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Li X, Li S, Cheng J, Zhang Y, Zhan A. Deciphering protein-mediated underwater adhesion in an invasive biofouling ascidian: Discovery, validation, and functional mechanism of an interfacial protein. Acta Biomater 2024; 181:146-160. [PMID: 38679406 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.04.036] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Discovering macromolecules and understanding the associated mechanisms involved in underwater adhesion are essential for both studying the fundamental ecology of benthos in aquatic ecosystems and developing biomimetic adhesive materials in industries. Here, we employed quantitative proteomics to assess protein expression variations during the development of the distinct adhesive structure - stolon in the model fouling ascidian, Ciona robusta. We found 16 adhesive protein candidates with increased expression in the stolon, with ascidian adhesive protein 1 (AAP1) being particularly rich in adhesion-related signal peptides, amino acids, and functional domains. Western blot and immunolocalization analyses confirmed the prominent AAP1 signals in the mantle, tunic, stolon, and adhesive footprints, indicating the interfacial role of this protein. Surface coating and atomic force microscopy experiments verified AAP1's adhesion to diverse materials, likely through the specific electrostatic and hydrophobic amino acid interactions with various substrates. In addition, molecular docking calculations indicated the AAP1's potential for cross-linking via hydrogen bonds and salt bridges among Von Willebrand factor type A domains, enhancing its adhesion capability. Altogether, the newly discovered interfacial protein responsible for permanent underwater adhesion, along with the elucidated adhesion mechanisms, are expected to contribute to the development of biomimetic adhesive materials and anti-fouling strategies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Discovering macromolecules and studying their associated mechanisms involved in underwater adhesion are essential for understanding the fundamental ecology of benthos in aquatic ecosystems and developing innovative bionic adhesive materials in various industries. Using multidisciplinary analytical methods, we identified an interfacial protein - Ascidian Adhesive Protein 1 (AAP1) from the model marine fouling ascidian, Ciona robusta. The interfacial functions of AAP1 are achieved by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, and the Von Willebrand factor type A domain-based cross-linking likely enhances AAP1's interfacial adhesion. The identification and validation of the interfacial functions of AAP1, combined with the elucidation of adhesion mechanisms, present a promising target for the development of biomimetic adhesive materials and the formulation of effective anti-fouling strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiguo Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jiawei Cheng
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Aibin Zhan
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China.
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Cheng J, Li S, Li X, Zhan A. Influence of calcium concentration on larval adhesion in a highly invasive fouling ascidian: From morphological changes to molecular mechanisms. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116119. [PMID: 38325201 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Calcium ion (Ca2+) is involved in the protein-mediated larval adhesion of fouling ascidians, yet the effects of environmental Ca2+ on larval adhesion remain largely unexplored. Here, the larvae of fouling ascidian C. robusta were exposed to different concentrations of Ca2+. Exposures to low-concentration (0 mM and 5 mM) and high-concentration (20 mM and 40 mM) Ca2+ significantly decreased the adhesion rate of larvae, which was primarily attributed to the decreases in adhesive structure length and curvature. Changes in the expressions of genes encoding adhesion-, microvilli-, muscle contraction-, and collagen-related proteins provided a molecular-level explanation for adhesion rate reduction. Additionally, larvae likely prioritized their energy towards immunomodulation in response to Ca2+ stresses, ultimately leading to adhesion reduction. These findings advance our understanding of the influencing mechanisms of environmental Ca2+ on larval adhesion, which are expected to provide references for the development of precise antifouling strategies against ascidians and other fouling species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Cheng
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiguo Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xi Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Aibin Zhan
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Wawrzyniak MK, Matas Serrato LA, Blanchoud S. Artificial seawater based long-term culture of colonial ascidians. Dev Biol 2021; 480:91-104. [PMID: 34418426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Tunicates are highly diverse marine invertebrate filter-feeders that are vertebrates' closest relatives. These organisms, despite a drastically different body plan during their adulthood, have a tissue complexity related to that of vertebrates. Ascidians, which compose most of the Tunicata, are benthic sessile hermaphrodites that reproduce sexually through a motile tadpole larval stage. Over half of the known ascidians species are able to reproduce asexually by budding, typically leading to the formation of colonies where animals, called zooids, are interconnected through an external vascular system. In addition, colonial ascidians are established models for important biological processes including allorecognition, immunobiology, aging, angiogenesis and whole-body regeneration. However, the current paucity in breeding infrastructures limits the study of these animals to coastal regions. To promote a wider scientific spreading and popularity of colonial ascidians, we have developed a flexible recirculating husbandry setup for their long-term in-lab culture. Our system is inspired both by the flow-through aquariums used by coastal ascidian labs, as well as by the recirculating in-lab systems used for zebrafish research. Our hybrid system thus combines colony breeding, water filtering and food culturing in a semi-automated system where specimens develop on hanging microscopy glass slides. Temperature, light/dark cycles, flow speed and feeding rates can be controlled independently in four different breeding environments to provide room for species-specific optimization as well as for running experiments. This setup is complemented with a quarantine for the acclimatization of wild isolates. Herein we present our success in breeding Botrylloides diegensis, a species of colonial ascidians, for more than 3 years in recirculating artificial seawater over 600 km away from their natural habitat. We show that colonies adapt well to in-lab culturing provided that a suitable marine microbiome is present, and that a specific strain can be isolated, propagated and efficiently used for research over prolonged periods of time. The flexible and modular structure of our system can be scaled and adapted to the needs of specific species, such as Botryllus schlosseri, as well as of particular laboratory spaces. Overall, we show that Botrylloides diegensis can be proficiently bred in-land and suggest that our results can be extended to other species of colonial ascidians to promote research on these fascinating animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta K Wawrzyniak
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin Du Musée 10, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Simon Blanchoud
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin Du Musée 10, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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Li X, Li S, Huang X, Chen Y, Cheng J, Zhan A. Protein-mediated bioadhesion in marine organisms: A review. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 170:105409. [PMID: 34271483 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Protein-mediated bioadhesion is one of the crucial physiological processes in marine organisms, by which they can firmly adhere to underwater substrates. Most marine adhesive organisms are biofoulers, causing negative effects on marine ecosystems and huge economic losses to aquaculture and maritime industries. Furthermore, adhesive proteins in these organisms are promising bionic candidates for high-performance artificial materials with great application value. In-depth understanding of the bioadhesion in marine ecosystems is of dual significance for resolving biofouling issue and developing marine bionic products. Here, we review the research progress of protein-mediated bioadhesion in marine organisms. The adhesion processes such as protein biosynthesis and secretion are similar among organisms, but the detailed features such as compositions, structures, and molecular functions of adhesive proteins are distinct. Hydroxylation, glycosylation, and phosphorylation are important post-translational modifications during the processes of adhesion. The contents of some amino acids such as glycine, tyrosine and cysteine involved in underwater adhesion are significantly higher, which is a sequence feature of barnacle cement and mussel foot proteins. The amyloid structures and conserved domains/motifs such as EGF and vWFA distributed in adhesive proteins are involved in the underwater adhesion. In addition, the oxidative cross-linking also plays an important role in marine bioadhesion. Overall, the unique and common features identified for the protein-mediated bioadhesion in diverse marine organisms here provide background information and essential reference for characterizing marine adhesive proteins and associated functional domains, formulating antifouling strategies, and developing novel biomimetic adhesives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shiguo Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xuena Huang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yiyong Chen
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Jiawei Cheng
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Aibin Zhan
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Davey PA, Power AM, Santos R, Bertemes P, Ladurner P, Palmowski P, Clarke J, Flammang P, Lengerer B, Hennebert E, Rothbächer U, Pjeta R, Wunderer J, Zurovec M, Aldred N. Omics-based molecular analyses of adhesion by aquatic invertebrates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1051-1075. [PMID: 33594824 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many aquatic invertebrates are associated with surfaces, using adhesives to attach to the substratum for locomotion, prey capture, reproduction, building or defence. Their intriguing and sophisticated biological glues have been the focus of study for decades. In all but a couple of specific taxa, however, the precise mechanisms by which the bioadhesives stick to surfaces underwater and (in many cases) harden have proved to be elusive. Since the bulk components are known to be based on proteins in most organisms, the opportunities provided by advancing 'omics technologies have revolutionised bioadhesion research. Time-consuming isolation and analysis of single molecules has been either replaced or augmented by the generation of massive data sets that describe the organism's translated genes and proteins. While these new approaches have provided resources and opportunities that have enabled physiological insights and taxonomic comparisons that were not previously possible, they do not provide the complete picture and continued multi-disciplinarity is essential. This review covers the various ways in which 'omics have contributed to our understanding of adhesion by aquatic invertebrates, with new data to illustrate key points. The associated challenges are highlighted and priorities are suggested for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Davey
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Anne Marie Power
- Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Room 226, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Romana Santos
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente (MARE), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Philip Bertemes
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Pawel Palmowski
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Jessica Clarke
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Patrick Flammang
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 23, Mons, 7000, Belgium
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Elise Hennebert
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 23, Mons, 7000, Belgium
| | - Ute Rothbächer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Julia Wunderer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Michal Zurovec
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Nick Aldred
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, U.K
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Samart N, Althumairy D, Zhang D, Roess DA, Crans DC. Initiation of a novel mode of membrane signaling: Vanadium facilitated signal transduction. Coord Chem Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2020.213286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Zeng F, Wunderer J, Salvenmoser W, Ederth T, Rothbächer U. Identifying adhesive components in a model tunicate. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190197. [PMID: 31495315 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunicates populate a great variety of marine underwater substrates worldwide and represent a significant concern in marine shipping and aquaculture. Adhesives are secreted from the anterior papillae of their swimming larvae, which attach and metamorphose into permanently adhering, filter-feeding adults. We recently described the cellular composition of the sensory adhesive organ of the model tunicate Ciona intestinalis in great detail. Notably, the adhesive secretions of collocytes accumulate at the tip of the organ and contain glycoproteins. Here, we further explore the components of adhesive secretions and have screened for additional specificities that may influence adhesion or cohesion of the Ciona glue, including other carbohydrate moieties, catechols and substrate properties. We found a distinct set of sugar residues in the glue recognized by specific lectins with little overlap to other known marine adhesives. Surprisingly, we also detect catechol residues that likely originate from an adjacent cellular reservoir, the test cells. Furthermore, we provide information on substrate preferences where hydrophobicity outperforms charge in the attachment. Finally, we can influence the settlement process by the addition of hydrophilic heparin. The further analysis of tunicate adhesive strategies should provide a valuable knowledge source in designing physiological adhesives or green antifoulants. This article is part of the theme issue 'Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zeng
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julia Wunderer
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Willi Salvenmoser
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Ederth
- Division of Molecular Physics, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ute Rothbächer
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, University Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Crans DC, Gambino D, Etcheverry SB. Vanadium science: chemistry, catalysis, materials, biological and medicinal studies. NEW J CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c9nj90156f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Welcome to this New Journal of Chemistry themed issue entitled “Vanadium Science: Chemistry, Catalysis, Materials, Biological and Medicinal Studies”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie C. Crans
- Chemistry Department
- Colorado State University
- Fort Collins
- USA
| | - Dinorah Gambino
- Área Química Inorgánica
- Facultad de Química
- Universidad de la República
- Montevideo
- Uruguay
| | - Susana B. Etcheverry
- Inorganic Chemistry Center (CEQUINOR, CONICET)
- Exact School Sciences
- National University of La Plata
- 1900 La Plata
- Argentina
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