composition was affected by ionizing radiation. Specifically, we detected several microbial taxa that were more abundant in areas with high radiation levels within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, including bacteria and archaea known to be radioresistant. Our results reveal the existence of rich and diverse microbiomes in Chornobyl wetlands, with multiple taxonomic groups that are able to thrive despite the radioactive contamination. These results, together with additional field and laboratory-based approaches examining how microbes cope with ionizing radiation will help to forecast the functionality and re-naturalization dynamics of radiocontaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Videvall
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA; Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA; Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 20013, Washington, DC, USA; Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pablo Burraco
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden; Doñana Biological Station, Spanish Research Council (EBD-CSIC), 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Germán Orizaola
- IMIB-Biodiversity Research Institute (Univ. Oviedo-CSIC-Princip. Asturias), 33600, Mieres, Asturias, Spain; Zoology Unit, Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems, University of Oviedo, 33071, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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8
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Comaills V, Castellano-Pozo M. Chromosomal Instability in Genome Evolution: From Cancer to Macroevolution. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050671. [PMID: 37237485 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The integrity of the genome is crucial for the survival of all living organisms. However, genomes need to adapt to survive certain pressures, and for this purpose use several mechanisms to diversify. Chromosomal instability (CIN) is one of the main mechanisms leading to the creation of genomic heterogeneity by altering the number of chromosomes and changing their structures. In this review, we will discuss the different chromosomal patterns and changes observed in speciation, in evolutional biology as well as during tumor progression. By nature, the human genome shows an induction of diversity during gametogenesis but as well during tumorigenesis that can conclude in drastic changes such as the whole genome doubling to more discrete changes as the complex chromosomal rearrangement chromothripsis. More importantly, changes observed during speciation are strikingly similar to the genomic evolution observed during tumor progression and resistance to therapy. The different origins of CIN will be treated as the importance of double-strand breaks (DSBs) or the consequences of micronuclei. We will also explain the mechanisms behind the controlled DSBs, and recombination of homologous chromosomes observed during meiosis, to explain how errors lead to similar patterns observed during tumorigenesis. Then, we will also list several diseases associated with CIN, resulting in fertility issues, miscarriage, rare genetic diseases, and cancer. Understanding better chromosomal instability as a whole is primordial for the understanding of mechanisms leading to tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Comaills
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, University of Pablo de Olavide-University of Seville-CSIC, Junta de Andalucía, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Maikel Castellano-Pozo
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, University of Pablo de Olavide-University of Seville-CSIC, Junta de Andalucía, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Genetic Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, 41080 Seville, Spain
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Burraco P, Salla RF, Orizaola G. Exposure to ionizing radiation and liver histopathology in the tree frogs of Chornobyl (Ukraine). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 315:137753. [PMID: 36608893 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation has the potential to damage organic molecules and decrease the health and survival of wildlife. The accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Plant (Ukraine, 1986) led to the largest release of radioactive material to the environment. Among the different organs of a vertebrate, the liver plays a crucial role in detoxification processes, and has been used as a biomarker to investigate cellular damage in ecotoxicological research. Here, we examined the impact of the exposure to the current levels of ionizing radiation present in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone on the liver of Eastern tree frogs (Hyla orientalis). We quantified the area of melanomacrophage cells and morphological variables of hepatocytes, two cell types often used to estimate damage caused by pollutants in vertebrates. First, we investigated whether these hepatic parameters were indicative of frog (individual) condition. Then, we analyzed the effect of individual absorbed dose rates and ambient radiation levels on frog livers. Most of the studied parameters were correlated with individual body condition (a good predictor of amphibian fitness and survival). We did not detect marked morphological lesions in the liver of frogs captured in medium-high radiation environments. The area occupied by melanomacrophages and the morphology of hepatocytes did not change across a gradient of radiocontamination covering two orders of magnitude. Once accounting for body condition and sampling locality, the area of melanomacrophages was lower in areas with high radiation levels. Finally, the area occupied by melanomacrophages was not linked to dorsal skin coloration. Our results indicate that current levels of radiation experienced by tree frogs in Chornobyl do not cause histopathological damage in their liver. These results agree with previous physiological work in the species in the Chornobyl area, and encourage further molecular and physiological research to fully disentangle the current impact of the Chornobyl accident on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Burraco
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden; Doñana Biological Station, Spanish Research Council (EBD-CSIC), 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Raquel Fernanda Salla
- Postgraduate Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Federal University of São Carlos, 18052-780, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, 74605-050, Goiania, Goias, Brazil
| | - Germán Orizaola
- IMIB-Biodiversity Research Institute (Univ. Oviedo-CSIC-Princip. Asturias), University of Oviedo, 33600, Mieres, Asturias, Spain; Zoology Unit, Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems, University of Oviedo, 33071, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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10
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D’Amora U, Soriente A, Ronca A, Scialla S, Perrella M, Manini P, Phua JW, Ottenheim C, Di Girolamo R, Pezzella A, Raucci MG, Ambrosio L. Eumelanin from the Black Soldier Fly as Sustainable Biomaterial: Characterisation and Functional Benefits in Tissue-Engineered Composite Scaffolds. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112945. [PMID: 36428512 PMCID: PMC9687302 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An optimized extraction protocol for eumelanins from black soldier flies (BSF-Eumel) allows an in-depth study of natural eumelanin pigments, which are a valuable tool for the design and fabrication of sustainable scaffolds. Here, water-soluble BSF-Eumel sub-micrometer colloidal particles were used as bioactive signals for developing a composite biomaterial ink for scaffold preparation. For this purpose, BSF-Eumel was characterized both chemically and morphologically; moreover, biological studies were carried out to investigate the dose-dependent cell viability and its influence on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), with the aim of validating suitable protocols and to find an optimal working concentration for eumelanin-based scaffold preparation. As proof of concept, 3D printed scaffolds based on methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MEHA) and BSF-Eumel were successfully produced. The scaffolds with and without BSF-Eumel were characterized in terms of their physico-chemical, mechanical and biological behaviours. The results showed that MEHA/BSF-Eumel scaffolds had similar storage modulus values to MEHA scaffolds. In terms of swelling ratio and stability, these scaffolds were able to retain their structure without significant changes over 21 days. Biological investigations demonstrated the ability of the bioactivated scaffolds to support the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo D’Amora
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Soriente
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Ronca
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Stefania Scialla
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Perrella
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Manini
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Jun Wei Phua
- Insectta, 60 Jalan Penjara, Singapore 149375, Singapore
| | | | - Rocco Di Girolamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Department of Physics “E. Pancini”, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Raucci
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, 80135 Naples, Italy
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Burraco P, Orizaola G. Ionizing radiation and melanism in Chornobyl tree frogs. Evol Appl 2022; 15:1469-1479. [PMID: 36187188 PMCID: PMC9488684 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human actions are altering ecosystems worldwide. Among human‐released pollutants, ionizing radiation arises as a rare but potentially devastating threat to natural systems. The Chornobyl accident (1986) represents the largest release of radioactive material to the environment. Our aim was to examine how exposure to radiation from the Chornobyl accident influences dorsal skin coloration of Eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis) males sampled across a wide gradient of radioactive contamination in northern Ukraine. We assessed the relationship between skin frog coloration (which can act as a protective mechanism against ionizing radiation), radiation conditions and oxidative stress levels. Skin coloration was darker in localities closest to areas with high radiation levels at the time of the accident, whereas current radiation levels seemed not to influence skin coloration in Chornobyl tree frogs. Tree frogs living within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone had a remarkably darker dorsal skin coloration than frogs from outside the Zone. The maintenance of dark skin coloration was not linked to physiological costs in terms of frog body condition or oxidative status, and we did not detect short‐term changes in frog coloration. Dark coloration is known to protect against different sources of radiation by neutralizing free radicals and reducing DNA damage, and, particularly melanin pigmentation has been proposed as a buffering mechanism against ionizing radiation. Our results suggest that exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, likely at the time of the accident, may have been selected for darker coloration in Chornobyl tree frogs. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of the patterns found here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Burraco
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- Doñana Biological Station (CSIC), 41092 Seville Spain
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Germán Orizaola
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- IMIB‐Biodiversity Research Institute (Univ. Oviedo‐CSIC‐Princip. Asturias) University of Oviedo Mieres ‐Asturias Spain
- Zoology Unit, Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems University of Oviedo Oviedo ‐Asturias Spain
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