Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shiyong Yang, Datian Li, Langkun Feng, Chaoyang Zhang, Dandan Xi, Hongli Liu, Chaozhan Yan, Zihan Xu, Yujie Zhang, Yunkun Li, Taiming Yan, Zhi He, Jiayun Wu, Quan Gong, Jun Du, Xiaoli Huang, Xiaogang Du
Summary: In this study, the histopathological changes, plasma ion levels, and transcriptome of gill tissue in Siberian sturgeon subjected to different temperatures were analyzed. The results showed that heat stress increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage in the gill tissue. Transcriptome analysis revealed various genes related to osmoregulation, DNA repair, and apoptosis. This study provides insight into the effects of heat stress on gill tissue damage and osmoregulation in cold-water fishes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wen -Bin Xu, Yan-Mei Zhang, Bang-Ze Li, Chen -Yang Lin, Da -Yong Chen, Yuan-Xin Cheng, Xiao-Ling Guo, Wei-Ren Dong, Miao-An Shu
Summary: Two populations of mud crab from Hangzhou Bay and Zhangzhou Bay in China have different osmoregulatory capacities under low salinity stress, with the population from Hangzhou Bay showing stronger ion transport, energy supply, and osmolyte regulation. Additionally, epigenetic modification may contribute to the rapid response to salinity fluctuation in the Hangzhou Bay population.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Haofeng Ouyang, Niuniu Deng, Jiachang Xu, Jingjun Huang, Chong Han, Dingrui Liu, Shiyan Liu, Baohua Yan, Linqiang Han, Shuisheng Li, Guifeng Li, Jin Zhang, Haoran Lin, Yong Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of hyperosmotic stress on intestinal functions, including the intestinal microecosystem, intestinal immune response-related gene expression, and intestinal antioxidant capacity in mandarin fish. The results showed that hyperosmotic stress could alter the composition of the intestinal microbial community, affect immune-related gene expression, and increase intestinal alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity. These findings provide important insights into the effects of saline-alkali water on the health and immune functions of mandarin fish, as well as the complex relationship between intestinal flora and host disease resistance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Zhao, Shuaishuai Li, Shoujie Tang, Yanling Wang, Xiaoli Yao, Jinyang Xie, Jinliang Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different salt stresses (NaCl, Na2SO4, and NaHCO3) on mandarin fish and found that mandarin fish tolerated NaCl and Na2SO4 better than NaHCO3. Gill morphological changes and gene expression analysis revealed that different pathways were enriched under different salt stresses, with the MAPK signaling pathway playing a key role in regulating the response to salt stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Xiaojian Lai, Shuai Peng, Jianjun Feng, Pengfei Zou, Yilei Wang
Summary: This study examines immune function changes in the Japanese eel during artificial ovarian maturation, revealing differentially expressed genes associated with the immune system and suggesting the potential roles of the interleukin-17 pathway and IgM in spawning.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huanhuan Su, Dongmei Ma, Jiajia Fan, Zaixuan Zhong, Yaya Li, Huaping Zhu
Summary: Saline-alkalinity is an important ecological parameter that affects the physiological metabolism, osmoregulation, survival, growth, development, and distribution of teleost fish. The gills of Oreochromis mossambicus show significant metabolic responses and changes in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, levels of amino acids, osmolytes, and energy substances under different osmotic stresses. This study provides comprehensive data on the osmotic pressure regulation mechanism and biological response of euryhaline teleost, and supports the development and utilization of saline-alkalinity water resources.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Larken Root, Aurora Campo, Leah MacNiven, Pazit Con, Avner Cnaani, Dietmar Kultz
Summary: This study generated a DIA assay library for targeted quantitation of thousands of Oreochromis niloticus gill proteins, comparing protein and mRNA abundances in freshwater and brackish water environments. The results highlighted the non-linearity in the regulation of specific functional groups by salinity, suggesting post-transcriptional mechanisms play a role in the salinity-dependent regulation of gill function in O. niloticus.
Article
Fisheries
Zheng Zhou, Fawen Hu, Weijia Li, Xiaohan Yang, Eric Hallerman, Zhitao Huang
Summary: The fat greenling species Hexagrammos otakii is being evaluated for aquaculture production in RAS systems. A study on the effects of salinity on survival, growth, blood parameters, gill structure, and gene expression in H. otakii revealed that low salinity can impact fish health and growth, causing changes in blood parameters and gill structure. Overall, maintaining salinities between 12-29 PSU is optimal for commercial aquaculture production of juvenile H. otakii.
Article
Microbiology
Keng Po Lai, Peng Zhu, Delbert Almerick T. Boncan, Lu Yang, Cherry Chi Tim Leung, Jeff Cheuk Hin Ho, Xiao Lin, Ting Fung Chan, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, William Ka Fai Tse
Summary: This study is the first to report the hypotonic responsive genes in gill cells and the compositions of gill microbiota in marine medaka using transcriptome and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The overlapping glycosaminoglycan- and chitin-related pathways suggest host-bacterium interaction in fish gill during osmotic stress.
Article
Biology
Michelle Y. Monette, Jonathan P. Velotta
Summary: This study investigates the physiological challenge and molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from freshwater to seawater in Atlantic salmon smolts. By combining RNA-Seq with measures of whole-animal homeostasis, the researchers found that exposure to acute stress impairs the ability of smolts to maintain osmotic/ionic balance in seawater, but increases the expression of genes related to ion transport.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Xiao Jian Lai, Shuai Peng, Yi Lei Wang
Summary: This study investigates the dynamic molecular regulation of follicular development in Anguilla japonica, focusing on the asynchronous development of follicles within the same individual. The findings suggest that steroid hormone synthesis and nutrient absorption play important roles in follicular development and maturation.
Article
Fisheries
Hiroshi Miyanishi, Katsuhisa Uchida
Summary: Behavioral experiments using a simplified aquarium system revealed that top-level acclimated medakas preferred freshwater, while bottom-level acclimated medakas preferred seawater. This suggests that euryhaline medakas prefer the salinity environments they are acclimated to.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuqi Liu, Yuchen Yang, Ruotong Qin, Yuhao Peng, Yang Huang, Chunhua Zhu, Guangli Li, Dongneng Jiang, Hongjuan Shi
Summary: In this study, the molecular adaptive mechanisms of greater amberjack to salinity stress were investigated. The results showed that gene expression changes, involved in cartilage and skeletal development, ions transport, and immune response, occurred in the gills and kidneys under different salinity environments. These findings provide insights into the improved respiratory and osmoregulatory mechanisms of greater amberjack in response to salinity stress.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Pauline Jehannet, Arjan P. Palstra, Leon T. N. Heinsbroek, Leo Kruijt, Ron P. Dirks, William Swinkels, Hans Komen
Summary: This study investigated the transcriptome of European eel larvae to identify genes and physiological pathways that are differentially regulated between non-viable and viable larvae. Non-viable larvae showed signs of immune competence, with higher expression of genes related to inflammation, host protection, and osmoregulation. There were also reduced expression of genes involved in myogenesis, neural, and sensory development in non-viable larvae. The study suggests that microbial control and salinity reduction could improve larval survival and development.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vemula Harshini, Nitin Shukla, Ishan Raval, Sujit Kumar, Vivek Shrivastava, Aparna Chaudhari, Amrutlal K. Patel, Chaitanya G. Joshi
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzed the transcriptomic response of Labeo rohita under hypersalinity environment. They identified differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and mRNAs, and revealed the regulatory network between these RNAs. The findings showed the upregulation of pathways related to ion transportation, osmolyte production, signal transduction, energy metabolism, and innate immune response.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiezhang Mo, Miles Teng Wan, Doris Wai-Ting Au, Jingchun Shi, Nathan Tam, Xian Qin, Napo K. M. Cheung, Keng Po Lai, Christoph Winkler, Richard Yuen-Chong Kong, Frauke Seemann
Summary: Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a common environmental pollutant, can induce bone toxicity in unexposed offspring. This study found that exposure of medaka to BaP resulted in reduced bone thickness in subsequent generations, and dysregulation of various molecular pathways involved in bone formation and bone resorption. Additionally, epigenetic factors were also implicated in the transgenerational effects of BaP on bone health. These findings highlight the importance of further research on the mechanisms and potential biomarkers of BaP-induced bone disease.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wai Lok So, Wenyan Nong, Yichun Xie, Tobias Baril, Hai-yao Ma, Zhe Qu, Jasmine Haimovitz, Thomas Swale, Juan Diego Gaitan-Espitia, Kwok Fai Lau, Stephen S. Tobe, William G. Bendena, Zhen-peng Kai, Alexander Hayward, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: Myriapods, specifically centipedes and millipedes, have undergone rapid genome evolution shaped by ecological pressures. The differences in their genomic pathways are a result of their divergence from the myriapod ancestor.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elaine Y. Y. Huang, Sean T. S. Law, Wenyan Nong, Ho Yin Yip, Theethawat Uea-Anuwong, Ioannis Magouras, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: This study conducted a survey on anticoagulant rodenticide resistance in rats collected in Hong Kong, revealing the presence of the Tyr139Cys mutation in the VKORC1 gene in R. tanezumi, while no known substitutions leading to resistance were detected in R. losea and R. norvegicus. Additionally, previously undescribed missense mutations were found in each species. Whole genome sequencing and SNP identification were also carried out, emphasizing the importance of regular genetic testing and population genomic analyses for effective rodent management.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Jiaqi Liu, Chi Tim Leung, Luyun Liang, Yuqin Wang, Jian Chen, Keng Po Lai, William Ka Fai Tse
Summary: This review summarizes the current findings of DUBs in the most common cancers worldwide, including liver, breast, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers, with regards to their roles in proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. The review provides an updated overview of the current findings and can serve as a quick guide for researchers in identifying target DUBs in cancer.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jiaqi Liu, Chao Guo, Yuqin Wang, Min Su, Wenjun Huang, Keng Po Lai
Summary: Obesity is a growing global health problem, with more than half of the global population expected to be obese by 2030. Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), is considered a risk factor for obesity. This study utilized network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis to investigate the potential targets and mechanism of action of fucoidan in treating PFOA-associated obesity.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Lingyi Wang, Qing Xiong, Nawannaporn Saelim, Lin Wang, Wenyan Nong, Angel Tsz-Yau Wan, Mai Shi, Xiaoyu Liu, Qin Cao, Jerome Ho Lam Hui, Nitat Sookrung, Ting-Fan Leung, Anchalee Tungtrongchitr, Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
Summary: The study successfully characterized the allergen profile of the American cockroach at the molecular level, identifying seven novel allergen groups and one isoallergen. The research also revealed the possibility of cross-reaction with closely related species.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jiaqi Sun, Miaomiao Teng, Fengchang Wu, Xiaoli Zhao, Yunxia Li, Lihui Zhao, Wentian Zhao, Keng Po Lai, Kenneth Mei Yee Leung, John P. Giesy
Summary: Recent epidemiological investigations have shown that environmental factors and stress related to unhealthy lifestyles can pose health risks to organisms. This comprehensive review examines the effects of paternal exposure to harmful substances and stress on physiological responses and developmental processes in descendants. Various sources of exposure, such as smoking, atmospheric fine particulate matter, alcohol, obesogenic diet, chemical toxicants, and stress related to unhealthy lifestyles, are discussed. The review also focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms mediated by germ cells that can affect reproduction, oxidative stress, nervous and immune systems in paternal lineages. It highlights the need for further studies on the effects of these exposures on later generations and explores ways to alleviate their negative effects on offspring.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xian Qin, Huiju Lin, Yaru Cao, Rudolf Shiu Sun Wu, Keng Po Lai, Richard Yuen Chong Kong
Summary: Exposure to 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in fish can result in developmental toxicity, including growth retardation, decreased heart rate, delayed eye pigmentation, reduced hatching rate, and impaired larval locomotion. Transcriptional analysis revealed that these impairments are controlled by estrogen receptor and related to eye structure, neuronal and synaptic structure, and behavior. Key factors identified, such as PRKAA2, APOB, EPHB2, OXTR, NR2E3, and POU4F2, could serve as biomarkers for assessing EE2-induced embryo developmental toxicity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chi Tim Leung, Yi Yang, Ting Fung Chan, Xiao Lin, Alice Sze Tsai Wong, Wing Yee Lui, Karen Wing Yee Yuen, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Keng Po Lai, Rudolf Shiu Sun Wu
Summary: A wide range of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are commonly found in the environment today, and limited studies on mammals have shown that some EDCs can affect the chromosomes and epigenome of the germline, leading to adverse effects in subsequent generations. However, the mechanisms underlying chromosomal changes caused by these pollutants are still poorly understood. Using a human ovarian granulosa tumor cell line as a model, this study investigated and compared the effects of nine EDCs with different chemical structures on gene expression, specifically focusing on epigenetic modifications related to reproductive functions. The results revealed that certain EDCs altered the expression of genes related to DNA damage response, cell cycle, proliferation, and chromatin remodeling, indicating potential epigenetic modifications and transgenerational inheritance. Dysregulation of similar gene clusters was also observed in certain EDC treatments. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed specific signaling pathways affected by these chemicals. Overall, this study highlights the chromatin modifications caused by a class of chemicals that may potentially lead to epigenetic changes and transgenerational reproductive impairments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hoi Shing Lo, Leung Chun Wong, Keng Po Lai, Siu Gin Cheung
Summary: This study investigated the presence and abundance of microplastics (MP) in marine fish from both the western and eastern waters of Hong Kong during the wet and dry seasons. More than half (57.1%) of the fish had MP in their gastrointestinal tracts, with MP abundance ranging from not detected to 44.0 items per individual. Significant spatial and temporal differences in MP occurrence were found, with fish from more polluted areas and during the wet season having a higher likelihood of MP ingestion. Factors such as feeding mode and range also influenced MP counts in fish. The study provides insights for future research on the factors governing MP ingestion by fish in different ecosystems and species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhuoqing Liu, Ping Wang, Yin Zhao, Keng Po Lai, Rong Li
Summary: The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a crucial pathway for protein degradation in cells, with functions in various biological processes. Research suggests that the UPS also plays a key role in pancreatic β-cell transdifferentiation, offering potential in the treatment of diabetes. This review summarizes the mechanistic roles of the UPS in pancreatic β-cells, including insulin synthesis, secretion, and cell degradation. Additionally, it discusses how the UPS mediates the transdifferentiation of pancreatic duct epithelial cells into β-cells, providing a basis for regenerative medicine approaches in diabetes treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Litao Nie, Zhiwen Yang, Xian Qin, Keng Po Lai, Jingru Qin, Bin Yang, Min Su
Summary: PFOA is associated with fatty liver disease and its harmful effects on the spleen have not been well understood. This study used a PFOA-exposed mouse model and transcriptomic analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying PFOA-induced immunotoxicity. Vitamin C supplementation was also examined for its potential to reverse the harmful effects. The results showed that PFOA exposure reduced spleen weight and plasma lymphocytes, and altered cell proliferation, metabolism, and immune response. Vitamin C supplementation alleviated these effects and improved spleen functions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nathan Tam, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Keng Po Lai
Summary: Previous studies have shown that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish can lead to alterations in reproductive functions and behavior. However, the effects of embryonic exposure to PCBs or their metabolites on long-term reproductive function in fish have not been studied. In this study, the marine medaka fish was used to assess the reproductive endpoints after embryonic exposure to either PCB 28 or 4'-OH-PCB 65. The results showed that exposure to 4'-OH-PCB 65 feminized the sex ratio and decreased fecundity in the medaka. Additionally, embryonic exposure to 4'-OH-PCB 65 resulted in reduced fertilization, hatching success rate, and sperm motility. To explain these effects, transcriptomic analysis of the gonads was performed, revealing differential expression of genes involved in reproductive functions. Therefore, the long-term reproductive toxicity of PCBs and their metabolites should be considered in environmental risk assessment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Drew R. Peterson, Frauke Seemann, Miles T. Wan, Roy R. Ye, Lianguo Chen, Keng P. Lai, Peter Yu, Richard Y. C. Kong, Doris W. T. Au
Summary: Estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDC) can impact offspring in a transgenerational manner through modifications of the germline epigenome. Exposure to EE2 during parental gametogenesis and embryogenesis can induce transgenerational reproductive effects and phenotype persistence in unexposed offspring. EE2 exposure also leads to feminization and subsequent masculinization of directly exposed generations. While reproductive output is more sensitive in females, immune competence is not significantly affected. These findings highlight the potential transgenerational toxicity of EEDCs and the negative impact on fish population sustainability.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shaolong Yang, Mengzhen Li, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Lei Li, Rong Li, Jian Chen, Keng Po Lai
Summary: Large-scale plastic pollution in terrestrial and marine environments degrades into micro/nanoplastics (MP/NPs), which are found in the environment, marine organisms, and can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion. These MPs/NPs can enter various organisms and affect different body systems, including reproductive, digestive, and nervous systems, through the induction of different stresses. This paper summarizes the effects of MPs/NPs on the reproductive health of different organisms, the amplification of toxic effects through the food chain, the threat to biodiversity, and the imminent challenge to human reproductive health. Strengthening international communication and cooperation is necessary to remediate plastic pollution and protect biodiversity for a sustainable association between humans and other organisms.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)