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Christensen NK, Beedholm K, Damsgaard C. Short communication: Maintained visual performance in birds under high altitude hypoxia. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 296:111691. [PMID: 38971399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111691] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Birds are highly dependent on their vision for orientation and navigation. The avian eye differs from the mammalian eye as the retina is avascular, leaving the inner, highly metabolically active layers with a very long diffusion distance to the oxygen supply. During flight at high altitudes, birds face a decrease in environmental oxygen partial pressure, which leads to a decrease in arterial oxygen levels. Since oxygen perfusion to the retina is already limited in birds, we hypothesize that visual function is impaired by low oxygen availability. However, the visual performance of birds exposed to hypoxia has not been evaluated before. Here, we assess the optomotor response (OMR) in zebra finches under simulated high-altitude hypoxia (10%) and show that the OMR is largely maintained under hypoxia with only a modest reduction in OMR, demonstrating that birds can largely maintain visual function at high altitudes. The method of our study does not provide insight into the mechanisms involved, but our findings suggest that birds have evolved physiological mechanisms for retinal function at low tissue oxygen levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristian Beedholm
- Section for Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Damsgaard
- Section for Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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2
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Sun Y, Wang Y, Ji L, Zhao Q, Shen Q, Wang X, Liu Y, Ji L, Yang S, Zhang W. Identification and characterization of multiple novel picornaviruses in fecal samples of bar-headed goose. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1440801. [PMID: 39132136 PMCID: PMC11310119 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1440801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The bar-headed goose (Anser indicus), one of the most well-known high-altitude birds, is renowned for its adaptation to high-altitude environments. Previous studies have shown that they can be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza; however, there is currently limited research on other viruses in bar-headed geese. Methods In this study, 10 fecal samples of healthy bar-headed geese were collected, and viral metagenomics method was conducted to identify novel picornaviruses. Results Seven novel picornaviruses were identified in the fecal samples of bar-headed geese. Most of these picornaviruses were genetically different from other currently known viruses in the NCBI dataset. Among them, PICV4 was determined to be a new species belonging to the Anativirus genus, PICV5 and PICV13 were classified as novel species belonging to the Hepatovirus genus, and the remaining four picornaviruses (PICV1, PICV19, PICV21, and PICV22) were identified as part of the Megrivirus A species of the Megrivirus genus. Recombinant analysis indicates that PICV21 was a potential recombinant, and the major and minor parents were PICV1 and PICV22, respectively. Conclusion The findings of this study increase our understanding of the diversity of picornaviruses in bar-headed geese and provide practical viral genome information for the prevention and treatment of potential viral diseases affecting this species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shixing Yang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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3
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Palacios C, Wang P, Wang N, Brown MA, Capatosto L, Du J, Jiang J, Zhang Q, Dahal N, Lamichhaney S. Genomic Variation, Population History, and Long-Term Genetic Adaptation to High Altitudes in Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae). Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad214. [PMID: 37768198 PMCID: PMC10583571 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad214] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Species residing across elevational gradients display adaptations in response to environmental changes such as oxygen availability, ultraviolet radiation, and temperature. Here, we study genomic variation, gene expression, and long-term adaptation in Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) populations residing across the elevational gradient of the Tibetan Plateau. We generated a high-quality draft genome and used it to carry out downstream population genomic and transcriptomic analysis. The P. hodgsoniae populations residing across various elevations were genetically distinct, and their phylogenetic clustering was consistent with their geographic distribution. We identified possible evidence of gene flow between populations residing in <3,000 and >4,200 m elevation that is consistent with known habitat expansion of high-altitude populations of P. hodgsoniae to a lower elevation. We identified a 60 kb haplotype encompassing the Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) gene, showing strong genetic divergence between populations of P. hodgsoniae. We identified six single nucleotide polymorphisms within the ESR1 gene fixed for derived alleles in high-altitude populations that are strongly conserved across vertebrates. We also compared blood transcriptome profiles and identified differentially expressed genes (such as GAPDH, LDHA, and ALDOC) that correlated with differences in altitude among populations of P. hodgsoniae. These candidate genes from population genomics and transcriptomics analysis were enriched for neutrophil degranulation and glycolysis pathways, which are known to respond to hypoxia and hence may contribute to long-term adaptation to high altitudes in P. hodgsoniae. Our results highlight Tibetan Partridges as a useful model to study molecular mechanisms underlying long-term adaptation to high altitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Palacios
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Megan A Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Lukas Capatosto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Juan Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Jiahu Jiang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Qingze Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Nishma Dahal
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP 176061, India
| | - Sangeet Lamichhaney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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Ivy CM, Guglielmo CG. Migratory songbirds exhibit seasonal modulation of the oxygen cascade. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245975. [PMID: 37534524 PMCID: PMC10482389 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245975] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Migratory flight requires birds to maintain intensive aerobic exercise for many hours or days. Maintaining O2 supply to flight muscles is therefore important during migration, especially since migratory songbirds have been documented flying at altitudes greater than 5000 m above sea level, where O2 is limited. Whether songbirds exhibit seasonal plasticity of the O2 cascade to maintain O2 uptake and transport during migratory flight is not well understood. We investigated changes in the hypoxic ventilatory response, haematology and pectoralis (flight) muscle phenotype of 6 songbird species from 3 families during migratory and non-migratory conditions. Songbirds were captured during southbound migration in southern Ontario, Canada. Half of the birds were assessed during migration, and the rest were transitioned onto a winter photoperiod to induce a non-migratory phenotype and measured. All species exhibited seasonal plasticity at various stages along the O2 cascade, but not all species exhibited the same responses. Songbirds tended to be more hypoxia tolerant during migration, withstanding 5 kPa O2 and breathed more effectively through slower, deeper breaths. Warblers had a stronger haemoglobin-O2 affinity during autumn migration (decrease of ∼4.7 Torr), while the opposite was observed in thrushes (increase of ∼2.6 Torr). In the flight muscle there was an ∼1.2-fold increase in the abundance of muscle fibres with smaller fibre transverse areas during autumn migration, but no changes in capillary:fibre ratio. These adjustments would enhance O2 uptake and transport to the flight muscle. Our findings demonstrate that in the O2 cascade there is no ideal migratory phenotype for all songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Ivy
- Department of Biology, Advanced Facility for Avian Research, Western University, London, ON, Canada, N6A 3K7
| | - Christopher G. Guglielmo
- Department of Biology, Advanced Facility for Avian Research, Western University, London, ON, Canada, N6A 3K7
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5
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Chromosome-level genome assembly of the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus). Sci Data 2022; 9:668. [PMID: 36329062 PMCID: PMC9633837 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01801-9] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bar-headed geese (Anser indicus) are adaptable to plateau environments. In this study, we sequenced and assembled a high-quality chromosome-level genome of the bar-headed goose using PacBio long reads and Hi-C technique, and generated 115.73 Gb of Illumina short-reads and 95.89 Gb of PacBio long-reads. The assembled bar-headed goose genome, with a contig N50 of 5.734 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 65.77 Mb, is 1.129 Gb in length and includes 33 chromosomes and 451 fragments. BUSCO assessment yielded a completeness score of 94.4%. In total, 15,376 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 94.95% had homologs in protein databases. We identified 78 positively selected genes (PSGs) in the bar-headed goose genome, which were mainly enriched in calcium ion and ATP-binding. This bar-headed goose genome will be an important resource for increasing our understanding regarding the genetic basis of adaptation to life at a high altitude.
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Ding D, Zhang J, Du B, Wang X, Hou L, Guo S, Chen B, Kang L. Non-canonical function of an Hif-1α splice variant contributes to the sustained flight of locusts. eLife 2022; 11:74554. [PMID: 36039636 PMCID: PMC9427102 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypoxia inducible factor (Hif) pathway is functionally conserved across metazoans in modulating cellular adaptations to hypoxia. However, the functions of this pathway under aerobic physiological conditions are rarely investigated. Here, we show that Hif-1α2, a locust Hif-1α isoform, does not induce canonical hypoxic responses but functions as a specific regulator of locust flight, which is a completely aerobic physiological process. Two Hif-1α splice variants were identified in locusts, a ubiquitously expressed Hif-1α1 and a muscle-predominantly expressed Hif-1α2. Hif-1α1 that induces typical hypoxic responses upon hypoxia exposure remains inactive during flight. By contrast, the expression of Hif-1α2, which lacks C-terminal transactivation domain, is less sensitive to oxygen tension but induced extensively by flying. Hif-1α2 regulates physiological processes involved in glucose metabolism and antioxidation during flight and sustains flight endurance by maintaining redox homeostasis through upregulating the production of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) quencher, DJ-1. Overall, this study reveals a novel Hif-mediated mechanism underlying prolonged aerobic physiological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baozhen Du
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuanzhao Wang
- School of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Li Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Chen
- School of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
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Lu Z, Yuan C, Li J, Guo T, Yue Y, Niu C, Liu J, Yang B. Comprehensive Analysis of Long Non-coding RNA and mRNA Transcriptomes Related to Hypoxia Adaptation in Tibetan Sheep. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:801278. [PMID: 35141308 PMCID: PMC8818989 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.801278] [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: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tibetan sheep have lived on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau for a long time, and after long-term natural selection, they have shown stable genetic adaptability to high-altitude environments. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of the long non-coding (lnc)RNAs involved in the adaptation of Tibetan sheep to hypoxia. Here, we collected lung tissues from high-altitude Tibetan sheep and low-altitude Hu sheep for RNA sequencing to study the regulatory mechanisms of the lncRNAs and mRNAs in the adaptation of Tibetan sheep to hypoxia. We identified 254 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 1,502 differentially expressed mRNAs. We found 20 pairs of cis-regulatory relationships between 15 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 14 protein-coding genes and two pairs of trans-regulatory relationships between two differentially expressed lncRNAs and two protein-coding genes. These differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNA target genes were mainly enriched in pathways related to lipid metabolism and immune function. Interaction network analysis showed that 17 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 15 differentially expressed mRNAs had an interactive relationship. Additionally, we used six differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs to verify the accuracy of the sequencing data via qRT-PCR. Our results provide a comprehensive overview of the expression patterns of the lncRNAs and mRNAs involved in the adaptation of Tibetan sheep to hypoxia, laying a foundation for further analysis of the adaptations of plateau animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengkui Lu
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chao Yuan
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianye Li
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaojing Yue
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chune Niu
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianbin Liu
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianbin Liu
| | - Bohui Yang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Bohui Yang
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8
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Dong S, Xu S, Zhang J, Hussain R, Lu H, Ye Y, Mehmood K, Zhang H, Shang P. First Report of Fecal Microflora of Wild Bar-Headed Goose in Tibet Plateau. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:791461. [PMID: 35083306 PMCID: PMC8785396 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.791461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) has two black spots on its head. It is considered an important bird in China. It breeds in plateau lakes, especially saltwater lakes, and swamp areas. However, the intestinal flora of wild bar-headed geese in the Tibet Autonomous Region is currently not known. In this study, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed on the intestinal microbes of wild bar-headed geese. A total of 513,505 reads of raw data were obtained, and the results analyzed the average number of 128,376 ± 2,392 reads per sample. The microbiota of all samples consists of 10 main bacterial phyla, including Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Patescibacteria, Deferribacteres, Planctomy-cetes, Fusobacteria, and Tenericutes. The results indicated that Firmicutes (67.34%) was the predominant phylum, followed by Proteobacteria (29.03%) and Cyanobacteria (1.97%). In our research, we identified the intestinal flora of the wild bar-headed goose, which provides valuable information for further research on the gene function of the bar-headed goose and the intestinal flora of wild animals. These findings are also useful and valuable for genetic and high-altitude research in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiong Dong
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, China
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi, China
| | - Shijun Xu
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, China
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, China
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi, China
| | - Riaz Hussain
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Hong Lu
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, China
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi, China
| | - Yourong Ye
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, China
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi, China
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Shang
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, China
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Shang
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9
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Nabi G, Xing D, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Li M, Jiang C, Ahmad IM, Wingfield JC, Wu Y, Li D. Coping with extremes: High-altitude sparrows enhance metabolic and thermogenic capacities in the pectoralis muscle and suppress in the liver relative to their lowland counterparts. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 313:113890. [PMID: 34453929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Animals living at high altitudes are challenged by the extreme environmental conditions of cold temperature and hypobaric hypoxia. It is not well understood how high-altitude birds enhance the capacity of metabolic thermogenesis and allocate metabolic capacity in different organs to maximize survival in extreme conditions of a cold winter. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is the largest and highest plateau globally, offering a natural laboratory for investigating coping mechanisms of organisms inhabiting extreme environments. To understand the adaptive strategies in the morphology and physiology of small songbirds on the QTP, we compared plasma triiodothyronine (T3), pectoralis muscle mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and state IV capacities, the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator α (PGC-1α), adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), uncoupling protein (UCP), and adenosine monophosphate-dependent kinase (AMPK) α1 mRNA in the pectoralis and liver of Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) from high-altitude (3,230 m), medium-altitude (1400 m), and low-altitude (80 m) regions. Our results showed that high-altitude sparrows had greater body masses, longer wings and tarsometatarsi, but comparable bill lengths relative to medium- and low-altitude individuals. High-altitude sparrows had higher plasma T3 levels and pectoralis muscle mitochondrial COX capacities than their lowland counterparts. They also upregulated the pectoralis muscle mRNA expression of UCP, PGC-1α, and ANT proteins relative to low-altitude sparrows. Unlike pectoralis, high-altitude sparrows significantly down-regulated hepatic AMPKα1 and ANT protein expression as compared with their lowland counterparts. Our results contribute to understanding the morphological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations in free-living birds to cope with the cold seasons in the extreme environment of the QTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Nabi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Danning Xing
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanfeng Sun
- Ocean College, Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mo Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ibrahim M Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - John C Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yuefeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dongming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Holton MD, Wilson RP, Teilmann J, Siebert U. Animal tag technology keeps coming of age: an engineering perspective. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200229. [PMID: 34176328 PMCID: PMC8237169 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal-borne tags (biologgers) have now become extremely sophisticated, recording data from multiple sensors at high frequencies for long periods and, as such, have become a powerful tool for behavioural ecologists and physiologists studying wild animals. But the design and implementation of these tags is not trivial because engineers have to maximize performance and ability to function under onerous conditions while minimizing tag mass and volume (footprint) to maximize the wellbeing of the animal carriers. We present some of the major issues faced by tag engineers and show how tag designers must accept compromises while maintaining systems that can answer the questions being posed. We also argue that basic understanding of engineering issues in tag design by biologists will help feedback to engineers to better tag construction but also reduce the likelihood that tag-deploying biologists will misunderstand their own results. Finally, we suggest that proper consideration of conventional technology together with new approaches will lead to further step changes in our understanding of wild-animal biology using smart tags. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measuring physiology in free-living animals (Part II)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Holton
- Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Rory P. Wilson
- Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
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Williams HJ, Shipley JR, Rutz C, Wikelski M, Wilkes M, Hawkes LA. Future trends in measuring physiology in free-living animals. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200230. [PMID: 34176330 PMCID: PMC8237165 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thus far, ecophysiology research has predominantly been conducted within controlled laboratory-based environments, owing to a mismatch between the recording technologies available for physiological monitoring in wild animals and the suite of behaviours and environments they need to withstand, without unduly affecting subjects. While it is possible to record some physiological variables for free-living animals using animal-attached logging devices, including inertial-measurement, heart-rate and temperature loggers, the field is still in its infancy. In this opinion piece, we review the most important future research directions for advancing the field of 'physiologging' in wild animals, including the technological development that we anticipate will be required, and the fiscal and ethical challenges that must be overcome. Non-invasive, multi-sensor miniature devices are ubiquitous in the world of human health and fitness monitoring, creating invaluable opportunities for animal and human physiologging to drive synergistic advances. We argue that by capitalizing on the research efforts and advancements made in the development of human wearables, it will be possible to design the non-invasive loggers needed by ecophysiologists to collect accurate physiological data from free-ranging animals ethically and with an absolute minimum of impact. In turn, findings have the capacity to foster transformative advances in human health monitoring. Thus, we invite biomedical engineers and researchers to collaborate with the animal-tagging community to drive forward the advancements necessary to realize the full potential of both fields. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measuring physiology in free-living animals (Part II)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. J. Williams
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
| | - J. Ryan Shipley
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
| | - C. Rutz
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
| | - M. Wikelski
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - M. Wilkes
- Extreme Environments Research Group, University of Portsmouth, Spinnaker Building, Cambridge Road, Portsmouth PO1 2EF, UK
| | - L. A. Hawkes
- Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK
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12
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Abstract
Acts of flight have always baffled humans. Recent tracking studies of birds only add to the awe and mystery. A new study shows that migrating great snipes fly high - over two kilometres high - during the day and lower at night. Why?
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Affiliation(s)
- Theunis Piersma
- Rudi Drent Chair in Global Flyway Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands; NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands.
| | - Jorge S Gutiérrez
- Conservation Biology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Ecology in the Anthropocene, Associated Unit CSIC-UEX, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
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13
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Orakpoghenor O, Markus TP, Ogbuagu NE, Enam SJ, Oladele SB, Abdu PA, Esievo KAN. Age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons ( Columba livia domestica). Heliyon 2021; 7:e07486. [PMID: 34286143 PMCID: PMC8273409 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons were evaluated. Sixty apparently healthy domestic pigeons comprising 30 young (2–7 weeks of age) and 30 adult (>7 weeks of age) were sampled from local breeders. Blood was collected from each bird via brachial venipuncture and divided into 2 parts; one part dispensed into labeled tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as anticoagulant was processed for haematological analyses. The other part was dispensed into labeled plain tubes, serum harvested and processed for serum biochemical analyses. Results revealed overall packed cells volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HGB) and red blood cells (RBC) of 42.97 ± 4.53%, 13.15 ± 1.82 g/dL and 3.63 ± 0.50 × 1012/L respectively. All haematological parameters except mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocyte count showed statistical (p < 0.05) differences between young and adult pigeons. Values recorded for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, serum/albumin ratio, urea, creatinine and urea/creatinine ratio were 4.32 ± 0.74 g/dL, 2.07 ± 0.30 g/dL, 2.25 ± 0.74 g/dL, 1.04 ± 0.43, 0.48 ± 0.33 mg/dL, 0.75 ± 0.52 mg/dL and 0.73 ± 0.51 respectively. Serum urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in adult (0.62 ± 0.40; 1.04 ± 0.60 mg/dL) compared to young (0.34 ± 0.13; 0.47 ± 0.15 mg/dL) pigeons. This study therefore demonstrated age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ochuko Orakpoghenor
- Veterinary Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
- Corresponding author.
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Ayuba Abdu
- Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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14
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Zhang Y, Su W, Zhang B, Ling Y, Kim WK, Zhang H. Comprehensive analysis of coding and non-coding RNA transcriptomes related to hypoxic adaptation in Tibetan chickens. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:60. [PMID: 33934713 PMCID: PMC8091548 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00582-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tibetan chickens, a unique native breed in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China, possess a suite of adaptive features that enable them to tolerate the high-altitude hypoxic environment. Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play roles in the hypoxic adaptation of high-altitude animals, although their exact involvement remains unclear. RESULTS This study aimed to elucidate the global landscape of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs using transcriptome sequencing to construct a regulatory network of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and thus provide insights into the hypoxic adaptation of Tibetan chicken embryos. In total, 354 differentially expressed genes (DE genes), 389 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs), and 73 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were identified between Tibetan chickens (TC) and control Chahua chickens (CH). GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that several important DE miRNAs and their target DE lncRNAs and DE genes are involved in angiogenesis (including blood vessel development and blood circulation) and energy metabolism (including glucose, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism). The ceRNA network was then constructed with the predicted DE gene-DE miRNA-DE lncRNA interactions, which further revealed the regulatory roles of these differentially expressed RNAs during hypoxic adaptation of Tibetan chickens. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of transcriptomic data revealed several key candidate ceRNAs that may play high-priority roles in the hypoxic adaptation of Tibetan chickens by regulating angiogenesis and energy metabolism. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of hypoxic adaptation regulatory networks from the perspective of coding and non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Plateau Animal Genetic Resources Center, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Woyu Su
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Plateau Animal Genetic Resources Center, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Plateau Animal Genetic Resources Center, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yao Ling
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Plateau Animal Genetic Resources Center, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Woo Kyun Kim
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, 303 Poultry Science Building, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Hao Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Plateau Animal Genetic Resources Center, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China.
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15
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Amaral-Silva LD, Gargaglioni LH, Steiner AA, Oliveira MT, Bícego KC. Regulated hypothermia in response to endotoxin in birds. J Physiol 2021; 599:2969-2986. [PMID: 33823064 DOI: 10.1113/jp281385] [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: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The costs associated with immune and thermal responses may exceed the benefits to the host during severe inflammation. In this case, regulated hypothermia instead of fever can occur in rodents as a beneficial strategy to conserve energy for vital functions with consequent tissue protection and hypoxia prevention. We tested the hypothesis that this phenomenon is not exclusive to mammals, but extends to the other endothermic group, birds. A decrease in metabolic rate without any failure in mitochondrial respiration, nor oxygen delivery, is the main evidence supporting the regulated nature of endotoxin-induced hypothermia in chicks. Thermolytic mechanisms such as tachypnea and cutaneous vasodilatation can also be recruited to facilitate body temperature decrease under lipopolysaccharide treatment, especially in the cold. Our findings bring a new perspective for evolutionary medicine studies on energy trade-off in host defence because regulated hypothermia may be a phenomenon spread among vertebrates facing a severe immune challenge. ABSTRACT A switch from fever to regulated hypothermia can occur in mammals under circumstances of reduced physiological fitness (e.g. sepsis) to direct energy to defend vital systems. Birds in which the cost to resist a pathogen is additive to the highest metabolic rate and body temperature (Tb ) among vertebrates may also benefit from regulated hypothermia during systemic inflammation. Here, we show that the decrease in Tb observed during an immune challenge in birds is a regulated hypothermia, and not a result of metabolic failure. We investigated O2 consumption (thermogenesis index), ventilation (respiratory heat loss), skin temperature (sensible heat loss) and muscle mitochondrial respiration (thermogenic tissue) during Tb fall in chicken chicks challenged with endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]. Chicks injected with LPS were also tested regarding the capacity to raise O2 consumption to meet an increased demand driven by 2,4-dinitrophenol. LPS decreased Tb and the metabolic rate of chicks without affecting muscle uncoupled, coupled and non-coupled mitochondrial respiration. LPS-challenged chicks were indeed capable of increasing metabolic rate in response to 2,4-dinitrophenol, indicating no O2 delivery limitation. Additionally, chicks did not attempt to prevent Tb from falling during hypothermia but, instead, activated cutaneous and respiratory thermolytic mechanisms, providing an additional cooling force. These data provide the first evidence of the regulated nature of the hypothermic response to endotoxin in birds. Therefore, it changes the current understanding of bird's thermoregulation during severe inflammation, indicating that regulated hypothermia is either a convergent trait for endotherms or a conserved response among vertebrates, which adds a new perspective for evolutionary medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara do Amaral-Silva
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciane H Gargaglioni
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre A Steiner
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos T Oliveira
- Department of Technology, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Kênia Cardoso Bícego
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
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16
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Fahlman A, Aoki K, Bale G, Brijs J, Chon KH, Drummond CK, Føre M, Manteca X, McDonald BI, McKnight JC, Sakamoto KQ, Suzuki I, Rivero MJ, Ropert-Coudert Y, Wisniewska DM. The New Era of Physio-Logging and Their Grand Challenges. Front Physiol 2021; 12:669158. [PMID: 33859577 PMCID: PMC8042203 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.669158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fahlman
- Fundación Oceanográfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Kagari Aoki
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Gemma Bale
- Department of Physics and Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jeroen Brijs
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Manoa, HI, United States
| | - Ki H. Chon
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Colin K. Drummond
- Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Martin Føre
- Department of Engineering Cybernetics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Xavier Manteca
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Birgitte I. McDonald
- Moss Landing Marine Labs at San Jose State University, Moss Landing, CA, United States
| | - J. Chris McKnight
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Kentaro Q. Sakamoto
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Ippei Suzuki
- Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Akkeshi, Japan
| | | | - Yan Ropert-Coudert
- Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université, UMR7372, CNRS, France
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17
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Williams CL, Czapanskiy MF, John JS, St Leger J, Scadeng M, Ponganis PJ. Cervical air sac oxygen profiles in diving emperor penguins: parabronchial ventilation and the respiratory oxygen store. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb230219. [PMID: 33257430 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.230219] [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: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Some marine birds and mammals can perform dives of extraordinary duration and depth. Such dive performance is dependent on many factors, including total body oxygen (O2) stores. For diving penguins, the respiratory system (air sacs and lungs) constitutes 30-50% of the total body O2 store. To better understand the role and mechanism of parabronchial ventilation and O2 utilization in penguins both on the surface and during the dive, we examined air sac partial pressures of O2 (PO2 ) in emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) equipped with backpack PO2 recorders. Cervical air sac PO2 values at rest were lower than in other birds, while the cervical air sac to posterior thoracic air sac PO2 difference was larger. Pre-dive cervical air sac PO2 values were often greater than those at rest, but had a wide range and were not significantly different from those at rest. The maximum respiratory O2 store and total body O2 stores calculated with representative anterior and posterior air sac PO2 data did not differ from prior estimates. The mean calculated anterior air sac O2 depletion rate for dives up to 11 min was approximately one-tenth that of the posterior air sacs. Low cervical air sac PO2 values at rest may be secondary to a low ratio of parabronchial ventilation to parabronchial blood O2 extraction. During dives, overlap of simultaneously recorded cervical and posterior thoracic air sac PO2 profiles supported the concept of maintenance of parabronchial ventilation during a dive by air movement through the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassondra L Williams
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Dr. #200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Max F Czapanskiy
- Hopkins Marine Station, Department of Biology, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - Jason S John
- Center for Ocean Health, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz, 115 McAlister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Judy St Leger
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0204, USA
| | - Miriam Scadeng
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paul J Ponganis
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0204, USA
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18
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Abstract
Bar-headed geese lower their flight metabolic rates to fly in low-oxygen conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Harrison
- School of Life SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
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