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Filatova TS, Dzhumaniiazova I, Abramochkin DV. The metamorphosis of amphibian myocardium: moving to the heart of the matter. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247712. [PMID: 38916053 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Amphibians are a classical object for physiological studies, and they are of great value for developmental studies owing to their transition from an aquatic larval form to an adult form with a terrestrial lifestyle. Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are of special interest for such studies because of their neoteny and facultative pedomorphosis, as in these animals, metamorphosis can be induced and fully controlled in laboratory conditions. It has been suggested that their metamorphosis, associated with gross anatomical changes in the heart, also involves physiological and electrical remodeling of the myocardium. We used whole-cell patch clamp to investigate possible changes caused by metamorphosis in electrical activity and major ionic currents in cardiomyocytes isolated from paedomorphic and metamorphic axolotls. T4-induced metamorphosis caused shortening of atrial and ventricular action potentials (APs), with no changes in resting membrane potential or maximum velocity of AP upstroke, favoring higher heart rate possible in metamorphic animals. Potential-dependent potassium currents in axolotl myocardium were represented by delayed rectifier currents IKr and IKs, and upregulation of IKs caused by metamorphosis probably underlies AP shortening. Metamorphosis was associated with downregulation of inward rectifier current IK1, probably serving to increase the excitability of myocardium in metamorphic animals. Metamorphosis also led to a slight increase in fast sodium current INa with no changes in its steady-state kinetics and to a significant upregulation of ICa in both atrial and ventricular cells, indicating stronger Ca2+ influx for higher cardiac contractility in metamorphic salamanders. Taken together, these changes serve to increase cardiac reserve in metamorphic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana S Filatova
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye gory, 1, 12, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Irina Dzhumaniiazova
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye gory, 1, 12, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Denis V Abramochkin
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye gory, 1, 12, Moscow 119234, Russia
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Sillar KT, Simmers J, Combes D. From tadpole to adult frog locomotion. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 82:102753. [PMID: 37549591 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The transition from larval to adult locomotion in the anuran, Xenopus laevis, involves a dramatic switch from axial to appendicular swimming including intermediate stages when the tail and hindlimbs co-exist and contribute to propulsion. Hatchling tadpole swimming is generated by an axial central pattern generator (CPG) which matures rapidly during early larval life. During metamorphosis, the developing limbs are controlled by a de novo appendicular CPG driven initially by the axial system before segregating to allow both systems to operate together or independently. Neuromodulation plays important roles throughout, but key modulators switch their effects from early inhibitory influences to facilitating locomotion. Temperature affects the construction and operation of locomotor networks and global changes in environmental temperature place aquatic poikilotherms, like amphibians, at risk. The locomotor control strategy of anurans differs from other amphibian groups such as salamanders, where evolution has acted upon the thyroid hormone pathway to sculpt different developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith T Sillar
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Marys Quad., St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AP, Scotland.
| | - John Simmers
- Institut des Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, 33706 Bordeaux, France
| | - Denis Combes
- Institut des Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, 33706 Bordeaux, France
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3
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Avila-Martinez N, Gansevoort M, Verbakel J, Jayaprakash H, Araujo IM, Vitorino M, Tiscornia G, van Kuppevelt TH, Daamen WF. Matrisomal components involved in regenerative wound healing in axolotl and Acomys: implications for biomaterial development. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:6060-6081. [PMID: 37525590 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00835e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Achieving regeneration in humans has been a long-standing goal of many researchers. Whereas amphibians like the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) are capable of regenerating whole organs and even limbs, most mammals heal their wounds via fibrotic scarring. Recently, the African spiny mouse (Acomys sp.) has been shown to be injury resistant and capable of regenerating several tissue types. A major focal point of research with Acomys has been the identification of drivers of regeneration. In this search, the matrisome components related to the extracellular matrix (ECM) are often overlooked. In this review, we compare Acomys and axolotl skin wound healing and blastema-mediated regeneration by examining their wound healing responses and comparing the expression pattern of matrisome genes, including glycosaminoglycan (GAG) related genes. The goal of this review is to identify matrisome genes that are upregulated during regeneration and could be potential candidates for inclusion in pro-regenerative biomaterials. Research papers describing transcriptomic or proteomic coverage of either skin regeneration or blastema formation in Acomys and axolotl were selected. Matrisome and GAG related genes were extracted from each dataset and the resulting lists of genes were compared. In our analysis, we found several genes that were consistently upregulated, suggesting possible involvement in regenerative processes. Most of the components have been implicated in regulation of cell behavior, extracellular matrix remodeling and wound healing. Incorporation of such pro-regenerative factors into biomaterials may help to shift pro-fibrotic processes to regenerative responses in treated wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Avila-Martinez
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Research Institute, Radboud university medical center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Merel Gansevoort
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Research Institute, Radboud university medical center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Juul Verbakel
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Research Institute, Radboud university medical center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Haarshaadri Jayaprakash
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ines Maria Araujo
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Marta Vitorino
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Gustavo Tiscornia
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Eugin Barcelona, Balmes, 236, 08006 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toin H van Kuppevelt
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Research Institute, Radboud university medical center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Willeke F Daamen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Research Institute, Radboud university medical center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Bölük A, Yavuz M, Demircan T. Axolotl: A resourceful vertebrate model for regeneration and beyond. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:1914-1933. [PMID: 35906989 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The regenerative capacity varies significantly among the animal kingdom. Successful regeneration program in some animals results in the functional restoration of tissues and lost structures. Among the highly regenerative animals, axolotl provides multiple experimental advantages with its many extraordinary characteristics. It has been positioned as a regeneration model organism due to its exceptional renewal capacity, including the internal organs, central nervous system, and appendages, in a scar-free manner. In addition to this unique regeneration ability, the observed low cancer incidence, its resistance to carcinogens, and the reversing effect of its cell extract on neoplasms strongly suggest its usability in cancer research. Axolotl's longevity and efficient utilization of several anti-aging mechanisms underline its potential to be employed in aging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aydın Bölük
- School of Medicine, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Mervenur Yavuz
- Institute of Health Sciences, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Turan Demircan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey
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Toli EA, Bounas A, Merilä J, Sotiropoulos K. Genetic diversity and detection of candidate loci associated with alternative morphotypes in a tailed amphibian. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blac103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Phenotypic changes in response to environmental cues allow organisms to adapt and enhance their fitness in a given habitat. Despite the significance of phenotypic plasticity in the evolution and ecology of natural populations and the ongoing development of new genomic tools, the underlying genetic basis is still largely unknown. Herein, we examined the underlying mechanisms of genetic and phenotypic divergence among alternative morphs of a natural population of the Greek smooth newt (Lissotriton graecus). The studied population consists of fully aquatic individuals exhibiting facultative paedomorphosis, the retention of larval traits such as gills, and individuals that have passed metamorphosis (paedomorphic vs. metamorphic newts). Based on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained, we observed low genetic divergence between the two alternative morphs and similar levels of gene diversity on neutral markers. Despite the observed high gene flow between the morphs, an Fst approach for outliers detected candidate loci putatively associated with the alternative morphs that mapped to four genes. These identified genes have functional roles in metabolic processes that may mediate the persistence of alternative ontogenetic trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet A Toli
- Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina , 45110 Ioannina , Greece
| | - Anastasios Bounas
- Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina , 45110 Ioannina , Greece
| | - Juha Merilä
- Ecological Genetics Research Unit, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki , 00014 Finland
- Area of Ecology and Biodiversity, The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR
| | - Konstantinos Sotiropoulos
- Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina , 45110 Ioannina , Greece
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Al Haj Baddar N, Timoshevskaya N, Smith JJ, Guo H, Voss SR. Novel Expansion of Matrix Metalloproteases in the Laboratory Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) and Other Salamander Species. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.786263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) genes encode endopeptidases that cleave protein components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as non-ECM proteins. Here we report the results of a comprehensive survey of MMPs in the laboratory axolotl and other representative salamanders. Surprisingly, 28 MMPs were identified in salamanders and 9 MMP paralogs were identified as unique to the axolotl and other salamander taxa, with several of these presenting atypical amino acid insertions not observed in other tetrapod vertebrates. Furthermore, as assessed by sequence information, all of the novel salamander MMPs are of the secreted type, rather than cell membrane anchored. This suggests that secreted type MMPs expanded uniquely within salamanders to presumably execute catalytic activities in the extracellular milieu. To facilitate future studies of salamander-specific MMPs, we annotated transcriptional information from published studies of limb and tail regeneration. Our analysis sets the stage for comparative studies to understand why MMPs expanded uniquely within salamanders.
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Hincapie Agudelo M, Carbonell Medina BA, Arenas Gómez CM, Delgado JP. Ambystoma mexicanum, a model organism in developmental biology and regeneration: a colombian experience. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2021. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v27n1.88309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambystoma mexicanum is a urodele amphibian endemic to Xochimilco Lake in Mexico, it belongs to the salamander family Ambystomatidae. This species has frequently been used as model organism in developmental biology and regeneration laboratories around the world due to its broad regenerative capacities and adaptability to laboratory conditions. In this review we describe the establishment of the first colony of axolotls in Colombia to study tissue regeneration and our perspectives on the use A. mexicanum as a model organism in Colombia are discussed emphasizing its possible uses in regeneration and developmental biology
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Olejnickova V, Kolesova H, Bartos M, Sedmera D, Gregorovicova M. The Tale-Tell Heart: Evolutionary tetrapod shift from aquatic to terrestrial life-style reflected in heart changes in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Dev Dyn 2021; 251:1004-1014. [PMID: 34423892 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During amphibian metamorphosis, the crucial moment lies in the rearrangement of the heart, reflecting the changes in circulatory demands. However, little is known about the exact shifts linked with this rearrangement. Here, we demonstrate such myocardial changes in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) from the morphological and physiological point of view. RESULTS Micro-CT and histological analysis showed changes in ventricular trabeculae organization, completion of the atrial septum and its connection to the atrioventricular valve. Based on Myosin Heavy Chain and Smooth Muscle Actin expression we distinguished metamorphosis-induced changes in myocardial differentiation at the ventricular trabeculae and atrioventricular canal. Using optical mapping, faster speed of conduction through the atrioventricular canal was demonstrated in metamorphic animals. No differences between the groups were observed in the heart rates, ventricular activation times, and activation patterns. CONCLUSIONS Transition from aquatic to terrestrial life-style is reflected in the heart morphology and function. Rebuilding of the axolotl heart during metamorphosis was connected with reorganization of ventricular trabeculae, completion of the atrial septum and its connection to the atrioventricular valve, and acceleration of AV conduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Olejnickova
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Developmental Cardiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kolesova
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Developmental Cardiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Bartos
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Dental Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Developmental Cardiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Gregorovicova
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Developmental Cardiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
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Davis ES, Voss G, Miesfeld JB, Zarate-Sanchez J, Voss SR, Glaser T. The rax homeobox gene is mutated in the eyeless axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:807-821. [PMID: 32864847 PMCID: PMC8907009 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vertebrate eye formation requires coordinated inductive interactions between different embryonic tissue layers, first described in amphibians. A network of transcription factors and signaling molecules controls these steps, with mutations causing severe ocular, neuronal, and craniofacial defects. In eyeless mutant axolotls, eye morphogenesis arrests at the optic vesicle stage, before lens induction, and development of ventral forebrain structures is disrupted. RESULTS We identified a 5-bp deletion in the rax (retina and anterior neural fold homeobox) gene, which was tightly linked to the recessive eyeless (e) axolotl locus in an F2 cross. This frameshift mutation, in exon 2, truncates RAX protein within the homeodomain (P154fs35X). Quantitative RNA analysis shows that mutant and wild-type rax transcripts are equally abundant in E/e embryos. Translation appears to initiate from dual start codons, via leaky ribosome scanning, a conserved feature among gnathostome RAX proteins. Previous data show rax is expressed in the optic vesicle and diencephalon, deeply conserved among metazoans, and required for eye formation in other species. CONCLUSION The eyeless axolotl mutation is a null allele in the rax homeobox gene, with primary defects in neural ectoderm, including the retinal and hypothalamic primordia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik S. Davis
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Gareth Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Joel B. Miesfeld
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Juan Zarate-Sanchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
- Davis Senior High School, Davis, California
| | - S. Randal Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Tom Glaser
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
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Zhang J, Qi J, Shi F, Pan H, Liu M, Tian R, Geng Y, Li H, Qu Y, Chen J, Seim I, Li M. Insights into the Evolution of Neoteny from the Genome of the Asian Icefish Protosalanx chinensis. iScience 2020; 23:101267. [PMID: 32593955 PMCID: PMC7327861 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Salangids, known as Asian icefishes, represent a peculiar radiation within the bony fish order Protacanthopterygii where adult fish retain larval characteristics such as transparent and miniaturized bodies and a cartilaginous endoskeleton into adulthood. Here, we report a de novo genome of Protosalanx chinensis, the most widely distributed salangid lineage. The P. chinensis genome assembly is more contiguous and complete than a previous assembly. We estimate that P. chinensis, salmons, trouts, and pikes diverged from a common ancestor 185 million years ago. A juxtaposition with other fish genomes revealed loss of the genes encoding ectodysplasin-A receptor (EDAR), SCPP1, and four Hox proteins and likely lack of canonical fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) function. We also report genomic variations of P. chinensis possibly reflecting the immune system repertoire of a species with a larval phenotype in sexually mature individuals. The new Asian icefish reference genome provides a solid foundation for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Jiwei Qi
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fanglei Shi
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huijuan Pan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ran Tian
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Yuepan Geng
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Huaying Li
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yujie Qu
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jinping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource, Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou 510260, China.
| | - Inge Seim
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China; Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute-Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Ming Li
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Beijing 100101, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China.
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Buffenstein R, Lewis KN, Gibney PA, Narayan V, Grimes KM, Smith M, Lin TD, Brown-Borg HM. Probing Pedomorphy and Prolonged Lifespan in Naked Mole-Rats and Dwarf Mice. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:96-111. [DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00032.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pedomorphy, maintenance of juvenile traits throughout life, is most pronounced in extraordinarily long-lived naked mole-rats. Many of these traits (e.g., slow growth rates, low hormone levels, and delayed sexual maturity) are shared with spontaneously mutated, long-lived dwarf mice. Although some youthful traits likely evolved as adaptations to subterranean habitats (e.g., thermolability), the nature of these intrinsic pedomorphic features may also contribute to their prolonged youthfulness, longevity, and healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrick A. Gibney
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Stocking Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Vikram Narayan
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | - Kelly M. Grimes
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Megan Smith
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | - Tzuhua D. Lin
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | - Holly M. Brown-Borg
- Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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