Effect of thermal stress on HSP70 expression in dermal fibroblast of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan-Fries) cattle

Identification of Molecular Profile of Ear Fibroblasts Derived from Spindle-Transferred Holstein Cattle with Ooplasts from Taiwan Yellow Cattle under Heat Stress

Global warming has a significant impact on the dairy farming industry, as heat stress causes reproductive endocrine imbalances and leads to substantial economic losses, particularly in tropical-subtropical regions. The Holstein breed, which is widely used for dairy production, is highly susceptible to heat stress, resulting in a dramatic reduction in milk production during hot seasons. However, previous studies have shown that cells of cows produced from reconstructed embryos containing cytoplasm (o) from Taiwan yellow cattle (Y) have improved thermotolerance despite their nuclei (n) being derived from heat-sensitive Holstein cattle (H). Using spindle transfer (ST) technology, we successfully produced ST-Yo-Hn cattle and proved that the thermotolerance of their ear fibroblasts is similar to that of Y and significantly better than that of H (p < 0.05). Despite these findings, the genes and molecules responsible for the different sensitivities of cells derived from ST-Yo-Hn and H cattle have not been extensively investigated. In the present study, ear fibroblasts from ST-Yo-Hn and H cattle were isolated, and differentially expressed protein and gene profiles were compared with or without heat stress (hs) (42 °C for 12 h). The results revealed that the relative protein expression levels of pro-apoptotic factors, including Caspase-3, -8, and -9, in the ear fibroblasts from the ST-Yo-Hn-hs group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those from the H-hs group. Conversely, the relative expression levels of anti-apoptotic factors, including GNA14 protein and the CRELD2 and PRKCQ genes, were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the ear fibroblasts from the ST-Yo-Hn-hs group compared to those from the H-hs group. Analysis of oxidative phosphorylation-related factors revealed that the relative expression levels of the GPX1 gene and Complex-I, Complex-IV, CAT, and PGLS proteins were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the ear fibroblasts from the ST-Yo-Hn-hs group compared to those from the H-hs group. Taken together, these findings suggest that ear fibroblasts from ST-Yo-Hn cattle have superior thermotolerance compared to those from H cattle due to their lower expression of pro-apoptotic factors and higher expression of oxidative phosphorylation and antioxidant factors. Moreover, this improved thermotolerance is attributed, at least partially, to the cytoplasm derived from more heat-tolerant Y cattle. Hence, using ST technology to produce more heat-tolerant H cattle containing Y cytoplasm could be a feasible approach to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on dairy cattle in tropical-subtropical regions.

Association of heat-shock protein 70.1 gene with physiological and physical performance of Bali cattle

Background and Aim

Global warming challenges cattle productivity and welfare since it affects heat stress and scarce feed. The heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene is essential in cytoprotection against stressors, protecting cells from dysregulated gene expression and apoptosis. This study aimed to identify significant genetic markers of the HSP70.1 gene that can be leveraged genetically to enhance thermotolerance and production in Bali cattle further.

Materials and Methods

Animals were sampled from three different rearing systems. In this study, 83 healthy adult male Bali cattle without abnormalities were utilized. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity associated with the physiological and physical traits of Bali cattle was assessed using SNPStat online software. Gene expression for putative SNPs and their genotypic groups was further evaluated.

Results

There were 15 polymorphic SNPs (c.-185G>A, c.-69T>G, c.10G>C, c.19A>G, c.45C>T, c.101INS, c.115T>C, c.130T>C, c.136G>T, c.159G>C, c.164G>T, c.234G>A, c.303G>A, c.333C>A, and c.456C>T) identified, of which 12 were associated with the assessed trait. Nine SNPs were associated with physiological traits, while eight were with physical traits. The c.136G>T as a novel, high minor allele frequency, and associative SNP was selected for HSP70 gene expression. Individuals with the TT genotype have a trim physique, susceptible physiology, and high HSP70 mRNA expression. On the other hand, the GG genotype was significantly associated with larger physique, lower physiology, and low HSP70 mRNA expression. The higher expression may indicate that HSP70.1 is involved in mitigating the deleterious effects of stress. As a result, the animal experienced negative energy balance, decreasing body size.

Conclusion

Single-nucleotide polymorphism c.136G>T is a candidate biomarker for heat resistance traits in Bali cattle.

Editing of HSF-1 and Na/K-ATPase α1 subunit by CRISPR/Cas9 reduces thermal tolerance of bovine skin fibroblasts to heat shock in vitro

A follow-up to our previous findings, the present study was planned to evaluate the role of Na/K-ATPase alpha1-subunit (ATP1A1) gene in heat shock tolerance. The primary fibroblast culture was established using ear pinna tissue samples of Sahiwal cattle (Bos indicus). The knockout cell lines of Na/K-ATP1A1 and HSF-1 (heat shock factor-1, as a positive control) genes were developed by CRISPR/Cas9 method and the gene-editing was confirmed by the genomic cleavage detection assay. The two knockout cell lines (ATP1A1 and HSF-1) and wild-type fibroblasts were exposed to heat shock at 42 °C in vitro and different cellular parameters viz., apoptosis, proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), oxidative stress, along with expression pattern of heat-responsive genes were studied. The results showed that in vitro heat shock given to knockout fibroblast cells of both ATP1A1 and HSF-1 genes resulted in decreased cell viability, while increasing the apoptosis rate, membrane depolarization, and ROS levels. However, the overall impact was more in HSF-1 knockout cells as compared to ATP1A1 knockout cells. Taken together, these results indicated that the ATP1A1 gene plays a critical role as HSF-1 under heat stress and helps cells to cope with heat shock.

Genes related to heat tolerance in cattle-a review

Heat stress is described as the cumulative detrimental effect caused by an imbalance between heat production within the body and heat dissipation. When cattle are exposed to heat stress with skin surface temperatures exceeding 35 °C, gene networks within and across cells respond to environmental heat loads with both intra and extracellular signals that coordinate cellular and whole-animal metabolism changes to store heat and rapidly increase evaporative heat loss. In this study, we examined evidence from genes known to be associated with heat tolerance (Hsp70, HSF1, HspB8, SOD1, PRLH, ATP1A1, MTOR, and EIF2AK4). This information could serve as valuable resource material for breeding programs aimed at increasing the thermotolerance of cattle.

Hungarian indigenous Tsigai, a promising breed for excellent heat tolerance and immunity

The adverse effects of climate change on sheep farming have become more noticeable in recent decades. Extensive efforts have been made to untangle the complex relationship between heat tolerance, animal health, and productivity, also to identify a resilient and economically suitable breed for selection that can be resilient to future climate change conditions. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we observed the seasonal variations in the expression of several important genes related to heat stress and immunity (HSP70, IL10, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR8) in three of the most widely kept sheep breeds in Hungary: The indigenous Tsigai, Hungarian Merino, and White Dorper. We found that the seasonal stressor affected the relative gene expression of all genes in this study. Notably, The Hungarian indigenous Tsigai was the most robust breed adapted to the Hungarian continental (hot summer, cold winter) environment, with excellent thermotolerance and immunity. Furthermore, despite suffering from heat stress in the summer, Hungarian Merino maintained their robust immune system well throughout the year.

Validation of SNP markers for thermotolerance adaptation in Ovis aries adapted to different climatic regions using KASP-PCR technique

A study on 51 SNPs belonging to 29 genes related to heat stress was carried out in 720 sheep from 17 different breeds adapted to different climates from Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco and Romania, using Kompetitive Allele-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction. Genotype frequency and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were calculated, followed by a clustering using the Principal Component Analysis. We analyzed the polymorphisms in the following genes analyzed: HSPA12A, HSP90AA1, IL33, DIO2, BTNL2, CSN2, ABCG1, CSN1S1, GHR, HSPA8, STAT3, and HCRT. We emphasized on HSPA12A and HSPA8 genes as they were successfully genotyped in all studied flocks in which genotype frequency patterns were identified. Contrary to previous findings, the A allele for HSPA8 SNP was not observed in the heat tolerant breeds, being found exclusively in cold-tolerant breeds. The principal component analysis could not clearly differentiate the breeds, while plot concentration was slightly varied among the three groups, with HSP90AA1 and IL33 SNPs' loading values significantly contributing to PC1 and PC2. We confirmed previous works that the HSPA12A, HSPA8, HSP90AA1 and IL33 SNPs are potential candidate markers for thermotolerance adaptation in sheep. This research contributes to the genetic variability of SNPs for thermotolerance adaptability in sheep.

Genetic diversity and signatures of selection for heat tolerance and immune response in Iranian native chickens

Background

Understanding how evolutionary forces relating to climate have shaped the patterns of genetic variation within and between species is a fundamental pursuit in biology. Iranian indigenous chickens have evolved genetic adaptations to their local environmental conditions, such as hot and arid regions. In the present study, we provide a population genome landscape of genetic variations in 72 chickens representing nine Iranian indigenous ecotypes (Creeper, Isfahan, Lari, Marand, Mashhad, Naked neck, Sari, Shiraz and Yazd) and two commercial lines (White Leghorn and Arian). We further performed comparative population genomics to evaluate the genetic basis underlying variation in the adaptation to hot climate and immune response in indigenous chicken ecotypes. To detect genomic signatures of adaptation, we applied nucleotide diversity (θπ) and F_ST statistical measurements, and further analyzed the results to find genomic regions under selection for hot adaptation and immune response-related traits.

Results

By generating whole-genome data, we assessed the relationship between the genetic diversity of indigenous chicken ecotypes and their genetic distances to two different commercial lines. The results of genetic structure analysis revealed clustering of indigenous chickens in agreement with their geographic origin. Among all studied chicken groups, the highest level of linkage disequilibrium (LD) (~ 0.70) was observed in White Leghorn group at marker pairs distance of 1 Kb. The results from admixture analysis demonstrated evidence of shared ancestry between Arian individuals and indigenous chickens, especially those from the north of the country. Our search for potential genomic regions under selection in indigenous chicken ecotypes revealed several immune response and heat shock protein-related genes, such as HSP70, HSPA9, HSPH1, HSP90AB1 and PLCB4 that have been previously unknown to be involved in environmental-adaptive traits. In addition, we found some other candidate loci on different chromosomes probably related with hot adaptation and immune response-related traits.

Conclusions

The work provides crucial insights into the structural variation in the genome of Iranian indigenous chicken ecotypes, which up to now has not been genetically investigated. Several genes were identified as candidates for drought, heat tolerance, immune response and other phenotypic traits. These candidate genes may be helpful targets for understanding of the molecular basis of adaptation to hot environmental climate and as such they should be used in chicken breeding programs to select more efficient breeds for desert climate.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08434-7.

Expression of the developmental important candidate genes in oocytes, embryos, embryonic stem cells, cumulus cells, and fibroblast cells of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study was undertaken to study the expression of the developmental important gene transcripts in immature oocytes, mature oocytes, different stages of IVF produced embryos, embryonic stem (ES), cumulus (BCC), fetal fibroblast (BFF), newborn fibroblast (NBF) and adult fibroblast (BAF) cells of buffalo by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of GLUT1, HSP70.1, POL A Polymerase, GDF9, BMP15, and SURVIVIN transcripts was found in immature oocytes, mature oocytes, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-16 cell, morula, and the blastocyst. Interestingly, the CX43 expression was found in oocytes, embryos, and other cell types, but it was not detected in the blastocyst. However, the IFNT expression was found in the blastocyst only, but not in other cells. The buffalo ES cells showed the expression of intracellular and cell surface markers (NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, FOXD3, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81) and alkaline phosphatase activity. Two ES cell lines (S-line and M-line-II) were continued to survive up to 98th passages (~630 days) and 97th passages (~624 days), respectively. It was interesting to note that GLUT1, CX43, HSP70.1, POL A Polymerase, GDF9, BMP15, and SURVIVIN transcripts (except the IFNT) were expressed in buffalo ES, BCC, BFF, NBF and BAF cells. This is the first preliminary report that the buffalo ES, BCC, BFF, NBF, and BAF cells expressed the several developmental important candidate genes. It is concluded that the expression of the major developmental important genes was not only expressed in the oocytes and embryos but also expressed in the ES, BCC, BFF, NBF, and BAF cells of buffalo.

Differential expression of miRNAs and related mRNAs during heat stress in buffalo heifers

The present experiment was aimed to study differential expression of miRNAs and related mRNAs during heat stress (HS) in buffalo heifers. Twelve Murrah buffalo heifers aged between 1.5 and 2.0 years, weighting between 250 and 300 Kg were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The animals were kept in the psychrometric chamber under Thermo-neutral (TN; THI = 72) and HS (THI = 87-90) conditions for 6 h every day between 1000 and 1600 h for 21 days. The blood sampling was done at 1500 h on 15th day of the experiment and physiological parameters viz. pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at 1500 h on day -5, -3, -1, 0, +1, +3, +5 with respect to blood sampling. PBMCs were used for extraction of miRNAs and total RNA; and first strand cDNA was synthesized. qPCR was performed for relative gene expression studies. Physiological, hematological (erythrocytic indices), biochemical (triglycerides, urea, ALT, AST, LDH), redox (SOD, ROS) and endocrine parameters (T₄) altered significantly (P < 0.05) during HS as compared to TN. Out of eight targeted miRNAs only four were expressed in buffalo heifers. The relative expression of bta-mir-142, bta-mir-1248 and bta-mir-2332 was significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated whereas expression of bta-mir-2478 was significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated during HS as compared to TN. The relative expression of the predicted target genes i.e. HSF1, HSP60, HSP70, HSPA8 and HSP90 were significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated whereas HSF4 expression was significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated during HS as compared to TN. It can be concluded that a THI of 87-90 could lead to a moderate HS in buffalo heifers. Differential expression studies of miRNAs and related mRNAs in present study deciphers the role of miRNAs in the heat tolerance in buffalo heifers.

A study on stress response and fertility parameters in phenotypically thermotolerant and thermosensitive dairy cows during summer heat stress

It is well documented that heat stress (HS) causes subfertility in dairy cows. However, during the last ten years we have been observing that, under high temperature-humidity index (THI ≥ 75), despite the overall reduced fertility, some cows conceive at the first artificial insemination (AI). Here, we examined distinctive features of cows with conserved fertility under severe HS. From the databases of three herds, 167 lactating Holstein cows were selected; group TT cows (n = 57) conceived in the previous summer (THI ≥ 75) at the 1st AI, and group TS (n = 110) failed to conceive at the same period after at least 2 consecutive AIs. The animals calved in spring, and in August, blood samples were collected during a hot day (THI ≥ 81) for the determination of cortisol and HSP70 concentrations. In one farm, the validity of fertility data of the previous year was re-examined. In 28 cows from group TT and in 39 cows from group TS, the conception rate was examined during July and August. In 6 cows from each group (TT and TS) the oestrous cycles were synchronized, ovulation was induced with GnRH (THI = 80), and the concentration of the pre-ovulatory LH surge was determined in 9 blood samples. The progesterone concentration in the ensuing cycle was determined in blood samples collected every other day. Overall, cortisol and HSP70 were significantly lower in TT group compared to TS. More (p < .05) animals from group TT conceived at the first AI compared with those from group TS. The induced pre-ovulatory LH surge peaked at higher level (p < .002) in group TT than in group TS, while no difference was recorded among groups either in mean progesterone concentrations or in the duration of the ensuing oestrous cycle. These results are highly suggestive that thermotolerance in some dairy cows is an inherent characteristic, warranting further genetic investigation.

Significance of molecular chaperones and micro RNAs in acquisition of thermo-tolerance in dairy cattle

Ambient temperature is considered as the major abiotic factor which regulates body physiological mechanisms of all living creatures across the globe. Variation in ambient temperature which emulates thermoneutral zone culminates in heat stress. Heat stress has been emerged as major ultimatum to livestock's growth, development, production and reproduction across the world. Livestock's responds to the heat stress via different mechanisms such as behavioral, physiological, biochemical, endocrine and molecular mechanisms. Amongst the aforementioned mechanisms, molecular mechanism plays crucial role to achieve thermo-tolerance via expression of highly conserved family of proteins known as heat shock proteins (HSPs) across livestock species. HSPs serve as molecular chaperones to ameliorate the menace of heat stress in domestic species. In addition, microRNAs are small non-coding RNA which down regulates post-transcriptional gene expression by targeting various HSPs to regulate the thermoregulatory responses in livestock species. Despite of thermal adaptation mechanisms, heat stress breaches animal body homeostasis thereby depresses their production and productivity. Therefore, veterinary researches have been targeting to explore different repertoire of HSPs and microRNAs expression to counteract the rigors of heat stress thereby confer thermo-tolerance in livestock species. The present review highlights the significance of molecular chaperones and microRNAs in the acquisition of thermo-tolerance in dairy cattle.

Prospects for gene introgression or gene editing as a strategy for reduction of the impact of heat stress on production and reproduction in cattle

In cattle, genetic variation exists in regulation of body temperature and stabilization of cellular function during heat stress. There are opportunities to reduce the impact of heat stress on cattle production by identifying the causative mutations responsible for genetic variation in thermotolerance and transferring specific alleles that confer thermotolerance to breeds not adapted to hot climates. An example of a mutation conferring superior ability to regulate body temperature is the group of frame-sift mutations in the prolactin receptor gene (PRLR) that lead to a truncated receptor and development of cattle with a short, sleek hair coat. Slick mutations in PRLR have been found in several extant breeds derived from criollo cattle. The slick mutation in Senepol cattle has been introgressed into dairy cattle in Puerto Rico, Florida and New Zealand. An example of a mutation that confers cellular protection against elevated body temperature is a deletion mutation in the promoter region of a heat shock protein 70 gene called HSPA1L. Inheritance of the mutation results in amplification of the transcriptional response of HSPA1L to heat shock and increased cell survival. The case of PRLR provides a promising example of the efficacy of the genetic approach outlined in this paper. Identification of other mutations conferring thermotolerance at the whole-animal or cellular level will lead to additional opportunities for using genetic solutions to reduce the impact of heat stress.

Genome-wide expression analysis of the heat stress response in dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar (zebu) and Karan-Fries (zebu × taurine) cattle

The present study sought to evaluate mRNA expression profiles in the cultured dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar (zebu) and Karan-Fries (zebu, Tharparkar × taurine, Holstein Friesian) cattle in response to heat stress. Bioinformatics' analysis identified temperature-regulated biological processes and pathways. Biological processes overrepresented among the earliest genes induced by temperature stress include regulation of stress responses, protein repair, metabolism, protein transport, cell division, and apoptosis. The present microarray platform contains 51,338 synthesized oligonucleotide probes corresponding to at least 36,713 unigenes. A total of 11,183 and 8126 transcripts were differentially expressed with a fold change of ≥ 2 in Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle, respectively. Randomly selected real-time validation showed 83.33% correlation with microarray data. Functional annotation and pathway study of the differentially expressed transcripts or genes (DEGs) reveal that upregulated genes significantly (P < 0.05) affect protein processing and NOD-like receptor pathways (NLRs), while downregulated genes were significantly (P < 0.05) found to be associated with cell cycle, metabolism, and protein transport. Gene expression changes include activation of heat shock factors (HSFs), increased expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), and apoptosis, while decreasing protein synthesis and another metabolism. These findings provide insights into the underlying mechanism of the physiology of heat stress in Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle. Understanding the biology and mechanisms of heat stress is critical to developing approaches to ameliorate current production issues for improving animal performance and agriculture economics in tropical climatic conditions. In conclusion, the present study indicates that heat stress differentially affects the expression of the significant number of genes associated with stress response, metabolism, apoptosis, and protein transport in dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle.

Investigating genetic variability in Hsp70 gene-5'-fragment and its association with thermotolerance in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) under sub-tropical climate of India

The present study was undertaken to investigate genetic variability in a fragment comprising 5'UTR along with partial coding sequence of Hsp70 gene and its association with thermotolerance traits in Murrah buffalo at ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna (India). The allelic variants were identified from genomic DNA samples using SSCP technique. The PCR products were sequenced and analyzed. Data on different thermotolerance traits recorded in three seasons were analyzed by least squares ANOVA taking the SSCP genotypes as fixed effect. Two allelic variants (A and B), each of 503-bp in size, were documented with frequency of 0.59 and 0.41, respectively, and three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) with corresponding frequency of 0.30, 0.58 and 0.12. The allelic variants were due to single nucleotide substitution at 55th base position leading to a change of threonine (A) to methionine (B) in amino acid sequence. Both the allelic variants had 99.8% similarity in nucleotide sequence. In phylogenetic tree, allele A was in a cluster while allele B and Gangatiri cattle sequence formed a different cluster. The SSCP genotypes had significant effect on different thermotolerance traits in summer with thermo-humidity index of ≥ 84. Buffaloes with AA genotype had the highest (P ˂ 0.05) summer evening rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate, inferring that the buffaloes carrying AA genotype had more stress in summer than those with AB and BB genotype. These SSCP genotypes might have differential role in heat shock protein response to induce thermotolerance of Murrah buffaloes in Gangetic plains.

Heat stress modulates differential response in skin fibroblast cells of native cattle (Bos indicus) and riverine buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Heat stress in hot climates is a major cause that negatively affects dairy animals, leading to substantial economic loss. The present study was aimed to analyze the effect of heat stress on cellular and molecular levels in dermal fibroblast of cattle and buffaloes. Primary fibroblast culture was established using ear pinna tissue samples of cattle (Bos indicus) and riverine buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis). The cells were exposed to thermal stress at 42°C for 1 h and subsequently allowed to recover and harvest at 37°C at different time points (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h) along with control samples. Different cellular parameters viz., apoptosis, proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), oxidative stress, along with expression pattern of heat responsive genes and miRNAs were determined. Cell viability and proliferation rate of heat-stressed fibroblasts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) albeit to a different extent in both species. The cell cytotoxicity, apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species, and ΔΨm increased more significantly (P < 0.01) in heat stressed fibroblasts of buffalo than cattle. The pattern of heat shock proteins, inflammation/immune genes, and heat responsive miRNA showed differences in induction of their expression level in buffalo and native cattle fibroblasts. Conclusively, finding indicates that heat stress induces more profound impact on buffalo fibroblasts than native cattle fibroblasts. The differential response of cellular parameters, HSP genes, and miRNA expression could be due to better adaptive capacity of skin fibroblast of Bos indicus cattle in comparison with riverine buffaloes.

Role of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in modulating the molecular mechanism adopted by melanocytes of Bos indicus under UVR stress

Ultraviolet radiations (UVR) are responsible for a wide variety of acute and chronic effects on the animal skin. However, the effect of UVR-induced oxidative stress and protection through paracrine factors on animal skin has received little attention. We previously demonstrated how heat stress-induced adaptation in Bos indicus melanocytes was dependent on the level of melanin and reduction of apoptosis. Therefore, in the present investigation, the survival mechanisms adopted by melanocytes under UV stress and the role of α-MSH in cell survival under in vitro conditions were studied. After the treatment of melanocyte cells with UVR (using Osram ultravitalux 300 W lamp), analysis of Gene expression using Real-Time PCR was done to study the adopted molecular pathways under stressful conditions. In addition, α-MSH was used to assess its modulating role in cell survival under stress. This study revealed the increase in the expression of genes related to melanogenesis, cell cycle, heat shock proteins, and apoptosis of the cells after UVR stress and demonstrated the role of paracrine factor (α-MSH) in elevating the protection response to stressful conditions like UVR stress by increasing the melanogenesis and decreasing the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Based on the results of the present study, it can be stated that α-MSH can play a pivotal role in the protection of animal skin cells under stressful conditions in climate-changing scenario.

A new paradigm regarding testicular thermoregulation in ruminants?

Increased testicular temperature reduces percentages of morphologically normal and motile sperm and fertility. Specific sperm defects appear at consistent intervals after testicular hyperthermia, with degree and duration of changes related to intensity and duration of the thermal insult. Regarding pathogenesis of testicular hyperthermia on sperm quality and fertility, there is a long-standing paradigm that: 1) testes operate near hypoxia; 2) blood flow to the testes does not increase in response to increased testicular temperature; and 3) an ensuing hypoxia is the underlying cause of heat-induced changes in sperm morphology and function. There are very limited experimental data to support this paradigm, but we have data that refute it. In 2 × 3 factorial studies, mice and rams were exposed to two testicular temperatures (normal and increased) and three concentrations of O₂ in inspired air (hyperoxia, normoxia and hypoxia). As expected, increased testicular temperature had deleterious effects on sperm motility and morphology; however, hyperoxia did not prevent these changes nor did hypoxia replicate them. In two follow-up experiments, anesthetized rams were sequentially exposed to: 1) three O₂ concentrations (100, 21 and 13% O₂); or 2) three testicular temperatures (33, 37 and 40 °C). As O₂, decreased, testis maintained O₂ delivery and uptake by increasing testicular blood flow and O₂ extraction, with no indication of anaerobic metabolism. Furthermore, as testicular temperature increased, testicular metabolic rate nearly doubled, but increased blood flow and O₂ extraction prevented testicular hypoxia and anaerobic metabolism. In conclusion, our data, in combination with other reports, challenged the paradigm that testicular hyperthermia fails to increase testicular blood flow and the ensuing hypoxia disrupts spermatogenesis.

Isolation and Culture of Skin-Derived Differentiated and Stem-Like Cells Obtained from the Arabian Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Simple Summary

This is the first comprehensive study to isolate different cellular types and stem-like cells from the camel skin. We reported the multipotency of the isolated stem cells. Moreover, some unique cells were observed, such as dermal cyst-forming cells. This discovery represents a cheap and easy source for camel stem cells that is essential for development of the elite camel regenerative medicine and provides a good source of camel fibroblast required for camel cloning.

Abstract

Elite camels often suffer from massive injuries. Thus, there is a pivotal need for a cheap and readily available regenerative medicine source. We isolated novel stem-like cells from camel skin and investigated their multipotency and resistance against various stresses. Skin samples were isolated from ears of five camels. Fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and spheroid progenitors were extracted. After separation of different cell lines by trypsinization, all cell lines were exposed to heat shock. Then, fibroblasts and dermal cyst-forming cells were examined under cryopreservation. Dermal cyst-forming cells were evaluated for resistance against osmotic pressure. The results revealed that resistance periods against trypsin were 1.5, 4, and 7 min for fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and spheroid progenitors, respectively. Furthermore, complete recovery of different cell lines after heat shock along with the differentiation of spheroid progenitors into neurons was observed. Fibroblasts and spheroid progenitors retained cell proliferation after cryopreservation. Dermal cyst-forming cells regained their normal structure after collapsing by osmotic pressure. The spheroid progenitors incubated in the adipogenic, osteogenic, and neurogenic media differentiated into adipocyte-, osteoblast-, and neuron-like cells, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, we isolated different unique cellular types and stem-like cells from the camel skin and examined their multipotency for the first time.

Effect of season and breed on physiological and blood parameters in buffaloes

In this Research Communication we describe the effect of temperature and humidity index (THI) on various physiological traits, the plasma heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and cortisol levels and other blood parameters in crossbred buffalo (Nili-Ravi × Murrah) and Mediterranean buffalo to compare their tolerance to heat stress. As expected, crossbred buffalo had a significantly higher rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperature (BT), respiratory rate (RR), HSP70 and HSP90 levels in summer compared to spring and winter. RT and BT were also significantly higher in spring compared to winter. A significant correlation existed between THI and RT (r = 0·81) and RR (r = 0·84). Importantly, in summer the crossbred buffalo had a significantly lower RT, BT and RR and higher HSP70, HSP90 and cortisol levels than the Mediterranean buffalo. In conclusion, higher THI was associated with significant increase in RT, RR, BT, HSP70, HSP90 and cortisol levels, and the crossbred buffalo were more heat tolerant than Mediterranean buffalo.

Genome-wide scan reveals divergent selection among taurine and zebu cattle populations from different regions

In this study, to identify genomic signatures of divergent selection, we genotyped 10 cattle breeds/populations (n = 275), representing eight Ethiopian cattle populations (n = 229) and two zebu populations (n = 46) adapted to tropical and sub-tropical environments, using the high-density single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived mainly from Bos indicus breeds, and using five reference taurine breeds (n = 212). Population genetic differentiation (F_ST ) values across sliding windows were estimated between zebu and reference combined taurine breeds. The most differentiated regions (F_ST  ≥ 0.53), representing the top 1% smoothed F_ST values, were considered to represent regions under diversifying selection. In total, 285 and 317 genes were identified in the comparisons of Ethiopian cattle with taurine and Asian zebu with taurine respectively. Some of these genes are involved in stress responses/thermo-tolerance and DNA damage repair (HSPA4, HSF1, CMPK1 and EIF2AK4), pigmentation (ERBB3 and MYO1A), reproduction/fertility (UBE2D3, ID3 and PSPC1), immune response (PIK3CD and AKIRIN2) and body stature and size (MBP2, LYN and NPM1). Additionally, the candidate genes were associated with functional terms (e.g. cellular response to stress, DNA repair, inflammatory response) important for physiological adaptation to environmental stresses. The results of our study may shed light on the influence of artificial and natural selection in shaping the genomic diversity of modern cattle breeds and also may serve as a basis for further genetic investigation of traits of tropical adaptation in cattle.

Global warming: Impact, adaptation and amelioration strategies for bovine under tropical climatic conditions

Livestock are exposed to different climatic extreme events such as high air temperature, humidity, flood, drought, desert, heat wave, feed, fodder and water scarcity etc. which now seems to be very common in the tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. The climate change scenario is assumed to be a major threat to animal production systems under tropical climate. The demand of food or the food security issue compel us to undertake holistic approach to sustainable livestock production system that may be one of the remedies for fulfilling the demand of fast growing population. The objective of this review is to focus on the major effect on dairy production system and different strategies to overcome the adverse effect of heat stress under tropical climatic conditions. The identificationof unique adaptive traits between and within breeds and their propagation seem to be essential in near future in respect of climate change scenario. The management and feeding strategies proved to be beneficial for relieving adverse effects of heat stress for maintaining the productivity of dairy animals. Nevertheless, decision makers, extension services and research institutions have to support and encourage livestock activities to enhance the animal productivity under changed climate scenario.

Mechanoresponsive stem cells to target cancer metastases through biophysical cues

Despite decades of effort, little progress has been made to improve the treatment of cancer metastases. To leverage the central role of the mechanoenvironment in cancer metastasis, we present a mechanoresponsive cell system (MRCS) to selectively identify and treat cancer metastases by targeting the specific biophysical cues in the tumor niche in vivo. Our MRCS uses mechanosensitive promoter-driven mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based vectors, which selectively home to and target cancer metastases in response to specific mechanical cues to deliver therapeutics to effectively kill cancer cells, as demonstrated in a metastatic breast cancer mouse model. Our data suggest a strong correlation between collagen cross-linking and increased tissue stiffness at the metastatic sites, where our MRCS is specifically activated by the specific cancer-associated mechano-cues. MRCS has markedly reduced deleterious effects compared to MSCs constitutively expressing therapeutics. MRCS indicates that biophysical cues, specifically matrix stiffness, are appealing targets for cancer treatment due to their long persistence in the body (measured in years), making them refractory to the development of resistance to treatment. Our MRCS can serve as a platform for future diagnostics and therapies targeting aberrant tissue stiffness in conditions such as cancer and fibrotic diseases, and it should help to elucidate mechanobiology and reveal what cells "feel" in the microenvironment in vivo.

Effects of cytoplasts from Taiwan native yellow cattle on the cellular antioxidant ability of cloned Holstein cattle and their offspring

We previously demonstrated that the cellular thermotolerance of cloned cattle produced by combination of ooplasm (o) derived from Taiwan native yellow cattle (Y) and the donor (d) nucleus derived from Holstein (H) cattle (Yo-Hd) transmits to their offspring (Yo-Hd-F1). In the present study, the responses of mitochondria in these cloned cattle and their offspring after heat shock were investigated to elucidate influence of cytoplasmic input (i.e., ooplasm) during the course of heat stress. After heat shock, oxidative phosphorylation proteins (Complex III and IV) of ear fibroblast cells with Y-originated cytoplasm (including Y, Yo-Hd, and Yo-Hd-F1 cattle) were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those of ear fibroblast cells with H-originated cytoplasm (including H, Ho-Hd, and Ho-Hd-F1 cattle). However, the expressions of Complex I and Complex II protein in heat shocked cells derived from Yo-Hd-F1 cattle were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of cell derived from cattle with the H-cytoplasm. The catalase (CAT) expression in heat shocked ear fibroblast cells derived from Yo-Hd and Yo-Hd-F1 cattle were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of cells derived from Ho-Hd-F1 cattle. However, the level of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) expression was higher (P < 0.05) in ear fibroblast cells with Y-originated cytoplasm compared to cells with H-originated cytoplasm. In conclusion, the expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and antioxidant enzymes after heat shock was increased in ear fibroblast cells from cattle with Y-originated cytoplasm, which can be transmitted to their offspring.

Ear fibroblasts derived from Taiwan yellow cattle are more heat resistant than those from Holstein cattle

The objective of this study was to compare the thermotolerances of ear fibroblasts derived from Holstein (H) and Taiwan yellow cattle (Y) and their apoptosis-related protein expressions with (1, 3, 6, 12, and 24h) or without heat shock treatment. The results showed that the vaginal temperatures of Y (38.4-38.5°C) were (P<0.05) lower than that of H (38.8°C) during the hot season. The apoptotic rates of ear fibroblasts derived from Y (6h: 1.1%; 12h: 1.6%; 24h: 2.6%) were lower (P<0.05) than those of cells derived from H (6h: 1.8%; 12h: 4.0%; 24h: 6.9%), respectively, after heat shock (42°C). The expression level of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) in ear fibroblasts derived from H was higher (P<0.05) than those derived from Y after the heat shock treatment for 6h and 12h, respectively. The level of cytochrome c of ear fibroblasts derived from H was higher (P<0.05) than those derived from Y after the heat shock treatment for 1-12h, respectively. The abundances of Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 of ear fibroblasts derived from H were higher (P<0.05) than those of cells derived from Y after 12h and 24h of heat shock, respectively; the Bcl-2/Bax ratios of ear fibroblasts derived from H were lower (P<0.05) than those from Y-derived fibroblasts after heated for 1-24h. The expression level of HSP-70 of Y-derived ear fibroblasts was also higher (P<0.05) than that from H after the same duration of heat shock treatments. Taken together, the thermotolerance of ear fibroblasts derived from Taiwan yellow cattle was better than that of cells derived from Holstein cattle.

Inorganic zinc supplementation modulates heat shock and immune response in heat stressed peripheral blood mononuclear cells of periparturient dairy cows

Thermal stress in India is one of the major constraints affecting dairy cattle productivity. Every attempt should be made to ameliorate the heat and calving related stress in high producing dairy cows for higher economic returns. In the current study, inorganic zinc was tried to alleviate the adverse effects of thermal stress in periparturient cows. Twelve cows, six each of Sahiwal and Karan Fries (KF) in their second parity with confirmed pregnancy were chosen for the experiment. The blood samples were collected periparturiently on three occasions viz. -21, 0 and +21 days relative to calving. The in vitro study was conducted after isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from whole blood. The cultured PBMC were subjected to three different levels of exposures viz. 37°C as control, 42°C to induce thermal stress and 42°C + zinc to ameliorate the adverse effects of high temperature. Heat shock lead to a significant (P<0.05) rise in the level of heat shock proteins (HSP). HSP was more on the day of calving as well. KF showed more HSP concentration than Sahiwal breed indicating the heat bearing capacity of later. Zinc treatment to thermally stressed PBMC caused a fall in the HSP concentration in both the breeds during periparturient period. Moreover, heat stress increased significantly (P<0.05) the Interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentration which declined upon zinc supplementation to PBMC. IL-6 levels decreased periparturiently. Heat and calving related stress caused a fall in the IL-12 levels which increased significantly (P<0.05) with zinc supplementation. These findings suggest that zinc supplementation attenuates the HSP response and augments immunity in PBMC of periparturient dairy cows. The study could help to alleviate the heat stress and potentiate immunity by providing mineral supplements in periparturient dairy cattle habituating tropics.

Expression of HSP70 genes in skin of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan Fries) cattle during different seasons under tropical climatic conditions

Skin is most important environmental interface providing a protective envelope to animals. It's always under the influence of both internal and external stressors. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are highly conserved stress proteins which play crucial roles in environmental stress tolerance and thermal adaptation. Present study was planned to observe the relative mRNA expression of inducible (HSP70.1 and HSP70.2) and constitutive (HSP70.8) HSP in skin of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan Fries) cattle during different seasons. Skin biopsies were collected from rump region of each animal, aseptically during winter, spring and summer season. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the gene expression of constitutive (HSP70.8) and inducible (HSP70.1 and HSP70.2) HSP in skin of both the breeds during different seasons. Present study observed higher expression of both constitutive and inducible HSP genes in both the breeds during summer and winter than spring season, but magnitude of increase was higher during summer than winter. During summer season, expression pattern of HSPs in skin showed breed differences, where constitutive HSP expression was higher in Tharparkar than Karan Fries and that of inducible HSP was higher in Karan Fries than Tharparkar. Hence, present study suggested that HSP may be conveniently used as biomarkers for assessing protective response of skin against heat stress in zebu and crossbred cattle. Variation in expression between breeds is associated with their heat tolerance and thermal adaptability. In summary, skin of zebu cattle (Tharparkar) is more resistant to summer stress than crossbred (Karan Fries), providing greater protection against heat stress during summer season. Superior skin protective mechanism of zebu (Tharparkar) than crossbred (Karan-Fries) cattle against heat stress may contribute to superior adaptability of zebu cattle to tropical climatic conditions than crossbreed.