1
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Li Z, Chen X, Zhao F, Miao M. Genomic insights into the cellular specialization of predation in raptorial protists. BMC Biol 2024; 22:107. [PMID: 38715037 PMCID: PMC11077807 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01904-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predation is a fundamental mechanism for organisms to acquire energy, and various species have evolved diverse tools to enhance their hunting abilities. Among protozoan predators, raptorial Haptorian ciliates are particularly fascinating as they possess offensive extrusomes known as toxicysts, which are rapidly discharged upon prey contact. However, our understanding of the genetic processes and specific toxins involved in toxicyst formation and discharge is still limited. RESULTS In this study, we investigated the predation strategies and subcellular structures of seven Haptoria ciliate species and obtained their genome sequences using single-cell sequencing technology. Comparative genomic analysis revealed distinct gene duplications related to membrane transport proteins and hydrolytic enzymes in Haptoria, which play a crucial role in the production and discharge of toxicysts. Transcriptomic analysis further confirmed the abundant expression of genes related to membrane transporters and cellular toxins in Haptoria compared to Trichostomatia. Notably, polyketide synthases (PKS) and L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO) were identified as potentially toxin genes that underwent extensive duplication events in Haptoria. CONCLUSIONS Our results shed light on the evolutionary and genomic adaptations of Haptorian ciliates for their predation strategies in evolution and provide insights into their toxic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaihan Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity and Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute of Zoology, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Miao Miao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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2
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Catalani E, Brunetti K, Del Quondam S, Bongiorni S, Picchietti S, Fausto AM, Lupidi G, Marcantoni E, Perrotta C, Achille G, Buonanno F, Ortenzi C, Cervia D. Exposure to the Natural Compound Climacostol Induces Cell Damage and Oxidative Stress in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster. TOXICS 2024; 12:102. [PMID: 38393197 PMCID: PMC10891975 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The ciliate Climacostomum virens produces the metabolite climacostol that displays antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity on human and rodent tumor cells. Given its potential as a backbone in pharmacological studies, we used the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to evaluate how the xenobiotic climacostol affects biological systems in vivo at the organismal level. Food administration with climacostol demonstrated its harmful role during larvae developmental stages but not pupation. The midgut of eclosed larvae showed apoptosis and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus demonstrating gastrointestinal toxicity. Climacostol did not affect enteroendocrine cell proliferation, suggesting moderate damage that does not initiate the repairing program. The fact that climacostol increased brain ROS and inhibited the proliferation of neural cells revealed a systemic (neurotoxic) role of this harmful substance. In this line, we found lower expression of relevant antioxidant enzymes in the larvae and impaired mitochondrial activity. Adult offsprings presented no major alterations in survival and mobility, as well the absence of abnormal phenotypes. However, mitochondrial activity and oviposition behavior was somewhat affected, indicating the chronic toxicity of climacostol, which continues moderately until adult stages. These results revealed for the first time the detrimental role of ingested climacostol in a non-target multicellular organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (K.B.); (S.D.Q.); (S.P.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Kashi Brunetti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (K.B.); (S.D.Q.); (S.P.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Simona Del Quondam
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (K.B.); (S.D.Q.); (S.P.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Silvia Bongiorni
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Simona Picchietti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (K.B.); (S.D.Q.); (S.P.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Anna Maria Fausto
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (K.B.); (S.D.Q.); (S.P.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Gabriele Lupidi
- School of Science and Technology, Section of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.L.); (E.M.)
| | - Enrico Marcantoni
- School of Science and Technology, Section of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.L.); (E.M.)
| | - Cristiana Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Achille
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage, and Tourism (ECHT), Università degli Studi di Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (G.A.); (F.B.); (C.O.)
| | - Federico Buonanno
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage, and Tourism (ECHT), Università degli Studi di Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (G.A.); (F.B.); (C.O.)
| | - Claudio Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage, and Tourism (ECHT), Università degli Studi di Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (G.A.); (F.B.); (C.O.)
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (K.B.); (S.D.Q.); (S.P.); (A.M.F.)
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3
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Yang H, Wang Z, Xiao J, Hu J, Tu X, Gu Z. Integrated morphological and transcriptome profiles reveal a highly-developed extrusome system associated to virulence in the notorious fish parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Virulence 2023; 14:2242622. [PMID: 37551042 PMCID: PMC10411306 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2242622] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is an obligate parasitic ciliate that causes severe economic damage in aquaculture. The parasite contains numerous extrusive organelles (extrusomes) that assist in its pathogenesis and reproduction. However, the structure of these extrusomes and the molecular profiles involved in exocytosis remain unclear. In the present study, through comparative ultrastructural observations across the life cycle of I. multifiliis, we demonstrated that all three of its life stages (theront, trophont, and tomont) exhibited an abundance of extrusomes. In addition, two different types of extrusomes were identified according to their unique structures. Type I extrusomes (mucocysts) are crystalline, oval-shaped, 0.7-1.4 × 0.6-1.1 μm, and distributed as "rosettes" below the trophont membrane. Type II extrusomes, 2.0-3.0 × 0.2-0.3 μm, are rod-shaped with tubular cores and identified as toxicysts, the aggregation of which in the anterior part of the theront and cortex of the trophont revealed their potential roles in I. multifiliis invasion. This was confirmed by our transcriptome investigations of the three stages of I. multifiliis, which revealed that a set of genes involved in proteolysis and DNA/protein biogenesis was highly expressed in the theront and trophont. Furthermore, to map the molecular mechanisms of extrusome release, we characterized 25 Rab family genes in I. multifiliis and determined their expression profiles across the life cycle, reflecting the distribution patterns of the two extrusomes. Collectively, our data revealed that a highly developed extrusome system could play a potential role in the virulence of I. multifiliis, which facilitates a better understanding of the parasite's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Jieyin Xiao
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Jingbo Hu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Tu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Zemao Gu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
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4
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Yang J, Wang Z, Wang C, Tang D, Zang Z, Stover NA, Chen X, Li L. Single-cell transcriptome reveals cell division-regulated hub genes in the unicellular eukaryote Paramecium. Eur J Protistol 2023; 89:125978. [PMID: 37080141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2023.125978] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The transition from growth to division during the cell cycle encompasses numerous conserved processes such as large-scale DNA replication and protein synthesis. In ciliate cells, asexual cell division is accompanied by additional cellular changes including amitotic nuclear division, extensive ciliogenesis, and trichocyst replication. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain elusive. In this study, we present single-cell gene expression profiles of Paramecium cf. multimicronucleatum cells undergoing cell division. Our results reveal that the most up-regulated genes in dividing cells compared to growing cells are associated with 1) cell cycle signaling pathways including transcription, DNA replication, chromosome segregation and protein degradation; 2) microtubule proteins and tubulin glycylases which are essential for ciliogenesis, nuclei separation and structural differentiation signaling; and 3) trichocyst matrix proteins involved in trichocyst synthesis and reproduction. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified hub genes that may play crucial roles during cell division. Our findings provide insights into cell cycle regulators, microtubules and trichocyst matrix proteins that may exert influence on this process in ciliates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Chundi Wang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Danxu Tang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Zihan Zang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Naomi A Stover
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria 61625, USA
| | - Xiao Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China; Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Lifang Li
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China.
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5
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Ganser MH, Bartel H, Fedrizzi M, Agatha S. A comparative ultrastructural study on the nanoscale extrusomes of tintinnids (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Spirotricha) and their phylogenetic significance. Eur J Protistol 2023; 87:125953. [PMID: 36638556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2022.125953] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The capsules, putative extrusomes in tintinnid ciliates, are known since 1971. Based on their ultrastructure, shape, and size, five capsule types were distinguished and suggested to be of phylogenetic significance. However, detailed morphometric data and transmission electron micrographs are lacking to verify former conclusions. In the current study, comprehensive analyses of transmission electron microscopic data were performed, investigating 14 species from 13 genera and more than seven families collected in European coastal waters and in the Northeast Pacific. Our data suggest two main capsule types (large and ampulliform vs small and ellipsoidal/ovoidal) each including two subtypes characterised by their internal structures. Species groupings inferred from the capsule (sub-)types emerge also as closely related in gene trees. Additionally, the ampulliform type unites the Undellidae, Xystonellidae, and Tintinnid clade 2, while the shared possession of the small ellipsoidal type proposes a close relationship of Tintinnid clade 11 with the Rhabdonellidae and Cyttarocylididae. Thus, the capsules provide promising features to shed light on several unresolved evolutionary relationships among tintinnid genera and families; yet, information on capsules is still missing for many monophyletic groupings. Finally, we provide the first ultrastructural clues for the extrusive character of these organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian H Ganser
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Heidi Bartel
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mattia Fedrizzi
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sabine Agatha
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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6
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Todaro MA, Luporini P. Not too big for its mouth: direct evidence of a macrodasyidan gastrotrich preyed in nature by a dileptid ciliate. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2095048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Todaro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio, Modena, Italy
| | - P. Luporini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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7
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Dong J, Liu Y, Ma J, Ma H, Stoeck T, Fan X. Ultrastructure of Diophrys appendiculata and new systematic consideration of the euplotid family Uronychiidae (Protista, Ciliophora). MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:551-568. [PMID: 37078077 PMCID: PMC10077282 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00153-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The ultrastructure of ciliates carries important cytological, taxonomical, and evolutionary signals for these single-celled eukaryotic organisms. However, little ultrastructural data have been accumulated for most ciliate groups with systematic problems. In the present work, a well-known marine uronychiid, Diophrys appendiculata, was investigated using electron microscopy and a comparison with, and a discussion considering, phylogenetic analyses were made. The new findings primarily show that: (i) this species lacks the typical alveolar plate, bears cortical ampule-like extrusomes, and has microtubular triads in the dorsal pellicle, and thus exhibits some ultrastructural features in common with most of its previously studied congeners; (ii) each adoral membranelle before the level of frontal cirrus II/2 contains three rows of kinetosomes and each membranelle after the level of frontal cirrus II/2 contains four rows, which might be related with morphogenesis and could be considered as a distinctive character of Diophrys; (iii) some structural details of the buccal field, such as the extra-pellicular fibrils, pellicle, pharyngeal disks and microtubular sheet, were documented. In addition, based on the ultrastructural comparison of representatives, we discuss the differentiation between the subfamilies Diophryinae and Uronychiinae. A hypothetical systematic relationship of members in the order Euplotida based on a wide range of data is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Dong
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Jiyang Ma
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Honggang Ma
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Thorsten Stoeck
- Ecology Group, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Xinpeng Fan
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
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Rodríguez-Martín D, Murciano A, Herráiz M, de Francisco P, Amaro F, Gutiérrez JC, Martín-González A, Díaz S. Arsenate and arsenite differential toxicity in Tetrahymena thermophila. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128532. [PMID: 35248958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A comparative analysis of toxicities of both arsenic forms (arsenite and arsenate) in the model eukaryotic microorganism Tetrahymena thermophila (ciliate protozoa) has shown the presence of various detoxification mechanisms and cellular effects comparable to those of animal cells under arsenic stress. In the wild type strain SB1969 arsenate is almost 2.5 times more toxic than arsenite. According to the concentration addition model used in binary metallic mixtures their toxicities show an additive effect. Using fluorescent assays and flow cytometry, it has been detected that As(V) generates elevated levels of ROS/RNS compared to As(III). Both produce the same levels of superoxide anion, but As(V) also causes greater increases in hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite. The mitochondrial membrane potential is affected by both As(V) and As(III), and electron microscopy has also revealed that mitochondria are the main target of both arsenic ionic forms. Fusion/fission and swelling mitochondrial and mitophagy, together with macroautophagy, vacuolization and mucocyst extruction are mainly associated to As(V) toxicity, while As(III) induces an extensive lipid metabolism dysfunction (adipotropic effect). Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of some genes encoding antioxidant proteins or enzymes has shown that glutathione and thioredoxin metabolisms are involved in the response to arsenic stress. Likewise, the function of metallothioneins seems to be crucial in arsenic detoxification processes, after using both metallothionein knockout and knockdown strains and cells overexpressing metallothionein genes from this ciliate. The analysis of the differential toxicity of As(III) and As(V) shown in this study provides cytological and molecular tools to be used as biomarkers for each of the two arsenic ionic forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rodríguez-Martín
- Animal Health Research Centre (CISA), National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Antonio Murciano
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marta Herráiz
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Francisco Amaro
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Carlos Gutiérrez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Martín-González
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
| | - Silvia Díaz
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
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Kuppannan A, Jiang YY, Maier W, Liu C, Lang CF, Cheng CY, Field MC, Zhao M, Zoltner M, Turkewitz AP. A novel membrane complex is required for docking and regulated exocytosis of lysosome-related organelles in Tetrahymena thermophila. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010194. [PMID: 35587496 PMCID: PMC9159632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, lysosome-related organelles called mucocysts accumulate at the cell periphery where they secrete their contents in response to extracellular events, a phenomenon called regulated exocytosis. The molecular bases underlying regulated exocytosis have been extensively described in animals but it is not clear whether similar mechanisms exist in ciliates or their sister lineage, the Apicomplexan parasites, which together belong to the ecologically and medically important superphylum Alveolata. Beginning with a T. thermophila mutant in mucocyst exocytosis, we used a forward genetic approach to uncover MDL1 (Mucocyst Discharge with a LamG domain), a novel gene that is essential for regulated exocytosis of mucocysts. Mdl1p is a 40 kDa membrane glycoprotein that localizes to mucocysts, and specifically to a tip domain that contacts the plasma membrane when the mucocyst is docked. This sub-localization of Mdl1p, which occurs prior to docking, underscores a functional asymmetry in mucocysts that is strikingly similar to that of highly polarized secretory organelles in other Alveolates. A mis-sense mutation in the LamG domain results in mucocysts that dock but only undergo inefficient exocytosis. In contrast, complete knockout of MDL1 largely prevents mucocyst docking itself. Mdl1p is physically associated with 9 other proteins, all of them novel and largely restricted to Alveolates, and sedimentation analysis supports the idea that they form a large complex. Analysis of three other members of this putative complex, called MDD (for Mucocyst Docking and Discharge), shows that they also localize to mucocysts. Negative staining of purified MDD complexes revealed distinct particles with a central channel. Our results uncover a novel macromolecular complex whose subunits are conserved within alveolates but not in other lineages, that is essential for regulated exocytosis in T. thermophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Kuppannan
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United State of America
| | - Yu-Yang Jiang
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United State of America
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Bio3/Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chang Liu
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Charles F. Lang
- Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chao-Yin Cheng
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United State of America
| | - Mark C. Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Martin Zoltner
- Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Aaron P. Turkewitz
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United State of America
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10
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Zhang X, Sun C, Gong Z, Ma R, Ni B, Fan X. Ultrastructure of Apocolpodidium etoschense (Ciliophora) and its Systematics, Enlightenment for the Class Nassophorea. Protist 2022; 173:125867. [DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2022.125867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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11
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Plattner H. Membrane Traffic and Ca 2+ -Signals in Ciliates. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12895. [PMID: 35156735 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12895] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A Paramecium cell has as many types of membrane interactions as mammalian cells, as established with monoclonal antibodies by R. Allen and A. Fok. Since then, we have identified key-players, such as SNARE-proteins, Ca2+ -regulating proteins, including Ca2+ -channels, Ca2+ -pumps, Ca2+ -binding proteins of different affinity etc. at the molecular level, probed their function and localized them at the light and electron microscopy level. SNARE-proteins, in conjunction with a synaptotagmin-like Ca2+ -sensor protein, mediate membrane fusion. This interaction is additionally regulated by monomeric GTPases whose spectrum in Tetrahymena and Paramecium has been established by A. Turkewitz. As known from mammalian cells, GTPases are activated on membranes in conjunction with lumenal acidification by an H+ -ATPase. For these complex molecules we found in Paramecium an unsurpassed number of 17 a-subunit paralogs which connect the polymeric head and basis part, V1 and V0. (This multitude may reflect different local functional requirements.) Together with plasmalemmal Ca2+ -influx-channels, locally enriched intracellular InsP3 -type (InsP3 R, mainly in osmoregulatory system) and ryanodine receptor-like Ca2+ -release channels (ryanodine receptor-like proteins, RyR-LP), this complexity mediates Ca2+ signals for most flexible local membrane-to-membrane interactions. As we found, the latter channel types miss a substantial portion of the N-terminal part. Caffeine and 4-chloro-meta-cresol (the agent used to probe mutations of RyRs in man during surgery in malignant insomnia patients) initiate trichocyst exocytosis by activating Ca2+ -release channels type CRC-IV in the peripheral part of alveolar sacs. This is superimposed by Ca2+ -influx, i.e. a mechanism called "store-operated Ca2+ -entry" (SOCE). For the majority of key players, we have mapped paralogs throughout the Paramecium cell, with features in common or at variance in the different organelles participating in vesicle trafficking. Local values of free Ca2+ -concentration, [Ca2+ ]i , and their change, e.g. upon exocytosis stimulation, have been registered by flurochromes and chelator effects. In parallel we have registered release of Ca2+ from alveolar sacs by quenched-flow analysis combined with cryofixation and x-ray microanalysis.
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Richardson E, Dacks JB. Distribution of Membrane Trafficking System Components Across Ciliate Diversity Highlights Heterogenous Organelle-Associated Machinery. Traffic 2022; 23:208-220. [PMID: 35128766 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ciliate phylum is a group of protists noted for their unusual membrane trafficking system and apparent environmental ubiquity; as highly successful microbial predators, they are found in all manner of environments and the ability for specific species to adapt to extremely challenging conditions makes them valued as bioindicators. Ciliates have also been used for many years as cell biological models due to their large cell size and ease of culturing, and for many fundamental cell structures, particularly membrane-bound organelles, ciliates were some of the earliest organisms in which these were observed via microscopy. In this study, we carried out a comparative genomic survey of selected membrane trafficking proteins in a pan-ciliate transcriptome and genome dataset. We observed considerable loss of membrane trafficking system (MTS) proteins that would indicate a loss of machinery that is generally conserved across eukaryotic diversity, even after controlling for potentially incomplete genome representation. In particular, the DSL1 complex was missing in all surveyed ciliates. This protein complex has been shown as involved in peroxisome biogenesis in some model systems, and a paucity of DSL1 components has been indicative of degenerate peroxisome. However, Tetrahymena thermophila (formerly Tetrahymena pyroformis) was one of the original models for visualising peroxisomes. Conversely, the AP3 complex essential for mucocyst maturation in T. thermophila, is poorly conserved despite the presence of secretory lysosome-related organelles across ciliate diversity. We discuss potential resolutions for these apparent paradoxes in the context of the heterogenous distribution of MTS machinery across the diversity of ciliates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Richardson
- University of Alberta School of Public Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, UK
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Sparvoli D, Lebrun M. Unraveling the Elusive Rhoptry Exocytic Mechanism of Apicomplexa. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:622-637. [PMID: 34045149 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites are unicellular eukaryotes that invade the cells in which they proliferate. The development of genetic tools in Toxoplasma, and then in Plasmodium, in the 1990s allowed the first description of the molecular machinery used for motility and invasion, revealing a crucial role for two different secretory organelles, micronemes and rhoptries. Rhoptry proteins are injected directly into the host cytoplasm not only to promote invasion but also to manipulate host functions. Nonetheless, the injection machinery has remained mysterious, a major conundrum in the field. Here we review recent progress in uncovering structural components and proteins implicated in rhoptry exocytosis and explain how revisiting early findings and considering the evolutionary origins of Apicomplexa contributed to some of these discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Sparvoli
- LPHI UMR5235, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, F-34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Maryse Lebrun
- LPHI UMR5235, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, F-34095 Montpellier, France.
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14
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Abstract
All living cells interact dynamically with a constantly changing world. Eukaryotes, in particular, evolved radically new ways to sense and react to their environment. These advances enabled new and more complex forms of cellular behaviour in eukaryotes, including directional movement, active feeding, mating, and responses to predation. But what are the key events and innovations during eukaryogenesis that made all of this possible? Here we describe the ancestral repertoire of eukaryotic excitability and discuss five major cellular innovations that enabled its evolutionary origin. The innovations include a vastly expanded repertoire of ion channels, the emergence of cilia and pseudopodia, endomembranes as intracellular capacitors, a flexible plasma membrane and the relocation of chemiosmotic ATP synthesis to mitochondria, which liberated the plasma membrane for more complex electrical signalling involved in sensing and reacting. We conjecture that together with an increase in cell size, these new forms of excitability greatly amplified the degrees of freedom associated with cellular responses, allowing eukaryotes to vastly outperform prokaryotes in terms of both speed and accuracy. This comprehensive new perspective on the evolution of excitability enriches our view of eukaryogenesis and emphasizes behaviour and sensing as major contributors to the success of eukaryotes. This article is part of the theme issue 'Basal cognition: conceptual tools and the view from the single cell'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Y. Wan
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Gáspár Jékely
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Serra V, D’Alessandro A, Nitla V, Gammuto L, Modeo L, Petroni G, Fokin SI. The neotypification of Frontonia vernalis (Ehrenberg, 1833) Ehrenberg, 1838 and the description of Frontonia paravernalis sp. nov. trigger a critical revision of frontoniid systematics. BMC ZOOL 2021; 6:4. [PMID: 37170316 PMCID: PMC10127333 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-021-00067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Among Oligohymenophorea (Ciliophora, Alveolata) the subclass Peniculia stands as one of the most well-known groups. Frontonia is the largest genus of Peniculia, and its representatives are spread in any type of water bodies as well as in soil. At a first glance, Frontonia species exhibit an overall similar morphology, and form a well-recognizable taxon of ciliates. Despite the general morphological homogeneity, the phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rDNA sequencing showed that Frontonia is a non-monophyletic group. The systematics of this genus should be deeply reviewed, although additional issues complicate the task solving. First, type species of the genus is not yet clearly established, and no type material is available. In this context, the situation of F. vernalis, one of the first Frontonia ever described, is somehow puzzled: the description of this ciliate made by Ehrenberg (in 1833 and 1838) contains several inaccuracies and subsequent misidentifications by other authors occurred. Moreover, the 18S rDNA sequence of a putative F. vernalis is available on GenBank, but no morphological description of the correspondent specimens is provided; thus, in our opinion, it should be only prudently associated with F. vernalis or at least indicated as “F. vernalis”.
Results
In the present work, we provide the neotypification of F. vernalis newly found in Italy, presenting its multidisciplinary description and its neotype material. Similarly, we describe a novel species bearing Chlorella-like endosymbionts, Frontonia paravernalis sp. nov., retrieved in two far distant locations (Italy, Russia). A critical discussion on the status of Frontonia taxonomy and phylogeny is also presented, based on the 18S rDNA sequencing of both these two newly collected species and other 14 frontoniids isolated in different parts of the world. Finally, in the present study F. leucas was neotypified and proposed as the type species of the genus.
Conclusions
Green frontoniids form a monophyletic clade of freshwater organisms characterized by having a single contractile vacuole and bearing intracytoplasmatic Chlorella-like symbionts. With the neotypification of F. vernalis and F. leucas a fundamental step in Frontonia systematics was taken, and the bases for further taxonomic studies were laid.
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Serra V, Gammuto L, Nitla V, Castelli M, Lanzoni O, Sassera D, Bandi C, Sandeep BV, Verni F, Modeo L, Petroni G. Morphology, ultrastructure, genomics, and phylogeny of Euplotes vanleeuwenhoeki sp. nov. and its ultra-reduced endosymbiont "Candidatus Pinguicoccus supinus" sp. nov. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20311. [PMID: 33219271 PMCID: PMC7679464 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76348-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Taxonomy is the science of defining and naming groups of biological organisms based on shared characteristics and, more recently, on evolutionary relationships. With the birth of novel genomics/bioinformatics techniques and the increasing interest in microbiome studies, a further advance of taxonomic discipline appears not only possible but highly desirable. The present work proposes a new approach to modern taxonomy, consisting in the inclusion of novel descriptors in the organism characterization: (1) the presence of associated microorganisms (e.g.: symbionts, microbiome), (2) the mitochondrial genome of the host, (3) the symbiont genome. This approach aims to provide a deeper comprehension of the evolutionary/ecological dimensions of organisms since their very first description. Particularly interesting, are those complexes formed by the host plus associated microorganisms, that in the present study we refer to as "holobionts". We illustrate this approach through the description of the ciliate Euplotes vanleeuwenhoeki sp. nov. and its bacterial endosymbiont "Candidatus Pinguicoccus supinus" gen. nov., sp. nov. The endosymbiont possesses an extremely reduced genome (~ 163 kbp); intriguingly, this suggests a high integration between host and symbiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Serra
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4/6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leandro Gammuto
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4/6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Venkatamahesh Nitla
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4/6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Castelli
- Department of Biosciences, Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Pediatric Research Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Pavia University, Pavia, Italy
| | - Olivia Lanzoni
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4/6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Sassera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Pavia University, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences, Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Pediatric Research Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Franco Verni
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4/6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Modeo
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4/6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
- CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
- CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Pisa, India.
| | - Giulio Petroni
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4/6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
- CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
- CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Pisa, India.
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da Silva Paiva T. Systematic Redefinition of the Hypotricha (Alveolata, Ciliophora) Based on Combined Analyses of Morphological and Molecular Characters. Protist 2020; 171:125755. [PMID: 32858402 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2020.125755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The systematics of Hypotricha is one of the most puzzling problems in ciliate biology, having spanned numerous conflicting hypotheses with unstable relationships at various levels in molecular trees, for which the constant addition of newly discovered species has only increased the confusion. The hypotrichs comprise a remarkable morphologically diversified group of ciliates, and the phylogenetic potential of morphological traits is generally recognized. However, such characters were rarely used in phylogenetic reconstructions, and congruence with molecular data never assessed from simultaneous analyses. To properly reconciliate morphological and molecular information, maximum-likelihood and parsimony analyses of 79 morphological characters and 18S rDNA sequences were performed for 130 ingroup terminals, broadly sampled to represent the known hypotrich diversity. As result, well-supported and relatively stable clades were recovered, based on which the redefined Hypotricha comprises at least six higher taxa: The "arcuseriids", Holostichida, Parabirojimida, and the "amphisiellids", plus the two large clades Kentrurostylida nov. tax. (Hispidotergida nov. tax. and Simplicitergida nov. tax.) and Diatirostomata nov. tax. ("bistichellids", "kahliellids", Gonostomatida and Dorsomarginalia [Postoralida nov. tax. and Uroleptida]). Each taxon was circumscribed by synapomorphies, of which most were homoplastic, as the natural history of hypotrichs is portrayed by an outstanding quantity of convergences and reversions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago da Silva Paiva
- Laboratório de Protistologia, Dept. de Zoologia, Inst. de Biologia, CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, CEP: 21941-590 Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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18
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Dong J, Chen X, Liu Y, Ni B, Fan X, Li L, Warren A. An Integrative Investigation of Parabistichella variabilis (Protista, Ciliophora, Hypotrichia) Including Its General Morphology, Ultrastructure, Ontogenesis, and Molecular Phylogeny. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2020; 67:566-582. [PMID: 32460401 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypotrichs are a highly differentiated and very diverse group of ciliated protists. Their systematics and taxonomy are challenging and call for detailed investigations on their general morphology, ultrastructure, ontogenesis, and molecular phylogeny. Here, a comprehensive study is conducted on a brackish water population of Parabistichella variabilis using light and electron microscopy and phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence data. Its morphology, including the infraciliature, pellicle, nuclei, buccal seal, and extrusomes, is documented. The present findings indicate that in P. variabilis: (i) the cortical granules are extrusomes, which differ from those of other hypotrichs; (ii) the buccal seal is bounded by the plasma membrane and contains a single layer of longitudinal microtubules; (iii) two contractile vacuoles might be present rather than one; and (iv) the pharyngeal disks are bounded by a single membrane. Early-to-middle stages of ontogenesis are described for the first time, enabling the complete characterization of this process. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Parabistichella variabilis is closely related to several species from different genera, such as Orthoamphisiella breviseries, Uroleptoides magnigranulosus, and Tachysoma pellionellum. However, ultrastructural and gene sequence data for more taxa are needed in order to resolve the systematics of Parabistichella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Dong
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, and College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.,School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xumiao Chen
- Department of Marine Organism Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, and College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Bing Ni
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xinpeng Fan
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Lifang Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Alan Warren
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
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19
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Buonanno F, Catalani E, Cervia D, Cimarelli C, Marcantoni E, Ortenzi C. Natural Function and Structural Modification of Climacostol, a Ciliate Secondary Metabolite. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E809. [PMID: 32471240 PMCID: PMC7356801 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The review highlights the main results of two decades of research on climacostol (5-[(2Z)-non-2-en-1-yl]benzene-1,3-diol), the resorcinolic lipid produced and used by the ciliated protozoan Climacostomum virens for chemical defense against a wide range of predators, and to assist its carnivorous feeding. After the first studies on the physiological function of climacostol, the compound and some analogues were chemically synthesized, thus allowing us to explore both its effect on different prokaryotic and eukaryotic biological systems, and the role of its relevant structural traits. In particular, the results obtained in the last 10 years indicate climacostol is an effective antimicrobial and anticancer agent, bringing new clues to the attempt to design and synthesize additional novel analogues that can increase or optimize its pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Buonanno
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage, and Tourism (ECHT), Università degli Studi di Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (E.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Cristina Cimarelli
- School of Science and Technology, Section of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (C.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Enrico Marcantoni
- School of Science and Technology, Section of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (C.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Claudio Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage, and Tourism (ECHT), Università degli Studi di Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy;
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Predatory colponemids are the sister group to all other alveolates. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2020; 149:106839. [PMID: 32325195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Alveolates are a major supergroup of eukaryotes encompassing more than ten thousand free-living and parasitic species, including medically, ecologically, and economically important apicomplexans, dinoflagellates, and ciliates. These three groups are among the most widespread eukaryotes on Earth, and their environmental success can be linked to unique innovations that emerged early in each group. Understanding the emergence of these well-studied and diverse groups and their innovations has relied heavily on the discovery and characterization of early-branching relatives, which allow ancestral states to be inferred with much greater confidence. Here we report the phylogenomic analyses of 313 eukaryote protein-coding genes from transcriptomes of three members of one such group, the colponemids (Colponemidia), which support their monophyly and position as the sister lineage to all other known alveolates. Colponemid-related sequences from environmental surveys and our microscopical observations show that colponemids are not common in nature, but they are diverse and widespread in freshwater habitats around the world. Studied colponemids possess two types of extrusive organelles (trichocysts or toxicysts) for active hunting of other unicellular eukaryotes and potentially play an important role in microbial food webs. Colponemids have generally plesiomorphic morphology and illustrate the ancestral state of Alveolata. We further discuss their importance in understanding the evolution of alveolates and the origin of myzocytosis and plastids.
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21
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Documentation of a new hypotrich species in the family Amphisiellidae, Lamtostyla gui n. sp. (Protista, Ciliophora) using a multidisciplinary approach. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3763. [PMID: 32111909 PMCID: PMC7048753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An integrated approach considering both morphologic and molecular data is now required to improve biodiversity estimations and provide more robust systematics interpretations in hypotrichs, a highly differentiated group of ciliates. In present study, we document a new hypotrich species, Lamtostyla gui n. sp., collected from Chongming wetland, Shanghai, China, based on investigations using living observation, protargol staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and gene sequencing. The new species is mainly recognized by having a short amphisiellid median cirral row composed of four cirri, three frontoventral cirri, three dorsal kinetids, four to eight macronuclear nodules, and small colorless cortical granules distributed as rosettes around dorsal bristles. Transmission electron microscope observation finds the associated microtubules of cirri and pharyngeal discs of L. gui are distinct from those in other hypotrichs. Morphogenesis of this species indicates that parental adoral membranelles retained intact or partial renewed is a potential feature to separate Lamtostyla granulifera-group and Lamtostyla lamottei-group. Phylogenetic analysis based on small subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene shows that this molecular marker is not useful to resolve phylogenetic relationships of the genus Lamtostyla, as well as many other hypotrichous taxa. We additionally characterize the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) region and the almost complete large subunit rRNA, which will be essential for future studies aimed at solving phylogenetic problems of Lamtostyla, or even the family Amphisiellidae. As a final remark, the critical screening of GenBank using ITS genes of our organism allows us to recognize a large amount of hypotrichous sequences have been misclassified as fungi. This observation suggests that hypotrichs could be frequently found in fungi-rich environment and overlooked by fungal specialists.
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Dong J, Li L, Fan X, Ma H, Warren A. Two Urosoma species (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia): A multidisciplinary approach provides new insights into their ultrastructure and systematics. Eur J Protistol 2019; 72:125661. [PMID: 31841799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2019.125661] [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] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The general morphology and ultrastructure of two soil hypotrichous ciliates, Urosoma emarginata and U. salmastra, were investigated using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the newly sequenced small subunit ribosomal (SSU) rRNA genes, were conducted on three U. emarginata populations and one U. salmastra population. Our findings support for the validity of Perilemmaphora Berger, 2008, a rankless taxon comprising spirotrich ciliates having a perilemma. The cortical granules of both species are extrusomes representing a new type of mucocyst in U. emarginata and possibly a new type of pigmentocyst in U. salmastra. Additionally, the lithosomes were revealed as subglobose structures composed of a low electron-dense, homogeneous inner part and an electron-dense outer part. The ultrastructural features of the cortical granules, together with ontogenetic and molecular phylogenetic data, suggest that the genus Urosoma might need to be divided. It is posited that ultrastructural features of hypotrichous ciliates in general may have important taxonomic value warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Dong
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity and Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lifang Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Xinpeng Fan
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Honggang Ma
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity and Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Alan Warren
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
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23
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Folgueira I, Lamas J, De Felipe AP, Sueiro RA, Leiro JM. Evidence for the role of extrusomes in evading attack by the host immune system in a scuticociliate parasite. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 92:802-812. [PMID: 31284047 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Like other ciliates, Philasterides dicentrarchi, the scuticociliate parasite of turbot, produces a feeding-only or growing stage called a trophont during its life cycle. Exposure of the trophonts to heat-inactivated serum extracted from the turbot host and containing specific antibodies that induce agglutination/immobilization leads to the production of a mucoid capsule from which the trophonts later emerge. We investigated how these capsules are generated, observing that the mechanism was associated with the process of exocytosis involved in the release of a matrix material from the extrusomes. The extruded material contains mucin-like glycoproteins that were deposited on the surface of the cell and whose expression increased with time of exposure to the heat-inactivated immune serum, at both protein expression and gene expression levels. Stimulation of the trophonts with the immune serum also caused an increase in discharge of the intracellular storage compartments of calcium necessary for the exocytosis processes in the extrusomes. The results obtained suggest that P. dicentrarchi uses the extrusion mechanism to generate a physical barrier protecting the ciliate from attack by soluble factors of the host immune system. Data on the proteins involved and the potential development of molecules that interfere with this exocytic process could contribute to improving the prevention and control of scuticociliatosis in turbot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iria Folgueira
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios, Campus Vida, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jesús Lamas
- Departamento de Biología Functional, Instituto de Acuicultura, Campus Vida, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana Paula De Felipe
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios, Campus Vida, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rosa Ana Sueiro
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios, Campus Vida, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Manuel Leiro
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios, Campus Vida, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Bardele CF, Stockmann N, Agatha S. Some Ultrastructural Features of the Planktonic Freshwater Ciliate Limnostrombidium viride (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Oligotrichida) and Improved Diagnoses of Oligotrich Taxa. ACTA PROTOZOOL 2019; 57:169-193. [PMID: 31168162 PMCID: PMC6546604 DOI: 10.4467/16890027ap.18.014.10090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The first transmission and scanning electron microscopical studies in combination with freeze-fracture technology have disclosed some important morphological and ultrastructural features in the freshwater oligotrichid Limnostrombidium viride. (I) The dikinetids (paired basal bodies) of the girdle kinety have a club-shaped cilium associated only with each left basal body. The electron-dense (paraflagellar) body on one side of its "9×2+2"-axoneme and the regular array of intramembranous particles indicate a sensory, perhaps photoreceptor function of these club-shaped cilia. (II) The stichomonad endoral membrane is proximally covered by a cytoplasmic fold and distally by multiple membranous layers. Thus entirely covered, the endoral is probably no longer involved in food capture; nonetheless, its associated microtubules might stabilise the cytopharynx. (III) Instead of a contractile vacuole, a horizontal ring-canal with supposed osmoregulatory function occurs. (IV) The extrusive nature of the trichites is not only observed in electron micrographs, but the attachment sites of these organelles also display a rosette of "8+1"-particles in the P-face of freeze-fracture replicas typical for ciliate extrusomes. (V) The neoformation organelle, the subsurface tube in which stomatogenesis takes place, shows short basal bodies and normal axonemes about 1 μm long. It is accompanied by numerous membrane vesicles, which might provide membrane material for the outgrowing cilia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Stockmann
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Agatha
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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25
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Heidari-Zefreh AA, Shariatpanahi ME, Mousavi A, Kalatejari S. Enhancement of microspore embryogenesis induction and plantlet regeneration of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) using putrescine and ascorbic acid. PROTOPLASMA 2019; 256:459-469. [PMID: 29922944 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-018-1308-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Production of doubled haploid (DH) plants is an efficient tool in genetic and plant breeding programs; however, sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is recalcitrant to microspore embryogenesis and DH production. Trying to break the barrier of DH production, three independent experiments were conducted on microspore embryogenesis of sweet pepper. In the first experiment, the effect of cold (4 °C) and heat (32 °C) pretreatments were investigated on microspore embryogenesis of three genotypes of sweet pepper including "Inspiration F1," "Maratus F1," and "Magno F1" cultivars in a factorial design with three replications. Heat shock (32 °C for 7 days), applied to mannitol-starved anthers of "Inspiration F1," showed higher multinuclear microspore percent, number of multicellular structures, total embryos, cotyledonary embryos, and regenerants. In the second experiment, the effect of different concentrations of putrescine (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 mg l-1) was evaluated on microspore embryogenesis of the three aforementioned cultivars of sweet pepper. The highest mean number of multicellular structures, cotyledonary embryos, and regenerants were achieved by applying 0.5-1 mg l-1 putrescine during the mannitol starvation and heat shock (32 °C) treatments of isolated microspore culture of "Inspiration F1" cultivar. Significant decrease in microspore embryogenesis efficiency was observed when high levels of putrescine (2 and 5 mg l-1) were used. Microspore embryogenesis was prevented completely at 5.0 mg l-1 putrescine. In the third experiment, the effect of different concentrations of ascorbic acid (0, 20, 50, 100, and 200 mg l-1) was investigated and the results showed that the application of ascorbic acid (20 and 50 mg l-1) during mannitol starvation and heat shock treatment (32 °C) caused remarkable improvement in the number of produced cotyledonary embryos and their regeneration ability compared to control treatment. However, the application of higher levels of ascorbic acid (100 and 200 mg l-1) inhibited microspore cell divisions and embryogenesis. In conclusion, the results indicated that both putrescine and ascorbic acid have significant effect on microspore embryogenesis efficiency of sweet pepper when they are used in appropriate concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Akbar Heidari-Zefreh
- Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Tehran Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue and Cell Culture, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Mahdasht Road, P. O. Box 31535-1897, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehran E Shariatpanahi
- Department of Tissue and Cell Culture, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Mahdasht Road, P. O. Box 31535-1897, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Amir Mousavi
- Department of Molecular Plant Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Kalatejari
- Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Tehran Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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26
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Gong ZW, Fan XP, Ma R, Ni B. Ultrastructure of vegetative cells and resting cysts, and live observations of the encystation and excystation processes in Diophrys oligothrix
Borror, 1965 (Protista, Ciliophora). J Morphol 2018; 279:1397-1407. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Wei Gong
- School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Xin-Peng Fan
- School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Rui Ma
- School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Bing Ni
- School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
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27
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Sparvoli D, Richardson E, Osakada H, Lan X, Iwamoto M, Bowman GR, Kontur C, Bourland WA, Lynn DH, Pritchard JK, Haraguchi T, Dacks JB, Turkewitz AP. Remodeling the Specificity of an Endosomal CORVET Tether Underlies Formation of Regulated Secretory Vesicles in the Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. Curr Biol 2018; 28:697-710.e13. [PMID: 29478853 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the endocytic pathway of animals, two related complexes, called CORVET (class C core vacuole/endosome transport) and HOPS (homotypic fusion and protein sorting), act as both tethers and fusion factors for early and late endosomes, respectively. Mutations in CORVET or HOPS lead to trafficking defects and contribute to human disease, including immune dysfunction. HOPS and CORVET are conserved throughout eukaryotes, but remarkably, in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, the HOPS-specific subunits are absent, while CORVET-specific subunits have proliferated. VPS8 (vacuolar protein sorting), a CORVET subunit, expanded to 6 paralogs in Tetrahymena. This expansion correlated with loss of HOPS within a ciliate subgroup, including the Oligohymenophorea, which contains Tetrahymena. As uncovered via forward genetics, a single VPS8 paralog in Tetrahymena (VPS8A) is required to synthesize prominent secretory granules called mucocysts. More specifically, Δvps8a cells fail to deliver a subset of cargo proteins to developing mucocysts, instead accumulating that cargo in vesicles also bearing the mucocyst-sorting receptor Sor4p. Surprisingly, although this transport step relies on CORVET, it does not appear to involve early endosomes. Instead, Vps8a associates with the late endosomal/lysosomal marker Rab7, indicating that target specificity switching occurred in CORVET subunits during the evolution of ciliates. Mucocysts belong to a markedly diverse and understudied class of protist secretory organelles called extrusomes. Our results underscore that biogenesis of mucocysts depends on endolysosomal trafficking, revealing parallels with invasive organelles in apicomplexan parasites and suggesting that a wide array of secretory adaptations in protists, like in animals, depend on mechanisms related to lysosome biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Sparvoli
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Hiroko Osakada
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Kobe 651-2492, Japan
| | - Xun Lan
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Masaaki Iwamoto
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Kobe 651-2492, Japan
| | - Grant R Bowman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cassandra Kontur
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William A Bourland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1515, USA
| | - Denis H Lynn
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jonathan K Pritchard
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tokuko Haraguchi
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Kobe 651-2492, Japan; Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Aaron P Turkewitz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Rhiel E, Wöhlbrand L, Rabus R, Voget S. Candidates of trichocyst matrix proteins of the dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina. PROTOPLASMA 2018; 255:217-230. [PMID: 28779305 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-017-1148-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Trichocysts are a common cell organelle of ciliates and dinoflagellates. They are composed of trichocyst matrix proteins and have been intensely investigated and characterized in ciliates. Here, for the first time, data have been obtained for trichocyst matrix proteins of a dinoflagellate. A DELTA-BLAST search using 14 available and complete amino acid sequences of mature trichocyst matrix proteins of the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia resulted in 16 hits for the dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina when the E values and bit values to be scored were <10-4 and >40. They code for proteins with acidic pI values and exceeded the precursors of the trichocyst matrix proteins of the ciliate approximately twofold in length. The values calculated for coverage, identity, and positives ranged from 76 to 100, 21.5 to 28.3, and 44.9 to 53.9%, respectively. Protein conformation predictions indicate coiled-coil domains which are a common feature of mature ciliate trichocyst matrix proteins. As often several EST sequences of O. marina matched with a queried mature trichocyst matrix protein of P. tetraurelia, a multigene family can be assumed for trichocyst proteins in this dinophyte, too. Trichocyst-enriched fractions of O. marina were isolated and subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. When samples were incubated with loading buffer without a reducing agent, the banding pattern was mainly composed of three regions in the range of >90, 75-60, and 50-35 kDa, with each region consisting of four to five bands. Tryptic in gel digestion of proteins excised from these three gel regions followed by mass spectrometry confirmed that up to 14 of the 16 predicted proteins were present within the trichocyst-enriched fractions. When the samples were reduced with either ß-mercaptoethanol or dithiothreitol, the proteins of the three regions disappeared almost completely and proteins in the range of 27 to 15 kDa became the dominating bands. Up to 12 of the predicted proteins were detected within these bands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhard Rhiel
- Planktology, ICBM, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, P.O.B. 2503, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Lars Wöhlbrand
- General and Molecular Microbiology, ICBM, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, P.O.B. 2503, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Rabus
- General and Molecular Microbiology, ICBM, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, P.O.B. 2503, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Voget
- Stabsstelle Sicherheitswesen/Umweltschutz, Georg-August University Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
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29
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30
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Reñé A, Alacid E, Ferrera I, Garcés E. Evolutionary Trends of Perkinsozoa (Alveolata) Characters Based on Observations of Two New Genera of Parasitoids of dinoflagellates, Dinovorax gen. nov. and Snorkelia gen. nov. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1594. [PMID: 28970818 PMCID: PMC5609580 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites are one of the ecologically most relevant groups of marine food webs, but their taxonomic and biological complexity hampers the assessment of their diversity and evolutionary trends. Moreover, the within-host processes that govern parasitoid infection, development and reproduction are often unknown. In this study, we describe a new species of a perkinsozoan endoparasitoid that infects the toxic dinoflagellate Dinophysis sacculus, by including observations of its morphology, ultrastructure, life-cycle development and phylogeny. The SSU rDNA sequence and main morphological features were also obtained for a second parasitoid species infecting the bloom-forming dinoflagellate Levanderina fissa. Phylogenetic analyses including the sequences obtained show that all known Perkinsozoa species infecting dinoflagellates cluster together. However, sequences of Parvilucifera prorocentri and those obtained in this study cluster at the base of the clade, while the rest of Parvilucifera representatives form a separated highly-supported cluster. These results, together with differing morphological characters like the formation of a germ-tube, the presence of trichocysts, or the heterochromatin presence in zoospores nucleus justify the erection of Dinovorax pyriformis gen. nov. et sp. nov., and Snorkelia prorocentri gen. nov. et comb. nov. (=Parvilucifera prorocentri). The morphological features and phylogenetic position of these parasitoids represent ancestral characters for the Perkinsozoa phylum, and also for Dinozoa clade, allowing the inference of the evolutionary framework of these Alveolata members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Reñé
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Alacid
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Ferrera
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Garcés
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)Barcelona, Spain
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31
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Buonanno F, Anesi A, Giuseppe GD, Guella G, Ortenzi C. Chemical Defense by Erythrolactones in the Euryhaline Ciliated Protist, Pseudokeronopsis erythrina. Zoolog Sci 2017; 34:42-51. [PMID: 28148211 DOI: 10.2108/zs160123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pseudokeronopsis erythrina produces three new secondary metabolites, erythrolactones A2, B2 and C2, and their respective sulfate esters (A1, B1, C1), the structures of which have been recently elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic data coupled to high resolution mass measurements (HR-MALDI-TOF). An analysis of the discharge of the protozoan pigment granules revealed that the non-sulfonated erythrolactones are exclusively stored in these cortical organelles, which are commonly used by a number of ciliates as chemical weapons in offense/defense interactions with prey and predators. We evaluated the toxic activity of pigment granule discharge on a panel of free-living ciliates and micro-invertebrates, and the activity of each single purified erythrolactone on three ciliate species. We also observed predator-prey interactions of P. erythrina with unicellular and multicellular predators. Experimental results confirm that only P. erythrina cells with discharged pigment granules were preferentially or exclusively hunted and eaten by at least some of its predators, whereas almost all intact (fully pigmented) cells remained alive. Our results indicate that erythrolactones are very effective as a chemical defense in P. erythrina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Buonanno
- 1 Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of ECHT, University of Macerata, Piazzale Bertelli, 1, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Andrea Anesi
- 2 Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, 38123 Povo (Trento), Italy
| | - Graziano Di Giuseppe
- 3 Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Alessandro Volta 4, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Graziano Guella
- 2 Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, 38123 Povo (Trento), Italy.,4 Biophysical Institute, CNR, Via alla Cascata 56/C, 38123 Povo (Trento), Italy
| | - Claudio Ortenzi
- 1 Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of ECHT, University of Macerata, Piazzale Bertelli, 1, 62100 Macerata, Italy
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32
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Kaur H, Sparvoli D, Osakada H, Iwamoto M, Haraguchi T, Turkewitz AP. An endosomal syntaxin and the AP-3 complex are required for formation and maturation of candidate lysosome-related secretory organelles (mucocysts) in Tetrahymena thermophila. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1551-1564. [PMID: 28381425 PMCID: PMC5449153 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-01-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosome-related organelles (LROs) are secretory organelles formed by convergence between secretory and endosomal trafficking pathways. In Tetrahymena, secretory vesicles that resemble dense core granules are a new class of LROs whose synthesis depends on a conserved syntaxin required for heterotypic fusion and AP-3 for maturation. The ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila synthesizes large secretory vesicles called mucocysts. Mucocyst biosynthesis shares features with dense core granules (DCGs) in animal cells, including proteolytic processing of cargo proteins during maturation. However, other molecular features have suggested relatedness to lysosome-related organelles (LROs). LROs, which include diverse organelles in animals, are formed via convergence of secretory and endocytic trafficking. Here we analyzed Tetrahymena syntaxin 7-like 1 (Stx7l1p), a Qa-SNARE whose homologues in other lineages are linked with vacuoles/LROs. Stx7l1p is targeted to both immature and mature mucocysts and is essential in mucocyst formation. In STX7L1-knockout cells, the two major classes of mucocyst cargo proteins localize independently, accumulating in largely nonoverlapping vesicles. Thus initial formation of immature mucocysts involves heterotypic fusion, in which a subset of mucocyst proteins is delivered via an endolysosomal compartment. Further, we show that subsequent maturation requires AP-3, a complex widely implicated in LRO formation. Knockout of the µ-subunit gene does not impede delivery of any known mucocyst cargo but nonetheless arrests mucocyst maturation. Our data argue that secretory organelles in ciliates may represent a new class of LROs and reveal key roles of an endosomal syntaxin and AP-3 in the assembly of this complex compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsimran Kaur
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Daniela Sparvoli
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Hiroko Osakada
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe 651-2492, Japan
| | - Masaaki Iwamoto
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe 651-2492, Japan
| | - Tokuko Haraguchi
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe 651-2492, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Aaron P Turkewitz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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Guerrier S, Plattner H, Richardson E, Dacks JB, Turkewitz AP. An evolutionary balance: conservation vs innovation in ciliate membrane trafficking. Traffic 2016; 18:18-28. [PMID: 27696651 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As most of eukaryotic diversity lies in single-celled protists, they represent unique opportunities to ask questions about the balance of conservation and innovation in cell biological features. Among free-living protists the ciliates offer ease of culturing, a rich array of experimental approaches, and versatile molecular tools, particularly in Tetrahymena thermophila and Paramecium tetraurelia. These attributes have been exploited by researchers to analyze a wealth of cellular structures in these large and complex cells. This mini-review focuses on 3 aspects of ciliate membrane dynamics, all linked with endolysosomal trafficking. First is nutrition based on phagocytosis and maturation of food vacuoles. Secondly, we discuss regulated exocytosis from vesicles that have features of both dense core secretory granules but also lysosome-related organelles. The third topic is the targeting, breakdown and resorption of parental nuclei in mating partners. For all 3 phenomena, it is clear that elements of the canonical membrane-trafficking system have been retained and in some cases repurposed. In addition, there is evidence that recently evolved, lineage-specific proteins provide determinants in these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helmut Plattner
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Joel B Dacks
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Aaron P Turkewitz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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34
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Whole Genome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Factor Required for Secretory Granule Maturation in Tetrahymena thermophila. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:2505-16. [PMID: 27317773 PMCID: PMC4978903 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.028878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Unbiased genetic approaches have a unique ability to identify novel genes associated with specific biological pathways. Thanks to next generation sequencing, forward genetic strategies can be expanded to a wider range of model organisms. The formation of secretory granules, called mucocysts, in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila relies, in part, on ancestral lysosomal sorting machinery, but is also likely to involve novel factors. In prior work, multiple strains with defects in mucocyst biogenesis were generated by nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis, and characterized using genetic and cell biological approaches, but the genetic lesions themselves were unknown. Here, we show that analyzing one such mutant by whole genome sequencing reveals a novel factor in mucocyst formation. Strain UC620 has both morphological and biochemical defects in mucocyst maturation-a process analogous to dense core granule maturation in animals. Illumina sequencing of a pool of UC620 F2 clones identified a missense mutation in a novel gene called MMA1 (Mucocyst maturation). The defects in UC620 were rescued by expression of a wild-type copy of MMA1, and disrupting MMA1 in an otherwise wild-type strain phenocopies UC620. The product of MMA1, characterized as a CFP-tagged copy, encodes a large soluble cytosolic protein. A small fraction of Mma1p-CFP is pelletable, which may reflect association with endosomes. The gene has no identifiable homologs except in other Tetrahymena species, and therefore represents an evolutionarily recent innovation that is required for granule maturation.
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35
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Plattner H. Trichocysts-Paramecium'sProjectile-like Secretory Organelles. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2016; 64:106-133. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Plattner
- Department of Biology; University of Konstanz; PO Box M625 78457 Konstanz Germany
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Anesi A, Buonanno F, di Giuseppe G, Ortenzi C, Guella G. Metabolites from the Euryhaline CiliatePseudokeronopsis erythrina. European J Org Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201501424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Jakob G, Stephens E, Feller R, Oey M, Hankamer B, Ross IL. Triggered exocytosis of the protozoan Tetrahymena as a source of bioflocculation and a controllable dewatering method for efficient harvest of microalgal cultures. ALGAL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Buonanno F, Ortenzi C. Cold-shock based method to induce the discharge of extrusomes in ciliated protists and its efficiency. J Basic Microbiol 2015; 56:586-90. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201500438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Buonanno
- Laboratory of Protistology, Biology Education; University of Macerata; P. le Bertelli 1 62100 Macerata Italy
| | - Claudio Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Protistology, Biology Education; University of Macerata; P. le Bertelli 1 62100 Macerata Italy
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Echevarria ML, Wolfe GV, Taylor AR. Feast or flee: bioelectrical regulation of feeding and predator evasion behaviors in the planktonic alveolate Favella sp. (Spirotrichia). J Exp Biol 2015; 219:445-56. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.121871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Alveolate (ciliates and dinoflagellates) grazers are integral components of the marine food web and must therefore be able to sense a range of mechanical and chemical signals produced by prey and predators, integrating them via signal transduction mechanisms to respond with effective prey capture and predator evasion behaviors. However, the sensory biology of alveolate grazers is poorly understood. Using novel techniques that combine electrophysiological measurements and high-speed videomicroscopy we investigated the sensory biology of Favella sp., a model alveolate grazer, in the context of its trophic ecology. Favella sp. produced frequent rhythmic depolarizations (∼500 ms long) that caused backward swimming and are responsible for endogenous swimming patterns relevant to foraging. Contact of both prey cells and non-prey polystyrene microspheres at the cilia produced immediate mechano-stimulated depolarizations (∼500 ms long) that caused backward swimming, and likely underlie aggregative swimming patterns of Favella sp. in response to patches of prey. Contact of particles at the peristomal cavity that were not suitable for ingestion resulted in MSDs after a lag of ∼600 ms, allowing time for particles to be processed before rejection. Ingestion of preferred prey particles was accompanied by transient hyperpolarizations (∼1 s) that likely regulate this step of the feeding process. Predation attempts by the copepod Acartia tonsa elicited fast (∼20 ms) animal-like action potentials accompanied by rapid contraction of the cell to avoid predation. We have shown that the sensory mechanisms of Favella sp. are finely tuned to the type, location, and intensity of stimuli from prey and predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Echevarria
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington NC 28403, USA
| | - Gordon V. Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, 1205 W. 7th Street, Chico, CA 95929-0515, USA
| | - Alison R. Taylor
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington NC 28403, USA
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Westermann M, Steiniger F, Gülzow N, Hillebrand H, Rhiel E. Isolation and characterisation of the trichocysts of the dinophyte Prorocentrum micans. PROTOPLASMA 2015; 252:271-281. [PMID: 25030517 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-014-0675-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Trichocyst-enriched fractions were isolated from the marine dinophyte Prorocentrum micans. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that most of the trichocysts were discharged and had elongated to long filaments. Some trichocysts were still condensed. Fragments of discharged trichocysts measured up to 20 μm in length and 260 nm in width, those still condensed measured up to 1 μm in width and 16 μm in length. A distinct banding pattern with a transversal periodicity of approximately 16-18 nm and a periodic longitudinal striation of 3-4 nm could be measured along the trichocyst filaments. At higher magnifications, a fragile, alveolated, net-like organisation became obvious which resembled the one shown for the trichocysts of ciliates. When trichocyst-enriched fractions were treated with sodium dodecyl sulfate and centrifuged subsequently, no trichocysts were registered any longer in the sodium dodecyl sulfate-insoluble fraction by electron microscopy. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of trichocyst-enriched fractions and of the SDS-soluble fractions revealed a protein banding pattern which was dominated by polypeptides of 50-30, 12.5, and approximately 8.5 kDa. The polypeptide banding pattern deviated significantly from those registered for ejectisomes of cryptophytes and of the prasinophyte Pyramimonas grossii, for the Reb polypeptides which constitute the R-bodies of Caedibacter taeniospiralis, and also from the banding pattern of trichocysts of Paramecium. An antiserum directed against trichocysts of Paramecium did not cross-react with the polypeptides present in the trichocyst-enriched fraction of Prorocentrum micans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Westermann
- Elektronenmikroskopisches Zentrum am Klinikum der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Ziegelmühlenweg 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
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Echevarria ML, Wolfe GV, Strom SL, Taylor AR. Connecting alveolate cell biology with trophic ecology in the marine plankton using the ciliateFavellaas a model. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2014; 90:18-38. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Echevarria
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology; University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington NC USA
| | - Gordon V. Wolfe
- Department Biological Sciences; California State University of Chico; Chico CA USA
| | - Suzanne L. Strom
- Shannon Point Marine Center; Western Washington University; Anacortes WA USA
| | - Alison R. Taylor
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology; University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington NC USA
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Multivariate morphometric analyses of the predatory ciliate genus Semispathidium (Ciliophora: Litostomatea), with description of S. longiarmatum nov. spec. Eur J Protistol 2014; 50:329-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ammermann S, Hillebrand H, Rhiel E. Further investigations on the polypeptides and reconstitution of prasinophycean ejectisomes. Eur J Protistol 2014; 50:248-57. [PMID: 24882686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ejectisome fragments were isolated from the prasinophyte Pyramimonas grossii and subjected to different treatments, i.e. Percoll density gradient centrifugation, incubation at pH 2.5 or at pH 10.8, or incubation in 6M guanidine hydrochloride. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that Percoll density gradient centrifugation did not improve the purity of the ejectisome fragment-enriched fractions. The ejectisome fragments withstood pH 2.5 and pH 10.8 treatment, and no loosely bound polypeptides became detached. The disintegration of ejectisome fragments was achieved in 6M guanidine hydrochloride, and reassembly into filamentous, ejectisome-like structures occurred after dialysis against distilled water. Fractions enriched either in ejectisome fragments or in reconstituted ejectisome-like structures were dominated by three polypeptides with relative molecular weights of approximately 12.5-19kDa and two additional polypeptides of 23 and 26kDa. A polyclonal antiserum directed against an ejectisome fragment-enriched fraction weakly cross-reacted with these polypeptides, and no significant immuno-labelling of ejectisome fragments was registered. A positive immuno-label was achieved using immunoglobulin (IgG) fractions which were gained by selectively incubating nitrocellulose stripes of these polypeptides with the antiserum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Ammermann
- Planktologie, ICBM, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Universität Oldenburg, P.O.B. 2503, D-26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Helmut Hillebrand
- Planktologie, ICBM, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Universität Oldenburg, P.O.B. 2503, D-26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Erhard Rhiel
- Planktologie, ICBM, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Universität Oldenburg, P.O.B. 2503, D-26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
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Morphologic and molecular description of Metopus fuscus Kahl from North America and new rDNA sequences from seven metopids (Armophorea, Metopidae). Eur J Protistol 2014; 50:213-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Zhang X, Yang L, Wang Y, Ni B, Al-Farraj SA, Fan X, Gu F. Observations on the ultrastructure of extrusomes in the hypotrichous ciliateArchitricha indica(Protist, Ciliophora). Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2014.906500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Briguglio JS, Turkewitz AP. Tetrahymena thermophila: a divergent perspective on membrane traffic. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2014; 322:500-16. [PMID: 24634411 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahymena thermophila, a member of the Ciliates, represents a class of organisms distantly related from commonly used model organisms in cell biology, and thus offers an opportunity to explore potentially novel mechanisms and their evolution. Ciliates, like all eukaryotes, possess a complex network of organelles that facilitate both macromolecular uptake and secretion. The underlying endocytic and exocytic pathways are key mediators of a cell's interaction with its environment, and may therefore show niche-specific adaptations. Our laboratory has taken a variety of approaches to identify key molecular determinants for membrane trafficking pathways in Tetrahymena. Studies of Rab GTPases, dynamins, and sortilin-family receptors substantiate the widespread conservation of some features but also uncover surprising roles for lineage-restricted innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Briguglio
- The Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Buonanno F, Anesi A, Guella G, Kumar S, Bharti D, La Terza A, Quassinti L, Bramucci M, Ortenzi C. Chemical Offense by Means of Toxicysts in the Freshwater Ciliate, Coleps hirtus. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2014; 61:293-304. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Buonanno
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education; University of Macerata; P.le Bertelli 1 62100 Macerata Italy
| | - Andrea Anesi
- Department of Physics; Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory; University of Trento; 38123 Povo Trento Italy
| | - Graziano Guella
- Department of Physics; Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory; University of Trento; 38123 Povo Trento Italy
| | - Santosh Kumar
- School of Environmental Sciences; Section of Animal and Molecular Ecology; University of Camerino; Via Gentile III da Varano 62032 Camerino (MC) Italy
- Ciliate Biology Laboratory; Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College; University of Delhi; Delhi 110007 India
| | - Daizy Bharti
- School of Environmental Sciences; Section of Animal and Molecular Ecology; University of Camerino; Via Gentile III da Varano 62032 Camerino (MC) Italy
- Ciliate Biology Laboratory; Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College; University of Delhi; Delhi 110007 India
| | - Antonietta La Terza
- School of Environmental Sciences; Section of Animal and Molecular Ecology; University of Camerino; Via Gentile III da Varano 62032 Camerino (MC) Italy
| | - Luana Quassinti
- Section of Physiology; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino; Via Gentile III da Varano 62032 Camerino (MC) Italy
| | - Massimo Bramucci
- Section of Physiology; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino; Via Gentile III da Varano 62032 Camerino (MC) Italy
| | - Claudio Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education; University of Macerata; P.le Bertelli 1 62100 Macerata Italy
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Briguglio JS, Kumar S, Turkewitz AP. Lysosomal sorting receptors are essential for secretory granule biogenesis in Tetrahymena. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 203:537-50. [PMID: 24189272 PMCID: PMC3824020 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201305086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of nonaggregated cargo proteins to Tetrahymena secretory granules requires receptors of the sortilin/VPS10 family, proteins classically associated with lysosome biogenesis. Secretory granules, such as neuronal dense core vesicles, are specialized for storing cargo at high concentration and releasing it via regulated exocytosis in response to extracellular stimuli. Here, we used expression profiling to identify new components of the machinery for sorting proteins into mucocysts, secretory granule-like vesicles in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. We show that assembly of mucocysts depends on proteins classically associated with lysosome biogenesis. In particular, the delivery of nonaggregated, but not aggregated, cargo proteins requires classical receptors of the sortilin/VPS10 family, which indicates that dual mechanisms are involved in sorting to this secretory compartment. In addition, sortilins are required for delivery of a key protease involved in T. thermophila mucocyst maturation. Our results suggest potential similarities in the formation of regulated secretory organelles between even very distantly related eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Briguglio
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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Buonanno F, Harumoto T, Ortenzi C. The Defensive Function of Trichocysts inParamecium tetraureliaAgainst Metazoan Predators Compared with the Chemical Defense of Two Species of Toxin-containing Ciliates. Zoolog Sci 2013; 30:255-61. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.30.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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50
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Modeo L, Fokin SI, Boscaro V, Andreoli I, Ferrantini F, Rosati G, Verni F, Petroni G. Morphology, ultrastructure, and molecular phylogeny of the ciliate Sonderia vorax with insights into the systematics of order Plagiopylida. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:40. [PMID: 23418998 PMCID: PMC3626617 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ciliates of the family Sonderiidae are common members of the eukaryotic communities in various anoxic environments. They host both ecto- and endosymbiotic prokaryotes (the latter associated with hydrogenosomes) and possess peculiar morpho-ultrastructural features, whose functions and homologies are not known. Their phylogenetic relationships with other ciliates are not completely resolved and the available literature, especially concerning electron microscopy and molecular studies, is quite scarce. RESULTS Sonderia vorax Kahl, 1928 is redescribed from an oxygen-deficient, brackish-water pond along the Ligurian Sea coastlines of Italy. Data on morphology, morphometry, and ultrastructure are reported. S. vorax is ovoid-ellipsoid in shape, dorsoventrally flattened, 130 x 69 μm (mean in vivo); it shows an almost spherical macronucleus, and one relatively large micronucleus. The ventral kinetom has a "secant system" including fronto-ventral and fronto-lateral kineties. A distinctive layer of bacteria laying between kineties covers the ciliate surface. Two types of extrusomes and hydrogenosomes-endosymbiotic bacteria assemblages are present in the cytoplasm. The phylogeny based on 18S rRNA gene sequences places S. vorax among Plagiopylida; Sonderiidae clusters with Plagiopylidae, although lower-level relationships remain uncertain. The studied population is fixed as neotype and the ciliate is established as type species of the genus, currently lacking. CONCLUSIONS This is the first description of a representative of Sonderiidae performed with both morphological and molecular data. To sum up, many previous hypotheses on this interesting, poorly known taxon are confirmed but confusion and contradictory data are as well highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Modeo
- Unit of Protistology-Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via A. Volta 4/6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Sergei I Fokin
- Unit of Protistology-Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via A. Volta 4/6, Pisa 56126, Italy
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7/9, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Vittorio Boscaro
- Unit of Protistology-Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via A. Volta 4/6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Ilaria Andreoli
- Unit of Protistology-Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via A. Volta 4/6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Filippo Ferrantini
- Unit of Protistology-Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via A. Volta 4/6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Giovanna Rosati
- Unit of Protistology-Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via A. Volta 4/6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Franco Verni
- Unit of Protistology-Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via A. Volta 4/6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Giulio Petroni
- Unit of Protistology-Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via A. Volta 4/6, Pisa 56126, Italy
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