A vesicular Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in coral calcifying cells

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the inner ear epithelial cells of splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa)

The inner ear of teleost fish regulates the ionic and acid-base chemistry and secretes protein matrix into the endolymph to facilitate otolith biomineralization, which is used to maintain vestibular and auditory functions. The otolith is biomineralized in a concentric ring pattern corresponding to seasonal growth, and this calcium carbonate (CaCO3) polycrystal has become a vital aging and life-history tool for fishery managers, ecologists, and conservation biologists. Moreover, biomineralization patterns are sensitive to environmental variability including climate change, thereby threatening the accuracy and relevance of otolith-reliant toolkits. However, the cellular biology of the inner ear is poorly characterized, which is a hurdle for a mechanistic understanding of the underlying processes. This study provides a systematic characterization of the cell types in the inner ear of splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa). Scanning electron microscopy revealed the apical morphologies of six inner ear cell types. In addition, immunostaining and confocal microscopy characterized the expression and subcellular localization of the proteins Na+-K+-ATPase, carbonic anhydrase, V-type H+-ATPase, Na+-K+-2Cl--cotransporter, otolith matrix protein 1, and otolin-1 in six inner ear cell types bordering the endolymph. This fundamental cytological characterization of the rockfish inner ear epithelium illustrates the intricate physiological processes involved in otolith biomineralization and highlights how greater mechanistic understanding is necessary to predict their multistressor responses to future climate change.

Synergistic and antagonistic interactions of oxybenzone and ocean acidification: new insight into vulnerable cellular processes in non-calcifying anthozoans

Cnidarians face significant threats from ocean acidification (OA) and anthropogenic pollutants such as oxybenzone (BP-3). The convergence of threats from multiple stressors is an important area to investigate because of potential significant synergistic or antagonistic interactions. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to characterize the expression profiles of twenty-two genes of interest (GOI) in sea anemones (Exaiptasia diaphana) exposed to one of four treatments: 1) 96 h of OA conditions followed by a 4 h exposure to 20 ppb BP-3; 2) Exposure to 4 h 20 ppb BP-3 without 96 h of OA; 3) Exposure to 96 h of OA alone; or 4) laboratory conditions with no exposure to BP-3 and/or OA. These 22 GOIs represent cellular processes associated with proton-dependent transport, sodium-dependent transport, metal cation binding/transport, extracellular matrix, amino acid metabolism/transport, immunity, and/or steroidogenesis. These 22 GOIs provide new insight into vulnerable cellular processes in non-calcifying anthozoans exposed to OA and BP-3. Expression profiles were categorized as synergistic, antagonistic, or additive of BP-3 in the presence of OA. Two GOIs were synergistic. Fifteen GOIs were antagonistic and the remaining five GOIs were additive in response to BP-3 in acidified seawater. A subset of these GOIs appear to be candidate biomarkers for future in situ investigations. In human health, proton-dependent monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are promising pharmacological targets and recognized as potential biomarkers. By comparison, these same MCTs appear to be targets of xenobiotic chemical pollutants in cnidarian physiology. In the presence of BP-3, a network of collagen synthesis genes are upregulated and antagonistic in their expression profiles. Cytochrome b561 is a critical protein required for collagen synthesis and in silico modeling demonstrates BP-3 binds in the pocket of cytochrome b561. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of "drug-like" compounds such as BP-3 may lead to a more comprehensive interpretation of transcriptional expression profiles. The collective antagonistic responses of GOIs associated with collagen synthesis strongly suggests these GOIs should be considered candidate biomarkers of effect. GOIs with synergistic and additive responses represent candidate biomarkers of exposure. Results show the effects of OA and BP-3 are interactive with respect to their impact on cnidarians. This investigation offers mechanistic data that supports the expression profiles and underpins higher order physiological responses.

Molecular and mineral responses of corals grown under artificial Calcite Sea conditions

The formation of skeletal structures composed of different calcium carbonate polymorphs (e.g. aragonite and calcite) appears to be both biologically and environmentally regulated. Among environmental factors influencing aragonite and calcite precipitation, changes in seawater conditions-primarily in the molar ratio of magnesium and calcium during so-called 'Calcite' (mMg:mCa below 2) or 'Aragonite' seas (mMg:mCa above 2)-have had profound impacts on the distribution and performance of marine calcifiers throughout Earth's history. Nonetheless, the fossil record shows that some species appear to have counteracted such changes and kept their skeleton polymorph unaltered. Here, the aragonitic octocoral Heliopora coerulea and the aragonitic scleractinian Montipora digitata were exposed to Calcite Sea-like mMg:mCa with various levels of magnesium and calcium concentration, and changes in both the mineralogy (i.e. CaCO3 polymorph) and gene expression were monitored. Both species maintained aragonite deposition at lower mMg:mCa ratios, while concurrent calcite presence was only detected in M. digitata. Despite a strong variability between independent experimental replicates for both species, the expression for a set of putative calcification-related genes, including known components of the M. digitata skeleton organic matrix (SkOM), was found to consistently change at lower mMg:mCa. These results support the previously proposed involvements of the SkOM in counteracting decreases in seawater mMg:mCa. Although no consistent expression changes in calcium and magnesium transporters were observed, down-regulation calcium channels in H. coerulea in one experimental replicate and at an mMg:mCa of 2.5, pointing to a possible active calcium uptake regulation by the corals under altered mMg:mCa.

Environmental memory gained from exposure to extreme pCO2 variability promotes coral cellular acid-base homeostasis

Ocean acidification is a growing threat to coral growth and the accretion of coral reef ecosystems. Corals inhabiting environments that already endure extreme diel pCO₂ fluctuations, however, may represent acidification-resilient populations capable of persisting on future reefs. Here, we examined the impact of pCO₂ variability on the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis originating from reefs with contrasting environmental histories (variable reef flat versus stable reef slope) following reciprocal exposure to stable (218 ± 9) or variable (911 ± 31) diel pCO₂ amplitude (μtam) in aquaria over eight weeks. Endosymbiont density, photosynthesis and net calcification rates differed between origins but not treatment, whereas primary calcification (extension) was affected by both origin and acclimatization to novel pCO₂ conditions. At the cellular level, corals from the variable reef flat exhibited less intracellular pH (pHi) acidosis and faster pHi recovery rates in response to experimental acidification stress (pH 7.40) than corals originating from the stable reef slope, suggesting environmental memory gained from lifelong exposure to pCO₂ variability led to an improved ability to regulate acid–base homeostasis. These results highlight the role of cellular processes in maintaining acidification resilience and suggest that prior exposure to pCO₂ variability may promote more acidification-resilient coral populations in a changing climate.

Molecular characterization, immunofluorescent localization, and expression levels of two bicarbonate anion transporters in the whitish mantle of the giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, and the implications for light-enhanced shell formation

Giant clams conduct light-enhanced shell formation, which requires the increased transport of Ca²⁺ and inorganic carbon (C_i) from the hemolymph through the shell-facing epithelium of the whitish inner mantle to the extrapallial fluid where CaCO₃ deposition occurs. The major form of C_i in the hemolymph is HCO₃^-, but the mechanisms of HCO₃^- transport through the basolateral and apical membranes of the shell-facing epithelial cells remain unknown. This study aimed to clone from the inner mantle of Tridacna squamosa the complete coding cDNA sequences of electrogenic Na⁺-HCO₃^-cotransporter 1 homolog (NBCe1-like-b) and electrogenic Na⁺-HCO₃^-cotransporter 2 homolog (NBCe2-like). NBCe1-like-b comprised 3360 bp, encoding a 125.7 kDa protein with 1119 amino acids. NBCe1-like-b was slightly different from NBCe1-like-a of the ctenidium reported elsewhere, as it had a serine residue (Ser¹⁰²⁵), which might undergo phosphorylation leading to the transport of Na⁺: HCO₃^- at a ratio of 1: 2 into the cell. NBCe1-like-b was localized at the basolateral membrane of the shell-facing epithelial cells, and its gene and protein expression levels increased significantly in the inner mantle during illumination, indicating a role in the light-enhanced uptake of HCO₃^- from the hemolymph. The sequence of NBCe2-like obtained from the inner mantle was identical to that reported previously for the outer mantle. In the inner mantle, NBCe2-like had an apical localization in the shell-facing epithelial cells, and its protein abundance was upregulated during illumination. Hence, NBCe2-like might take part in the light-enhanced transport of HCO₃^- through the apical membrane of these cells into the extrapallial fluid.

A Rhesus channel in the coral symbiosome membrane suggests a novel mechanism to regulate NH3 and CO2 delivery to algal symbionts

Reef-building corals maintain an intracellular photosymbiotic association with dinoflagellate algae. As the algae are hosted inside the symbiosome, all metabolic exchanges must take place across the symbiosome membrane. Using functional studies in Xenopus oocytes, immunolocalization, and confocal Airyscan microscopy, we established that Acropora yongei Rh (ayRhp1) facilitates transmembrane NH₃ and CO₂ diffusion and that it is present in the symbiosome membrane. Furthermore, ayRhp1 abundance in the symbiosome membrane was highest around midday and lowest around midnight. We conclude that ayRhp1 mediates a symbiosomal NH₄⁺-trapping mechanism that promotes nitrogen delivery to algae during the day-necessary to sustain photosynthesis-and restricts nitrogen delivery at night-to keep algae under nitrogen limitation. The role of ayRhp1-facilitated CO₂ diffusion is less clear, but it may have implications for metabolic dysregulation between symbiotic partners and bleaching. This previously unknown mechanism expands our understanding of symbioses at the immediate animal-microbe interface, the symbiosome.

The Skeleton and Biomineralization Mechanism as Part of the Innate Immune System of Stony Corals

Stony corals are among the most important calcifiers in the marine ecosystem as they form the coral reefs. Coral reefs have huge ecological importance as they constitute the most diverse marine ecosystem, providing a home to roughly a quarter of all marine species. In recent years, many studies have shed light on the mechanisms underlying the biomineralization processes in corals, as characterizing the calicoblast cell layer and genes involved in the formation of the calcium carbonate skeleton. In addition, considerable advancements have been made in the research field of coral immunity as characterizing genes involved in the immune response to pathogens and stressors, and the revealing of specialized immune cells, including their gene expression profile and phagocytosis capabilities. Yet, these two fields of corals research have never been integrated. Here, we discuss how the coral skeleton plays a role as the first line of defense. We integrate the knowledge from both fields and highlight genes and proteins that are related to biomineralization and might be involved in the innate immune response and help the coral deal with pathogens that penetrate its skeleton. In many organisms, the immune system has been tied to calcification. In humans, immune factors enhance ectopic calcification which causes severe diseases. Further investigation of coral immune genes which are involved in skeleton defense as well as in biomineralization might shed light on our understanding of the correlation and the interaction of both processes as well as reveal novel comprehension of how immune factors enhance calcification.

Basolateral Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 and Na+/K+-ATPase, which display light-enhanced gene and protein expression levels, could be involved in the absorption of exogenous Ca2+ through the ctenidium of the giant clam, Tridacna squamosa

Giant clams perform light-enhanced shell formation (calcification) and therefore need to increase the uptake of exogenous Ca²⁺ during illumination. The ctenidium of the fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, is involved in light-enhanced Ca²⁺ uptake. It expresses the pore-forming voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) subunit alpha 1 (CACNA1) in the apical membrane of the epithelial cells, and the protein expression level of CACNA1 is upregulated in the ctenidium during illumination. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism involved in the transport of the absorbed Ca²⁺ across the basolateral membrane of the ctenidial epithelial cells into the hemolymph. We obtained a homolog of Na⁺/Ca²⁺exchanger 1 (NCX1-like) from the ctenidium of T. squamosa, which comprised 2418 bp, encoding a protein of 806 amino acids (88.9 kDa). NCX1-like had a basolateral localization in the epithelial cells of the ctenidial filaments and tertiary water channels. Illumination resulted in significant increases in the transcript and protein levels of NCX1-like/NCX1-like in the ctenidium. Hence, NCX1-like could operate in conjunction with VGCC to increase the transport of Ca²⁺ from the ambient seawater into the hemolymph during illumination. Illumination also resulted in the upregulation of the gene and protein expression levels of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) α-subunit (NKAα/NKAα) in the ctenidium of T. squamosa. As light-enhanced extrusion of Ca²⁺ into the hemolymph through NCX1-like would lead to a greater influx of extracellular Na⁺, the increased expression of the basolateral NKA was required to augment the capacity of intracellular Na⁺ homeostasis.

Illumination enhances the protein abundance of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases-like transporter in the ctenidium and whitish inner mantle of the giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, to augment exogenous Ca2+ uptake and shell formation, respectively

The fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, can perform light-enhanced shell formation, aided by its symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium, Cladocopium, Durusdinium), which are able to donate organic nutrients to the host. During light-enhanced shell formation, increased Ca²⁺ transport from the hemolymph through the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle to the extrapallial fluid, where calcification occurs, is necessary. Additionally, there must be increased absorption of exogenous Ca²⁺ from the surrounding seawater, across the epithelial cells of the ctenidium (gill) into the hemolymph, to supply sufficient Ca²⁺ for light-enhanced shell formation. When Ca²⁺ moves across these epithelial cells, the low intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration must be maintained. Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) regulates the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration by pumping Ca²⁺ into the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) and Golgi apparatus. Indeed, the ctenidium and inner mantle of T. squamosa, expressed a homolog of SERCA (SERCA-like transporter) that consists of 3009 bp, encoding 1002 amino acids of 110.6 kDa. SERCA-like-immunolabeling was non-uniform in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of ctenidial filaments, and that of the shell-facing epithelial cells of the inner mantle. Importantly, the protein abundance of SERCA-like increased significantly in the ctenidium and the inner mantle of T. squamosa after 12 h and 6 h, respectively, of light exposure. This would increase the capacity of pumping Ca²⁺ into the endoplasmic reticulum and avert a possible surge in the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration in epithelial cells of the ctenidial filaments during light-enhanced Ca²⁺ absorption, and in cells of the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle during light-enhanced shell formation.

Immunological characterization of two types of ionocytes in the inner ear epithelium of Pacific Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus)

The inner ear is essential for maintaining balance and hearing predator and prey in the environment. Each inner ear contains three CaCO₃ otolith polycrystals, which are calcified within an alkaline, K⁺-rich endolymph secreted by the surrounding epithelium. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms are poorly understood, especially in marine fish. Here, we investigated the presence and cellular localization of several ion-transporting proteins within the saccular epithelium of the Pacific Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus). Western blotting revealed the presence of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA), carbonic anhydrase (CA), Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^--co-transporter (NKCC), vacuolar-type H⁺-ATPase (VHA), plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase (PMCA), and soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). Immunohistochemistry analysis identified two distinct ionocytes types in the saccular epithelium: Type-I ionocytes were mitochondrion-rich and abundantly expressed NKA and NKCC in their basolateral membrane, indicating a role in secreting K⁺ into the endolymph. On the other hand, Type-II ionocytes were enriched in cytoplasmic CA and VHA, suggesting they help transport HCO₃^- into the endolymph and remove H⁺. In addition, both types of ionocytes expressed cytoplasmic PMCA, which is likely involved in Ca²⁺ transport and homeostasis, as well as sAC, an evolutionary conserved acid-base sensing enzyme that regulates epithelial ion transport. Furthermore, CA, VHA, and sAC were also expressed within the capillaries that supply blood to the meshwork area, suggesting additional mechanisms that contribute to otolith calcification. This information improves our knowledge about the cellular mechanisms responsible for endolymph ion regulation and otolith formation, and can help understand responses to environmental stressors such as ocean acidification.

Evolutionary links between intra- and extracellular acid-base regulation in fish and other aquatic animals

The acid-base relevant molecules carbon dioxide (CO₂ ), protons (H⁺ ), and bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^- ) are substrates and end products of some of the most essential physiological functions including aerobic and anaerobic respiration, ATP hydrolysis, photosynthesis, and calcification. The structure and function of many enzymes and other macromolecules are highly sensitive to changes in pH, and thus maintaining acid-base homeostasis in the face of metabolic and environmental disturbances is essential for proper cellular function. On the other hand, CO₂ , H⁺ , and HCO₃ ^- have regulatory effects on various proteins and processes, both directly through allosteric modulation and indirectly through signal transduction pathways. Life in aquatic environments presents organisms with distinct acid-base challenges that are not found in terrestrial environments. These include a relatively high CO₂ relative to O₂ solubility that prevents internal CO₂ /HCO₃ ^- accumulation to buffer pH, a lower O₂ content that may favor anaerobic metabolism, and variable environmental CO₂ , pH and O₂ levels that require dynamic adjustments in acid-base homeostatic mechanisms. Additionally, some aquatic animals purposely create acidic or alkaline microenvironments that drive specialized physiological functions. For example, acidifying mechanisms can enhance O₂ delivery by red blood cells, lead to ammonia trapping for excretion or buoyancy purposes, or lead to CO₂ accumulation to promote photosynthesis by endosymbiotic algae. On the other hand, alkalinizing mechanisms can serve to promote calcium carbonate skeletal formation. This nonexhaustive review summarizes some of the distinct acid-base homeostatic mechanisms that have evolved in aquatic organisms to meet the particular challenges of this environment.

Regulation of coral calcification by the acid-base sensing enzyme soluble adenylyl cyclase

Coral calcification is intricately linked to the chemical composition of the fluid in the extracellular calcifying medium (ECM), which is situated between the calcifying cells and the skeleton. Here we demonstrate that the acid-base sensing enzyme soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is expressed in calcifying cells of the coral Stylophora pistillata. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of sAC in coral microcolonies resulted in acidification of the ECM as estimated by the pH-sensitive ratiometric indicator SNARF, and decreased calcification rates, as estimated by calcein labeling of crystal growth. These results indicate that sAC activity modulates some of the molecular machinery involved in producing the coral skeleton, which could include ion-transporting proteins and vesicular transport. To our knowledge this is the first study to directly demonstrate biological regulation of the alkaline pH of the coral ECM and its correlation with calcification.

Dilution of Seawater Affects the Ca2 + Transport in the Outer Mantle Epithelium of Crassostrea gigas

Varying salinities of coastal waters are likely to affect the physiology and ion transport capabilities of calcifying marine organisms such as bivalves. To investigate the physiological effect of decreased environmental salinity in bivalves, adult oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were exposed for 14 days to 50% seawater (14) and the effects on mantle ion transport, electrophysiology and the expression of Ca²⁺ transporters and channels relative to animals maintained in full strength sea water (28) was evaluated. Exposure of oysters to a salinity of 14 decreased the active mantle transepithelial ion transport and specifically affected Ca²⁺ transfer. Gene expression of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase was decreased whereas the expression of the T-type voltage-gated Ca channel and the Na⁺/Ca²⁺-exchanger increased compared to animals maintained in full SW. The results indicate that decreased environmental salinities will most likely affect not only osmoregulation but also bivalve biomineralization and shell formation.

Ocean Acidification and Coastal Marine Invertebrates: Tracking CO2 Effects from Seawater to the Cell

In the last few decades, numerous studies have investigated the impacts of simulated ocean acidification on marine species and communities, particularly those inhabiting dynamic coastal systems. Despite these research efforts, there are many gaps in our understanding, particularly with respect to physiological mechanisms that lead to pathologies. In this review, we trace how carbonate system disturbances propagate from the coastal environment into marine invertebrates and highlight mechanistic links between these disturbances and organism function. We also point toward several processes related to basic invertebrate biology that are severely understudied and prevent an accurate understanding of how carbonate system dynamics influence organismic homeostasis and fitness-related traits. We recommend that significant research effort be directed to studying cellular phenotypes of invertebrates acclimated or adapted to elevated seawater pCO₂ using biochemical and physiological methods.

How corals made rocks through the ages

Hard, or stony, corals make rocks that can, on geological time scales, lead to the formation of massive reefs in shallow tropical and subtropical seas. In both historical and contemporary oceans, reef-building corals retain information about the marine environment in their skeletons, which is an organic-inorganic composite material. The elemental and isotopic composition of their skeletons is frequently used to reconstruct the environmental history of Earth's oceans over time, including temperature, pH, and salinity. Interpretation of this information requires knowledge of how the organisms formed their skeletons. The basic mechanism of formation of calcium carbonate skeleton in stony corals has been studied for decades. While some researchers consider coral skeletons as mainly passive recorders of ocean conditions, it has become increasingly clear that biological processes play key roles in the biomineralization mechanism. Understanding the role of the animal in living stony coral biomineralization and how it evolved has profound implications for interpreting environmental signatures in fossil corals to understand past ocean conditions. Here we review historical hypotheses and discuss the present understanding of how corals evolved and how their skeletons changed over geological time. We specifically explain how biological processes, particularly those occurring at the subcellular level, critically control the formation of calcium carbonate structures. We examine the different models that address the current debate including the tissue-skeleton interface, skeletal organic matrix, and biomineralization pathways. Finally, we consider how understanding the biological control of coral biomineralization is critical to informing future models of coral vulnerability to inevitable global change, particularly increasing ocean acidification.

Mineral formation in the primary polyps of pocilloporoid corals

In reef-building corals, larval settlement and its rapid calcification provides a unique opportunity to study the bio-calcium carbonate formation mechanism involving skeleton morphological changes. Here we investigate the mineral formation of primary polyps, just after settlement, in two species of the pocilloporoid corals: Stylophora pistillata (Esper, 1797) and Pocillopora acuta (Lamarck, 1816). We show that the initial mineral phase is nascent Mg-Calcite, with rod-like morphology in P. acuta, and dumbbell morphology in S. pistillata. These structures constitute the first layer of the basal plate which is comparable to Rapid Accretion Deposits (Centers of Calcification, CoC) in adult coral skeleton. We found also that the rod-like/dumbbell Mg-Calcite structures in subsequent growth step will merge into larger aggregates by deposition of aragonite needles. Our results suggest that a biologically controlled mineralization of initial skeletal deposits occurs in three steps: first, vesicles filled with divalent ions are formed intracellularly. These vesicles are then transferred to the calcification site, forming nascent Mg-Calcite rod/pristine dumbbell structures. During the third step, aragonite crystals develop between these structures forming spherulite-like aggregates. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Coral settlement and recruitment periods are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Successful mineralization during these periods is vital and influences the coral's chances of survival. Therefore, understanding the exact mechanism underlying carbonate precipitation is highly important. Here, we used in vivo microscopy, spectroscopy and molecular methods to provide new insights into mineral development. We show that the primary polyp's mineral arsenal consists of two types of minerals: Mg-Calcite and aragonite. In addition, we provide new insights into the ion pathway by showing that divalent ions are concentrated in intracellular vesicles and are eventually deposited at the calcification site.

Modes of Calcium Regulation in Ischemic Neuron

Calcium (Ca²⁺) dysregulation is a major catalytic event. Ca²⁺ dysregulation leads to neuronal cell death and brain damage result in cerebral ischemia. Neurons are unable in maintaining calcium homeostasis. Ca²⁺ homeostasis imbalance results in increased calcium influx and impaired calcium extrusion across the plasma membrane. Ca²⁺ dysregulation is mediated by different cellular and biochemical mechanism, which leads to neuronal loss resulting stroke/cerebral ischemia. A better understanding of the Ca²⁺ dysregulation might help in the development of new treatments in order to reduce ischemic brain injury. An optimal concentration of Ca²⁺ does not lead to neurotoxicity in the ischemic neuron. Intracellular Ca²⁺ act as a trigger for acute neurotoxicity and this cause induction of long-lasting processes leading to necrotic and/or apoptotic post-ischemic delayed neuronal death or of compensatory, neuroprotective mechanisms has increased considerably. Moreover, routes of ischemic Ca²⁺ influx to neurons, involvement of intracellular Ca²⁺ stores and Ca²⁺ buffers, spatial and temporal relations between ischemia-induced increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration and neurotoxicity will further increase our understanding about underlying mechanism and they can act as a target for the development of drugs. Here, in our article we are trying to provide a brief overview of various Ca²⁺ influx pathways involve in ischemic neuron and how ischemic neuron attempts to counterbalance this calcium overload.

Expression of calcification-related ion transporters during blue mussel larval development

The physiological processes driving the rapid rates of calcification in larval bivalves are poorly understood. Here, we use a calcification substrate-limited approach (low dissolved inorganic carbon, C T) and mRNA sequencing to identify proteins involved in bicarbonate acquisition during shell formation. As a secondary approach, we examined expression of ion transport and shell matrix proteins (SMPs) over the course of larval development and shell formation. We reared four families of Mytilus edulis under ambient (ca. 1865 µmol/kg) and low C T (ca. 941 µmol/kg) conditions and compared expression patterns at six developmental time points. Larvae reared under low C T exhibited a developmental delay, and a small subset of contigs was differentially regulated between ambient and low C T conditions. Of particular note was the identification of one contig encoding an anion transporter (SLC26) which was strongly upregulated (2.3-2.9 fold) under low C T conditions. By analyzing gene expression profiles over the course of larval development, we are able to isolate sequences encoding ion transport and SMPs to enhance our understanding of cellular pathways underlying larval calcification processes. In particular, we observe the differential expression of contigs encoding SLC4 family members (sodium bicarbonate cotransporters, anion exchangers), calcium-transporting ATPases, sodium/calcium exchangers, and SMPs such as nacrein, tyrosinase, and transcripts related to chitin production. With a range of candidate genes, this work identifies ion transport pathways in bivalve larvae and by applying comparative genomics to investigate temporal expression patterns, provides a foundation for further studies to functionally characterize the proteins involved in larval calcification.