1
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Kircher BK, McCown MA, Scully DM, Behringer RR, Larina IV. Structural analysis of the female reptile reproductive system by micro-computed tomography and optical coherence tomography†. Biol Reprod 2024:ioae039. [PMID: 38641547 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Volumetric data provide unprecedented structural insight to the reproductive tract and add vital anatomical context to the relationships between organs. The morphology of the female reproductive tract in non-avian reptiles varies between species, corresponding to a broad range of reproductive modes and providing valuable insight to comparative investigations of reproductive anatomy. However, reproductive studies in reptilian models, such as the brown anole studied here, have historically relied on histological methods to understand the anatomy. While these methods are highly effective for characterizing the cell types present in each organ, histological methods lose the 3D relationships between images and leave the architecture of the organ system poorly understood. We present the first comprehensive volumetric analyses of the female brown anole reproductive tract using two non-invasive, non-destructive imaging modalities: micro-computed tomography (microCT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Both are specialized imaging technologies that facilitate high-throughput imaging and preserve three-dimensional information. This study represents the first time that microCT has been used to study all reproductive organs in this species and the very first time that OCT has been applied to this species. We show how the non-destructive volumetric imaging provided by each modality reveals anatomical context including orientation and relationships between reproductive organs of the anole lizard. In addition to broad patterns of morphology, both imaging modalities provide the high resolution necessary to capture details and key anatomical features of each organ. We demonstrate that classic histological features can be appreciated within whole-organ architecture in volumetric imaging using microCT and OCT, providing the complementary information necessary to understand the relationships between tissues and organs in the reproductive system. This side-by-side imaging analysis using microCT and OCT allows us to evaluate the specific advantages and limitations of these two methods for the female reptile reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie K Kircher
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Michaela A McCown
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deirdre M Scully
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Irina V Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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2
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Capin J, Harrison A, Raele RA, Yadav SKN, Baiwir D, Mazzucchelli G, Quinton L, Satchwell T, Toye A, Schaffitzel C, Berger I, Aulicino F. An engineered baculoviral protein and DNA co-delivery system for CRISPR-based mammalian genome editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3450-3468. [PMID: 38412306 PMCID: PMC11014373 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based DNA editing technologies enable rapid and accessible genome engineering of eukaryotic cells. However, the delivery of genetically encoded CRISPR components remains challenging and sustained Cas9 expression correlates with higher off-target activities, which can be reduced via Cas9-protein delivery. Here we demonstrate that baculovirus, alongside its DNA cargo, can be used to package and deliver proteins to human cells. Using protein-loaded baculovirus (pBV), we demonstrate delivery of Cas9 or base editors proteins, leading to efficient genome and base editing in human cells. By implementing a reversible, chemically inducible heterodimerization system, we show that protein cargoes can selectively and more efficiently be loaded into pBVs (spBVs). Using spBVs we achieved high levels of multiplexed genome editing in a panel of human cell lines. Importantly, spBVs maintain high editing efficiencies in absence of detectable off-targets events. Finally, by exploiting Cas9 protein and template DNA co-delivery, we demonstrate up to 5% site-specific targeted integration of a 1.8 kb heterologous DNA payload using a single spBV in a panel of human cell lines. In summary, we demonstrate that spBVs represent a versatile, efficient and potentially safer alternative for CRISPR applications requiring co-delivery of DNA and protein cargoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Capin
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Alexandra Harrison
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Renata A Raele
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Sathish K N Yadav
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Dominique Baiwir
- GIGA Proteomics Facility, University of Liege, B-4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Gabriel Mazzucchelli
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Loic Quinton
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Timothy J Satchwell
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ashley M Toye
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - Imre Berger
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Francesco Aulicino
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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3
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Beetz MJ. A perspective on neuroethology: what the past teaches us about the future of neuroethology. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:325-346. [PMID: 38411712 PMCID: PMC10995053 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-024-01695-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
For 100 years, the Journal of Comparative Physiology-A has significantly supported research in the field of neuroethology. The celebration of the journal's centennial is a great time point to appreciate the recent progress in neuroethology and to discuss possible avenues of the field. Animal behavior is the main source of inspiration for neuroethologists. This is illustrated by the huge diversity of investigated behaviors and species. To explain behavior at a mechanistic level, neuroethologists combine neuroscientific approaches with sophisticated behavioral analysis. The rapid technological progress in neuroscience makes neuroethology a highly dynamic and exciting field of research. To summarize the recent scientific progress in neuroethology, I went through all abstracts of the last six International Congresses for Neuroethology (ICNs 2010-2022) and categorized them based on the sensory modalities, experimental model species, and research topics. This highlights the diversity of neuroethology and gives us a perspective on the field's scientific future. At the end, I highlight three research topics that may, among others, influence the future of neuroethology. I hope that sharing my roots may inspire other scientists to follow neuroethological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jerome Beetz
- Zoology II, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
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4
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Zdyrski C, Gabriel V, Gessler TB, Ralston A, Sifuentes-Romero I, Kundu D, Honold S, Wickham H, Topping NE, Sahoo DK, Bista B, Tamplin J, Ospina O, Piñeyro P, Arriaga M, Galan JA, Meyerholz DK, Allenspach K, Mochel JP, Valenzuela N. Establishment and characterization of turtle liver organoids provides a potential model to decode their unique adaptations. Commun Biol 2024; 7:218. [PMID: 38388772 PMCID: PMC10883927 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05818-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Painted turtles are remarkable for their freeze tolerance and supercooling ability along with their associated resilience to hypoxia/anoxia and oxidative stress, rendering them an ideal biomedical model for hypoxia-induced injuries (including strokes), tissue cooling during surgeries, and organ cryopreservation. Yet, such research is hindered by their seasonal reproduction and slow maturation. Here we developed and characterized adult stem cell-derived turtle liver organoids (3D self-assembled in vitro structures) from painted, snapping, and spiny softshell turtles spanning ~175My of evolution, with a subset cryopreserved. This development is, to the best of our knowledge, a first for this vertebrate Order, and complements the only other non-avian reptile organoids from snake venom glands. Preliminary characterization, including morphological, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses, revealed organoids enriched in cholangiocytes. Deriving organoids from distant turtles and life stages demonstrates that our techniques are broadly applicable to chelonians, permitting the development of functional genomic tools currently lacking in herpetological research. Such platform could potentially support studies including genome-to-phenome mapping, gene function, genome architecture, and adaptive responses to climate change, with implications for ecological, evolutionary, and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Zdyrski
- SMART Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
- 3D Health Solutions Inc., Ames, IA, USA.
- SMART Pharmacology, Precision One Health Initiative, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Vojtech Gabriel
- SMART Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Thea B Gessler
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Itzel Sifuentes-Romero
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Debosmita Kundu
- Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Sydney Honold
- SMART Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Hannah Wickham
- SMART Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nicholas E Topping
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Dipak Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Basanta Bista
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Tamplin
- Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA
| | - Oscar Ospina
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Pablo Piñeyro
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Marco Arriaga
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Jacob A Galan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | | | - Karin Allenspach
- SMART Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- 3D Health Solutions Inc., Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- SMART Pharmacology, Precision One Health Initiative, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jonathan P Mochel
- SMART Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- 3D Health Solutions Inc., Ames, IA, USA
- SMART Pharmacology, Precision One Health Initiative, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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5
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Tzika AC. On the role of TFEC in reptilian coloration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1358828. [PMID: 38385026 PMCID: PMC10879265 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1358828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Reptilian species, particularly snakes and lizards, are emerging models of animal coloration. Here, I focus on the role of the TFEC transcription factor in snake and lizard coloration based on a study on wild-type and piebald ball pythons. Genomic mapping previously identified a TFEC mutation linked to the piebald ball python phenotype. The association of TFEC with skin coloration was further supported by gene-editing experiments in the brown anole lizard. However, novel histological analyses presented here reveal discrepancies between the ball python and the anole TFEC mutants phenotype, cautioning against broad generalizations. Indeed, both wild-type and piebald ball pythons completely lack iridophores, whereas the TFEC anole lizard mutants lose their iridophores compared to the wild-type anole. Based on these findings, I discuss the potential role of the MiT/TFE family in skin pigmentation across vertebrate lineages and advocate the need for developmental analyses and additional gene-editing experiments to explore the reptilian coloration diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia C. Tzika
- Laboratory of Artificial and Natural Evolution (LANE), Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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6
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Eisenberg T, Shein-Idelson M. ReptiLearn: An automated home cage system for behavioral experiments in reptiles without human intervention. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002411. [PMID: 38422162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding behavior and its evolutionary underpinnings is crucial for unraveling the complexities of brain function. Traditional approaches strive to reduce behavioral complexity by designing short-term, highly constrained behavioral tasks with dichotomous choices in which animals respond to defined external perturbation. In contrast, natural behaviors evolve over multiple time scales during which actions are selected through bidirectional interactions with the environment and without human intervention. Recent technological advancements have opened up new possibilities for experimental designs that more closely mirror natural behaviors by replacing stringent experimental control with accurate multidimensional behavioral analysis. However, these approaches have been tailored to fit only a small number of species. This specificity limits the experimental opportunities offered by species diversity. Further, it hampers comparative analyses that are essential for extracting overarching behavioral principles and for examining behavior from an evolutionary perspective. To address this limitation, we developed ReptiLearn-a versatile, low-cost, Python-based solution, optimized for conducting automated long-term experiments in the home cage of reptiles, without human intervention. In addition, this system offers unique features such as precise temperature measurement and control, live prey reward dispensers, engagement with touch screens, and remote control through a user-friendly web interface. Finally, ReptiLearn incorporates low-latency closed-loop feedback allowing bidirectional interactions between animals and their environments. Thus, ReptiLearn provides a comprehensive solution for researchers studying behavior in ectotherms and beyond, bridging the gap between constrained laboratory settings and natural behavior in nonconventional model systems. We demonstrate the capabilities of ReptiLearn by automatically training the lizard Pogona vitticeps on a complex spatial learning task requiring association learning, displaced reward learning, and reversal learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Eisenberg
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mark Shein-Idelson
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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7
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Kircher BK, Stanley EL, Behringer RR. Anatomy of the female reproductive tract organs of the brown anole (Anolis sagrei). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024; 307:395-413. [PMID: 37506227 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Female reproduction in squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) is highly diverse and mode of reproduction, clutch size, and reproductive tract morphology all vary widely across this group of ~11,000 species. Recently, CRISPR genome editing techniques that require manipulation of the female reproductive anatomy have been developed in this group, making a more complete understanding of this anatomy essential. We describe the adult female reproductive anatomy of the model reptile the brown anole (Anolis sagrei). We show that the brown anole female reproductive tract has three distinct anterior-to-posterior regions, the infundibulum, the glandular uterus, and the nonglandular uterus. The infundibulum has a highly ciliated epithelial lip, a region where the epithelium is inverted so that cilia are present on the inside and outside of the tube. The glandular uterus has epithelial ducts that are patent with a lumen as well as acinar structures with a lumen. The nonglandular uterus has a heterogeneous morphology from anterior to posterior, with a highly folded, ciliated epithelium transitioning to a stratified squamous epithelium. This transition is accompanied by a loss of keratin-8 expression and together, these changes are similar to the morphological and gene expression changes that occur in the mammalian cervix. We recommend that description of the nonglandular uterus include the regional sub-specification of a "cervix" and "vagina" as this terminology change more accurately describes the morphology. Our data extend histological studies of reproductive organ morphology in reptiles and expand our understanding of the variation in reproductive system anatomy across squamates and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie K Kircher
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Edward L Stanley
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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8
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Xu S, Neupane S, Wang H, Pham TP, Snyman M, Huynh TV, Wang L. Efficient CRISPR genome editing and integrative genomic analyses reveal the mosaicism of Cas-induced mutations and pleiotropic effects of scarlet gene in an emerging model system. bioRxiv 2024:2024.01.29.577787. [PMID: 38352317 PMCID: PMC10862705 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Despite the revolutionary impacts of CRISPR-Cas gene editing systems, the effective and widespread use of CRISPR technologies in emerging model organisms still faces significant challenges. These include the inefficiency in generating heritable mutations at the organismal level, limited knowledge about the genomic consequences of gene editing, and an inadequate understanding of the inheritance patterns of CRISPR-Cas-induced mutations. This study addresses these issues by 1) developing an efficient microinjection delivery method for CRISPR editing in the microcrustacean Daphnia pulex; 2) assessing the editing efficiency of Cas9 and Cas12a nucleases, examining mutation inheritance patterns, and analyzing the local and global mutation spectrum in the scarlet mutants; and 3) investigating the transcriptomes of scarlet mutants to understand the pleiotropic effects of scarlet underlying their swimming behavior changes. Our reengineered CRISPR microinjection method results in efficient biallelic editing with both nucleases. While indels are dominant in Cas-induced mutations, a few on-site large deletions (>1kb) are observed, most likely caused by microhomology-mediated end joining repair. Knock-in of a stop codon cassette to the scarlet locus was successful, despite complex induced mutations surrounding the target site. Moreover, extensive germline mosaicism exists in some mutants, which unexpectedly produce different phenotypes/genotypes in their asexual progenies. Lastly, our transcriptomic analyses unveil significant gene expression changes associated with scarlet knock-out and altered swimming behavior in mutants, including several genes (e.g., NMDA1, ABAT, CNTNAP2) involved in human neurodegenerative diseases. This study expands our understanding of the dynamics of gene editing in the tractable model organism Daphnia and highlights its promising potential as a neurological disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Xu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Swatantra Neupane
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, 76019, USA
| | - Thinh Phu Pham
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, 76019, USA
| | - Marelize Snyman
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, 76019, USA
| | - Trung V. Huynh
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
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9
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Akashi H, Hasui D, Ueda K, Ishikawa M, Takeda M, Miyagawa S. Understanding the role of environmental temperature on sex determination through comparative studies in reptiles and amphibians. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2024; 341:48-59. [PMID: 37905472 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, species exhibit phenotypic plasticity of sex determination that the sex can plastically be determined by the external environmental temperature through a mechanism, temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Temperature exerts influence over the direction of sexual differentiation pathways, resulting in distinct primary sex ratios in a temperature-dependent manner. This review provides a summary of the thermal sensitivities associated with sex determination in reptiles and amphibians, with a focus on the pattern of TSD, gonadal differentiation, temperature sensing, and the molecular basis underlying thermal sensitivity in sex determination. Comparative studies across diverse lineages offer valuable insights into comprehending the evolution of sex determination as a phenotypic plasticity. While evidence of molecular mechanisms governing sexual differentiation pathways continues to accumulate, the intracellular signaling linking temperature sensing and sexual differentiation pathways remains elusive. We emphasize that uncovering these links is a key for understanding species-specific thermal sensitivities in TSD and will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem and biodiversity conservations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Akashi
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiki Hasui
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kai Ueda
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Momoka Ishikawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Guo L, Kruglyak L. Genetics and biology of coloration in reptiles: the curious case of the Lemon Frost geckos. Physiol Genomics 2023; 55:479-486. [PMID: 37642275 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00015.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there are more than 10,000 reptile species, and reptiles have historically contributed to our understanding of biology, genetics research into class Reptilia has lagged compared with other animals. Here, we summarize recent progress in genetics of coloration in reptiles, with a focus on the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius. We highlight genetic approaches that have been used to examine variation in color and pattern formation in this species as well as to provide insights into mechanisms underlying skin cancer. We propose that their long breeding history in captivity makes leopard geckos one of the most promising emerging reptilian models for genetic studies. More broadly, technological advances in genetics, genomics, and gene editing may herald a golden era for studies of reptile biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhua Guo
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Geriatrics Center and Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Leonid Kruglyak
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States
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11
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Clark B, Kuwalekar M, Fischer B, Woltering J, Biran J, Juntti S, Kratochwil CF, Santos ME, Almeida MV. Genome editing in East African cichlids and tilapias: state-of-the-art and future directions. Open Biol 2023; 13:230257. [PMID: 38018094 PMCID: PMC10685126 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
African cichlid fishes of the Cichlidae family are a group of teleosts important for aquaculture and research. A thriving research community is particularly interested in the cichlid radiations of the East African Great Lakes. One key goal is to pinpoint genetic variation underlying phenotypic diversification, but the lack of genetic tools has precluded thorough dissection of the genetic basis of relevant traits in cichlids. Genome editing technologies are well established in teleost models like zebrafish and medaka. However, this is not the case for emerging model organisms, such as East African cichlids, where these technologies remain inaccessible to most laboratories, due in part to limited exchange of knowledge and expertise. The Cichlid Science 2022 meeting (Cambridge, UK) hosted for the first time a Genome Editing Workshop, where the community discussed recent advances in genome editing, with an emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9 technologies. Based on the workshop findings and discussions, in this review we define the state-of-the-art of cichlid genome editing, share resources and protocols, and propose new possible avenues to further expand the cichlid genome editing toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan Clark
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Muktai Kuwalekar
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014, Finland
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014, Finland
| | - Bettina Fischer
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joost Woltering
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg 78457, Germany
| | - Jakob Biran
- Department of Poultry and Aquaculture, Institute of Animal Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Scott Juntti
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Claudius F. Kratochwil
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014, Finland
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014, Finland
| | | | - Miguel Vasconcelos Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Jackson LR, Lopez MS, Alward B. Breaking Through the Bottleneck: Krogh's Principle in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology and the Potential of Gene Editing. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:428-443. [PMID: 37312279 PMCID: PMC10445420 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1929, August Krogh wrote that for every question in biology, there is a species or collection of species in which pursuing such questions is the most appropriate for achieving the deepest insights. Referred to as "Krogh's Principle," these words are a guiding force for many biologists. In practice, Krogh's principle might guide a biologist interested in studying bi-parental care to choose not to use lab mice, in which the female does most of the parenting, but instead study species in which bi-parental care is present and clearly observable, such as in certain poison dart frogs. This approach to pursuing biological questions has been fruitful, with more in-depth insights achievable with new technologies. However, up until recently, an important limitation of Krogh's principle for biologists interested in the functions of certain genes, was certain techniques were only available for a few traditional model organisms such as lab mice, fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), zebrafish (Danio rerio) and C. elegans (Caenorhabditis elegans), in which testing the functions of molecular systems on biological processes can be achieved using genetic knockout (KO) and transgenic technology. These methods are typically more precise than other approaches (e.g., pharmacology) commonly used in nontraditional model organisms to address similar questions. Therefore, some of the most in-depth insights into our understanding of the molecular control of these mechanisms have come from a small number of genetically tractable species. Recent advances in gene editing technology such as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9 gene editing as a laboratory tool has changed the insights achievable for biologists applying Krogh's principle. In this review, we will provide a brief summary on how some researchers of nontraditional model organisms have been able to achieve different levels of experimental precision with limited genetic tractability in their non-traditional model organism in the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology, a field in which understanding tissue and brain-region specific actions of molecules of interest has been a major goal. Then, we will highlight the exciting potential of Krogh's principle using discoveries made in a popular model species of social behavior, the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni. Specifically, we will focus on insights gained from studies of the control of social status by sex steroid hormones (androgens and estrogens) in A. burtoni that originated during field observations during the 1970s, and have recently culminated in novel insights from CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in laboratory studies. Our review highlighting discoveries in A. burtoni may function as a roadmap for others using Krogh's principle aiming to incorporate gene editing into their research program. Gene editing is thus a powerful complimentary laboratory tool researchers can use to yield novel insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of physiology and behavior in non-traditional model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian R Jackson
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204USA
| | - Mariana S Lopez
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204USA
| | - Beau Alward
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004USA
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13
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Pinto BJ, Gamble T, Smith CH, Wilson MA. A lizard is never late: Squamate genomics as a recent catalyst for understanding sex chromosome and microchromosome evolution. J Hered 2023; 114:445-458. [PMID: 37018459 PMCID: PMC10445521 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2011, the first high-quality genome assembly of a squamate reptile (lizard or snake) was published for the green anole. Dozens of genome assemblies were subsequently published over the next decade, yet these assemblies were largely inadequate for answering fundamental questions regarding genome evolution in squamates due to their lack of contiguity or annotation. As the "genomics age" was beginning to hit its stride in many organismal study systems, progress in squamates was largely stagnant following the publication of the green anole genome. In fact, zero high-quality (chromosome-level) squamate genomes were published between the years 2012 and 2017. However, since 2018, an exponential increase in high-quality genome assemblies has materialized with 24 additional high-quality genomes published for species across the squamate tree of life. As the field of squamate genomics is rapidly evolving, we provide a systematic review from an evolutionary genomics perspective. We collated a near-complete list of publicly available squamate genome assemblies from more than half-a-dozen international and third-party repositories and systematically evaluated them with regard to their overall quality, phylogenetic breadth, and usefulness for continuing to provide accurate and efficient insights into genome evolution across squamate reptiles. This review both highlights and catalogs the currently available genomic resources in squamates and their ability to address broader questions in vertebrates, specifically sex chromosome and microchromosome evolution, while addressing why squamates may have received less historical focus and has caused their progress in genomics to lag behind peer taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Pinto
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Department of Zoology, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Tony Gamble
- Department of Zoology, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, United States
| | - Chase H Smith
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Melissa A Wilson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Biodesign Institute, Tempe, AZ, United States
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14
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Golkar-Narenji A, Dziegiel P, Kempisty B, Petitte J, Mozdziak PE, Bryja A. In vitro culture of reptile PGCS to preserve endangered species. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1314-1326. [PMID: 37178380 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs), are the source of gametes in vertebrates. There are similarities in the development of PGCs of reptiles with avian and mammalian species PGCs development. PGCs culture has been performed for avian and mammalian species but there is no report for reptilian PGCs culture. In vitro culture of PGCs is needed to produce transgenic animals, preservation of endangered animals and for studies on cell behaviour and research on fertility. Reptiles are traded as exotic pets and a source of food and they are valuable for their skin and they are useful as model for medical research. Transgenic reptile has been suggested to be useful for pet industry and medical research. In this research different aspects of PGCs development was compared in three main classes of vertebrates including mammalian, avian and reptilian species. It is proposed that a discussion on similarities between reptilian PGCs development with avian and mammalian species helps to find clues for studies of reptilian PGCs development details and finding an efficient protocol for in vitro culture of reptilian PG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Golkar-Narenji
- Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Piotr Dziegiel
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Histology and Embryology, Wrocław Medical University, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
- Graduate Physiology Program NC State University North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Anatomy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
| | - James Petitte
- Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Paul Edward Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Graduate Physiology Program NC State University North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Artur Bryja
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Anatomy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
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15
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Gable SM, Mendez JM, Bushroe NA, Wilson A, Byars MI, Tollis M. The State of Squamate Genomics: Past, Present, and Future of Genome Research in the Most Speciose Terrestrial Vertebrate Order. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1387. [PMID: 37510292 PMCID: PMC10379679 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamates include more than 11,000 extant species of lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians, and display a dazzling diversity of phenotypes across their over 200-million-year evolutionary history on Earth. Here, we introduce and define squamates (Order Squamata) and review the history and promise of genomic investigations into the patterns and processes governing squamate evolution, given recent technological advances in DNA sequencing, genome assembly, and evolutionary analysis. We survey the most recently available whole genome assemblies for squamates, including the taxonomic distribution of available squamate genomes, and assess their quality metrics and usefulness for research. We then focus on disagreements in squamate phylogenetic inference, how methods of high-throughput phylogenomics affect these inferences, and demonstrate the promise of whole genomes to settle or sustain persistent phylogenetic arguments for squamates. We review the role transposable elements play in vertebrate evolution, methods of transposable element annotation and analysis, and further demonstrate that through the understanding of the diversity, abundance, and activity of transposable elements in squamate genomes, squamates can be an ideal model for the evolution of genome size and structure in vertebrates. We discuss how squamate genomes can contribute to other areas of biological research such as venom systems, studies of phenotypic evolution, and sex determination. Because they represent more than 30% of the living species of amniote, squamates deserve a genome consortium on par with recent efforts for other amniotes (i.e., mammals and birds) that aim to sequence most of the extant families in a clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M Gable
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Jasmine M Mendez
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Nicholas A Bushroe
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Adam Wilson
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Michael I Byars
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Marc Tollis
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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16
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Tzika AC, Ullate-Agote A, Zakany S, Kummrow M, Milinkovitch MC. Somitic positional information guides self-organized patterning of snake scales. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadf8834. [PMID: 37315141 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf8834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Two influential concepts in tissue patterning are Wolpert's positional information and Turing's self-organized reaction-diffusion (RD). The latter establishes the patterning of hair and feathers. Here, our morphological, genetic, and functional-by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene disruption-characterization of wild-type versus "scaleless" snakes reveals that the near-perfect hexagonal pattern of snake scales is established through interactions between RD in the skin and somitic positional information. First, we show that ventral scale development is guided by hypaxial somites and, second, that ventral scales and epaxial somites guide the sequential RD patterning of the dorsolateral scales. The RD intrinsic length scale evolved to match somite periodicity, ensuring the alignment of ribs and scales, both of which play a critical role in snake locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia C Tzika
- Laboratory of Artificial & Natural Evolution (LANE), Department of Genetics & Evolution, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Asier Ullate-Agote
- Laboratory of Artificial & Natural Evolution (LANE), Department of Genetics & Evolution, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Szabolcs Zakany
- Laboratory of Artificial & Natural Evolution (LANE), Department of Genetics & Evolution, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maya Kummrow
- Tierspital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michel C Milinkovitch
- Laboratory of Artificial & Natural Evolution (LANE), Department of Genetics & Evolution, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Lučanský V, Holubeková V, Kolková Z, Halašová E, Samec M, Golubnitschaja O. Multi-faceted CRISPR/Cas technological innovation aspects in the framework of 3P medicine. EPMA J 2023; 14:201-217. [PMID: 37275547 PMCID: PMC10201107 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-023-00324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Since 2009, the European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine (EPMA, Brussels) promotes the paradigm change from reactive approach to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) to protect individuals in sub-optimal health conditions from the health-to-disease transition, to increase life-quality of the affected patient cohorts improving, therefore, ethical standards and cost-efficacy of healthcare to great benefits of the society at large. The gene-editing technology utilizing CRISPR/Cas gene-editing approach has demonstrated its enormous value as a powerful tool in a broad spectrum of bio/medical research areas. Further, CRISPR/Cas gene-editing system is considered applicable to primary and secondary healthcare, in order to prevent disease spread and to treat clinically manifested disorders, involving diagnostics of SARS-Cov-2 infection and experimental treatment of COVID-19. Although the principle of the proposed gene editing is simple and elegant, there are a lot of technological challenges and ethical considerations to be solved prior to its broadly scaled clinical implementation. This article highlights technological innovation beyond the state of the art, exemplifies current achievements, discusses unsolved technological and ethical problems, and provides clinically relevant outlook in the framework of 3PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Lučanský
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED CU), Biomedical Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Holubeková
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED CU), Biomedical Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Kolková
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED CU), Biomedical Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Erika Halašová
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFMED CU), Biomedical Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive, Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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18
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Pinto BJ, Gamble T, Smith CH, Wilson MA. A lizard is never late: squamate genomics as a recent catalyst for understanding sex chromosome and microchromosome evolution. bioRxiv 2023:2023.01.20.524006. [PMID: 37034614 PMCID: PMC10081179 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.524006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, the first high-quality genome assembly of a squamate reptile (lizard or snake) was published for the green anole. Dozens of genome assemblies were subsequently published over the next decade, yet these assemblies were largely inadequate for answering fundamental questions regarding genome evolution in squamates due to their lack of contiguity or annotation. As the "genomics age" was beginning to hit its stride in many organismal study systems, progress in squamates was largely stagnant following the publication of the green anole genome. In fact, zero high-quality (chromosome-level) squamate genomes were published between the years 2012-2017. However, since 2018, an exponential increase in high-quality genome assemblies has materialized with 24 additional high-quality genomes published for species across the squamate tree of life. As the field of squamate genomics is rapidly evolving, we provide a systematic review from an evolutionary genomics perspective. We collated a near-complete list of publicly available squamate genome assemblies from more than half-a-dozen international and third-party repositories and systematically evaluated them with regard to their overall quality, phylogenetic breadth, and usefulness for continuing to provide accurate and efficient insights into genome evolution across squamate reptiles. This review both highlights and catalogs the currently available genomic resources in squamates and their ability to address broader questions in vertebrates, specifically sex chromosome and microchromosome evolution, while addressing why squamates may have received less historical focus and has caused their progress in genomics to lag behind peer taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Pinto
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ USA
- Department of Zoology, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI USA
| | - Tony Gamble
- Department of Zoology, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee WI USA
- Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN USA
| | - Chase H Smith
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Melissa A Wilson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ USA
- Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Biodesign Institute, Tempe, AZ USA
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19
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Abe T, Kaneko M, Kiyonari H. A reverse genetic approach in geckos with the CRISPR/Cas9 system by oocyte microinjection. Dev Biol 2023; 497:26-32. [PMID: 36868446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Reptiles are important model organisms in developmental and evolutionary biology, but are used less widely than other amniotes such as mouse and chicken. One of the main reasons for this is that has proven difficult to conduct CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in many reptile species despite the widespread use of this technology in other taxa. Certain features of reptile reproductive systems make it difficult to access one-cell or early-stage zygotes, which represents a key impediment to gene editing techniques. Recently, Rasys and colleagues reported a genome editing method using oocyte microinjection that allowed them to produce genome-edited Anolis lizards. This method opened a new avenue to reverse genetics studies in reptiles. In the present article, we report the development of a related method for genome editing in the Madagascar ground gecko (Paroedura picta), a well-established experimental model, and describe the generation of Tyr and Fgf10 gene-knockout geckos in the F0 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaya Abe
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuou-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Mari Kaneko
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuou-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuou-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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20
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Garcia-Elfring A, Sabin CE, Iouchmanov AL, Roffey HL, Samudra SP, Alcala AJ, Osman RS, Lauderdale JD, Hendry AP, Menke DB, Barrett RDH. Piebaldism and chromatophore development in reptiles are linked to the tfec gene. Curr Biol 2023; 33:755-763.e3. [PMID: 36702128 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Reptiles display great diversity in color and pattern, yet much of what we know about vertebrate coloration comes from classic model species such as the mouse and zebrafish.1,2,3,4 Captive-bred ball pythons (Python regius) exhibit a remarkable degree of color and pattern variation. Despite the wide range of Mendelian color phenotypes available in the pet trade, ball pythons remain an overlooked species in pigmentation research. Here, we investigate the genetic basis of the recessive piebald phenotype, a pattern defect characterized by patches of unpigmented skin (leucoderma). We performed whole-genome sequencing and used a case-control approach to discover a nonsense mutation in the gene encoding the transcription factor tfec, implicating this gene in the leucodermic patches in ball pythons. We functionally validated tfec in a lizard model (Anolis sagrei) using the gene editing CRISPR/Cas9 system and TEM imaging of skin. Our findings show that reading frame mutations in tfec affect coloration and lead to a loss of iridophores in Anolis, indicating that tfec is required for chromatophore development. This study highlights the value of captive-bred ball pythons as a model species for accelerating discoveries on the genetic basis of vertebrate coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Garcia-Elfring
- Department of Biology, Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Christina E Sabin
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Neuroscience Division of the Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Anna L Iouchmanov
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Heather L Roffey
- Biology Department, Vanier College, Montreal, QC H4L 3X9, Canada
| | - Sukhada P Samudra
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Aaron J Alcala
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rida S Osman
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - James D Lauderdale
- Neuroscience Division of the Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Andrew P Hendry
- Department of Biology, Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Douglas B Menke
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rowan D H Barrett
- Department of Biology, Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
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21
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Guzy JC, Falk BG, Smith BJ, Willson JD, Reed RN, Aumen NG, Avery ML, Bartoszek IA, Campbell E, Cherkiss MS, Claunch NM, Currylow AF, Dean T, Dixon J, Engeman R, Funck S, Gibble R, Hengstebeck KC, Humphrey JS, Hunter ME, Josimovich JM, Ketterlin J, Kirkland M, Mazzotti FJ, McCleery R, Miller MA, McCollister M, Parker MR, Pittman SE, Rochford M, Romagosa C, Roybal A, Snow RW, Spencer MM, Waddle JH, Yackel Adams AA, Hart KM. Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools. NB 2023. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.80.90439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are native to southeastern Asia, however, there is an established invasive population inhabiting much of southern Florida throughout the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Pythons have severely impacted native species and ecosystems in Florida and represent one of the most intractable invasive-species management issues across the globe. The difficulty stems from a unique combination of inaccessible habitat and the cryptic and resilient nature of pythons that thrive in the subtropical environment of southern Florida, rendering them extremely challenging to detect. Here we provide a comprehensive review and synthesis of the science relevant to managing invasive Burmese pythons. We describe existing control tools and review challenges to productive research, identifying key knowledge gaps that would improve future research and decision making for python control.
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22
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Alward BA, Hoadley AP, Jackson LR, Lopez MS. Genetic dissection of steroid-hormone modulated social behavior: Novel paralogous genes are a boon for discovery. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105295. [PMID: 36502603 PMCID: PMC9839648 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research across species has led to important discoveries on the functions of steroid hormones in the regulation of behavior. However, like in many fields, advancements in transgenic and mutagenic technology allowed mice to become the premier genetic model for conducting many experiments to understand how steroids control social behavior. Since there has been a general lack of parallel methodological developments in other species, many of the findings cannot be generalized. This is especially the case for teleost fish, in which a whole-genome duplication produced novel paralogs for key steroid hormone signaling genes. In this review, we summarize technical advancements over the history of the field of neuroendocrinology that have led to important insights in our understanding of the control of social behavior by steroids. We demonstrate that early mouse genetic models to understand these mechanisms suffered from several issues that were remedied by more precise transgenic technological advancements. We then highlight the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tools that will in time bridge the gap between mice and non-traditional model species for understanding principles of steroid hormone action in the modulation of social behavior. We specifically highlight the role of teleost fish in bridging this gap because they are 1) highly genetically tractable and 2) provide a novel advantage in achieving precise genetic control. The field of neuroendocrinology is entering a new "gene editing revolution" that will lead to novel discoveries about the roles of steroid hormones in the regulation and evolutionary trajectories of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau A Alward
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America; University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, United States of America.
| | - Andrew P Hoadley
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Lillian R Jackson
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Mariana S Lopez
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
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23
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Mallo M. Shaping Hox gene activity to generate morphological diversity across vertebrate phylogeny. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:717-26. [PMID: 35924372 DOI: 10.1042/EBC20220050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The importance of Hox genes for the development and evolution of the vertebrate axial skeleton and paired appendages has been recognized for already several decades. The steady growth of genomic sequence data from an increasing number of vertebrate species, together with the improvement of methods to analyze genomic structure and interactions, as well as to control gene activity in various species has refined our understanding of Hox gene activity in development and evolution. Here, I will review recent data addressing the influence of Hox regulatory processes in the evolution of the fins and the emergence of the tetrapod limb. In addition, I will discuss the involvement of posterior Hox genes in the control of vertebrate axial extension, focusing on an apparently divergent activity that Hox13 paralog group genes have on the regulation of tail bud development in mouse and zebrafish embryos.
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24
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Kanamori S, Díaz LM, Cádiz A, Yamaguchi K, Shigenobu S, Kawata M. Draft genome of six Cuban Anolis lizards and insights into genetic changes during their diversification. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:129. [PMID: 36333669 PMCID: PMC9635203 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-02086-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Detecting genomic variants and their accumulation processes during species diversification and adaptive radiation is important for understanding the molecular and genetic basis of evolution. Anolis lizards in the West Indies are good models for studying evolutionary mechanisms because of the repeated evolution of their morphology and the ecology. We performed de novo genome assembly of six Cuban Anolis lizards with different ecomorphs and thermal habitats (Anolis isolepis, Anolis allisoni, Anolis porcatus, Anolis allogus, Anolis homolechis, and Anolis sagrei). We carried out a comparative analysis of these genome assemblies to investigate the genetic changes that occurred during their diversification. Results We reconstructed novel draft genomes with relatively long scaffolds and high gene completeness, with the scaffold N50 ranging from 5.56 to 39.79 Mb and vertebrate Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs completeness ranging from 77.5% to 86.9%. Comparing the repeat element compositions and landscapes revealed differences in the accumulation process between Cuban trunk-crown and trunk-ground species and separate expansions of several families of LINE in each Cuban trunk-ground species. Duplicated gene analysis suggested that the proportional differences in duplicated gene numbers among Cuban Anolis lizards may be associated with differences in their habitat ranges. Additionally, Pairwise Sequentially Markovian Coalescent analysis suggested that the effective population sizes of each species may have been affected by Cuba’s geohistory. Conclusions We provide draft genomes of six Cuban Anolis lizards and detected species and lineage-specific transposon accumulation and gene copy number changes that may be involved in adaptive evolution. The change processes in the past effective population size was also estimated, and the factors involved were inferred. These results provide new insights into the genetic basis of Anolis lizard diversification and are expected to serve as a stepping stone for the further elucidation of their diversification mechanisms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-022-02086-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Kanamori
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Luis M. Díaz
- National Museum of Natural History of Cuba, Havana, Cuba
| | - Antonio Cádiz
- grid.412165.50000 0004 0401 9462Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA
| | - Katsushi Yamaguchi
- grid.419396.00000 0004 0618 8593Trans-Omics Facility, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- grid.419396.00000 0004 0618 8593Trans-Omics Facility, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan ,grid.275033.00000 0004 1763 208XDepartment of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Masakado Kawata
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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25
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Madhi ZS, Shallan MA, Almaamuri AM, Alhussainy AA, AL- Salih SSS, Raheem AK, Alwan HJ, Jalil AT. Lipids and lipid derivatives for delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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26
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Geneva AJ, Park S, Bock DG, de Mello PLH, Sarigol F, Tollis M, Donihue CM, Reynolds RG, Feiner N, Rasys AM, Lauderdale JD, Minchey SG, Alcala AJ, Infante CR, Kolbe JJ, Schluter D, Menke DB, Losos JB. Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the brown anole (Anolis sagrei), an emerging model species. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1126. [PMID: 36284162 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04074-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid technological improvements are democratizing access to high quality, chromosome-scale genome assemblies. No longer the domain of only the most highly studied model organisms, now non-traditional and emerging model species can be genome-enabled using a combination of sequencing technologies and assembly software. Consequently, old ideas built on sparse sampling across the tree of life have recently been amended in the face of genomic data drawn from a growing number of high-quality reference genomes. Arguably the most valuable are those long-studied species for which much is already known about their biology; what many term emerging model species. Here, we report a highly complete chromosome-scale genome assembly for the brown anole, Anolis sagrei – a lizard species widely studied across a variety of disciplines and for which a high-quality reference genome was long overdue. This assembly exceeds the vast majority of existing reptile and snake genomes in contiguity (N50 = 253.6 Mb) and annotation completeness. Through the analysis of this genome and population resequence data, we examine the history of repetitive element accumulation, identify the X chromosome, and propose a hypothesis for the evolutionary history of fusions between autosomes and the X that led to the sex chromosomes of A. sagrei. A highly-complete chromosome-scale genome assembly of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, provides insight into the evolution of sex chromosomes and is a crucial resource for this model lizard species.
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27
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Abstract
Understanding the genetic basis of reproductive isolation and adaptive traits in natural populations is one of the fundamental goals in evolutionary biology. Genome editing technologies based on CRISPR-Cas systems and site-specific recombinases have enabled us to modify a targeted genomic region as desired and thus to conduct functional analyses of target loci, genes and mutations even in non-conventional model organisms. Here, we review the technical properties of genome editing techniques by classifying them into the following applications: targeted gene knock-out for investigating causative gene functions, targeted gene knock-in of marker genes for visualizing expression patterns and protein functions, precise gene replacement for identifying causative alleles and mutations, and targeted chromosomal rearrangement for investigating the functional roles of chromosomal structural variations. We describe examples of their application to demonstrate functional analysis of naturally occurring genetic variations and discuss how these technologies can be applied to speciation and adaptation research. This article is part of the theme issue 'Genetic basis of adaptation and speciation: from loci to causative mutations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ansai
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Jun Kitano
- Ecological Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genomics and Evolutionary Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
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28
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Sun DA, Bredeson JV, Bruce HS, Patel NH. Identification and classification of cis-regulatory elements in the amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis. Development 2022; 149:275484. [PMID: 35608283 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Emerging research organisms enable the study of biology that cannot be addressed using classical 'model' organisms. New data resources can accelerate research in such animals. Here, we present new functional genomic resources for the amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis, facilitating the exploration of gene regulatory evolution using this emerging research organism. We use Omni-ATAC-seq to identify accessible chromatin genome-wide across a broad time course of Parhyale embryonic development. This time course encompasses many major morphological events, including segmentation, body regionalization, gut morphogenesis and limb development. In addition, we use short- and long-read RNA-seq to generate an improved Parhyale genome annotation, enabling deeper classification of identified regulatory elements. We discover differential accessibility, predict nucleosome positioning, infer transcription factor binding, cluster peaks based on accessibility dynamics, classify biological functions and correlate gene expression with accessibility. Using a Minos transposase reporter system, we demonstrate the potential to identify novel regulatory elements using this approach. This work provides a platform for the identification of novel developmental regulatory elements in Parhyale, and offers a framework for performing such experiments in other emerging research organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis A Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jessen V Bredeson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Nipam H Patel
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.,Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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29
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Smith LB, Anderson CV, Withangage MHH, Koch A, Roberts TJ, Liebl AL. Relationship between gene expression networks and muscle contractile physiology differences in Anolis lizards. J Comp Physiol B 2022; 192:489-499. [PMID: 35596083 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-022-01441-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Muscles facilitate most animal behavior, from eating to fleeing. However, to generate the variation in behavior necessary for survival, different muscles must perform differently; for instance, sprinting requires multiple rapid muscle contractions, whereas biting may require fewer contractions but greater force. Here, we use a transcriptomic approach to identify genes associated with variation in muscle contractile physiology among different muscles from the same individual. We measured differential gene expression between a leg and jaw muscle of Anolis lizards known to differ in muscle contractile physiology and performance. For each individual, one muscle was used to measure muscle contractile physiology, including contractile velocity (Vmax and V40), specific tension, power ratio, and twitch time, whereas the contralateral muscle was used to extract RNA for transcriptomic sequencing. Using the transcriptomic data, we found clear clustering of muscle type. Expression of genes clustered in gene ontology (GO) terms related to muscle contraction and extracellular matrix was, on average, negatively correlated with Vmax and slower twitch times but positively correlated to power ratio and V40. Conversely, genes related to the GO terms related to aerobic respiration were downregulated in muscles with higher power ratio and V40, and over-expressed as twitch time decreased. Determining the molecular mechanisms that underlie variation in muscle contractile physiology can begin to explain how organisms are able to optimize behavior under variable conditions. Future studies pursuing the effects of differential gene expression across muscle types in different environments might inform researchers about how differences develop across species, populations, and individuals varying in ecological history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke B Smith
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA.,Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | | | - Miyuraj H Hikkaduwa Withangage
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA.,College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew Koch
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Thomas J Roberts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Andrea L Liebl
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA.
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30
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Pinto BJ, Keating SE, Nielsen SV, Scantlebury DP, Daza JD, Gamble T. Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly Reveals Dynamic Sex Chromosomes in Neotropical Leaf-Litter Geckos (Sphaerodactylidae: Sphaerodactylus). J Hered 2022; 113:272-287. [PMID: 35363859 PMCID: PMC9270867 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is a critical element of successful vertebrate development, suggesting that sex chromosome systems might be evolutionarily stable across lineages. For example, mammals and birds have maintained conserved sex chromosome systems over long evolutionary time periods. Other vertebrates, in contrast, have undergone frequent sex chromosome transitions, which is even more amazing considering we still know comparatively little across large swaths of their respective phylogenies. One reptile group in particular, the gecko lizards (infraorder Gekkota), shows an exceptional lability with regard to sex chromosome transitions and may possess the majority of transitions within squamates (lizards and snakes). However, detailed genomic and cytogenetic information about sex chromosomes is lacking for most gecko species, leaving large gaps in our understanding of the evolutionary processes at play. To address this, we assembled a chromosome-level genome for a gecko (Sphaerodactylidae: Sphaerodactylus) and used this assembly to search for sex chromosomes among six closely related species using a variety of genomic data, including whole-genome re-sequencing, RADseq, and RNAseq. Previous work has identified XY systems in two species of Sphaerodactylus geckos. We expand upon that work to identify between two and four sex chromosome cis-transitions (XY to a new XY) within the genus. Interestingly, we confirmed two different linkage groups as XY sex chromosome systems that were previously unknown to act as sex chromosomes in tetrapods (syntenic with Gallus chromosome 3 and Gallus chromosomes 18/30/33), further highlighting a unique and fascinating trend that most linkage groups have the potential to act as sex chromosomes in squamates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Pinto
- Address correspondence to B. J. Pinto at the address above, or e-mail:
| | - Shannon E Keating
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - Stuart V Nielsen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA,Division of Herpetology, Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | | | - Juan D Daza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA
| | - Tony Gamble
- Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA,Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA,Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55455, USA
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31
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Clark B, Elkin J, Marconi A, Turner GF, Smith AM, Joyce D, Miska EA, Juntti SA, Santos ME. Oca2 targeting using CRISPR/Cas9 in the Malawi cichlid Astatotilapia calliptera. R Soc Open Sci 2022; 9:220077. [PMID: 35601449 PMCID: PMC9019512 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Identifying genetic loci underlying trait variation provides insights into the mechanisms of diversification, but demonstrating causality and characterizing the role of genetic loci requires testing candidate gene function, often in non-model species. Here we establish CRISPR/Cas9 editing in Astatotilapia calliptera, a generalist cichlid of the remarkably diverse Lake Malawi radiation. By targeting the gene oca2 required for melanin synthesis in other vertebrate species, we show efficient editing and germline transmission. Gene edits include indels in the coding region, probably a result of non-homologous end joining, and a large deletion in the 3' untranslated region due to homology-directed repair. We find that oca2 knock-out A. calliptera lack melanin, which may be useful for developmental imaging in embryos and studying colour pattern formation in adults. As A. calliptera resembles the presumed generalist ancestor of the Lake Malawi cichlids radiation, establishing genome editing in this species will facilitate investigating speciation, adaptation and trait diversification in this textbook radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan Clark
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Joel Elkin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - George F. Turner
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2TH, UK
| | - Alan M. Smith
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, UK
| | - Domino Joyce
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, UK
| | - Eric A. Miska
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, UK
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
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32
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Wang H, Obeidy P, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Su QP, Cox CD, Ju LA. Fluorescence-coupled micropipette aspiration assay to examine calcium mobilization caused by red blood cell mechanosensing. Eur Biophys J 2022; 51:135-146. [PMID: 35286429 PMCID: PMC8964638 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-022-01595-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli such as tension, compression, and shear stress play critical roles in the physiological functions of red blood cells (RBCs) and their homeostasis, ATP release, and rheological properties. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) mobilization reflects RBC mechanosensing as they transverse the complex vasculature. Emerging studies have demonstrated the presence of mechanosensitive Ca2+ permeable ion channels and their function has been implicated in the regulation of RBC volume and deformability. However, how these mechanoreceptors trigger Ca2+ influx and subsequent cellular responses are still unclear. Here, we introduce a fluorescence-coupled micropipette aspiration assay to examine RBC mechanosensing at the single-cell level. To achieve a wide range of cell aspirations, we implemented and compared two negative pressure adjusting apparatuses: a homemade water manometer (- 2.94 to 0 mmH2O) and a pneumatic high-speed pressure clamp (- 25 to 0 mmHg). To visualize Ca2+ influx, RBCs were pre-loaded with an intensiometric probe Cal-520 AM, then imaged under a confocal microscope with concurrent bright-field and fluorescent imaging at acquisition rates of 10 frames per second. Remarkably, we observed the related changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels immediately after aspirating individual RBCs in a pressure-dependent manner. The RBC aspirated by the water manometer only displayed 1.1-fold increase in fluorescence intensity, whereas the RBC aspirated by the pneumatic clamp showed up to threefold increase. These results demonstrated the water manometer as a gentle tool for cell manipulation with minimal pre-activation, while the high-speed pneumatic clamp as a much stronger pressure actuator to examine cell mechanosensing directly. Together, this multimodal platform enables us to precisely control aspiration and membrane tension, and subsequently correlate this with intracellular calcium concentration dynamics in a robust and reproducible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Peyman Obeidy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Zihao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia.,School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Yunduo Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia.,Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia.,Cellular and Genetic Medicine Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Qian Peter Su
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Charles D Cox
- Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia. .,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia. .,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.
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Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles vital for energy production with now appreciated roles in immune defense. During microbial infection, mitochondria serve as signaling hubs to induce immune responses to counteract invading pathogens like viruses. Mitochondrial functions are central to a variety of antiviral responses including apoptosis and type I interferon signaling (IFN-I). While apoptosis and IFN-I mediated by mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) are well-established defenses, new dimensions of mitochondrial biology are emerging as battlefronts during viral infection. Increasingly, it has become apparent that mitochondria serve as reservoirs for distinct cues that trigger immune responses and that alterations in mitochondrial morphology may also tip infection outcomes. Furthermore, new data are foreshadowing pivotal roles for classic, homeostatic facets of this organelle as host-virus interfaces, namely, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and electron transport chain (ETC) complexes like respiratory supercomplexes. Underscoring the importance of "housekeeping" mitochondrial activities in viral infection is the growing list of viral-encoded inhibitors including mimics derived from cellular genes that antagonize these functions. For example, virologs for ETC factors and several enzymes from the TCA cycle have been recently identified in DNA virus genomes and serve to pinpoint new vulnerabilities during infection. Here, we highlight recent advances for known antiviral functions associated with mitochondria as well as where the next battlegrounds may be based on viral effectors. Collectively, new methodology and mechanistic insights over the coming years will strengthen our understanding of how an ancient molecular truce continues to defend cells against viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Sorouri
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Tyron Chang
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Genetics, Disease, and Development Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Dustin C Hancks
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Wang H, Zhou F, Guo Y, Ju LA. Micropipette-based biomechanical nanotools on living cells. Eur Biophys J 2022; 51:119-133. [PMID: 35171346 PMCID: PMC8964576 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is an emerging field at the interface of biology and mechanics, investigating the roles of mechanical forces within biomolecules, organelles, cells, and tissues. As a highlight, the recent advances of micropipette-based aspiration assays and dynamic force spectroscopies such as biomembrane force probe (BFP) provide unprecedented mechanobiological insights with excellent live-cell compatibility. In their classic applications, these assays measure force-dependent ligand-receptor-binding kinetics, protein conformational changes, and cellular mechanical properties such as cortical tension and stiffness. In recent years, when combined with advanced microscopies in high spatial and temporal resolutions, these biomechanical nanotools enable characterization of receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing and subsequent organelle behaviors at single-cellular and molecular level. In this review, we summarize the latest developments of these assays for live-cell mechanobiology studies. We also provide perspectives on their future upgrades with multimodal integration and high-throughput capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Fang Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuze Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia. .,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. .,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia.
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35
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Stundl J, Soukup V, Franěk R, Pospisilova A, Psutkova V, Pšenička M, Cerny R, Bronner ME, Medeiros DM, Jandzik D. Efficient CRISPR Mutagenesis in Sturgeon Demonstrates Its Utility in Large, Slow-Maturing Vertebrates. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:750833. [PMID: 35223827 PMCID: PMC8867083 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.750833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the CRISPR/Cas9 bacterial virus defense system has been adapted as a user-friendly, efficient, and precise method for targeted mutagenesis in eukaryotes. Though CRISPR/Cas9 has proven effective in a diverse range of organisms, it is still most often used to create mutant lines in lab-reared genetic model systems. However, one major advantage of CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis over previous gene targeting approaches is that its high efficiency allows the immediate generation of near-null mosaic mutants. This feature could potentially allow genotype to be linked to phenotype in organisms with life histories that preclude the establishment of purebred genetic lines; a group that includes the vast majority of vertebrate species. Of particular interest to scholars of early vertebrate evolution are several long-lived and slow-maturing fishes that diverged from two dominant modern lineages, teleosts and tetrapods, in the Ordovician, or before. These early-diverging or “basal” vertebrates include the jawless cyclostomes, cartilaginous fishes, and various non-teleost ray-finned fishes. In addition to occupying critical phylogenetic positions, these groups possess combinations of derived and ancestral features not seen in conventional model vertebrates, and thus provide an opportunity for understanding the genetic bases of such traits. Here we report successful use of CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in one such non-teleost fish, sterlet Acipenser ruthenus, a small species of sturgeon. We introduced mutations into the genes Tyrosinase, which is needed for melanin production, and Sonic hedgehog, a pleiotropic developmental regulator with diverse roles in early embryonic patterning and organogenesis. We observed disruption of both loci and the production of consistent phenotypes, including both near-null mutants’ various hypomorphs. Based on these results, and previous work in lamprey and amphibians, we discuss how CRISPR/Cas9 F0 mutagenesis may be successfully adapted to other long-lived, slow-maturing aquatic vertebrates and identify the ease of obtaining and injecting eggs and/or zygotes as the main challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Stundl
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Soukup
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Roman Franěk
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Anna Pospisilova
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Viktorie Psutkova
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Pšenička
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Robert Cerny
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marianne E. Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Meulemans Medeiros
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado in Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - David Jandzik
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- *Correspondence: David Jandzik,
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36
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Vonk AC, Hasel-kolossa SC, Lopez GA, Hudnall ML, Gamble DJ, Lozito TP. Lizard Blastema Organoid Model Recapitulates Regenerated Tail Chondrogenesis. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:12. [PMID: 35225965 PMCID: PMC8883911 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Lizard tail regeneration provides a unique model of blastema-based tissue regeneration for large-scale appendage replacement in amniotes. Green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) blastemas contain fibroblastic connective tissue cells (FCTCs), which respond to hedgehog signaling to create cartilage in vivo. However, an in vitro model of the blastema has not previously been achieved in culture. (2) Methods: By testing two adapted tissue dissociation protocols and two optimized media formulations, lizard tail FCTCs were pelleted in vitro and grown in a micromass blastema organoid culture. Pellets were analyzed by histology and in situ hybridization for FCTC and cartilage markers alongside staged original and regenerating lizard tails. (3) Results: Using an optimized serum-free media and a trypsin- and collagenase II-based dissociation protocol, micromass blastema organoids were formed. Organoid cultures expressed FCTC marker CDH11 and produced cartilage in response to hedgehog signaling in vitro, mimicking in vivo blastema and tail regeneration. (4) Conclusions: Lizard tail blastema regeneration can be modeled in vitro using micromass organoid culture, recapitulating in vivo FCTC marker expression patterns and chondrogenic potential.
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Abstract
For four decades, genetically altered laboratory animals have provided invaluable information. Originally, genetic modifications were performed on only a few animal species, often chosen because of the ready accessibility of embryonic materials and short generation times. The methods were often slow, inefficient and expensive. In 2013, a new, extremely efficient technology, namely CRISPR/Cas9, not only made the production of genetically altered organisms faster and cheaper, but also opened it up to non-conventional laboratory animal species. CRISPR/Cas9 relies on a guide RNA as a 'location finder' to target DNA double strand breaks induced by the Cas9 enzyme. This is a prerequisite for non-homologous end joining repair to occur, an error prone mechanism often generating insertion or deletion of genetic material. If a DNA template is also provided, this can lead to homology directed repair, allowing precise insertions, deletions or substitutions. Due to its high efficiency in targeting DNA, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic modification is now possible in virtually all animal species for which we have genome sequence data. Furthermore, modifications of Cas9 have led to more refined genetic alterations from targeted single base-pair mutations to epigenetic modifications. The latter offer altered gene expression without genome alteration. With this ever growing genetic toolbox, the number and range of genetically altered conventional and non-conventional laboratory animals with simple or complex genetic modifications is growing exponentially.
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Li G, Li X, Zhuang S, Wang L, Zhu Y, Chen Y, Sun W, Wu Z, Zhou Z, Chen J, Huang X, Wang J, Li D, Li W, Wang H, Wei W. Gene editing and its applications in biomedicine. Sci China Life Sci 2022; 65:660-700. [PMID: 35235150 PMCID: PMC8889061 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The steady progress in genome editing, especially genome editing based on the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and programmable nucleases to make precise modifications to genetic material, has provided enormous opportunities to advance biomedical research and promote human health. The application of these technologies in basic biomedical research has yielded significant advances in identifying and studying key molecular targets relevant to human diseases and their treatment. The clinical translation of genome editing techniques offers unprecedented biomedical engineering capabilities in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease or disability. Here, we provide a general summary of emerging biomedical applications of genome editing, including open challenges. We also summarize the tools of genome editing and the insights derived from their applications, hoping to accelerate new discoveries and therapies in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglei Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Songkuan Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Liren Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yifan Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yangcan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zeguang Wu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhuo Zhou
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Xingxu Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Haoyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Wensheng Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Perry SM, Mitchell MA. Reptile assisted reproductive technologies: can ART help conserve 300million years of evolution by preserving extant reptile biodiversity? Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:385-400. [PMID: 34914885 DOI: 10.1071/rd21034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity loss is the greatest environmental problem threatening ecosystem, animal, and human health. Anthropogenic induced changes to climate, habitat, disease, species distributions, poaching, and unsustainable trade have accelerated extinction rates in all vertebrates, including reptiles. Preventing reptile extinctions will require humans to acknowledge these losses and develop ex situ and in situ plans to preserve them. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are management tools used to protect numerous vertebrate taxa; however, progress in developing ART for reptiles has lagged. Creating functional and sustainable reptile ART will strengthen our conservation capacity by capturing genetic material from select individuals to overcome natural or manmade boundaries. Utilising short-term gamete storage and genome resource banking, in conjunction with timed artificial insemination (AI) or ex ovo incubation, could lead to profound advances in reptile conservation, mitigating the loss of reptile biodiversity. In this article, we review ART reptile research completed since the 1970s. Topics include AI, hormonal control of reproduction, gamete collection, gamete storage, and genome resource banking. Additionally, we review the potential application of advanced reproductive methodologies, including in vitro/ex ovo fertilisation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, cloning (somatic cell nuclear transfer), and genetic editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Perry
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; and Mississippi Aquarium, 2100 E Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, MS, USA
| | - Mark A Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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Abstract
Natural history collections are invaluable repositories of biological information that provide an unrivaled record of Earth's biodiversity. Museum genomics-genomics research using traditional museum and cryogenic collections and the infrastructure supporting these investigations-has particularly enhanced research in ecology and evolutionary biology, the study of extinct organisms, and the impact of anthropogenic activity on biodiversity. However, leveraging genomics in biological collections has exposed challenges, such as digitizing, integrating, and sharing collections data; updating practices to ensure broadly optimal data extraction from existing and new collections; and modernizing collections practices, infrastructure, and policies to ensure fair, sustainable, and genomically manifold uses of museum collections by increasingly diverse stakeholders. Museum genomics collections are poised to address these challenges and, with increasingly sensitive genomics approaches, will catalyze a future era of reproducibility, innovation, and insight made possible through integrating museum and genome sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daren C Card
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA; .,Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Beth Shapiro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Gonzalo Giribet
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA; .,Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Craig Moritz
- Centre for Biodiversity Analysis and Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA; .,Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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41
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Thépot D. Sex Chromosomes and Master Sex-Determining Genes in Turtles and Other Reptiles. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1822. [PMID: 34828428 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Among tetrapods, the well differentiated heteromorphic sex chromosomes of birds and mammals have been highly investigated and their master sex-determining (MSD) gene, Dmrt1 and SRY, respectively, have been identified. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of reptiles have been the least studied, but the gap with birds and mammals has begun to fill. This review describes our current knowledge of reptilian sex chromosomes at the cytogenetic and molecular level. Most of it arose recently from various studies comparing male to female gene content. This includes restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) experiments in several male and female samples, RNA sequencing and identification of Z- or X-linked genes by male/female comparative transcriptome coverage, and male/female transcriptomic or transcriptome/genome substraction approaches allowing the identification of Y- or W-linked transcripts. A few putative master sex-determining (MSD) genes have been proposed, but none has been demonstrated yet. Lastly, future directions in the field of reptilian sex chromosomes and their MSD gene studies are considered.
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Myers EA, Mulcahy DG, Falk B, Johnson K, Carbi M, de Queiroz K. Interspecific Gene Flow and Mitochondrial Genome Capture During the Radiation of Jamaican Anolis Lizards (Squamata; Iguanidae). Syst Biol 2021; 71:501-511. [PMID: 34735007 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene flow and reticulation are increasingly recognized as important processes in the diversification of many taxonomic groups. With the increasing ease of collecting genomic data and the development of multispecies coalescent network approaches, such reticulations can be accounted for when inferring phylogeny and diversification. Caribbean Anolis lizards are a classic example of an adaptive radiation in which species have independently radiated on the islands of the Greater Antilles into the same ecomorph classes. Within the Jamaican radiation at least one species, A. opalinus, has been documented to be polyphyletic in its mitochondrial DNA, which could be the result of an ancient reticulation event or incomplete lineage sorting. Here we generate mtDNA and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data and implement gene-tree, species-tree, and multispecies coalescent network methods to infer the diversification of this group. Our mtDNA gene-tree recovers the same relationships previously inferred for this group, which is strikingly different from the species-tree inferred from our GBS data. Posterior predictive simulations suggest that our genomic data violate commonly adopted assumptions of the multispecies coalescent model, so we use network approaches to infer phylogenetic relationships. The inferred network topology contains a reticulation event but does not explain the mtDNA polyphyly observed in this group, however coalescent simulations suggest that the observed mtDNA topology is likely the result of past introgression. How common a signature of gene flow and reticulation is across the radiation of Anolis is unknown; however, the reticulation events that we demonstrate here may have allowed for adaptive evolution, as has been suggested in other, more recent adaptive radiations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Myers
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Herpetology, The American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel G Mulcahy
- Global Genome Initiative, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bryan Falk
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kiyomi Johnson
- Science Research Mentoring Program, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St., NY, NY 10024, USA
| | - Marina Carbi
- Science Research Mentoring Program, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St., NY, NY 10024, USA
| | - Kevin de Queiroz
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
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43
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Rasys AM, Pau SH, Irwin KE, Luo S, Kim HQ, Wahle MA, Trainor PA, Menke DB, Lauderdale JD. Ocular elongation and retraction in foveated reptiles. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1584-1599. [PMID: 33866663 PMCID: PMC10731578 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pronounced asymmetric changes in ocular globe size during eye development have been observed in a number of species ranging from humans to lizards. In contrast, largely symmetric changes in globe size have been described for other species like rodents. We propose that asymmetric changes in the three-dimensional structure of the developing eye correlate with the types of retinal remodeling needed to produce areas of high photoreceptor density. To test this idea, we systematically examined three-dimensional aspects of globe size as a function of eye development in the bifoveated brown anole, Anolis sagrei. RESULTS During embryonic development, the anole eye undergoes dynamic changes in ocular shape. Initially spherical, the eye elongates in the presumptive foveal regions of the retina and then proceeds through a period of retraction that returns the eye to its spherical shape. During this period of retraction, pit formation and photoreceptor cell packing are observed. We found a similar pattern of elongation and retraction associated with the single fovea of the veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus. CONCLUSIONS These results, together with those reported for other foveated species, support the idea that areas of high photoreceptor packing occur in regions where the ocular globe asymmetrically elongates and retracts during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Rasys
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Shana H. Pau
- Department of Genetics, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Katherine E. Irwin
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Sherry Luo
- Department of Genetics, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Hannah Q. Kim
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | | | - Paul A. Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Douglas B. Menke
- Department of Genetics, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - James D. Lauderdale
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Neuroscience Division of the Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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44
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Lozito TP, Londono R, Sun AX, Hudnall ML. Introducing dorsoventral patterning in adult regenerating lizard tails with gene-edited embryonic neural stem cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6010. [PMID: 34650077 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26321-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lizards regenerate amputated tails but fail to recapitulate the dorsoventral patterning achieved during embryonic development. Regenerated lizard tails form ependymal tubes (ETs) that, like embryonic tail neural tubes (NTs), induce cartilage differentiation in surrounding cells via sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. However, adult ETs lack characteristically roof plate-associated structures and express Shh throughout their circumferences, resulting in the formation of unpatterned cartilage tubes. Both NTs and ETs contain neural stem cells (NSCs), but only embryonic NSC populations differentiate into roof plate identities when protected from endogenous Hedgehog signaling. NSCs were isolated from parthenogenetic lizard embryos, rendered unresponsive to Hedgehog signaling via CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout of smoothened (Smo), and implanted back into clonally-identical adults to regulate tail regeneration. Here we report that Smo knockout embryonic NSCs oppose cartilage formation when engrafted to adult ETs, representing an important milestone in the creation of regenerated lizard tails with dorsoventrally patterned skeletal tissues. Organisms with regenerative capacity typically regrow organs with correct axial patterning, however, regrown lizard tails lack this feature. Here the authors used neural stem cells to induce patterning in regenerating lizard tails and rescued normal skeletal morphology.
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Glimm T, Kiskowski M, Moreno N, Chiari Y. Capturing and analyzing pattern diversity: an example using the melanistic spotted patterns of leopard geckos. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11829. [PMID: 34595062 PMCID: PMC8436963 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal color patterns are widely studied in ecology, evolution, and through mathematical modeling. Patterns may vary among distinct body parts such as the head, trunk or tail. As large amounts of photographic data is becoming more easily available, there is a growing need for general quantitative methods for capturing and analyzing the full complexity and details of pattern variation. Detailed information on variation in color pattern elements is necessary to understand how patterns are produced and established during development, and which evolutionary forces may constrain such a variation. Here, we develop an approach to capture and analyze variation in melanistic color pattern elements in leopard geckos. We use this data to study the variation among different body parts of leopard geckos and to draw inferences about their development. We compare patterns using 14 different indices such as the ratio of melanistic versus total area, the ellipticity of spots, and the size of spots and use these to define a composite distance between two patterns. Pattern presence/absence among the different body parts indicates a clear pathway of pattern establishment from the head to the back legs. Together with weak within-individual correlation between leg patterns and main body patterns, this suggests that pattern establishment in the head and tail may be independent from the rest of the body. We found that patterns vary greatest in size and density of the spots among body parts and individuals, but little in their average shapes. We also found a correlation between the melanistic patterns of the two front legs, as well as the two back legs, and also between the head, tail and trunk, especially for the density and size of the spots, but not their shape or inter-spot distance. Our data collection and analysis approach can be applied to other organisms to study variation in color patterns between body parts and to address questions on pattern formation and establishment in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilmann Glimm
- Department of Mathematics, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States of America
| | - Maria Kiskowski
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States of America
| | - Nickolas Moreno
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
| | - Ylenia Chiari
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
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46
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Westfall AK, Telemeco RS, Grizante MB, Waits DS, Clark AD, Simpson DY, Klabacka RL, Sullivan AP, Perry GH, Sears MW, Cox CL, Cox RM, Gifford ME, John-Alder HB, Langkilde T, Angilletta MJ, Leaché AD, Tollis M, Kusumi K, Schwartz TS. A chromosome-level genome assembly for the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus), a reptile model for physiological and evolutionary ecology. Gigascience 2021; 10:6380105. [PMID: 34599334 PMCID: PMC8486681 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giab066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High-quality genomic resources facilitate investigations into behavioral ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations, and the evolution of genomic architecture. Lizards in the genus Sceloporus have a long history as important ecological, evolutionary, and physiological models, making them a valuable target for the development of genomic resources. Findings We present a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome assembly, SceUnd1.0 (using 10X Genomics Chromium, HiC, and Pacific Biosciences data), and tissue/developmental stage transcriptomes for the eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus. We performed synteny analysis with other snake and lizard assemblies to identify broad patterns of chromosome evolution including the fusion of micro- and macrochromosomes. We also used this new assembly to provide improved reference-based genome assemblies for 34 additional Sceloporus species. Finally, we used RNAseq and whole-genome resequencing data to compare 3 assemblies, each representing an increased level of cost and effort: Supernova Assembly with data from 10X Genomics Chromium, HiRise Assembly that added data from HiC, and PBJelly Assembly that added data from Pacific Biosciences sequencing. We found that the Supernova Assembly contained the full genome and was a suitable reference for RNAseq and single-nucleotide polymorphism calling, but the chromosome-level scaffolds provided by the addition of HiC data allowed synteny and whole-genome association mapping analyses. The subsequent addition of PacBio data doubled the contig N50 but provided negligible gains in scaffold length. Conclusions These new genomic resources provide valuable tools for advanced molecular analysis of an organism that has become a model in physiology and evolutionary ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aundrea K Westfall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rory S Telemeco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.,Department of Biology, California State University Fresno, Fresno, CA 93740, USA
| | | | - Damien S Waits
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Amanda D Clark
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Dasia Y Simpson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Randy L Klabacka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Alexis P Sullivan
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - George H Perry
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.,Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.,Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Michael W Sears
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Christian L Cox
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Robert M Cox
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Matthew E Gifford
- Department of Biology, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72035, USA
| | - Henry B John-Alder
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Adam D Leaché
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marc Tollis
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.,School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Kenro Kusumi
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Tonia S Schwartz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Yamaguchi K, Kadota M, Nishimura O, Ohishi Y, Naito Y, Kuraku S. Technical considerations in Hi-C scaffolding and evaluation of chromosome-scale genome assemblies. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:5923-5934. [PMID: 34432923 PMCID: PMC9292758 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The recent development of ecological studies has been fueled by the introduction of massive information based on chromosome‐scale genome sequences, even for species for which genetic linkage is not accessible. This was enabled mainly by the application of Hi‐C, a method for genome‐wide chromosome conformation capture that was originally developed for investigating the long‐range interaction of chromatins. Performing genomic scaffolding using Hi‐C data is highly resource‐demanding and employs elaborate laboratory steps for sample preparation. It starts with building a primary genome sequence assembly as an input, which is followed by computation for genome scaffolding using Hi‐C data, requiring careful validation. This article presents technical considerations for obtaining optimal Hi‐C scaffolding results and provides a test case of its application to a reptile species, the Madagascar ground gecko (Paroedura picta). Among the metrics that are frequently used for evaluating scaffolding results, we investigate the validity of the completeness assessment of chromosome‐scale genome assemblies using single‐copy reference orthologues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Yamaguchi
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Mitsutaka Kadota
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Osamu Nishimura
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuta Ohishi
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuki Naito
- Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), Mishima, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Kuraku
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Molecular Life History Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan.,Department of Genetics, Sokendai (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Japan
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Abstract
Lizards use chemical communication to mediate many reproductive, competitive, and social behaviors, but the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying chemical communication in lizards are not well understood and understudied. By implementing a neuroendocrine approach to the study of chemical communication in reptiles, we can address a major gap in our knowledge of the evolutionary mechanisms shaping chemical communication in vertebrates. The neuropeptide arginine vasotocin (AVT) and its mammalian homolog vasopressin are responsible for a broad spectrum of diversity in competitive and reproductive strategies in many vertebrates, mediating social behavior through the chemosensory modality. In this review, we posit that, though limited, the available data on AVT-mediated chemical communication in lizards reveal intriguing patterns that suggest AVT plays a more prominent role in lizard chemosensory behavior than previously appreciated. We argue that these results warrant more research into the mechanisms used by AVT to modify the performance of chemosensory behavior and responses to conspecific chemical signals. We first provide a broad overview of the known social functions of chemical signals in lizards, the glandular sources of chemical signal production in lizards (e.g., epidermal secretory glands), and the chemosensory detection methods and mechanisms used by lizards. Then, we review the locations of vasotocinergic populations and neuronal projections in lizard brains, as well as sites of peripheral receptors for AVT in lizards. Finally, we end with a case study in green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), discussing findings from recently published work on the impact of AVT in adult males on chemosensory communication during social interactions, adding new data from a similar study in which we tested the impact of AVT on chemosensory behavior of adult females. We offer concluding remarks on addressing several fundamental questions regarding the role of AVT in chemosensory communication and social behavior in lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Campos
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Selma S Belkasim
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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Li CY, Steighner JR, Sweatt G, Thiele TR, Juntti SA. Manipulation of the Tyrosinase gene permits improved CRISPR/Cas editing and neural imaging in cichlid fish. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15138. [PMID: 34302019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94577-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct tests of gene function have historically been performed in a limited number of model organisms. The CRISPR/Cas system is species-agnostic, offering the ability to manipulate genes in a range of models, enabling insights into evolution, development, and physiology. Astatotilapia burtoni, a cichlid fish from the rivers and shoreline around Lake Tanganyika, has been extensively studied in the laboratory to understand evolution and the neural control of behavior. Here we develop protocols for the creation of CRISPR-edited cichlids and create a broadly useful mutant line. By manipulating the Tyrosinase gene, which is necessary for eumelanin pigment production, we describe a fast and reliable approach to quantify and optimize gene editing efficiency. Tyrosinase mutants also remove a major obstruction to imaging, enabling visualization of subdermal structures and fluorophores in situ. These protocols will facilitate broad application of CRISPR/Cas9 to studies of cichlids as well as other non-traditional model aquatic species.
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50
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Kiyonari H, Kaneko M, Abe T, Shiraishi A, Yoshimi R, Inoue KI, Furuta Y. Targeted gene disruption in a marsupial, Monodelphis domestica, by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Curr Biol 2021; 31:3956-3963.e4. [PMID: 34293331 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marsupials represent one of three extant mammalian subclasses with very unique characteristics not shared by other mammals. Most notably, much of the development of neonates immaturely born after a relatively short gestation takes place in the external environment. Among marsupials, the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica; hereafter "the opossum") is one of very few established laboratory models. Due to many biologically unique characteristics and experimentally advantageous features, the opossum is used as a prototype species for basic research on marsupial biology.1,2 However, in vivo studies of gene function in the opossum, and thus marsupials in general, lag far behind those of eutherian mammals due to the lack of reliable means to manipulate their genomes. In this study, we describe the successful generation of genome edited opossums by a combination of refined methodologies in reproductive biology and embryo manipulation. We took advantage of the opossum's resemblance to popular rodent models, such as the mouse and rat, in body size and breeding characteristics. First, we established a tractable pipeline of reproductive technologies, from induction of ovulation, timed copulation, and zygote collection to embryo transfer to pseudopregnant females, that warrant an essential platform to manipulate opossum zygotes. Further, we successfully demonstrated the generation of gene knockout opossums at the Tyr locus by microinjection of pronuclear stage zygotes using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, along with germline transmission of the edited alleles to the F1 generation. This study provides a critical foundation for venues to expand mammalian reverse genetics into the metatherian subclass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Mari Kaneko
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takaya Abe
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Aki Shiraishi
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Riko Yoshimi
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Inoue
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Furuta
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; Mouse Genetics Core Facility, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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