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Esteban MÁ. A review of soluble factors and receptors involved in fish skin immunity: The tip of the iceberg. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 145:109311. [PMID: 38128682 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109311] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The immune system of fish possesses soluble factors, receptors, pathways and cells very similar to those of the other vertebrates' immune system. Throughout evolutionary history, the exocrine secretions of organisms have accumulated a large reservoir of soluble factors that serve to protect organisms from microbial pathogens that could disrupt mucosal barrier homeostasis. In parallel, a diverse set of recognition molecules have been discovered that alert the organism to the presence of pathogens. The known functions of both the soluble factors and receptors mentioned above encompass critical aspects of host defense, such as pathogen binding and neutralization, opsonization, or modulation of inflammation if present. The molecules and receptors cooperate and are able to initiate the most appropriate immune response in an attempt to eliminate pathogens before host infection can begin. Furthermore, these recognition molecules, working in coordination with soluble defence factors, collaboratively erect a robust and perfectly coordinated defence system with complementary specificity, activity and tissue distribution. This intricate network constitutes an immensely effective defence mechanism for fish. In this context, the present review focuses on some of the main soluble factors and recognition molecules studied in the last decade in the skin mucosa of teleost fish. However, knowledge of these molecules is still very limited in all teleosts. Therefore, further studies are suggested throughout the review that would help to better understand the functions in which the proteins studied are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Esteban
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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2
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Małachowicz M, Krasnov A, Wenne R. Diverse Transcriptome Responses to Salinity Change in Atlantic Cod Subpopulations. Cells 2023; 12:2760. [PMID: 38067188 PMCID: PMC10706248 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to environmental variation caused by global climate change is a significant aspect of fisheries management and ecology. A reduction in ocean salinity is visible in near-shore areas, especially in the Baltic Sea, where it is affecting the Atlantic cod population. Cod is one of the most significant teleost species, with high ecological and economical value worldwide. The population of cod in the Baltic Sea has been traditionally divided into two subpopulations (western and eastern) existing in higher- and lower-salinity waters, respectively. In recent decades, both Baltic cod subpopulations have declined massively. One of the reasons for the poor condition of cod in the Baltic Sea is environmental factors, including salinity. Thus, in this study, an oligonucleotide microarray was applied to explore differences between Baltic cod subpopulations in response to salinity fluctuations. For this purpose, an exposure experiment was conducted consisting of salinity elevation and reduction, and gene expression was measured in gill tissue. We found 400 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the immune response, metabolism, programmed cell death, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix that showed a subpopulation-dependent pattern. These findings indicate that osmoregulation in Baltic cod is a complex process, and that western and eastern Baltic cod subpopulations respond differently to salinity changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Małachowicz
- Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstanców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland;
| | - Aleksei Krasnov
- Department of Fish Health, Nofima—Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Osloveien 1, NO-1431 Ås, Norway;
| | - Roman Wenne
- Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstanców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland;
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3
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Tang T, Huang Y, Peng C, Liao Y, Lv Y, Shi Q, Gao B. A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Reef Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) Provides Novel Insights into Stonustoxin (sntx) Genes. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad215. [PMID: 37770059 PMCID: PMC10566576 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad215] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) is one of the most venomous fishes, but its biomedical study has been restricted to molecular cloning and purification of its toxins, instead of high-throughput genetic research on related toxin genes. In this study, we constructed a chromosome-level haplotypic genome assembly for the reef stonefish. The genome was assembled into 24 pseudo-chromosomes, and the length totaled 689.74 Mb, reaching a contig N50 of 11.97 Mb and containing 97.8% of complete BUSCOs. A total of 24,050 protein-coding genes were annotated, of which metalloproteinases, C-type lectins, and stonustoxins (sntx) were the most abundant putative toxin genes. Multitissue transcriptomic and venom proteomic data showed that sntx genes, especially those clustered within a 50-kb region on the chromosome 2, had higher transcription levels than other types of toxins as well as those sntx genes scatteringly distributed on other chromosomes. Further comparative genomic analysis predicted an expansion of sntx-like genes in the Percomorpha lineage including nonvenomous fishes, but Scorpaenoidei species experienced extra independent sntx duplication events, marking the clear-cut origin of authentic toxic stonustoxins. In summary, this high-quality genome assembly and related comparative analysis of toxin genes highlight valuable genetic differences for potential involvement in the evolution of venoms among Scorpaeniformes fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianle Tang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- BGI-Marine Research Institute for Biomedical Technology, Shenzhen Huahong Marine Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanling Liao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yunyun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- BGI-Marine Research Institute for Biomedical Technology, Shenzhen Huahong Marine Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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4
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Simmons CR, Herman RA. Non-seed plants are emerging gene sources for agriculture and insect control proteins. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:23-37. [PMID: 37309832 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The non-seed plants (e.g., charophyte algae, bryophytes, and ferns) have multiple human uses, but their contributions to agriculture and research have lagged behind seed plants. While sharing broadly conserved biology with seed plants and the major crops, non-seed plants sometimes possess alternative molecular and physiological adaptations. These adaptations may guide crop improvements. One such area is the presence of multiple classes of insecticidal proteins found in non-seed plant genomes which are either absent or widely diverged in seed plants. There are documented uses of non-seed plants, and ferns for example have been used in human diets. Among the occasional identifiable toxins or antinutritive components present in non-seed plants, none include these insecticidal proteins. Apart from these discrete risk factors which can be addressed in the safety assessment, there should be no general safety concern about sourcing genes from non-seed plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl R Simmons
- Corteva Agriscience, Trait Discovery, Johnston, Iowa, 50131, USA
| | - Rod A Herman
- Corteva Agriscience, Regulatory and Stewardship, Johnston, Iowa, 50131, USA
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5
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Walker AA, Robinson SD, Merritt DJ, Cardoso FC, Goudarzi MH, Mercedes RS, Eagles DA, Cooper P, Zdenek CN, Fry BG, Hall DW, Vetter I, King GF. Horizontal gene transfer underlies the painful stings of asp caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305871120. [PMID: 37428925 PMCID: PMC10629529 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305871120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Larvae of the genus Megalopyge (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Megalopygidae), known as asp or puss caterpillars, produce defensive venoms that cause severe pain. Here, we present the anatomy, chemistry, and mode of action of the venom systems of caterpillars of two megalopygid species, the Southern flannel moth Megalopyge opercularis and the black-waved flannel moth Megalopyge crispata. We show that megalopygid venom is produced in secretory cells that lie beneath the cuticle and are connected to the venom spines by canals. Megalopygid venoms consist of large aerolysin-like pore-forming toxins, which we have named megalysins, and a small number of peptides. The venom system differs markedly from those of previously studied venomous zygaenoids of the family Limacodidae, suggestive of an independent origin. Megalopygid venom potently activates mammalian sensory neurons via membrane permeabilization and induces sustained spontaneous pain behavior and paw swelling in mice. These bioactivities are ablated by treatment with heat, organic solvents, or proteases, indicating that they are mediated by larger proteins such as the megalysins. We show that the megalysins were recruited as venom toxins in the Megalopygidae following horizontal transfer of genes from bacteria to the ancestors of ditrysian Lepidoptera. Megalopygids have recruited aerolysin-like proteins as venom toxins convergently with centipedes, cnidarians, and fish. This study highlights the role of horizontal gene transfer in venom evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - David J. Merritt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Fernanda C. Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Mohaddeseh Hedayati Goudarzi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Raine S. Mercedes
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - David A. Eagles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Paul Cooper
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT2601, Australia
| | - Christina N. Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Donald W. Hall
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32608
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4102, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Protein and Peptide Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
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6
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Hatakeyama T, Unno H. Functional Diversity of Novel Lectins with Unique Structural Features in Marine Animals. Cells 2023; 12:1814. [PMID: 37508479 PMCID: PMC10377782 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their remarkable structural diversity, glycans play important roles as recognition molecules on cell surfaces of living organisms. Carbohydrates exist in numerous isomeric forms and can adopt diverse structures through various branching patterns. Despite their relatively small molecular weights, they exhibit extensive structural diversity. On the other hand, lectins, also known as carbohydrate-binding proteins, not only recognize and bind to the diverse structures of glycans but also induce various biological reactions based on structural differences. Initially discovered as hemagglutinins in plant seeds, lectins have been found to play significant roles in cell recognition processes in higher vertebrates. However, our understanding of lectins in marine animals, particularly marine invertebrates, remains limited. Recent studies have revealed that marine animals possess novel lectins with unique structures and glycan recognition mechanisms not observed in known lectins. Of particular interest is their role as pattern recognition molecules in the innate immune system, where they recognize the glycan structures of pathogens. Furthermore, lectins serve as toxins for self-defense against foreign enemies. Recent discoveries have identified various pore-forming proteins containing lectin domains in fish venoms and skins. These proteins utilize lectin domains to bind target cells, triggering oligomerization and pore formation in the cell membrane. These findings have spurred research into the new functions of lectins and lectin domains. In this review, we present recent findings on the diverse structures and functions of lectins in marine animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomitsu Hatakeyama
- Biomolecular Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo-machi 1-14, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Hideaki Unno
- Biomolecular Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo-machi 1-14, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
- Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo-machi 1-14, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
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7
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Lopes Ferreira M, Falcão MAP, Bruni FM, Haddad V, Marques EE, Seibert CS, Lima C. Effective Pre-Clinical Treatment of Fish Envenoming with Polyclonal Antiserum. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098338. [PMID: 37176045 PMCID: PMC10179662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098338] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by venomous fish, although not always fatal, is capable of causing damage to homeostasis by activating the inflammatory process, with the formation of edema, excruciating pain, necrosis that is difficult to heal, as well as hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory changes. Despite the wide variety of pharmacological treatments used to manage acute symptoms, none are effective in controlling envenomation. Knowing the essential role of neutralizing polyclonal antibodies in the treatment of envenoming for other species, such as snakes, this work aimed to produce a polyclonal antiserum in mice and test its ability to neutralize the main toxic effects induced by the venoms of the main venomous Brazilian fish. We found that the antiserum recognizes the main toxins present in the different venoms of Thalassophryne nattereri, Scorpaena plumieri, Potamotrygon gr. Orbignyi, and Cathorops spixii and was effective in pre-incubation trials. In an independent test, the antiserum applied immediately to the topical application of T. nattereri, P. gr orbygnyi, and C. spixii venoms completely abolished the toxic effects on the microcirculation, preventing alterations such as arteriolar contraction, slowing of blood flow in postcapillary venules, venular stasis, myofibrillar hypercontraction, and increased leukocyte rolling and adherence. The edematogenic and nociceptive activities induced by these venoms were also neutralized by the immediate application of the antiserum. Importantly, the antiserum prevented the acute inflammatory response in the lungs induced by the S. plumieri venom. The success of antiserum containing neutralizing polyclonal antibodies in controlling the toxic effects induced by different venoms offers a new strategy for the treatment of fish envenomation in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lopes Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit of Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice Pimentel Falcão
- Immunoregulation Unit of Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Miriane Bruni
- Immunoregulation Unit of Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Vidal Haddad
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Elineide Eugênio Marques
- Environmental Sciences, Campus of Palmas, Federal University of Tocantins, Palmas 77001-090, Brazil
| | - Carla Simone Seibert
- Environmental Sciences, Campus of Palmas, Federal University of Tocantins, Palmas 77001-090, Brazil
| | - Carla Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
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8
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A Pore Forming Toxin-like Protein Derived from Chinese Red Belly Toad Bombina maxima Triggers the Pyroptosis of Hippomal Neural Cells and Impairs the Cognitive Ability of Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030191. [PMID: 36977082 PMCID: PMC10054870 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxin-like proteins and peptides of skin secretions from amphibians play important physiological and pathological roles in amphibians. βγ-CAT is a Chinese red-belly toad-derived pore-forming toxin-like protein complex that consists of aerolysin domain, crystalline domain, and trefoil factor domain and induces various toxic effects via its membrane perforation process, including membrane binding, oligomerization, and endocytosis. Here, we observed the death of mouse hippocampal neuronal cells induced by βγ-CAT at a concentration of 5 nM. Subsequent studies showed that the death of hippocampal neuronal cells was accompanied by the activation of Gasdermin E and caspase-1, suggesting that βγ-CAT induces the pyroptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells. Further molecular mechanism studies revealed that the pyroptosis induced by βγ-CAT is dependent on the oligomerization and endocytosis of βγ-CAT. It is well known that the damage of hippocampal neuronal cells leads to the cognitive attenuation of animals. The impaired cognitive ability of mice was observed after intraperitoneal injection with 10 μg/kg βγ-CAT in a water maze assay. Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unknown toxicological function of a vertebrate-derived pore-forming toxin-like protein in the nerve system, which triggers the pyroptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells, ultimately leading to hippocampal cognitive attenuation.
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Lu J, Zhao Z, Li Q, Pang Y. Review of the unique and dominant lectin pathway of complement activation in agnathans. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 140:104593. [PMID: 36442606 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As the most primitive vertebrates, lampreys are significant in understanding the early origin and evolution of the vertebrate innate and adaptive immune systems. The complement system is a biological response system with complex and precise regulatory mechanisms and plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunity. It consists of more than 30 distinct components, including intrinsic components, regulatory factors, and complement receptors. Complement system is the humoral backbone of the innate immune defense and complement-like factors have also been found in cyclostomes. Our knowledge as such in lamprey has dramatically increased in the recent years. The searching for complement components in the reissner lamprey Lethenteron reissneri genome database, together with published data, has unveiled the existence of all the orthologues of mammalian complement components identified thus far, including the complement regulatory proteins and complement receptors, in lamprey. This review, summarizes the key themes and recent updates on the complement system of agnathans and discusses the individual complement components of lampreys, and critically compare their functions to that of mammalian complement components. Interestingly, the adaptive immune system of agnathans differs from that of gnathostomes. Lamprey complement components also display some distinctive features, such as lampreys are characterized by the variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs)-based alternative adaptive immunity. This review may serve as important literature for deducing the evolution of the immune system from invertebrates to vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China
| | - Zhisheng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.
| | - Yue Pang
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.
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10
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Jiang SH, Wu LX, Cai YT, Ma RT, Zhang HB, Zhang DZ, Tang BP, Liu QN, Dai LS. Differentially expressed genes in head kidney of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco following Vibrio cholerae challenge. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1039956. [PMID: 36703962 PMCID: PMC9871507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1039956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) is a freshwater fish with high economic value in eastern China. Nevertheless, pathogens causing bacterial diseases in P. fulvidraco have brought about huge economic loss and high mortality in artificial aquaculture. For disease control, it is critical to further understand the immune system of yellow catfish and immune-related genes with which they respond to pathogenic infections. In this study, high-throughput sequencing methods were used to analyze the transcriptomic spectrum of the head kidney from P. fulvidraco challenged by Vibrio cholera. A total of 45,544 unique transcript fragments (unigenes) were acquired after assembly and annotation, with an average length of 1,373 bp. Additionally, 674 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after stimulation with V. cholerae, 353 and 321 genes were identified as remarkably up- or downregulated, respectively. To further study the immune-related DEGs, we performed KEGG enrichment and GO enrichment. The results showed gene regulation of response to stimulus, immune response, immune system progress, response to external stimuli and cellular response to stimuli. Analysis of KEGG enrichment is important to identify chief immune related pathways. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) results indicated 10 immune response genes that were found to be upregulated compared to a control group after 6 h of V. cholerae challenging. In summary, the results of our study are helpful to determine the defense mechanisms and immune system responses of yellow catfish in reaction to bacterial challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen-Hao Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lin-Xin Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China
| | - Yu-Ting Cai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China
| | - Rui-Ting Ma
- School of Urban and Planning, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China
| | - Hua-Bin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China
| | - Dai-Zhen Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China
| | - Bo-Ping Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China,*Correspondence: Bo-Ping Tang, ; Qiu-Ning Liu, ; Li-Shang Dai,
| | - Qiu-Ning Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China,*Correspondence: Bo-Ping Tang, ; Qiu-Ning Liu, ; Li-Shang Dai,
| | - Li-Shang Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,*Correspondence: Bo-Ping Tang, ; Qiu-Ning Liu, ; Li-Shang Dai,
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11
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Zhu Y, Liao X, Han T, Chen JY, He C, Lu Z. Utilizing an artificial intelligence system to build the digital structural proteome of reef-building corals. Gigascience 2022; 11:giac117. [PMID: 36399057 PMCID: PMC9673494 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reef-building corals play an important role in the marine ecosystem, and analyzing their proteomes from a structural perspective will exert positive effects on exploring their biology. Here we integrated mass spectrometry with newly published ColabFold to obtain digital structural proteomes of dominant reef-building corals. RESULTS Of the 8,382 homologous proteins in Acropora muricata, Montipora foliosa, and Pocillopora verrucosa identified, 8,166 received predicted structures after about 4,060 GPU hours of computation. The resulting dataset covers 83.6% of residues with a confident prediction, while 25.9% have very high confidence. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides insight-worthy predictions for coral research, confirms the reliability of ColabFold in practice, and is expected to be a reference case in the impending high-throughput era of structural proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Xin Liao
- Guangxi Key Lab of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization, Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Beihai 536000, China
| | - Tingyu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - J-Y Chen
- Nanjing Institute of Paleontology and Geology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chunpeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Zuhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
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12
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Lima C, Andrade-Barros AI, Bernardo JTG, Balogh E, Quesniaux VF, Ryffel B, Lopes-Ferreira M. Natterin-Induced Neutrophilia Is Dependent on cGAS/STING Activation via Type I IFN Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073600. [PMID: 35408954 PMCID: PMC8998820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073600] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natterin is a potent pro-inflammatory fish molecule, inducing local and systemic IL-1β/IL-1R1-dependent neutrophilia mediated by non-canonical NLRP6 and NLRC4 inflammasome activation in mice, independent of NLRP3. In this work, we investigated whether Natterin activates mitochondrial damage, resulting in self-DNA leaks into the cytosol, and whether the DNA sensor cGAS and STING pathway participate in triggering the innate immune response. Employing a peritonitis mouse model, we found that the deficiency of the tlr2/tlr4, myd88 and trif results in decreased neutrophil influx to peritoneal cavities of mice, indicative that in addition to MyD88, TRIF contributes to neutrophilia triggered by TLR4 engagement by Natterin. Next, we demonstrated that gpcr91 deficiency in mice abolished the neutrophil recruitment after Natterin injection, but mice pre-treated with 2-deoxy-d-glucose that blocks glycolysis presented similar infiltration than WT Natterin-injected mice. In addition, we observed that, compared with the WT Natterin-injected mice, DPI and cyclosporin A treated mice had a lower number of neutrophils in the peritoneal exudate. The levels of dsDNA in the supernatant of the peritoneal exudate and processed IL-33 in the supernatant of the peritoneal exudate or cytoplasmic supernatant of the peritoneal cell lysate of WT Natterin-injected mice were several folds higher than those of the control mice. The recruitment of neutrophils to peritoneal cavity 2 h post-Natterin injection was intensely impaired in ifnar KO mice and partially in il-28r KO mice, but not in ifnγr KO mice. Finally, using cgas KO, sting KO, or irf3 KO mice we found that recruitment of neutrophils to peritoneal cavities was virtually abolished in response to Natterin. These findings reveal cytosolic DNA sensors as critical regulators for Natterin-induced neutrophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CETICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.I.A.-B.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Aline Ingrid Andrade-Barros
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CETICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.I.A.-B.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
| | - Jefferson Thiago Gonçalves Bernardo
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CETICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.I.A.-B.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
| | - Eniko Balogh
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4027 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Valerie F. Quesniaux
- Molecular and Experimental Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR7355, CNRS and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France; (V.F.Q.); (B.R.)
| | - Bernhard Ryffel
- Molecular and Experimental Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR7355, CNRS and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France; (V.F.Q.); (B.R.)
| | - Monica Lopes-Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CETICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.I.A.-B.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
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13
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Seni-Silva AC, Maleski ALA, Souza MM, Falcao MAP, Disner GR, Lopes-Ferreira M, Lima C. Natterin-like depletion by CRISPR/Cas9 impairs zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryonic development. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:123. [PMID: 35151271 PMCID: PMC8840632 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08369-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Natterin protein family was first discovered in the venom of the medically significant fish Thalassophryne nattereri, and over the last decade natterin-like genes have been identified in various organisms, notably performing immune-related functions. Previous findings support natterin-like genes as effector defense molecules able to activate multiprotein complexes driving the host innate immune response, notably due to the pore-forming function of the aerolysin superfamily members. Herein, employing a combination of the CRISPR/Cas9 depletion system, phenotype-based screening, and morphometric methods, we evaluated the role of one family member, LOC795232, in the embryonic development of zebrafish since it might be implicated in multiple roles and characterization of the null mutant is central for analysis of gene activity. Results Multiple sequence alignment revealed that the candidate natterin-like has the highest similarity to zebrafish aep1, a putative and better characterized fish-specific defense molecule from the same family. Compared to other species, zebrafish have many natterin-like copies. Whole-mount in situ hybridization confirmed the knockout and mutant embryos exhibited epiboly delay, growth retardation, yolk sac and heart edema, absent or diminished swim bladder, spinal defects, small eyes and head, heart dysfunction, and behavioral impairment. As previously demonstrated, ribonucleoproteins composed of Cas9 and duplex guide RNAs are effective at inducing mutations in the F0 zebrafish. Conclusions The considerably high natterin-like copies in zebrafish compared to other species might be due to the teleost-specific whole genome duplication and followed by subfunctionalization or neofunctionalization. In the present work, we described some of the natterin-like features in the zebrafish development and infer that natterin-like proteins potentially contribute to the embryonary development and immune response. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08369-z. The Natterin family was discovered in the venom of the fish Thalassophryne nattereri. The zebrafish genome encodes eleven natterin-like genes. Natterin-like might be a novel fish-specific defense molecule. Natterin-like proteins are thought to be pore-forming molecules. Reverse genetic study and phenotypic characterization suggests natterin-like genes may have roles in zebrafish development.
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Cabrales-Orona G, Martínez-Gallardo N, Délano-Frier JP. Functional Characterization of an Amaranth Natterin-4-Like-1 Gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.814188] [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
The functional characterization of an Amaranthus hypochondriacus Natterin-4-Like-1 gene (AhN4L-1) coding for an unknown function protein characterized by the presence of an aerolysin-like pore-forming domain in addition to two amaranthin-like agglutinin domains is herewith described. Natterin and nattering-like proteins have been amply described in the animal kingdom. However, the role of nattering-like proteins in plants is practically unknown. The results described in this study, obtained from gene expression data in grain amaranth and from AhN4L-1-overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana plants indicated that this gene was strongly induced by several biotic and abiotic conditions in grain amaranth, whereas data obtained from the overexpressing Arabidopsis plants further supported the defensive function of this gene, mostly against bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. GUS and GFP AhN4L-1 localization in roots tips, leaf stomata, stamens and pistils also suggested a defensive function in these organs, although its participation in flowering processes, such as self-incompatibility and abscission, is also possible. However, contrary to expectations, the overexpression of this gene negatively affected the vegetative and reproductive growth of the transgenic plants, which also showed no increased tolerance to salinity and water-deficit stress. The latter despite the maintenance of significantly higher chlorophyll levels and photosynthetic parameters under intense salinity stress. These results are discussed in the context of the physiological roles known to be played by related lectins and AB proteins in plants.
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Lopes-Ferreira M, Sosa-Rosales I, Silva Junior PI, Conceicao K, Maleski ALA, Balan-Lima L, Disner GR, Lima C. Molecular Characterization and Functional Analysis of the Nattectin-like Toxin from the Venomous Fish Thalassophryne maculosa. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 14:toxins14010002. [PMID: 35050979 PMCID: PMC8778695 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
TmC4-47.2 is a toxin with myotoxic activity found in the venom of Thalassophryne maculosa, a venomous fish commonly found in Latin America whose envenomation produces an injury characterized by delayed neutrophil migration, production of major pro-inflammatory cytokines, and necrosis at the wound site, as well as a specific systemic immune response. However, there are few studies on the protein structure and functions associated with it. Here, the toxin was identified from the crude venom by chromatography and protein purification systems. TmC4-47.2 shows high homology with the Nattectin from Thalassophryne nattereri venom, with 6 cysteines and QPD domain for binding to galactose. We confirm its hemagglutinating and microbicide abilities independent of carbohydrate binding, supporting its classification as a nattectin-like lectin. After performing the characterization of TmC4-47.2, we verified its ability to induce an increase in the rolling and adherence of leukocytes in cremaster post-capillary venules dependent on the α5β1 integrin. Finally, we could observe the inflammatory activity of TmC4-47.2 through the production of IL-6 and eotaxin in the peritoneal cavity with sustained recruitment of eosinophils and neutrophils up to 24 h. Together, our study characterized a nattectin-like protein from T. maculosa, pointing to its role as a molecule involved in the carbohydrate-independent agglutination response and modulation of eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lopes-Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brasil Avenue, 1500 Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (G.R.D.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ines Sosa-Rosales
- Escuela de Ciências Aplicadas del Mar, Universidad de Oriente, Boca de Rio 6304, Venezuela;
| | - Pedro Ismael Silva Junior
- Protein Chemistry Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brasil Avenue, 1500 Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-009, Brazil;
| | - Katia Conceicao
- Peptide Biochemistry Laboratory, UNIFESP, Sao Jose dos Campos 12247-014, Brazil;
| | - Adolfo Luis Almeida Maleski
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brasil Avenue, 1500 Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (G.R.D.); (C.L.)
- Post-Graduation Program of Toxinology, Butantan Institute, Vital Brasil Avenue, 1500 Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-009, Brazil
| | - Leticia Balan-Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brasil Avenue, 1500 Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (G.R.D.); (C.L.)
| | - Geonildo Rodrigo Disner
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brasil Avenue, 1500 Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (G.R.D.); (C.L.)
| | - Carla Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brasil Avenue, 1500 Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (G.R.D.); (C.L.)
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Coelho GR, da Silva DL, Beraldo-Neto E, Vigerelli H, de Oliveira LA, Sciani JM, Pimenta DC. Neglected Venomous Animals and Toxins: Underrated Biotechnological Tools in Drug Development. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120851. [PMID: 34941689 PMCID: PMC8708286 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the vast repertoire of animal toxins and venoms selected by nature and evolution, mankind opted to devote its scientific attention—during the last century—to a restricted group of animals, leaving a myriad of toxic creatures aside. There are several underlying and justifiable reasons for this, which include dealing with the public health problems caused by envenoming by such animals. However, these studies became saturated and gave rise to a whole group of animals that become neglected regarding their venoms and secretions. This repertoire of unexplored toxins and venoms bears biotechnological potential, including the development of new technologies, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools and must, therefore, be assessed. In this review, we will approach such topics through an interconnected historical and scientific perspective that will bring up the major discoveries and innovations in toxinology, achieved by researchers from the Butantan Institute and others, and describe some of the major research outcomes from the study of these neglected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Rabelo Coelho
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Daiane Laise da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Laudiceia Alves de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Moléstias Infecciosas—Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil;
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar em Pesquisa, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista 12916-900, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
- Correspondence:
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Disner GR, Pimentel Falcão MA, Lima C, Lopes-Ferreira M. Zebrafish Beyond the Bench: The 'Plataforma Zebrafish Open Doors' Programme. Altern Lab Anim 2021; 49:175-181. [PMID: 34818926 DOI: 10.1177/02611929211057889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Butantan Institute is a pioneering Brazilian health sciences institution, which also houses a large science park with museums that contribute to ongoing science education for schools and the wider community. In recent years, as part of Butantan Institute's Plataforma Zebrafish™, zebrafish embryos have been used for the dissemination of scientific knowledge during on-site events and as part of outreach campaigns to non-scientific audiences, mostly children. The aim of this work is mainly to demystify the activities of the scientific researcher, highlight the role of science in the furthering of knowledge, and increase public interest and confidence in science. In this article, the Institute's 'Plataforma Zebrafish Open Doors' programme is described, which offered guided tours of the laboratory facilities. The tours gave visitors the opportunity to observe zebrafish research and embryo development, and to use the knowledge gained from this experience as a framework for understanding fundamental ethical issues. During the 2-day event, around 800 visitors (most of them school-age children) attended. Together with the guided tours, our experience of outreach offered meaningful opportunities to bring children and members of the public closer to science and 'real-life' scientists, hopefully inspiring and encouraging the next generation of scientists. It also gave the scientists an opportunity to engage more closely with wider society. We believe that these activities also substantially contribute to the wider dissemination of relevant experimental results that have been obtained with public funding and that impact society in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geonildo Rodrigo Disner
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), 196591Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice Pimentel Falcão
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), 196591Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), 196591Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monica Lopes-Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), 196591Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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