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Wang Y, Liu X, Zheng Y, Yang Y, Chen M. Endocrine regulation of reproductive biology in echinoderms: An evolutionary perspective from closest marine invertebrate relatives to chordates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 580:112105. [PMID: 37952726 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Echinoderms are a phylum of invertebrate deuterostomes, which contain echinoids, asteroids, holothuroids, crinoids, and ophiuroids. Echinoderms have special evolutionary position and unique characteristics, including pentamerous radial body structure, elaborate calcareous endoskeletons, and versatile water vascular system. Echinoderms exhibit extraordinarily diverse reproductive modes: asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction, sexual reversal, etc. Endocrine regulation plays important well-known roles in sex differentiation, gonadal development and maturation, gametogenesis, and reproductive behavior in vertebrates. However, the entire picture of reproductive endocrinology in echinoderms as an evolutionary model of the closest marine invertebrate relatives to chordates has not been revealed. Here, we reviewed previous and recent research progress on reproductive endocrinology in echinoderms, mainly including two sections: Sex steroids in echinoderms and neuropeptide regulation in echinoderm reproduction. This review introduces a variety of endocrine regulatory mechanisms in reproductive biology of echinoderms. It discusses the vertebrate-like sex steroids, putative steroidogenic pathway and metabolism, and reproduction-related neuropeptides. The review will provide a deeper understanding about endocrine regulatory mechanisms of gonadal development in lower deuterostomes and the application of endocrine control in economic echinoderm species in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinghai Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yujia Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
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Piñon Gonzalez VM, Feng Y, Egertová M, Elphick MR. Neuropeptide expression and action in the reproductive system of the starfish Asterias rubens. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25585. [PMID: 38289190 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25585] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive processes are regulated by a variety of neuropeptides in vertebrates and invertebrates. In starfish (phylum Echinodermata), relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide triggers oocyte maturation and spawning. However, little is known about other neuropeptides as potential regulators of reproduction in starfish. To address this issue, here, we used histology and immunohistochemistry to analyze the reproductive system of the starfish Asterias rubens at four stages of the seasonal reproductive cycle in male and female animals, investigating the expression of eight neuropeptides: the corticotropin-releasing hormone-type neuropeptide ArCRH, the calcitonin-type neuropeptide ArCT, the pedal peptide-type neuropeptides ArPPLN1b and ArPPLN2h, the vasopressin/ocytocin-type neuropeptide asterotocin, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-type neuropeptide ArGnRH, and the somatostatin/allatostatin-C-type neuropeptides ArSS1 and ArSS2. The expression of five neuropeptides, ArCRH, ArCT, ArPPLN1b, ArPPLN2h, and asterotocin, was detected in the gonoducts and/or gonads. For example, extensive ArPPLN2h expression was revealed in the coelomic epithelial layer of the gonads throughout the seasonal reproductive cycle in both males and females. However, seasonal and/or sexual differences in the patterns of neuropeptide expression were also observed. Informed by these findings, the in vitro pharmacological effects of neuropeptides on gonad preparations from male and female starfish were investigated. This revealed that ArSS1 causes gonadal contraction and that ArPPLN2h causes gonadal relaxation, with both neuropeptides being more effective on ovaries than testes. Collectively, these findings indicate that multiple neuropeptide signaling systems are involved in the regulation of reproductive function in starfish, with some neuropeptides exerting excitatory or inhibitory effects on gonad contractility that may be physiologically relevant when gametes are expelled during spawning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuling Feng
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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3
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Mita M, Feng Y, Piñon-Gonzalez VM, Elphick MR, Katayama H. Gonadotropic activity of a second relaxin-type peptide in starfish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 343:114369. [PMID: 37611673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
In starfish, a relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) acts as a gonadotropin that triggers gamete maturation and spawning. In common with other relaxin/insulin superfamily peptides, RGP consists of an A- and a B-chain, with cross-linkages mediated by one intra- and two inter-chain disulfide bonds. In this study, a second relaxin-like peptide (RLP2) was identified in starfish species belonging to the orders Valvatida, Paxillosida, and Forcipulatida. Like RGP, RLP2 precursors comprise a signal peptide and a C-peptide in addition to the A- and B-chains. However, a unique cysteine motif [CC-(3X)-C-(10X)-C] is present in the A-chain of RLP2, which contrasts with the cysteine motif in other members of the relaxin/insulin superfamily [CC-(3X)-C-(8X)-C]. Importantly, in vitro pharmacological tests revealed that Patiria pectinifera RLP2 (Ppe-RLP2) and Asterias rubens RLP2 (Aru-RLP2) trigger shedding of mature eggs from ovaries of P. pectinifera and A. rubens, respectively. Furthermore, the potencies of Ppe-RLP2 and Aru-RLP2 as gonadotropic peptides were similar to those of Ppe-RGP and Aru-RGP, respectively, and the effect of RLP2 exhibited partial species-specificity. These findings indicate that two relaxin-type peptides regulate spawning in starfish and therefore we propose that RGP and RLP2 are renamed RGP1 and RGP2, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8, Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Yuling Feng
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Victor M Piñon-Gonzalez
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1, Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, 259-1292, Japan
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Feng Y, Piñon Gonzalez VM, Lin M, Egertová M, Mita M, Elphick MR. Localization of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide expression in starfish reveals the gonoducts as a source for its role as a regulator of spawning. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:1299-1316. [PMID: 37212624 PMCID: PMC10952978 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte maturation and gamete release (spawning) in starfish are triggered by relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP), a neuropeptide that was first isolated from the radial nerve cords of these animals. Hitherto, it has generally been assumed that the radial nerve cords are the source of RGP that triggers spawning physiologically. To investigate other sources of RGP, here we report the first comprehensive anatomical analysis of its expression, using both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to map RGP precursor transcripts and RGP, respectively, in the starfish Asterias rubens. Cells expressing RGP precursor transcripts were revealed in the ectoneural epithelium of the radial nerve cords and circumoral nerve ring, arm tips, tube feet, cardiac stomach, pyloric stomach, and, most notably, gonoducts. Using specific antibodies to A. rubens RGP, immunostaining was revealed in cells and/or fibers in the ectoneural region of the radial nerve cords and circumoral nerve ring, tube feet, terminal tentacle and other arm tip-associated structures, body wall, peristomial membrane, esophagus, cardiac stomach, pyloric stomach, pyloric caeca, and gonoducts. Our discovery that RGP is expressed in the gonoducts of A. rubens proximal to its gonadotropic site of action in the gonads is important because it provides a new perspective on how RGP may act as a gonadotropin in starfish. Thus, we hypothesize that it is the release of RGP from the gonoducts that triggers gamete maturation and spawning in starfish, while RGP produced in other parts of the body may regulate other physiological/behavioral processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Feng
- School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Ming Lin
- School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Masatoshi Mita
- Department of BiochemistryShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Maurice R. Elphick
- School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
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Hillberg AK, Smith MK, Lausen BS, Suwansa-ard S, Johnston R, Mitu SA, MacDonald LE, Zhao M, Motti CA, Wang T, Elizur A, Nakashima K, Satoh N, Cummins SF. Crown-of-thorns starfish spines secrete defence proteins. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15689. [PMID: 37637177 PMCID: PMC10448888 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS; Acanthaster species) is a slow-moving corallivore protected by an extensive array of long, sharp toxic spines. Envenomation can result in nausea, numbness, vomiting, joint aches and sometimes paralysis. Small molecule saponins and the plancitoxin proteins have been implicated in COTS toxicity. Methods Brine shrimp lethality assays were used to confirm the secretion of spine toxin biomolecules. Histological analysis, followed by spine-derived proteomics helped to explain the source and identity of proteins, while quantitative RNA-sequencing and phylogeny confirmed target gene expression and relative conservation, respectively. Results We demonstrate the lethality of COTS spine secreted biomolecules on brine shrimp, including significant toxicity using aboral spine semi-purifications of >10 kDa (p > 0.05, 9.82 µg/ml), supporting the presence of secreted proteins as toxins. Ultrastructure observations of the COTS aboral spine showed the presence of pores that could facilitate the distribution of secreted proteins. Subsequent purification and mass spectrometry analysis of spine-derived proteins identified numerous secretory proteins, including plancitoxins, as well as those with relatively high gene expression in spines, including phospholipase A2, protease inhibitor 16-like protein, ependymin-related proteins and those uncharacterized. Some secretory proteins (e.g., vitellogenin and deleted in malignant brain tumor protein 1) were not highly expressed in spine tissue, yet the spine may serve as a storage or release site. This study contributes to our understanding of the COTS through functional, ultrastructural and proteomic analysis of aboral spines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam K. Hillberg
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Meaghan K. Smith
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Blake S. Lausen
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Saowaros Suwansa-ard
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Ryan Johnston
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Shahida A. Mitu
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Leah E. MacDonald
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Min Zhao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Cherie A. Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Abigail Elizur
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Keisuke Nakashima
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Satoh
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Scott F. Cummins
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
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Mita M. Relaxin-like Gonad-Stimulating Peptides in Asteroidea. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050781. [PMID: 37238650 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Starfish relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) is the first identified peptide hormone with gonadotropin-like activity in invertebrates. RGP is a heterodimeric peptide, comprising A and B chains with disulfide cross-linkages. Although RGP had been named a gonad-stimulating substance (GSS), the purified peptide is a member of relaxin-type peptide family. Thus, GSS was renamed as RGP. The cDNA of RGP encodes not only the A and B chains, but also signal and C-peptides. After the rgp gene is translated as a precursor, mature RGP is produced by eliminating the signal and C-peptides. Hitherto, twenty-four RGP orthologs have been identified or predicted from starfish in the orders Valvatida, Forcipulatida, Paxillosida, Spinulosida, and Velatida. The molecular evolution of the RGP family is in good accordance with the phylogenetic taxonomy in Asteroidea. Recently, another relaxin-like peptide with gonadotropin-like activity, RLP2, was found in starfish. RGP is mainly present in the radial nerve cords and circumoral nerve rings, but also in the arm tips, the gonoducts, and the coelomocytes. RGP acts on ovarian follicle cells and testicular interstitial cells to induce the production of 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde), a starfish maturation-inducing hormone. RGP-induced 1-MeAde production is accompanied by an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP levels. This suggests that the receptor for RGP (RGPR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Two types of GPCRs, RGPR1 and RGPR2, have been postulated as candidates. Furthermore, 1-MeAde produced by RGP not only induces oocyte maturation, but also induces gamete shedding, possibly by stimulating the secretion of acetylcholine in the ovaries and testes. Thus, RGP plays an important role in starfish reproduction, but its secretion mechanism is still unknown. It has also been revealed that RGP is found in the peripheral adhesive papillae of the brachiolaria arms. However, gonads are not developed in the larvae before metamorphosis. It may be possible to discover new physiological functions of RGP other than gonadotropin-like activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Hatanodai 8-5-1, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
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7
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Katayama H, Mita M. The C-terminally amidated relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide in the starfish Astropecten scoparius. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 334:114226. [PMID: 36731602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) in starfish was the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin, consisting of A- and B-chain. Recently, an RGP ortholog (Asc-RGP) from Astropecten scoparius in the order Paxillosida was found to harbor an amidation signal (Gly-Arg) at the C-terminus of the B-chain (Mita et al., 2020a). Two cleavage sites were also predicted within the signal peptide of the Asc-RGP precursor. Thus, four kinds of analogs (Asc-RGP-NH2(S), Asc-RGP-GR(S), Asc-RGP- NH2(L), Asc-RGP-GR(L) were hypothesized as natural Asc-RGPs. To identify the natural Asc-RGP, an extract of radial nerve cords from A. scoparius was analyzed using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and MALDI-TOF-mass spectrometry. The molecular weight of Asc-RGP was 4585.3, and those of A- and B-chains were 2511.8 and 2079.8, respectively. This strongly suggests that natural RGP in A. scoparius is Asc-RGP-NH2(S). Asc-RGP-NH2(S) stimulated 1-methyladenine and cyclic AMP production in isolated ovarian follicle cells of A. scoparius. On the other hand, the concentrations of four synthetic Asc-RGP analogs required for the induction of spawning in 50% of ovarian fragments were almost the same. The size and C-terminal amidation of the B-chain might not be important for spawning-inducing activity. C-terminally amidated RGPs in the B-chain were also observed in other species of starfish belonging to the order Paxillosida, particularly the family Astropectinidae, but not the family Luidiidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1, Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8, Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
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Structure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.) radial nerve cord. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3349. [PMID: 36849815 PMCID: PMC9971248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30425-1] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The nervous system of the Asteroidea (starfish or seastar) consists of radial nerve cords (RNCs) that interconnect with a ring nerve. Despite its relative simplicity, it facilitates the movement of multiple arms and numerous tube feet, as well as regeneration of damaged limbs. Here, we investigated the RNC ultrastructure and its molecular components within the of Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS; Acanthaster sp.), a well-known coral predator that in high-density outbreaks has major ecological impacts on coral reefs. We describe the presence of an array of unique small bulbous bulbs (40-100 μm diameter) that project from the ectoneural region of the adult RNC. Each comprise large secretory-like cells and prominent cilia. In contrast, juvenile COTS and its congener Acanthaster brevispinus lack these features, both of which are non-corallivorous. Proteomic analysis of the RNC (and isolated neural bulbs) provides the first comprehensive echinoderm protein database for neural tissue, including numerous secreted proteins associated with signalling, transport and defence. The neural bulbs contained several neuropeptides (e.g., bombyxin-type, starfish myorelaxant peptide, secretogranin 7B2-like, Ap15a-like, and ApNp35) and Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumor 1-like proteins. In summary, this study provides a new insight into the novel traits of COTS, a major pest on coral reefs, and a proteomics resource that can be used to develop (bio)control strategies and understand molecular mechanisms of regeneration.
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Mendoza-Porras O, Nguyen TV, Shah RM, Thomas-Hall P, Bastin L, Deaker DJ, Motti CA, Byrne M, Beale DJ. Biochemical metabolomic profiling of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster): New insight into its biology for improved pest management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160525. [PMID: 36574554 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS), Acanthaster species, is a voracious coral predator that destroys coral reefs when in outbreak status. The baseline metabolite and lipid biomolecules of 10 COTS tissues, including eggs from gravid females, were investigated in this study to provide insight into their biology and identify avenues for control. Targeted and untargeted metabolite- and lipidomics-based mass spectrometry approaches were used to obtain tissue-specific metabolite and lipid profiles. Across all COTS tissues, 410 metabolites and 367 lipids were identified. Most abundant were amino acids and peptides (18.7%) and wax esters (17%). There were 262 metabolites and 192 lipids identified in COTS eggs. Wax esters were more abundant in the eggs (30%) followed by triacylglycerols (TG), amino acids, and peptides. The diversity of asterosaponins in eggs (34) was higher than in tissues (2). Several asterosaponins known to modulate sperm acrosome reaction were putatively identified, including glycoside B, asterosaponin-4 (Co-Aris III), and regularoside B (asterosaponin A). The saponins saponin A, thornasteroside A, hillaside B, and non-saponins dictyol J and axinellamine B which have been shown to possess defensive properties, were found in abundance in gonads, skin, and radial nerve tissues. Inosine and 2-hexyldecanoic acid are the most abundant metabolites in tissues and eggs. As a secondary metabolite of purine degradation, inosine plays an important role in purine biosynthesis, while 2-hexyldecanoic acid is known to suppress side-chain crystallization during the synthesis of amphiphilic macromolecules (i.e., phospholipids). These significant spatial changes in metabolite, lipid, and asterosaponin profiles enabled unique insights into key biological tissue-specific processes that could be manipulated to better control COTS populations. Our findings highlight COTS as a novel source of molecules with therapeutic and cosmetic properties (ceramides, sphingolipids, carnosine, and inosine). These outcomes will be highly relevant for the development of strategies for COTS management including chemotaxis-based biocontrol and exploitation of COTS carcasses for the extraction of commercial molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Mendoza-Porras
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Thao V Nguyen
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rohan M Shah
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Peter Thomas-Hall
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Lee Bastin
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Dione J Deaker
- Marine Studies Institute, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Maria Byrne
- Marine Studies Institute, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - David J Beale
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
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Mita M, Katayama H, Yamamoto K, Shibata Y, Kiyomoto M. A Relaxin-Like Gonad-Stimulating Peptide Appears in the Early Development of the Starfish Patiria pectinifera. Zoolog Sci 2023; 40:7-12. [PMID: 36744704 DOI: 10.2108/zs220058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) is a hormone with gonadotropin-like activity in starfish. This study revealed that spawning inducing activity was detected in an extract of brachiolaria larvae of Patiria pectinifera. Spawning inducing activity in the extract was due to P. pectinifera RGP (PpeRGP), not 1-methyladenine. The expression of PpeRGP mRNA was also found in brachiolaria. Immunohistochemical observation with specific antibodies for PpeRGP showed that PpeRGP was distributed in the peripheral adhesive papilla of the brachiolaria arms. In contrast, PpeRGP was not detected in the adult rudiment or ciliary band regions, which are present in the neural system. These findings strongly suggest that RGP exists in the larvae before metamorphosis. Because gonads are not developed in starfish larvae, it seems likely that RGP plays another role other than gonadotropic action in the early development of starfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan,
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Yamamoto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Sciences, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Yasushi Shibata
- Department of Life and Health Science, Faculty of Life & Environmental Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Uenohara, Yamanashi 409-0193, Japan
| | - Masato Kiyomoto
- Tateyama Marine Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Center, Ochanomizu University, Tateyama, Chiba 294-0301, Japan
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Jönsson M, Morin M, Wang CK, Craik DJ, Degnan SM, Degnan BM. Sex-specific expression of pheromones and other signals in gravid starfish. BMC Biol 2022; 20:288. [PMID: 36528687 PMCID: PMC9759900 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01491-0] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many echinoderms form seasonal aggregations prior to spawning. In some fecund species, a spawning event can lead to population outbreaks with detrimental ecosystem impacts. For instance, outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), a corallivore, can destroy coral reefs. Here, we examine the gene expression in gravid male and female COTS prior to spawning in the wild, to identify genome-encoded factors that may regulate aggregation and spawning. This study is informed by a previously identified exoproteome that attracts conspecifics. To capture the natural gene expression profiles, we isolated RNAs from gravid female and male COTS immediately after they were removed from the Great Barrier Reef. RESULTS: Sexually dimorphic gene expression is present in all seven somatic tissues and organs that we surveyed and in the gonads. Approximately 40% of the exoproteome transcripts are differentially expressed between sexes. Males uniquely upregulate an additional 68 secreted factors in their testes. A suite of neuropeptides in sensory organs, coelomocytes and gonads is differentially expressed between sexes, including the relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide and gonadotropin-releasing hormones. Female sensory tentacles-chemosensory organs at the distal tips of the starfish arms-uniquely upregulate diverse receptors and signalling molecules, including chemosensory G-protein-coupled receptors and several neuropeptides, including kisspeptin, SALMFamide and orexin. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of 103 tissue/organ transcriptomes from 13 wild COTS has revealed genes that are consistently differentially expressed between gravid females and males and that all tissues surveyed are sexually dimorphic at the molecular level. This finding is consistent with female and male COTS using sex-specific pheromones to regulate reproductive aggregations and synchronised spawning events. These pheromones appear to be received primarily by the sensory tentacles, which express a range of receptors and signalling molecules in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, coelomocytes and gonads differentially express signalling and regulatory factors that control gametogenesis and spawning in other echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Jönsson
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Marie Morin
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Conan K. Wang
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Sandie M. Degnan
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Bernard M. Degnan
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
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12
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Aleotti A, Wilkie IC, Yañez-Guerra LA, Gattoni G, Rahman TA, Wademan RF, Ahmad Z, Ivanova DA, Semmens DC, Delroisse J, Cai W, Odekunle E, Egertová M, Ferrario C, Sugni M, Bonasoro F, Elphick MR. Discovery and functional characterization of neuropeptides in crinoid echinoderms. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1006594. [PMID: 36583101 PMCID: PMC9793003 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1006594] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are one of the largest and most diverse families of signaling molecules in animals and, accordingly, they regulate many physiological processes and behaviors. Genome and transcriptome sequencing has enabled the identification of genes encoding neuropeptide precursor proteins in species from a growing variety of taxa, including bilaterian and non-bilaterian animals. Of particular interest are deuterostome invertebrates such as the phylum Echinodermata, which occupies a phylogenetic position that has facilitated reconstruction of the evolution of neuropeptide signaling systems in Bilateria. However, our knowledge of neuropeptide signaling in echinoderms is largely based on bioinformatic and experimental analysis of eleutherozoans-Asterozoa (starfish and brittle stars) and Echinozoa (sea urchins and sea cucumbers). Little is known about neuropeptide signaling in crinoids (feather stars and sea lilies), which are a sister clade to the Eleutherozoa. Therefore, we have analyzed transcriptome/genome sequence data from three feather star species, Anneissia japonica, Antedon mediterranea, and Florometra serratissima, to produce the first comprehensive identification of neuropeptide precursors in crinoids. These include representatives of bilaterian neuropeptide precursor families and several predicted crinoid neuropeptide precursors. Using A. mediterranea as an experimental model, we have investigated the expression of selected neuropeptides in larvae (doliolaria), post-metamorphic pentacrinoids and adults, providing new insights into the cellular architecture of crinoid nervous systems. Thus, using mRNA in situ hybridization F-type SALMFamide precursor transcripts were revealed in a previously undescribed population of peptidergic cells located dorso-laterally in doliolaria. Furthermore, using immunohistochemistry a calcitonin-type neuropeptide was revealed in the aboral nerve center, circumoral nerve ring and oral tube feet in pentacrinoids and in the ectoneural and entoneural compartments of the nervous system in adults. Moreover, functional analysis of a vasopressin/oxytocin-type neuropeptide (crinotocin), which is expressed in the brachial nerve of the arms in A. mediterranea, revealed that this peptide causes a dose-dependent change in the mechanical behavior of arm preparations in vitro-the first reported biological action of a neuropeptide in a crinoid. In conclusion, our findings provide new perspectives on neuropeptide signaling in echinoderms and the foundations for further exploration of neuropeptide expression/function in crinoids as a sister clade to eleutherozoan echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Aleotti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iain C. Wilkie
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luis A. Yañez-Guerra
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giacomo Gattoni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tahshin A. Rahman
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard F. Wademan
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zakaryya Ahmad
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deyana A. Ivanova
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dean C. Semmens
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jérôme Delroisse
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Weigang Cai
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Odekunle
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Ferrario
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonasoro
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurice R. Elphick
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Maurice R. Elphick,
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13
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Mita M, Osugi T, Kawada T, Satake H, Katayama H, Kitamura T, Miura T, Miura C. Characterization and localization of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide in the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster cf. solaris. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 328:114107. [PMID: 35973586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In starfish, a relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) is the gonadotropin responsible for final gamete maturation. RGP comprises two different peptides, A- and B-chains with two interchain and one intrachain disulfide bonds. The existence of two isomers of RGP in the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, has been reported previously, but it was recently shown that A. planci represents a species complex with four different species. Here we elucidated the authentic sequence of the Pacific species, Acanthaster cf. solaris, RGP (Aso-RGP). The Aso-RGP precursor encoded by a 354 base pair open reading frame was composed of 117 amino acids (aa). The amino acid identity of Aso-RGP to Patiria pectinifera RGP (Ppe-RGP) and Asterias amurensis RGP (Aam-RGP) was 74% and 60%, respectively. Synthetic Aso-RGP induced spawning of ovarian fragments from A. cf. solaris. Ppe-RGP and Aam-RGP also induced spawning by A. cf. solaris ovaries. In contrast, Ppe-RGP and Aso-RGP induced spawning by P. pectinifera ovaries, but Aam-RGP was inactive. Notably, anti-Ppe-RGP antibodies recognized Aso-RGP as well as Ppe-RGP. Localization of Aso-RGP was observed immunohistochemically using anti-Ppe-RGP antibodies, showing that Aso-RGP was mainly present in the radial nerve cords of A. cf. solaris. Aso-RGP was distributed not only in the epithelium of the ectoneural region but also in the neuropile of the ectoneural region. These results suggest that Aso-RGP is synthesized in the epithelium of the ectoneural region, then transferred to fibers in the neuropile of the ectoneural region in radial nerve cords.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8, Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Tomohiro Osugi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kawada
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1, Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Takaya Kitamura
- The Kuroshio Biological Research Foundation, Nishidomari, Otsuki-cho, Hata-gun, Kochi 788-0333, Japan
| | - Takeshi Miura
- Laboratory of Aquaculture and Livestock Production, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Ehime University, Tarumi 3-5-7, Matuyama-shi, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
| | - Chiemi Miura
- Department of Global Environmental Studies, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Institute of Technology, Miyake 2-1-1, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima 731-5193, Japan
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14
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Zheng Y, Cong X, Liu H, Wang Y, Storey KB, Chen M. Nervous System Development and Neuropeptides Characterization in Embryo and Larva: Insights from a Non-Chordate Deuterostome, the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101538. [PMID: 36290441 PMCID: PMC9598280 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Here, we described the complex nervous system at five early developmental stages (blastula, gastrula, auricularia, doliolaria and pentactula) of a holothurian species with highly economic value, Apostichopus japonicus. The results revealed that the nervous system of embryos and larvae is mainly distributed in the anterior apical region, ciliary bands or rings, and the feeding and attachment organs, and that serotonergic immunoreactivity was not observed until the embryo developed into the late gastrula; these are evolutionarily conserved features of echinoderm, hemichordate and protostome larvae. Furthermore, based on available transcriptome data, we reported the neuropeptide precursors profile at different embryonic and larval developmental stages. This analysis showed that 40 neuropeptide precursors present in adult sea cucumbers were also identified at different developmental stages of embryos and larvae, and only four neuropeptide precursors (SWYG precursor 2, GYWKDLDNYVKAHKT precursor, Neuropeptide precursor 14-like precursor, GLRFAmprecursor-like precursor) predicted in adults were absent in embryos and larvae. Combining the quantitative expression of ten specific neuropeptide precursor genes (NPs) by qRT-PCR, we revealed the potential important roles of neuropeptides in embryo development, feeding and attachment in A. japonicus larvae. In conclusion, this work provides novel perspectives on the diverse physiological functions of neuropeptides and contributes to understanding the evolution of neuropeptidergic systems in echinoderm embryos and larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiao Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Huachen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kenneth B. Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence:
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15
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Li C, Zheng Y, Cong X, Liu H, Storey KB, Chen M. Molecular and functional characterization of the luqin-type neuropeptide signaling system in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Peptides 2022; 155:170839. [PMID: 35839946 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The functional characteristics of neuropeptides in marine invertebrates have attracted significant attention recently although functional studies of luqin-type neuropeptides are still very limited, especially in deuterostomes. The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, is a representative species of deuterostomian Holothurian invertebrates. The species has high nutritional and medicinal value in China. In this study, we report the first comprehensive histological, biochemical and pharmacological characterization of luqin-type neuropeptide signaling in the sea cucumber A. japonicus. The A. japonicus luqin-like neuropeptide precursor (AjLQP) contains a single typical deuterostomian luqin-like neuropeptide AjLQ with an xFxRWamide motif. AjLQ was identified as the ligand for a luqin-type neuropeptide receptor AjLQR, that was previously predicted to be a tachykinin-type receptor, and triggers a rapid intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, followed by receptor internalization and a transient increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR analysis revealed extensive expression of AjLQP and AjLQ in A. japonicus tissues, especially in locomotion-related organs. In vitro pharmacological tests revealed that AjLQ caused 12.69% ± 1.99% (p < 0.01) relaxation of longitudinal muscle preparations at 10-7 M concentration. Furthermore, we observed significantly increased expression of AjLQP (about 17.63 fold, p < 0.01) in intestine of deeply aestivating sea cucumbers, which suggests that AjLQ might be involved in feeding inhibition during aestivation. The present study provides a first insight into the experimental characterization of luqin-type neuropeptide signaling in a sea cucumber. The results will broaden our understanding of the potential function of neuropeptides during important biological processes in marine invertebrates and provide theoretical support for optimizing sea cucumber aquaculture technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyi Li
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xiao Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Huachen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China.
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16
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Escudero Castelán N, Semmens DC, Guerra LAY, Zandawala M, Dos Reis M, Slade SE, Scrivens JH, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Mirabeau O, Elphick MR. Receptor deorphanization in an echinoderm reveals kisspeptin evolution and relationship with SALMFamide neuropeptides. BMC Biol 2022; 20:187. [PMID: 36002813 PMCID: PMC9400282 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptins are neuropeptides that regulate reproductive maturation in mammals via G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion from the hypothalamus. Phylogenetic analysis of kisspeptin-type receptors indicates that this neuropeptide signaling system originated in a common ancestor of the Bilateria, but little is known about kisspeptin signaling in invertebrates. RESULTS Contrasting with the occurrence of a single kisspeptin receptor in mammalian species, here, we report the discovery of an expanded family of eleven kisspeptin-type receptors in a deuterostome invertebrate - the starfish Asterias rubens (phylum Echinodermata). Furthermore, neuropeptides derived from four precursor proteins were identified as ligands for six of these receptors. One or more kisspeptin-like neuropeptides derived from two precursor proteins (ArKPP1, ArKPP2) act as ligands for four A. rubens kisspeptin-type receptors (ArKPR1,3,8,9). Furthermore, a family of neuropeptides that act as muscle relaxants in echinoderms (SALMFamides) are ligands for two A. rubens kisspeptin-type receptors (ArKPR6,7). The SALMFamide neuropeptide S1 (or ArS1.4) and a 'cocktail' of the seven neuropeptides derived from the S1 precursor protein (ArS1.1-ArS1.7) act as ligands for ArKPR7. The SALMFamide neuropeptide S2 (or ArS2.3) and a 'cocktail' of the eight neuropeptides derived from the S2 precursor protein (ArS2.1-ArS2.8) act as ligands for ArKPR6. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal a remarkable diversity of neuropeptides that act as ligands for kisspeptin-type receptors in starfish and provide important new insights into the evolution of kisspeptin signaling. Furthermore, the discovery of the hitherto unknown relationship of kisspeptins with SALMFamides, neuropeptides that were discovered in starfish prior to the identification of kisspeptins in mammals, presents a radical change in perspective for research on kisspeptin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayeli Escudero Castelán
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Dean C Semmens
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Present address: Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Luis Alfonso Yañez Guerra
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Present Address: Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Present Address: Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Dos Reis
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Susan E Slade
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Present address: Waters Corporation, Stamford Avenue, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4AX, UK
| | - James H Scrivens
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Present address: School of Science, Engineering & Design, Stephenson Street, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, TS1 3BA, Tees Valley, UK
| | | | - Alexandra M Jones
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Olivier Mirabeau
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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17
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Tinoco AB, Barreiro-Iglesias A, Yañez Guerra LA, Delroisse J, Zhang Y, Gunner EF, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Egertová M, Elphick MR. Ancient role of sulfakinin/cholecystokinin-type signalling in inhibitory regulation of feeding processes revealed in an echinoderm. eLife 2021; 10:e65667. [PMID: 34488941 PMCID: PMC8428848 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfakinin (SK)/cholecystokinin (CCK)-type neuropeptides regulate feeding and digestion in protostomes (e.g. insects) and chordates. Here, we characterised SK/CCK-type signalling for the first time in a non-chordate deuterostome - the starfish Asterias rubens (phylum Echinodermata). In this species, two neuropeptides (ArSK/CCK1, ArSK/CCK2) derived from the precursor protein ArSK/CCKP act as ligands for an SK/CCK-type receptor (ArSK/CCKR) and these peptides/proteins are expressed in the nervous system, digestive system, tube feet, and body wall. Furthermore, ArSK/CCK1 and ArSK/CCK2 cause dose-dependent contraction of cardiac stomach, tube foot, and apical muscle preparations in vitro, and injection of these neuropeptides in vivo triggers cardiac stomach retraction and inhibition of the onset of feeding in A. rubens. Thus, an evolutionarily ancient role of SK/CCK-type neuropeptides as inhibitory regulators of feeding-related processes in the Bilateria has been conserved in the unusual and unique context of the extra-oral feeding behaviour and pentaradial body plan of an echinoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B Tinoco
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Antón Barreiro-Iglesias
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Jérôme Delroisse
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ya Zhang
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth F Gunner
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Cleidiane G Zampronio
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics, Research Technology Platform, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Alexandra M Jones
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics, Research Technology Platform, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Michaela Egertová
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
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18
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Mita M, Osugi T, Matsubara S, Kawada T, Satake H, Katayama H. A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide identified from the starfish Astropecten scoparius. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 88:34-42. [PMID: 33244845 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) in starfish was the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin responsible for final gamete maturation. An RGP ortholog was newly identified from Astropecten scoparius of the order Paxillosida. The A. scoparius RGP (AscRGP) precursor is encoded by a 354 base pair open reading frame and is a 118 amino acid (aa) protein consisting of a signal peptide (26 aa), B-chain (21 aa), C-peptide (47 aa), and A-chain (24 aa). There are three putative processing sites (Lys-Arg) between the B-chain and C-peptide, between the C-peptide and A-chain, and within the C-peptide. This structural organization revealed that the mature AscRGP is composed of A- and B-chains with two interchain disulfide bonds and one intrachain disulfide bond. The C-terminal residues of the B-chain are Gln-Gly-Arg, which is a potential substrate for formation of an amidated C-terminal Gln residue. Non-amidated (AscRGP-GR) and amidated (AscRGP-NH2 ) peptides were chemically synthesized and their effect on gamete shedding activity was examined using A. scoparius ovaries. Both AscRGP-GR and AscRGP-NH2 induced oocyte maturation and ovulation in similar dose-dependent manners. This is the first report on a C-terminally amidated functional RGP. Collectively, these results suggest that AscRGP-GR and AscRGP-NH2 act as a natural gonadotropic hormone in A. scoparius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Osugi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Soraku-gun, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Soraku-gun, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kawada
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Soraku-gun, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Soraku-gun, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
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19
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Mita M, Matsubara S, Osugi T, Shiraishi A, Wada A, Satake H. A novel G protein-coupled receptor for starfish gonadotropic hormone, relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242877. [PMID: 33226996 PMCID: PMC7682835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropic hormones play important regulatory roles in reproduction. Relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) is a gonadotropin-like hormone in starfish. However, a receptor for RGP remains to be identified. Here, we describe the identification of an authentic receptor for RGP (RGPR) in the starfish, Patiria pectinifera. A binding assay using radioiodinated P. pectinifera RGP (PpeRGP) revealed that RGPR was expressed in ovarian follicle cells. A RGPR candidate was identified by homology-searching of transcriptome data of P. pectinifera follicle cells. Based on the contig sequences, a putative 947-amino acid PpeRGPR was cloned from follicle cells. Like the vertebrate relaxin family peptide receptors (RXFP 1 and 2), PpeRGPR was a G protein-coupled receptor that harbored a low-density lipoprotein-receptor class A motif and leucine-rich repeat sequences in the extracellular domain of the N-terminal region. Sf9 cells transfected with Gαq16-fused PpeRGPR activated calcium ion mobilization in response to PpeRGP, but not to RGP of another starfish Asterias amurensis, in a dose-dependent fashion. These results confirmed the species-specific reactivity of RGP and the cognate receptor. Thus, the present study provides evidence that PpeRGPR is a specific receptor for PpeRGP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the identification of a receptor for echinoderm RGP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Osugi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Azumi Wada
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
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20
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Wang T, Cao Z, Shen Z, Yang J, Chen X, Yang Z, Xu K, Xiang X, Yu Q, Song Y, Wang W, Tian Y, Sun L, Zhang L, Guo S, Zhou N. Existence and functions of a kisspeptin neuropeptide signaling system in a non-chordate deuterostome species. eLife 2020; 9:53370. [PMID: 32513385 PMCID: PMC7282810 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kisspeptin system is a central modulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in vertebrates. Its existence outside the vertebrate lineage remains largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the kisspeptin system in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The gene encoding the kisspeptin precursor generates two mature neuropeptides, AjKiss1a and AjKiss1b. The receptors for these neuropeptides, AjKissR1 and AjKissR2, are strongly activated by synthetic A. japonicus and vertebrate kisspeptins, triggering a rapid intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, followed by receptor internalization. AjKissR1 and AjKissR2 share similar intracellular signaling pathways via Gαq/PLC/PKC/MAPK cascade, when activated by C-terminal decapeptide. The A. japonicus kisspeptin system functions in multiple tissues that are closely related to seasonal reproduction and metabolism. Overall, our findings uncover for the first time the existence and function of the kisspeptin system in a non-chordate species and provide new evidence to support the ancient origin of intracellular signaling and physiological functions that are mediated by this molecular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China.,Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Zheng Cao
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhangfei Shen
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China.,Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Xu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Ke Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Xiaowei Xiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Qiuhan Yu
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Yimin Song
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Tian
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Su Guo
- Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Naiming Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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21
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Tran KK, Jayawardena BM, Elphick MR, Jones CE. A gonadotropin-releasing hormone type neuropeptide with a high affinity binding site for copper(ii) and nickel(ii). Metallomics 2020; 11:404-414. [PMID: 30564813 DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00279g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates gonadotropin-releasing hormone I (GnRH-I) is a key regulator of reproductive development and function. The receptor-binding activity of human GnRH-I can be modified by the presence of divalent copper. Thus, copper binding to N-terminal amino acids in GnRH-I induces structural changes that influence receptor interactions and downstream intracellular signalling cascades. It is not known if copper-binding is restricted to human GnRH-I or if it is also a feature of GnRH-type peptides that have been identified in other taxa. To investigate this, we have characterised copper binding to a recently discovered GnRH-type peptide from the starfish Asterias rubens (ArGnRH). Using a range of spectroscopic and biophysical techniques we show that this peptide can bind copper(ii) and nickel(ii). Copper(ii) is bound in a square-planar, high-affinity (Kd ∼ 10-12 M) site incorporating four nitrogen donor atoms from a histidine imidazole group, two amides and the N-terminal amine group. The ArGnRH copper affinity and geometry are quite different to GnRH-I suggesting the copper sites have evolved to suit the environment the peptides are exposed to. By comparing the copper binding sites in ArGnRH and human GnRH-I and conducting a phylogenetic analysis of GnRH-type peptide sequences from a range of species, we predict that copper-binding is an evolutionarily ancient feature of GnRH-type peptides that has been retained, modified or lost in different lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Tran
- The School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, 2759, NSW, Australia.
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22
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Odekunle EA, Elphick MR. Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology of Vasopressin/ Oxytocin-Type Neuropeptide Signaling in Invertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:225. [PMID: 32362874 PMCID: PMC7181382 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of structurally related hypothalamic hormones that regulate blood pressure and diuresis (vasopressin, VP; CYFQNCPRG-NH2) or lactation and uterine contraction (oxytocin, OT; CYIQNCPLG-NH2) was a major advance in neuroendocrinology, recognized in the award of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1955. Furthermore, the discovery of central actions of VP and OT as regulators of reproductive and social behavior in humans and other mammals has broadened interest in these neuropeptides beyond physiology into psychology. VP/OT-type neuropeptides and their G-protein coupled receptors originated in a common ancestor of the Bilateria (Urbilateria), with invertebrates typically having a single VP/OT-type neuropeptide and cognate receptor. Gene/genome duplications followed by gene loss gave rise to variety in the number of VP/OT-type neuropeptides and receptors in different vertebrate lineages. Recent advances in comparative transcriptomics/genomics have enabled discovery of VP/OT-type neuropeptides in an ever-growing diversity of invertebrate taxa, providing new opportunities to gain insights into the evolution of VP/OT-type neuropeptide function in the Bilateria. Here we review the comparative physiology of VP/OT-type neuropeptides in invertebrates, with roles in regulation of reproduction, feeding, and water/salt homeostasis emerging as common themes. For example, we highlight recent reports of roles in regulation of oocyte maturation in the sea-squirt Ciona intestinalis, extraoral feeding behavior in the starfish Asterias rubens and energy status and dessication resistance in ants. Thus, VP/OT-type neuropeptides are pleiotropic regulators of physiological processes, with evolutionarily conserved roles that can be traced back to Urbilateria. To gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of VP/OT-type neuropeptide function it may be necessary to not only determine the actions of the peptides but also to characterize the transcriptomic/proteomic/metabolomic profiles of cells expressing VP/OT-type precursors and/or VP/OT-type receptors within the framework of anatomically and functionally identified neuronal networks. Furthermore, investigation of VP/OT-type neuropeptide function in a wider range of invertebrate species is now needed if we are to determine how and when this ancient signaling system was recruited to regulate diverse physiological and behavioral processes in different branches of animal phylogeny and in contrasting environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurice R. Elphick
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Yañez-Guerra LA, Elphick MR. Evolution and Comparative Physiology of Luqin-Type Neuropeptide Signaling. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:130. [PMID: 32132900 PMCID: PMC7041311 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Luqin is a neuropeptide that was discovered and named on account of its expression in left upper quadrant cells of the abdominal ganglion in the mollusc Aplysia californica. Subsequently, luqin-type peptides were identified as cardio-excitatory neuropeptides in other molluscs and a cognate receptor was discovered in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed that orthologs of molluscan luqin-type neuropeptides occur in other phyla; these include neuropeptides in ecdysozoans (arthropods, nematodes) that have a C-terminal RYamide motif (RYamides) and neuropeptides in ambulacrarians (echinoderms, hemichordates) that have a C-terminal RWamide motif (RWamides). Furthermore, precursors of luqin-type neuropeptides typically have a conserved C-terminal motif containing two cysteine residues, although the functional significance of this is unknown. Consistent with the orthology of the neuropeptides and their precursors, phylogenetic and pharmacological studies have revealed that orthologous G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate effects of luqin-type neuropeptides in spiralians, ecdysozoans, and ambulacrarians. Luqin-type signaling originated in a common ancestor of the Bilateria as a paralog of tachykinin-type signaling but, unlike tachykinin-type signaling, luqin-type signaling was lost in chordates. This may largely explain why luqin-type signaling has received less attention than many other neuropeptide signaling systems. However, insights into the physiological actions of luqin-type neuropeptides (RYamides) in ecdysozoans have been reported recently, with roles in regulation of feeding and diuresis revealed in insects and roles in regulation of feeding, egg laying, locomotion, and lifespan revealed in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, characterization of a luqin-type neuropeptide in the starfish Asterias rubens (phylum Echinodermata) has provided the first insights into the physiological roles of luqin-type signaling in a deuterostome. In conclusion, although luqin was discovered in Aplysia over 30 years ago, there is still much to be learnt about luqin-type neuropeptide signaling. This will be facilitated in the post-genomic era by the emerging opportunities for experimental studies on a variety of invertebrate taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alfonso Yañez-Guerra
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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24
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Mita M, Elphick MR, Katayama H. Effect of chimeric relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptides on oocyte maturation and ovulation in the starfish Asterias rubens and Aphelasterias japonica. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 287:113351. [PMID: 31805285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP), comprising two peptide chains (A- and B-chains) linked by two interchain bonds and one intrachain disulfide bond, acts as a gonadotropin in starfish. RGP orthologs have been identified in several starfish species, including Patiria pectinifera (PpeRGP), Asterias rubens (AruRGP) and Aphelasterias japonica (AjaRGP). To analyze species-specificity, this study examined the effects on oocyte maturation and ovulation in ovaries of A. rubens and A. japonica of nine RGP derivatives comprising different combinations of A- and B-chains from the three species. All nine RGP derivatives induced spawning in A. rubens and A. japonica ovaries. However, AruRGP, AjaRGP and their chimeric derivatives were more potent than peptides containing the A- or B-chain of PpeRGP. Three-dimensional models of the structures of the RGP derivatives revealed that residues in the B-chains, such as AspB6, MetB10 and PheB13 in PpeRGP and GluB7, MetB11, and TyrB14 in AruRGP and AjaRGP, respectively, are likely to be involved in receptor binding. Conversely, it is likely that ArgA18 in the A-chain of AruRGP and AjaRGP impairs binding of these peptides to the PpeRGP receptor in P. pectinifera. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the structural basis of RGP bioactivity and RGP receptor activation in starfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Hatanodai 8-5-1, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan; Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Waseda University, 2-2, Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1, Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
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25
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Peacey L, Elphick MR, Jones CE. Roles of copper in neurokinin B and gonadotropin-releasing hormone structure and function and the endocrinology of reproduction. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 287:113342. [PMID: 31783025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Copper is a metal ion present in all organisms, where it has well-known roles in association with proteins and enzymes essential for cellular processes. In the early decades of the twentieth century copper was shown to influence mammalian reproductive biology, and it was subsequently shown to exert effects primarily at the level of the pituitary gland and/or hypothalamic regions of the brain. Furthermore, it has been reported that copper can interact with key neuropeptides in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, notably gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and neurokinin B. Interestingly, recent phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of GnRH-related peptides indicates that copper binding is an evolutionarily ancient property of this neuropeptide family, which has been variously retained, modified or lost in the different taxa. In this mini-review the metal-binding properties of neuropeptides in the vertebrate reproductive pathway are reviewed and the evolutionary and functional significance of copper binding by GnRH-related neuropeptides in vertebrates and invertebrates are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Peacey
- School of Science and Health, The University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Mile End Road, London E14NS, UK
| | - Christopher E Jones
- School of Science and Health, The University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
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26
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Chieu HD, Suwansa-Ard S, Wang T, Elizur A, Cummins SF. Identification of neuropeptides in the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 283:113229. [PMID: 31348958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides play important roles in the regulation of physiological processes such as growth, metabolism and reproduction. In sea cucumbers (Phylum Echinodermata), numerous neuropeptides have been identified and some are attributed to reproductive processes. In this study, our goal was to gain a better understanding of the neuropeptide repertoire for the black sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota, a species that has been severely overfished from the wild due to human consumption. We applied in silico transcriptome analysis of the adult H. leucospilota radial nerve cord, gonad and body wall to elucidate 35 neuropeptides that are conserved throughout the Bilateria. Then, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of radial nerve cord was employed and showed an additional 8 putative novel neuropeptide precursors, whose predicative cleaved peptides do not share sequence similarity with any reported neuropeptides. These data provide an important basis for experimental approaches to manipulate H. leucospilota broodstock reproduction and growth in culture, which will hopefully re-establish population numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Dinh Chieu
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia; Research Institute for Marine Fisheries (RIMF), 224 LeLai Street, HaiPhong City, Viet Nam
| | - Saowaros Suwansa-Ard
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Abigail Elizur
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Scott F Cummins
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia.
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27
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Smith MK, Chieu HD, Aizen J, Mos B, Motti CA, Elizur A, Cummins SF. A Crown-of-Thorns Seastar recombinant relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide triggers oocyte maturation and ovulation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 281:41-48. [PMID: 31102581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Acanthaster planci species-complex [Crown-of-Thorns Seastar (COTS)] are highly fecund echinoderms that exhibit population outbreaks on coral reef ecosystems worldwide, including the Australian Great Barrier Reef. A better understanding of the COTS molecular biology is critical towards efforts in controlling outbreaks and assisting reef recovery. In seastars, the heterodimeric relaxin-like gonad stimulating peptide (RGP) is responsible for triggering a neuroendocrine cascade that regulates resumption of oocyte meiosis prior to spawning. Our comparative RNA-seq analysis indicates a general increase in RGP gene expression in the female radial nerve cord during the reproductive season. Also, the sensory tentacles demonstrate a significantly higher expression level than radial nerve cord. A recombinant COTS RGP, generated in a yeast expression system, is highly effective in inducing oocyte germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), followed by ovulation from ovarian fragments. The findings of this study provide a foundation for more in-depth molecular analysis of the reproductive neuroendocrine physiology of the COTS and the RGP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan K Smith
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Hoang Dinh Chieu
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Joseph Aizen
- The School of Marine Science, Ruppin Academic Centre, 4029700 Michmoret, Israel; GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Benjamin Mos
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Cape Ferguson, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Abigail Elizur
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Scott F Cummins
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia.
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28
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Mita M, Nakamura K, Tsutsui K, Katayama H. Interaction of starfish gonadotropin with its receptor: Effect of chimeric relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptides. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 276:30-36. [PMID: 30796897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) of starfish Patiria (Asterina) pectinifera is the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin for final gamete maturation. Recently, we found three orthologs of RGP in the class Asteroida; PpeRGP in P. pectinifera, AamRGP in Asterias amurensis, and AjaRGP in Aphelasterias japonica. In this study, nine kinds of RGP derivatives with exchanged each A- and B-chain were synthesized chemically to analyze the interaction of RGP with its receptor. Among these RGP derivatives, PpeRGP and its chimeric RGPs with B-chains from AamRGP or AjaRGP could induce oocyte maturation and ovulation in P. pectinifera ovaries. In contrast, other RGP derivatives were failed to induce spawning in P. pectinifera ovaries. Circular dichroism spectra of PpeRGP were similar to those of chimeric RGPs with the B-chains from AamRGP or AjaRGP. Furthermore, the predicted three-dimensional structure models of the B-chains from RGP derivatives have almost the same conformation. These findings suggest that the B-chain of PpeRGP is involved in binding to its receptor. Thus, it is likely that the A-chain of AamRGP or AjaRGP disturbs the binding of the PpeRGP B-chain to its receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2, Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
| | - Keitaro Nakamura
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1, Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2, Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, Wakamatsucho 2-2, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1, Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
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29
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Mita M. Starfish Gonadotropic Hormone: From Gamete-Shedding Substance to Relaxin-Like Gonad-Stimulating Peptide. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:182. [PMID: 30967842 PMCID: PMC6442644 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of a gonadotropic substance in an invertebrate hot-water extract of radial nerve cords from starfish Asterias forbesi that induced the shedding of gametes when injected into the coelomic cavity in a ripe individual occurred in 1959. The active substance was named gamete-shedding substance (GSS) or radial nerve factor. GSS is the primary mediator of oocyte maturation and ovulation in starfish. However, the effect of GSS is indirect. Resumption of meiosis in immature oocytes and release from the ovary are induced by a second mediator, maturation-inducing hormone, identified as 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde) in starfish. The role of GSS is to induce 1-MeAde production by ovarian follicle cells. Thus, GSS was redesignated as gonad-stimulating substance (also GSS). Although GSS has been characterized biochemically as a peptide hormone, identification of the chemical structure had to wait until 2009. Fifty years after the initial finding, GSS was purified from the radial nerve cords of starfish Patiria pectinifera (P. pectinifera). The purified hormone was a heterodimer composed of A- and B-chains, with disulfide cross-linkages. Based on its cysteine motif, GSS is classified as a member of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/relaxin superfamily. More specifically, phylogenetic sequence analysis revealed that P. pectinifera GSS is a member of the relaxin-type peptide family. Therefore, GSS in starfish has been redesignated as relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP). Subsequently, orthologs of P. pectinifera RGP have been identified in other starfish species, including Asterias amurensis (A. amurensis), and Aphelasterias japonica (A. japonica).
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Smith MK, Bose U, Mita M, Hall MR, Elizur A, Motti CA, Cummins SF. Differences in Small Molecule Neurotransmitter Profiles From the Crown-of-Thorns Seastar Radial Nerve Revealed Between Sexes and Following Food-Deprivation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:551. [PMID: 30374327 PMCID: PMC6196772 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters serve as chemical mediators of cell communication, and are known to have important roles in regulating numerous physiological and metabolic events in eumetazoans. The Crown-of-Thorns Seastar (COTS) is an asteroid echinoderm that has been the focus of numerous ecological studies due to its negative impact on coral reefs when in large numbers. Research devoted to its neural signaling, from basic anatomy to the key small neurotransmitters, would expand our current understanding of neural-driven biological processes, such as growth and reproduction, and offers a new approach to exploring the propensity for COTS population explosions and subsequent collapse. In this study we investigated the metabolomic profiles of small molecule neurotransmitters in the COTS radial nerve cord. Multivariate analysis shows differential abundance of small molecule neurotransmitters in male and female COTS, and in food-deprived individuals with significant differences between sexes in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), histamine and serotonin, and significant differences in histamine and serotonin between satiation states. Annotation established that the majority of biosynthesis enzyme genes are present in the COTS genome. The spatial distribution of GABA, histamine and serotonin in the radial nerve cord was subsequently confirmed by immunolocalization; serotonin is most prominent within the ectoneural regions, including unique neural bulbs, while GABA and histamine localize primarily within neuropil fibers. Glutamic acid, which was also found in high relative abundance and is a precursor of GABA, is known as a spawning inhibitor in seastars, and as such was tested for inhibition of ovulation ex-vivo which resulted in complete inhibition of oocyte maturation and ovulation induced by 1-Methyladenine. These findings not only advance our knowledge of echinoderm neural signaling processes but also identify potential targets for developing novel approaches for COTS biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan K. Smith
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, Australia
| | - Utpal Bose
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Mita
- Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, TWIns Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michael R. Hall
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Cape Ferguson, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Abigail Elizur
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, Australia
| | - Cherie A. Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Cape Ferguson, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott F. Cummins
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, Australia
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31
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Zhang M, Wang Y, Li Y, Li W, Li R, Xie X, Wang S, Hu X, Zhang L, Bao Z. Identification and Characterization of Neuropeptides by Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses in a Bivalve Mollusc Patinopecten yessoensis. Front Genet 2018; 9:197. [PMID: 29922332 PMCID: PMC5996578 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides play essential roles in regulation of reproduction and growth in marine molluscs. But their function in marine bivalves – a group of animals of commercial importance – is largely unexplored due to the lack of systematic identification of these molecules. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the transcriptome of nerve ganglia of Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis, from which 63 neuropeptide genes were identified based on BLAST and de novo prediction approaches, and 31 were confirmed by proteomic analysis using the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fifty genes encode known neuropeptide precursors, of which 20 commonly exist in bilaterians and 30 are protostome specific. Three neuropeptides that have not yet been reported in bivalves were identified, including calcitonin/DH31, lymnokinin and pleurin. Characterization of glycoprotein hormones, insulin-like peptides, allatostatins, RFamides, and some reproduction, cardioactivity or feeding related neuropeptides reveals scallop neuropeptides have conserved molluscan neuropeptide domains, but some (e.g., GPB5, APGWamide and ELH) are characterized with bivalve-specific features. Thirteen potentially novel neuropeptides were identified, including 10 that may also exist in other protostomes, and 3 (GNamide, LRYamide, and Vamide) that may be scallop specific. In addition, we found neuropeptides potentially related to scallop shell growth and eye functioning. This study represents the first comprehensive identification of neuropeptides in scallop, and would contribute to a complete understanding on the roles of various neuropeptides in endocrine regulation in bivalve molluscs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiwei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yangfan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yangping Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Wanru Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruojiao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinran Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Shi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoli Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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32
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Monroe EB, Annangudi SP, Wadhams AA, Richmond TA, Yang N, Southey BR, Romanova EV, Schoofs L, Baggerman G, Sweedler JV. Exploring the Sea Urchin Neuropeptide Landscape by Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2018; 29:923-934. [PMID: 29667164 PMCID: PMC5943159 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-018-1898-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are essential cell-to-cell signaling messengers and serve important regulatory roles in animals. Although remarkable progress has been made in peptide identification across the Metazoa, for some phyla such as Echinodermata, limited neuropeptides are known and even fewer have been verified on the protein level. We employed peptidomic approaches using bioinformatics and mass spectrometry (MS) to experimentally confirm 23 prohormones and to characterize a new prohormone in nervous system tissue from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, the purple sea urchin. Ninety-three distinct peptides from known and novel prohormones were detected with MS from extracts of the radial nerves, many of which are reported or experimentally confirmed here for the first time, representing a large-scale study of neuropeptides from the phylum Echinodermata. Many of the identified peptides and their precursor proteins have low homology to known prohormones from other species/phyla and are unique to the sea urchin. By pairing bioinformatics with MS, the capacity to characterize novel peptides and annotate prohormone genes is enhanced. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric B Monroe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Suresh P Annangudi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Andinet A Wadhams
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Timothy A Richmond
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Bruce R Southey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Elena V Romanova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Baggerman
- ProMeta Interfacultary Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan V Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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33
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Mita M, Katayama H. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide in the starfish Patiria (Asterina) pectinifera. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 258:157-162. [PMID: 28859971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) from starfish Patiria (Asterina) pectinifera is the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin for final gamete maturation. Recently, we succeeded in obtaining specific antibodies against P. pectinifera RGP (PpeRGP). In this study, the antibodies were used for the development of a specific and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of PpeRGP. A biotin-conjugated peptide that binds to peroxidase-conjugated streptavidin is specifically detectable using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)/hydrogen peroxide as a substrate; therefore, biotin-conjugated RGP (biotin-PpeRGP) was synthesized chemically. Similarly to PpeRGP, synthetic biotin-PpeRGP bound to the antibody against PpeRGP. In binding experiments with biotin-PpeRGP using wells coated with the antibody, a displacement curve was obtained using serial concentrations of PpeRGP. The ELISA system showed that PpeRGP could be measured in the range 0.01-10pmol per 50µl assay buffer. On the contrary, the B-chains of PpeRGP, Asterias amurensis RGP, Aphelasterias japonica RGP, and human relaxin showed minimal cross-reactivity in the ELISA, except that the A-chain of PpeRGP affected it slightly. These results strongly suggest that this ELISA system is highly specific and sensitive with respect to PpeRGP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Tokyo Gakugei University, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-8501, Japan.
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, Kitakaname 4-1-1, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
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34
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Elphick MR, Mirabeau O, Larhammar D. Evolution of neuropeptide signalling systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/3/jeb151092. [PMID: 29440283 PMCID: PMC5818035 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.151092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are a diverse class of neuronal signalling molecules that regulate physiological processes and behaviour in animals. However, determining the relationships and evolutionary origins of the heterogeneous assemblage of neuropeptides identified in a range of phyla has presented a huge challenge for comparative physiologists. Here, we review revolutionary insights into the evolution of neuropeptide signalling that have been obtained recently through comparative analysis of genome/transcriptome sequence data and by ‘deorphanisation’ of neuropeptide receptors. The evolutionary origins of at least 30 neuropeptide signalling systems have been traced to the common ancestor of protostomes and deuterostomes. Furthermore, two rounds of genome duplication gave rise to an expanded repertoire of neuropeptide signalling systems in the vertebrate lineage, enabling neofunctionalisation and/or subfunctionalisation, but with lineage-specific gene loss and/or additional gene or genome duplications generating complex patterns in the phylogenetic distribution of paralogous neuropeptide signalling systems. We are entering a new era in neuropeptide research where it has become feasible to compare the physiological roles of orthologous and paralogous neuropeptides in a wide range of phyla. Moreover, the ambitious mission to reconstruct the evolution of neuropeptide function in the animal kingdom now represents a tangible challenge for the future. Summary: A review of the revolutionary advances in our knowledge of the evolution of neuropeptide signalling systems that have been enabled by comparative genomics and neuropeptide receptor deorphanisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Olivier Mirabeau
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie, INSERM U830, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Dan Larhammar
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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35
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Chemical Ecology of Chemosensation in Asteroidea: Insights Towards Management Strategies of Pest Species. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:147-177. [PMID: 29362949 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Within the Phylum Echinodermata, the class Asteroidea, commonly known as starfish and sea stars, encompasses a large number of benthos inhabiting genera and species with various feeding modalities including herbivores, carnivores, omnivores and detritivores. The Asteroidea rely on chemosensation throughout their life histories including hunting prey, avoiding or deterring predators, in the formation of spawning aggregations, synchronizing gamete release and targeting appropriate locations for larval settlement. The identities of many of the chemical stimuli that mediate these physiological and behavioural processes remain unresolved even though evidence indicates they play pivotal roles in the functionality of benthic communities. Aspects of chemosensation, as well as putative chemically-mediated behaviours and the molecular mechanisms of chemoreception, within the Asteroidea are reviewed here, with particular reference to the coral reef pest the Crown-of-Thorns starfish Acanthaster planci species complex, in the context of mitigation of population outbreaks.
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36
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Suwansa-Ard S, Chaiyamoon A, Talarovicova A, Tinikul R, Tinikul Y, Poomtong T, Elphick MR, Cummins SF, Sobhon P. Transcriptomic discovery and comparative analysis of neuropeptide precursors in sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea). Peptides 2018; 99:231-240. [PMID: 29054501 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides synthesized and released by neuronal cells play important roles in the regulation of many processes, e.g. growth, feeding, reproduction, and behavior. In the past decade, next-generation sequencing technologies have helped to facilitate the identification of multiple neuropeptide genes in a variety of taxa, including arthropods, molluscs and echinoderms. In this study, we extend these studies to Holothuria scabra, a sea cucumber species that is widely cultured for human consumption. In silico analysis of H. scabra neural and gonadal transcriptomes enabled the identification of 28 transcripts that encode a total of 26 bilaterian and echinoderm-specific neuropeptide precursors. Furthermore, publicly available sequence data from another sea cucumber, Holothuria glaberrima, allowed a more in-depth comparative investigation. Interestingly, two isoforms of a calcitonin-type peptide precursor (CTPP) were deduced from the H. scabra transcriptome - HscCTPP-long and HscCTPP-short, likely the result of alternative splicing. We also identified a sea cucumber relaxin-type peptide precursor, which is of interest because relaxin-type peptides have been shown to act as gonadotropic hormones in starfish. Two neuropeptides that appear to be holothurian-specific are GLRFA, and GN-19. In H. scabra, the expression of GLRFA was restricted to neural tissues, while GN-19 expression was additionally found in the longitudinal muscle and intestinal tissues. In conclusion, we have obtained new insights into the neuropeptide signaling systems of holothurians, which will facilitate physiological studies that may enable advances in the aquaculture of sea cucumbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saowaros Suwansa-Ard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Arada Chaiyamoon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Alzbeta Talarovicova
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Ruchanok Tinikul
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Yotsawan Tinikul
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Mahidol University, Nakhonsawan Campus, Nakhonsawan 60130, Thailand
| | - Tanes Poomtong
- Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Center, Klongwan, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77000, Thailand
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Scott F Cummins
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Prasert Sobhon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand.
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37
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Lin M, Egertová M, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Elphick MR. Functional characterization of a second pedal peptide/orcokinin-type neuropeptide signaling system in the starfish Asterias rubens. J Comp Neurol 2017; 526:858-876. [PMID: 29218721 PMCID: PMC5814872 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Molluscan pedal peptides (PPs) and arthropod orcokinins (OKs) are prototypes of a family of neuropeptides that have been identified in several phyla. Recently, starfish myorelaxant peptide (SMP) was identified as a PP/OK‐type neuropeptide in the starfish Patiria pectinifera (phylum Echinodermata). Furthermore, analysis of transcriptome sequence data from the starfish Asterias rubens revealed two PP/OK‐type precursors: an SMP‐type precursor (A. rubens PP‐like neuropeptide precursor 1; ArPPLNP1) and a second precursor (ArPPLNP2). We reported previously a detailed analysis of ArPPLNP1 expression in A. rubens and here we report the first functional characterization ArPPLNP2‐derived neuropeptides. Sequencing of a cDNA encoding ArPPLNP2 revealed that it comprises eleven related neuropeptides (ArPPLN2a‐k), the structures of several of which were confirmed using mass spectrometry. Analysis of the expression of ArPPLNP2 and neuropeptides derived from this precursor using mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed a widespread distribution, including expression in radial nerve cords, circumoral nerve ring, digestive system, tube feet and innervation of interossicular muscles. In vitro pharmacology revealed that the ArPPLNP2‐derived neuropeptide ArPPLN2h has no effect on the contractility of tube feet or the body wall‐associated apical muscle, contrasting with the relaxing effect of ArPPLN1b (ArSMP) on these preparations. ArPPLN2h does, however, cause dose‐dependent relaxation of cardiac stomach preparations, with greater potency/efficacy than ArPPLN1b and with similar potency/efficacy to the SALMFamide neuropeptide S2. In conclusion, there are similarities in the expression patterns of ArPPLNP1 and ArPPLNP2 but our data also indicate specialization in the roles of neuropeptides derived from these two PP/OK‐type precursors in starfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lin
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Mile End Road, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Mile End Road, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cleidiane G Zampronio
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra M Jones
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Mile End Road, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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38
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Tian S, Egertová M, Elphick MR. Functional Characterization of Paralogous Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Type and Corazonin-Type Neuropeptides in an Echinoderm. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:259. [PMID: 29033898 PMCID: PMC5626854 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Homologs of the vertebrate neuropeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) have been identified in invertebrates, including the insect neuropeptide corazonin (CRZ). Recently, we reported the discovery of GnRH-type and CRZ-type signaling systems in an echinoderm, the starfish Asterias rubens, demonstrating that the evolutionary origin of paralogous GnRH-type and CRZ-type neuropeptides can be traced back to the common ancestor of protostomes and deuterostomes. Here, we have investigated the physiological roles of the GnRH-type (ArGnRH) and the CRZ-type (ArCRZ) neuropeptides in A. rubens, using mRNA in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and in vitro pharmacology. ArGnRH precursor (ArGnRHP)-expressing cells and ArGnRH-immunoreactive cells and/or processes are present in the radial nerve cords, circumoral nerve ring, digestive system (e.g., cardiac stomach and pyloric stomach), body wall-associated muscle (apical muscle), and appendages (tube feet, terminal tentacle). The general distribution of ArCRZ precursor (ArCRZP)-expressing cells is similar to that of ArGnRHP, but with specific local differences. For example, cells expressing ArGnRHP are present in both the ectoneural and hyponeural regions of the radial nerve cords and circumoral nerve ring, whereas cells expressing ArCRZP were only observed in the ectoneural region. In vitro pharmacological experiments revealed that both ArGnRH and ArCRZ cause contraction of cardiac stomach, apical muscle, and tube foot preparations. However, ArGnRH was more potent/effective than ArCRZ as a contractant of the cardiac stomach, whereas ArCRZ was more potent/effective than ArGnRH as a contractant of the apical muscle. These findings demonstrate that both ArGnRH and ArCRZ are myoexcitatory neuropeptides in starfish, but differences in their expression patterns and pharmacological activities are indicative of distinct physiological roles. This is the first study to investigate the physiological roles of both GnRH-type and CRZ-type neuropeptides in a deuterostome, providing new insights into the evolution and comparative physiology of these paralogous neuropeptide signaling systems in the Bilateria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Tian
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maurice R. Elphick
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Maurice R. Elphick,
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