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Kröner L, Lötters S, Hopp MT. Insights into caudate amphibian skin secretions with a focus on the chemistry and bioactivity of derived peptides. Biol Chem 2024; 0:hsz-2024-0035. [PMID: 38766708 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2024-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Amphibians are well-known for their ability to produce and secrete a mixture of bioactive substances in specialized skin glands for the purpose of antibiotic self-protection and defense against predators. Some of these secretions contain various small molecules, such as the highly toxic batrachotoxin, tetrodotoxin, and samandarine. For some time, the presence of peptides in amphibian skin secretions has attracted researchers, consisting of a diverse collection of - to the current state of knowledge - three to 104 amino acid long sequences. From these more than 2000 peptides many are known to exert antimicrobial effects. In addition, there are some reports on amphibian skin peptides that can promote wound healing, regulate immunoreactions, and may serve as antiparasitic and antioxidative substances. So far, the focus has mainly been on skin peptides from frogs and toads (Anura), eclipsing the research on skin peptides of the ca. 700 salamanders and newts (Caudata). Just recently, several novel observations dealing with caudate peptides and their structure-function relationships were reported. This review focuses on the chemistry and bioactivity of caudate amphibian skin peptides and their potential as novel agents for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Kröner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Stefan Lötters
- Department of Biogeography, University of Trier, D-54286 Trier, Germany
| | - Marie-T Hopp
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
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2
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Barbosa GG, Silva TL, de Oliveira APS, de Albuquerque Lima T, da Silva PM, de Santana CJC, Vieira JRC, de Sousa DR, Souza FAL, Pereira R, Zingali RB, Costa RMPB, Paiva PMG, Rodrigues GG, Castro MS, Napoleão TH. Cutaneous glands of the striped toad, Rhinella crucifer (Wied-Neuwied, 1821) (Amphibia: Bufonidae): Histological study and bioactivities of glandular secretions. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 273:110983. [PMID: 38688407 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2024.110983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the morphology of Rhinella crucifer cutaneous glands, as well as the protein/peptide profiles and bioactivities of body gland secretions (BGS) and parotoid macrogland secretions (PS). The parotoid as well as dorsal and ventral skin fragments of male and female individuals were processed for histological analysis. The protein and peptide profiles of male and female gland secretions were evaluated. Male secretions were also assessed for proteolytic, trypsin inhibiting, hemagglutinating, hemolytic, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant activities. The R. crucifer skin structure presented protuberances that are clearly visible and formed by the integument, which has cutaneous glands throughout the body. An average of 438 and 333 glands were identified in males in females, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of glands across the body as well as for area and perimeter of glands. Differences were observed in protein composition between the PS and BGS from males and females, and secretions from animals collected from undisturbed and anthropogenically disturbed areas. Proteins with similarities to catalase and elongation factor 1-alpha were detected in the PS. Zymography revealed proteolytic activity in both male BGS and PS. Male BGS showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli and anticoagulant activity, being able to prolong prothrombin time by 6.34-fold and activated partial thromboplastin time by 2.17-fold. Finally, male PS and BGS caused a maximum hemolysis degree of 1.4%. The data showed that the cutaneous secretions of R. crucifer are potentially promising for biotechnological prospecting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géssica Gomes Barbosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Tulíbia Laurindo Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Thâmarah de Albuquerque Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Pollyanna Michelle da Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Carlos José Correia de Santana
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | | | - Dyeime Ribeiro de Sousa
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Francisco Assis Leite Souza
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rafael Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Russolina Benedeta Zingali
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Patrícia Maria Guedes Paiva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana S Castro
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Thiago Henrique Napoleão
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Wu HT, Van Orman BL, Julian RR. Localizing Isomerized Residue Sites in Peptides with Tandem Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:705-713. [PMID: 38440975 PMCID: PMC10995990 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Isomerized amino acid residues have been identified in many peptides extracted from tissues or excretions of humans and animals. These isomerized residues can play key roles by affecting biological activity or by exerting an influence on the process of aging. Isomerization occurs spontaneously and does not result in a mass shift. Thus, identifying and localizing isomerized residues in biological samples is challenging. Herein, we introduce a fast and efficient method using tandem mass spectrometry (MS) to locate isomerized residues in peptides. Although MS2 spectra are useful for identifying peptides that contain an isomerized residue, they cannot reliably localize isomerization sites. We show that this limitation can be overcome by utilizing MS3 experiments to further evaluate each fragment ion from the MS2 stage. Comparison at the MS3 level, utilizing statistical analyses, reveals which MS2 fragments differ between samples and, therefore, must contain the isomerized sites. The approach is similar to previous work relying on ion mobility to discriminate MS2 product ions by collision cross-section. The MS3 approach can be implemented using either ion-trap or beam-type collisional activation and is compatible with the quantification of isomer mixtures when coupled to a calibration curve. The method can also be implemented in combination with liquid chromatography in a targeted approach. Enabling the identification and localization of isomerized residues in peptides with an MS-only methodology will expand accessibility to this important information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Ting Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Brielle L. Van Orman
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Ryan R. Julian
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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Carrillo JFC, Boaretto AG, Santana DJ, Silva DB. Skin secretions of Leptodactylidae (Anura) and their potential applications. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230042. [PMID: 38374940 PMCID: PMC10876013 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin of anuran species is a protective barrier against predators and pathogens, showing also chemical defense by substances that represent a potential source for bioactive substances. This review describes the current chemical and biological knowledge from the skin secretions of Leptodactylidae species, one of the most diverse neotropical frog families. These skin secretions reveal a variety of substances such as amines (12), neuropeptides (16), and antimicrobial peptides (72). The amines include histamine and its methylated derivatives, tryptamine derivatives and quaternary amines. The peptides of Leptodactylidae species show molecular weight up to 3364 Da and ocellatins are the most reported. The peptides exhibit commonly glycine (G) or glycine-valine (GV) as C-terminal amino acids, and the most common N-terminal amino acids are glutamic acid (E), lysine (K), and valine (V). The substances from Leptodactylidae species have been evaluated against pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the most active peptides showed MIC of 1-15 µM. Furthermore, some compounds showed also pharmacological properties such as immunomodulation, treatment of degenerative diseases, anticancer, and antioxidant. Currently, only 9% of the species in this family have been properly studied, highlighting a large number of unstudied species such as an entire subfamily (Paratelmatobiinae). The ecological context, functions, and evolution of peptides and amines in this family are poorly understood and represent a large field for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. C. Carrillo
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Systematics and Biogeography of Amphibians and
Reptiles (Mapinguari), Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso
do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Mass Spectrometry (LaPNEM),
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition (FACFAN), Federal University
of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Galdi Boaretto
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Mass Spectrometry (LaPNEM),
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition (FACFAN), Federal University
of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Diego J. Santana
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Systematics and Biogeography of Amphibians and
Reptiles (Mapinguari), Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso
do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Denise Brentan Silva
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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Cavalcanti BC, Soares BM, Barreto FS, Magalhães HIF, Ferreira JRDO, Almeida ATAD, Araújo Beserra Filho JI, Silva J, Dos Santos HS, Marinho ES, Furtado CLM, Moraes Filho MOD, Pessoa C, Ferreira PMP. Hellebrigenin triggers death of promyelocytic leukemia cells by non-genotoxic ways. Toxicon 2024; 238:107591. [PMID: 38160738 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Bufadienolides are digitalis-like aglycones mainly found in skin secretions of toads. Among their biological properties, the mechanisms of antiproliferative action on tumor cells remain unclear for many compounds, including against leukemia cells. Herein, it was evaluated the mechanisms involved in the antiproliferative and genotoxic actions of hellebrigenin on tumor cell lines and in silico capacity to inhibit the human topoisomerase IIa enzyme. Firstly, its cytotoxic action was investigated by colorimetric assays in human tumor and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Next, biochemical and morphological studies were detailed by light microscopy (trypan blue dye exclusion), immunocytochemistry (BrdU uptake), flow cytometry and DNA/chromosomal damages (Cometa and aberrations). Finally, computational modelling was used to search for topoisomerase inhibition. Hellebrigenin reduced proliferation, BrdU incorporation, viability, and membrane integrity of HL-60 leukemia cells. Additionally, it increased G2/M arrest, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial depolarization, and phosphatidylserine externalization in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast to doxorubicin, hellebrigenin did not cause DNA strand breaks in HL-60 cell line and lymphocytes, and it interacts with ATPase domain residues of human topoisomerase IIa, generating a complex of hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds. So, hellebrigenin presented potent anti-leukemic activity at concentrations as low as 0.06 μM, a value comparable to the clinical anticancer agent doxorubicin, and caused biochemical changes suggestive of apoptosis without genotoxic/clastogenic-related action, but it probably triggers catalytic inhibition of topoisomerase II. These findings also emphasize toad steroid toxins as promising lead antineoplasic compounds with relatively low cytotoxic action on human normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Coêlho Cavalcanti
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Bruno Marques Soares
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Francisco Stefânio Barreto
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Tárcila Alves de Almeida
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancerology (LabCancer), Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - José Ivo Araújo Beserra Filho
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancerology (LabCancer), Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Jacilene Silva
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, Brazil
| | | | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Group of Theoretical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, State University of Ceará, Limoeiro do Norte, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil; Experimental Biology Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Manoel Odorico de Moraes Filho
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Pessoa
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancerology (LabCancer), Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil.
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López-Flórez C, Ruíz MAO, Gómez-Ramírez E. Effect of sublethal concentrations of glyphosate-based herbicides (Roundup Active®) on skin of the tropical frog (Dendropsophus molitor). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:109618-109626. [PMID: 37775634 PMCID: PMC10622380 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29816-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
In Colombia, glyphosate (GP) is used to control weeds, with Roundup Active® being the most widely used. This use has affected aquatic ecosystems, causing malformations in amphibians. The Savannah frog (D. molitor) is a tropical frog inhabiting the mountain of Colombia. In the present study, we determined the effect of sublethal concentrations of GP (Roundup Active®) on the skin of D. molitor. Twenty-four tadpoles were exposed to concentrations of GP (T1: 0, T2: 1.4, T3: 3.6, and T4: 5.6 a.e mg/L) during 31 days. In 10 individuals per treatment, two skin regions were evaluated: dorsal cranial and caudal ventral to determine histopathological alterations. Morphometric analysis of the layers of the skin was performed: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis-muscular. T1 did not present histopathological alterations. Since T2 was identified, glandular cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy increased melanophores and melanin accumulations in the highest concentrations of GP. The ultrastructure revealed an increase in excretory glands in the dermis. In the other layers, an increase of melanophores and melanocyte clusters was observed accompanied by vacuolization of basal cells. The morphometry showed an increase in the thickness of the dermis in the dorso-cranial region in T2 compared to the other treatments, while the ventral caudal region exhibited a variation in the thickness of the dermis from T2 and a decrease in T4. Despite evaluating sublethal concentrations, the skin of D. molitor tadpoles presents histopathological, ultrastructural, and morphometric alterations that could affect the survival of the species in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina López-Flórez
- Faculty of Applied Basic Sciences, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá, Km 3, Cajica, Colombia.
| | - Monica Andrea Ortíz Ruíz
- Faculty of Applied Basic Sciences, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá, Km 3, Cajica, Colombia
| | - Edwin Gómez-Ramírez
- Faculty of Applied Basic Sciences, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá, Km 3, Cajica, Colombia
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Mancuso M, Zaman S, Maddock ST, Kamei RG, Salazar-Valenzuela D, Wilkinson M, Roelants K, Fry BG. Resistance Is Not Futile: Widespread Convergent Evolution of Resistance to Alpha-Neurotoxic Snake Venoms in Caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11353. [PMID: 37511112 PMCID: PMC10379402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Predatory innovations impose reciprocal selection pressures upon prey. The evolution of snake venom alpha-neurotoxins has triggered the corresponding evolution of resistance in the post-synaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of prey in a complex chemical arms race. All other things being equal, animals like caecilians (an Order of legless amphibians) are quite vulnerable to predation by fossorial elapid snakes and their powerful alpha-neurotoxic venoms; thus, they are under strong selective pressure. Here, we sequenced the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha-1 subunit of 37 caecilian species, representing all currently known families of caecilians from across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, including species endemic to the Seychelles. Three types of resistance were identified: (1) steric hindrance from N-glycosylated asparagines; (2) secondary structural changes due to the replacement of proline by another amino acid; and (3) electrostatic charge repulsion of the positively charged neurotoxins, through the introduction of a positively charged amino acid into the toxin-binding site. We demonstrated that resistance to alpha-neurotoxins convergently evolved at least fifteen times across the caecilian tree (three times in Africa, seven times in the Americas, and five times in Asia). Additionally, as several species were shown to possess multiple resistance modifications acting synergistically, caecilians must have undergone at least 20 separate events involving the origin of toxin resistance. On the other hand, resistance in non-caecilian amphibians was found to be limited to five origins. Together, the mutations underlying resistance in caecilians constitute a robust signature of positive selection which strongly correlates with elapid presence through both space (sympatry with caecilian-eating elapids) and time (Cenozoic radiation of elapids). Our study demonstrates the extent of convergent evolution that can be expected when a single widespread predatory adaptation triggers parallel evolutionary arms races at a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mancuso
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Shabnam Zaman
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simon T Maddock
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, University of Seychelles, Mahé P.O. Box 1348, Seychelles
| | - Rachunliu G Kamei
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
- Amphibians and Reptiles Division, The Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - David Salazar-Valenzuela
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb) e Ingeniería en Biodiversidad y Recursos Genéticos, Facultad de Ciencias de Medio Ambiente, Universidad Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito EC170301, Ecuador
| | - Mark Wilkinson
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Kim Roelants
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolutionary Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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Carullo N, Fabiano G, D'Agostino M, Zicarelli MT, Musolino M, Presta P, Michael A, Andreucci M, Bolignano D, Coppolino G. New Insights on the Role of Marinobufagenin from Bench to Bedside in Cardiovascular and Kidney Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11186. [PMID: 37446363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Marinobufagenin (MBG) is a member of the bufadienolide family of compounds, which are natural cardiac glycosides found in a variety of animal species, including man, which have different physiological and biochemical functions but have a common action on the inhibition of the adenosine triphosphatase sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase). MBG acts as an endogenous cardiotonic steroid, and in the last decade, its role as a pathogenic factor in various human diseases has emerged. In this paper, we have collated major evidence regarding the biological characteristics and functions of MBG and its implications in human pathology. This review focused on MBG involvement in chronic kidney disease, including end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular diseases, sex and gender medicine, and its actions on the nervous and immune systems. The role of MBG in pathogenesis and the development of a wide range of pathological conditions indicate that this endogenous peptide could be used in the future as a diagnostic biomarker and/or therapeutic target, opening important avenues of scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazareno Carullo
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fabiano
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mario D'Agostino
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Michela Musolino
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierangela Presta
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ashour Michael
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michele Andreucci
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Davide Bolignano
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppolino
- Renal Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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9
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Kowalski K, Marciniak P, Rychlik L. Proteins from toad's parotoid macroglands: do they play a role in gland functioning and chemical defence? Front Zool 2023; 20:21. [PMID: 37328749 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-023-00499-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parotoid gland secretion of bufonid toads is a rich source of toxic molecules that are used against predators, parasites and pathogens. Bufadienolides and biogenic amines are the principal compounds responsible for toxicity of parotoid secretion. Many toxicological and pharmacological analyses of parotoid secretions have been performed, but little is known about the processes related to poison production and secretion. Therefore, our aim was to investigate protein content in parotoids of the common toad, Bufo bufo, to understand the processes that regulate synthesis and excretion of toxins as well as functioning of parotoid macroglands. RESULTS Applying a proteomic approach we identified 162 proteins in the extract from toad's parotoids that were classified into 11 categories of biological functions. One-third (34.6%) of the identified molecules, including acyl-CoA-binding protein, actin, catalase, calmodulin, and enolases, were involved in cell metabolism. We found many proteins related to cell division and cell cycle regulation (12.0%; e.g. histone and tubulin), cell structure maintenance (8.4%; e.g. thymosin beta-4, tubulin), intra- and extracellular transport (8.4%), cell aging and apoptosis (7.3%; e.g. catalase and pyruvate kinase) as well as immune (7.0%; e.g. interleukin-24 and UV excision repair protein) and stress (6.3%; including heat shock proteins, peroxiredoxin-6 and superoxide dismutase) response. We also identified two proteins, phosphomevalonate kinase and isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase 1, that are involved in synthesis of cholesterol which is a precursor for bufadienolides biosynthesis. STRING protein-protein interaction network predicted for identified proteins showed that most proteins are related to metabolic processes, particularly glycolysis, stress response and DNA repair and replication. The results of GO enrichment and KEGG analyses are also consistent with these findings. CONCLUSION This finding indicates that cholesterol may be synthesized in parotoids, and not only in the liver from which is then transferred through the bloodstream to the parotoid macroglands. Presence of proteins that regulate cell cycle, cell division, aging and apoptosis may indicate a high epithelial cell turnover in parotoids. Proteins protecting skin cells from DNA damage may help to minimize the harmful effects of UV radiation. Thus, our work extends our knowledge with new and important functions of parotoids, major glands involved in the bufonid chemical defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Leszek Rychlik
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
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Üveges B, Kalina C, Szabó K, Móricz ÁM, Holly D, Gabor CR, Hettyey A, Bókony V. Does the Glucocorticoid Stress Response Make Toads More Toxic? An Experimental Study on the Regulation of Bufadienolide Toxin Synthesis. Integr Org Biol 2023; 5:obad021. [PMID: 37435008 PMCID: PMC10331804 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical defense is a crucial component of fitness in many organisms, yet the physiological regulation of defensive toxin synthesis is poorly understood, especially in vertebrates. Bufadienolides, the main defensive compounds of toads, are toxic to many predators and other natural enemies, and their synthesis can be upregulated by stressors, including predation risk, high conspecific density, and pollutants. Thus, higher toxin content may be the consequence of a general endocrine stress response in toads. Therefore, we hypothesized that bufadienolide synthesis may be stimulated by elevated levels of corticosterone (CORT), the main glucocorticoid hormone of amphibians, or by upstream regulators that stimulate CORT production. To test these alternatives, we treated common toad tadpoles with exogenous CORT (exoCORT) or metyrapone (MTP, a CORT-synthesis inhibitor that stimulates upstream regulators of CORT by negative feedback) in the presence or absence of predation cues for 2 or 6 days, and subsequently measured their CORT release rates and bufadienolide content. We found that CORT release rates were elevated by exoCORT, and to a lesser extent also by MTP, regardless of treatment length. Bufadienolide content was significantly decreased by treatment with exoCORT for 6 days but was unaffected by exposure to exoCORT for 2 days or to MTP for either 6 or 2 days. The presence or absence of predation cues affected neither CORT release rate nor bufadienolide content. Our results suggest that changes in bufadienolide synthesis in response to environmental challenges are not driven by CORT but may rather be regulated by upstream hormones of the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Kalina
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - K Szabó
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Móricz Zsigmond út 22, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Á M Móricz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - D Holly
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - C R Gabor
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - A Hettyey
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - V Bókony
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Paolino G, Di Nicola MR, Avella I, Mercuri SR. Venomous Bites, Stings and Poisoning by European Vertebrates as an Overlooked and Emerging Medical Problem: Recognition, Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Management. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1228. [PMID: 37374011 DOI: 10.3390/life13061228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Europe presents a high number of venomous and poisonous animals able to elicit medically relevant symptoms in humans. However, since most of the accidents involving venomous or poisonous animals in Europe are unreported, their incidence and morbidity are severely overlooked. Here we provide an overview of the European vertebrate species of greatest toxicological interest, the clinical manifestations their toxins can cause, and their treatment. We report the clinical symptoms induced by envenomations and poisoning caused by reptiles, fishes, amphibians and mammals in Europe, ranging from mild, local symptoms (e.g., erythema, edema) to systemic and potentially deadly. The present work constitutes a tool for physicians to recognize envenomation/poisoning symptoms caused by the most medically relevant European vertebrates and to decide which approach is the most appropriate to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Paolino
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Dermatology, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Asociación Herpetológica Española, Apartado de Correos 191, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Ignazio Avella
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Santo Raffaele Mercuri
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
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12
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Ajduković M, Ukropina M, Cvijanović M, Vučić T, Ivanović A. Histological changes of the skin during postembryonic development of the crested newt Triturus ivanbureschi (Urodela, Salamandridae). Ann Anat 2023; 249:152097. [PMID: 37011824 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amphibian skin has been studied for many decades, especially the metamorphic changes in the skin of frogs. Less attention has been paid to salamander skin. Here, we describe changes in the skin structure during postembryonic development in a salamandrid species, the Balkan crested newt Triturus ivanbureschi. METHOD Using traditional histological techniques we examined the skin in the trunk region of three premetamorphic larval stages (hatchling, mid larval and late larval) and two postmetamorphic stages (juvenile, just after metamorphosis, and adult). RESULTS In larval stages, skin consists only of the epidermis, which gradually develops from the single epithelial cell layer in hatchlings, to a stratified epidermis with gland nests and characteristic Leydig cells at the late larval stage. During metamorphosis, Leydig cells disappear, and the dermal layer develops. In postmetamorphic stages, skin is differentiated on stratified epidermis and the dermis with well-developed glands. Three types of glands were observed in the skin of the postmetamorphic stages: mucous, granular and mixed. Gland composition appears to be stage- and sex-specific, with juveniles and adult female being more similar to each other. In juveniles and adult female, there are a similar proportion of glands in both dorsal and ventral skin, whereas in adult male granular glands dominated the dorsal skin, while mixed glands dominated the ventral skin. CONCLUSION Our results provide a baseline for future comparative research of skin anatomy in salamanders.
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13
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Woodhams DC, McCartney J, Walke JB, Whetstone R. The adaptive microbiome hypothesis and immune interactions in amphibian mucus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 145:104690. [PMID: 37001710 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The microbiome is known to provide benefits to hosts, including extension of immune function. Amphibians are a powerful immunological model for examining mucosal defenses because of an accessible epithelial mucosome throughout their developmental trajectory, their responsiveness to experimental treatments, and direct interactions with emerging infectious pathogens. We review amphibian skin mucus components and describe the adaptive microbiome as a novel process of disease resilience where competitive microbial interactions couple with host immune responses to select for functions beneficial to the host. We demonstrate microbiome diversity, specificity of function, and mechanisms for memory characteristic of an adaptive immune response. At a time when industrialization has been linked to losses in microbiota important for host health, applications of microbial therapies such as probiotics may contribute to immunotherapeutics and to conservation efforts for species currently threatened by emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C Woodhams
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
| | - Julia McCartney
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Jenifer B Walke
- Department of Biology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, 99004-2440, USA
| | - Ross Whetstone
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
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Oliveira CBDS, Barros EDS, de Oliveira SR, Barbosa Júnior F, Vieira Júnior GM, Lopes Júnior CA. Preliminary ionome of the parotoid gland secretion from Rhinella jimi toad. Toxicon 2023; 225:107059. [PMID: 36822515 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The cururu toad (Rhinella jimi) is an anuran belonging to the fauna of the Brazilian northeast region, which releases a secretion with toxins from your parotoid glands. Although it has some information about secondary metabolites and proteins, the elemental composition of the released secretion is unknown. Therefore, this is the first report on the ionome of the secretion of the parotoid glands from R. jimi, investigating the influences of abiotic factors such as biome, seasonality, and gender. ICP-MS was used for measurements combined with principal component analysis (PCA). A screening of the secretion sample detected 68 elements which the total concentration of 18 elements was determined. PCA revealed that biome and seasonality factors have a greater influence on the ionomic profile of parotoid secretion. The presence of toxic metals in the secretion samples indicates that the R. jimi toad can be considered a potential bioindicator. These findings may contribute to understanding the metabolism, lifestyle, and interaction of the R. jimi toad with environmental factors as well as open new perspectives to investigate the relationships of the ionome with other biomolecules, for example, metalloproteins and their physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elcio Daniel Sousa Barros
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí - UFPI, CEP: 64049-550, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Silvana Ruella de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo - USP, Avenida do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, CEP: 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa Júnior
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo - USP, Avenida do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, CEP: 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cícero Alves Lopes Júnior
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí - UFPI, CEP: 64049-550, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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15
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Su R, Zhang S, Zhang X, Wang S, Zhang W. Neglected skin-associated microbial communities: a unique immune defense strategy of Bufo raddei under environmental heavy metal pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:22330-22342. [PMID: 36284045 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23803-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Amphibians defend against pathogens using skin microbial communities, in addition to innate and adaptive immunity. Despite skin microbial communities play a key role in the immune function of amphibians, few studies have focused on the changes in its composition and function. In the present study, we identified the variation in adaptive immunity, as well as the corresponding changes in skin microbiome of Bufo raddei living in a heavy metal polluted area. The adaptive immunity of B. raddei in heavy metal polluted area was significantly lower than that in relatively unpolluted area. Further, different skin bacterial communities were found in the two areas. In the heavy metal polluted area, Actinobacteria and Microbacterium were the dominant bacteria in the skin microbiome of B. raddei, which showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Besides, the antibiotic synthesis was also increased in metabolic pathways. The present study suggested that the adaptive immunity of B. raddei was weakened under long-term heavy metal stress. However, the toads increased the abundance of bacteriostatic bacteria by regulating the composition of skin microbiome, which released a large number of bacteriostatic metabolites and enhanced the host resistance to external pathogens in turn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Su
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wenya Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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16
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The Complex Bridge between Aquatic and Terrestrial Life: Skin Changes during Development of Amphibians. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11010006. [PMID: 36810458 PMCID: PMC9944868 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibian skin is a particularly complex organ that is primarily responsible for respiration, osmoregulation, thermoregulation, defense, water absorption, and communication. The skin, as well as many other organs in the amphibian body, has undergone the most extensive rearrangement in the adaptation from water to land. Structural and physiological features of skin in amphibians are presented within this review. We aim to procure extensive and updated information on the evolutionary history of amphibians and their transition from water to land-that is, the changes seen in their skin from the larval stages to adulthood from the points of morphology, physiology, and immunology.
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17
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Medina L, Guzmán F, Álvarez C, Delgado JP, Carbonell-M B. Ramosin: The First Antibacterial Peptide Identified on Bolitoglossa ramosi Colombian Salamander. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122579. [PMID: 36559073 PMCID: PMC9782819 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and improvements of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become an alternative to conventional antibiotics. They are usually small and heat-stable peptides, exhibiting inhibitory activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In this way, studies on broad-spectrum AMPs found in amphibians with the remarkable capability to regenerate a wide array of tissues are of particular interest in the search for new strategies to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. In this work, the use of bioinformatic approaches such as sequence alignment with Fasta36 and prediction of antimicrobial activity allowed the identification of the Ramosin peptide from the de novo assembled transcriptome of the plethodontid salamander Bolitoglossa ramosi obtained from post-amputation of the upper limb tissue, heart, and intestine samples. BLAST analysis revealed that the Ramosin peptide sequence is unique in Bolitoglossa ramosi. The peptide was chemically synthesized, and physicochemical properties were characterized. Furthermore, the in vitro antimicrobial activity against relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative human pathogenic bacteria was demonstrated. Finally, no effect against eukaryotic cells or human red blood cells was evidenced. This is the first antibacterial peptide identified from a Colombian endemic salamander with interesting antimicrobial properties and no hemolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Medina
- Grupo Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
- Correspondence:
| | - Fanny Guzmán
- Núcleo de Biotecnología Curauma (NBC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Claudio Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina (FIGEMA), Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
| | - Jean Paul Delgado
- Grupo Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Belfran Carbonell-M
- Grupo Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
- Departamento de Estudios Básicos Integrados, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
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18
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O'Donohoe MA, Rosset SD, Regueira E, Haddad CF, Basso NG, Hermida GN. Comparative skin histology of neotropical odontophrynid frogs. ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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19
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Nogueira TAC, Kaefer IL, Sartim MA, Pucca MB, Sachett J, Barros AL, Júnior MBA, Baía-da-Silva DC, Bernarde PS, Koolen HHF, Monteiro WM. The Amazonian kambô frog Phyllomedusa bicolor (Amphibia: Phyllomedusidae): Current knowledge on biology, phylogeography, toxinology, ethnopharmacology and medical aspects. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:997318. [PMID: 36278168 PMCID: PMC9582840 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.997318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phyllomedusa bicolor (Phyllomedusidae), popularly known as the kambô in Brazil, is a tree frog that is widely distributed in South American countries and is known for producing a skin secretion that is rich in bioactive peptides, which are often used in indigenous rituals. The biological effects of the skin secretion were observed in the first studies with indigenous communities. Over the last six decades, researchers have been studying the chemical composition in detail, as well as the potential pharmacological applications of its constituents. For this reason, indigenous communities and health agents fear the misuse of the kambô, or the inappropriate use of the species, which can result in health complications or even death of users. This article seeks to provide a transdisciplinary review that integrates knowledge regarding the biology of P. bicolor, ethnoknowledge about the ritual of the kambô, and the chemistry and pharmacology of the skin secretion of this species, in addition to medical aspects of the indiscriminate use of the kambô. Furthermore, this review seeks to shed light on perspectives on the future of research related to the kambô.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais A. C. Nogueira
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisas em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Igor Luis Kaefer
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Igor Luis Kaefer, ; Wuelton M. Monteiro,
| | - Marco A. Sartim
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisas em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação, Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Curso de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisas em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - André L. Barros
- Grupo de Pesquisas em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Moysés B. A. Júnior
- Grupo de Pesquisas em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Djane C. Baía-da-Silva
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisas em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Paulo S. Bernarde
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Campus Floresta, Universidade Federal do Acre, Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil
| | - Hector H. F. Koolen
- Grupo de Pesquisas em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M. Monteiro
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisas em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Igor Luis Kaefer, ; Wuelton M. Monteiro,
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20
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Chemistry and the Potential Antiviral, Anticancer, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cardiotonic Steroids Derived from Toads. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196586. [PMID: 36235123 PMCID: PMC9571018 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) were first documented by ancient Egyptians more than 3000 years ago. Cardiotonic steroids are a group of steroid hormones that circulate in the blood of amphibians and toads and can also be extracted from natural products such as plants, herbs, and marines. It is well known that cardiotonic steroids reveal effects against congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation; therefore, the term "cardiotonic" has been coined. Cardiotonic steroids are divided into two distinct groups: cardenolides (plant-derived) and bufadienolides (mainly of animal origin). Cardenolides have an unsaturated five-membered lactone ring attached to the steroid nucleus at position 17; bufadienolides have a doubly unsaturated six-membered lactone ring. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in humans all over the world. In 2040, the global cancer load is expected to be 28.4 million cases, which would be a 47% increase from 2020. Moreover, viruses and inflammations also have a very nebative impact on human health and lead to mortality. In the current review, we focus on the chemistry, antiviral and anti-cancer activities of cardiotonic steroids from the naturally derived (toads) venom to combat these chronic devastating health problems. The databases of different research engines (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Sci-Finder) were screened using different combinations of the following terms: “cardiotonic steroids”, “anti-inflammatory”, “antiviral”, “anticancer”, “toad venom”, “bufadienolides”, and “poison chemical composition”. Various cardiotonic steroids were isolated from diverse toad species and exhibited superior anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities in in vivo and in vitro models such as marinobufagenin, gammabufotalin, resibufogenin, and bufalin. These steroids are especially difficult to identify. However, several compounds and their bioactivities were identified by using different molecular and biotechnological techniques. Biotechnology is a new tool to fully or partially generate upscaled quantities of natural products, which are otherwise only available at trace amounts in organisms.
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21
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Histological Study of Glandular Variability in the Skin of the Natterjack Toad—Epidalea calamita (Laurenti, 1768)—Used in Spanish Historical Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Ethnomedicine. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080423. [PMID: 36006338 PMCID: PMC9414601 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Common toads, including the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita), have been used since ancient times for remedies, and thus constitute excellent biological material for pharmacological and natural product research. After a previous analysis of the historical-folk therapeutic use of amphibians in Spain, a histological study was carried out to provide a complementary ethnopharmacological view through the analysis of the integumentary heterogeneity of the serous (venom) and mucous glands from two adult specimens. Plastic-embedded semi-thin sections showed that serous/venom glands are cytologically homogeneous in spite of their genetic and biochemical complexity, leading to a cocktail that remains stored until extrusion. On the contrary, mucous glands, working continuously, show a more complex cytological variation and regional heterogeneity, which suggests an adaptive variability, leading to an invisible topographic map of skin toxicity. Natterjack toad-based folk remedies are usually extracted from the whole animal as a therapeutic unit in ethnoveterinary practice. However, a new ethnopharmacological vision could emerge from the study of tegumentary regional variation. Abstract Common toads have been used since ancient times for remedies and thus constitute excellent biological material for pharmacological and natural product research. According to the results of a previous analysis of the therapeutic use of amphibians in Spain, we decided to carry out a histological study that provides a complementary view of their ethnopharmacology, through the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita). This species possesses a characteristic integument, where the parotoid glands stand out, and it has been used in different ethnoveterinary and ethnomedical practices. This histological study of their glandular variability allow us to understand the stages through which the animal synthesises and stores a heterogeneous glandular content according to the areas of the body and the functional moment of the glands. To study tegumentary cytology, a high-resolution, plastic embedding, semi-thin (1 micron) section method was applied. Up to 20 skin patches sampled from the dorsal and ventral sides were processed from the two adult specimens collected, which were roadkill. Serous/venom glands display a genetic and biochemical complexity, leading to a cocktail that remains stored (and perhaps changes over time) until extrusion, but mucous glands, working continuously to produce a surface protection layer, also produce a set of active protein (and other) substances that dissolve into mucous material, making a biologically active covering. This study provides a better understanding of the use of traditional remedies in ethnoveterinary medicine.
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Liu Y, Huang M, Wang Y, Duan R, Guo J, Cao X, Xu X. Short-term continuous and pulse Pb exposure causes negative effects on skin histomorphological structure and bacterial composition of adult Pelophylax nigromaculatus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:56592-56605. [PMID: 35338466 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19743-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal often present in the environment as a pulse in water. Traditional toxicity tests are usually carried out under conditions of continuous concentration, without considering the impact of pulse exposure on aquatic organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of short-term continuous and pulse Pb exposures on the skin bacteria and histomorphological structure of Pelophylax nigromaculatus. Results showed that compared to the control (CON) and Pb continuous exposure group (CEPb), the Pb pulse exposure group (PEPb) showed the smallest size of granular glands, which would interfere with the permeability and secretory function of skin, making the individual more sensitive to external pollution. Lead exposure significantly changed the composition and diversity of skin bacteria. Compared to the CON and CEPb groups, the PEPb group showed a significant increase in the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., Bacteroidetes and Chryseobacterium) and a decrease in the abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas). PICRUSt software showed that there were differences in the metabolic pathway of skin bacteria among the three groups (CON, CEPb, and PEPb). Overall, this study indicates that Pb pulse exposure can aggravate the toxicity of Pb for frog skin, providing a new framework for simulating short-term heavy metal exposure in the context of frog health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, Hunan, China
| | - Minyi Huang
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, Hunan, China.
| | - Yujiao Wang
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, Hunan, China
| | - Renyan Duan
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Guo
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohong Cao
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, Hunan, China
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Jeckel AM, Bolton SK, Waters KR, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Matsumura K, Nishikawa K, Morimoto Y, Grant T, Saporito RA. Dose-dependent alkaloid sequestration and N-methylation of decahydroquinoline in poison frogs. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:537-546. [PMID: 35201668 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sequestration of chemical defenses from dietary sources is dependent on the availability of compounds in the environment and the mechanism of sequestration. Previous experiments have shown that sequestration efficiency varies among alkaloids in poison frogs, but little is known about the underlying mechanism. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent to which alkaloid sequestration and modification are dependent on alkaloid availability and/or sequestration mechanism. To do this, we administered different doses of histrionicotoxin (HTX) 235A and decahydroquinoline (DHQ) to captive-bred Adelphobates galactonotus and measured alkaloid quantity in muscle, kidney, liver, and feces. HTX 235A and DHQ were detected in all organs, whereas only DHQ was present in trace amounts in feces. For both liver and skin, the quantity of alkaloid accumulated increased at higher doses for both alkaloids. Accumulation efficiency in the skin increased at higher doses for HTX 235A but remained constant for DHQ. In contrast, the efficiency of HTX 235A accumulation in the liver was inversely related to dose and a similar, albeit statistically nonsignificant, pattern was observed for DHQ. We identified and quantified the N-methylation of DHQ in A. galactonotus, which represents a previously unknown example of alkaloid modification in poison frogs. Our study suggests that variation in alkaloid composition among individuals and species can result from differences in sequestration efficiency related to the type and amount of alkaloids available in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Jeckel
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sarah K Bolton
- Department of Biology, Notre Dame College, South Euclid, Ohio, USA
| | - Katherine R Waters
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, USA
| | - Marta M Antoniazzi
- Structural Biology Lab, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Jared
- Structural Biology Lab, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kunihiro Matsumura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nishikawa
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Morimoto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Taran Grant
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ralph A Saporito
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, USA
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Kásler A, Ujszegi J, Holly D, Üveges B, Móricz ÁM, Herczeg D, Hettyey A. Metamorphic common toads keep chytrid infection under control, but at a cost. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Kásler
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology Institute of Biology ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - J. Ujszegi
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology Institute of Biology ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - D. Holly
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology Institute of Biology ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - B. Üveges
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor School of Natural Sciences Bangor University Bangor UK
| | - Á. M. Móricz
- Department of Pathophysiology Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
| | - D. Herczeg
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
| | - A. Hettyey
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology Institute of Biology ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
- Department of Ecology University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest Hungary
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Sousa Barros ED, Santos Monção Filho ED, Fonseca Pio YP, Amorim MRD, Berlinck RGS, Cássia Moura RD, Fonseca MG, Dantas C, Coelho RC, Silva GRD, Chaves MH, Vieira Júnior GM. Comparative study of composition of methanolic extracts of the paratoid gland secretions (PGS) of Rhinella jimi (cururu toad) from northeastern Brazil: Gender, seasonality and geographic occurrence. Toxicon 2022; 214:37-46. [PMID: 35562061 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Toads belonging to the Bufonidae family have a pair of paratoid glands that store highly toxic a biological secretion with varied chemical composition, that act as a chemical defense against microbial infections and predators. The paratoid gland secretion (PGS) of bufonids is rich in bioactive steroids, alkaloids, proteins, bufadienolides and bufotoxins. In the present investigation we performed a systematic analysis of the chemical profile of PGS obtained from the Bufonidae toad Rhinella jimi ("Cururu" toad) collected at three different regions of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. Our aim was to investigate the PGS variation related to the season of animals collection, geographic distribution and gender of the animals. The methanolic extracts of PGS were analyzed by UPLC-QToF-MS/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to the data set obtained by the UPLC-QToF-MS/MS analyses. Among 23 compounds identified, dehydrobufotenine, suberoyl arginine, 3-(N-suberoyl-argininyl) telocinobufagin, 3-(N-suberoyl-argininyl) marinobufagin, telocinobufagin, marinobufagin and 3-(N-suberoyl-argininyl) bufalin were detected in all PGS. Minimal variations in the composition of paratoid secretions of R. jimi were observed related to distinct geographical and seasonal parameters. R. jimi female animals presented the most diverse chemical composition in its PGS. With this comparative study, unprecedented for the species, it was possible to observe that the secretions of the paratoid glands produced by R. jimi from different regions of the state of Piauí, at different times of the year, presented consistent chemical composition, with discrete particularities in the number and nature chemistry of its constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elcio Daniel Sousa Barros
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí, Cep: 64049-550, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil; Department of Teaching, Research and Extension, Federal Institute of Maranhão, Cep 65620-000, Coelho Neto, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Evaldo Dos Santos Monção Filho
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí, Cep: 64049-550, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Yara Polianna Fonseca Pio
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí, Cep: 64049-550, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Rodrigues de Amorim
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, Cep.13560-970, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto G S Berlinck
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, Cep.13560-970, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Moura
- Biology Coordination, Federal University of Piauí, Cep: 64607-670, Picos, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | - Clécio Dantas
- Laboratório de Química Computacional Inorgânica e Quimiometria - LQCINMETRIA, State University of Maranhão, Cep: 65604-380, Caxias, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Cunha Coelho
- Teacher Training Department, Federal Institute of Piauí, Cep: 64000-040, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Helena Chaves
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí, Cep: 64049-550, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Gerardo Magela Vieira Júnior
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí, Cep: 64049-550, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Antoniazzi MM, Mailho-Fontana PL, Nomura F, Azevedo HB, Pimenta DC, Sciani JM, Carvalho FR, Rossa-Feres DC, Jared C. Reproductive behaviour, cutaneous morphology, and skin secretion analysis in the anuran Dermatonotus muelleri. iScience 2022; 25:104073. [PMID: 35372815 PMCID: PMC8968045 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the common poison and mucous glands, some amphibian groups have differentiated glands associated with reproduction and usually present on the male ventral surface. Known as breeding glands or sexually dimorphic skin glands (SDSGs), they are related to intraspecific chemical communication during mating. Until recently, reproduction associated with skin glands was recognized only in salamanders and caecilians and remained unexplored among anurans. The Brazilian microhylid Dermatonotus muelleri (Muller's termite frog) is known for its very toxic skin secretion. Despite the slippery body, the male adheres to the female back during reproduction, as they have differentiated ventral glands. In this paper, we have gathered data proposing an integrative approach correlated with the species' biology and biochemical properties of their skin secretions. Furthermore, we suggest that the adhesion phenomenon is related to arm shortening and rounded body that make amplexus inefficient, although constituting important adaptive factors to life underground. Dermatonotus muelleri mating involves peculiar male adherence to the female’s back Adhesion phenomenon is possibly related to arm shortening and round-shaped body Differentiated adhesive glands are distributed in the male’s anterior ventral skin Male skin secretion contains compounds related to the adhesive properties
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fausto Nomura
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Denise Cerqueira Rossa-Feres
- Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Jared
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ziermann JM, Fratani J. Fascinating adaptations in amphibians. ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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de Sousa NA, Marani MM, Lopes ALF, Silva EM, Barbosa EA, Vasconcelos AG, Kuzniewski FTB, Lustosa SS, Gomes KP, Colugnati DB, Rocha JA, Santos LH, Benquerer MP, Quelemes P, Véras L, Moreira DC, Gadelha KKL, Magalhães PJC, Plácido A, Eaton P, Nicolau L, Medeiros JVR, Leite JRSA. BR-bombesin: a novel bombesin-related peptide from the skin secretion of the Chaco tree frog (Boana raniceps) with physiological gastric effects. Amino Acids 2022; 54:733-747. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03114-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Eye and Skin Differences between Atelognathus patagonicus Morphotypes: Two Environments, Two Strategies (Anura; Batrachylidae). J HERPETOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1670/20-081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Pearson KC, Tarvin RD. A review of chemical defense in harlequin toads (Bufonidae: Atelopus). Toxicon X 2022; 13:100092. [PMID: 35146414 PMCID: PMC8801762 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toads of the genus Atelopus are chemically defended by a unique combination of endogenously synthesized cardiotoxins (bufadienolides) and neurotoxins which may be sequestered (guanidinium alkaloids). Investigation into Atelopus small-molecule chemical defenses has been primarily concerned with identifying and characterizing various forms of these toxins while largely overlooking their ecological roles and evolutionary implications. In addition to describing the extent of knowledge about Atelopus toxin structures, pharmacology, and biological sources, we review the detection, identification, and quantification methods used in studies of Atelopus toxins to date and conclude that many known toxin profiles are unlikely to be comprehensive because of methodological and sampling limitations. Patterns in existing data suggest that both environmental (toxin availability) and genetic (capacity to synthesize or sequester toxins) factors influence toxin profiles. From an ecological and evolutionary perspective, we summarize the possible selective pressures acting on Atelopus toxicity and toxin profiles, including predation, intraspecies communication, disease, and reproductive status. Ultimately, we intend to provide a basis for future ecological, evolutionary, and biochemical research on Atelopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannon C. Pearson
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Rebecca D. Tarvin
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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31
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Brunetti AE, Bunk B, Lyra ML, Fuzo CA, Marani MM, Spröer C, Haddad CFB, Lopes NP, Overmann J. Molecular basis of a bacterial-amphibian symbiosis revealed by comparative genomics, modeling, and functional testing. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:788-800. [PMID: 34601502 PMCID: PMC8857215 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01121-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The molecular bases for the symbiosis of the amphibian skin microbiome with its host are poorly understood. Here, we used the odor-producer Pseudomonas sp. MPFS and the treefrog Boana prasina as a model to explore bacterial genome determinants and the resulting mechanisms facilitating symbiosis. Pseudomonas sp. MPFS and its closest relatives, within a new clade of the P. fluoresens Group, have large genomes and were isolated from fishes and plants, suggesting environmental plasticity. We annotated 16 biosynthetic gene clusters from the complete genome sequence of this strain, including those encoding the synthesis of compounds with known antifungal activity and of odorous methoxypyrazines that likely mediate sexual interactions in Boana prasina. Comparative genomics of Pseudomonas also revealed that Pseudomonas sp. MPFS and its closest relatives have acquired specific resistance mechanisms against host antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), specifically two extra copies of a multidrug efflux pump and the same two-component regulatory systems known to trigger adaptive resistance to AMPs in P. aeruginosa. Subsequent molecular modeling indicated that these regulatory systems interact with an AMP identified in Boana prasina through the highly acidic surfaces of the proteins comprising their sensory domains. In agreement with a symbiotic relationship and a highly selective antibacterial function, this AMP did not inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas sp. MPFS but inhibited the growth of another Pseudomonas species and Escherichia coli in laboratory tests. This study provides deeper insights into the molecular interaction of the bacteria-amphibian symbiosis and highlights the role of specific adaptive resistance toward AMPs of the hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés E. Brunetti
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil ,grid.412223.40000 0001 2179 8144Laboratorio de Genética Evolutiva, Instituto de Biología Subtropical (CONICET – UNaM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de Misiones, N3300 Posadas, Argentina
| | - Boyke Bunk
- grid.420081.f0000 0000 9247 8466Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mariana L. Lyra
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XDepartamento de Biodiversidade e Centro de Aquicultura, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 13506-900 Rio Claro, SP Brazil
| | - Carlos A. Fuzo
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Mariela M. Marani
- grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152IPEEC-CONICET, Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Cathrin Spröer
- grid.420081.f0000 0000 9247 8466Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Célio F. B. Haddad
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XDepartamento de Biodiversidade e Centro de Aquicultura, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 13506-900 Rio Claro, SP Brazil
| | - Norberto P. Lopes
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany. .,Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
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Akat E, Yenmiş M, Pombal MA, Molist P, Megías M, Arman S, Veselỳ M, Anderson R, Ayaz D. Comparison of Vertebrate Skin Structure at Class Level: A Review. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:3543-3608. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Akat
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Melodi Yenmiş
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Manuel A. Pombal
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Pilar Molist
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Manuel Megías
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Sezgi Arman
- Sakarya University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Biology Department Sakarya Turkey
| | - Milan Veselỳ
- Palacky University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology Olomouc Czechia
| | - Rodolfo Anderson
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dinçer Ayaz
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
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NEERATI P, MUNIGADAPA S. Novel Indole Derivative as the First P-glycoprotein Inhibitor from the Skin of Indian Toad <i>(Bufo melanostictus)</i>. Turk J Pharm Sci 2022; 19:63-69. [DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2021.47417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Limb length and poison glands size as predictors of anti-predatory performance in South American true toads. ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Hanifin CT, Kudo Y, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Chemical Ecology of the North American Newt Genera Taricha and Notophthalmus. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 118:101-130. [PMID: 35416518 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92030-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The North American newt genera Taricha and Notophthalmus (order Caudata) are well known for the combination of potent toxicity, aposematic coloration, and striking defense postures that protects these animals from predation. This suite of traits is centered around the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, which causes paralysis and death in metazoans by disrupting the initiation and propagation of electrical signals in the nerves and muscles. Tetrodotoxin defends newts from predation across multiple life history stages and its role in generating arms-race coevolution between Taricha newts and garter snake (genus Thamnophis) predators is well studied. However, understanding the broader picture of chemical defenses in Taricha and Notophthalmus requires an expanded comprehension of the defensive chemical ecology of tetrodotoxin that includes possible coevolutionary interactions with insect egg predators, protection against parasites, as well as mimicry complexes associated with tetrodotoxin and aposematic coloration in both genera. Herein the authors review what is known about the structure, function, and pharmacology of tetrodotoxin to explore its evolution and chemical ecology in the North American newt. Focus is made specifically on the origin and possible biosynthesis of tetrodotoxin in these taxa as well as providing an expanded picture of the web of interactions that contribute to landscape level patterns of toxicity and defense in Taricha and Notophthalmus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Hanifin
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 320 N. Aggie Blvd, Vernal, UT, 84078, USA.
| | - Yuta Kudo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8572, Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science & Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8572, Japan
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Zhang R, Gao J, Xie H, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Song J, Xiang N, Li Z. The Prepropalustrin-2CE2 and Preprobrevinin-2CE3 Gene from Rana Chensinensis: Gene Expression, Genomic Organization, and Functional Analysis of the Promoter Activity. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 29:143-155. [PMID: 34823453 DOI: 10.2174/0929866528666211125105627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palustrin-2CE2 and brevinin-2CE3 are antimicrobial peptides from Rana chensinensis. In R. chensinensis tadpoles, the expression of prepropalustrin-2CE2 and preprobrevinin-2CE3 increased with the developmental stage. In addition, the expression of the two genes was dramatically upregulated with stimulation by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and the chemical lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The genomic organization of the two antimicrobial peptide genes was confirmed. Both prepropalustrin-2CE2 and preprobrevinin-2CE3 contain three exons separated by two large introns. Additionally, several presumed transcription factor binding sites were identified in the promoter sequence. Functional analysis of the promoter was performed using a luciferase reporter system, and further confirmed by yeast one-hybrid experiment and EMSA assay. The results indicated that the transcription factors NF-κB and RelA are involved in regulating the expression of prepropalustrin-2CE2 and preprobrevinin-2CE3. As amphibian populations decline globally, this study provides new data demonstrating how frogs defend against pathogens from the environment by regulating AMP expression. For amphibians, antimicrobial peptides are innate immune molecules that resist adverse external environmental stimuli. However, the regulation mechanism of antimicrobial peptide gene expression in frogs is still unclear. OBJECTIVE The two antimicrobial peptides, palustrin-2CE2 and brevinin-2CE3, are produced under external stimulation in Rana chensinensis. Using this model, we analyzed the gene structure and regulatory elements of the two antimicrobial peptide genes and explored the regulatory effects of related transcription factors on the two genes. METHOD Different stimuli such as E. coli, S. aureus, and chemical substance lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were applied to Rana chensinensis tadpoles at different developmental stages, and antimicrobial peptide expression levels were detected by RT-PCR. Bioinformatics analysis and 5'-RACE and genome walking technologies were employed to analyze the genome structure and promoter region of the antimicrobial peptide genes. With dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, yeast one-hybrid experiment and EMSA assays, we assessed the regulatory effect of the endogenous regulators of the cell on the antimicrobial peptide promoter. RESULTS The transcription levels of prepropalustrin-2CE2 and preprobrevinin-2CE3 were significantly upregulated after different stimulations. Genomic structure analysis showed that both genes contained three exons and two introns. Promoter analysis indicated that there are binding sites for regulatory factors of the NF-κB family in the promoter region, and experiments showed that endogenous NF-κB family regulatory factors in frog cells activate the promoters of the antimicrobial peptide genes. Yeast one-hybrid experiment and EMSA assay demonstrated that RelA and NF-κB1 might interact with specific motifs in the prepropalustrin-2CE2 promoter. CONCLUSION In this paper, we found that the gene expression levels of the antimicrobial peptides, palustrin-2CE2 and brevinin-2CE3, in R. chensinensis will increase under environmental stimuli, and we verified that the changes in gene expression levels are affected by the transcription factors RelA and NF-κB1. The yeast one-hybrid experiment and EMSA assay confirmed that RelA and NF-κB1 could directly interact with the frog antimicrobial peptide gene promoter, providing new data for the regulatory mechanism of antimicrobial peptides in response to environmental stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian. China
| | - Jing Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian. China
| | - Hui Xie
- School of life science and technology, Xidian University, Xian. China
| | - Yan Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian. China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian. China
| | - Jing Song
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian. China
| | - Nanshu Xiang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian. China
| | - Zhi Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian. China
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Cavalcanti IRDS, Luna MC, Faivovich J, Grant T. Structure and evolution of the sexually dimorphic integumentary swelling on the hands of dendrobatid poison frogs and their relatives (Amphibia: Anura: Dendrobatoidea). J Anat 2021; 240:447-465. [PMID: 34755350 PMCID: PMC8819055 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The hands of adult males of many dendrobatid poison frogs and their relatives possess swelling formed by glandular tissue hypothesized to secrete courtship pheromones delivered to the female during cephalic amplexus. Variation in the occurrence and external morphology of the swelling of finger IV has provided important evidence for dendrobatoid systematics for decades, but its underlying structure has not been investigated. We undertook a detailed comparative analysis of the integument of the hand, including both external morphology and histology, of 36 species representing the diversity of dendrobatoid frogs and several close relatives. The swelling is caused by four densely packed, hypertrophic, morpho-histochemical types of specialized mucous glands (SMGs). We observed type I SMGs on fingers II-V and the wrist, including areas that are not swollen, types II and IV exclusively on finger IV, and type III on finger IV and the wrist. Type I SMGs occur either in isolation or together with types II, III, or IV; types II, III, and IV never occur together or without type I. We delimited 15 characters to account for the variation in external morphology and the occurrence of SMGs. Our data suggest that type I SMGs are a new synapomorphy for Dendrobatoidea and that type II SMGs originated in either the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of Dendrobatidae or independently in the MRCAs of Aromobatidae and Colostethinae, respectively, while types III and IV are restricted to Anomaloglossus. The discovery of these SMGs adds a new dimension to studies of poison frog reproductive biology, which have investigated acoustic, visual, and tactile cues in courtship, mating, and parental care across the diversity of Dendrobatoidea for decades but have almost entirely overlooked the possible role of chemical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Celeste Luna
- División Herpetología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales 'Bernardino Rivadavia' - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julián Faivovich
- División Herpetología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales 'Bernardino Rivadavia' - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Taran Grant
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Mauricio B, Mailho-Fontana PL, Sato LA, Barbosa FF, Astray RM, Kupfer A, Brodie ED, Jared C, Antoniazzi MM. Morphology of the Cutaneous Poison and Mucous Glands in Amphibians with Particular Emphasis on Caecilians ( Siphonops annulatus). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110779. [PMID: 34822563 PMCID: PMC8617868 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Caecilians (order Gymnophiona) are apodan, snake-like amphibians, usually with fossorial habits, constituting one of the most unknown groups of terrestrial vertebrates. As in orders Anura (frogs, tree frogs and toads) and Caudata (salamanders and newts), the caecilian skin is rich in mucous glands, responsible for body lubrication, and poison glands, producing varied toxins used in defence against predators and microorganisms. Whereas in anurans and caudatans skin gland morphology has been well studied, caecilian poison glands remain poorly elucidated. Here we characterised the skin gland morphology of the caecilian Siphonops annulatus, emphasising the poison glands in comparison to those of anurans and salamanders. We showed that S. annulatus glands are similar to those of salamanders, consisting of several syncytial compartments full of granules composed of protein material but showing some differentiated apical compartments containing mucus. An unusual structure resembling a mucous gland is frequently observed in lateral/apical position, apparently connected to the main duct. We conclude that the morphology of skin poison glands in caecilians is more similar to salamander glands when compared to anuran glands that show a much-simplified structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Mauricio
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Pedro Luiz Mailho-Fontana
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Luciana Almeida Sato
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Flavia Ferreira Barbosa
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (R.M.A.)
| | - Renato Mancini Astray
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (R.M.A.)
| | - Alexander Kupfer
- Department of Zoology, State Museum of Natural History, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Edmund D. Brodie
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA;
| | - Carlos Jared
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Maria Antoniazzi
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
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Zamora-Camacho FJ. Sex and habitat differences in size and coloration of an amphibian's poison glands match differential predator pressures. Integr Zool 2021; 17:764-776. [PMID: 34599787 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chemical defenses are frequently accompanied by salient color patterns actively avoided by predators, a phenomenon referred to as aposematism. However, the production of both chemical defenses and pigments is costly, and is thus expected to be reduced under mild predator pressure. In this work, I compared the size and coloration of parotoid glands (2 dorsal, external swollen structures that secrete toxins in toads) of male and female Epidalea calamita toads from agrosystems and from pine groves. I also quantified the predator attacks received by plasticine toad models, whose "parotoid glands" differed in size and color conspicuousness, exposed in each habitat. Predators avoided models with large and conspicuous parotoid glands, but models in agrosystems were more often attacked. Concerning actual toads, agrosystem and male individuals had larger parotoid glands, presumably implying greater production of chemical defenses than in pine grove and female conspecifics. These findings are aligned with previous research suggesting that both agrosystem toads and males in this system are subjected to a more intense predator pressure. Difference between parotoid gland and dorsum coloration was greater in agrosystem toads. A marked internal pattern could function as an aposematic signal, which could counteract increased predator pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Zamora-Camacho
- Department of Phisical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain.,Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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40
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Chen C, Jiang Y, Jin L, Liao WB. No Evidence for Effects of Ecological and Behavioral Factors on Eye Size Evolution in Anurans. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.755818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Eye size varies markedly among taxonomic levels, and this variation is often related to the patterns shaped by phylogeny and ecological and behavioral factors. The selective pressures underlying eye size evolution are especially studied in fishes, anurans, birds, and mammals. However, selective pressures underlying the eye size evolution in anurans have inconsistent scaling rules. Here, we investigated the links between eye size and both ecological (e.g., light availability and habitat type) and behavioral factors (e.g., activity time, foraging mobility, defensive strategy, and mating system) among 252 species of anurans by using phylogenetically controlled generalized least-squared (PGLS) regression. Results show that anuran eye size scales hypo-allometrically with body size. However, eye size was not significantly influenced by ecological and behavioral factors, including habitat type, activity time, light availability, foraging mobility, defensive strategy, and mating system. Therefore, neither ecology nor behavior plays a key role in promoting eye size evolution in frogs.
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41
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Vasconcelos IAD, Souza JOD, de Castro JS, Santana CJCD, Magalhães ACM, Castro MDS, Pires Júnior OR. Salamanders and caecilians, neglected from the chemical point of view. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.1977326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carlos José Correia de Santana
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana de Souza Castro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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42
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An Evaluation of Immersive and Handling Methods for Collecting Salamander Skin Peptides. J HERPETOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1670/20-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Orrico VGD, Grant T, Faivovich J, Rivera-Correa M, Rada MA, Lyra ML, Cassini CS, Valdujo PH, Schargel WE, Machado DJ, Wheeler WC, Barrio-Amorós C, Loebmann D, Moravec J, Zina J, Solé M, Sturaro MJ, Peloso PLV, Suarez P, Haddad CFB. The phylogeny of Dendropsophini (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae). Cladistics 2021; 37:73-105. [PMID: 34478175 DOI: 10.1111/cla.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationships of the hyline tribe Dendropsophini remain poorly studied, with most published analyses dealing with few of the species groups of Dendropsophus. In order to test the monophyly of Dendropsophini, its genera, and the species groups currently recognized in Dendropsophus, we performed a total evidence phylogenetic analysis. The molecular dataset included sequences of three mitochondrial and five nuclear genes from 210 terminals, including 12 outgroup species, the two species of Xenohyla, and 93 of the 108 recognized species of Dendropsophus. The phenomic dataset includes 46 terminals, one per species (34 Dendropsophus, one Xenohyla, and 11 outgroup species). Our results corroborate the monophyly of Dendropsophini and the reciprocal monophyly of Dendropsophus and Xenohyla. Some species groups of Dendropsophus are paraphyletic (the D. microcephalus, D. minimus, and D. parviceps groups, and the D. rubicundulus clade). On the basis of our results, we recognize nine species groups; for three of them (D. leucophyllatus, D. microcephalus, and D. parviceps groups) we recognize some nominal clades to highlight specific morphology or relationships and facilitate species taxonomy. We further discuss the evolution of oviposition site selection, where our results show multiple instances of independent evolution of terrestrial egg clutches during the evolutionary history of Dendropsophus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G D Orrico
- Tropical Herpetology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rodovia Jorge Amado, km 16, Ilhéus, CEP 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Taran Grant
- Laboratório de Anfíbios, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, CEP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Julian Faivovich
- División Herpetología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"-CONICET, Angel Gallardo 470, Buenos Aires, C1405DJR, Argentina.,Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Rivera-Correa
- Grupo Herpetológico de Antioquia, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Marco A Rada
- Laboratório de Anfíbios, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, CEP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Mariana L Lyra
- Departamento de Biodiversidade and Centro de Aquicultura, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24A 1515, Rio Claro, CEP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Carla S Cassini
- Tropical Herpetology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rodovia Jorge Amado, km 16, Ilhéus, CEP 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Paula H Valdujo
- Laboratório de Ecologia da Paisagem - Superintendência de Conservação, WWF-Brasil, Entre Quadra SHIS EQL 6/8 Conjunto E, Setor de Habitações Individuais Sul, Brasília, CEP 71620-430, Brazil
| | - Walter E Schargel
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Denis J Machado
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Ward C Wheeler
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| | | | - Daniel Loebmann
- Laboratório de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, CEP 96.203-900, Brazil
| | - Jiří Moravec
- Department of Zoology, National Museum, Cirkusová 1740, 193 00 Prague 9, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Juliana Zina
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Av. José Moreira Sobrinho, Jequié, CEP 45205-490, Brazil
| | - Mirco Solé
- Tropical Herpetology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rodovia Jorge Amado, km 16, Ilhéus, CEP 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo J Sturaro
- Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Av. Professor Artur Riedel, 275, Jardim Eldorado, Diadema, CEP 09972-270, Brazil.,Coordenação de Zoologia, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Avenida Perimetral 1901, Terra Firme, Belém, CEP 66017-970, Brazil
| | - Pedro L V Peloso
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, R. Augusto Corrêa, 1, Guamá, Belém, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Pablo Suarez
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical (IBS), CONICET-UNaM, Bertoni 85, Puerto Iguazú, (3370), Argentina
| | - Célio F B Haddad
- Departamento de Biodiversidade and Centro de Aquicultura, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24A 1515, Rio Claro, CEP 13506-900, Brazil
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Morphological diversity in the parotoid macroglands of neotropical true toads (Anura: Bufonidae) and its association with the release of glandular secretion. ZOOL ANZ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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45
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Marczynski M, Lieleg O. Forgotten but not gone: Particulate matter as contaminations of mucosal systems. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:031302. [PMID: 38505633 PMCID: PMC10903497 DOI: 10.1063/5.0054075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
A decade ago, environmental issues, such as air pollution and the contamination of the oceans with microplastic, were prominently communicated in the media. However, these days, political topics, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have clearly taken over. In spite of this shift in focus regarding media representation, researchers have made progress in evaluating the possible health risks associated with particulate contaminations present in water and air. In this review article, we summarize recent efforts that establish a clear link between the increasing occurrence of certain pathological conditions and the exposure of humans (or animals) to airborne or waterborne particulate matter. First, we give an overview of the physiological functions mucus has to fulfill in humans and animals, and we discuss different sources of particulate matter. We then highlight parameters that govern particle toxicity and summarize our current knowledge of how an exposure to particulate matter can be related to dysfunctions of mucosal systems. Last, we outline how biophysical tools and methods can help researchers to obtain a better understanding of how particulate matter may affect human health. As we discuss here, recent research has made it quite clear that the structure and functions of those mucosal systems are sensitive toward particulate contaminations. Yet, our mechanistic understanding of how (and which) nano- and microparticles can compromise human health via interacting with mucosal barriers is far from complete.
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Üveges B, Basson AC, Móricz ÁM, Bókony V, Hettyey A. Chemical defence effective against multiple enemies: Does the response to conspecifics alleviate the response to predators? Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Üveges
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Plant Protection Institute Centre for Agricultural Research Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
| | - Anna C. Basson
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Plant Protection Institute Centre for Agricultural Research Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - Ágnes M. Móricz
- Department of Pathophysiology Plant Protection Institute Centre for Agricultural Research Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
| | - Veronika Bókony
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Plant Protection Institute Centre for Agricultural Research Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - Attila Hettyey
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Plant Protection Institute Centre for Agricultural Research Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
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Wang F, Tao X. Carbon/Silicone Nanocomposite-Enabled Soft Pressure Sensors with a Liquid-Filled Cell Structure Design for Low Pressure Measurement. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:4732. [PMID: 34300471 PMCID: PMC8309609 DOI: 10.3390/s21144732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the fields of humanoid robots, soft robotics, and wearable electronics, the development of artificial skins entails pressure sensors that are low in modulus, high in sensitivity, and minimal in hysteresis. However, few sensors in the literature can meet all the three requirements, especially in the low pressure range (<10 kPa). This article presents a design for such pressure sensors. The bioinspired liquid-filled cell-type structural design endows the sensor with appropriate softness (Young's modulus < 230 kPa) and high sensitivity (highest at 0.7 kPa-1) to compression forces below 0.65 N (6.8 kPa). The low-end detection limit is ~0.0012 N (13 Pa), only triple the mass of a bee. Minimal resistance hysteresis of the pressure sensor is 7.7%. The low hysteresis is attributed to the study on the carbon/silicone nanocomposite, which reveals the effect of heat treatment on its mechanical and electromechanical hysteresis. Pressure measurement range and sensitivity of the sensor can be tuned by changing the structure and strain gauge parameters. This concept of sensor design, when combined with microfluidics technology, is expected to enable soft, stretchable, and highly precise touch-sensitive artificial skins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoming Tao
- Research Institute of Intelligent Wearable Systems, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong 999077, China;
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Ujszegi J, Ludányi K, Móricz ÁM, Krüzselyi D, Drahos L, Drexler T, Németh MZ, Vörös J, Garner TWJ, Hettyey A. Exposure to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis affects chemical defences in two anuran amphibians, Rana dalmatina and Bufo bufo. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:135. [PMID: 34217227 PMCID: PMC8254444 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01867-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the causative agent of chytridiomycosis, one of the major causes of worldwide amphibian biodiversity loss. Many amphibians exhibit skin-based chemical defences, which may play an important role against invading pathogens, but whether the synthesis of these chemical compounds is enhanced or suppressed in the presence of pathogens is largely unknown. Here we investigated direct and indirect effects of larval exposure to the globally distributed and highly virulent Bd-GPL strain on skin secreted chemical defences and life history traits during early ontogeny of agile frogs (Rana dalmatina) and common toads (Bufo bufo). Results Exposure to Bd during the larval stage did not result in enhanced synthesis of the antimicrobial peptide Brevinin-1 Da in R. dalmatina tadpoles or in increased production of bufadienolides in B. bufo tadpoles. However, exposure to Bd during the larval stage had a carry-over effect reaching beyond metamorphosis: both R. dalmatina and B. bufo froglets contained smaller quantities of defensive chemicals than their Bd-naïve conspecifics in the control treatment. Prevalence of Bd and infection intensities were very low in both larvae and metamorphs of R. dalmatina, while in B. bufo we observed high Bd prevalence and infection intensities, especially in metamorphs. At the same time, we did not find a significant effect of Bd-exposure on body mass or development rate in larvae or metamorphs in either species. Conclusions The lack of detrimental effect of Bd-exposure on life history traits, even parallel with high infection intensities in the case of B. bufo individuals, is surprising and suggests high tolerance of local populations of these two species against Bd. However, the lowered quantity of defensive chemicals may compromise antimicrobial and antipredatory defences of froglets, which may ultimately contribute to population declines also in the absence of conspicuous mass-mortality events.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Ujszegi
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary.
| | - Krisztina Ludányi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7, Budapest, 1092, Hungary
| | - Ágnes M Móricz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - Dániel Krüzselyi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - László Drahos
- MS Proteomics Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Tamás Drexler
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, Institute for Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Rottenbiller utca 50, Budapest, 1077, Hungary
| | - Márk Z Németh
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - Judit Vörös
- Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross street 13, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Trenton W J Garner
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.,Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Attila Hettyey
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, Institute for Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Rottenbiller utca 50, Budapest, 1077, Hungary
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Mailho‐Fontana PL, Titon B, Antoniazzi MM, Gomes FR, Jared C. Skin and poison glands in toads (
Rhinella
) and their role in defence and water balance. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Braz Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia Geral Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia Geral Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Carlos Jared
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil
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Mariano DO, Sciani JM, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Conceição K, Pimenta DC. Quantity - but not diversity - of secreted peptides and proteins increases with age in the tree frog Pithecopus nordestinus. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200105. [PMID: 33868394 PMCID: PMC8020714 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Amphibians inhabit the terrestrial environment, a conquest achieved after several evolutionary steps, which were still insufficient to make them completely independent of the aquatic environment. These processes gave rise to many morphological and physiological changes, making their skin (and cutaneous secretion) rich in bioactive molecules. Among the tree frogs, the secretion is composed mainly of peptides; but alkaloids, proteins and steroids can also be found depending on the species. The most known class of biologically active molecules is the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that act against bacteria, fungi and protozoans. Although these molecules are well-studied among the hylids, AMPs ontogeny remains unknown. Therefore, we performed peptidomic and proteomic analyses of Pithecopus nordestinus (formerly Phyllomedusa nordestina) in order to evaluate the peptide content in post-metamorphosed juveniles and adult individuals. Methods: Cutaneous secretion of both life stages of individuals was obtained and analyzed by LC-MS/MS after reduction and alkylation of disulfide bonds or reduction, alkylation and hydrolysis by trypsin. Results: Differences in the TIC profile of juveniles and adults in both treatments were observed. Moreover, the proteomic data revealed known proteins and peptides, with slight differences in the composition, according to the life stage and the treatment. AMPs were identified, and bradykinin-potentiating peptides were observed in trypsin-treated samples, which suggests a protein source of such peptide (cryptide). Conclusion: In general, skin secretion contents were similar between juveniles and adults, varying in quantity, indicating that the different stages of life are reflected in the number of molecules and not on their diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas O Mariano
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana M Sciani
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Jared
- São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Katia Conceição
- Laboratory of Peptide Biochemistry, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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