Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edward G. G. Smith, Joachim M. M. Surm, Jason Macrander, Adi Simhi, Guy Amir, Maria Y. Y. Sachkova, Magda Lewandowska, Adam M. M. Reitzel, Yehu Moran
Summary: The authors compare toxin expression across sea anemone species and find variation in dominant toxin diploid copy number, generating distinct haplotypes. Venom is a complex trait with substantial inter- and intraspecific variability resulting from strong selective pressures. However, the understanding of underlying toxin expression dynamics and the determination of venom phenotype remains unresolved.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cecelia Menezes, Narsinh L. Thakur
Summary: Sea anemones are rich sources of peptides and other bioactive molecules with potential biomedical applications. These toxic molecules play important ecological roles in prey capture, predator protection, and competitive deterrence, while also holding promise for biotechnological uses.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Fernando Lazcano-Perez, Karina Bermeo, Hector Castro, Zayil Salazar Campos, Isabel Arenas, Ariana Zavala-Moreno, Sheila Narayan Chavez-Villela, Irma Jimenez, Roberto Arreguin-Espinosa, Reyna Fierro, Humberto Gonzalez-Marquez, David E. Garcia, Judith Sanchez-Rodriguez
Summary: Sea anemone venom, specifically the low molecular weight fraction, was found to impair the motility and capacitation of boar sperm cells and inhibit the HVA calcium current in rat chromaffin cells. These findings have implications for the pharmacological characterization of cnidarian venoms and toxins on voltage-gated calcium channels.
Article
Biology
Lauren M. Ashwood, Khaled A. Elnahriry, Zachary K. Stewart, Thomas Shafee, Muhammad Umair Naseem, Tibor G. Szanto, Chloe A. van der Burg, Hayden L. Smith, Joachim M. Surm, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Bruno Madio, Brett R. Hamilton, Shaodong Guo, Dorothy C. C. Wai, Victoria L. Coyne, Matthew J. Phillips, Kevin J. Dudley, David A. Hurwood, Gyorgy Panyi, Glenn F. King, Ana Pavasovic, Raymond S. Norton, Peter J. Prentis
Summary: This study reveals the unique gene family SA8 in Actiniarians, which has therapeutic potential similar to the ShK toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus. The genomic arrangement and expression patterns of SA8 in Actinia tenebrosa and Telmatactis stephensoni were characterized, and the structure and function of SA8 in T. stephensoni venom were examined.
Article
Oceanography
Chenguang Feng, Ruoyu Liu, Wenjie Xu, Yang Zhou, Chenglong Zhu, Jun Liu, Baosheng Wu, Yongxin Li, Qiang Qiu, Shunping He, Wen Wang, Haibin Zhang, Kun Wang
Summary: The high-quality genome assembly of a new deep-sea anemone species living at a depth of 3230 m in the Xisha Trough revealed molecular signatures of adaptation to the deep-sea environment. The genomic analyses showed rapid evolution of genes and amino acid substitutions to cope with high hydrostatic pressure or low temperature, while demographic events of the deep-sea anemone coincided with post-Pliocene climate transformations, suggesting the impact of global climate changes on deep-sea creatures.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daiane Laise da Silva, Rodrigo Valladao, Emidio Beraldo-Neto, Guilherme Rabelo Coelho, Oscar Bento da Silva Neto, Hugo Vigerelli, Adriana Rios Lopes, Brett R. Hamilton, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Juliana Mozer Sciani, Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
Summary: In this study, three serine peptidase inhibitors were isolated from the venom of the Brazilian sea anemone A. cascaia. These inhibitors were found to belong to the venom Kunitz toxin family and may play a role in protecting other venom components from proteolysis. Mass spectrometry imaging revealed the spatial distribution of these inhibitors throughout the sea anemone.
Article
Robotics
Qiukai Qi, Chaoqun Xiang, Van Anh Ho, Jonathan Rossiter
Summary: The study presents a biologically inspired bistable gripper with multifunctionality, incorporating sensing (proprioceptive and exteroceptive) and grip modes (grasping and pinching), achieved by an array of tapered pins for gripping and cylindrical markers for optical sensing. By analyzing the markers within the camera's view, sophisticated sensing capabilities can be achieved. The study showcases the integration of sensing and gripping functionalities in a compact universal gripper design for advanced robotic applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Karine Cristie Quaglio Banagouro, Jefferson Viana, Leonardo Pereira de Lima, Guilherme Rabelo Coelho, Thalita Rocha, Raquel Girardello, Karolayne Larissa Russi, Marcelo V. Kitahara, Juliana Mozer Sciani
Summary: Macrorhynchia philippina is a benthic hydroid that lives in tropical and subtropical marine waters. Its venom consists of low molecular weight compounds that cause inflammation, pain, and inhibit the growth of certain strains of bacteria.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Evolutionary Biology
Yiqian Li, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: Small RNA molecules are essential regulators of gene expression and genome stability in eukaryotes. Cnidarians, as early-branching animals, provide crucial insights into the evolution of small RNA pathways. However, the knowledge of small RNA regulation in cnidarians is limited. This review aims to enhance our understanding of small RNA pathway development in early-branch animals by presenting the current-known small RNA information in cnidarians.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangliang Teng, Xianshi Jin, Caihong Fu, Lisha Guan, Yue Jin, Yunlong Chen, Tao Yang, Qi Ding, Xiujuan Shan
Summary: The distribution of Metridium senile fimbriatum (M. senile) is positively correlated with the distribution of seafloor litter, suggesting that accumulation of litter may contribute to the proliferation of M. senile.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryan Kyger, Agusto Luzuriaga-Neira, Thomas Layman, Tatiana Orli Milkewitz Sandberg, Devika Singh, Dorothee Huchon, Sateesh Peri, Stephen D. Atkinson, Jerri L. Bartholomew, Soojin Yi, David Alvarez-Ponce
Summary: DNA cytosine methylation plays a crucial role in biological processes, but has been lost in Myxosporea, a group of microscopic cnidarians. By studying the evolution of key enzymes in 29 cnidarians and conducting whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, it was confirmed that Myxosporea completely lack DNA cytosine methylation.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Simon G. Sprecher
Summary: Neurons are the basic building blocks of nervous systems, and the human brain is composed of various types of neurons. In contrast, the nervous system of Cnidaria is commonly believed to be simple, but there is limited evidence to support this notion. Recent technological advances have allowed for the assessment of neuron diversity and function with unprecedented resolution, revealing the spatial organization of the nervous system. Additionally, single-cell transcriptomic analysis and correlations of gene expression have provided insights into the molecular and genetic identities of neurons.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Valentina Leoni, Delphine Bonnet, Eduardo Ramirez-Romero, Juan Carlos Molinero
Summary: The study found that the abundance of Rhizostoma pulmo has increased in recent decades in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, coinciding with positive temperature anomalies. The latitudinal temperature gradient plays a significant role in shaping the species' long-term bloom intensity and biogeographical patterns. Additionally, the interannual variability of spring temperature has a significant impact on the phenology of the species.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Cheryl W. Y. Shum, Wenyan Nong, Wai Lok So, Yiqian Li, Zhe Qu, Ho Yin Yip, Thomas Swale, Put O. Ang, King Ming Chan, Ting Fung Chan, Ka Hou Chu, Apple P. Y. Chui, Kwok Fai Lau, Sai Ming Ngai, Fei Xu, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: This study sequenced and assembled the genome of the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida and discovered potential genes involved in the late phase of cnidarian tissue regeneration, namely GLWamide neuropeptides and sesquiterpenoid pathway genes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Gordon J. Watson, Joanne Younger
Summary: This study explores the survival and growth of bubble-tip anemones under different feeding and nutrient supply conditions. The results indicate significant effects of different treatments on the anemones' survivorship, weight loss, behavior, and symbiotic community responses. Cutting is a simple and effective culture method, but more precise regulation of nutrient supply and feeding is needed.
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Wei Xu, Huijie Zhang, Yalin Liao, Alexie Papanicolaou
Summary: This study investigated the expression patterns of SNMP genes in a destructive lepidopteran pest, Helicoverpa armigera, revealing specific expression in adult antennae, broad expression in various tissues, and larval midgut-specific expression. The study also showed potential involvement of these genes in plant-feeding behaviors and demonstrated protein-protein interactions between SNMP1 and a sex pheromone receptor in the pest species. Overall, the results suggest shared functions and mechanisms of SNMPs across different lepidopteran species, enhancing understanding of insectsnmp genes and their roles in lepidopterans.
Article
Entomology
Thu N. M. Nguyen, Vivian Mendez, Christopher Ward, Peter Crisp, Alexie Papanicolaou, Amanda Choo, Phillip W. Taylor, Simon W. Baxter
Summary: A genetically modified strain of Bactrocera tryoni lacking typical melanisation patterns was created through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, resulting in a phenotype distinctly different from wild flies in terms of eclosion rates and immediate flight ability. The disruption of the yellow-y genes did not significantly affect mating behavior but did result in shorter longevity compared to wild-type flies. Further research is needed to compare the performance decrements associated with dye marking on mass-reared wild-type flies and the disruption of yellow-y genes for the suitability of sterile insect technique programs.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Evolutionary Biology
Joachim M. Surm, Yehu Moran
Summary: Venomous animals have evolved independently to synthesize, store, and secrete venom, which can be compartmentalized for different functions within and across life stages. Morphological and cellular complexity of the venom apparatus likely enhances the diversity of venom deployed, while intersexual variation contributes to the massive diversity of toxic compounds in these animals. The changes in the biochemical phenotype of venom can directly impact fitness, with important implications in diet, behavior, and mating biology.
Article
Entomology
Kay Anantanawat, Alexie Papanicolaou, Kelly Hill, Wei Xu
Summary: Invasive Tephritid fruit flies pose a global threat to agriculture and horticulture industries. Biosecurity has been crucial in reducing their damage, but with the ban of key chemical pesticides, non-chemical approaches such as heat and cold treatments are being utilized more. A recent study found that the molecular response of fruit flies to cold treatment differs from their response to heat, shedding light on potential new strategies for fruit fly management.
BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Lucky Paudel, Stephanie Kerr, Peter Prentis, Milos Tanurdzic, Alexie Papanicolaou, Jonathan M. Plett, Christopher Cazzonelli
Summary: Multipartite viral vectors are a simple, inexpensive, and effective biotechnological tool for transiently manipulating gene expression in plants. By manipulating carotenoid biosynthesis, these vectors have advanced our understanding of carotenoid regulation and accumulation. This technology is important for characterizing gene function, accelerating fruit tree breeding programs, and developing carotenoid-enriched plant products.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biology
Abhinandan M. Tripathi, Yael Admoni, Arie Fridrich, Magda Lewandowska, Joachim M. Surm, Reuven Aharoni, Yehu Moran
Summary: The biogenesis of miRNAs in animals and plants depends on RNase III Dicer, but their partner proteins are considered distinct. However, a homolog of the plant-specific Dicer partner HYL1 has been discovered in the cnidarian phylum, challenging the idea that miRNAs evolved convergently in animals and plants. This study shows that the HYL1 homolog Hyl1La is crucial for development and miRNA biogenesis in the cnidarian model Nematostella vectensis, suggesting an early emergence of the miRNA system.
Article
Entomology
Shirin Roohigohar, Anthony R. Clarke, Francesca Strutt, Chloe A. van der Burg, Peter J. Prentis
Summary: This study examined the effects of fruit picking status and ripening stage on larval survival and gene expression changes in tomato fruit and Bactrocera tryoni larvae. The findings suggest that enhancing fruit resistance could be a promising alternative for more sustainable pest management. The results showed that fruit picking status and ripening stage significantly affected larval survival, and several defense and detoxification genes were upregulated across the treatments.
Article
Microbiology
Sam El-Kamand, Martina Steiner, Carl Ramirez, Catriona Halliday, Sharon C. -A. Chen, Alexie Papanicolaou, Charles Oliver Morton
Summary: The study found that the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses a serious risk to transplant patients and those with respiratory diseases. The virulence of A. fumigatus isolates from patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA) or colonization was tested, and no obvious differences in virulence were observed. However, genomic analysis revealed variations in three genes associated with azole exposure. Further research into the response to oxidative stress and azole exposure is required to understand the development of IA.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rong Guo, Alexie Papanicolaou, Megan L. Fritz
Summary: This paper reports the genome assembly of Chloridea subflexa and Chloridea virescens, two closely related noctuid species, and examines the feasibility of reference-assisted assembly. The results show that reference-assisted assembly has the potential to improve the contiguity and completeness of insect genomic resources with low additional costs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edward G. G. Smith, Joachim M. M. Surm, Jason Macrander, Adi Simhi, Guy Amir, Maria Y. Y. Sachkova, Magda Lewandowska, Adam M. M. Reitzel, Yehu Moran
Summary: The authors compare toxin expression across sea anemone species and find variation in dominant toxin diploid copy number, generating distinct haplotypes. Venom is a complex trait with substantial inter- and intraspecific variability resulting from strong selective pressures. However, the understanding of underlying toxin expression dynamics and the determination of venom phenotype remains unresolved.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Lauren M. Ashwood, Khaled A. Elnahriry, Zachary K. Stewart, Thomas Shafee, Muhammad Umair Naseem, Tibor G. Szanto, Chloe A. van der Burg, Hayden L. Smith, Joachim M. Surm, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Bruno Madio, Brett R. Hamilton, Shaodong Guo, Dorothy C. C. Wai, Victoria L. Coyne, Matthew J. Phillips, Kevin J. Dudley, David A. Hurwood, Gyorgy Panyi, Glenn F. King, Ana Pavasovic, Raymond S. Norton, Peter J. Prentis
Summary: This study reveals the unique gene family SA8 in Actiniarians, which has therapeutic potential similar to the ShK toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus. The genomic arrangement and expression patterns of SA8 in Actinia tenebrosa and Telmatactis stephensoni were characterized, and the structure and function of SA8 in T. stephensoni venom were examined.
Article
Entomology
Shirin Christensen (nee Roohigohar), Chloe A. van Der Burg, Anthony R. Clarke, Peter J. Prentis
Summary: The Queensland fruit fly is a major pest in Australia, causing damage to a wide range of fruits and vegetables. By analyzing the transcriptome of fruit fly larvae feeding on different stages of tomato fruit, it was found that larval survival is poor in immature fruit due to the presence of toxins. The immature fruit inhibits larval development and basic cellular functions, while fully ripe fruit promotes larval growth and detoxification processes.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Krista R. B. Gert, Karin Panser, Joachim Surm, Benjamin S. Steinmetz, Alexander Schleiffer, Luca Jovine, Yehu Moran, Fyodor Kondrashov, Andrea Pauli
Summary: Accurate protein mediators of gamete interaction can restrict or promote interspecies hybridization. This study found that the egg membrane protein Bouncer is crucial for mediating gamete interactions between hybridizing species and identified distinct functional and structural differences in Bouncer proteins of different fish species, which may determine their hybridization capability.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hayden L. Smith, Peter J. Prentis, Scott E. Bryan, Raymond S. Norton, Daniel A. Broszczak
Summary: The venom delivery system of Phylum Cnidaria is unique, consisting of individual organelles known as nematocysts. Acontia, found in a limited number of sea anemone species, are packed with large nematocysts used for defense. This study identified the venom profile of acontia in Calliactis polypus, revealing limited toxin diversity and a novel toxin with two ShK-like domains. This research provides a foundation for further investigating the function of acontial toxins in sea anemones.
Review
Biology
Bjoern M. von Reumont, Gregor Anderluh, Agostinho Antunes, Naira Ayvazyan, Dimitris Beis, Figen Caliskan, Ana Crnkovic, Maik Damm, Sebastien Dutertre, Lars Ellgaard, Goran Gajski, Hannah German, Beata Halassy, Benjamin-Florian Hempel, Tim Hucho, Nasit Igci, Maria P. Ikonomopoulou, Izhar Karbat, Maria Klapa, Ivan Koludarov, Jeroen Kool, Tim Lueddecke, Riadh Ben Mansour, Maria Vittoria Modica, Yehu Moran, Ayse Nalbantsoy, Maria Eugenia Pachon Ibanez, Alexios Panagiotopoulos, Eitan Reuveny, Javier Sanchez Cespedes, Andy Sombke, Joachim M. Surm, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Aida Verdes, Giulia Zancolli
Summary: Venoms have evolved multiple times in different animal groups, with their components known as toxins being highly effective biochemical weapons. However, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the evolution of venom arsenals, and these questions have received little attention outside of certain animal groups. The study of venomous animals and their toxins has provided inspiration for translational research, and recent technological advancements have greatly improved venom research. Understanding the genomics and modifications of toxins is important in understanding their evolution and functions during different stages of development. Advanced imaging techniques and computer tomography also provide insights into the distribution and function of toxins in the venom system. The knowledge gained from studying venomous animals contributes to the identification and synthesis of venom compounds, which have potential benefits in various fields such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, and diagnostics.