1
|
Piekarz KM, Stolfi A. Development and circuitry of the tunicate larval Motor Ganglion, a putative hindbrain/spinal cord homolog. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2024; 342:200-211. [PMID: 37675754 PMCID: PMC10918034 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The Motor Ganglion (MG) is a small collection of neurons that control the swimming movements of the tunicate tadpole larva. Situated at the base of the tail, molecular and functional comparisons suggest that may be a homolog of the spinal cord and/or hindbrain ("rhombospinal" region) of vertebrates. Here we review the most current knowledge of the development, connectivity, functions, and unique identities of the neurons that comprise the MG, drawn mostly from studies in Ciona spp. The simple cell lineages, minimal cellular composition, and comprehensively mapped "connectome" of the Ciona MG all make this an excellent model for studying the development and physiology of motor control in aquatic larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Stolfi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lanoizelet M, Elkhoury Youhanna C, Roure A, Darras S. Molecular control of cellulosic fin morphogenesis in ascidians. BMC Biol 2024; 22:74. [PMID: 38561802 PMCID: PMC10986139 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01872-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tunicates form a group of filter-feeding marine animals closely related to vertebrates. They share with them a number of features such as a notochord and a dorsal neural tube in the tadpole larvae of ascidians, one of the three groups that make tunicates. However, a number of typical chordate characters have been lost in different branches of tunicates, a diverse and fast-evolving phylum. Consequently, the tunic, a sort of exoskeleton made of extracellular material including cellulose secreted by the epidermis, is the unifying character defining the tunicate phylum. In the larva of ascidians, the tunic differentiates in the tail into a median fin (with dorsal and ventral extended blades) and a caudal fin. RESULTS Here we have performed experiments in the ascidian Phallusia mammillata to address the molecular control of tunic 3D morphogenesis. We have demonstrated that the tail epidermis medio-lateral patterning essential for peripheral nervous system specification also controls tunic elongation into fins. More specifically, when tail epidermis midline identity was abolished by BMP signaling inhibition, or CRISPR/Cas9 inactivation of the transcription factor coding genes Msx or Klf1/2/4/17, median fin did not form. We postulated that this genetic program should regulate effectors of tunic secretion. We thus analyzed the expression and regulation in different ascidian species of two genes acquired by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria, CesA coding for a cellulose synthase and Gh6 coding for a cellulase. We have uncovered an unexpected dynamic history of these genes in tunicates and high levels of variability in gene expression and regulation among ascidians. Although, in Phallusia, Gh6 has a regionalized expression in the epidermis compatible with an involvement in fin elongation, our functional studies indicate a minor function during caudal fin formation only. CONCLUSIONS Our study constitutes an important step in the study of the integration of HGT-acquired genes into developmental networks and a cellulose-based morphogenesis of extracellular material in animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxence Lanoizelet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Biologie Intégrative Des Organismes Marins (BIOM), Banyuls/Mer, 66650, France.
- Present address: Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - Christel Elkhoury Youhanna
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Biologie Intégrative Des Organismes Marins (BIOM), Banyuls/Mer, 66650, France
- Present address: Centre de Biologie Structurale, Univ Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5048, INSERM U1054, Montpellier, 34090, France
| | - Agnès Roure
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Biologie Intégrative Des Organismes Marins (BIOM), Banyuls/Mer, 66650, France
| | - Sébastien Darras
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Biologie Intégrative Des Organismes Marins (BIOM), Banyuls/Mer, 66650, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hoyer J, Kolar K, Athira A, van den Burgh M, Dondorp D, Liang Z, Chatzigeorgiou M. Polymodal sensory perception drives settlement and metamorphosis of Ciona larvae. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1168-1182.e7. [PMID: 38335959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The Earth's oceans brim with an incredible diversity of microscopic lifeforms, including motile planktonic larvae, whose survival critically depends on effective dispersal in the water column and subsequent exploration of the seafloor to identify a suitable settlement site. How their nervous systems mediate sensing of diverse multimodal cues remains enigmatic. Here, we uncover that the tunicate Ciona intestinalis larvae employ ectodermal sensory cells to sense various mechanical and chemical cues. Combining whole-brain imaging and chemogenetics, we demonstrate that stimuli encoded at the periphery are sufficient to drive global brain-state changes to promote or impede both larval attachment and metamorphosis behaviors. The ability of C. intestinalis larvae to leverage polymodal sensory perception to support information coding and chemotactile behaviors may explain how marine larvae make complex decisions despite streamlined nervous systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorgen Hoyer
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Kushal Kolar
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Athira Athira
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Meike van den Burgh
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Daniel Dondorp
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Zonglai Liang
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Marios Chatzigeorgiou
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Krasovec G, Renaud C, Quéinnec É, Sasakura Y, Chambon JP. Extrinsic apoptosis participates to tail regression during the metamorphosis of the chordate Ciona. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5729. [PMID: 38459045 PMCID: PMC10923776 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48411-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a regulated cell death ubiquitous in animals defined by morphological features depending on caspases. Two regulation pathways are described, currently named the intrinsic and the extrinsic apoptosis. While intrinsic apoptosis is well studied and considered ancestral among metazoans, extrinsic apoptosis is poorly studied outside mammals. Here, we address extrinsic apoptosis in the urochordates Ciona, belonging to the sister group of vertebrates. During metamorphosis, Ciona larvae undergo a tail regression depending on tissue contraction, migration and apoptosis. Apoptosis begin at the tail tip and propagates towards the trunk as a polarized wave. We identified Ci-caspase 8/10 by phylogenetic analysis as homolog to vertebrate caspases 8 and 10 that are the specific initiator of extrinsic apoptosis. We detected Ci-caspase 8/10 expression in Ciona larvae, especially at the tail tip. We showed that chemical inhibition of Ci-caspase 8/10 leads to a delay of tail regression, and Ci-caspase 8/10 loss of function induced an incomplete tail regression. The specificity between apoptotic pathways and initiator caspase suggests that extrinsic apoptosis regulates cell death during the tail regression. Our study presents rare in vivo work on extrinsic apoptosis outside mammals, and contribute to the discussion on its evolutionary history in animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Krasovec
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, EPHE, F-75252, Paris Cedex 05, France.
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan.
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Cécile Renaud
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, EPHE, F-75252, Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Éric Quéinnec
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, EPHE, F-75252, Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cheng J, Li S, Li X, Zhan A. Influence of calcium concentration on larval adhesion in a highly invasive fouling ascidian: From morphological changes to molecular mechanisms. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116119. [PMID: 38325201 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Calcium ion (Ca2+) is involved in the protein-mediated larval adhesion of fouling ascidians, yet the effects of environmental Ca2+ on larval adhesion remain largely unexplored. Here, the larvae of fouling ascidian C. robusta were exposed to different concentrations of Ca2+. Exposures to low-concentration (0 mM and 5 mM) and high-concentration (20 mM and 40 mM) Ca2+ significantly decreased the adhesion rate of larvae, which was primarily attributed to the decreases in adhesive structure length and curvature. Changes in the expressions of genes encoding adhesion-, microvilli-, muscle contraction-, and collagen-related proteins provided a molecular-level explanation for adhesion rate reduction. Additionally, larvae likely prioritized their energy towards immunomodulation in response to Ca2+ stresses, ultimately leading to adhesion reduction. These findings advance our understanding of the influencing mechanisms of environmental Ca2+ on larval adhesion, which are expected to provide references for the development of precise antifouling strategies against ascidians and other fouling species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Cheng
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiguo Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xi Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Aibin Zhan
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johnson CJ, Razy-Krajka F, Zeng F, Piekarz KM, Biliya S, Rothbächer U, Stolfi A. Specification of distinct cell types in a sensory-adhesive organ important for metamorphosis in tunicate larvae. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002555. [PMID: 38478577 PMCID: PMC10962819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The papillae of tunicate larvae contribute sensory, adhesive, and metamorphosis-regulating functions that are crucial for the biphasic lifestyle of these marine, non-vertebrate chordates. We have identified additional molecular markers for at least 5 distinct cell types in the papillae of the model tunicate Ciona, allowing us to further study the development of these organs. Using tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis and other molecular perturbations, we reveal the roles of key transcription factors and signaling pathways that are important for patterning the papilla territory into a highly organized array of different cell types and shapes. We further test the contributions of different transcription factors and cell types to the production of the adhesive glue that allows for larval attachment during settlement, and to the processes of tail retraction and body rotation during metamorphosis. With this study, we continue working towards connecting gene regulation to cellular functions that control the developmental transition between the motile larva and sessile adult of Ciona.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Florian Razy-Krajka
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Fan Zeng
- Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katarzyna M Piekarz
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shweta Biliya
- Molecular Evolution Core, Petit H. Parker Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ute Rothbächer
- Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alberto Stolfi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin B, Shi W, Lu Q, Shito TT, Yu H, Dong B. Establishment of a developmental atlas and transgenetic tools in the ascidian Styela clava. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 5:435-454. [PMID: 38045543 PMCID: PMC10689645 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The ascidian Styela clava is an ecologically important species that is distributed along coastal regions worldwide. It has a long history as a model animal for evolutionary and developmental biology research owing to its phylogenetic position between vertebrates and invertebrates, and its classical mosaic expression patterns. However, the standard developmental atlas and protocols and tools for molecular manipulation of this organism are inadequate. In this study, we established a standard developmental table and provided a web-based digital image resource for S. clava embryogenesis at each developmental stage from fertilized eggs to hatching larvae by utilizing confocal laser microscopy and 3D reconstruction images. It takes around 10 h for fertilized eggs to develop into swimming larvae and 20-30 min to complete the tail regression processes at the metamorphic stage. We observed that the notochord cells in S. clava embryos did not produce an extracellular lumen like Ciona robusta, but showed polarized elongation behaviors, providing us an ideal comparative model to study tissue morphogenesis. In addition, we established a chemical-washing procedure to remove the chorion easily from the fertilized eggs. Based on the dechorionation technique, we further realized transgenic manipulation by electroporation and successfully applied tissue-specific fluorescent labeling in S. clava embryos. Our work provides a standard imaging atlas and powerful genetic tools for investigating embryogenesis and evolution using S. clava as a model organism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00200-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boyan Lin
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Qiongxuan Lu
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Takumi T. Shito
- Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522 Japan
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Bo Dong
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237 China
- MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li KL, Nakashima K, Hisata K, Satoh N. Expression and possible functions of a horizontally transferred glycosyl hydrolase gene, GH6-1, in Ciona embryogenesis. EvoDevo 2023; 14:11. [PMID: 37434168 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-023-00215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Tunicata or Urochordata is the only animal group with the ability to synthesize cellulose directly and cellulose is a component of the tunic that covers the entire tunicate body. The genome of Ciona intestinalis type A contains a cellulose synthase gene, CesA, that it acquired via an ancient, horizontal gene transfer. CesA is expressed in embryonic epidermal cells and functions in cellulose production. Ciona CesA is composed of both a glycosyltransferase domain, GT2, and a glycosyl hydrolase domain, GH6, which shows a mutation at a key position and seems functionless. Interestingly, the Ciona genome contains a glycosyl hydrolase gene, GH6-1, in which the GH6 domain seems intact. This suggests expression and possible functions of GH6-1 during Ciona embryogenesis. Is GH6-1 expressed during embryogenesis? If so, in what tissues is the gene expressed? Does GH6-1 serve a function? If so, what is it? Answers to these questions may advance our understanding of evolution of this unique animal group. RESULTS Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and in situ hybridization revealed that GH6-1 is expressed in epidermis of tailbud embryos and in early swimming larvae, a pattern similar to that of CesA. Expression is downregulated at later stages and becomes undetectable in metamorphosed juveniles. The GH6-1 expression level is higher in the anterior-trunk region and caudal-tip regions of late embryos. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the late tailbud stage showed that cells of three clusters with epidermal identity express GH6-1, and that some of them co-express CesA. TALEN-mediated genome editing was used to generate GH6-1 knockout Ciona larvae. Around half of TALEN-electroporated larvae showed abnormal development of adhesive papillae and altered distribution of surface cellulose. In addition, three-fourths of TALEN-electroporated animals failed to complete larval metamorphosis. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that tunicate GH6-1, a gene that originated by horizontal gene transfer of a prokaryote gene, is recruited into the ascidian genome, and that it is expressed and functions in epidermal cells of ascidian embryos. Although further research is required, this observation demonstrates that both CesA and GH6-1 are involved in tunicate cellulose metabolism, impacting tunicate morphology and ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Lung Li
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, 115, Taiwan.
| | - Keisuke Nakashima
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Kanako Hisata
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Satoh
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ferrari E, Eliso MC, Bellingeri A, Corsi I, Spagnuolo A. Short-Term Exposure to Nanoplastics Does Not Affect Bisphenol A Embryotoxicity to Marine Ascidian Ciona robusta. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1661. [PMID: 36359011 PMCID: PMC9687932 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is recognized as a global environmental threat and concern is increasing regarding the potential interactions of the smallest fragments, nanoplastics (1 µm), with either physical and chemical entities encountered in the natural environment, including toxic pollutants. The smallest size of nanoplastics (<100nm) rebounds to their safety associated with remarkable biological, chemical and physical reactivity that allow them to interact with cellular machinery by crossing biological barriers and causing damage to living beings. Recent findings on nanoplastic occurrence in marine coastal waters, including the Mediterranean Sea, leave open the question on their ability to act as a vector of other contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) concomitantly released by wastewater treatment plants and reaching marine coastal waters. Here, we assess for the first time the role of non-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs, 20 nm) as a proxy for nanoplastics (1 and 10 µg/mL) alone and in combination with bisphenol A (BPA) (4.5 and 10 µM) on Ciona robusta embryos (22 h post fertilization, hpf) by looking at embryotoxicity through phenotypic alterations. We confirmed the ability of BPA to impact ascidian C. robusta embryo development, by affecting sensory organs pigmentation, either alone and in combination with PS NPs. Our findings suggest that no interactions are taking place between PS NPs and BPA in filtered sea water (FSW) probably due to the high ionic strength of seawater able to trigger the sorption surface properties of PS NPs. Further studies are needed to elucidate such peculiarities and define the risk posed by combined exposure to BPA and PS NPs in marine coastal waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ferrari
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Eliso
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellingeri
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonietta Spagnuolo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kogure YS, Muraoka H, Koizumi WC, Gelin-alessi R, Godard B, Oka K, Heisenberg CP, Hotta K. Admp regulates tail bending by controlling ventral epidermal cell polarity via phosphorylated myosin localization in Ciona. Development 2022; 149:277282. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Ventral tail bending, which is transient but pronounced, is found in many chordate embryos and constitutes an interesting model of how tissue interactions control embryo shape. Here, we identify one key upstream regulator of ventral tail bending in embryos of the ascidian Ciona. We show that during the early tailbud stages, ventral epidermal cells exhibit a boat-shaped morphology (boat cell) with a narrow apical surface where phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC) accumulates. We further show that interfering with the function of the BMP ligand Admp led to pMLC localizing to the basal instead of the apical side of ventral epidermal cells and a reduced number of boat cells. Finally, we show that cutting ventral epidermal midline cells at their apex using an ultraviolet laser relaxed ventral tail bending. Based on these results, we propose a previously unreported function for Admp in localizing pMLC to the apical side of ventral epidermal cells, which causes the tail to bend ventrally by resisting antero-posterior notochord extension at the ventral side of the tail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki S. Kogure
- Keio University 1 Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology , , Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan
| | - Hiromochi Muraoka
- Keio University 1 Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology , , Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan
| | - Wataru C. Koizumi
- Keio University 1 Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology , , Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan
| | - Raphaël Gelin-alessi
- Keio University 1 Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology , , Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan
| | - Benoit Godard
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria 2 , Klosterneuburg , 3400, Austria
| | - Kotaro Oka
- Keio University 1 Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology , , Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University 3 , 2-2 Wakamatsucho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480 , Japan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University 4 , Kaohsiung City 80708 , Taiwan
| | | | - Kohji Hotta
- Keio University 1 Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology , , Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sun X, Zhang X, Yang L, Dong B. A microRNA Cluster-Lefty Pathway is Required for Cellulose Synthesis During Ascidian Larval Metamorphosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:835906. [PMID: 35372357 PMCID: PMC8965075 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.835906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthesis of cellulose and formation of tunic structure are unique traits in the tunicate animal group. However, the regulatory mechanism of tunic formation remains obscure. Here, we identified a novel microRNA cluster of three microRNAs, including miR4018a, miR4000f, and miR4018b in Ciona savignyi. In situ hybridization and promoter assays showed that miR4018a/4000f/4018b cluster was expressed in the mesenchymal cells in the larval trunk, and the expression levels were downregulated during the later tailbud stage and larval metamorphosis. Importantly, overexpression of miR4018a/4000f/4018b cluster in mesenchymal cells abolished the cellulose synthesis in Ciona larvae and caused the loss of tunic cells in metamorphic larvae, indicating the regulatory roles of miR4018a/4000f/4018b cluster in cellulose synthesis and mesenchymal cell differentiation into tunic cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanism, we further identified the target genes of miR4018a/4000f/4018b cluster using the combination approaches of TargetScan prediction and RNA-seq data. Left-right determination factor (Lefty) was confirmed as one of the target genes after narrow-down screening and an experimental luciferase assay. Furthermore, we showed that Lefty was expressed in the mesenchymal and tunic cells, indicating its potentially regulatory roles in mesenchymal cell differentiation and tunic formation. Notably, the defects in tunic formation and loss of tunic cells caused by overexpression of miR4018a/4000f/4018b cluster could be restored when Lefty was overexpressed in Ciona larvae, suggesting that miR4018a/4000f/4018b regulated the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into tunic cells through the Lefty signaling pathway during ascidian metamorphosis. Our findings, thus, reveal a novel microRNA-Lefty molecular pathway that regulates mesenchymal cells differentiating into tunic cells required for the tunic formation in tunicate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Sun
- Sars Fang Centre, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Sars Fang Centre, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Likun Yang
- Sars Fang Centre, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Bo Dong
- Sars Fang Centre, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Locascio A, Vassalli QA, Castellano I, Palumbo A. Novel Insights on Nitric Oxide Synthase and NO Signaling in Ascidian Metamorphosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073505. [PMID: 35408864 PMCID: PMC8999111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a pivotal signaling molecule involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. We investigated NOS/NO localization patterns during the different stages of larval development in the ascidia Ciona robusta and evidenced a specific and temporally controlled pattern. NOS/NO expression starts in the most anterior sensory structures of the early larva and progressively moves towards the caudal portion as larval development and metamorphosis proceeds. We here highlight the pattern of NOS/NO expression in the central and peripheral nervous system of Ciona larvae which precisely follows the progression of neural signals of the central pattern generator necessary for the control of the movements of the larva towards the substrate. This highly dynamic localization profile perfectly matches with the central role played by NO from the first phase of settlement induction to the next control of swimming behavior, adhesion to substrate and progressive tissue resorption and reorganization of metamorphosis itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Locascio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Quirino Attilio Vassalli
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (A.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effects of Exposure to Trade Antifouling Paints and Biocides on Larval Settlement and Metamorphosis of the Compound Ascidian Botryllus schlosseri. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10020123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of antifouling paints and biocides on larval settlement and metamorphosis, newly hatched swimming larvae of the compound ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, a dominant species of soft-fouling in coastal communities, were exposed to (i) substrata coated with seven antifouling paints on the market containing different biocidal mixtures and types of matrices and (ii) sea water containing various concentrations of eight biocidal constituents. All antifouling paints showed high performance, causing 100% mortality and metamorphic inhibition, with ≥75% not-settled dead larvae. All antifouling biocides prevented the settlement of larvae. The most severe larval malformations, i.e., (i) the formation of a bubble encasing the cephalenteron and (ii) the inhibition of tail resorption, were observed after exposure to metal and organometal compounds, including tributyltin (TBT) at 1 μM (325.5 µg L−1), zinc pyrithione (ZnP) at 1 μM (317.7 µg L−1), and CuCl at 0.1 μM (98.99 µg L−1), and to antimicrobials and fungicides, including Sea-Nine 211 at 1 μM (282.2 µg L−1) and Chlorothalonil at 1 μM (265.9 µg L−1). The herbicides seemed to be less active. Irgarol 1051 was not lethal at any of the concentrations tested. Diuron at 250 μM (58.2 mg L−1) and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-(methylsulphonyl)pyridine (TCMS pyridine) at 50 μM (14.8 mg L−1) completely inhibited larval metamorphosis. These results may have important implications for the practical use of different antifouling components, highlighting the importance of their testing for negative impacts on native benthic species.
Collapse
|
14
|
Matsuo K, Tamura R, Hotta K, Okada M, Takeuchi A, Wu Y, Hashimoto K, Takano H, Momose A, Nishino A. Bilaterally Asymmetric Helical Myofibrils in Ascidian Tadpole Larvae. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:800455. [PMID: 34950666 PMCID: PMC8688927 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.800455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The locomotor system is highly bilateral at the macroscopic level. Homochirality of biological molecules is fully compatible with the bilateral body. However, whether and how single-handed cells contribute to the bilateral locomotor system is obscure. Here, exploiting the small number of cells in the swimming tadpole larva of the ascidian Ciona, we analyzed morphology of the tail at cellular and subcellular scales. Quantitative phase-contrast X-ray tomographic microscopy revealed a high-density midline structure ventral to the notochord in the tail. Muscle cell nuclei on each side of the notochord were roughly bilaterally aligned. However, fluorescence microscopy detected left-right asymmetry of myofibril inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the tail. Zernike phase-contrast X-ray tomographic microscopy revealed the presence of left-handed helices of myofibrils in muscle cells on both sides. Therefore, the locomotor system of ascidian larvae harbors symmetry-breaking left-handed helical cells, while maintaining bilaterally symmetrical cell alignment. These results suggest that bilateral animals can override cellular homochirality to generate the bilateral locomotor systems at the supracellular scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Matsuo
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Tamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohji Hotta
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mayu Okada
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Takeuchi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), Sayo, Japan
| | - Yanlin Wu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Koh Hashimoto
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Takano
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Momose
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsuo Nishino
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Morphological Study and 3D Reconstruction of the Larva of the Ascidian Halocynthia roretzi. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The swimming larva represents the dispersal phase of ascidians, marine invertebrates belonging to tunicates. Due to its adhesive papillae, the larva searches the substrate, adheres to it, and undergoes metamorphosis, thereby becoming a sessile filter feeding animal. The larva anatomy has been described in detail in a few species, revealing a different degree of adult structure differentiation, called adultation. In the solitary ascidian Halocynthia roretzi, a species reared for commercial purposes, embryogenesis has been described in detail, but information on the larval anatomy is still lacking. Here, we describe it using a comparative approach, utilizing 3D reconstruction, as well as histological/TEM observations, with attention to its papillae. The larva is comparable to those of other solitary ascidians, such as Ciona intestinalis. However, it displays a higher level of adultation for the presence of the atrium, opened outside by means of the atrial siphon, and the peribranchial chambers. It does not reach the level of complexity of the larva of Botryllus schlosseri, a phylogenetically close colonial ascidian. Our study reveals that the papillae of H. roretzi, previously described as simple and conform, exhibit dynamic changes during settlement. This opens up new considerations on papillae morphology and evolution and deserves to be further investigated.
Collapse
|
16
|
Funakoshi HM, Shito TT, Oka K, Hotta K. Developmental Table and Three-Dimensional Embryological Image Resource of the Ascidian Ascidiella aspersa. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:789046. [PMID: 34977032 PMCID: PMC8718802 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.789046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascidiella aspersa is an ascidian in the class of chordates—the closest relatives of vertebrates. A. aspersa is a potential model organism for bio-imaging studies due to its extremely transparent embryos as well as is a globally distributed cosmopolitan species. However, there is no standard developmental table for this organism. Here, as a first step to establish A. aspersa as a model organism, we report a standard developmental table as a web-based digital image resource. This resource used confocal laser scanning microscopy to scan more than 3,000 cross-sectional images and 3D-reconstructed images of A. aspersa embryos during embryogenesis. With reference to the standardized developmental table of Ciona intestinalis type A, 26 different developmental stages (Stages 1–26) from fertilized eggs to hatched larvae were redefined for A. aspersa. Cell lineages up to the cleavage period were annotated: The cleavage patterns, the embryonic morphology, and the developmental time were then compared with Ciona. We found that the cleavage patterns and developmental time up to the neurula period in A. aspersa were extremely conserved versus. Ciona. The ratio of the trunk and tail length in the tailbud period were smaller than Ciona indicating a relatively short tail. In addition, the timing of the bending of the tail is earlier than Ciona. This A. aspersa standard 3D digital resource is essential for connecting different omics data to different spatiotemporal hierarchies and is useful for a system-level understanding of chordate development and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruka M. Funakoshi
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takumi T. Shito
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kotaro Oka
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Japan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kohji Hotta
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kohji Hotta,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bertrand S, Carvalho JE, Dauga D, Matentzoglu N, Daric V, Yu JK, Schubert M, Escrivá H. The Ontology of the Amphioxus Anatomy and Life Cycle (AMPHX). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:668025. [PMID: 33981708 PMCID: PMC8107275 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.668025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An ontology is a computable representation of the different parts of an organism and its different developmental stages as well as the relationships between them. The ontology of model organisms is therefore a fundamental tool for a multitude of bioinformatics and comparative analyses. The cephalochordate amphioxus is a marine animal representing the earliest diverging evolutionary lineage of chordates. Furthermore, its morphology, its anatomy and its genome can be considered as prototypes of the chordate phylum. For these reasons, amphioxus is a very important animal model for evolutionary developmental biology studies aimed at understanding the origin and diversification of vertebrates. Here, we have constructed an amphioxus ontology (AMPHX) which combines anatomical and developmental terms and includes the relationships between these terms. AMPHX will be used to annotate amphioxus gene expression patterns as well as phenotypes. We encourage the scientific community to adopt this amphioxus ontology and send recommendations for future updates and improvements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bertrand
- CNRS, Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - João E. Carvalho
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer, Institut de la Mer de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Vladimir Daric
- CNRS, Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jr-Kai Yu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Michael Schubert
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer, Institut de la Mer de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Hector Escrivá
- CNRS, Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wakai MK, Nakamura MJ, Sawai S, Hotta K, Oka K. Two-Round Ca 2+ transient in papillae by mechanical stimulation induces metamorphosis in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20203207. [PMID: 33593191 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.3207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine invertebrate larvae are known to begin metamorphosis in response to environmentally derived cues. However, little is known about the relationships between the perception of such cues and internal signalling for metamorphosis. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the initiation of metamorphosis in the ascidian, Ciona intestinalis type A (Ciona robusta), we artificially induced ascidian metamorphosis and investigated Ca2+ dynamics from pre- to post-metamorphosis. Ca2+ transients were observed and consisted of two temporally distinct phases with different durations before tail regression which is the early event of metamorphosis. In the first phase, Phase I, the Ca2+ transient in the papillae (adhesive organ of the anterior trunk) was coupled with the Ca2+ transient in dorsally localized cells and endoderm cells just after mechanical stimulation. The Ca2+ transients in Phase I were also observed when applying only short stimulation. In the second phase, Phase II, the Ca2+ transient in papillae was observed again and lasted for approximately 5-11 min just after the Ca2+ transient in Phase I continued for a few minutes. The impaired papillae by Foxg-knockdown failed to induce the second Ca2+ transient in Phase II and tail regression. In Phase II, a wave-like Ca2+ propagation was also observed across the entire epidermis. Our results indicate that the papillae sense a mechanical cue and two-round Ca2+ transients in papillae transmits the internal metamorphic signals to different tissues, which subsequently induces tail regression. Our study will help elucidate the internal mechanism of metamorphosis in marine invertebrate larvae in response to environmental cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maiki K Wakai
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Mitsuru J Nakamura
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba, 153-8902 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sawai
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba, 153-8902 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohji Hotta
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kotaro Oka
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.,Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsucho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 80708, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Eliso MC, Bergami E, Manfra L, Spagnuolo A, Corsi I. Toxicity of nanoplastics during the embryogenesis of the ascidian Ciona robusta (Phylum Chordata). Nanotoxicology 2020; 14:1415-1431. [PMID: 33186509 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2020.1838650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Nanoplastics are considered contaminants of emerging concern at the global scale. The recent evidence of their occurrence in seawater from the Mediterranean Sea calls for a thorough evaluation of their impact on marine life and in particular on vulnerable life stages such as planktonic embryos. Here, we investigated the impact of increasing nominal concentrations of 50 nm amino-modified (PS-NH2) and 60 nm carboxy-modified (PS-COOH) polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) on the embryonic development of the ascidian Ciona robusta (phylum Chordata), a common benthic invertebrate living in Mediterranean coastal areas with the peculiarity of being an early chordate developmental model. A strong agglomeration of PS-COOH (approx. 1 µm) was observed in natural sea water (NSW) already at time 0, while PS-NH2 resulted still monodispersed (approx. 130 nm) but largely aggregated after 22 h with a microscale dimension similar to those negatively charged. However, their effect on C. robusta embryos development largely differed at 22 h: PS-COOH did not affect larvae phenotypes nor their development, while PS-NH2 caused a dose-dependent effect (EC50 (22 h) of 7.52 μg mL-1) with various degrees of phenotype malformations (from mild to severe) and impairment of larval swimming. Embryos (up to 30%) exposed to 15 µg mL-1 PS-NH2 resulted not developed and the majority was unable to hatch. Calculated PS-NH2 EC50 resulted higher than those available for other marine invertebrate species, suggesting a protective role of the egg envelopes surrounding C. robusta embryos toward nanoplastics exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Concetta Eliso
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Bergami
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Loredana Manfra
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Spagnuolo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|