Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sudarshan Gadadhar, Gonzalo Alvarez Viar, Jan Niklas Hansen, An Gong, Aleksandr Kostarev, Come Ialy-Radio, Sophie Leboucher, Marjorie Whitfield, Ahmed Ziyyat, Aminata Toure, Luis Alvarez, Gaia Pigino, Carsten Janke
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of tubulin glycylation for controlled flagellar beating, directional sperm swimming, and male fertility by utilizing a mouse model lacking this modification. The lack of glycylation led to abnormal dynein arm conformations in sperm axonemes, resulting in subfertility in male mice due to aberrant beat patterns of sperm flagella.
Article
Fisheries
S. Judycka, D. Zarski, M. A. Dietrich, H. Karol, P. Hliwa, M. Blazejewski, A. Ciereszko
Summary: The study focuses on an improved semen cryopreservation protocol for commercial fertilization in European perch, showing high sperm motility with a new extender and KCl supplementation. The enhanced procedure allows for handling prediluted semen and maintaining high fertilization rates for cryopreserved and fresh semen, enabling large-scale fertilization applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sushant Powar, Farin Yazdan Parast, Ashwin Nandagiri, Avinash S. Gaikwad, David L. Potter, Moira K. O'Bryan, Ranganathan Prabhakar, Julio Soria, Reza Nosrati
Summary: This study introduces an automated platform that uses thin-lens approximation and high-speed dark field microscopy to reconstruct sperm flagellar waveform in 3D, enabling analysis of sperm swimming behavior. The study found that head-tethered mouse sperm exhibit a rolling beating behavior in 3D, and discovered the properties of their flagellar waveform.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kogiku Shiba, Kazuo Inaba
Summary: Flagellar motility in sperm is activated and regulated by factors related to the eggs at fertilization. In this study, the researchers focused on the role of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in the regulation of flagellar motility in Ciona sperm chemotaxis. The results showed that sAC plays a key role in sperm chemotaxis by regulating the clearance of intracellular calcium ions ([Ca2+]i) and modulating Ca2+-dependent flagellar waveform conversion.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amanda B. Gillis, Emmet L. Guy, Andrew J. Kouba, Peter J. Allen, Ruth M. Marcec-Greaves, Carrie K. Kouba
Summary: This study aimed to characterize tiger salamander sperm motility and determine the effect of temperature on it. Results showed that sperm stored at 0 degrees Celsius had higher motility initially but decreased rapidly over time. There were differences in motility between milt and spermic urine, and near freezing temperatures were beneficial for sperm longevity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ariel K. Pezner, Travis A. Courtney, Heather N. Page, Sarah N. Giddings, Cory M. Beatty, Michael D. DeGrandpre, Andreas J. Andersson
Summary: Spatial and temporal carbonate chemistry variability on coral reefs is influenced by a combination of seawater hydrodynamics, geomorphology, and biogeochemical processes, with their relative impacts differing by site. Lateral variability in carbonate chemistry parameters was found to be larger than vertical variability, and this variability was observed in conjunction with depth gradients, although it varied between sampling events depending on factors such as time of day and current flow modifications.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Lintner, Bianca Lintner, Michael Schagerl, Wolfgang Wanek, Petra Heinz
Summary: We studied the metabolic activity of Heterostegina depressa under different light conditions. The photosynthetic performance and isotope uptake of the specimens were measured. Light supply significantly affected the photosynthetic performance, while the photosymbionts and holobionts could survive and be reactivated after prolonged darkness. The assimilation of C-13-carbonate and N-15-nitrate is mainly controlled by the photosymbionts, while N-15-ammonium and C-13-glucose utilization is regulated by both the symbiont and the host cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Won-Ki Pang, Yoo-Jin Park, Myung-Geol Pang
Summary: This study investigated the potential of sperm RNA markers in assessing various aspects of sperm function and identified genes related to male fertility. The findings provide valuable insights into male infertility.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sven Uthicke, Frances Patel, Chelsea Petrik, Sue-Ann Watson, Sam E. Karelitz, Miles D. Lamare
Summary: Long-term experimental investigations on the transgenerational plasticity (TGP) and transgenerational acclimatization to global change in marine invertebrates are sparse. The study revealed significant effects of ocean warming and acidification on sea urchins, with offspring from near-future climate conditions displaying smaller size and reduced physiological functions. The experiment also showed potential for genetic adaptation in surviving individuals after a pathogenic event, but raised concerns about negative parental effects and reduced population replenishment.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fanwen Zeng, Mingming Wang, Ju Li, Chengde Li, Xueqing Pan, Li Meng, Li Li, Hengxi Wei, Shouquan Zhang
Summary: In this study, we found that porcine beta-defensin 129 (pBD129) is widely present in accessory sex glands and coats the surface of sperm. Inhibiting pBD129 on the sperm surface resulted in increased acrosome integrity, tyrosine phosphorylation levels, and Ca2+ influx, leading to a reduced in vitro fertilization cleavage rate. Furthermore, treatment with recombinant pBD129 restored sperm motility in semen contaminated with Escherichia coli.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Mardi McNeil, Jennifer Firn, Luke D. Nothdurft, Alan R. Pearse, Jody M. Webster, C. Roland Pitcher
Summary: The study highlights the importance of Halimeda bioherms as a critically important inter-reef habitat in the Great Barrier Reef, hosting higher species richness and diversity than the surrounding inter-reef seascape. The bioherm-associated biotic assemblage is distinct from non-bioherm communities, with 40% of species unique to Halimeda bioherms. Regular long-term monitoring is recommended to understand potential impacts of climate change on inter-reef biodiversity and ecosystem structure.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Samantha A. McGarrigle, Melanie M. Bishop, Sindy L. Dove, Heather L. Hunt
Summary: In coastal regions, sediment-dwelling animals are affected by variability in seawater and sediment pH, with pH expected to decline due to human activities. This study examined the effects of reduced-pH seawater exposure on two species of mudflat molluscs and investigated the interactive effects of prior water column acidification and subsequent sediment acidification on burrowing behavior for these species and an amphipod. Additionally, the involvement of GABAA receptors in changes in burrowing behavior under reduced-pH conditions was tested. The results show taxonomic variation in responses of benthic invertebrates to ocean and sediment acidification in terms of growth, survival, and burrowing behavior.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Juan J. Ferreira, Pascale Lybaert, Lis C. Puga-Molina, Celia M. Santi
Summary: Our study shows that CatSper channels in mouse and human sperm are activated through alkaline conditions and the presence of HCO3-, leading to an influx of Ca2+. Furthermore, HCO3- activates the soluble adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway, which sensitizes CatSper channels to respond to membrane depolarization, allowing for Ca2+ influx.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vitaliy Kholodnyy, Borys Dzyuba, Marek Rodina, Hermes Bloomfield-Gadelha, Manabu Yoshida, Jacky Cosson, Sergii Boryshpolets
Summary: The fertilization of freshwater fish can be negatively affected by environmental factors, with egg and ovarian fluid playing a significant role in triggering gamete encounters. The ovarian fluid of rainbow trout affects sperm performance by inducing a chemotaxis-like effect on activated male gametes, creating an optimal environment for sperm performance. The individual interaction between egg (ovarian fluid) and sperm reflects specific features of the spawning process in this species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Fang Yang, Maria Gracia Gervasi, Gerardo Orta, Darya A. Tourzani, Jose Luis De La Vega-Beltran, Gordon Ruthel, Alberto Darszon, Pablo E. Visconti, P. Jeremy Wang
Summary: The CatSper cation channel is essential for sperm capacitation and male fertility. The study identifies C2CD6 as a subunit of the CatSper complex and demonstrates its role in the formation of calcium signaling nanodomains on flagellar membranes. Deficiency of C2CD6 leads to male sterility due to depleted CatSper nanodomains and impaired sperm function. C2CD6 may facilitate the incorporation of CatSper complex into the flagellar plasma membrane and function as a calcium sensor.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariko Iijima, Jun Yasumoto, Akira Iguchi, Kiyomi Koiso, Sayaka Ushigome, Natsuki Nakajima, Yuko Kunieda, Takashi Nakamura, Kazuhiko Sakai, Mina Yasumoto-Hirose, Kanami Mori-Yasumoto, Nanami Mizusawa, Haruna Amano, Atsushi Suzuki, Mitsuru Jimbo, Shugo Watabe, Ko Yasumoto
Summary: This study demonstrates the significant role of calcareous sediments in coral reefs in mediating the impact of terrestrial runoff on corals by storing and releasing phosphate. High phosphate concentrations in seawater inhibit the skeletal formation of coral juveniles.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenji Takata, Fumihito Iwase, Akira Iguchi, Hideaki Yuasa, Hiroki Taninaka, Nozomu Iwasaki, Kouji Uda, Tomohiko Suzuki, Masanori Nonaka, Taisei Kikuchi, Nina Yasuda
Summary: Estimating the spatial extent of gamete and larval dispersal of deep-sea coral species is challenging but crucial for their conservation. The study examined the spatial genetic structure of Corallium japonicum off the coast of Kochi, finding that over 700 neutral SNPs were needed to detect significant spatial genetic structure and suggesting the local extinction of the species within an approximately 11 km diameter should be avoided through over-harvesting prevention measures.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Daisuke Kawakami, Mitsuki Tsuchiya, Tasuku Murata, Akira Iguchi, Kei Zaitsu
Summary: A rapid quantification method for extracellular neurotransmitters in mouse brain was developed using PESI/MS/MS and a Bayesian state-space model, enabling easy monitoring of neurotransmitters at high temporal resolutions. The method demonstrated high reproducibility and successfully detected abnormal changes in L-Glu and GABA levels in response to high-K+ -induced depolarization, with the potential to reveal hidden pathological mechanisms of brain diseases.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Wenshuai Li, Xiao-Ming Liu, Kun Wang, Yongfeng Hu, Atsushi Suzuki, Toshihiro Yoshimura
Summary: Potassium participates in coral biological activities and its isotope fractionation is important for interpreting coral records. This study evaluates the distribution and variation of potassium isotopes in the skeleton of corals and identifies the influence of biotic and abiotic controls on potassium partitioning and isotope fractionation. The findings highlight the role of physiological modulation in the phase distribution of potassium in coral skeletons and its isotopic variation.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yoshikazu Ohno, Akira Iguchi, Mariko Ijima, Ko Yasumoto, Atsushi Suzuki
Summary: An explosive volcanic eruption in the Ogasawara Islands caused a significant amount of floating pumice to reach the coast of Okinawa Island approximately two months later. This has resulted in early evidence of ecosystem changes in coastal beaches, estuaries, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. The impact of this massive pumice drift is not only disrupting fishing activities and ship traffic but also potentially leading to short and long-term changes in coastal ecosystems. The observed phenomena on Okinawa Island may serve as a preview of the impacts on other islands where pumice has subsequently washed ashore.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Yuning Zeng, Yusuke Yokoyama, Shoko Hirabayashi, Yosuke Miyairi, Atsushi Suzuki, Takahiro Aze, Yuta Kawakubo
Summary: A new method combining coral growth band counting and Sr/Ca measurement using ICP-AES was proposed to establish a high-resolution age model. The study demonstrated the feasibility of using Sr/Ca for age modeling in coral and the ability of ICP-AES to provide higher-resolution data.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION B-BEAM INTERACTIONS WITH MATERIALS AND ATOMS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanya Singh, Kazuhiko Sakai, Jun Ishida-Castaneda, Akira Iguchi
Summary: Mass bleaching and mortality of reef corals due to heat stress caused by global warming have increased globally since the late 20th century. Monitoring the growth, survival, and bleaching status of Acropora corals in Okinawa, Japan, revealed that although the level of heat stress was higher in 2017 than in 2016, the same colonies exhibited less bleaching and mortality in 2017. The study suggests that genetic or epigenetic changes in coral hosts and/or algal symbionts, or the shifting or switching of non-endosymbiotic microbes, may have improved coral holobiont heat tolerance.
Article
Paleontology
Shunichi Kinoshita, Azumi Kuroyanagi, Hodaka Kawahata, Kazuhiko Fujita, Toyoho Ishimura, Atsushi Suzuki, Harumasa Kano, Yoshimi Kubota, Hiroshi Nishi
Summary: Recent increases in CO2 concentrations emitted by human activities have resulted in ocean warming and acidification, causing significant environmental changes. This has led to distressing consequences such as bleaching and death of symbiotic calcifying organisms in coral reef regions. Among these organisms, large benthic foraminifers (LBF) have gained attention due to the impact of thermal stress on their growth and ecological functions. However, the influence of indicators such as shell volume, density, and size on the calcification rate is unclear due to the complex nature of their shell structure. This study used Micro X-ray computed tomography (MicroCT) to investigate these parameters in the hyaline LBF Calcarina gaudichaudii, revealing insights into their response to temperature stress and shell density maintenance.
MARINE MICROPALEONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Hiroki Kise, Miyuki Nishijima, Akira Iguchi, Junpei Minatoya, Hiroyuki Yokooka, Yuji Ise, Atsushi Suzuki
Summary: A new genus and species of Hexactinellida-associated zoantharian, Parachurabana shinseimaruae Kise, gen. nov. et sp. nov., has been discovered in Japanese waters. It is characterized by its host hexactinellid sponge, flat polyps, unique muscle structure, and distinct genetic variations. This species is the third genus in the Parazoanthidae family associated with Hexasterophora sponges. Though currently found only in Japanese waters, similar unidentified zoantharians have been reported in Australian waters, suggesting a potentially widespread distribution across the Pacific.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoki Saito, Travis W. Washburn, Shinichiro Yano, Atsushi Suzuki
Summary: Using object detection with deep learning, we successfully constructed a model to detect suspended particle variations in the deep sea. This model accurately detected particles in images and measured changes in suspended particle concentrations. This method provides a new option for studying deep-sea environmental changes, with the advantages of being cost-effective, quick, and intuitive.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hiroki Kise, Akira Iguchi, Naoki Saito, Yuki Yoshioka, Koji Uda, Tomohiko Suzuki, Atsushi J. Nagano, Atsushi Suzuki, Nozomu Iwasaki
Summary: The genetic population structure of Corallium japonicum in the Northwest Pacific was examined using RAD-seq. Gene flow was found to be widespread, but larval dispersal simulations revealed limited gene flow between certain populations. The findings of this study provide valuable information for the effective management of C. japonicum.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Masatoshi Yamada, Atsushi Suzuki, Nozomu Iwasaki
Summary: Lead-210 concentrations were used to estimate the skeletal growth rates of four species of precious corals and a bamboo coral. The radial and linear growth rates of the colonies were measured, providing valuable information for population studies of these coral species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ai Genda, Minoru Ikehara, Atsushi Suzuki, Wahyoe S. Hantoro, Mayuri Inoue
Summary: The Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) is important for heat flux and water budget between the Pacific and Indian oceans, affecting Asian monsoon and climate change. Observations are inadequate, so coral analysis was conducted to reconstruct sea-surface temperature (SST) and salinity (SSS). Abrupt warming and saline conditions were observed in the mid-1950s, with changed relationships between SST and climate variability in Pacific and Indian oceans.
GEOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hiroto Kajita, Ayumi Maeda, Masayuki Utsunomiya, Toshihiro Yoshimura, Naohiko Ohkouchi, Atsushi Suzuki, Hodaka Kawahata
Summary: Using long-chain alkenones and n-alkanes to reconstruct past environments is common, but applying this technique to exposed sedimentary rock sequences can be challenging due to potential alterations. A study in Japan's Kazusa Group found that the biomarkers preserved there could provide a detailed record of Pleistocene paleoenvironments, specifically reflecting changes in sea surface temperature and terrestrial climate. This suggests that the biomarker measurements in the Kazusa Group could help reconstruct ocean and atmospheric changes throughout the Pleistocene.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Yutaka Okumura, Hiromi Matsuoka, Hisayuki Arakawa, Fuyuki Tokanai, Atsushi Suzuki, Toshiaki Irizuki, Hiroto Kajita, Motoyuki Hara
Summary: Two sediment cores were collected from Nagatsura-Ura Lagoon, which was affected by the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami. Traces of the 2011 tsunami and earlier tsunamis were found in both the central and inner parts of the lagoon. The microbial composition in the lagoon showed little change due to limited seawater exchange through the closed lagoon mouth.
