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Corrie LM, Kuecks-Winger H, Ebrahimikondori H, Birol I, Helbing CC. Transcriptomic profiling of Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana back skin during natural and thyroid hormone-induced metamorphosis under different temperature regimes with particular emphasis on innate immune system components. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 50:101238. [PMID: 38714098 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101238] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
As amphibians undergo thyroid hormone (TH)-dependent metamorphosis from an aquatic tadpole to the terrestrial frog, their innate immune system must adapt to the new environment. Skin is a primary line of defense, yet this organ undergoes extensive remodelling during metamorphosis and how it responds to TH is poorly understood. Temperature modulation, which regulates metamorphic timing, is a unique way to uncover early TH-induced transcriptomic events. Metamorphosis of premetamorphic tadpoles is induced by exogenous TH administration at 24 °C but is paused at 5 °C. However, at 5 °C a "molecular memory" of TH exposure is retained that results in an accelerated metamorphosis upon shifting to 24 °C. We used RNA-sequencing to identify changes in Rana (Lithobates) catesbeiana back skin gene expression during natural and TH-induced metamorphosis. During natural metamorphosis, significant differential expression (DE) was observed in >6500 transcripts including classic TH-responsive transcripts (thrb and thibz), heat shock proteins, and innate immune system components: keratins, mucins, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Premetamorphic tadpoles maintained at 5 °C showed 83 DE transcripts within 48 h after TH administration, including thibz which has previously been identified as a molecular memory component in other tissues. Over 3600 DE transcripts were detected in TH-treated tadpoles at 24 °C or when tadpoles held at 5 °C were shifted to 24 °C. Gene ontology (GO) terms related to transcription, RNA metabolic processes, and translation were enriched in both datasets and immune related GO terms were observed in the temperature-modulated experiment. Our findings have implications on survival as climate change affects amphibia worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorissa M Corrie
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Haley Kuecks-Winger
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Hossein Ebrahimikondori
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Inanc Birol
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Caren C Helbing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
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2
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Hardy BM, Muths E, Funk WC, Bailey LL. Quantifying intraspecific variation in host resistance and tolerance to a lethal pathogen. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 38773788 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Testing for intraspecific variation for host tolerance or resistance in wild populations is important for informing conservation decisions about captive breeding, translocation, and disease treatment. Here, we test the importance of tolerance and resistance in multiple populations of boreal toads (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the amphibian fungal pathogen responsible for the greatest host biodiversity loss due to disease. Boreal toads have severely declined in Colorado (CO) due to Bd, but toad populations challenged with Bd in western Wyoming (WY) appear to be less affected. We used a common garden infection experiment to expose post-metamorphic toads sourced from four populations (2 in CO and 2 in WY) to Bd and monitored changes in mass, pathogen burden and survival for 8 weeks. We used a multi-state modelling approach to estimate weekly survival and transition probabilities between infected and cleared states, reflecting a dynamic infection process that traditional approaches fail to capture. We found that WY boreal toads are more tolerant to Bd infection with higher survival probabilities than those in CO when infected with identical pathogen burdens. WY toads also appeared more resistant to Bd with a higher probability of infection clearance and an average of 5 days longer to reach peak infection burdens. Our results demonstrate strong intraspecific differences in tolerance and resistance that likely contribute to why population declines vary regionally across this species. Our multi-state framework allowed us to gain inference on typically hidden disease processes when testing for host tolerance or resistance. Our findings demonstrate that describing an entire host species as 'tolerant' or 'resistant' (or lack thereof) is unwise without testing for intraspecific variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bennett M Hardy
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Erin Muths
- United States Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - W Chris Funk
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Larissa L Bailey
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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3
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Lombardo GP, Miller A, Aragona M, Messina E, Fumia A, Kuciel M, Alesci A, Pergolizzi S, Lauriano ER. Immunohistochemical Characterization of Langerhans Cells in the Skin of Three Amphibian Species. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:210. [PMID: 38666822 PMCID: PMC11048468 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The amphibian taxon includes three orders that present different morphological characteristics: Anura, Caudata, and Apoda. Their skin has a crucial role: it acts as an immune organ constituting a physical, chemical, immunological, and microbiological barrier to pathogen insult and conducts essential physiological processes. Amphibians have developed specialized features to protect the vulnerable skin barrier, including a glandular network beneath the skin surface that can produce antimicrobial and toxic substances, thus contributing to the defense against pathogens and predators. This study aims to characterize Langerhans cells in the skin of Lithobates catesbeianus (order: Anura; Shaw, 1802), Amphiuma means (order: Caudata; Garden, 1821), and Typhlonectes natans (order: Apoda; Fischer, 1880) with the following antibodies: Langerin/CD207 (c-type lectin), Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)II, and Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 (expressed by different types of DCs). Our results showed Langerhans cells positive for Langerin CD/207 in the epidermis of the three species; moreover, some antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the connective tissue expressed TLR2 and MHCII. The distribution of the Langerhans cells is very similar in the three amphibians examined, despite their different habitats. A greater knowledge of the amphibian immune system could be useful to better understand the phylogeny of vertebrates and to safeguard amphibians from population declines. Furthermore, the similarities between amphibians' and human skin concerning immunological features may be useful in both biology and translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pia Lombardo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Anthea Miller
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Marialuisa Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Emmanuele Messina
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Angelo Fumia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Michał Kuciel
- Poison Information Centre, Department of Toxicology and Environmental Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Jagellonian University, Kopernika 15, 30-501 Krakòw, Poland;
| | - Alessio Alesci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Simona Pergolizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
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Salla RF, Costa MJ, Abdalla FC, Oliveira CR, Tsukada E, Boeing GANS, Prado J, Carvalho T, Ribeiro LP, Rebouças R, Toledo LF. Estrogen contamination increases vulnerability of amphibians to the deadly chytrid fungus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170337. [PMID: 38301782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170337] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Aquatic contaminants and infectious diseases are among the major drivers of global amphibian declines. However, the interaction of these factors is poorly explored and could better explain the amphibian crisis. We exposed males and females of the Brazilian Cururu Toad, Rhinella icterica, to an environmentally relevant concentration of the estrogen 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol (an emerging contaminant) and to the chytrid infection (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), in their combined and isolated forms, and the ecotoxicity was determined by multiple biomarkers: cutaneous, hematological, cardiac, hepatic, and gonadal analysis. Our results showed that Cururu toads had many physiological alterations in response to the chytrid infection, including the appearance of cutaneous Langerhans's cells, increased blood leukocytes, increased heart contraction force and tachycardia, increased hepatic melanomacrophage cells, which in turn led to gonadal atrophy. The estrogen, in turn, increased the susceptibility of the toads to the chytrid infection (higher Bd loads) and maximized the deleterious effects of the pathogen: reducing leukocytes, decreasing the contraction force, and causing greater tachycardia, increasing hepatic melanomacrophage cells, and leading to greater gonadal atrophy, which were more extreme in females. The exposure to estrogen also revealed important toxicodynamic pathways of this toxicant, as shown by the immunosuppression of exposed animals, and the induction of the first stages of feminization in males, which corroborates that the synthetic estrogen acts as an endocrine disruptor. Such an intricate relationship is unprecedented and reinforces the importance of studying the serious consequences that multiple environmental stressors can cause to aquatic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel F Salla
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental (PPGBMA), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Monica Jones Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental (PPGBMA), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Fisiologia da Conservação (LaFisC), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio Camargo Abdalla
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental (PPGBMA), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional (LaBEF), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane R Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental (PPGBMA), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elisabete Tsukada
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental (PPGBMA), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Andrade Neto Schmitz Boeing
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental (PPGBMA), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional (LaBEF), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joelma Prado
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tamilie Carvalho
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Luisa P Ribeiro
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raoni Rebouças
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Felipe Toledo
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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5
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Berger L, Skerratt LF, Kosch TA, Brannelly LA, Webb RJ, Waddle AW. Advances in Managing Chytridiomycosis for Australian Frogs: Gradarius Firmus Victoria. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:113-133. [PMID: 38358840 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021122-100823] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Extensive knowledge gains from research worldwide over the 25 years since the discovery of chytridiomycosis can be used for improved management. Strategies that have saved populations in the short term and/or enabled recovery include captive breeding, translocation into disease refugia, translocation from resistant populations, disease-free exclosures, and preservation of disease refuges with connectivity to previous habitat, while antifungal treatments have reduced mortality rates in the wild. Increasing host resistance is the goal of many strategies under development, including vaccination and targeted genetic interventions. Pathogen-directed strategies may be more challenging but would have broad applicability. While the search for the silver bullet solution continues, we should value targeted local interventions that stop extinction and buy time for evolution of resistance or development of novel solutions. As for most invasive species and infectious diseases, we need to accept that ongoing management is necessary. For species continuing to decline, proactive deployment and assessment of promising interventions are more valid than a hands-off, do-no-harm approach that will likely allow further extinctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Berger
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Lee F Skerratt
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Tiffany A Kosch
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Laura A Brannelly
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Rebecca J Webb
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Anthony W Waddle
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
- Applied Biosciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;
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6
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Chondrelli N, Kuehn E, Meurling S, Cortázar-Chinarro M, Laurila A, Höglund J. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis strain affects transcriptomic response in liver but not skin in latitudinal populations of the common toad (Bufo bufo). Sci Rep 2024; 14:2495. [PMID: 38291226 PMCID: PMC10828426 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52975-8] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a fungal pathogen that has decimated amphibian populations worldwide for several decades. We examined the changes in gene expression in response to Bd infection in two populations of the common toad, Bufo bufo, in a laboratory experiment. We collected B. bufo eggs in southern and northern Sweden, and infected the laboratory-raised metamorphs with two strains of the global panzoonotic lineage Bd-GPL. Differential expression analysis showed significant differences between infected and control individuals in both liver and skin. The skin samples showed no discernible differences in gene expression between the two strains used, while liver samples were differentiated by strain, with one of the strains eliciting no immune response from infected toads. Immune system genes were overexpressed in skin samples from surviving infected individuals, while in liver samples the pattern was more diffuse. Splitting samples by population revealed a stronger immune response in northern individuals. Differences in transcriptional regulation between populations are particularly relevant to study in Swedish amphibians, which may have experienced varying exposure to Bd. Earlier exposure to this pathogen and subsequent adaptation or selection pressure may contribute to the survival of some populations over others, while standing genetic diversity in different populations may also affect the infection outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Chondrelli
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Emily Kuehn
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Meurling
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Cortázar-Chinarro
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- MEMEG/Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anssi Laurila
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacob Höglund
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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7
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Mathur S, Haynes E, Allender MC, Gibbs HL. Genetic mechanisms and biological processes underlying host response to ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) inferred from tissue-specific transcriptome analyses. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17210. [PMID: 38010927 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases in wildlife species caused by pathogenic fungi are of growing concern, yet crucial knowledge gaps remain for diseases with potentially large impacts. For example, there is detailed knowledge about host pathology and mechanisms underlying response for chytridiomycosis in amphibians and white-nose syndrome in bats, but such information is lacking for other more recently described fungal infections. One such disease is ophidiomycosis, caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, which has been identified in many species of snakes, yet the biological mechanisms and molecular changes occurring during infection are unknown. To gain this information, we performed a controlled experimental infection in captive Prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) with O. ophidiicola at two different temperatures: 20 and 26°C. We then compared liver, kidney, and skin transcriptomes to assess tissue-specific genetic responses to O. ophidiicola infection. Given previous histopathological studies and the fact that snakes are ectotherms, we expected highest fungal activity on skin and a significant impact of temperature on host response. Although we found fungal activity to be localized on skin, most of the differential gene expression occurred in internal tissues. Infected snakes at the lower temperature had the highest host mortality whereas two-thirds of the infected snakes at the higher temperature survived. Our results suggest that ophidiomycosis is likely a systemic disease with long-term effects on host response. Our analysis also identified candidate protein coding genes that are potentially involved in host response, providing genetic tools for studies of host response to ophidiomycosis in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarth Mathur
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ellen Haynes
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, Illinois, USA
| | - H Lisle Gibbs
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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8
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Cortazar-Chinarro M, Richter-Boix A, Rödin-Mörch P, Halvarsson P, Logue JB, Laurila A, Höglund J. Association between the skin microbiome and MHC class II diversity in an amphibian. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17198. [PMID: 37933583 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Microbiomes play an important role in determining the ecology and behaviour of their hosts. However, questions remain pertaining to how host genetics shape microbiomes, and how microbiome composition influences host fitness. We explored the effects of geography, evolutionary history and host genetics on the skin microbiome diversity and structure in a widespread amphibian. More specifically, we examined the association between bacterial diversity and composition and the major histocompatibility complex class II exon 2 diversity in 12 moor frog (Rana arvalis) populations belonging to two geographical clusters that show signatures of past and ongoing differential selection. We found that while bacterial alpha diversity did not differ between the two clusters, MHC alleles/supertypes and genetic diversity varied considerably depending on geography and evolutionary history. Bacterial alpha diversity was positively correlated with expected MHC heterozygosity and negatively with MHC nucleotide diversity. Furthermore, bacterial community composition showed significant variation between the two geographical clusters and between specific MHC alleles/supertypes. Our findings emphasize the importance of historical demographic events on hologenomic variation and provide new insights into how immunogenetic host variability and microbial diversity may jointly influence host fitness with consequences for disease susceptibility and population persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cortazar-Chinarro
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- MEMEG/Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science 2020-2207, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Richter-Boix
- Department of Political and Social Science, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Rödin-Mörch
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P Halvarsson
- Parasitology/Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J B Logue
- Aquatic Ecology/Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- SLU University Library, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Laurila
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Höglund
- Animal Ecology/Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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9
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Hawley L, Smalling KL, Glaberman S. Critical review of the phytohemagglutinin assay for assessing amphibian immunity. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad090. [PMID: 38090122 PMCID: PMC10714196 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a major driver of the global amphibian decline. In addition, many factors, including genetics, stress, pollution, and climate change can influence the response to pathogens. Therefore, it is important to be able to evaluate amphibian immunity in the laboratory and in the field. The phytohemagglutinin (PHA) assay is an inexpensive and relatively non-invasive tool that has been used extensively to assess immunocompetence, especially in birds, and more recently in amphibians. However, there is substantial variation in experimental methodology among amphibian PHA studies in terms of species and life stages, PHA doses and injection sites, and use of experimental controls. Here, we compile and compare all known PHA studies in amphibians to identify knowledge gaps and develop best practices for future work. We found that research has only been conducted on a limited number of species, which may not reflect the diversity of amphibians. There is also a lack of validation studies in most species, so that doses and timing of PHA injection and subsequent swelling measurements may not effectively evaluate immunocompetence. Based on these and other findings, we put forward a set of recommendations to make future PHA studies more consistent and improve the ability to utilize this assay in wild populations, where immune surveillance is greatly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Hawley
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Kelly L Smalling
- New Jersey Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA
| | - Scott Glaberman
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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10
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Barragan EM, Hoskins TD, Allmon EB, McQuigg JL, Hamilton MT, Christian EN, Coogan GSM, Searle CL, Choi YJ, Lee LS, Hoverman JT, Sepúlveda MS. Toxicities of Legacy and Current-Use PFAS in an Anuran: Do Larval Exposures Influence Responses to a Terrestrial Pathogen Challenge? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19180-19189. [PMID: 37962853 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Legacy polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) [perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)] are being replaced by various other fluorinated compounds, such as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX). These alternatives are thought to be less bioaccumulative and, therefore, less toxic than legacy PFAS. Contaminant exposures occur concurrently with exposure to natural stressors, including the fungal pathogen Batrachocytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Despite evidence that other pollutants can increase the adverse effects of Bd on anurans, no studies have examined the interactive effects of Bd and PFAS. This study tested the growth and developmental effects of PFOS, PFOA, and GenX on gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) tadpoles, followed by a Bd challenge after metamorphosis. Despite PFAS exposure only occurring during the larval stage, carry-over effects on growth were observed post metamorphosis. Further, PFAS interacted with Bd exposure to influence growth; Bd-exposed animals had significantly shorter SVL [snout-vent length (mm)] with significantly increased body condition, among other time-dependent effects. Our data suggest that larval exposure to PFAS can continue to impact growth in the juvenile stage after exposure has ended. Contrary to predictions, GenX affected terrestrial performance more consistently than its legacy congener, PFOA. Given the role of Bd in amphibian declines, further investigation of interactions of PFAS with Bd and other environmentally relevant pathogens is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn M Barragan
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Tyler D Hoskins
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Elizabeth B Allmon
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jessica L McQuigg
- Department of Biology, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey 07940, United States
| | - Matthew T Hamilton
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Erin N Christian
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Grace S M Coogan
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Catherine L Searle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Youn Jeong Choi
- Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Linda S Lee
- Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jason T Hoverman
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Maria S Sepúlveda
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Sustainability Research Center and PhD in Conservation Medicine, Life Sciences Faculty, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7550196, Chile
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11
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Carvalho T, Si C, Clemons RA, Faust E, James TY. Amphibian Hymenochirus boettgeri as an experimental model for infection studies with the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Virulence 2023; 14:2270252. [PMID: 37823610 PMCID: PMC10614710 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2270252] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Model organisms are crucial in research as they can provide key insights applicable to other species. This study proposes the use of the amphibian species Hymenochirus boettgeri, widely available through the aquarium trade, as a model organism for the study of chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and linked to amphibian decline and extinction globally. Currently, no model organisms are used in the study of chytridiomycosis, particularly because of the lack of availability and nonstandardized methods. Thus, laboratories around the world use wild local species to conduct Bd infection experiments, which prevents comparisons between studies and reduces reproducibility. Here, we performed a series of Bd infection assays that showed that H. boettgeri has a dose- and genotype-dependent response, can generalize previous findings on virulence estimates in other species, and can generate reproducible results in replicated experimental conditions. We also provided valuable information regarding H. boettgeri husbandry, including care, housing, reproduction, and heat treatment to eliminate previous Bd infections. Together, our results indicate that H. boettgeri is a powerful and low-ecological-impact system for studying Bd pathogenicity and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamilie Carvalho
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Catherine Si
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Clemons
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Evelyn Faust
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Timothy Y. James
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan Herbarium, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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12
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Warfel HC, Wilcoxen TE. Lack of vitamin B12 impairs innate and adaptive immunity of Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:878-886. [PMID: 37522473 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2738] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin B12 is a micronutrient required by a variety of organisms for healthy cellular functioning. Despite the systemic effects observed in cases of B12 deficiency, relatively little is known about how vitamin B12 affects immune health, especially in amphibians, which are declining at unprecedented rates. In this study, we tested how supplementing an algae diet with B12 affects the innate and adaptive immunity of Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles. We found that innate immunity, as measured by a bacterial killing assay, was significantly more robust in B12-supplemented tadpoles than control tadpoles, but no significant differences were found in natural antibody production or hematocrit between groups. Adaptive immunity, as measured by Aeromonas hydrophila-specific IgY antibodies, was significantly greater in tadpoles challenged with A. hydrophila and supplemented with B12 than in control tadpoles, those only challenged with A. hydrophila, and those only given B12. Our results suggest that vitamin B12 is an important factor in maintaining a functional immune system in tadpoles, which may also be true for all vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Warfel
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biology, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois, USA
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13
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Ujszegi J, Boros Z, Fodor A, Vajna B, Hettyey A. Metabolites of Xenorhabdus bacteria are potent candidates for mitigating amphibian chytridiomycosis. AMB Express 2023; 13:88. [PMID: 37615904 PMCID: PMC10449739 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01585-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has caused extreme losses in amphibian biodiversity. Finding bacteria that produce metabolites with antifungal properties may turn out to be invaluable in the fight against this devastating disease. The entomopathogenic bacteria, Xenorhabdus szentirmaii and X. budapestensis produce secondary metabolites that are effective against a wide range of fungal plant pathogens. To assess whether they may also be effective against Bd, we extracted cell-free culture media (CFCM) from liquid cultures of X. szentirmaii and X. budapestensis and tested their ability to inhibit Bd growth in vitro. As a second step, using juvenile common toads (Bufo bufo) experimentally infected with Bd we also tested the in vivo antifungal efficacy of X. szentirmaii CFCM diluted to 2 and 10% (v/v), while also assessing possible malign side effects on amphibians. Results of the in vitro experiment documented highly effective growth inhibition by CFCMs of both Xenorhabdus species. The in vivo experiment showed that treatment with CFCM of X. szentirmaii applied at a dilution of 10% resulted in infection intensities reduced by ca. 73% compared to controls and to juvenile toads treated with CFCM applied at a dilution of 2%. At the same time, we detected no negative side effects of treatment with CFCM on toad survival and development. Our results clearly support the idea that metabolites of X. szentirmaii, and perhaps of several other Xenorhabdus species as well, may prove highly useful for the treatment of Bd infected amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Ujszegi
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zsófia Boros
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Microbiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Fodor
- Department of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Vajna
- Department of Microbiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Hettyey
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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14
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Miller AJ, Gass J, Jo MC, Bishop L, Petereit J, Woodhams DC, Voyles J. Towards the generation of gnotobiotic larvae as a tool to investigate the influence of the microbiome on the development of the amphibian immune system. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220125. [PMID: 37305911 PMCID: PMC10258664 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune equilibrium model suggests that exposure to microbes during early life primes immune responses for pathogen exposure later in life. While recent studies using a range of gnotobiotic (germ-free) model organisms offer support for this theory, we currently lack a tractable model system for investigating the influence of the microbiome on immune system development. Here, we used an amphibian species (Xenopus laevis) to investigate the importance of the microbiome in larval development and susceptibility to infectious disease later in life. We found that experimental reductions of the microbiome during embryonic and larval stages effectively reduced microbial richness, diversity and altered community composition in tadpoles prior to metamorphosis. In addition, our antimicrobial treatments resulted in few negative effects on larval development, body condition, or survival to metamorphosis. However, contrary to our predictions, our antimicrobial treatments did not alter susceptibility to the lethal fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in the adult life stage. While our treatments to reduce the microbiome during early development did not play a critical role in determining susceptibility to disease caused by Bd in X. laevis, they nevertheless indicate that developing a gnotobiotic amphibian model system may be highly useful for future immunological investigations. This article is part of the theme issue 'Amphibian immunity: stress, disease and ecoimmunology'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan Gass
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Myung Chul Jo
- Environmental Health and Safety, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Lucas Bishop
- Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Juli Petereit
- Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | | | - Jamie Voyles
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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15
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Ruiz VL, Robert J. The amphibian immune system. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220123. [PMID: 37305914 PMCID: PMC10258673 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0123] [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: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are at the forefront of bridging the evolutionary gap between mammals and more ancient, jawed vertebrates. Currently, several diseases have targeted amphibians and understanding their immune system has importance beyond their use as a research model. The immune system of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, and that of mammals is well conserved. We know that several features of the adaptive and innate immune system are very similar for both, including the existence of B cells, T cells and innate-like T cells. In particular, the study of the immune system at early stages of development is benefitted by studying X. laevis tadpoles. The tadpoles mainly rely on innate immune mechanisms including pre-set or innate-like T cells until after metamorphosis. In this review we lay out what is known about the innate and adaptive immune system of X. laevis including the lymphoid organs as well as how other amphibian immune systems are similar or different. Furthermore, we will describe how the amphibian immune system responds to some viral, bacterial and fungal insults. This article is part of the theme issue 'Amphibian immunity: stress, disease and ecoimmunology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Lopez Ruiz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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16
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Assis VR, Robert J, Titon SCM. Introduction to the special issue Amphibian immunity: stress, disease and ecoimmunology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220117. [PMID: 37305915 PMCID: PMC10258669 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0117] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibian populations have been declining worldwide, with global climate changes and infectious diseases being among the primary causes of this scenario. Infectious diseases are among the primary drivers of amphibian declines, including ranavirosis and chytridiomycosis, which have gained more attention lately. While some amphibian populations are led to extinction, others are disease-resistant. Although the host's immune system plays a major role in disease resistance, little is known about the immune mechanisms underlying amphibian disease resistance and host-pathogen interactions. As ectotherms, amphibians are directly subjected to changes in temperature and rainfall, which modulate stress-related physiology, including immunity and pathogen physiology associated with diseases. In this sense, the contexts of stress, disease and ecoimmunology are essential for a better understanding of amphibian immunity. This issue brings details about the ontogeny of the amphibian immune system, including crucial aspects of innate and adaptive immunity and how ontogeny can influence amphibian disease resistance. In addition, the papers in the issue demonstrate an integrated view of the amphibian immune system associated with the influence of stress on immune-endocrine interactions. The collective body of research presented herein can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying disease outcomes in natural populations, particularly in the context of changing environmental conditions. These findings may ultimately enhance our ability to forecast effective conservation strategies for amphibian populations. This article is part of the theme issue 'Amphibian immunity: stress, disease and ecoimmunology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Regina Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612-9415, USA
| | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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17
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Lundsgaard NU, Hird C, Doody KA, Franklin CE, Cramp RL. Carryover effects from environmental change in early life: An overlooked driver of the amphibian extinction crisis? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:3857-3868. [PMID: 37310166 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16726] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ecological carryover effects, or delayed effects of the environment on an organism's phenotype, are central predictors of individual fitness and a key issue in conservation biology. Climate change imposes increasingly variable environmental conditions that may be challenging to early life-history stages in animals with complex life histories, leading to detrimental physiological and fitness effects in later life. Yet, the latent nature of carryover effects, combined with the long temporal scales over which they can manifest, means that this phenomenon remains understudied and is often overlooked in short-term studies limited to single life-history stages. Herein, we review evidence for the physiological carryover effects induced by elevated ultraviolet radiation (UVR; 280-400 nm) as a potential contributor to recent amphibian population declines. UVR exposure causes a suite of molecular, cellular and physiological consequences known to underpin carryover effects in other taxa, but there is a lack of research linking embryonic and larval UVR exposures to fitness consequences post-metamorphosis in amphibians. We propose that the key impacts of UVR on disease-related amphibian declines are facilitated through carryover effects that bridge embryonic and larval UVR exposure with potential increased disease susceptibility post-metamorphosis. We conclude by identifying a practical direction for the study of ecological carryover effects in amphibians that could guide future ecological research in the broader field of conservation physiology. Only by addressing carryover effects can many of the mechanistic links between environmental change and population declines be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niclas U Lundsgaard
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Coen Hird
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Kathleen A Doody
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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18
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Zhang B, Lang Y, Guo B, Cao Z, Cheng J, Cai D, Shentu X, Yu X. Indirect Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on Broad-Spectrum Antibody for Simultaneous Determination of Thirteen Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics in Rana catesbeianus. Foods 2023; 12:2530. [PMID: 37444268 DOI: 10.3390/foods12132530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluoroquinolone (FQ) is a type of widely used antibiotic in agriculture and aquaculture, and exposure to low doses of FQs may result in the transfer of resistance between animal and human pathogens. Based on the optimization of the operating parameters, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) standard curve was constructed for the simultaneous detection of 13 FQs, including enrofloxacin (ENR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), sarafloxacin (SAR), ofloxacin (OFL), norfloxacin (NOR), pefloxacin mesylate (PM), pefloxacin (PEF), enoxacin (ENX), marbofloxacin (MAR), fleroxacin (FLE), lomefloxacin (LOM), danofloxacin (DAN), and difloxacin (DIF). The limit of detection (LOD, computed as IC10) and sensitivity (IC50) of the ic-ELISA for ENR were 0.59 μg/L and 19.23 μg/L, respectively. The precision and dependability of the detection results of this ic-ELISA were properly verified by HPLC in Rana catesbeianus samples. This indicated that the established ic-ELISA approach could be utilized to determine the FQs in Rana catesbeianus. In addition, this ic-ELISA, based on a broad-spectrum antibody, provides a technical reference and potential strategy for an immunoassay of hazard factors with similar structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education District, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yihan Lang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education District, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Bowen Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education District, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhengyang Cao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education District, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education District, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Danfeng Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education District, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xuping Shentu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education District, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street, Xiasha Higher Education District, Hangzhou 310018, China
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19
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Douglas AJ, Todd LA, Katzenback BA. The amphibian invitrome: Past, present, and future contributions to our understanding of amphibian immunity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:104644. [PMID: 36708792 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104644] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Many amphibian populations are declining worldwide, and infectious diseases are a leading cause. Given the eminent threat infectious diseases pose to amphibian populations, there is a need to understand the host-pathogen-environment interactions that govern amphibian susceptibility to disease and mortality events. However, using animals in research raises an ethical dilemma, which is magnified by the alarming rates at which many amphibian populations are declining. Thus, in vitro study systems such as cell lines represent valuable tools for furthering our understanding of amphibian immune systems. In this review, we curate a list of the amphibian cell lines established to date (the amphibian invitrome), highlight how research using amphibian cell lines has advanced our understanding of the amphibian immune system, anti-ranaviral defence mechanisms, and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis replication in host cells, and offer our perspective on how future use of amphibian cell lines can advance the field of amphibian immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Douglas
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lauren A Todd
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Barbara A Katzenback
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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20
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Woodhams DC, McCartney J, Walke JB, Whetstone R. The adaptive microbiome hypothesis and immune interactions in amphibian mucus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 145:104690. [PMID: 37001710 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The microbiome is known to provide benefits to hosts, including extension of immune function. Amphibians are a powerful immunological model for examining mucosal defenses because of an accessible epithelial mucosome throughout their developmental trajectory, their responsiveness to experimental treatments, and direct interactions with emerging infectious pathogens. We review amphibian skin mucus components and describe the adaptive microbiome as a novel process of disease resilience where competitive microbial interactions couple with host immune responses to select for functions beneficial to the host. We demonstrate microbiome diversity, specificity of function, and mechanisms for memory characteristic of an adaptive immune response. At a time when industrialization has been linked to losses in microbiota important for host health, applications of microbial therapies such as probiotics may contribute to immunotherapeutics and to conservation efforts for species currently threatened by emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C Woodhams
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
| | - Julia McCartney
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Jenifer B Walke
- Department of Biology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, 99004-2440, USA
| | - Ross Whetstone
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
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21
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Adeyemi OD, Tian Y, Khwatenge CN, Grayfer L, Sang Y. Molecular diversity and functional implication of amphibian interferon complex: Remarking immune adaptation in vertebrate evolution. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 140:104624. [PMID: 36586430 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cross-species comparison of vertebrate genomes has unraveled previously unknown complexities of interferon (IFN) systems in amphibian species. Recent genomic curation revealed that amphibian species have evolved expanded repertoires of four types of intron-containing IFN genes akin to those seen in jawed fish, intronless type I IFNs and intron-containing type III IFNs akin to those seen in amniotes, as well as uniquely intronless type III IFNs. This appears to be the case with at least ten analyzed amphibian species; with distinct species encoding diverse repertoires of these respective IFN gene subsets. Amphibians represent a key stage in vertebrate evolution, and in this context offer a unique perspective into the divergent and converged pathways leading to the emergence of distinct IFN families and groups. Recent studies have begun to unravel the roles of amphibian IFNs during these animals' immune responses in general and during their antiviral responses, in particular. However, the pleiotropic potentials of these highly expanded amphibian IFN repertoires warrant further studies. Based on recent reports and our omics analyses using Xenopus models, we posit that amphibian IFN complex may have evolved novel functions, as indicated by their extensive molecular diversity. Here, we provide an overview and an update of the present understanding of the amphibian IFN complex in the context of the evolution of vertebrate immune systems. A greater understanding of the amphibian IFN complex will grant new perspectives on the evolution of vertebrate immunity and may yield new measures by which to counteract the global amphibian declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun D Adeyemi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yun Tian
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Collins N Khwatenge
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Leon Grayfer
- Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yongming Sang
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard, Nashville, TN, USA.
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22
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McDonald CA, Becker CG, Lambertini C, Toledo LF, Haddad CFB, Zamudio KR. Host immune responses to enzootic and invasive pathogen lineages vary in magnitude, timing, and efficacy. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:2252-2270. [PMID: 36799008 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16890] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases of wildlife continue to pose a threat to biodiversity worldwide, yet pathogens are far from uniform in virulence or host disease outcome. Within the same pathogen species, virulence can vary considerably depending on strain or lineage, in turn eliciting variable host responses. One pathogen that has caused extensive biodiversity loss is the amphibian-killing fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is comprised of a globally widespread hypervirulent lineage (Bd-GPL), and multiple geographically restricted, enzootic lineages. Whereas host immunogenomic responses to Bd-GPL have been characterized in a number of amphibian species, immunogenomic responses to geographically restricted, enzootic Bd lineages are less clear. To examine lineage-specific host immune responses to Bd, we exposed a species of pumpkin toadlet, Brachycephalus pitanga, which is endemic to Brazil's Southern Atlantic Forest, to either the Bd-GPL or the enzootic Bd-Asia-2/Brazil (hereafter Bd-Brazil) lineage. Using temporal samples from early, mid, and late infection stages, we quantified functional immunogenomic responses over the course of infection using differential gene expression tests and coexpression network analyses. Host immune responses varied significantly with Bd lineage. Relative to controls, toadlet responses to Bd-Brazil were weak at early infection (25 genes significantly differentially expressed), peaked by mid-stage infection (414 genes), and were nearly fully resolved by late-stage infection (nine genes). In contrast, responses to Bd-GPL were magnified and delayed; toadlets significantly differentially expressed 111 genes early, 87 genes at mid-stage infection, and 726 genes by late-stage infection relative to controls. Given that infection intensity did not vary between mid- and late-stage disease in either Bd-Brazil or Bd-GPL treatments, this suggests that pumpkin toadlets may be at least partially tolerant to the enzootic Bd-Brazil lineage. In contrast, late-stage immune activation against Bd-GPL was consistent with immune dysregulation previously observed in other species. Our results demonstrate that both the timing of immune response and the particular immune pathways activated are specific to Bd lineage. Within regions where multiple Bd lineages co-occur, and given continued global Bd movement, these differential host responses may influence not only individual disease outcome, but transmission dynamics at the population and community levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coby A McDonald
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - C Guilherme Becker
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carolina Lambertini
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia Unicamp, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L Felipe Toledo
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia Unicamp, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Célio F B Haddad
- Departamento de Biodiversidade e Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Kelly R Zamudio
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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23
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History cooling events contributed to the endangered status of Pseudotsuga brevifolia endemic to limestone habitats. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
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24
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Kaganer AW, Ossiboff RJ, Keith NI, Schuler KL, Comizzoli P, Hare MP, Fleischer RC, Gratwicke B, Bunting EM. Immune priming prior to pathogen exposure sheds light on the relationship between host, microbiome and pathogen in disease. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:220810. [PMID: 36756057 PMCID: PMC9890126 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic interactions between host, pathogen and host-associated microbiome dictate infection outcomes. Pathogens including Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) threaten global biodiversity, but conservation efforts are hindered by limited understanding of amphibian host, Bd and microbiome interactions. We conducted a vaccination and infection experiment using Eastern hellbender salamanders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) challenged with Bd to observe infection, skin microbial communities and gene expression of host skin, pathogen and microbiome throughout the experiment. Most animals survived high Bd loads regardless of their vaccination status and vaccination did not affect pathogen load, but host gene expression differed based on vaccination. Oral vaccination (exposure to killed Bd) stimulated immune gene upregulation while topically and sham-vaccinated animals did not significantly upregulate immune genes. In early infection, topically vaccinated animals upregulated immune genes but orally and sham-vaccinated animals downregulated immune genes. Bd increased pathogenicity-associated gene expression in late infection when Bd loads were highest. The microbiome was altered by Bd, but there was no correlation between anti-Bd microbe abundance or richness and pathogen burden. Our observations suggest that hellbenders initially generate a vigorous immune response to Bd, which is ineffective at controlling disease and is subsequently modulated. Interactions with antifungal skin microbiota did not influence disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa W. Kaganer
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
- Cornell Wildlife Health Laboratory, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Robert J. Ossiboff
- Cornell Wildlife Health Laboratory, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Nicole I. Keith
- Cornell Wildlife Health Laboratory, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Biology Department, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, 13323, USA
| | - Krysten L. Schuler
- Cornell Wildlife Health Laboratory, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - Matthew P. Hare
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Robert C. Fleischer
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - Brian Gratwicke
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Bunting
- Cornell Wildlife Health Laboratory, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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25
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Wu NC. Pathogen load predicts host functional disruption: A meta‐analysis of an amphibian fungal panzootic. Funct Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C. Wu
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Richmond New South Wales Australia
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26
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Crim MJ, Hart ML. Health Monitoring for Laboratory Salamanders. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2562:41-74. [PMID: 36272067 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2659-7_3] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory animal health monitoring programs are necessary to protect animal health and welfare, the validity of experimental data, and human health against zoonotic infections. Health monitoring programs should be designed based on a risk assessment and knowledge about the biology and transmission of salamander pathogens. Both traditional and molecular diagnostic platforms are available for salamanders, and they provide complementary information. A comprehensive approach to health monitoring leverages the advantages of multiple platforms to provide a more complete picture of colony health and pathogen status. This chapter presents key considerations in the design and implementation of a colony health monitoring program for laboratory salamanders, including protocols for necropsy and sample collection.
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27
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Floreste FR, Titon B, Titon SCM, Muxel SM, Figueiredo ACD, Gomes FR, Assis VR. Liver vs. spleen: Time course of organ-dependent immune gene expression in an LPS-stimulated toad (Rhinella diptycha). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 263:110784. [PMID: 35931313 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2022.110784] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The inflammatory response comprises highly orchestrated events that are conserved amongst vertebrate groups. Hepatic and splenic cytokines are major mediators of the systemic inflammatory processes. However, the liver is still neglected as an immune organ in amphibians. This study reports organ-dependent gene expression using an anuran model. We tracked mRNA levels of immune proteins [C1s (subcomponent S of the complement protein 1), IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10] at four time-points (1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 18 h post-injection) in spleens and livers of intraperitoneal LPS-challenged (2 mg/kg) adult male toads (Rhinella diptycha) using independent samples. We found acute C1s up-regulation in the liver 1 h post-injection, with no treatment effect in the spleen. The LPS injection did not show any effect in splenic IFN-γ gene expression while eliciting only a marginal effect in the hepatic tissue. IL-1β was up-regulated in both organs, with the liver initially displaying early expression (1 h and 3 h) and the spleen taking over late expression (18 h). Both organs exhibited similar patterns for IL-6, with early up-regulation (1 h and 3 h) and late peak (18 h). Although IL-10 was early detected and up-regulated only in the liver, both organs showed up-regulation in 6 h and 18 h post-injection. Our results show an exclusive hepatic prominence in complement protein expression during the acute-phase response. Furthermore, hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was more pronounced in earliest time-points, while the spleen offers a slower and more consistent response overall. Our data provide an organ-integrative outlook into the initial hours of the inflammation in amphibians, confirming the liver's pivotal role as a regulator in the acute-phase of the inflammatory response in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe R Floreste
- Laboratory of Behavior and Evolutionary Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Department of Physiology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Braz Titon
- Laboratory of Behavior and Evolutionary Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Department of Physiology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stefanny C M Titon
- Laboratory of Behavior and Evolutionary Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Department of Physiology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. https://twitter.com/StefannyTiton
| | - Sandra M Muxel
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Immunology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. https://twitter.com/SandraMuxel
| | - Aymam C de Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Behavior and Evolutionary Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Department of Physiology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Laboratory of Behavior and Evolutionary Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Department of Physiology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vania R Assis
- Laboratory of Behavior and Evolutionary Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Department of Physiology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. https://twitter.com/VaniaRAssis1
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28
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Floreste FR, Titon B, Titon SCM, Muxel SM, Gomes FR, Assis VR. Time Course of Splenic Cytokine mRNA and Hormones during a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in Toads. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:1618-1628. [PMID: 35362514 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation comprises alterations in glucocorticoids (in amphibians, corticosterone-CORT) and melatonin (MEL) levels, two hormones with immunomodulatory effects on cytokine production in several vertebrates. Cytokines mediate inflammation progress differently depending on their function. While some are secreted during the acute phase of the immune response, others prevail during the resolution phase. Major efforts have been made to understand the interaction of endocrine mediators and cytokine production in endotherms, but little is known for ectotherms so far. Characterizing the stages of inflammation and their interplay with endocrine mediators is crucial for an assertive and integrative approach to amphibian physiology and ecoimmunology. Herein, we investigated CORT and MEL plasma levels as well as splenic cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) mRNA levels during the progression of the inflammatory response in toads (Rhinella diptycha) in four time-points (1, 3, 6, and 18 h) after an immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using independent samples. Toads were responsive to LPS, with all hormones and cytokines affected by LPS. IL-1β and IL-6 were up-regulated after 1 h, but IL-1β decreased right after 3 h, while IL-6 sustained up-regulation throughout all time-points. IL-10 had not been detected until 6 h post-LPS-stimulation, when it showed up-regulation, along with a CORT increase at the same time-point. After 18 h, CORT levels were still high, and IL-1β was up-regulated again, along with up-regulated IL-6 and an IL-10 decrease. We also found positive correlations between IL-1β with IL-6 for LPS and saline groups. LPS-treated individuals showed an overall decrease in MEL plasma levels compared to saline counterparts. Our results showcase the early endocrine and molecular events of the amphibian immune response. We also report activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis during inflammation and increasing evidence for an immune-pineal axis to be described in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe R Floreste
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508090, Brazil
| | - Braz Titon
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508090, Brazil
| | - Stefanny C M Titon
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508090, Brazil
| | - Sandra M Muxel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508090, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508090, Brazil
| | - Vania R Assis
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508090, Brazil
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29
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Cevallos MA, Basanta MD, Bello-López E, Escobedo-Muñoz AS, González-Serrano FM, Nemec A, Romero-Contreras YJ, Serrano M, Rebollar EA. Genomic characterization of antifungal Acinetobacter bacteria isolated from the skin of the frogs Agalychnis callidryas and Craugastor fitzingeri. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2022; 98:6775075. [PMID: 36288213 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiac126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chytridiomycosis, a lethal fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is responsible for population declines and extinctions of amphibians worldwide. However, not all amphibian species are equally susceptible to the disease; some species persist in Bd enzootic regions with no population reductions. Recently, it has been shown that the amphibian skin microbiome plays a crucial role in the defense against Bd. Numerous bacterial isolates with the capacity to inhibit the growth of Batrachochytrium fungi have been isolated from the skin of amphibians. Here, we characterized eight Acinetobacter bacteria isolated from the frogs Agalychnis callidryas and Craugastor fitzingeri at the genomic level. A total of five isolates belonged to Acinetobacter pittii,Acinetobacter radioresistens, or Acinetobactermodestus, and three were not identified as any of the known species, suggesting they are members of new species. We showed that seven isolates inhibited the growth of Bd and that all eight isolates inhibited the growth of the phytopathogen fungus Botrytis cinerea. Finally, we identified the biosynthetic gene clusters that could be involved in the antifungal activity of these isolates. Our results suggest that the frog skin microbiome includes Acinetobacter isolates that are new to science and have broad antifungal functions, perhaps driven by distinct genetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Cevallos
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad s/n, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62220, México
| | - M D Basanta
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad s/n, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62220, México.,Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, 1664 N Virgina St, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - E Bello-López
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad s/n, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62220, México
| | - A S Escobedo-Muñoz
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad s/n, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62220, México
| | - F M González-Serrano
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad s/n, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62220, México
| | - A Nemec
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czechia.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czechia
| | - Y J Romero-Contreras
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad s/n, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62220, México
| | - M Serrano
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad s/n, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62220, México
| | - E A Rebollar
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad s/n, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62220, México
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30
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Humphries JE, Lanctôt CM, Robert J, McCallum HI, Newell DA, Grogan LF. Do immune system changes at metamorphosis predict vulnerability to chytridiomycosis? An update. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 136:104510. [PMID: 35985564 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Amphibians are among the vertebrate groups suffering great losses of biodiversity due to a variety of causes including diseases, such as chytridiomycosis (caused by the fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans). The amphibian metamorphic period has been identified as being particularly vulnerable to chytridiomycosis, with dramatic physiological and immunological reorganisation likely contributing to this vulnerability. Here, we overview the processes behind these changes at metamorphosis and then perform a systematic literature review to capture the breadth of empirical research performed over the last two decades on the metamorphic immune response. We found that few studies focused specifically on the immune response during the peri-metamorphic stages of amphibian development and fewer still on the implications of their findings with respect to chytridiomycosis. We recommend future studies consider components of the immune system that are currently under-represented in the literature on amphibian metamorphosis, particularly pathogen recognition pathways. Although logistically challenging, we suggest varying the timing of exposure to Bd across metamorphosis to examine the relative importance of pathogen evasion, suppression or dysregulation of the immune system. We also suggest elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the increased susceptibility to chytridiomycosis at metamorphosis and the associated implications for population persistence. For species that overlap a distribution where Bd/Bsal are now endemic, we recommend a greater focus on management strategies that consider the important peri-metamorphic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine E Humphries
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, 2480, Australia.
| | - Chantal M Lanctôt
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 14642, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Hamish I McCallum
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - David A Newell
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, 2480, Australia
| | - Laura F Grogan
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia
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31
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Zamora-Camacho FJ, Zambrano-Fernández S, Aragón P. Long-term sex-dependent inflammatory response of adult frogs to ammonium exposure during the larval stage. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:136202. [PMID: 36037957 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Among others, the global change involves a worldwide increase in cropland area, with the concomitant rise in nitrogenous fertilizer supplementation and species range alterations, including parasites and pathogens. As most animals rely on their immune systems against these infectious agents, studying the potential effects of nitrogenous compounds on animal immune response is vital to understand their susceptibility to infections under these altered circumstances. Being subjected to an alarming process of global declines, amphibians are the object of particular attention, given their sensitivity to these compounds, especially to ammonium. Moreover, whereas adults can actively avoid polluted patches, larvae are confined within their waterbodies, thus exposed to contaminants in it. In this work, we test whether chronic exposure to a sublethal dose of ammonium during the larval stage of Pelophylax perezi frogs, released from all contamination after metamorphosis, leads to impaired inflammatory response to phytohemagglutinin in adults. We also test whether such a response differs between agrosystem individuals as compared with conspecifics from natural habitats. We found negative carryover effects of chronic exposure of larvae to ammonium on adult inflammatory response, which could imply a greater susceptibility to pathogens and parasites. However, this damage is only true for males, which, according to the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis, could be a consequence of a testosterone-triggered impairment of male immune function. In disagreement with our prediction, however, we detected no differences in the inflammatory response of agrosystem frogs to phytohemagglutinin as compared with natural habitat conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Zamora-Camacho
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, (MNCN-CSIC), C/ José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 2804, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Pedro Aragón
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, (MNCN-CSIC), C/ José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 2804, Madrid, Spain
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32
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Nie P, Feng J. Global niche and range shifts of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a highly virulent amphibian-killing fungus. Fungal Biol 2022; 126:809-816. [PMID: 36517148 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2022.10.004] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is one of the world's most invasive species, and is responsible for chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease that has caused huge losses of global amphibian biodiversity. Few studies have investigated invasive Bd's niche and range relative to those of native Bd. In the present study, we applied niche and range dynamic models to investigate global niche and range dynamics between native and invasive Bd. Invasive Bd occupied wider and different niche positions than did native Bd. Additionally, invasive Bd was observed in hotter, colder, wetter, drier, and more labile climatic conditions. Contrast to most relevant studies presuming Bd's niche remaining stable, we found that invasive Bd rejected niche conservatism hypotheses, suggesting its high lability in niche, and huge invasion potential. Bd's niche non-conservatism may result in range lability, and small niche expansions could induce large increases in range. Niche shifts may therefore be a more sensitive indicator of invasion than are range shifts. Our findings indicate that Bd is a high-risk invasive fungus not only due to its high infection and mortality rates, but also due to its high niche and range lability, which enhance its ability to adapt to novel climatic conditions. Therefore, invasive Bd should be a high-priority focus species in strategizing against biological invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixiao Nie
- Department of Life Science and Agronomy, Dali University, Dali, 671003, China
| | - Jianmeng Feng
- Department of Life Science and Agronomy, Dali University, Dali, 671003, China.
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33
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Minias P, Palomar G, Dudek K, Babik W. Salamanders reveal novel trajectories of amphibian MHC evolution. Evolution 2022; 76:2436-2449. [PMID: 36000494 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) code for immune proteins that are crucial for pathogen recognition in vertebrates. MHC research in nonmodel taxa has long been hampered by its genomic complexity that makes the locus-specific genotyping challenging. The recent progress in sequencing and genotyping methodologies allows an extensive phylogenetic coverage in studies of MHC evolution. Here, we analyzed the peptide-binding region of MHC class I (MHC-I) in 30 species of salamanders from six families representative of Urodela phylogeny. This extensive dataset revealed an extreme diversity of MHC-I in salamanders, both in terms of sequence diversity (about 3000 variants) and architecture (2-22 gene copies per species). The signal of positive selection was moderate and consistent between both peptide-binding domains, but varied greatly between genera. Positions of positively selected sites mostly coincided with human peptide-binding sites, suggesting similar structural properties of MHC-I molecules across distant vertebrate lineages. Finally, we provided evidence for the common intraexonic recombination at MHC-I and for the role of life history traits in the processes of MHC-I expansion/contraction. Our study revealed novel evolutionary trajectories of amphibian MHC and it contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms that generated extraordinary MHC diversity throughout vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, 90-237, Poland
| | - Gemma Palomar
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, 30-387, Poland.,Parasitology Unit, Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Alcalá (UAH), Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28805, Spain
| | - Katarzyna Dudek
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Wiesław Babik
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
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34
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Zhang W, Sun H, Su R, Wang S. Fat rather than health - Ecotoxic responses of Bufo raddei to environmental heavy metal stress during the non-breeding season. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 244:114040. [PMID: 36055043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The non-breeding season is a critical period for iteroparous animals to repair damage and store energy, which is crucial for future survival and reproductive success. However, it is unknown how animals allocate energy efficiently among reproduction, self-maintenance, and repair of oxidative damage caused by breeding during the non-breeding period, particularly under pollution. In the present study, the self-maintenance response and reproductive strategy of Bufo raddei to long-term environmental heavy metal stress was explored during the non-breeding season. Heavy metal enrichment level, organ coefficients, nutritional status, gonadal developmental level, oxidation level, and the immune status of B. raddei during the non-breeding season were tested, energy allocation preferences and energy consumption costs were analyzed. The results revealed significant heavy metal accumulation through biomagnification in the organs of B. raddei from the polluted area. Under long-term environmental heavy metal pollution, the energy investment by B. raddei for growth and energy storage was higher than that for health-maintenance during the early life cycle stage. The energy inputted for immune and antioxidant functions was significantly lower, and the energy inputted for self-maintenance during the early life stage was significantly higher than that during the late stage. B. raddei from a heavy metal polluted area spent more energy consumption cost on immunity and oxidative stress, but suffered higher oxidative stress and lower immune status. Moreover, the reproductive input of individuals in a heavy metal polluted area was generally low during the non-breeding season, and the energy input for reproduction limited the energy input for self-maintenance in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Hao Sun
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Su
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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35
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Zhang YM, Xu WB, Li BZ, Lin CY, Cheng YX, Xiao Y, Chen DY, Dong WR, Shu MA. Identification and functional analysis of drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein gene 1 (Smad1) from the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii: The first evidence of Smad1 involved in immunity in invertebrates. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 127:13-22. [PMID: 35667540 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Smads, part of signaling cascades that represent downstream pathways of the TGF-β super family proteins, are pleiotropic cytokines with important role in mediating cell proliferation, homeostasis, differentiation, apoptosis and immune response. However, the specific functions of Smads remain unknown in crustaceans. In the present study, the drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein gene 1 (Smad1) was firstly identified and characterized from the Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The obtained cDNA sequence of pcSmad1was 2, 503 bp long with a 1, 488 bp open reading fame, which encoded a putative protein of 496 amino acids. Furthermore, pcSmad1 responded to both Aeromonas hydrophila and WSSV challenge, suggesting the involvement of pcSmad1 in innate immune responses. Knockdown of pcSmad1 in vivo dramatically increased the expressions of NF-κB signaling genes and anti-lipopolysaccharide factor genes. Additionally, overexpression of pcSmad1 in HEK293T cells could markedly activate NF-κB signaling. Taken together, these results indicated that pcSmad1 played an immune-regulatory role in crayfish's innate immunity, which may provide a better understanding of TGF-β superfamily members in crustacean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Mei Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wen-Bin Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bang-Ze Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chen-Yang Lin
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuan-Xin Cheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Da-Yong Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei-Ren Dong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Miao-An Shu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Cortazar-Chinarro M, Meurling S, Schroyens L, Siljestam M, Richter-Boix A, Laurila A, Höglund J. Major Histocompatibility Complex Variation and Haplotype Associated Survival in Response to Experimental Infection of Two Bd-GPL Strains Along a Latitudinal Gradient. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.915271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While both innate and adaptive immune system mechanisms have been implicated in resistance against the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), studies on the role of specific MHC haplotypes on Bd infection are rare. Here, we studied variation in MHC Class IIB loci in the common toad Bufo bufo along a latitudinal gradient across Sweden. In general, Swedish toad populations had few MHC Class IIB haplotypes and MHC diversity declined from south (13 haplotypes) to the north (four haplotypes). The low diversity may compromise the ability of northern populations to fight emerging disease, such as Bd. In a laboratory experiment, we infected newly metamorphosed toads with two strains of the Global Pandemic Lineage of the fungus (Bd-GPL) and compared survival with sham controls. Bd-infected toads had lower survival compared to controls. Moreover, survival was dependent on the Bd-strain and northern toads had lower Bd-mediated survival than southern individuals. MHC diversity was lower in northern toads. All northern experimental animals were monomorphic for a single MHC haplotype, whereas we found seven different haplotypes in southern experimental animals. In southern toads, survival was dependent on both Bd-strain and MHC haplotype suggesting differential infection dynamics depending on both Bd-strain and host immune system characteristics.
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37
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Coinfection of Chytrid Fungi in Urodeles during an Outbreak of Chytridiomycosis in Spain. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:658-663. [PMID: 35666851 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00170] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), has had an unprecedented impact on amphibian biodiversity. Although Bd is globally widespread, Bsal is currently spreading, increasing the probability that these pathogens will co-occur in individual amphibians. Interactions among coinfecting parasites can have significant outcomes on disease dynamics and impact and, therefore, may have important consequences for amphibian conservation. We analyzed the patterns of Bd-Bsal coinfections in two species of free-ranging urodeles during an outbreak of chytridiomycosis in Spain. Our goals were to assess 1) the probability of co-occurrence of both chytrid species and 2) the correlation of pathogen loads in coinfected hosts. We detected coinfections in 81.58% of Triturus marmoratus (n=38) and in 18.75% of Ichthyosaura alpestris (n=16). Histopathologic lesions of chytridiomycosis were observed only in T. marmoratus. Our results demonstrate a positive relationship between Bd and Bsal loads in T. marmoratus, whereas the co-occurrence analysis showed a random association among pathogens in both urodele species. Overall, we show that Bd-Bsal coinfections intensify pathogen load in T. marmoratus and could, therefore, increase disease severity and have important consequences for the conservation of some amphibian species.
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38
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Nordheim CL, Detmering SE, Civitello DJ, Johnson PTJ, Rohr JR, McMahon TA. Metabolites from the fungal pathogen
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
(bd) reduce Bd load in Cuban treefrog tadpoles. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Taegan A. McMahon
- University of Tampa Tampa Florida USA
- Connecticut College New London Connecticut USA
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39
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Gass J, Voyles J. When Defenses Fail: Atelopus zeteki Skin Secretions Increase Growth of the Pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:1595-1605. [PMID: 35640912 PMCID: PMC9801971 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To combat the threat of emerging infectious diseases in wildlife, ecoimmunologists seek to understand the complex interactions among pathogens, their hosts, and their shared environments. The cutaneous fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has led to the decline of innumerable amphibian species, including the Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki). Given that Bd can evade or dampen the acquired immune responses of some amphibians, nonspecific immune defenses are thought to be especially important for amphibian defenses against Bd. In particular, skin secretions constitute a vital component of amphibian innate immunity against skin infections, but their role in protecting A. zeteki from Bd is unknown. We investigated the importance of this innate immune component by reducing the skin secretions from A. zeteki and evaluating their effectiveness against Bd in vitro and in vivo. Following exposure to Bd in a controlled inoculation experiment, we compared key disease characteristics (e.g., changes in body condition, prevalence, pathogen loads, and survival) among groups of frogs that had their skin secretions reduced and control frogs that maintained their skin secretions. Surprisingly, we found that the skin secretions collected from A. zeteki increased Bd growth in vitro. This finding was further supported by infection and survival patterns in the in vivo experiment where frogs with reduced skin secretions tended to have lower pathogen loads and survive longer compared to frogs that maintained their secretions. These results suggest that the skin secretions of A. zeteki are not only ineffective at inhibiting Bd but may enhance Bd growth, possibly leading to greater severity of disease and higher mortality in this highly vulnerable species. These results differ from those of previous studies in other amphibian host species that suggest that skin secretions are a key defense in protecting amphibians from developing severe chytridiomycosis. Therefore, we suggest that the importance of immune components cannot be generalized across all amphibian species or over time. Moreover, the finding that skin secretions may be enhancing Bd growth emphasizes the importance of investigating these immune components in detail, especially for species that are a conservation priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Gass
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada at Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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Kásler A, Ujszegi J, Holly D, Üveges B, Móricz ÁM, Herczeg D, Hettyey A. Metamorphic common toads keep chytrid infection under control, but at a cost. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Kásler
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology Institute of Biology ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - J. Ujszegi
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology Institute of Biology ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - D. Holly
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology Institute of Biology ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - B. Üveges
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor School of Natural Sciences Bangor University Bangor UK
| | - Á. M. Móricz
- Department of Pathophysiology Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
| | - D. Herczeg
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
| | - A. Hettyey
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group Centre for Agricultural Research Plant Protection Institute Eötvös Loránd Research Network Budapest Hungary
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology Institute of Biology ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
- Department of Ecology University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest Hungary
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Stewart Merrill TE, Calhoun DM, Johnson PTJ. Beyond single host, single parasite interactions: quantifying competence for complete multi‐host, multi‐parasite communities. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tara E. Stewart Merrill
- Coastal & Marine Lab Florida State University St. Teresa, 32358 FL
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, 80309 CO
| | - Dana M. Calhoun
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, 80309 CO
| | - Pieter T. J. Johnson
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, 80309 CO
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Touzot M, Lefebure T, Lengagne T, Secondi J, Dumet A, Konecny-Dupre L, Veber P, Navratil V, Duchamp C, Mondy N. Transcriptome-wide deregulation of gene expression by artificial light at night in tadpoles of common toads. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151734. [PMID: 34808173 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects numerous physiological and behavioural mechanisms in various species by potentially disturbing circadian timekeeping systems and modifying melatonin levels. However, given the multiple direct and indirect effects of ALAN on organisms, large-scale transcriptomic approaches are essential to assess the global effect of ALAN on biological processes. Moreover, although studies have focused mainly on variations in gene expression during the night in the presence of ALAN, it is necessary to investigate the effect of ALAN on gene expression during the day. In this study, we combined de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly, and a controlled laboratory experiment to evaluate the transcriptome-wide gene expression response using high-throughput (RNA-seq) in Bufo bufo tadpoles exposed to ecologically relevant light levels. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that ALAN affected gene expression at night (3.5% and 11% of differentially expressed genes when exposed to 0.1 and 5 lx compared to controls, respectively), but also during the day (11.2% of differentially expressed genes when exposed to 5 lx compared to controls) with a dose-dependent effect. ALAN globally induced a downregulation of genes (during the night, 58% and 62% of the genes were downregulated when exposed to 0.1 and 5 lx compared to controls, respectively, and during the day, 61.2% of the genes were downregulated when exposed to 5 lx compared to controls). ALAN effects were detected at very low levels of illuminance (0.1 lx) and affected mainly genes related to the innate immune system and, to a lesser extend to lipid metabolism. These results provide new insights into understanding the effects of ALAN on organism. ALAN impacted the expression of genes linked to a broad range of physiological pathways at very low levels of ALAN during night-time and during daytime, potentially resulting in reduced immune capacity under environmental immune challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Touzot
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Tristan Lefebure
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Thierry Lengagne
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean Secondi
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France; Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Angers, 49045 Angers, France
| | - Adeline Dumet
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Lara Konecny-Dupre
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Philippe Veber
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR 5558, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Vincent Navratil
- PRABI, Pôle Rhône-Alpes Bioinformatics Center, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; Institut Français de Bioinformatique, UMS 3601, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Claude Duchamp
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nathalie Mondy
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
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Hu N, Yu C, Jin J, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Wei H, Li Y. Impact of photoperiods on the specific activities of immune and antioxidant enzymes in different tissues of Dybowski’s frog (Rana dybowskii). BIOL RHYTHM RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2022.2043588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Changyue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiaxin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinmiao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yingdong Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Bielby J, Sausor C, Monsalve-Carcaño C, Bosch J. Temperature and duration of exposure drive infection intensity with the amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12889. [PMID: 35186480 PMCID: PMC8830297 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12889] [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: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The intensity of a pathogen infection plays a key role in determining how the host responds to infection. Hosts with high infections are more likely to transmit infection to others, and are may be more likely to experience progression from infection to disease symptoms, to being physiologically compromised by disease. Understanding how and why hosts exhibit variation in infection intensity therefore plays a major part in developing and implementing measures aimed at controlling infection spread, its effects, and its chance of persisting and circulating within a population of hosts. To track the relative importance of a number of variables in determining the level of infection intensity, we ran field-surveys at two breeding sites over a 12 month period using marked larvae of the common midwife toad (Alyes obstetricans) and their levels of infection with the amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). At each sampling occasion we measured the density of larvae, the temperature of the water in the 48 h prior to sampling, the period of time the sampled individual had been in the water body, the developmental (Gosner) stage and the intensity of Bd infection of the individual. Overall our data suggest that the temperature and the duration of time spent in the water play a major role in determining the intensity of Bd infection within an individual host. However, although the duration of time spent in the water was clearly associated with infection intensity, the relationship was negative: larvae that had spent less than 3-6 months in the water had significantly higher infection intensities than those that had spent over 12 months, although this infection intensity peaked between 9 and 12 months. This could be due to animals with heavier infections developing more quickly, suffering increased mortality or, more likely, losing their mouthparts (the only part of anuran larvae that can be infected with Bd). Overall, our results identify drivers of infection intensity, and potentially transmissibility and spread, and we attribute these differences to both host and pathogen biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Bielby
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jaime Bosch
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain,Biodiversity Research Institute (University of Oviedo-CSIC-Principality of Asturias), Mieres, Spain
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45
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Knapp RA, Joseph MB, Smith TC, Hegeman EE, Vredenburg VT, Erdman Jr JE, Boiano DM, Jani AJ, Briggs CJ. Effectiveness of antifungal treatments during chytridiomycosis epizootics in populations of an endangered frog. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12712. [PMID: 35036095 PMCID: PMC8742549 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The recently-emerged amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has had an unprecedented impact on global amphibian populations, and highlights the urgent need to develop effective mitigation strategies. We conducted in-situ antifungal treatment experiments in wild populations of the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog during or immediately after Bd-caused mass die-off events. The objective of treatments was to reduce Bd infection intensity ("load") and in doing so alter frog-Bd dynamics and increase the probability of frog population persistence despite ongoing Bd infection. Experiments included treatment of early life stages (tadpoles and subadults) with the antifungal drug itraconazole, treatment of adults with itraconazole, and augmentation of the skin microbiome of subadults with Janthinobacterium lividum, a commensal bacterium with antifungal properties. All itraconazole treatments caused immediate reductions in Bd load, and produced longer-term effects that differed between life stages. In experiments focused on early life stages, Bd load was reduced in the 2 months immediately following treatment and was associated with increased survival of subadults. However, Bd load and frog survival returned to pre-treatment levels in less than 1 year, and treatment had no effect on population persistence. In adults, treatment reduced Bd load and increased frog survival over the entire 3-year post-treatment period, consistent with frogs having developed an effective adaptive immune response against Bd. Despite this protracted period of reduced impacts of Bd on adults, recruitment into the adult population was limited and the population eventually declined to near-extirpation. In the microbiome augmentation experiment, exposure of subadults to a solution of J. lividum increased concentrations of this potentially protective bacterium on frogs. However, concentrations declined to baseline levels within 1 month and did not have a protective effect against Bd infection. Collectively, these results indicate that our mitigation efforts were ineffective in causing long-term changes in frog-Bd dynamics and increasing population persistence, due largely to the inability of early life stages to mount an effective immune response against Bd. This results in repeated recruitment failure and a low probability of population persistence in the face of ongoing Bd infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland A. Knapp
- Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California, Mammoth Lakes, California, United States
- Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | | | - Thomas C. Smith
- Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California, Mammoth Lakes, California, United States
- Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | - Ericka E. Hegeman
- Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California, Mammoth Lakes, California, United States
- Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | - Vance T. Vredenburg
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - James E. Erdman Jr
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bishop, California, United States
| | - Daniel M. Boiano
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, National Park Service, Three Rivers, California, United States
| | - Andrea J. Jani
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai’i at Mànoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i, United States
| | - Cheryl J. Briggs
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States
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46
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Barbosa EA, Alves GSC, Coura MDMA, Silva HDLE, Rocha FSD, Nunes JB, Watanabe MDS, Andrade AC, Brand GD. A first look at the N- and O-glycosylation landscape in anuran skin secretions. Biochimie 2022; 197:19-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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47
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Jiang N, Fan Y, Zhou Y, Meng Y, Liu W, Li Y, Xue M, Robert J, Zeng L. The Immune System and the Antiviral Responses in Chinese Giant Salamander, Andrias davidianus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718627. [PMID: 34675918 PMCID: PMC8524050 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chinese giant salamander, belonging to an ancient amphibian lineage, is the largest amphibian existing in the world, and is also an important animal for artificial cultivation in China. However, some aspects of the innate and adaptive immune system of the Chinese giant salamander are still unknown. The Chinese giant salamander iridovirus (GSIV), a member of the Ranavirus genus (family Iridoviridae), is a prominent pathogen causing high mortality and severe economic losses in Chinese giant salamander aquaculture. As a serious threat to amphibians worldwide, the etiology of ranaviruses has been mainly studied in model organisms, such as the Ambystoma tigrinum and Xenopus. Nevertheless, the immunity to ranavirus in Chinese giant salamander is distinct from other amphibians and less known. We review the unique immune system and antiviral responses of the Chinese giant salamander, in order to establish effective management of virus disease in Chinese giant salamander artificial cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jiang
- Division of Fish Disease, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yuding Fan
- Division of Fish Disease, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Fish Disease, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Division of Fish Disease, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenzhi Liu
- Division of Fish Disease, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqun Li
- Division of Fish Disease, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingyang Xue
- Division of Fish Disease, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lingbing Zeng
- Division of Fish Disease, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
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48
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Fisher MC, Pasmans F, Martel A. Virulence and Pathogenicity of Chytrid Fungi Causing Amphibian Extinctions. Annu Rev Microbiol 2021; 75:673-693. [PMID: 34351790 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-052621-124212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ancient enzootic associations between wildlife and their infections allow evolution to innovate mechanisms of pathogenicity that are counterbalanced by host responses. However, erosion of barriers to pathogen dispersal by globalization leads to the infection of hosts that have not evolved effective resistance and the emergence of highly virulent infections. Global amphibian declines driven by the rise of chytrid fungi and chytridiomycosis are emblematic of emerging infections. Here, we review how modern biological methods have been used to understand the adaptations and counteradaptations that these fungi and their amphibian hosts have evolved. We explore the interplay of biotic and abiotic factors that modify the virulence of these infections and dissect the complexity of this disease system. We highlight progress that has led to insights into how we might in the future lessen the impact of these emerging infections. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom;
| | - Frank Pasmans
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - An Martel
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Kataoka C, Kashiwada S. Ecological Risks Due to Immunotoxicological Effects on Aquatic Organisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8305. [PMID: 34361068 PMCID: PMC8347160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunotoxic effects of some anthropogenic pollutants on aquatic organisms are among the causes of concern over the presence of these pollutants in the marine environment. The immune system is part of an organism's biological defense necessarily for homeostasis. Thus, the immunotoxicological impacts on aquatic organisms are important to understand the effects of pollutant chemicals in the aquatic ecosystem. When aquatic organisms are exposed to pollutant chemicals with immunotoxicity, it results in poor health. In addition, aquatic organisms are exposed to pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Exposure to pollutant chemicals has reportedly caused aquatic organisms to show various immunotoxic symptoms such as histological changes of lymphoid tissue, changes of immune functionality and the distribution of immune cells, and changes in the resistance of organisms to infection by pathogens. Alterations of immune systems by contaminants can therefore lead to the deaths of individual organisms, increase the general risk of infections by pathogens, and probably decrease the populations of some species. This review introduced the immunotoxicological impact of pollutant chemicals in aquatic organisms, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and marine mammals; described typical biomarkers used in aquatic immunotoxicological studies; and then, discussed the current issues on ecological risk assessment and how to address ecological risk assessment through immunotoxicology. Moreover, the usefulness of the population growth rate to estimate the immunotoxicological impact of pollution chemicals was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Kataoka
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Izumino, Itakura, Gunma 374-0193, Japan
| | - Shosaku Kashiwada
- Department of Life Sciences, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Izumino, Itakura, Gunma 374-0193, Japan;
- Research Centre for Life and Environmental Sciences, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Izumino, Itakura, Gunma 374-0193, Japan
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50
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Ujszegi J, Ludányi K, Móricz ÁM, Krüzselyi D, Drahos L, Drexler T, Németh MZ, Vörös J, Garner TWJ, Hettyey A. Exposure to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis affects chemical defences in two anuran amphibians, Rana dalmatina and Bufo bufo. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:135. [PMID: 34217227 PMCID: PMC8254444 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01867-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the causative agent of chytridiomycosis, one of the major causes of worldwide amphibian biodiversity loss. Many amphibians exhibit skin-based chemical defences, which may play an important role against invading pathogens, but whether the synthesis of these chemical compounds is enhanced or suppressed in the presence of pathogens is largely unknown. Here we investigated direct and indirect effects of larval exposure to the globally distributed and highly virulent Bd-GPL strain on skin secreted chemical defences and life history traits during early ontogeny of agile frogs (Rana dalmatina) and common toads (Bufo bufo). Results Exposure to Bd during the larval stage did not result in enhanced synthesis of the antimicrobial peptide Brevinin-1 Da in R. dalmatina tadpoles or in increased production of bufadienolides in B. bufo tadpoles. However, exposure to Bd during the larval stage had a carry-over effect reaching beyond metamorphosis: both R. dalmatina and B. bufo froglets contained smaller quantities of defensive chemicals than their Bd-naïve conspecifics in the control treatment. Prevalence of Bd and infection intensities were very low in both larvae and metamorphs of R. dalmatina, while in B. bufo we observed high Bd prevalence and infection intensities, especially in metamorphs. At the same time, we did not find a significant effect of Bd-exposure on body mass or development rate in larvae or metamorphs in either species. Conclusions The lack of detrimental effect of Bd-exposure on life history traits, even parallel with high infection intensities in the case of B. bufo individuals, is surprising and suggests high tolerance of local populations of these two species against Bd. However, the lowered quantity of defensive chemicals may compromise antimicrobial and antipredatory defences of froglets, which may ultimately contribute to population declines also in the absence of conspicuous mass-mortality events.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Ujszegi
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary.
| | - Krisztina Ludányi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7, Budapest, 1092, Hungary
| | - Ágnes M Móricz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - Dániel Krüzselyi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - László Drahos
- MS Proteomics Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Tamás Drexler
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, Institute for Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Rottenbiller utca 50, Budapest, 1077, Hungary
| | - Márk Z Németh
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - Judit Vörös
- Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross street 13, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Trenton W J Garner
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.,Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Attila Hettyey
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, Institute for Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Rottenbiller utca 50, Budapest, 1077, Hungary
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