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Zheng P, Gong Y, Wang B, Yu H, Huang S, Liao X, Jiang J, Ran J, Xie F. Love Hug-Functional Validation of Nuptial Pad-Secreted Pheromone in Anurans. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1550. [PMID: 38891597 PMCID: PMC11171324 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111550] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical communication is an important mode of communication in the courtship and breeding processes of amphibians. In caudates, multiple components of sexual pheromones have been identified and functionally verified. One of these pheromone systems is plethodontid modulating factor (PMF). In anurans, the pheromone called amplexin was found in nuptial pads of ranids and was considered a member of the PMF system, yet its bio-function has not been tested. In this study, we obtained 18 amplexin transcript sequences from nuptial pads of Nidirana pleuraden (Amphibia, Ranidae) by transcriptome sequencing and found that the proteins translated by these transcripts are diversified, hydrophilic, and relatively stable. We also acquired a N. pleuraden amplexin isoform with the highest expression level in the transcriptome analysis through the prokaryotic expression system. Using two different animal behavioral experimental settings, we have tested the bio-function of the recombinant PMF protein (rPMF) in N. pleuraden's reproduction and found that the rPMF does not attract females but shortens the duration of amplexus significantly. This is the first study to verify the function of the PMF pheromone in Anura, indicating the pervasiveness of chemical communication during breeding in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puyang Zheng
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuzhou Gong
- Shanghai Natural History Museum, Branch of Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, Shanghai 200041, China;
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haoqi Yu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Sining Huang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xun Liao
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianping Jiang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianghong Ran
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China;
| | - Feng Xie
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; (P.Z.); (B.W.); (H.Y.); (S.H.); (X.L.); (J.J.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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DeBruin JH, Wilburn DB, Feldhoff RC, Staub NL. Presence of sodefrin precursor-like factor pheromone candidates in mental and dorsal tail base glands in the plethodontid salamander, Karsenia koreana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289296. [PMID: 37527281 PMCID: PMC10393140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Plethodontid salamanders are well known for their distinct courtship rituals and the associated pheromonal signaling. However, little is known about pheromones produced in the lone Asian plethodontid species Karsenia koreana. Here, we examined the localization patterns of proteins of the sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) pheromone system in K. koreana. Using an antibody generated against SPF proteins from another plethodontid, Desmognathus ocoee, we tested three types of skin glands in K. koreana males via immunohistochemistry: the mental gland and two types of dorsal tail base glands-caudal courtship glands and dorsal granular glands. SPF immunoreactivity was detected in the known courtship gland, the mental gland, as well as granular glands, but not in caudal courtship glands. Due to immunoreaction specificity, we hypothesize the proteins of the SPF system in K. koreana and D. ocoee are structurally and functionally related and are used as courtship pheromones in K. koreana. Also, we hypothesize that K. koreana males transmit SPF to the female during the tail-straddling walk via dorsal granular glands. Finally, K. koreana male caudal courtship glands may be producing SPF proteins that are not recognized by our SPF antibody or these glands may play a different role in courtship than anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared H DeBruin
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Richard C Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Nancy L Staub
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
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3
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Trame SD, Denova JR, Pereira KE, McClelland SJ, Gribbins KM, Rheubert JL, Siegel DS. External nasal gland morphology of Eurycea bislineata (Amphibia, Urodela, Plethodontidae). J Morphol 2022; 283:1094-1105. [PMID: 35719125 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21490] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Plethodontid salamanders possess numerous courtship glands. Previous studies have shown that the glands are more prominent in male individuals than females, and often experience periods of atrophy and hypertrophy throughout the year that correlate to the nonmating and mating seasons, respectively. We sampled male and female Eurycea bislineata throughout the year to test the hypothesis that external nasal glands are courtship glands. External nasal glands are paired, branched tubular glands that extend from excretory ducts dorsal to the nares to terminal secretory units posterior to the eyes. We found that the glands hypertrophy and stain/react more intensely with histochemical procedures during the mating season. Hypertrophy of the glands is more pronounced in males, and seasonal variation in epithelial height of external nasal glands of males is significantly correlated to that of seasonal variation in mental gland epithelial height, a known courtship gland found in males, when compared throughout the year. This correlation was not as strong in females, confirming sexual dimorphism of external nasal glands in terms of seasonal variation. We found no ultrastructural differences between male and female external nasal glands. In all specimens, the glandular tubules were lined by a simple, columnar epithelium that was packed with secretory granules that often obscured other cytoplasmic contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D Trame
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacob R Denova
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
| | - Kenzie E Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sara J McClelland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Moravian University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Dustin S Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
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4
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Carlisle JA, Glenski MA, Swanson WJ. Recurrent Duplication and Diversification of Acrosomal Fertilization Proteins in Abalone. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:795273. [PMID: 35465314 PMCID: PMC9022041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.795273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive proteins mediating fertilization commonly exhibit rapid sequence diversification driven by positive selection. This pattern has been observed among nearly all taxonomic groups, including mammals, invertebrates, and plants, and is remarkable given the essential nature of the molecular interactions mediating fertilization. Gene duplication is another important mechanism that facilitates the generation of molecular novelty through functional divergence. Following duplication, paralogs may partition ancestral gene function (subfunctionalization) or acquire new roles (neofunctionalization). However, the contributions of duplication followed by sequence diversification to the molecular diversity of gamete recognition genes has been understudied in many models of fertilization. The marine gastropod mollusk abalone is a classic model for fertilization. Its two acrosomal proteins (lysin and sp18) are ancient gene duplicates with unique gamete recognition functions. Through detailed genomic and bioinformatic analyses we show how duplication events followed by sequence diversification has played an ongoing role in the evolution of abalone acrosomal proteins. The common ancestor of abalone had four members of its acrosomal protein family in a tandem gene array that repeatedly experienced positive selection. We find that both sp18 paralogs contain positively selected sites located in different regions of the paralogs, suggestive of functional divergence where selection acted upon distinct binding interfaces in each paralog. Further, a more recent species-specific duplication of both lysin and sp18 in the European abalone H. tuberculata is described. Despite clade-specific acrosomal protein paralogs, there are no concomitant duplications of egg coat proteins in H. tuberculata, indicating that duplication of egg proteins per se is not responsible for retention of duplicated acrosomal proteins. We hypothesize that, in a manner analogous to host/pathogen evolution, sperm proteins are selected for increased diversity through extensive sequence divergence and recurrent duplication driven by conflict mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. A. Carlisle
- Genome Sciences Department, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: J. A. Carlisle,
| | - M. A. Glenski
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - W. J. Swanson
- Genome Sciences Department, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA, United States
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5
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Wilburn DB, Kunkel CL, Feldhoff RC, Feldhoff PW, Searle BC. Recurrent Co-Option and Recombination of Cytokine and Three Finger Proteins in Multiple Reproductive Tissues Throughout Salamander Evolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:828947. [PMID: 35281090 PMCID: PMC8904931 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.828947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive proteins evolve at unparalleled rates, resulting in tremendous diversity of both molecular composition and biochemical function between gametes of different taxonomic clades. To date, the proteomic composition of amphibian gametes is largely a molecular mystery, particularly for Urodeles (salamanders and newts) for which few genomic-scale resources exist. In this study, we provide the first detailed molecular characterization of gametes from two salamander species (Plethodon shermani and Desmognathus ocoee) that are models of reproductive behavior. Long-read PacBio transcriptome sequencing of testis and ovary of both species revealed sex-specific expression of many genes common to vertebrate gametes, including a similar expression profile to the egg coat genes of Xenopus oocytes. In contrast to broad conservation of oocyte genes, major testis transcripts included paralogs of salamander-specific courtship pheromones (PRF, PMF, and SPF) that were confirmed as major sperm proteins by mass spectrometry proteomics. Sperm-specific paralogs of PMF and SPF are likely the most abundant secreted proteins in P. shermani and D. ocoee, respectively. In contrast, sperm PRF lacks a signal peptide and may be expressed in cytoplasm. PRF pheromone genes evolved independently multiple times by repeated gene duplication of sperm PRF genes with signal peptides recovered through recombination with PMF genes. Phylogenetic analysis of courtship pheromones and their sperm paralogs support that each protein family evolved for these two reproductive contexts at distinct evolutionary time points between 17 and 360 million years ago. Our combined phylogenetic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of plethodontid reproductive tissues support that the recurrent co-option and recombination of TFPs and cytokine-like proteins have been a novel driving force throughout salamander evolution and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien B. Wilburn
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Damien B. Wilburn,
| | - Christy L. Kunkel
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, Cleveland Heights, OH, United States
| | - Richard C. Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Pamela W. Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Brian C. Searle
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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6
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Rivera AM, Swanson WJ. The Importance of Gene Duplication and Domain Repeat Expansion for the Function and Evolution of Fertilization Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827454. [PMID: 35155436 PMCID: PMC8830517 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of gene duplication followed by gene loss or evolution of new functions has been studied extensively, yet the role gene duplication plays in the function and evolution of fertilization proteins is underappreciated. Gene duplication is observed in many fertilization protein families including Izumo, DCST, ZP, and the TFP superfamily. Molecules mediating fertilization are part of larger gene families expressed in a variety of tissues, but gene duplication followed by structural modifications has often facilitated their cooption into a fertilization function. Repeat expansions of functional domains within a gene also provide opportunities for the evolution of novel fertilization protein. ZP proteins with domain repeat expansions are linked to species-specificity in fertilization and TFP proteins that experienced domain duplications were coopted into a novel sperm function. This review outlines the importance of gene duplications and repeat domain expansions in the evolution of fertilization proteins.
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7
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Herrboldt MA, Steffen MA, McGouran CN, Bonett RM. Pheromone Gene Diversification and the Evolution of Courtship Glands in Plethodontid Salamanders. J Mol Evol 2021; 89:576-587. [PMID: 34392385 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-021-10026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Proteinaceous pheromones that diversify through gene duplication can result in shifts in courtship cocktails that may serve as a mechanism for reproductive isolation. The molecular evolution of pheromones has been extensively studied in salamanders, but how these genes and associated novel courtship glands have codiversified has not been evaluated. In this study we used transcriptional analyses to examine the relationship between pheromone diversification and gland type in three divergent lineages of plethodontid salamanders. Our results revealed that plethodontid salamanders express up to eight divergent Sodefrin Precursor-like Factor genes (spf, representing both alpha and beta subfamilies) along with Plethodontid Modulating Factor (pmf) and Plethodontid Receptivity Factor (prf). Expression of pheromone genes is tissue specific with pmf, prf, and some spf genes restricted to the mental gland. In contrast, the caudal gland shows strong expression of the other spf genes. We found evidence for punctuated changes in pheromone cocktail composition related to the loss of metamorphosis, and subsequent extreme reduction of the mental gland, in a paedomorphic lineage. Our study provides insight into how pheromone diversification can be partitioned into unique glands, which may lead to cocktail specificity in behavioral modules during courtship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison A Herrboldt
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA.
| | - Michael A Steffen
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA
| | - Carissa N McGouran
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA
| | - Ronald M Bonett
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA
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8
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Woodley SK, Staub NL. Pheromonal communication in urodelan amphibians. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:327-345. [PMID: 33427952 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pheromonal communication is an ancient and pervasive sensory modality in urodelan amphibians. One family of salamander pheromones (the sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) family) originated 300 million years ago, at the origin of amphibians. Although salamanders are often thought of as relatively simple animals especially when compared to mammals, the pheromonal systems are varied and complex with nuanced effects on behavior. Here, we review the function and evolution of pheromonal signals involved in male-female reproductive interactions. After describing common themes of salamander pheromonal communication, we describe what is known about the rich diversity of pheromonal communication in each salamander family. Several pheromones have been described, ranging from simple, invariant molecules to complex, variable blends of pheromones. While some pheromones elicit overt behavioral responses, others have more nuanced effects. Pheromonal signals have diversified within salamander lineages and have experienced rapid evolution. Once receptors have been matched to pheromonal ligands, rapid advance can be made to better understand the olfactory detection and processing of salamander pheromones. In particular, a large number of salamander species deliver pheromones across the skin of females, perhaps reflecting a novel mode of pheromonal communication. At the end of our review, we list some of the many intriguing unanswered questions. We hope that this review will inspire a new generation of scientists to pursue work in this rewarding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
| | - Nancy L Staub
- Biology Department, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, 99203, USA
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9
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Siegel DS, Long CL, Waltz JT, Wren SA, Pereira KE, McClelland SJ, Murray CM, Sever DM. Sexually Dimorphic Heads of Eurycea bislineata. COPEIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1643/ch2020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin S. Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Cody L. Long
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - J. Trent Waltz
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Shelby A. Wren
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Kenzie E. Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282; (KEP) ; and (SJM)
| | - Sara J. McClelland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282; (KEP) ; and (SJM)
| | - Christopher M. Murray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (CMM) ; and (DMS) deceased
| | - David M. Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (CMM) ; and (DMS) deceased
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Wilburn DB, Tuttle LM, Klevit RE, Swanson WJ. Indirect sexual selection drives rapid sperm protein evolution in abalone. eLife 2019; 8:e52628. [PMID: 31868593 PMCID: PMC6952181 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection can explain the rapid evolution of fertilization proteins, yet sperm proteins evolve rapidly even if not directly involved in fertilization. In the marine mollusk abalone, sperm secrete enormous quantities of two rapidly evolving proteins, lysin and sp18, that are stored at nearly molar concentrations. We demonstrate that this extraordinary packaging is achieved by associating into Fuzzy Interacting Transient Zwitterion (FITZ) complexes upon binding the intrinsically disordered FITZ Anionic Partner (FITZAP). FITZ complexes form at intracellular ionic strengths and, upon exocytosis into seawater, lysin and sp18 are dispersed to drive fertilization. NMR analyses revealed that lysin uses a common molecular interface to bind both FITZAP and its egg receptor VERL. As sexual selection alters the lysin-VERL interface, FITZAP coevolves rapidly to maintain lysin binding. FITZAP-lysin interactions exhibit a similar species-specificity as lysin-VERL interactions. Thus, tethered molecular arms races driven by sexual selection can generally explain rapid sperm protein evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa M Tuttle
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Rachel E Klevit
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
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11
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Wilburn DB, Feldhoff RC. An annual cycle of gene regulation in the red-legged salamander mental gland: from hypertrophy to expression of rapidly evolving pheromones. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:10. [PMID: 31029098 PMCID: PMC6487043 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0190-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Cell differentiation is mediated by synchronized waves of coordinated expression for hundreds to thousands of genes, and must be regulated to produce complex tissues and phenotypes. For many animal species, sexual selection has driven the development of elaborate male ornaments, requiring sex-specific differentiation pathways. One such male ornament is the pheromone-producing mental gland of the red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani). Mental gland development follows an annual cycle of extreme hypertrophy, production of pheromones for the ~ 2 month mating season, and then complete resorption before repeating the process in the following year. At the peak of the mating season, the transcriptional and translational machinery of the mental gland are almost exclusively redirected to the synthesis of rapidly evolving pheromones. Of these pheromones, Plethodontid Modulating Factor (PMF) has experienced an unusual history: following gene duplication, the protein coding sequence diversified from positive sexual selection while the untranslated regions have been conserved by purifying selection. The molecular underpinnings that bridge the processes of gland hypertrophy, pheromone synthesis, and conservation of the untranslated regions remain to be determined. Results Using Illumina sequencing, we prepared a de novo transcriptome of the mental gland at six stages of development. Differential expression analysis and immunohistochemistry revealed that the mental gland initially adopts a highly proliferative, almost tumor-like phenotype, followed by a rapid increase in pheromone mRNA and protein. One likely player in this transition is Cold Inducible RNA Binding Protein (CIRBP), which selectively and cooperatively binds the highly conserved PMF 3′ UTR. CIRBP, along with other proteins associated with stress response, have seemingly been co-opted to aid in mental gland development by helping to regulate pheromone synthesis. Conclusions The P. shermani mental gland utilizes a complex system of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation to facilitate its hypertrophication and pheromone synthesis. The data support the evolutionary interplay of coding and noncoding segments in rapid gene evolution, and necessitate the study of co-evolution between pheromone gene products and their transcriptional/translational regulators. Additionally, the mental gland could be a powerful emerging model of regulated tissue proliferation and subsequent resorption within the dermis and share molecular links to skin cancer biology. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0190-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA. .,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Richard C Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
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12
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Woodley SK, Costa JT, Bruce RC. Introduction to the Special Highlands Conference on Plethodontid Salamander Biology. HERPETOLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-17-00020.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - James T. Costa
- Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands, NC 28741, USA and Department of Biology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA
| | - Richard C. Bruce
- Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands, NC 28741, USA and Department of Biology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA
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13
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Arnold SJ, Kiemnec-Tyburczy KM, Houck LD. The Evolution of Courtship Behavior in Plethodontid Salamanders, Contrasting Patterns of Stasis and Diversification. HERPETOLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-16-00068.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stevan J. Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | | | - Lynne D. Houck
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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