Characterisation of intestinal peptide transporter of the Antarctic haemoglobinless teleost Chionodraco hamatus

Cell-based homologous expression system for in-vitro characterization of environmental effects on transmembrane peptide transport in fish

All organisms encounter environmental changes that lead to physiological adjustments that could drive evolutionary adaptations. The ability to adjust performance in order to cope with environmental changes depends on the organism's physiological plasticity. These adjustments can be reflected in behavioral, physiological, and molecular changes, which interact and affect each other. Deciphering the role of molecular adjustments in physiological changes will help to understand how multiple levels of biological organization are synchronized during adaptations. Transmembrane transporters, which facilitate a cell's interaction with its surroundings, are prime targets for molecular studies of the environmental effects on an organism's physiology. Fish are subjected to environmental fluctuations and exhibit different coping mechanisms. To study the molecular adjustments of fish transporters to their external surrounding, suitable experimental systems must be established. The Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is an excellent model for environmental stress studies, due to its extreme salinity tolerance. We established a homologous cellular-based expression system and uptake assay that allowed us to study the effects of environmental conditions on transmembrane transport. We applied our expression system to investigate the effects of environmental conditions on the activity of PepT2, a transmembrane transporter critical in the absorption of dietary peptides and drugs. We created a stable, modified fish cell-line, in which we exogenously expressed the tilapia PepT2, and tested the effects of water temperature and salinity on the uptake of a fluorescent di-peptide, β-Ala-Lys-AMCA. While temperature affected only Vmax, medium salinity had a bi-directional effect, with significantly reduced Vmax in hyposaline conditions and significantly increased Km in hypersaline conditions. These assays demonstrate the importance of suitable experimental systems for fish ecophysiology studies. Furthermore, our in-vitro results show how the effect of hypersaline conditions on the transporter activity can explain expression shifts seen in the intestine of saltwater-acclimated fish, emphasizing the importance of complimentary studies in better understanding environmental physiology. This research highlights the advantages of using homologous expression systems to study environmental effects encountered by fish, in a relevant cellular context. The presented tools and methods can be adapted to study other transporters in-vitro.

Effects of Bioactive Peptides from Atlantic Salmon Processing By-Products on Oxyntopeptic and Enteroendocrine Cells of the Gastric Mucosa of European Seabass and Gilthead Seabream

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary levels of bioactive peptides (BPs) derived from salmon processing by-products on the presence and distribution of peptic cells (oxyntopeptic cells, OPs) and enteric endocrine cells (EECs) that contain GHR, NPY and SOM in the gastric mucosa of European seabass and gilthead seabream. In this study, 27 seabass and 27 seabreams were divided into three experimental groups: a control group (CTR) fed a control diet and two groups fed different levels of BP to replace fishmeal: 5% BP (BP5%) and 10% BP (BP10%). The stomach of each fish was sampled and processed for immunohistochemistry. Some SOM, NPY and GHR-IR cells exhibited alternating "open type" and "closed type" EECs morphologies. The BP10% group (16.8 ± 7.5) showed an increase in the number of NPY-IR cells compared to CTR (CTR 8.5 ± 4.8) and BP5% (BP10% vs. CTR p ≤ 0.01; BP10% vs. BP5% p ≤ 0.05) in the seabream gastric mucosa. In addition, in seabream gastric tissue, SOM-IR cells in the BP 10% diet (16.8 ± 3.5) were different from those in CTR (12.5 ± 5) (CTR vs. BP 10% p ≤ 0.05) and BP 5% (12.9 ± 2.5) (BP 5% vs. BP 10% p ≤ 0.01). EEC SOM-IR cells increased at 10% BP (5.3 ± 0.7) compared to 5% BP (4.4 ± 0.8) (5% BP vs. 10% BP p ≤ 0.05) in seabass. The results obtained may provide a good basis for a better understanding of the potential of salmon BPs as feed ingredients for seabass and seabream.

Absorption of protein in teleosts: a review

Teleost is a widely diverse group of fishes and so do their feeding habits. From aquaculture points of view, there have been un-interrupted efforts to optimize feeding rates with protein as the chief ingredients in the supplementary diet. However, knowledge on its protein absorption is incomplete so far, to acquire absolute feeding design to mobilize enhanced production of animal-source protein as fish biomass. In this review, the variable protein absorption across digestive tract (DT) in this group of fish has been highlighted. Emphasis is given to outline how DT components, like enterocyte specific absorptive mechanisms, are different in anterior and posterior regions of DT or from the absorptive transporter system. The existence of a transporter-based absorption mechanism brings more variability in the protein absorption in teleosts. At least two such transport systems (Na⁺-dependent and Na⁺-independent) with within-system differences impart more variability to protein absorption. Further, shifting from one stage to another stage of development involves considerable modification of the protein absorptive mechanism in teleosts. Gut microbes may also indirectly facilitate protein absorption in teleosts. Overall, the present review projects a comprehensive understanding of the protein absorption in teleosts that will help to strategize the modulation of feeding technology in fish culture.

Genetic control of plasticity of oil yield for combined abiotic stresses using a joint approach of crop modelling and genome-wide association

Understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity is crucial for predicting and managing climate change effects on wild plants and crops. Here, we combined crop modelling and quantitative genetics to study the genetic control of oil yield plasticity for multiple abiotic stresses in sunflower. First, we developed stress indicators to characterize 14 environments for three abiotic stresses (cold, drought and nitrogen) using the SUNFLO crop model and phenotypic variations of three commercial varieties. The computed plant stress indicators better explain yield variation than descriptors at the climatic or crop levels. In those environments, we observed oil yield of 317 sunflower hybrids and regressed it with three selected stress indicators. The slopes of cold stress norm reaction were used as plasticity phenotypes in the following genome-wide association study. Among the 65 534 tested Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), we identified nine quantitative trait loci controlling oil yield plasticity to cold stress. Associated single nucleotide polymorphisms are localized in genes previously shown to be involved in cold stress responses: oligopeptide transporters, lipid transfer protein, cystatin, alternative oxidase or root development. This novel approach opens new perspectives to identify genomic regions involved in genotype-by-environment interaction of a complex traits to multiple stresses in realistic natural or agronomical conditions.

Di- and tripeptide transport in vertebrates: the contribution of teleost fish models

Solute Carrier 15 (SLC15) family, alias H⁺-coupled oligopeptide cotransporter family, is a group of membrane transporters known for their role in the cellular uptake of di- and tripeptides (di/tripeptides) and peptide-like molecules. Of its members, SLC15A1 (PEPT1) chiefly mediates intestinal absorption of luminal di/tripeptides from dietary protein digestion, while SLC15A2 (PEPT2) mainly allows renal tubular reabsorption of di/tripeptides from ultrafiltration, SLC15A3 (PHT2) and SLC15A4 (PHT1) possibly interact with di/tripeptides and histidine in certain immune cells, and SLC15A5 has unknown function. Our understanding of this family in vertebrates has steadily increased, also due to the surge of genomic-to-functional information from 'non-conventional' animal models, livestock, poultry, and aquaculture fish species. Here, we review the literature on the SLC15 transporters in teleost fish with emphasis on SLC15A1 (PEPT1), one of the solute carriers better studied amongst teleost fish because of its relevance in animal nutrition. We report on the operativity of the transporter, the molecular diversity, and multiplicity of structural-functional solutions of the teleost fish orthologs with respect to higher vertebrates, its relevance at the intersection of the alimentary and osmoregulative functions of the gut, its response under various physiological states and dietary solicitations, and its possible involvement in examples of total body plasticity, such as growth and compensatory growth. By a comparative approach, we also review the few studies in teleost fish on SLC15A2 (PEPT2), SLC15A4 (PHT1), and SLC15A3 (PHT2). By representing the contribution of teleost fish to the knowledge of the physiology of di/tripeptide transport and transporters, we aim to fill the gap between higher and lower vertebrates.

Teleost fish models in membrane transport research: the PEPT1(SLC15A1) H+-oligopeptide transporter as a case study

Human genes for passive, ion-coupled transporters and exchangers are included in the so-called solute carrier (SLC) gene series, to date consisting of 52 families and 398 genes. Teleost fish genes for SLC proteins have also been described in the last two decades, and catalogued in preliminary SLC-like form in 50 families and at least 338 genes after systematic GenBank database mining (December 2010-March 2011). When the kinetic properties of the expressed proteins are studied in detail, teleost fish SLC transporters always reveal extraordinary 'molecular diversity' with respect to the mammalian counterparts, which reflects peculiar adaptation of the protein to the physiology of the species and/or to the environment where the species lives. In the case of the H+ -oligopeptide transporter PEPT1(SLC15A1), comparative analysis of diverse teleost fish orthologs has shown that the protein may exhibit very eccentric properties in terms of pH dependence (e.g., the adaptation of zebrafish PEPT1 to alkaline pH), temperature dependence (e.g., the adaptation of icefish PEPT1 to sub-zero temperatures) and/or substrate specificity (e.g., the species-specificity of PEPT1 for the uptake of l-lysine-containing peptides). The revelation of such peculiarities is providing new contributions to the discussion on PEPT1 in both basic (e.g., molecular structure-function analyses) and applied research (e.g., optimizing diets to enhance growth of commercially valuable fish).

Protein cold adaptation strategy via a unique seven-amino acid domain in the icefish (Chionodraco hamatus) PEPT1 transporter

Adaptation of organisms to extreme environments requires proteins to work at thermodynamically unfavorable conditions. To adapt to subzero temperatures, proteins increase the flexibility of parts of, or even the whole, 3D structure to compensate for the lower thermal kinetic energy available at low temperatures. This may be achieved through single-site amino acid substitutions in regions of the protein that undergo large movements during the catalytic cycle, such as in enzymes or transporter proteins. Other strategies of cold adaptation involving changes in the primary amino acid sequence have not been documented yet. In Antarctic icefish (Chionodraco hamatus) peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1), the first transporter cloned from a vertebrate living at subzero temperatures, we came upon a unique principle of cold adaptation. A de novo domain composed of one to six repeats of seven amino acids (VDMSRKS), placed as an extra stretch in the cytosolic COOH-terminal region, contributed per se to cold adaptation. VDMSRKS was in a protein region uninvolved in transport activity and, notably, when transferred to the COOH terminus of a warm-adapted (rabbit) PEPT1, it conferred cold adaptation to the receiving protein. Overall, we provide a paradigm for protein cold adaptation that relies on insertion of a unique domain that confers greater affinity and maximal transport rates at low temperatures. Due to its ability to transfer a thermal trait, the VDMSRKS domain represents a useful tool for future cell biology or biotechnological applications.

Temperature effects on the kinetic properties of the rabbit intestinal oligopeptide cotransporter PepT1

The effects of temperature on the functional properties of the intestinal oligopeptide transporter PepT1 from rabbit have been investigated using electrophysiological methods. The dipeptide Gly-Gln at pH 6.5 or 7.5 was used as substrate. Raising the temperature in the range 20-30 °C causes an increase in the maximal transport-associated current (I (max)) with a Q (10) close to 4. Higher temperatures accelerate the rate of decline of the presteady-state currents observed in the absence of organic substrate. The voltage dependencies of the intramembrane charge movement and of the time constant of decline are both shifted towards more negative potentials by higher temperatures. The shift is due to a stronger action of temperature on the outward rate of charge movement compared to the inward rate, indicating a lower activation energy for the latter process. Consistently, the activation energy for the complete cycle is similar to that of the inward rate of charge movement. Temperature also affects the binding rate of the substrate: the K (0.5) -V curve is shifted to more negative potentials by higher temperatures, resulting in a lower apparent affinity in the physiological range of potentials. The overall efficiency of transport, estimated as the I (max)/K (0.5) ratio is significantly increased at body temperature.

The effect of plant protein-based diet supplemented with dipeptide or free amino acids on digestive tract morphology and PepT1 and PepT2 expressions in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) of average body mass 0.07+/-0.02 g were fed three formulated diets: wheat gluten protein-based diet supplemented with Lys-Gly dipeptide (PP), wheat gluten protein-based diet supplemented with free lysine and glycine (AA), and a wheat gluten protein-based control diet without lysine supplementation (CON), frozen zooplankton (Z) (restricted diet), and a commercial starter food Aglo Norse (AN). After 4 weeks of experimental feeding, fish fed AN diet showed the highest body mass and length. Significantly lower mass occurred in groups fed PP, AA, CON, and Z. Fish fed CON diet showed the lowest intestinal folds and the highest number of mucous cells. Fish fed PP diet showed a significantly higher number of gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK) positive cells. The diameter of lipid vacuoles in hepatocyte cytoplasm of fish fed formulated diets (PP, AA and CON) was significantly higher than in fish fed zooplankton (Z) and the commercial diet (AN). Hepatocytes of fish fed AA and CON showed a higher nucleus proliferation rate than in the other experimental groups. The quantitative analysis of the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3(rabbit polyclonal antibody CPP-32)-positive cells showed that the highest proliferation rate was accompanied by the high apoptosis in the intestine of fish fed AA and CON. After 4 weeks of experimental feeding the highest relative expression of PepT1 gene was observed in fish fed PP diet, while the lowest expression occurred in fish fed CON. Feeding carp plant protein-based diet supplemented with Lys-Gly dipeptide (PP) had a beneficial influence on fish growth and metabolism in the digestive tract as compared to fish fed control diet without lysine supplementation (CON).

Dietary protein hydrolysates and free amino acids affect the spatial expression of peptide transporter PepT1 in the digestive tract of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

The effects of dietary inclusions of size-fractionated peptides and free amino acids (FAAs) on Peptide Transporter 1 (PepT1) mRNA levels were assessed along the length of the intestine of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Five groups of fish (10-15g) were fed for 46days on diets containing approximately 42% protein, provided either as fish meal (FM, control diet) or as a combination of FM with whole fish hydrolysate (FH), retenate after ultrafiltration of FH (UFR), nanofiltered retenate of FH (NFR), or a mix of FAAs, at a 30% level of FM substitution. PepT1 mRNA expression was assessed in pyloric caeca (S1) and the remainder of the intestine divided into four equally long segments (S2-S5). PepT1 transcripts were found in all segments, indicating that the whole intestine is involved in peptide absorption. Differences in the regional expression profile of PepT1 were found. Under control diet (FM diet) conditions, fish exhibited a reduced expression in S5 compared to S2. In fish fed FAA and UFR diets, PepT1 mRNA levels were higher in S2 and S3 compared to other regions. These data suggest that PepT1 may be variably recruited along the whole intestine, including the most distal part, in response to changes in the luminal protein source content. This adaptive response might be functional to keep a maximal efficiency of protein absorption at the intestinal level.

Is there a compromise between nutrient uptake and gas exchange in the gut of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, an intestinal air-breathing fish?

The Asian weatherloach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cobitidae), is a facultative air-breathing teleost fish that makes use of its hindgut or intestine as an accessory air-breathing organ (ABO). The hindgut is highly modified, being well vascularized with intraepithelial capillaries, which makes it well suited for gas exchange. However, the consequences for nutrient uptake, the traditional function of the intestine are unknown. The alimentary canal was examined histologically to assess differences between the fore-, mid- and hindgut regions that have been considered as the digestive, spiral and respiratory zones, respectively. In order to characterise the potential digestive (absorptive) function of the respiratory zone we used semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of the intestinal Na(+):glucose cotransporter (SGLT1; SLC5A1) and H(+):peptide cotransporter (PEPT1a; SLC15A1) and partially sequenced the SGLT1 and PEPT1a cDNAs. These two transporters play important roles in the absorption of carbohydrate and di-/tripeptides, respectively, in the gut of fishes and other vertebrates and were therefore used as markers for potential nutrient uptake function. We also determined their tissue distributions through semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The effects of diet composition (high protein or high carbohydrate) or fasting on gene expression were also examined. SGLT1 expression was found in kidney, liver, heart, as well as in the three zones of the gut except the most distal part of the hindgut. PEPT1a mRNA was found in heart, brain, liver, and fore- and midgut, but absent in the hindgut. Our results clearly show high expression of SGLT1 (both mRNA and protein by immunolocalization) and PEPT1a (mRNA) in the foregut and midgut correlated with the digestive region of the gut. Modulatory effects of diet on the gene expression for both SGLT1 and PEPT1a were not observed. The presence of SGLT1 transcripts in the respiratory zone of the intestine suggests an overlap in function. However, in the case of PEPT1a, the distal limit was the midgut. Thus, despite its highly modified structure, the hindgut of the loach retains some potential nutrient uptake function.