Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Amelio, Filippo Garofalo
Summary: African lungfish undergo remarkable morphological and biochemical adjustments in the skin during aestivation, including reorganization of epidermal layers, decrease of mucous cells, regenerative processes, and changes in Heat Shock Proteins expression. Our findings suggest a protective role for these adjustments in response to the stressful conditions associated with aestivation.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yoshinao Katsu, Shin Oana, Xiaozhi Lin, Susumu Hyodo, Laurent Bianchetti, Michael E. Baker
Summary: This study aimed to clone the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) from slender African lungfish and compare it with GRs from other species. Previous attempts were unsuccessful, but the latest research successfully cloned the GR from the slender spotted lungfish.
Article
Cell Biology
Shoko Nakamuta, Atsuhiro Sakuma, Masato Nikaido, Hideaki Kato, Masao Miyazaki, Yoshio Yamamoto, Nobuaki Nakamuta
Summary: The vomeronasal organ is a major olfactory organ found in mammals, fish, and amphibians. Type 1 vomeronasal receptors, which are expressed in both the olfactory and recess epithelium, are present in African and South American lungfish. However, in the African lungfish Protopterus dolloi, these receptors are mainly expressed in the olfactory epithelium.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tom Kretzschmar, Jasmine M. F. Wu, P. Christian Schulze
Summary: Heart failure remains the most common cause of death in the industrialized world, and despite new therapeutic interventions, complete prevention of its development and progression is still not possible, highlighting the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms. This review provides a detailed overview of the contribution of impaired mitochondrial dynamics and energy homeostasis during heart failure progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Joohee Choi, Joshua B. Holmes, Kenneth S. Campbell, Julian E. Stelzer
Summary: OM and danicamtiv increase myocardial force output through different mechanisms, with OM significantly increasing Ca2+ sensitivity of force generation and danicamtiv having a less pronounced effect. Both drugs slow down cross-bridge kinetics, but danicamtiv has a more pronounced inhibitory effect on the OM-induced dynamic delay.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Vinayak Kumar, Alexander J. Ryu, Armando Manduca, Chaitanya Rao, Raymond J. Gibbons, Bernard J. Gersh, Krishnaswamy Chandrasekaran, Samuel J. Asirvatham, Philip A. Araoz, Jae K. Oh, Alexander C. Egbe, Atta Behfar, Barry A. Borlaug, Nandan S. Anavekar
Summary: This study found that healthy myocardium is compressible, while myocardium in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is incompressible. The ratio MVs/MVd may need further investigation in different populations to understand its variations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Oksana P. Gerzen, Salavat R. Nabiev, Svetlana V. Klinova, Ilzira A. Minigalieva, Marina P. Sutunkova, Boris A. Katsnelson, Larisa V. Nikitina
Summary: Moderate lead intoxication in male rats led to altered actin-myosin interaction and regulation in the heart chambers, affecting myosin isoform composition, filament sliding velocity, and light chain phosphorylation. The impact of lead on myosin functional characteristics varied in different heart chambers, showing a dose-dependent effect.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fernando Bonet, Sabrina Brito Anez, Jose Manuel Inacio, Matthias E. Futschik, Jose Antonio Belo
Summary: Loss of CCBE1 leads to congenital heart defects, thinner myocardium, and hyper-trabeculation in mice. It also results in reduced proliferation of cardiomyocytes and epicardial cells, as well as impaired migration of epicardial-derived cells (EPDC) and decreased nonmyocyte/nonendothelial cells intramyocardially. Furthermore, CCBE1 deficiency causes deregulation of EMT-related genes during heart development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Szymon Chowanski, Magdalena Winkiel, Monika Szymczak-Cendlak, Pawel Marciniak, Dominika Manczak, Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka, Marta Spochacz, Sabino A. Bufo, Laura Scrano, Zbigniew Adamski
Summary: This study investigated the potential interaction between verapamil and Solanaceae glycoalkaloids (SGAs) and their effects on cardiac activity. The results showed that verapamil, alpha-solanine, and alpha-chaconine exhibited cardioinhibitory activity. When SGAs were applied simultaneously with verapamil, an antagonistic effect was observed.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mayyasa Rammah, Magali Theveniau-Ruissy, Rachel Sturny, Francesca Rochais, Robert G. Kelly
Summary: This study reveals that the lipid sensor PPAR gamma is expressed in the future subpulmonary myocardium and is regulated by the transcription factor TBX1. Manipulating PPAR gamma activity through ex vivo cultured embryos and genetic deletion experiments shows that PPAR gamma is required for the addition of future subpulmonary myocardium and normal arterial pole development. Additionally, the non-canonical DLK1/NOTCH/HES1 pathway negatively regulates Ppar gamma in the future subaortic myocardium.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Shoko Nakamuta, Yoshio Yamamoto, Masao Miyazaki, Atsuhiro Sakuma, Masato Nikaido, Nobuaki Nakamuta
Summary: Lungfish have two distinct sensory epithelia in their olfactory organs, corresponding to the lamellar olfactory epithelium and primitive vomeronasal organ (VNO) found in teleosts and tetrapods, respectively. The expression of V1Rs, a type of olfactory receptor, in lungfish suggests an intermediate step in the segregation of V1R expression between the olfactory epithelium and VNO, reflecting the evolutionary position of lungfish between teleosts and amphibians.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Marina Ramiro-Pareta, Claudia Muller-Sanchez, Rosa Portella-Fortuny, Carolina Soler-Botija, Alejo Torres-Cano, Anna Esteve-Codina, Antoni Bayes-Genis, Manuel Reina, Francesc X. Soriano, Eloi Montanez, Ofelia M. Martinez-Estrada
Summary: Wt1 is crucial for epicardium development and is also expressed in coronary endothelial cells. Deletion of Wt1 in coronary endothelial cells disrupted the development of coronary blood vessels and myocardium. The deletion of Wt1 had a major impact on the molecular signature of coronary endothelial cells and affected the expression of genes involved in the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of these cells.
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Emese Zsarnoczay, Akos Varga-Szemes, Tilman Emrich, Balint Szilveszter, Niels R. van der Werf, Domenico Mastrodicasa, Pal Maurovich-Horvat, Martin J. Willemink
Summary: Noninvasive cardiac imaging has advanced rapidly in the past decade, with the introduction of the first clinical photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) system being a notable improvement. PCD-CT offers several benefits, including improved spatial resolution, reduced electronic noise, and decreased radiation exposure, which have the potential to enhance diagnostics and impact management pathways. This review focuses on the major applications of PCD-CT in cardiovascular imaging, specifically coronary calcium quantification, myocardial characterization, radiomics features, and qualitative assessment of coronary plaques and stents.
INVESTIGATIVE RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chloe Pezzana, Audrey Cras, Fanny Simeliere, Rose Guesdon, Manon Desgres, Bruna Lima Correa, Ashley Peuffier, Valerie Bellamy, Sara Gouarderes, Antonio Alberdi, Marie-Cecile Perier, Laetitia Pidial, Florence Agnely, Amelie Bochot, Albert Hagege, Jean-Sebastien Silvestre, Philippe Menasche
Summary: Loading extracellular vesicles (EV) into hyaluronic acid (HA) biomaterial improves their delivery in the failing myocardium, preserving cardiac function, promoting angiogenesis, and reducing apoptosis and fibrosis.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hagai D. Yavin, Koji Higuchi, Jakub Sroubek, Arwa Younis, Israel Zilberman, Elad Anter
Summary: The study found that lesion dimensions in ventricular myocardium increase with consecutive applications of PFA, indicating a repetition dependency and significant histopathologic changes.
CIRCULATION-ARRHYTHMIA AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justin W. J. Chan, Mel Boo, Wai P. Wong, Shit F. Chew, Yuen K. Ip
Summary: The fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, can perform light-enhanced shell formation with the assistance of symbiotic dinoflagellates. This process involves increased Ca2+ transport, absorption of exogenous Ca2+, and regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration by SERCA. The expression of SERCA-like transporter in the ctenidium and inner mantle of T. squamosa plays a crucial role in light-enhanced shell formation.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
John Ndegwa Maina, Jose Manuel Icardo, Giacomo Zaccone, Marialuisa Aragona, Eugenia Rita Lauriano, Alessio Alesci, Marco Albano, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Antonino Germana, Jorge Manuel Oliveira Fernandes, Viswanath Kiron, Gioele Capillo
Summary: This study focused on the immune cell network in the gill and air-breathing organs of the sharptooth catfish, highlighting the interactions between different immune cells, neurotransmitters, and antimicrobial peptides. The research revealed the presence of a cholinergic innervation network across the gas exchange barrier and the localization of Ach in specific cells, providing insights into the neuro-immune interactions at mucosal barrier surfaces in fish.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yuen K. Ip, Mel Boo, Miguel Mies, Shit F. Chew
Summary: The study found that after 30 days of exposure to darkness, giant clams showed significant changes in coloration and gene expression in the outer mantle. However, after returning to a normal photoperiod for just 11 days, the quantity of symbionts and coloration increased significantly, indicating that the giant clam-coccoid dinoflagellate holobiont is phototrophically plastic and particularly tolerant to bleaching.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Giacomo Zaccone, Gioele Capillo, Jorge Manuel Oliveira Fernandes, Viswanath Kiron, Eugenia Rita Lauriano, Alessio Alesci, Patrizia Lo Cascio, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Michal Kuciel, Krystyna Zuwala, Jose Manuel Icardo, Atsushi Ishimatsu, Ryosuke Murata, Takafumi Amagai, Antonino Germana, Marialuisa Aragona
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are multifunctional peptides with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. This review focuses on the molecular characterization of the fish-specific AMP piscidin1 and its role in the immune response against pathogens. The discovery of piscidins in the gill and skin and their potential as drug targets for antimicrobial barrier function and aquaculture therapy is important for future research.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mel Boo, Caryn Z. Pang, Shit F. Chew, Yuen K. Ip
Summary: Giant clams require increased transport of Ca2+ and HCO3- for shell formation. This study identified two proteins involved in HCO3- transport and found that their expression levels increased significantly in response to light, suggesting their role in light-enhanced uptake of HCO3-.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caryn Z. Pang, Mel Boo, Yuen K. Ip, Shit F. Chew
Summary: Research on giant clams reveals that dinoflagellates utilize AMT2 to absorb ammonia in photosynthesis, particularly with a stronger absorption capacity in dinoflagellates residing in the outer mantle, enhancing the assimilation process of ammonia.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Germaine C. Y. Teng, Mel V. Boo, Siew H. Lam, Caryn Z. Pang, Shit F. Chew, Yuen K. Ip
Summary: This study reports on the glycerol transport protein in the symbionts of giant clams and suggests potential differences in glycerol transport capabilities among different genetic types.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuen K. Ip, Charmaine W. Q. Leong, Mel Boo, Wai P. Wong, Siew H. Lam, Shit F. Chew
Summary: African lungfishes are highly ammonia-tolerant obligatory air-breathers. The study found that branchial vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (Vha) played a crucial role in regulating the acidification of the external medium in lungfishes. Furthermore, exposure to high ammonia concentrations resulted in increased expression and activity of Vha, enhancing its ability to acidify the external medium.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caryn Z. Pang, Yuen K. Ip, Shit F. Chew
Summary: This study used transcript levels of ammonia transporter in different genera of Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates to estimate their potential of ammonia transport in the fluted giant clam. The results indicated that different phylotypes of Symbiodinium and Cladocopium have different potentials of ammonia transport, and Symbiodinium phylotypes might have higher potential of NO3- transport than ammonia transport. The study also revealed disparate potentials of ammonia transport among Symbiodiniaceae phylotypes residing in different organs of T. squamosa, suggesting functional diversity among these phylotypes.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Raagavi Mani, Mel Boo, Siow Y. Ng, Shit F. Chew, Yuen K. Ip
Summary: Giant clams harbor symbiotic dinoflagellates that possess their own carbon concentration mechanism and are influenced by light exposure. The study indicates that light enhances the gene and protein expression levels of the symbiotic dinoflagellates in the clam's outer mantle, and different species may vary in their ability to generate CO2.
Article
Cell Biology
Giacomo Zaccone, Gioele Capillo, Marialuisa Aragona, Alessio Alesci, Camila Cupello, Eugenia Rita Lauriano, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Michal Kuciel, Kristina Zuwala, Antonino Germana, Jose Manuel Icardo
Summary: In this study, we conducted a morphological and immunohistochemical study of the gills of juvenile specimens of the obligate air-breathing fish Heterotis niloticus. The gills showed a reduced respiratory surface area by development of an interlamellar cellular mass (ILCM), which persisted under both normoxia and hypoxia. Neuroepithelial cells (NECs), the major oxygen and hypoxia sensing cell type, expressed 5HT, nNOS, and VAChT and were associated with nitrergic nerve fibers. The O2 levels did not affect the characteristics of NECs.
Article
Cell Biology
Alejandro Castilla-Ibeas, Sofia Zdral, Laura Galan, Endika Haro, Lila Allou, Victor M. Campa, Jose M. Icardo, Stefan Mundlos, Kerby C. Oberg, Marian A. Ros
Summary: Mammalian digit tip regeneration is dependent on the presence of nail tissue, and a nail-specific model is lacking. Nail-less double-ventral digits of DLARM1/2 mutants fail to regenerate, while double-dorsal double-nail digits can regenerate. Transcriptomic comparison reveals differential upregulation of vascularization and connective tissue functional signatures in wild-type digits versus upregulation of inflammation in the mutant, suggesting additional roles of Lmx1b in digit tip regeneration beyond nail formation.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jose M. Icardo, Alessio Alesci, Michal Kuciel, Krystyna Zuwala, Maria C. Guerrera, Giacomo Zaccone
Summary: This study investigates the structure and relationships of the respiratory gas bladder and vertebrae in the osteoglossiform fish Heterotis niloticus. The gas bladder has a glottis-like opening and is lined with a highly vascularized parenchyma with alveolar-like structure. It exhibits good potential for respiratory gas exchange. The ventral wall of the gas bladder has a well-vascularized membrane and a richly innervated smooth muscle layer, implying adjustability. The trunk and caudal vertebrae have surface openings and intravertebral pneumatic spaces invaded by the bladder parenchyma. The findings suggest the exceptional role of the African Arowana in postcranial skeletal pneumaticity outside of Archosauria.
JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bjarke Jensen, Antoon Fransiscus Maria Moorman, Tobias Wang, Peter Rask Moller, Jose Manuel Icardo, Henrik Lauridsen
Article
Fisheries
Giacomo Zaccone, Alessio Alesci, Doaa M. M. Mokhtar, Marialuisa Aragona, Maria Cristina Guerrera, Gioele Capillo, Marco Albano, Jorge de Oliveira Fernandes, Viswanath Kiron, Ramy K. A. Sayed, Marwa M. M. Hussein, Patrizia Lo Cascio, Michal Kuciel, Krystyna Zuwala, Antonino Germana, Jose Manuel Icardo, Eugenia Rita Lauriano
Summary: The recognition and elimination of invading pathogens are essential for host survival. Macrophages, which function similarly to vertebrate macrophages, play a crucial role in host protection in all multicellular organisms. CD14 is a pattern responsible for bacterial recognition found on the surface of macrophages. These cells store antimicrobial molecules and display polarization states similar to mammalian macrophages. The present study reports the presence of various cell markers, including CD14, in the intestinal macrophages of catfish and bonytongue, providing insights into the in vivo function of macrophages in fish.