1
|
Gahan JM, Cartwright P, Nicotra ML, Schnitzler CE, Steinmetz PRH, Juliano CE. Cnidofest 2022: hot topics in cnidarian research. EvoDevo 2023; 14:13. [PMID: 37620964 PMCID: PMC10463417 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-023-00217-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The second annual Cnidarian Model Systems Meeting, aka "Cnidofest", took place in Davis, California from 7 to 10th of September, 2022. The meeting brought together scientists using cnidarians to study molecular and cellular biology, development and regeneration, evo-devo, neurobiology, symbiosis, physiology, and comparative genomics. The diversity of topics and species represented in presentations highlighted the importance and versatility of cnidarians in addressing a wide variety of biological questions. In keeping with the spirit of the first meeting (and its predecessor, Hydroidfest), almost 75% of oral presentations were given by early career researchers (i.e., graduate students and postdocs). In this review, we present research highlights from the meeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M Gahan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, 5008, Bergen, Norway
| | - Paulyn Cartwright
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Matthew L Nicotra
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
- Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Christine E Schnitzler
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Department of Biology, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
| | | | - Celina E Juliano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santander MD, Maronna MM, Ryan JF, Andrade SCS. The state of Medusozoa genomics: current evidence and future challenges. Gigascience 2022; 11:6586816. [PMID: 35579552 PMCID: PMC9112765 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Medusozoa is a widely distributed ancient lineage that harbors one-third of Cnidaria diversity divided into 4 classes. This clade is characterized by the succession of stages and modes of reproduction during metagenic lifecycles, and includes some of the most plastic body plans and life cycles among animals. The characterization of traditional genomic features, such as chromosome numbers and genome sizes, was rather overlooked in Medusozoa and many evolutionary questions still remain unanswered. Modern genomic DNA sequencing in this group started in 2010 with the publication of the Hydra vulgaris genome and has experienced an exponential increase in the past 3 years. Therefore, an update of the state of Medusozoa genomics is warranted. We reviewed different sources of evidence, including cytogenetic records and high-throughput sequencing projects. We focused on 4 main topics that would be relevant for the broad Cnidaria research community: (i) taxonomic coverage of genomic information; (ii) continuity, quality, and completeness of high-throughput sequencing datasets; (iii) overview of the Medusozoa specific research questions approached with genomics; and (iv) the accessibility of data and metadata. We highlight a lack of standardization in genomic projects and their reports, and reinforce a series of recommendations to enhance future collaborative research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mylena D Santander
- Correspondence address. Mylena D. Santander, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade São Paulo, 277 Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil. E-mail:
| | - Maximiliano M Maronna
- Correspondence address. Maximiliano M. Maronna, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 101 Rua do Matão Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil. E-mail:
| | - Joseph F Ryan
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA,Department of Biology, University of Florida, 220 Bartram Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Sónia C S Andrade
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade São Paulo, 277 Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gene knockdown via electroporation of short hairpin RNAs in embryos of the marine hydroid Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12806. [PMID: 32732955 PMCID: PMC7393174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69489-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyzing gene function in a broad range of research organisms is crucial for understanding the biological functions of genes and their evolution. Recent studies have shown that short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) can induce gene-specific knockdowns in two cnidarian species. We have developed a detailed, straightforward, and scalable method to deliver shRNAs into fertilized eggs of the hydrozoan cnidarian Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus via electroporation, yielding effective gene-targeted knockdowns that can last throughout embryogenesis. Our electroporation protocol allows for the transfection of shRNAs into hundreds of fertilized H. symbiolongicarpus eggs simultaneously with minimal embryo death and no long-term harmful consequences on the developing animals. We show RT-qPCR and detailed phenotypic evidence of our method successfully inducing effective knockdowns of an exogenous gene (eGFP) and an endogenous gene (Nanos2), as well as knockdown confirmation by RT-qPCR of two other endogenous genes. We also provide visual confirmation of successful shRNA transfection inside embryos through electroporation. Our detailed protocol for electroporation of shRNAs in H. symbiolongicarpus embryos constitutes an important experimental resource for the hydrozoan community while also serving as a successful model for the development of similar methods for interrogating gene function in other marine invertebrates.
Collapse
|
4
|
Cell Communication-mediated Nonself-Recognition and -Intolerance in Representative Species of the Animal Kingdom. J Mol Evol 2020; 88:482-500. [PMID: 32572694 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-020-09955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Why has histo-incompatibility arisen in evolution and can cause self-intolerance? Compatible/incompatible reactions following natural contacts between genetically-different (allogeneic) colonies of marine organisms have inspired the conception that self-nonself discrimination has developed to reduce invasion threats by migratory foreign germ/somatic stem cells, in extreme cases resulting in conquest of the whole body by a foreign genome. Two prominent model species for allogeneic discrimination are the marine invertebrates Hydractinia (Cnidaria) and Botryllus (Ascidiacea). In Hydractinia, self-nonself recognition is based on polymorphic surface markers encoded by two genes (alr1, alr2), with self recognition enabled by homophilic binding of identical ALR molecules. Variable expression patterns of alr alleles presumably account for the first paradigm of autoaggression in an invertebrate. In Botryllus, self-nonself recognition is controlled by a single polymorphic gene locus (BHF) with hundreds of codominantly expressed alleles. Fusion occurs when both partners share at least one BHF allele while rejection develops when no allele is shared. Molecules involved in allorecognition frequently contain immunoglobulin or Ig-like motifs, case-by-case supplemented by additional molecules enabling homophilic interaction, while the mechanisms applied to destroy allogeneic grafts or neighbors include taxon-specific tools besides common facilities of natural immunity. The review encompasses comparison with allorecognition in mammals based on MHC-polymorphism in transplantation and following feto-maternal cell trafficking.
Collapse
|
5
|
Frank U, Nicotra ML, Schnitzler CE. The colonial cnidarian Hydractinia. EvoDevo 2020; 11:7. [PMID: 32226598 PMCID: PMC7098123 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-020-00151-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydractinia, a genus of colonial marine cnidarians, has been used as a model organism for developmental biology and comparative immunology for over a century. It was this animal where stem cells and germ cells were first studied. However, protocols for efficient genetic engineering have only recently been established by a small but interactive community of researchers. The animal grows well in the lab, spawns daily, and its relatively short life cycle allows genetic studies. The availability of genomic tools and resources opens further opportunities for research using this animal. Its accessibility to experimental manipulation, growth- and cellular-plasticity, regenerative ability, and resistance to aging and cancer place Hydractinia as an emerging model for research in many biological and environmental disciplines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uri Frank
- 1Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Matthew L Nicotra
- 2Departments of Surgery and Immunology, Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Christine E Schnitzler
- 3Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 320803 USA.,4Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| |
Collapse
|