1
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Sierra NC, Gold DA. The evolution of cnidarian stinging cells supports a Precambrian radiation of animal predators. Evol Dev 2024; 26:e12469. [PMID: 38236185 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Cnidarians-the phylum including sea anemones, corals, jellyfish, and hydroids-are one of the oldest groups of predatory animals. Nearly all cnidarians are carnivores that use stinging cells called cnidocytes to ensnare and/or envenom their prey. However, there is considerable diversity in cnidocyte form and function. Tracing the evolutionary history of cnidocytes may therefore provide a proxy for early animal feeding strategies. In this study, we generated a time-calibrated molecular clock of cnidarians and performed ancestral state reconstruction on 12 cnidocyte types to test the hypothesis that the original cnidocyte was involved in prey capture. We conclude that the first cnidarians had only the simplest and least specialized cnidocyte type (the isorhiza) which was just as likely to be used for adhesion and/or defense as the capture of prey. A rapid diversification of specialized cnidocytes occurred through the Ediacaran (~654-574 million years ago), with major subgroups developing unique sets of cnidocytes to match their distinct feeding styles. These results are robust to changes in the molecular clock model, and are consistent with growing evidence for an Ediacaran diversification of animals. Our work also provides insight into the evolution of this complex cell type, suggesting that convergence of forms is rare, with the mastigophore being an interesting counterexample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie C Sierra
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - David A Gold
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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2
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Holstein TW. The significance of Ethel Browne's research on Hydra for the organizer concept. Cells Dev 2024:203907. [PMID: 38417631 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203907] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
This article focuses on the roots of the organizer concept, which was developed by Hans Spemann during his studies of early embryonic development in amphibians. The fundamental properties of this axis-inducing signaling center have been elucidated through pioneering molecular research by Eddy De Robertis' laboratory and other researchers. Evolutionary comparisons have disclosed the presence of this signaling center, involving the interaction of Wnt and TGF-beta signaling pathways, existed not only in vertebrates but also in basal Metazoa such as Cnidaria. - Notably, even prior to the groundbreaking experiments conducted by Hilde Mangold and Hans Spemann, Ethel Browne conducted similar transplantation experiments on Hydra polyps. They were performed under the guidance of Thomas H Morgan and in the laboratory of Edmund B Wilson. Howard Lenhoff was the first to draw connections between Ethel Browne's transplantation experiments and those of Spemann and Mangold, igniting a vivid debate on the precedence of the organizer concept and its recognition in Nobel Prize considerations. This review critically compares the experiments conducted by Spemann and Mangold with those preceding their seminal work, concluding that the organizer concept clearly builds upon earlier research aimed at understanding developmental gradients, such as in the simple model Hydra. However, these approaches were not pursued further by Morgan, who shifted his focus towards unraveling the genetic control of development in flies, an approach that ultimately revealed the molecular identity of the Spemann organizer in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Holstein
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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3
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Money NP, Stolze-Rybczynski J, Smith BE, Trninić D, Davis DJ, Fischer MWF. Ascus function: From squirt guns to ooze tubes. Fungal Biol 2023; 127:1491-1504. [PMID: 38097323 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.11.001] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Unlike the mechanism of ballistospore discharge, which was not solved until the 1980s, the operation of asci as pressurized squirt guns is relatively straightforward and was understood in the nineteenth century. Since then, mycologists have sought to understand how structural adaptations to asci have allowed the ascomycetes to expel spores of different shapes and sizes over distances ranging from a few millimeters to tens of centimeters. These modifications include the use of valves at the tips of asci that maintain ascus pressure and expel spores at the highest speeds, and gelatinous appendages that connect spores after release and create larger projectiles with greater momentum than single spores. Clever experiments in the twentieth century coupled with meticulous microscopic studies led investigators to understand how asci with complicated apical structures worked and mathematical models produced estimates of launch speeds. With the recent application of high-speed video microscopy, these inferences about ascus function have been tested by imaging the motion of spores on a microsecond timescale. These experiments have established that ascospore discharge is the fastest fungal movement and is among the fastest movements in biology. Beginning with the history of the study of asci, this review article explains how asci are pressurized, how spores are released, and how far spores travel after their release. We also consider the efficiency of ascospore discharge relative to the mechanism of ballistospore discharge and examine the way that the squirt gun mechanism has limited the morphological diversity of ascomycete fruit bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Money
- Western Program and Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA.
| | | | - B Eugene Smith
- Western Program and Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Dragana Trninić
- Western Program and Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Diana J Davis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, OH, 45233, USA
| | - Mark W F Fischer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, OH, 45233, USA
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4
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He LS, Qi Y, Allard CAH, Valencia-Montoya WA, Krueger SP, Weir K, Seminara A, Bellono NW. Molecular tuning of sea anemone stinging. eLife 2023; 12:RP88900. [PMID: 37906220 PMCID: PMC10617991 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish and sea anemones fire single-use, venom-covered barbs to immobilize prey or predators. We previously showed that the anemone Nematostella vectensis uses a specialized voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channel to trigger stinging in response to synergistic prey-derived chemicals and touch (Weir et al., 2020). Here, we use experiments and theory to find that stinging behavior is suited to distinct ecological niches. We find that the burrowing anemone Nematostella uses uniquely strong CaV inactivation for precise control of predatory stinging. In contrast, the related anemone Exaiptasia diaphana inhabits exposed environments to support photosynthetic endosymbionts. Consistent with its niche, Exaiptasia indiscriminately stings for defense and expresses a CaV splice variant that confers weak inactivation. Chimeric analyses reveal that CaVβ subunit adaptations regulate inactivation, suggesting an evolutionary tuning mechanism for stinging behavior. These findings demonstrate how functional specialization of ion channel structure contributes to distinct organismal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily S He
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Yujia Qi
- Machine Learning Center Genoa (MalGa), Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Corey AH Allard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Wendy A Valencia-Montoya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Stephanie P Krueger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Keiko Weir
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Agnese Seminara
- Machine Learning Center Genoa (MalGa), Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Nicholas W Bellono
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
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5
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Chang R, Prakash M. Topological damping in an ultrafast giant cell. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303940120. [PMID: 37792511 PMCID: PMC10576051 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303940120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular systems are known to exhibit some of the fastest movements in biology, but little is known as to how single cells can dissipate this energy rapidly and adapt to such large accelerations without disrupting internal architecture. To address this, we investigate Spirostomum ambiguum-a giant cell (1-4 mm in length) well-known to exhibit ultrafast contractions (50% of body length) within 5 ms with a peak acceleration of 15[Formula: see text]. Utilizing transmitted electron microscopy and confocal imaging, we identify an association of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and vacuoles throughout the cell-forming a contiguous fenestrated membrane architecture that topologically entangles these two organelles. A nearly uniform interorganelle spacing of 60 nm is observed between RER and vacuoles, closely packing the entire cell. Inspired by the entangled organelle structure, we study the mechanical properties of entangled deformable particles using a vertex-based model, with all simulation parameters matching 10 dimensionless numbers to ensure dynamic similarity. We demonstrate how entangled deformable particles respond to external loads by an increased viscosity against squeezing and help preserve spatial relationships. Because this enhanced damping arises from the entanglement of two networks incurring a strain-induced jamming transition at subcritical volume fractions, which is demonstrated through the spatial correlation of velocity direction, we term this phenomenon "topological damping." Our findings suggest a mechanical role of RER-vacuolar meshwork as a metamaterial capable of damping an ultrafast contraction event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Chang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
| | - Manu Prakash
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA94158
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6
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Fridrich A, Salinas-Saaverda M, Kozlolvski I, Surm JM, Chrysostomou E, Tripathi AM, Frank U, Moran Y. An ancient pan-cnidarian microRNA regulates stinging capsule biogenesis in Nematostella vectensis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113072. [PMID: 37676763 PMCID: PMC10548089 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113072] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
An ancient evolutionary innovation of a novel cell type, the stinging cell (cnidocyte), appeared >600 million years ago in the phylum Cnidaria (sea anemones, corals, hydroids, and jellyfish). A complex bursting nano-injector of venom, the cnidocyst, is embedded in cnidocytes and enables cnidarians to paralyze their prey and predators, contributing to this phylum's evolutionary success. In this work, we show that post-transcriptional regulation by a pan-cnidarian microRNA, miR-2022, is essential for biogenesis of these cells in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. By manipulation of miR-2022 levels in a transgenic reporter line of cnidocytes, followed by transcriptomics, single-cell data analysis, prey paralysis assays, and cell sorting of transgenic cnidocytes, we reveal that miR-2022 enables cnidocyte biogenesis in Nematostella, while exhibiting a conserved expression domain with its targets in cnidocytes of other cnidarian species. Thus, here we revealed a functional basis to the conservation of one of nature's most ancient microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie Fridrich
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, Faculty of Science, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Itamar Kozlolvski
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, Faculty of Science, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joachim M Surm
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, Faculty of Science, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Abhinandan M Tripathi
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, Faculty of Science, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Uri Frank
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, Faculty of Science, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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7
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He LS, Qi Y, Allard CAH, Valencia-Montoya WA, Krueger SP, Weir K, Seminara A, Bellono NW. Molecular tuning of sea anemone stinging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.15.545144. [PMID: 37577638 PMCID: PMC10418081 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.15.545144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Jellyfish and sea anemones fire single-use, venom-covered barbs to immobilize prey or predators. We previously showed that the anemone Nematostella vectensis uses a specialized voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channel to trigger stinging in response to synergistic prey-derived chemicals and touch (Weir et al., 2020). Here we use experiments and theory to find that stinging behavior is suited to distinct ecological niches. We find that the burrowing anemone Nematostella uses uniquely strong CaV inactivation for precise control of predatory stinging. In contrast, the related anemone Exaiptasia diaphana inhabits exposed environments to support photosynthetic endosymbionts. Consistent with its niche, Exaiptasia indiscriminately stings for defense and expresses a CaV splice variant that confers weak inactivation. Chimeric analyses reveal that CaVβ subunit adaptations regulate inactivation, suggesting an evolutionary tuning mechanism for stinging behavior. These findings demonstrate how functional specialization of ion channel structure contributes to distinct organismal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily S He
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - Yujia Qi
- Machine Learning Center Genoa (MalGa), Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, Via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Corey AH Allard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - Wendy A Valencia-Montoya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138 USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - Stephanie P Krueger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - Keiko Weir
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - Agnese Seminara
- Machine Learning Center Genoa (MalGa), Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, Via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicholas W Bellono
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138 USA
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8
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Flaum E, Prakash M. Curved crease origami and topological singularities at a cellular scale enable hyper-extensibility of Lacrymaria olor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.04.551915. [PMID: 37577489 PMCID: PMC10418517 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.04.551915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells undergo dramatic morphological changes during cell division, phagocytosis and motility. Fundamental limits of cellular morphodynamics such as how fast or how much cellular shapes can change without harm to a living cell remain poorly understood. Here we describe hyper-extensibility in the single-celled protist Lacrymaria olor, a 40 μm cell which is capable of reversible and repeatable extensions (neck-like protrusions) up to 1500 μm in 30 seconds. We discover that a unique and intricate organization of cortical cytoskeleton and membrane enables these hyper-extensions that can be described as the first cellular scale curved crease origami. Furthermore, we show how these topological singularities including d-cones and twisted domain walls provide a geometrical control mechanism for the deployment of membrane and microtubule sheets as they repeatably spool thousands of time from the cell body. We lastly build physical origami models to understand how these topological singularities provide a mechanism for the cell to control the hyper-extensile deployable structure. This new geometrical motif where a cell employs curved crease origami to perform a physiological function has wide ranging implications in understanding cellular morphodynamics and direct applications in deployable micro-robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliott Flaum
- Graduate Program in Biophysics
- Department of Bioengineering
- Stanford University
| | - Manu Prakash
- Graduate Program in Biophysics
- Department of Bioengineering
- Department of Biology (courtesy)
- Department of Oceans (courtesy)
- Stanford University
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9
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Jorge JF, Patek SN. Elastic pinch biomechanisms can yield consistent launch speeds regardless of projectile mass. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230234. [PMID: 37608709 PMCID: PMC10445031 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Energetic trade-offs are particularly pertinent to bio-ballistic systems which impart energy to projectiles exclusively during launch. We investigated such trade-offs in the spring-propelled seeds of Loropetalum chinense, Hamamelis virginiana and Fortunearia sinensis. Using similar seed-shooting mechanisms, fruits of these confamilial plants (Hamamelidaceae) span an order of magnitude in spring and seed mass. We expected that as seed mass increases, launch speed decreases. Instead, launch speed was relatively constant regardless of seed mass. We tested if fruits shoot larger seeds by storing more elastic potential energy (PE). Spring mass and PE increased as seed mass increased (in order of increasing seed mass: L. chinense, H. virginiana, F. sinensis). As seed mass to spring mass ratio increased (ratios: H. virginiana = 0.50, F. sinensis = 0.65, L. chinense = 0.84), mass-specific PE storage increased. The conversion efficiency of PE to seed kinetic energy (KE) decreased with increasing fruit mass. Therefore, similar launch speeds across scales occurred because (i) larger fruits stored more PE and (ii) smaller fruits had higher mass-specific PE storage and improved PE to KE conversion. By examining integrated spring and projectile mechanics in our focal species, we revealed diverse, energetic scaling strategies relevant to spring-propelled systems navigating energetic trade-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S. N. Patek
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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10
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Zhang B, Anderson PSL. Investigation of the rate-mediated form-function relationship in biological puncture. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12097. [PMID: 37495672 PMCID: PMC10372153 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39092-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Puncture is a vital mechanism for survival in a wide range of organisms across phyla, serving biological functions such as prey capture, defense, and reproduction. Understanding how the shape of the puncture tool affects its functional performance is crucial to uncovering the mechanics underlying the diversity and evolution of puncture-based systems. However, such form-function relationships are often complicated by the dynamic nature of living systems. Puncture systems in particular operate over a wide range of speeds to penetrate biological tissues. Current studies on puncture biomechanics lack systematic characterization of the complex, rate-mediated, interaction between tool and material across this dynamic range. To fill this knowledge gap, we establish a highly controlled experimental framework for dynamic puncture to investigate the relationship between the puncture performance (characterized by the depth of puncture) and the tool sharpness (characterized by the cusp angle) across a wide range of bio-relevant puncture speeds (from quasi-static to [Formula: see text] 50 m/s). Our results show that the sensitivity of puncture performance to variations in tool sharpness reduces at higher puncture speeds. This trend is likely due to rate-based viscoelastic and inertial effects arising from how materials respond to dynamic loads. The rate-dependent form-function relationship has important biological implications: While passive/low-speed puncture organisms likely rely heavily on sharp puncture tools to successfully penetrate and maintain functionalities, higher-speed puncture systems may allow for greater variability in puncture tool shape due to the relatively geometric-insensitive puncture performance, allowing for higher adaptability during the evolutionary process to other mechanical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyang Zhang
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Philip S L Anderson
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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11
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Evans KM, Chen SH, Souna AJ, Stranick SJ, Soles CL, Chan EP. The Projectile Perforation Resistance of Materials: Scaling the Impact Resistance of Thin Films to Macroscale Materials. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37384826 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c05130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
From drug delivery to ballistic impact, the ability to control or mitigate the puncture of a fast-moving projectile through a material is critical. While puncture is a common occurrence, which can span many orders of magnitude in the size, speed, and energy of the projectile, there remains a need to connect our understanding of the perforation resistance of materials at the nano- and microscale to the actual behavior at the macroscale that is relevant for engineering applications. In this article, we address this challenge by combining a new dimensional analysis scheme with experimental data from micro- and macroscale impact tests to develop a relationship that connects the size-scale effects and materials properties during high-speed puncture events. By relating the minimum perforation velocity to fundamental material properties and geometric test conditions, we provide new insights and establish an alternative methodology for evaluating the performance of materials that is independent of the impact energy or the specific projectile puncture experiment type. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of this approach by assessing the relevance of novel materials, such as nanocomposites and graphene for real-world impact applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Evans
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Science and Engineering Division, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Shawn H Chen
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Measurement Sciences Division, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Amanda J Souna
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Science and Engineering Division, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Stephan J Stranick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Measurement Sciences Division, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Christopher L Soles
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Science and Engineering Division, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Edwin P Chan
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Science and Engineering Division, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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12
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Holstein TW. The Hydra stem cell system - Revisited. Cells Dev 2023; 174:203846. [PMID: 37121433 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cnidarians are >600 million years old and are considered the sister group of Bilateria based on numerous molecular phylogenetic studies. Apart from Hydra, the genomes of all major clades of Cnidaria have been uncovered (e.g. Aurelia, Clytia, Nematostella and Acropora) and they reveal a remarkable completeness of the metazoan genomic toolbox. Of particular interest is Hydra, a model system of aging research, regenerative biology, and stem cell biology. With the knowledge gained from scRNA research, it is now possible to characterize the expression profiles of all cell types with great precision. In functional studies, our picture of the Hydra stem cell biology has changed, and we are in the process of obtaining a clear picture of the homeostasis and properties of the different stem cell populations. Even though Hydra is often compared to plant systems, the new data on germline and regeneration, but also on the dynamics and plasticity of the nervous system, show that Hydra with its simple body plan represents in a nutshell the prototype of an animal with stem cell lineages, whose properties correspond in many ways to Bilateria. This review provides an overview of the four stem cell lineages, the two epithelial lineages that constitute the ectoderm and the endoderm, as well as the multipotent somatic interstitial lineage (MPSC) and the germline stem cell lineage (GSC), also known as the interstitial cells of Hydra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Holstein
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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13
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Single-cell atavism reveals an ancient mechanism of cell type diversification in a sea anemone. Nat Commun 2023; 14:885. [PMID: 36797294 PMCID: PMC9935875 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36615-9] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cnidocytes are the explosive stinging cells unique to cnidarians (corals, jellyfish, etc). Specialized for prey capture and defense, cnidocytes comprise a group of over 30 morphologically and functionally distinct cell types. These unusual cells are iconic examples of biological novelty but the developmental mechanisms driving diversity of the stinging apparatus are poorly characterized, making it challenging to understand the evolutionary history of stinging cells. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, we show that a single transcription factor (NvSox2) acts as a binary switch between two alternative stinging cell fates. Knockout of NvSox2 causes a transformation of piercing cells into ensnaring cells, which are common in other species of sea anemone but appear to have been silenced in N. vectensis. These results reveal an unusual case of single-cell atavism and expand our understanding of the diversification of cell type identity.
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14
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Harrison JS, Patek SN. Developing elastic mechanisms: ultrafast motion and cavitation emerge at the millimeter scale in juvenile snapping shrimp. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:287686. [PMID: 36854255 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244645] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Organisms such as jumping froghopper insects and punching mantis shrimp use spring-based propulsion to achieve fast motion. Studies of elastic mechanisms have primarily focused on fully developed and functional mechanisms in adult organisms. However, the ontogeny and development of these mechanisms can provide important insights into the lower size limits of spring-based propulsion, the ecological or behavioral relevance of ultrafast movement, and the scaling of ultrafast movement. Here, we examined the development of the spring-latch mechanism in the bigclaw snapping shrimp, Alpheus heterochaelis (Alpheidae). Adult snapping shrimp use an enlarged claw to produce high-speed strikes that generate cavitation bubbles. However, until now, it was unclear when the elastic mechanism emerges during development and whether juvenile snapping shrimp can generate cavitation at this size. We reared A. heterochaelis from eggs, through their larval and postlarval stages. Starting 1 month after hatching, the snapping shrimp snapping claw gradually developed a spring-actuated mechanism and began snapping. We used high-speed videography (300,000 frames s-1) to measure juvenile snaps. We discovered that juvenile snapping shrimp generate the highest recorded accelerations (5.8×105±3.3×105 m s-2) for repeated-use, underwater motion and are capable of producing cavitation at the millimeter scale. The angular velocity of snaps did not change as juveniles grew; however, juvenile snapping shrimp with larger claws produced faster linear speeds and generated larger, longer-lasting cavitation bubbles. These findings establish the development of the elastic mechanism and cavitation in snapping shrimp and provide insights into early life-history transitions in spring-actuated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S N Patek
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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15
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Zhang B, Anderson PSL. Modelling biological puncture: a mathematical framework for determining the energetics and scaling. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220559. [PMID: 36259171 PMCID: PMC9579757 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological puncture systems use a diversity of morphological tools (stingers, teeth, spines etc.) to penetrate target tissues for a variety of functions (prey capture, defence, reproduction). These systems are united by a set of underlying physical rules which dictate their mechanics. While previous studies have illustrated form-function relationships in individual systems, these underlying rules have not been formalized. We present a mathematical model for biological puncture events based on energy balance that allows for the derivation of analytical scaling relations between energy expenditure and shape, size and material response. The model identifies three necessary energy contributions during puncture: fracture creation, elastic deformation of the material and overcoming friction during penetration. The theoretical predictions are verified using finite-element analyses and experimental tests. Comparison between different scaling relationships leads to a ratio of released fracture energy and deformation energy contributions acting as a measure of puncture efficiency for a system that incorporates both tool shape and material response. The model represents a framework for exploring the diversity of biological puncture systems in a rigorous fashion and allows future work to examine how fundamental physical laws influence the evolution of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyang Zhang
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Philip S. L. Anderson
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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16
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Expression profiling and cellular localization of myxozoan minicollagens during nematocyst formation and sporogenesis. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:667-675. [PMID: 35970383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.07.002] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In free-living cnidarians, minicollagens are major structural components in the biogenesis of nematocysts. Recent sequence mining and proteomic analysis demonstrate that minicollagens are also expressed by myxozoans, a group of evolutionarily ancient cnidarian endoparasites. Nonetheless, the presence and abundance of nematocyst-associated genes/proteins in nematocyst morphogenesis have never been studied in Myxozoa. Here, we report the gene expression profiles of three myxozoan minicollagens, ncol-1, ncol-3, and the recently identified noncanonical ncol-5, during the intrapiscine development of Myxidium lieberkuehni, the myxozoan parasite of the northern pike, Esox lucius. Moreover, we localized the myxozoan-specific minicollagen Ncol-5 in the developing myxosporean stages by Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunogold electron microscopy. We found that expression of minicollagens was spatiotemporally restricted to developing nematocysts within the myxospores during sporogenesis. Intriguingly, Ncol-5 is localized in the walls of nematocysts and predominantly in nematocyst tubules. Overall, we demonstrate that despite being significantly reduced in morphology, myxozoans retain structural components associated with nematocyst development in free-living cnidarians. Furthermore, our findings have practical implications for future functional and comparative studies as minicollagens are useful markers of the developmental phase of myxozoan parasites.
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17
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Sutton GP, St Pierre R, Kuo CY, Summers AP, Bergbreiter S, Cox S, Patek SN. Dual spring force couples yield multifunctionality and ultrafast, precision rotation in tiny biomechanical systems. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:275995. [PMID: 35863219 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Small organisms use propulsive springs rather than muscles to repeatedly actuate high acceleration movements, even when constrained to tiny displacements and limited by inertial forces. Through integration of a large kinematic dataset, measurements of elastic recoil, energetic math modeling and dynamic math modeling, we tested how trap-jaw ants (Odontomachus brunneus) utilize multiple elastic structures to develop ultrafast and precise mandible rotations at small scales. We found that O. brunneus develops torque on each mandible using an intriguing configuration of two springs: their elastic head capsule recoils to push and the recoiling muscle-apodeme unit tugs on each mandible. Mandibles achieved precise, planar, circular trajectories up to 49,100 rad s-1 (470,000 rpm) when powered by spring propulsion. Once spring propulsion ended, the mandibles moved with unconstrained and oscillatory rotation. We term this mechanism a 'dual spring force couple', meaning that two springs deliver energy at two locations to develop torque. Dynamic modeling revealed that dual spring force couples reduce the need for joint constraints and thereby reduce dissipative joint losses, which is essential to the repeated use of ultrafast, small systems. Dual spring force couples enable multifunctionality: trap-jaw ants use the same mechanical system to produce ultrafast, planar strikes driven by propulsive springs and for generating slow, multi-degrees of freedom mandible manipulations using muscles, rather than springs, to directly actuate the movement. Dual spring force couples are found in other systems and are likely widespread in biology. These principles can be incorporated into microrobotics to improve multifunctionality, precision and longevity of ultrafast systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Sutton
- School of Life Sciences , University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Ryan St Pierre
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Chi-Yun Kuo
- Biology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Adam P Summers
- Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
| | - Sarah Bergbreiter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Suzanne Cox
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - S N Patek
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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18
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The architecture and operating mechanism of a cnidarian stinging organelle. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3494. [PMID: 35715400 PMCID: PMC9205923 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31090-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The stinging organelles of jellyfish, sea anemones, and other cnidarians, known as nematocysts, are remarkable cellular weapons used for both predation and defense. Nematocysts consist of a pressurized capsule containing a coiled harpoon-like thread. These structures are in turn built within specialized cells known as nematocytes. When triggered, the capsule explosively discharges, ejecting the coiled thread which punctures the target and rapidly elongates by turning inside out in a process called eversion. Due to the structural complexity of the thread and the extreme speed of discharge, the precise mechanics of nematocyst firing have remained elusive7. Here, using a combination of live and super-resolution imaging, 3D electron microscopy, and genetic perturbations, we define the step-by-step sequence of nematocyst operation in the model sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. This analysis reveals the complex biomechanical transformations underpinning the operating mechanism of nematocysts, one of nature’s most exquisite biological micro-machines. Further, this study will provide insight into the form and function of related cnidarian organelles and serve as a template for the design of bioinspired microdevices. The venomous stinging cells of jellyfish, anemones, and corals contain an organelle, the nematocyst, which explosively discharges a venom-laden thread. Here, the authors describe the nematocyst thread and its sub-structures in the sea anemone N. vectensis, revealing a complexity and sophistication underpinning this cellular weapon.
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19
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Anderson PSL, Kawano SM. Different traits at different rates: The effects of dynamic strain rate on structural traits in biology. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:icac066. [PMID: 35640914 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic diversity is influenced by physical laws that govern how an organism's morphology relates to functional performance. To study comparative organismal biology, we need to quantify this diversity using biological traits (definable aspects of the morphology, behavior, and/or life history of an organism). Traits are often assumed to be immutable properties that need only be measured a single time in each adult. However, organisms often experience changes in their biotic and abiotic environments that can alter trait function. In particular, structural traits represent the physical capabilities of an organism and may be heavily influenced by the rate at which they are exposed to physical demands ('loads'). For instance, materials tend to become more brittle when loaded at faster rates which could negatively affect structures trying to resist those loads (e.g., brittle materials are more likely to fracture). In the following perspective piece, we address the dynamic properties of structural traits and present case studies that demonstrate how dynamic strain rates affect the function of these traits in diverse groups of organisms. First, we review how strain rate affects deformation and fracture in biomaterials and demonstrate how these effects alter puncture mechanics in systems such as snake strikes. Second, we discuss how different rates of bone loading affect the locomotor biomechanics of vertebrates and their ecology. Through these examinations of diverse taxa and ecological functions, we aim to highlight how rate-dependent properties of structural traits can generate dynamic form-function relationships in response to changing environmental conditions. Findings from these studies serve as a foundation to develop more nuanced ecomechanical models that can predict how complex traits emerge and, thereby, advance progress on outlining the Rules of Life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S L Anderson
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, U.S.A
| | - Sandy M Kawano
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, U.S.A
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20
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Tournière O, Gahan JM, Busengdal H, Bartsch N, Rentzsch F. Insm1-expressing neurons and secretory cells develop from a common pool of progenitors in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabi7109. [PMID: 35442742 PMCID: PMC9020782 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi7109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurons are highly specialized cells present in nearly all animals, but their evolutionary origin and relationship to other cell types are not well understood. We use here the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis as a model system for early-branching animals to gain fresh insights into the evolutionary history of neurons. We generated a transgenic reporter line to show that the transcription factor NvInsm1 is expressed in postmitotic cells that give rise to various types of neurons and secretory cells. Expression analyses, double transgenics, and gene knockdown experiments show that the NvInsm1-expressing neurons and secretory cells derive from a common pool of NvSoxB(2)-positive progenitor cells. These findings, together with the requirement for Insm1 for the development of neurons and endocrine cells in vertebrates, support a close evolutionary relationship of neurons and secretory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Tournière
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, 5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - James M. Gahan
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, 5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - Henriette Busengdal
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, 5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - Natascha Bartsch
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, 5006 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, 5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - Fabian Rentzsch
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, 5006 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, 5006 Bergen, Norway
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21
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Holstein TW. The role of cnidarian developmental biology in unraveling axis formation and Wnt signaling. Dev Biol 2022; 487:74-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Kaposi K, Courtney R, Seymour J. Implications of bleaching on cnidarian venom ecology. Toxicon X 2022; 13:100094. [PMID: 35146416 PMCID: PMC8819380 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100094] [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: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidarian bleaching research often focuses on the effects on a cnidarian's physiological health and fitness, whilst little focus has been towards the impacts of these events on their venom ecology. Given the importance of a cnidarian's venom to their survival and the increasing threat of bleaching events, it is important to understand the effects that this threat may have on this important aspect of their ecology as it may have unforeseen impacts on their ability to catch prey and defend themselves. This review aims to explore evidence that suggests that bleaching may impact on each of the key aspects of a cnidarians' venom ecology: cnidae, venom composition, and venom toxicity. Additionally, the resulting energy deficit, compensatory heterotrophic feeding, and increased defensive measures have been highlighted as possible ecological factors driving these changes. Suggestions are also made to guide the success of research in this field into the future, specifically in regards to selecting a study organism, the importance of accurate symbiont and cnidae identification, use of appropriate bleaching methods, determination of bleaching, and animal handling. Ultimately, this review highlights a significant and important gap in our knowledge into how cnidarians are, and will, continue to be impacted by bleaching stress. Information on the effects of bleaching on cnidarian venom ecology is limited. There is evidence to suggest nematocysts, venom composition and venom toxicity may each be impacted by bleaching. Bleaching may result in depleted energy, increased heterotrophy and/or the need for stronger defensive strategies. To fully understand how cnidarians may be impacted by bleaching stress further research in this field is needed. Future studies should consider the model organism and methodologies, thereby minimising indirect confounding effects.
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23
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Guo Q, Whipps CM, Zhai Y, Li D, Gu Z. Quantitative Insights into the Contribution of Nematocysts to the Adaptive Success of Cnidarians Based on Proteomic Analysis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:91. [PMID: 35053089 PMCID: PMC8773148 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nematocysts are secretory organelles in cnidarians that play important roles in predation, defense, locomotion, and host invasion. However, the extent to which nematocysts contribute to adaptation and the mechanisms underlying nematocyst evolution are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the nematocyst in cnidarian evolution based on eight nematocyst proteomes and 110 cnidarian transcriptomes/genomes. We detected extensive species-specific adaptive mutations in nematocyst proteins (NEMs) and evidence for decentralized evolution, in which most evolutionary events involved non-core NEMs, reflecting the rapid diversification of NEMs in cnidarians. Moreover, there was a 33-55 million year macroevolutionary lag between nematocyst evolution and the main phases of cnidarian diversification, suggesting that the nematocyst can act as a driving force in evolution. Quantitative analysis revealed an excess of adaptive changes in NEMs and enrichment for positively selected conserved NEMs. Together, these findings suggest that nematocysts may be key to the adaptive success of cnidarians and provide a reference for quantitative analyses of the roles of phenotypic novelties in adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiang Guo
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Christopher M Whipps
- SUNY-ESF, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, 246 Illick Hall, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Yanhua Zhai
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zemao Gu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
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24
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Jaroenlak P, Usmani M, Ekiert DC, Bhabha G. Mechanics of Microsporidian Polar Tube Firing. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:215-245. [PMID: 35544005 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_9] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As obligate intracellular parasites with reduced genomes, microsporidia must infect host cells in order to replicate and cause disease. They can initiate infection by utilizing a harpoon-like invasion organelle called the polar tube (PT). The PT is both visually and functionally a striking organelle and is a characteristic feature of the microsporidian phylum. Outside the host, microsporidia exist as transmissible, single-celled spores. Inside each spore, the PT is arranged as a tight coil. Upon germination, the PT undergoes a large conformational change into a long, linear tube and acts as a tunnel for the delivery of infectious cargo from the spore to a host cell. The firing process is extremely rapid, occurring on a millisecond timescale, and the emergent tube may be as long as 20 times the size of the spore body. In this chapter, we discuss what is known about the structure of the PT, the mechanics of the PT firing process, and how it enables movement of material from the spore body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattana Jaroenlak
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mahrukh Usmani
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Damian C Ekiert
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gira Bhabha
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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25
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Hofmann D, Garg N, Grässle S, Vanderheiden S, Bergheim BG, Bräse S, Jung N, Özbek S. A small molecule screen identifies novel inhibitors of mechanosensory nematocyst discharge in Hydra. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20627. [PMID: 34663887 PMCID: PMC8523708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99974-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidarians are characterized by the possession of stinging organelles, called nematocysts, which they use for prey capture and defense. Nematocyst discharge is controlled by a mechanosensory apparatus with analogies to vertebrate hair cells. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRPN) ion channel family are supposed to be involved in the transduction of the mechanical stimulus. A small molecule screen was performed to identify compounds that affect nematocyst discharge in Hydra. We identified several [2.2]paracyclophanes that cause inhibition of nematocyst discharge in the low micro-molar range. Further structure–activity analyses within the compound class of [2.2]paracyclophanes showed common features that are required for the inhibitory activity of the [2.2]paracyclophane core motif. This study demonstrates that Hydra can serve as a model for small molecule screens targeting the mechanosensory apparatus in native tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Hofmann
- Department of Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niharika Garg
- Department of Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Grässle
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Sylvia Vanderheiden
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.,Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Bruno Gideon Bergheim
- Department of Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bräse
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.,Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Nicole Jung
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany. .,Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | - Suat Özbek
- Department of Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Ballesteros A, Marambio M, Fuentes V, Narda M, Santín A, Gili JM. Differing Effects of Vinegar on Pelagia noctiluca (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) and Carybdea marsupialis (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) Stings-Implications for First Aid Protocols. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:509. [PMID: 34437380 PMCID: PMC8402392 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The jellyfish species that inhabit the Mediterranean coastal waters are not lethal, but their stings can cause severe pain and systemic effects that pose a health risk to humans. Despite the frequent occurrence of jellyfish stings, currently no consensus exists among the scientific community regarding the most appropriate first-aid protocol. Over the years, several different rinse solutions have been proposed. Vinegar, or acetic acid, is one of the most established of these solutions, with efficacy data published. We investigated the effect of vinegar and seawater on the nematocyst discharge process in two species representative of the Mediterranean region: Pelagia noctiluca (Scyphozoa) and Carybdea marsupialis (Cubozoa), by means of (1) direct observation of nematocyst discharge on light microscopy (tentacle solution assay) and (2) quantification of hemolytic area (tentacle skin blood agarose assay). In both species, nematocyst discharge was not stimulated by seawater, which was classified as a neutral solution. In P. noctiluca, vinegar produced nematocyst discharge per se, but inhibited nematocyst discharge from C. marsupialis. These results suggest that the use of vinegar cannot be universally recommended. Whereas in case of a cubozoan C. marsupialis sting, the inhibitory effect of vinegar makes it the ideal rinse solution, in case of a scyphozoan P. noctiluca sting, vinegar application may be counterproductive, worsening the pain and discomfort of the stung area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainara Ballesteros
- ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (J.-M.G.)
| | - Macarena Marambio
- ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (J.-M.G.)
| | - Verónica Fuentes
- ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (J.-M.G.)
| | - Mridvika Narda
- ISDIN, Innovation and Development, C. Provençals 33, 08019 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Andreu Santín
- ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (J.-M.G.)
| | - Josep-Maria Gili
- ICM-CSIC-Institute of Marine Sciences, Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (J.-M.G.)
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O'Hara E, Wilson D, Seymour J. The influence of ecological factors on cnidarian venoms. Toxicon X 2021; 9-10:100067. [PMID: 34142080 PMCID: PMC8182416 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom research is often focussed on medical relevance, novel compounds and venom evolution, whilst studying the relationship between a venom and its environment – venom ecology - has been conducted to a lesser extent. Given the projected environmental changes envisioned to occur with global warming, it is pertinent now more than ever, to highlight this topic. Here we review literature examining the influence of ecological factors such as environmental temperature, salinity, ontogeny, geographic location and diet on cnidarian venoms. This review provides an exclusive focus on the cnidarian phylum and encompasses all available published, peer-reviewed literature to our knowledge regarding the ecological factors influencing venom. We find a startling lack of research into the effects of both environmental and biological factors on venoms, with very few to no studies available per category. Importantly, research does exist that suggest these ecological processes may influence other marine or terrestrial venoms, thus we recommend future research is needed to explore this concept in cnidarians. Cnidarian toxins are significantly affected by environment and biology, yet literature on the subject is scarce. Temperature, ontogeny, geographic location and diet can influence cnidarian venoms. Salinity can influence other marine toxins, but literature is lacking for cnidarians. More venom ecology research is needed in medically important species, if medical treatments are to advance.
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Damian-Serrano A, Haddock SHD, Dunn CW. The Evolutionary History of Siphonophore Tentilla: Novelties, Convergence, and Integration. Integr Org Biol 2021; 3:obab019. [PMID: 34355122 PMCID: PMC8331849 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synopsis Siphonophores are free-living predatory colonial hydrozoan cnidarians found in every region of the ocean. Siphonophore tentilla (tentacle side branches) are unique biological structures for prey capture, composed of a complex arrangement of cnidocytes (stinging cells) bearing different types of nematocysts (stinging capsules) and auxiliary structures. Tentilla present an extensive morphological and functional diversity across species. While associations between tentillum form and diet have been reported, the evolutionary history giving rise to this morphological diversity is largely unexplored. Here we examine the evolutionary gains and losses of novel tentillum substructures and nematocyst types on the most recent siphonophore phylogeny. Tentilla have a precisely coordinated high-speed strike mechanism of synchronous unwinding and nematocyst discharge. Here we characterize the kinematic diversity of this prey capture reaction using high-speed video and find relationships with morphological characters. Since tentillum discharge occurs in synchrony across a broad morphological diversity, we evaluate how phenotypic integration is maintaining character correlations across evolutionary time. We found that the tentillum morphospace has low dimensionality, identified instances of heterochrony and morphological convergence, and generated hypotheses on the diets of understudied siphonophore species. Our findings indicate that siphonophore tentilla are phenotypically integrated structures with a complex evolutionary history leading to a phylogenetically-structured diversity of forms that are predictive of kinematic performance and feeding habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Damian-Serrano
- Osborn Memorial Laboratories, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - S H D Haddock
- Midwater Research, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - C W Dunn
- Osborn Memorial Laboratories, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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Maire J, Blackall LL, van Oppen MJH. Microbiome characterization of defensive tissues in the model anemone Exaiptasia diaphana. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:152. [PMID: 34020587 PMCID: PMC8140459 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. This success relies on the coral’s association with a wide range of microorganisms, including dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae that provide coral hosts with most of their organic carbon requirements. While bacterial associates have long been overlooked, research on these microorganisms is gaining traction, and deciphering bacterial identity and function is greatly enhancing our understanding of cnidarian biology. Here, we investigated bacterial communities in defensive tissues (acontia) of the coral model, the sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana. Acontia are internal filaments that are ejected upon detection of an external threat and release toxins to repel predators. Results Using culturing techniques and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding we identified bacterial communities associated with acontia of four Great Barrier Reef-sourced E. diaphana genotypes. We show that bacterial communities are similar across genotypes, and dominated by Alteromonadaceae, Vibrionaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, and Saprospiraceae. By analyzing abundant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) from metabarcoding data from acontia and comparing these to data from whole anemones, we identified five potentially important bacterial genera of the acontia microbiome: Vibrio, Sulfitobacter, Marivita, Alteromonas, and Lewinella. The role of these bacteria within the acontia remains uninvestigated but could entail assistance in defense processes such as toxin production. Conclusions This study provides insight into potential bacterial involvement in cnidarian defense tissues and highlights the need to study bacterial communities in individual compartments within a holobiont. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02211-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Maire
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Linda L Blackall
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Madeleine J H van Oppen
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Harrison JS, Porter ML, McHenry MJ, Robinson HE, Patek SN. Scaling and development of elastic mechanisms: the tiny strikes of larval mantis shrimp. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:258491. [PMID: 33914038 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.235465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Latch-mediated spring actuation (LaMSA) is used by small organisms to produce high acceleration movements. Mathematical models predict that acceleration increases as LaMSA systems decrease in size. Adult mantis shrimp use a LaMSA mechanism in their raptorial appendages to produce extremely fast strikes. Until now, however, it was unclear whether mantis shrimp at earlier life-history stages also strike using elastic recoil and latch mediation. We tested whether larval mantis shrimp (Gonodactylaceus falcatus) use LaMSA and, because of their smaller size, achieve higher strike accelerations than adults of other mantis shrimp species. Based on microscopy and kinematic analyses, we discovered that larval G. falcatus possess the components of, and actively use, LaMSA during their fourth larval stage, which is the stage of development when larvae begin feeding. Larvae performed strikes at high acceleration and speed (mean: 4.133×105 rad s-2, 292.7 rad s-1; 12 individuals, 25 strikes), which are of the same order of magnitude as for adults - even though adult appendages are up to two orders of magnitude longer. Larval strike speed (mean: 0.385 m s-1) exceeded the maximum swimming speed of similarly sized organisms from other species by several orders of magnitude. These findings establish the developmental timing and scaling of the mantis shrimp LaMSA mechanism and provide insights into the kinematic consequences of scaling limits in tiny elastic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan L Porter
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Matthew J McHenry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - H Eve Robinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
| | - S N Patek
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Amreen Nisa S, Vinu D, Krupakar P, Govindaraju K, Sharma D, Vivek R. Jellyfish venom proteins and their pharmacological potentials: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 176:424-436. [PMID: 33581202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several research in the organisms of marine invertebrates to assess the medicinal ability of its bio-active molecules have yielded very positive results in recent times. Jellyfish secreted venoms are rich sources of toxins intended to catch prey or deter predators among invertebrate species, but they may also have harmful effects on humans. The nematocyst, a complex intracellular system that injects a venomous mixture into prey or predators that come into contact with the tentacles or other parts of the body of cnidarians, determines the venomous existence of cnidarians. Nematocyst venoms are mixtures of peptides, proteins and other components that in laboratory animals can induce cytotoxicity, blockade of ion channels, membrane pore formation, in vivo cardiovascular failure and lethal effects. There are also valuable pharmacological and biological aspects of jellyfish venoms. In the present review, overviews of the variety of possible toxin families in cnidarian venoms are addressed in this analysis and these potential toxins are surveyed with those from other cnidarians that offer insight into their potential functions such as anti-oxidant, anti-cancer activity and much more. This research review will provide awareness of the growing repertoire of jellyfish venom proteins and will help to further isolate and classify particular proteins to understand its structure and functional relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Amreen Nisa
- Centre for Ocean Research, MoES - Earth Science and Technology Cell (ESTC), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, India.
| | - D Vinu
- Centre for Ocean Research, MoES - Earth Science and Technology Cell (ESTC), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, India.
| | - P Krupakar
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, India.
| | - K Govindaraju
- Centre for Ocean Research, MoES - Earth Science and Technology Cell (ESTC), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, India.
| | - D Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, India.
| | - Rahul Vivek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-, Madison, WI, USA.
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Nonlinear elasticity and damping govern ultrafast dynamics in click beetles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2014569118. [PMID: 33468629 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014569118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many small animals use springs and latches to overcome the mechanical power output limitations of their muscles. Click beetles use springs and latches to bend their bodies at the thoracic hinge and then unbend extremely quickly, resulting in a clicking motion. When unconstrained, this quick clicking motion results in a jump. While the jumping motion has been studied in depth, the physical mechanisms enabling fast unbending have not. Here, we first identify and quantify the phases of the clicking motion: latching, loading, and energy release. We detail the motion kinematics and investigate the governing dynamics (forces) of the energy release. We use high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging to observe and analyze the motion of the hinge's internal structures of four Elater abruptus specimens. We show evidence that soft cuticle in the hinge contributes to the spring mechanism through rapid recoil. Using spectral analysis and nonlinear system identification, we determine the equation of motion and model the beetle as a nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom oscillator. Quadratic damping and snap-through buckling are identified to be the dominant damping and elastic forces, respectively, driving the angular position during the energy release phase. The methods used in this study provide experimental and analytical guidelines for the analysis of extreme motion, starting from motion observation to identifying the forces causing the movement. The tools demonstrated here can be applied to other organisms to enhance our understanding of the energy storage and release strategies small animals use to achieve extreme accelerations repeatedly.
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Insights into how development and life-history dynamics shape the evolution of venom. EvoDevo 2021; 12:1. [PMID: 33413660 PMCID: PMC7791878 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-020-00171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals are a striking example of the convergent evolution of a complex trait. These animals have independently evolved an apparatus that synthesizes, stores, and secretes a mixture of toxic compounds to the target animal through the infliction of a wound. Among these distantly related animals, some can modulate and compartmentalize functionally distinct venoms related to predation and defense. A process to separate distinct venoms can occur within and across complex life cycles as well as more streamlined ontogenies, depending on their life-history requirements. Moreover, the morphological and cellular complexity of the venom apparatus likely facilitates the functional diversity of venom deployed within a given life stage. Intersexual variation of venoms has also evolved further contributing to the massive diversity of toxic compounds characterized in these animals. These changes in the biochemical phenotype of venom can directly affect the fitness of these animals, having important implications in their diet, behavior, and mating biology. In this review, we explore the current literature that is unraveling the temporal dynamics of the venom system that are required by these animals to meet their ecological functions. These recent findings have important consequences in understanding the evolution and development of a convergent complex trait and its organismal and ecological implications.
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Anthony S. Cnida sequestration in aeolid nudibranchs: variability and retention time of sequestered cnidae in the opalescent sea slug, Hermissenda crassicornis (Gastropoda, Nudibranchia). CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aeolid sea slugs can isolate and store stinging cnidae obtained from their cnidarian prey, presumably for their own defence. There are 30 different varieties of cnidae, identified by their unique structure. The aeolids engulf the cnidae and store them in a functional state at the tips of their cerata. Although the process of cnida sequestration is reasonably well understood in aeolids, two critical questions remain: (1) are cnida types uniformly distributed among the cerata and (2) how long do sequestered cnidae persist? I collected opalescent sea slugs (Hermissenda crassicornis (Eschscholtz, 1831)) from Barkley Sound, British Columbia, Canada, and determined the cnida complements in four cerata per individual by microscope. The cnida complements differed between cerata from different body regions within the individual (values of Whittaker’s dissimilarity index from 2.5% to 36.3%). Furthermore, the cnidae varieties in low abundances are not consistently present within an individual. I also found that H. crassicornis fed a non-cnidarian diet lost cnidae over time, but the cnidarian-fed individuals did not: 3 of 10 H. crassicornis on the non-cnidarian diet lacked cnidae completely at 42 days. Future studies of cnida sequestration should be mindful that one ceras does not give an adequate representation of the distribution of sequestered cnidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.E. Anthony
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, 100 Pachena Road, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada
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Jaroenlak P, Cammer M, Davydov A, Sall J, Usmani M, Liang FX, Ekiert DC, Bhabha G. 3-Dimensional organization and dynamics of the microsporidian polar tube invasion machinery. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008738. [PMID: 32946515 PMCID: PMC7526891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia, a divergent group of single-celled eukaryotic parasites, harness a specialized harpoon-like invasion apparatus called the polar tube (PT) to gain entry into host cells. The PT is tightly coiled within the transmissible extracellular spore, and is about 20 times the length of the spore. Once triggered, the PT is rapidly ejected and is thought to penetrate the host cell, acting as a conduit for the transfer of infectious cargo into the host. The organization of this specialized infection apparatus in the spore, how it is deployed, and how the nucleus and other large cargo are transported through the narrow PT are not well understood. Here we use serial block-face scanning electron microscopy to reveal the 3-dimensional architecture of the PT and its relative spatial orientation to other organelles within the spore. Using high-speed optical microscopy, we also capture and quantify the entire PT germination process of three human-infecting microsporidian species in vitro: Anncaliia algerae, Encephalitozoon hellem and E. intestinalis. Our results show that the emerging PT experiences very high accelerating forces to reach velocities exceeding 300 μm⋅s-1, and that firing kinetics differ markedly between species. Live-cell imaging reveals that the nucleus, which is at least 7 times larger than the diameter of the PT, undergoes extreme deformation to fit through the narrow tube, and moves at speeds comparable to PT extension. Our study sheds new light on the 3-dimensional organization, dynamics, and mechanism of PT extrusion, and shows how infectious cargo moves through the tube to initiate infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattana Jaroenlak
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Cammer
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alina Davydov
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Joseph Sall
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mahrukh Usmani
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Feng-Xia Liang
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Damian C. Ekiert
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gira Bhabha
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Divi S, Ma X, Ilton M, St Pierre R, Eslami B, Patek SN, Bergbreiter S. Latch-based control of energy output in spring actuated systems. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200070. [PMID: 32693743 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The inherent force-velocity trade-off of muscles and motors can be overcome by instead loading and releasing energy in springs to power extreme movements. A key component of this paradigm is the latch that mediates the release of spring energy to power the motion. Latches have traditionally been considered as switches; they maintain spring compression in one state and allow the spring to release energy without constraint in the other. Using a mathematical model of a simplified contact latch, we reproduce this instantaneous release behaviour and also demonstrate that changing latch parameters (latch release velocity and radius) can reduce and delay the energy released by the spring. We identify a critical threshold between instantaneous and delayed release that depends on the latch, spring, and mass of the system. Systems with stiff springs and small mass can attain a wide range of output performance, including instantaneous behaviour, by changing latch release velocity. We validate this model in both a physical experiment as well as with data from the Dracula ant, Mystrium camillae, and propose that latch release velocity can be used in both engineering and biological systems to control energy output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathvik Divi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Xiaotian Ma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mark Ilton
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Ryan St Pierre
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Babak Eslami
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - S N Patek
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sarah Bergbreiter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Americus B, Lotan T, Bartholomew JL, Atkinson SD. A comparison of the structure and function of nematocysts in free-living and parasitic cnidarians (Myxozoa). Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:763-769. [PMID: 32707121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Myxozoans are obligate parasites that have complex life cycles requiring alternate vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, with transmission via microscopic waterborne spores. Unusually for parasites, they belong to the phylum Cnidaria, alongside thousands of free-living corals, sea anemones, jellyfish and hydrozoans. Their cnidarian affinity is affirmed by genetic relatedness and the presence of nematocysts, historically called "polar capsules" in myxozoan research. Free-living cnidarians utilise this cellular weaponry for defence, predation and adhesion, whereas myxozoans use it to anchor to their hosts as the first step in infection. Despite the ~650 million years of divergence between free-living cnidarians and myxozoans, their nematocysts retain many shared morphological and molecular characters. Both are intra-cellular capsules with a single opening, and contain a coiled, evertable tubule. They are composed of unique nematocyst proteins, nematogalectin and minicollagen, and both likely contain an internal matrix of metal cations covalently bound to the anionic polymer poly-gamma glutamate. The rapid dissociation of this matrix and the resulting increase in internal osmotic potential is the driving force behind tubule elongation during discharge. In this review, we compare the structure and function of nematocysts in Myxozoa and free-living Cnidaria, incorporating recent molecular characterizations. We propose that terminology for homologous myxozoan structures be synonymized with those from other Cnidaria, hence, "polar capsule" as a taxon-specific nematocyst morphotype and "polar filament" as "tubule." Despite taxonomic divergence, genome reduction and an evolution to parasitism, myxozoans maintain nematocysts that are structurally and functionally homologous to those of their free-living cnidarian relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Americus
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Tamar Lotan
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H.Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Stephen D Atkinson
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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Termite's Twisted Mandible Presents Fast, Powerful, and Precise Strikes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9462. [PMID: 32528013 PMCID: PMC7289866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66294-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The asymmetric mandibles of termites are hypothetically more efficient, rapid, and powerful than the symmetric mandibles of snap-jaw ants or termites. We investigated the velocity, force, precision, and defensive performance of the asymmetric mandibular snaps of a termite species, Pericapritermes nitobei. Ultrahigh-speed recordings of termites revealed a new record in biological movement, with a peak linear velocity of 89.7–132.4 m/s within 8.68 μs after snapping, which caused an impact force of 105.8–156.2 mN. High-speed video recordings of ball-strike experiments on termites were analysed using the principle of energy conservation; the left mandibles precisely hit metal balls at the left-to-front side with a maximum linear velocity of 80.3 ± 15.9 m/s (44.0–107.7 m/s) and an impact force of 94.7 ± 18.8 mN (51.9–127.1 mN). In experimental fights between termites and ant predators, Pe. nitobei killed 90–100% of the generalist ants with a single snap and was less likely to harm specialist ponerine ants. Compared with other forms, the asymmetric snapping mandibles of Pe. nitobei required less elastic energy to achieve high velocity. Moreover, the ability of P. nitobei to strike its target at the front side is advantageous for defence in tunnels.
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Weir K, Dupre C, van Giesen L, Lee ASY, Bellono NW. A molecular filter for the cnidarian stinging response. eLife 2020; 9:57578. [PMID: 32452384 PMCID: PMC7250568 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
All animals detect and integrate diverse environmental signals to mediate behavior. Cnidarians, including jellyfish and sea anemones, both detect and capture prey using stinging cells called nematocytes which fire a venom-covered barb via an unknown triggering mechanism. Here, we show that nematocytes from Nematostella vectensis use a specialized voltage-gated calcium channel (nCaV) to distinguish salient sensory cues and control the explosive discharge response. Adaptations in nCaV confer unusually sensitive, voltage-dependent inactivation to inhibit responses to non-prey signals, such as mechanical water turbulence. Prey-derived chemosensory signals are synaptically transmitted to acutely relieve nCaV inactivation, enabling mechanosensitive-triggered predatory attack. These findings reveal a molecular basis for the cnidarian stinging response and highlight general principles by which single proteins integrate diverse signals to elicit discrete animal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Weir
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Christophe Dupre
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Lena van Giesen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Amy S-Y Lee
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
| | - Nicholas W Bellono
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
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Li R, Yu H, Li T, Li P. Comprehensive Proteome Reveals the Key Lethal Toxins in the Venom of Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:2491-2500. [PMID: 32374608 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Jellyfish stings are a major threat to human beings in coastal areas of the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands of victims are stung by venomous jellyfish. Nemopilema nomurai is a dangerous species with a large number of victims including many deaths. N. nomurai venom is a complex cocktail that is rich in proteins and peptides, and it is secreted by nematocysts for prey or defense. Previous studies have identified hundreds of toxins in the venom of N. nomurai; however, it is unclear which toxin(s) is responsible for lethality. Herein, we isolated the lethal fraction (NnLF) from N. nomurai venom with multiple chromatography. NnLF showed strong lethality to mice, and the toxicology results were consistent with the clinical symptoms of dead patients after N. nomurai sting, which indicated that NnLF contained the key lethal toxins in the venom. Subsequently, proteomic analysis was performed to identify the toxins in NnLF, and a total of 13 toxin homologues were identified, including phospholipase, potassium channel inhibitor, hemolysin, thrombin, etc. Moreover, in vitro toxicity assays further verified the phospholipase A2 and hemolytic activity of NnLF. These results revealed that cell membrane-targeted toxins, including channel-forming toxins, potassium channel inhibitors, and especially phospholipases, played very important roles in the lethality of N. nomurai sting. Moreover, blood toxins such as thrombin-like toxin and hemolysins might be synergistically involved in lethality. These findings advance the understanding of lethality caused by N. nomurai sting and will be significant for the development of drugs to treat this jellyfish sting in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Huahua Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tong Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
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Rosario MV, Olberding JP, Deban SM. Playing with Power: Mechanisms of Energy Flow in Organismal Movement. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 59:1511-1514. [PMID: 31584638 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Across multiple evolutionary clades and size scales, organismal movement requires controlling the flow of energy through the body to enhance certain functions. Whether energy is released or absorbed by the organism, proper function hinges on the ability to manipulate both where and when energy is transferred. For example, both power amplification and power attenuation rely on the use of springs for the intermediate storage of energy between the body and the environment; but variation in function is the result of the path and timing of energy flow. In this symposium, we have invited speakers that demonstrate the diversity of mechanisms used to control the flow of energy through the body and into the environment. By bringing together researchers investigating movements in the context of power and energy flow, the major goal of this symposium is to facilitate fresh perspectives on the unifying mechanical themes of energy transfer in organismal movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Rosario
- Department of Biology, West Chester University, 700 South High Street, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Olberding
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephen M Deban
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, SCA 110, Tampa, FL, USA
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Abstract
Nematocysts are stinging organelles used by members of the phylum Cnidaria (e.g., jellyfish, anemones, hydrozoans) for a variety of important functions including capturing prey and defense. Nematocysts are the fastest-known accelerating structures in the animal world. The small scale (microns) coupled with rapid acceleration (in excess of 5 million g) present significant challenges in imaging that prevent detailed descriptions of their kinematics. The immersed boundary method was used to numerically simulate the dynamics of a barb-like structure accelerating a short distance across Reynolds numbers ranging from 0.9–900 towards a passive elastic target in two dimensions. Results indicate that acceleration followed by coasting at lower Reynolds numbers is not sufficient for a nematocyst to reach its target. The nematocyst’s barb-like projectile requires high accelerations in order to transition to the inertial regime and overcome the viscous damping effects normally encountered at small cellular scales. The longer the barb is in the inertial regime, the higher the final velocity of the projectile when it touches its target. We find the size of the target prey does not dramatically affect the barb’s approach for large enough values of the Reynolds number, however longer barbs are able to accelerate a larger amount of surrounding fluid, which in turn allows the barb to remain in the inertial regime for a longer period of time. Since the final velocity is proportional to the force available for piercing the membrane of the prey, high accelerations that allow the system to persist in the inertial regime have implications for the nematocyst’s ability to puncture surfaces such as cellular membranes or even crustacean cuticle.
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Farajollahi S, Dennis PB, Crosby MG, Slocik JM, Pelton AT, Hampton CM, Drummy LF, Yang SJ, Silberstein MN, Gupta MK, Naik RR. Disulfide Crosslinked Hydrogels Made From the Hydra Stinging Cell Protein, Minicollagen-1. Front Chem 2020; 7:950. [PMID: 32039158 PMCID: PMC6989532 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Minicollagens from cnidarian nematocysts are attractive potential building blocks for the creation of strong, lightweight and tough polymeric materials with the potential for dynamic and reconfigurable crosslinking to modulate functionality. In this study, the Hydra magnipapillata minicollagen-1 isoform was recombinantly expressed in bacteria, and a high throughput purification protocol was developed to generate milligram levels of pure protein without column chromatography. The resulting minicollagen-1 preparation demonstrated spectral properties similar to those observed with collagen and polyproline sequences as well as the ability to self-assemble into oriented fibers and bundles. Photo-crosslinking with Ru(II)( bpy ) 3 2 + was used to create robust hydrogels that were analyzed by mechanical testing. Interestingly, the minicollagen-1 hydrogels could be dissolved with reducing agents, indicating that ruthenium-mediated photo-crosslinking was able to induce disulfide metathesis to create the hydrogels. Together, this work is an important first step in creating minicollagen-based materials whose properties can be manipulated through static and reconfigurable post-translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Farajollahi
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
- UES Inc., Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Patrick B. Dennis
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Marquise G. Crosby
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Joseph M. Slocik
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
- UES Inc., Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Anthony T. Pelton
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
- UES Inc., Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Cheri M. Hampton
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
- UES Inc., Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Lawrence F. Drummy
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Steven J. Yang
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Meredith N. Silberstein
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Maneesh K. Gupta
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Rajesh R. Naik
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
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Krohne G. Hydra nematocysts in the flatworm Microstomum lineare: in search for alterations preceding their disappearance from the new host. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:63-71. [PMID: 31848750 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03149-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nematocysts are characteristic organelles of the phylum Cnidaria. The free-living Platyhelminth Microstomum lineare preys on Hydra oligactis and sequesters nematocysts. All nematocyst types become phagocytosed without adherent cytoplasm by intestinal cnidophagocytes. Desmoneme and isorhiza nematocysts disappear within 2 days after ingestion whereas cnidophagocytes containing the venom-loaded stenotele nematocysts migrate out of the intestinal epithelia through the parenchyma to the epidermis. Epidermally localized stenoteles are still able to discharge suggesting that this hydra organelle does preserve its physiological properties. Three to four weeks after ingestion, the majority of stenoteles disappear from M. lineare. To search for alterations of nematocysts that might precede their disappearance, flatworms were stained with acridine orange, a dye that binds to poly-γ-glutamic acid present in hydra nematocysts. The staining properties of all three nematocyst types were indistinguishable during the first 60 min after ingestion of hydra tissue whereas 15 h later, the majority of desmoneme and isorhiza had lost their stainability in striking contrast to stenoteles. In M. lineare inspected 2, 4 and 10 days after feeding, 20-40% of stenoteles had lost their stainability with acridine orange. Non-stained stenoteles had sizes similar to their stained counterparts but some of them were slightly deformed. The presented data indicate that acridine orange staining allows the detection of early alterations of all three ingested nematocyst types preceding their disappearance from M. lineare. Furthermore, they support the notion that the transport of venom-loaded stenoteles to the epidermis provides a strategy of excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Krohne
- Imaging Core Facility Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
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45
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Bentele T, Amadei F, Kimmle E, Veschgini M, Linke P, Sontag-González M, Tennigkeit J, Ho AD, Özbek S, Tanaka M. New Class of Crosslinker-Free Nanofiber Biomaterials from Hydra Nematocyst Proteins. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19116. [PMID: 31836799 PMCID: PMC6910907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55655-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematocysts, the stinging organelles of cnidarians, have remarkable mechanical properties. Hydra nematocyst capsules undergo volume changes of 50% during their explosive exocytosis and withstand osmotic pressures of beyond 100 bar. Recently, two novel protein components building up the nematocyst capsule wall in Hydra were identified. The cnidarian proline-rich protein 1 (CPP-1) characterized by a "rigid" polyproline motif and the elastic Cnidoin possessing a silk-like domain were shown to be part of the capsule structure via short cysteine-rich domains that spontaneously crosslink the proteins via disulfide bonds. In this study, recombinant Cnidoin and CPP-1 are expressed in E. coli and the elastic modulus of spontaneously crosslinked bulk proteins is compared with that of isolated nematocysts. For the fabrication of uniform protein nanofibers by electrospinning, the preparative conditions are systematically optimized. Both fibers remain stable even after rigorous washing and immersion into bulk water owing to the simultaneous crosslinking of cysteine-rich domains. This makes our nanofibers clearly different from other protein nanofibers that are not stable without chemical crosslinkers. Following the quantitative assessment of mechanical properties, the potential of Cnidoin and CPP-1 nanofibers is examined towards the maintenance of human mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Bentele
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Department of Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federico Amadei
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Esther Kimmle
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariam Veschgini
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Linke
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariana Sontag-González
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jutta Tennigkeit
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Department of Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anthony D Ho
- Department of Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Suat Özbek
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Department of Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Motomu Tanaka
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan.
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46
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Ilton M, Cox SM, Egelmeers T, Sutton GP, Patek SN, Crosby AJ. The effect of size-scale on the kinematics of elastic energy release. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:9579-9586. [PMID: 31724691 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm00870e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Elastically-driven motion has been used as a strategy to achieve high speeds in small organisms and engineered micro-robotic devices. We examine the size-scaling relations determining the limit of elastic energy release from elastomer bands that efficiently cycle mechanical energy with minimal loss. The maximum center-of-mass velocity of the elastomer bands was found to be size-scale independent, while smaller bands demonstrated larger accelerations and shorter durations of elastic energy release. Scaling relationships determined from these measurements are consistent with the performance of small organisms and engineered devices which utilize elastic elements to power motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ilton
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
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47
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Naut Your Everyday Jellyfish Model: Exploring How Tentacles and Oral Arms Impact Locomotion. FLUIDS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/fluids4030169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Jellyfish are majestic, energy-efficient, and one of the oldest species that inhabit the oceans. It is perhaps the second item, their efficiency, that has captivated scientists for decades into investigating their locomotive behavior. Yet, no one has specifically explored the role that their tentacles and oral arms may have on their potential swimming performance. We perform comparative in silico experiments to study how tentacle/oral arm number, length, placement, and density affect forward swimming speeds, cost of transport, and fluid mixing. An open source implementation of the immersed boundary method was used (IB2d) to solve the fully coupled fluid–structure interaction problem of an idealized flexible jellyfish bell with poroelastic tentacles/oral arms in a viscous, incompressible fluid. Overall tentacles/oral arms inhibit forward swimming speeds, by appearing to suppress vortex formation. Nonlinear relationships between length and fluid scale (Reynolds Number) as well as tentacle/oral arm number, density, and placement are observed, illustrating that small changes in morphology could result in significant decreases in swimming speeds, in some cases by upwards of 80–90% between cases with or without tentacles/oral arms.
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48
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Schulz JR, Jan I, Sangha G, Azizi E. The high speed radular prey strike of a fish-hunting cone snail. Curr Biol 2019; 29:R788-R789. [PMID: 31430472 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cone snails are venomous marine gastropods that hydraulically propel a hollow, chitinous radular harpoon into prey [1,2]. This radular harpoon serves both as projectile and conduit for venom delivery. In the fish-hunting cone snail Conus catus, the radular harpoon is also utilized to tether the snail to its prey, rapidly paralyzed by neuroexcitatory peptides [2,3]. Effective prey capture in C. catus requires both fast-acting neurotoxins and a delivery system quick enough to exceed the prey fish's rapid escape responses [4]. We report here that the cone snail's prey strike is one of the fastest in the animal kingdom. A unique cellular latch mechanism prevents harpoon release until sufficient pressure builds and overcomes the forces of the latch, resulting in rapid acceleration into prey [2]. The radular harpoon then rapidly decelerates as its bulbous base reaches the end of the proboscis, a distensible hydrostatic skeleton extended toward the prey [2], with little slowing during prey impalement. The velocities achieved are the fastest movements of any mollusk and exceed previous estimates by over an order of magnitude [1].
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Schulz
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA.
| | - Ian Jan
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA
| | - Gurleen Sangha
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA
| | - Emanuel Azizi
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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The Sialic Acid-Dependent Nematocyst Discharge Process in Relation to Its Physical-Chemical Properties Is A Role Model for Nanomedical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tools. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17080469. [PMID: 31409009 PMCID: PMC6722915 DOI: 10.3390/md17080469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Formulas derived from theoretical physics provide important insights about the nematocyst discharge process of Cnidaria (Hydra, jellyfishes, box-jellyfishes and sea-anemones). Our model description of the fastest process in living nature raises and answers questions related to the material properties of the cell- and tubule-walls of nematocysts including their polysialic acid (polySia) dependent target function. Since a number of tumor-cells, especially brain-tumor cells such as neuroblastoma tissues carry the polysaccharide chain polySia in similar concentration as fish eggs or fish skin, it makes sense to use these findings for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the field of nanomedicine. Therefore, the nematocyst discharge process can be considered as a bionic blue-print for future nanomedical devices in cancer diagnostics and therapies. This approach is promising because the physical background of this process can be described in a sufficient way with formulas presented here. Additionally, we discuss biophysical and biochemical experiments which will allow us to define proper boundary conditions in order to support our theoretical model approach. PolySia glycans occur in a similar density on malignant tumor cells than on the cell surfaces of Cnidarian predators and preys. The knowledge of the polySia-dependent initiation of the nematocyst discharge process in an intact nematocyte is an essential prerequisite regarding the further development of target-directed nanomedical devices for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The theoretical description as well as the computationally and experimentally derived results about the biophysical and biochemical parameters can contribute to a proper design of anti-tumor drug ejecting vessels which use a stylet-tubule system. Especially, the role of nematogalectins is of interest because these bridging proteins contribute as well as special collagen fibers to the elastic band properties. The basic concepts of the nematocyst discharge process inside the tubule cell walls of nematocysts were studied in jellyfishes and in Hydra which are ideal model organisms. Hydra has already been chosen by Alan Turing in order to figure out how the chemical basis of morphogenesis can be described in a fundamental way. This encouraged us to discuss the action of nematocysts in relation to morphological aspects and material requirements. Using these insights, it is now possible to discuss natural and artificial nematocyst-like vessels with optimized properties for a diagnostic and therapeutic use, e.g., in neurooncology. We show here that crucial physical parameters such as pressure thresholds and elasticity properties during the nematocyst discharge process can be described in a consistent and satisfactory way with an impact on the construction of new nanomedical devices.
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50
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Longo SJ, Cox SM, Azizi E, Ilton M, Olberding JP, St Pierre R, Patek SN. Beyond power amplification: latch-mediated spring actuation is an emerging framework for the study of diverse elastic systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/15/jeb197889. [PMID: 31399509 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.197889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rapid biological movements, such as the extraordinary strikes of mantis shrimp and accelerations of jumping insects, have captivated generations of scientists and engineers. These organisms store energy in elastic structures (e.g. springs) and then rapidly release it using latches, such that movement is driven by the rapid conversion of stored elastic to kinetic energy using springs, with the dynamics of this conversion mediated by latches. Initially drawn to these systems by an interest in the muscle power limits of small jumping insects, biologists established the idea of power amplification, which refers both to a measurement technique and to a conceptual framework defined by the mechanical power output of a system exceeding muscle limits. However, the field of fast elastically driven movements has expanded to encompass diverse biological and synthetic systems that do not have muscles - such as the surface tension catapults of fungal spores and launches of plant seeds. Furthermore, while latches have been recognized as an essential part of many elastic systems, their role in mediating the storage and release of elastic energy from the spring is only now being elucidated. Here, we critically examine the metrics and concepts of power amplification and encourage a framework centered on latch-mediated spring actuation (LaMSA). We emphasize approaches and metrics of LaMSA systems that will forge a pathway toward a principled, interdisciplinary field.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Longo
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - S M Cox
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - E Azizi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - M Ilton
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - J P Olberding
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - R St Pierre
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - S N Patek
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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