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
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
Zoology
Elska B. Kaczmarek, Samantha M. Gartner, Mark W. Westneat, Elizabeth L. Brainerd
Summary: The study found that the major cranial bones serve as valves or pumps during air breathing and suction feeding, controlling the pattern of fluid flow; both behaviors exhibit an anterior-to-posterior wave of expansion and compression; the pectoral girdle and cranial rib rotate consistently during air breathing and suction feeding, with the muscle between them shortening during buccal expansion.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serafin Mirete-Bachiller, Francisco Gambon
Summary: Sarcopterygian fishes are a taxon of bony fishes that evolved adaptations such as lungs and paired lobed fins. The study of their immunoglobulin genes reveals two evolutionary lineages, one focused on IgM and the other on IgW, allowing for high variability. The animals that went from water to land have IgD formed only by domains originating from the W lineage, while IgA/X and IgY arose from recombination between the two lineages.
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yuan-Huan Kang, Bin-Tong Yang, Ren-Ge Hu, Peng Zhang, Min Gu, Wei Cong
Summary: This study investigates the biological mechanisms of aestivation in Apostichopus japonicus from the perspective of gut microbiota and metabolites. The findings suggest that there are significant differences in the gut microbiota composition and metabolic pathways between aestivating and non-aestivating individuals. This work provides a new perspective for understanding the aestivation mechanism of A. japonicus.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qing Xiao, Li Zhao, Chang Jiang, Yanjin Zhu, Jizhou Zhang, Juan Hu, Guozeng Wang
Summary: Polysaccharides in Pseudostellaria heterophylla (TZS) have been found to modulate the gut microbiota, reduce inflammation, and enhance immune function, thus alleviating spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS).
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Nicolas R. Chevalier
Summary: This review provides an up-to-date survey of the extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical forces acting on the embryonic vertebrate gut during development and their role in various aspects of intestinal morphogenesis, including enteric nervous system formation, epithelium structuring, muscle orientation and differentiation, anisotropic growth, and the development of myogenic and neurogenic motility.
Article
Biology
Samantha M. Gartner, Katrina R. Whitlow, J. D. Laurence-Chasen, Elska B. Kaczmarek, Michael C. Granatosky, Callum F. Ross, Mark W. Westneat
Summary: This study used XROMM to investigate the kinematics of cranial bones and muscles during feeding in West African lungfish. The results revealed the unique motion patterns of cranial elements and the contribution of muscle shortening to successful suction feeding.
Review
Cell Biology
Joseph Jose Thottacherry, Jia Chen, Daniel St Johnston
Summary: Apical-basal polarity is crucial for the form and function of intestinal epithelial cells, which form a single layer in the gut and have distinct apical, lateral, and basal domains. The occluding junctions at the apical side of the lateral domains play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, protecting against gastrointestinal pathogens, and supporting immune response. While most epithelial cells establish apical-basal polarity through conserved polarity factors, recent studies suggest novel mechanisms in gut epithelium polarization. This review discusses the advances in understanding polarity factors, focusing on studies in C. elegans, Drosophila, Zebrafish, and Mouse.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Vivienne Woo, Theresa Alenghat
Summary: The complex relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and microbiota is regulated by epigenetic modifications, including modifications to DNA or histones and regulation of non-coding RNAs. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jaqueline Barbosa de Souza, Maria Carolina Accioly Brelaz-de-Castro, Isabella Macario Ferro Cavalcanti
Summary: This review examines the current research on the microorganisms present in the gut microbiota that can influence the development of CRC, as well as possible treatment options to prevent the initiation and spread of the disease. Despite promising alternatives, further improvement and development are needed for new therapeutic approaches targeting the microorganisms that cause CRC.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenting Lin, Kan Li, Yingjun Qin, Xing Han, Xiaohui Chen, Yuan Ren
Summary: In this study, zebrafish were exposed to the benzodiazepine drug flunitrazepam (FLZ) for 30 days, and the results showed that FLZ disrupted the balance of gut microbiota, leading to pathological damage to the intestine and increased intestinal permeability. FLZ also interfered with nucleotide metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis in the brain, causing pathological changes. This study elucidated the molecular mechanisms of FLZ on the microbiota-gut-brain axis and provided a theoretical basis for the ecological environmental risk assessment of psychoactive substances.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Adam J. Berlinberg, Ana Brar, Andrew Stahly, Mark E. Gerich, Blair P. Fennimore, Frank Scott, Kristine A. Kuhn
Summary: This study compares two methods of intestinal tissue collection for evaluating metabolites and microbiomes, finding that using a brush to sample the microbiome provides valuable data. However, for metabolomics assessment, biopsy samples may still be required.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Dong-Mei Jiang, Ze-Long Wang, Jia-Di Yang, Xin Wang, Chun-Yang Niu, Cheng-Weng Ji, Wei-Kang Ling, Xiao-Guang An, Yong-Ni Guo, Qian Sun, Lin Bai, De-Bing Li, Xiao-Hui Si, Bo Kang
Summary: The study investigates the effects of spermidine on intestinal morphology, metabolites, and microbial diversity in mice. It is found that spermidine at different concentrations promotes the growth of villi in the ileum and jejunum, influences the balance of intestinal flora, and affects the levels of microbial metabolites. This study provides new insights into the effects of spermidine on the intestinal tract.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jie Peng, Yimei Tang, Yanhua Huang
Summary: The composition of the pig intestinal flora and the characteristics of intestinal mucosal immunity are closely related, with imbalances potentially leading to compromised health. Understanding the interaction between intestinal microorganisms and the mucosal immune system is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yuen K. Ip, Shit F. Chew
Summary: Giant clams can grow to large sizes by maintaining a mutualistic relationship with symbiotic dinoflagellates and receiving photosynthate from them in oligotrophic waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific. The phototrophic dinoflagellates live inside the clam host in a tubular system located mainly in the colorful outer mantle. The host absorbs exogenous inorganic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus to supply to the symbionts, with uptake rates increasing during illumination due to light-responsive mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(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.