1
|
Dowd S, Lagalante L, Rahlfs J, Sharo C, Opulente D, Lagalante A, Elmer J. Sequencing of the Lumbricus terrestris genome reveals degeneracy in its erythrocruorin genes. Biochimie 2024; 219:130-141. [PMID: 37981225 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.11.007] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The erythrocruorin of Lumbricus terrestris (LtEc) is a relatively large macromolecular assembly that consists of at least four different hemoglobin subunits (A, B, C, and D) and four linker subunits (L1, L2, L3, and L4). The complexity and stability of this large structure make LtEc an attractive hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier that could potentially be used as a substitute for donated red blood cells. However, the sequences of the LtEc subunit sequences must be determined before a scalable recombinant expression platform can be developed. The goal of this study was to sequence the L. terrestris genome to identify the complete sequences of the LtEc subunit genes. Our results revealed multiple homologous genes for each subunit (e.g., two homologous A globin genes; A1 and A2), with the exception of the L4 linker. Some of the homologous genes encoded identical peptide sequences (C1 and C2, L1a and L1b), while cDNA and mass spectrometry experiments revealed that some of the homologs are not expressed (e.g., A2). In contrast, multiple sequences for the B, D, L2, and L4 subunits were detected in LtEc samples. These observations reveal novel degeneracy in LtEc and other annelids, along with some new revisions to its previously published peptide sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Dowd
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Luke Lagalante
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Jack Rahlfs
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Catherine Sharo
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Dana Opulente
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Anthony Lagalante
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Jacob Elmer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Villanova University, 800 E Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carpena-Istan V, Jurado MM, Estrella-Gonzalez MJ, Salinas J, Martinez-Gallardo MR, Toribio AJ, Lopez-Gonzalez JA, Suarez-Estrella F, Saez JA, Moral R, Lopez MJ. Enhancing earthworm ( Lumbricus terrestris) tolerance to plastic contamination through gut microbiome fortification with plastic-degrading microorganisms. J Hazard Mater 2024; 463:132836. [PMID: 37931339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132836] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms from L. terrestris gut previously exposed to different types of plastic (PET, LDPE, LLDPE, and PS) were studied to be used as probiotics of earthworms in plastic-contaminated soils (LDPE, LLDPE and recycled mulching film) at mesocosm-scale trials. The most abundant morphotypes with enzymatic capacities of interest were identified. Pseudomonas alkylphenolica (PL4) and Pseudomonas putida (PL5) strains were selected to be used as inoculants using Morus alba leaves as carriers to strengthen the intestinal microbiota of earthworms. Culture (selective cetrimide agar medium) and molecular (qPCR) techniques were used to trace the presence of the inoculum in the intestine of the earthworms. Additionally, a metataxonomic analysis was carried out to study the biodiversity and functionality of the earthworm microbiome, and their measure of survival and weight. Probiotics improved the survival rates of earthworms exposed to plastics, which also increased the abundance of microbial groups of interest in plastic bioremediation tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Carpena-Istan
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - Macarena M Jurado
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain.
| | - Maria J Estrella-Gonzalez
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - Jesus Salinas
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - Maria R Martinez-Gallardo
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - Ana J Toribio
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - Juan A Lopez-Gonzalez
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - Francisca Suarez-Estrella
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - Jose A Saez
- Department of Agrochemistry and Environment, Miguel Hernández University, EPS-Orihuela, ctra. Beniel Km 3.2, 03312, Orihuela, Alicante, Spain
| | - Raul Moral
- Department of Agrochemistry and Environment, Miguel Hernández University, EPS-Orihuela, ctra. Beniel Km 3.2, 03312, Orihuela, Alicante, Spain
| | - Maria J Lopez
- Department of. Biology and Geology, CITE II-B, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, CIAIMBITAL, ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mittmannsgruber M, Kavassilas Z, Spangl B, Gruber E, Jagg E, Zaller JG. Artificial light at night reduces earthworm activity but increases growth of invasive ragweed. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:10. [PMID: 38243160 PMCID: PMC10797752 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02200-x] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial light at night, also referred to as light pollution (LP), has been shown to affect many organisms. However, little is known about the extent to which ecological interactions between earthworms and plants are altered by LP. We investigated the effects of LP on anecic earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) that come to the surface at night to forage and mate, and on the germination and growth of the invasive and allergenic ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). In a full factorial pot experiment in the greenhouse, we tested four factors and their interactions: LP (5 lux vs. 0 lux at night), earthworms (two individuals vs. none), plant species (seeding of ragweed only vs. mixed with Phacelia seeds) and sowing depth (seed placed at the surface vs. in 5 cm depth). Data were analysed using Generalized Linear (Mixed) Models and multifactorial ANOVAs with soil parameters as covariates. RESULTS Light pollution reduced earthworm surface activity by 76% as measured by casting activity and toothpick index; 85% of mating earthworms were observed in the absence of LP. Light pollution in interaction with earthworms reduced ragweed germination by 33%. However, LP increased ragweed height growth by 104%. Earthworms reduced ragweed germination especially when seeds were placed on the soil surface, suggesting seed consumption by earthworms. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that anecic earthworms are negatively affected by LP because reduced surface activity limits their ability to forage and mate. The extent to which earthworm-induced ecosystem services or community interactions are also affected by LP remains to be investigated. If the increased height growth of ragweed leads to increased pollen and seed production, it is likely that the competition of ragweed with field crops and the risks to human health will also increase under LP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mittmannsgruber
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, 1180, Austria
| | - Zenia Kavassilas
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, 1180, Austria
| | - Bernhard Spangl
- Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences, Institute of Statistics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, 1180, Austria
| | - Edith Gruber
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, 1180, Austria
| | - Elias Jagg
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, 1180, Austria
| | - Johann G Zaller
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, 1180, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Blaxter ML, Spurgeon D, Kille P. The genome sequence of the common earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758). Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:500. [PMID: 38249959 PMCID: PMC10799228 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.20178.1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a genome assembly from an individual Lumbricus terrestris (the common earthworm; Annelida; Clitellata; Haplotaxida; Lumbricidae). The genome sequence is 1,056.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.93 kilobases in length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark L. Blaxter
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, England, UK
| | - David Spurgeon
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, England, UK
| | - Peter Kille
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, England, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, England, UK
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, England, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, England, UK
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Tree of Life Core Informatics collective
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, England, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, England, UK
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sanchez-Hernandez JC, Narváez C, Cares XA, Sabat P, Naidu R. Predicting the bioremediation potential of earthworms of different ecotypes through a multi-biomarker approach. Sci Total Environ 2023; 862:160547. [PMID: 36481136 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160547] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms are attracting the attention of bioremediation research because of their short-term impact on pollutant fate. However, earthworm-assisted bioremediation largely depends on the earthworm sensitivity to target pollutants and its metabolic capacity to break down contaminants. The most studied species in soil bioremediation has been Eisenia fetida, which inhabits the soil surface feeding on decomposing organic residues. Therefore, its bioremediation potential may be limited to organic matter-rich topsoil. We compared the detoxification potential against organophosphate (OP) pesticides of three earthworm species representative of the main ecotypes: epigeic, anecic, and endogeic. Selected biomarkers of pesticide detoxification (esterases, cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase, and glutathione S-transferase) and oxidative homeostasis (total antioxidant capacity, glutathione levels, and glutathione reductase [GR] and catalase activities) were measured in the muscle wall and gastrointestinal tract of E. fetida (epigeic), Lumbricus terrestris (anecic) and Aporrectodea caliginosa (endogeic). Our results show that L. terrestris was the most suitable species to bioremediate OP-contaminated soil for the following reasons: 1) Gut carboxylesterase (CbE) activity of L. terrestris was higher than that of E. fetida, whereas muscle CbE activity was more sensitivity to OP inhibition than that of E. fetida, which means a high capacity to inactivate the toxic oxon metabolites of OPs. 2) Muscle and gut phosphotriesterase activities were significantly higher in L. terrestris than in the other species. 3) Enzymatic (catalase and GR) and molecular mechanisms of free radical inactivation (glutathione) were 3- to 4-fold higher in L. terrestris concerning E. fetida and A. caliginosa, which reveals a higher potential to keep the cellular oxidative homeostasis against reactive metabolites formed during OP metabolism. Together with biological and ecological traits, these toxicological traits suggest L. terrestris a better candidate for soil bioremediation than epigeic earthworms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Sanchez-Hernandez
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain; Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Cristóbal Narváez
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ximena Andrade Cares
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Pablo Sabat
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile; Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Esmaeili A, Knox O, Leech C, Hasenohr S, Juhasz A, Wilson SC. Modelling polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bioavailability in historically contaminated soils with six in-vitro chemical extractions and three earthworm ecotypes. Sci Total Environ 2022; 845:157265. [PMID: 35817096 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157265] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Accurate prediction of organic contaminant bioavailability for risk assessment in ecological applications is hindered by limited validation on relevant bioassay species. Here, six in-vitro chemical extraction methods (butanol, non-buffered and buffered hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD, Buf-HPCD), Tenax, potassium persulfate oxidation, polyoxymethylene solid phase extraction (POM)) were tested for PAH bioaccumulation prediction in three earthworm ecotypes with dissimilar exposures, Amynthas sp., Eisenia fetida, and Lumbricus terrestris, in historically contaminated soils from manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites. Extractions were compared directly and modelled in a calculation approach using equilibrium partitioning theory (EqPT) with a novel combination of different organic carbon/octanol-water partitioning parameters (KOC and KOW). In the direct comparison approach Buf-HPCD showed the closest prediction of accumulation for burrowing Amynthas sp. and L. terrestris (within 1.5 and 3.1, respectively), but Tenax and POM showed the closest approximation for E. fetida (within 1.1 and 0.9, respectively). The optimum method for predicting PAH bioaccumulation in the calculation approach depended on earthworm species and the partitioning parameters used in equations of the four models, but overall POM, which was independent of KOC, showed the closest approximation of accumulation, within a factor of 2.5 across all species. This work effectively identifies the optimum in-vitro based approaches for PAH bioavailability prediction in earthworms as a model soil health indicator for ecological risk assessment within regulatory and remediation decision frameworks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Esmaeili
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| | - Oliver Knox
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Calvin Leech
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Stefan Hasenohr
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Albert Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.
| | - Susan C Wilson
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lahive E, Cross R, Saarloos AI, Horton AA, Svendsen C, Hufenus R, Mitrano DM. Earthworms ingest microplastic fibres and nanoplastics with effects on egestion rate and long-term retention. Sci Total Environ 2022; 807:151022. [PMID: 34662614 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic fibres (MPFs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have the potential to be hazardous to soil organisms. Understanding uptake into organisms is key in assessing these effects, but this is often limited by the analytical challenges to quantify smaller-sized plastics in complex matrices. This study used MPFs and NPs containing inorganic tracers (In, Pd) to quantify uptake in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Following seven days exposure, tracer concentrations were measured in earthworms and faeces. Earthworms exposed to 500 μg MPFs/g soil retained an estimated 32 MPFs in their tissues, while at 5000 μg MPFs/g earthworms retained between 2 and 593 MPFs. High variation in body burdens of MPFs was linked to soil retention in earthworms and reduced faeces production, suggesting egestion was being affected by MPFs. NPs uptake and elimination was also assessed over a more extended time-period of 42 days. After 1 day, NPs were no longer detectable in faeces during the elimination phase. However, some retention of NPs in the earthworms was estimated, not linked to retained soil, indicating not all NPs were eliminated. MPFs and NPs uptake can be quantified in earthworms and both particle types can be retained beyond the depuration period, suggesting the potential for longer-term accumulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elma Lahive
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - Richard Cross
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Aafke I Saarloos
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK; Department of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alice A Horton
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK; National Oceanography Centre, European Way, SO14 3ZH Southampton, UK
| | - Claus Svendsen
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Rudolf Hufenus
- Laboratory of Advanced Fibers, Empa, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Denise M Mitrano
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chelkha M, Blanco-Pérez R, Vicente-Díez I, Bueno-Pallero FÁ, Amghar S, El Harti A, Campos-Herrera R. Earthworms and their cutaneous excreta can modify the virulence and reproductive capability of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi. J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 184:107620. [PMID: 34004164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107620] [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: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Earthworms are ecological engineers that can contribute to the displacement of biological control agents such as the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and fungi (EPF). However, a previous study showed that the presence of cutaneous excreta (CEx) and feeding behavior of the earthworm species Eisenia fetida (Haplotaxida: Lumbricidae) compromise the biocontrol efficacy of certain EPN species by reducing, for example, their reproductive capability. Whether this phenomenon is a general pattern for the interaction of earthworms-entomopathogens is still unknown. We hypothesized that diverse earthworm species might differentially affect EPN and EPF infectivity and reproductive capability. Here we investigated the interaction of different earthworm species (Eisenia fetida, Lumbricus terrestris, and Perionyx excavatus) (Haplotaxida) and EPN species (Steinernema feltiae, S. riojaense, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) (Rhabditida) or EPF species (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae) (Hypocreales), in two independent experiments. First, we evaluated the application of each entomopathogen combined with earthworms or their CEx in autoclaved soil. Hereafter, we studied the impact of the earthworms' CEx on entomopathogens applied at two different concentrations in autoclaved sand. Overall, we found that the effect of earthworms on entomopathogens was species-specific. For example, E. fetida reduced the virulence of S. feltiae, resulted in neutral effects for S. riojaense, and increased H. bacteriophora virulence. However, the earthworm P. excavates increased the virulence of S. feltiae, reduced the activity of H. bacteriophora, at least at specific timings, while S. riojaense remained unaffected. Finally, none of the EPN species were affected by the presence of L. terrestris. Also, the exposure to earthworm CEx resulted in a positive, negative or neutral effect on the virulence and reproduction capability depending on the earthworm-EPN species interaction. Concerning EPF, the impact of earthworms was also differential among species. Thus, E. fetida was detrimental to M. anisopliae and B. bassiana after eight days post-exposure, whereas Lumbricus terrestris resulted only detrimental to B. bassiana. In addition, most of the CEx treatments of both earthworm species decreased B. bassiana virulence and growth. However, the EPF M. anisopliae was unaffected when exposed to L. terrestris CEx, while the exposure to E. fetida CEx produced contrasting results. We conclude that earthworms and their CEx can have positive, deleterious, or neutral impacts on entomopathogens that often coinhabit soils, and that we must consider the species specificity of these interactions for mutual uses in biological control programs. Additional studies are needed to verify these interactions under natural conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Chelkha
- Research Team "Lombricidae, Improving Soil Productivity and Environment" (LAPSE), Ecole Normale Supérieure (E.N.S.), Centre « Eau, Ressources Naturelles, Environnement et Développement Durable (CERNE2D), Mohammed V University, Avenue Mohamed Bel Hassan El Ouazzani, BP : 5118, Takaddoum - Rabat, Morocco; Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (CSIC-Universidad de La Rioja-Gobierno de La Rioja), Finca La Grajera, Ctra. de Burgos Km. 6, 26007 Logroño, Spain
| | - Rubén Blanco-Pérez
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (CSIC-Universidad de La Rioja-Gobierno de La Rioja), Finca La Grajera, Ctra. de Burgos Km. 6, 26007 Logroño, Spain
| | - Ignacio Vicente-Díez
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (CSIC-Universidad de La Rioja-Gobierno de La Rioja), Finca La Grajera, Ctra. de Burgos Km. 6, 26007 Logroño, Spain
| | - Francisco Ángel Bueno-Pallero
- UDIT MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Pólo, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Ed 8, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Souad Amghar
- Research Team "Lombricidae, Improving Soil Productivity and Environment" (LAPSE), Ecole Normale Supérieure (E.N.S.), Centre « Eau, Ressources Naturelles, Environnement et Développement Durable (CERNE2D), Mohammed V University, Avenue Mohamed Bel Hassan El Ouazzani, BP : 5118, Takaddoum - Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdellatif El Harti
- Research Team "Lombricidae, Improving Soil Productivity and Environment" (LAPSE), Ecole Normale Supérieure (E.N.S.), Centre « Eau, Ressources Naturelles, Environnement et Développement Durable (CERNE2D), Mohammed V University, Avenue Mohamed Bel Hassan El Ouazzani, BP : 5118, Takaddoum - Rabat, Morocco
| | - Raquel Campos-Herrera
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (CSIC-Universidad de La Rioja-Gobierno de La Rioja), Finca La Grajera, Ctra. de Burgos Km. 6, 26007 Logroño, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sanchez-Hernandez JC, Ro KS, Szogi AA, Chang S, Park B. Earthworms increase the potential for enzymatic bio-activation of biochars made from co-pyrolyzing animal manures and plastic wastes. J Hazard Mater 2021; 408:124405. [PMID: 33168317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124405] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the enzymatic activation of four different biochars produced from pyrolyzing swine manure and poultry litter, and by co-pyrolyzing these livestock residues with agricultural spent mulch plastic film wastes (plastichars). Enzymatic activation consisted of incubating biochars in soil inoculated with earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris), which acted as biological vectors to facilitate retention of extracellular enzymes onto biochar surface. The activity of carboxylesterase ‒a pesticide-detoxifying enzyme‒ was measured in non-bioturbed soils (reference), linings of the burrows created by earthworms, casts (feces) and biochar particles recovered from the soil. Our results revealed that: 1) biochar increased soil carboxylesterase activity respect to biochar-free (control) soils, which was more prominent in the presence of earthworms. 2) The maximum enzyme activity was found in soils amended with plastichars. 3) The plastichars showed higher enzyme binding capacities than that of the biochars produced from animal manure alone, corroborating the pattern of enzyme distribution found in soil. 4) The presence of earthworms in soil significantly increased the potential of the plastichars for enzymatic activation. These findings suggest that the plastichars are suitable for increasing and stabilizing soil enzyme activities with no toxicity on earthworms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Sanchez-Hernandez
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain.
| | - Kyoung S Ro
- Coastal Plains Soil, Water & Plant Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, 2611 West Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29501, USA
| | - Ariel A Szogi
- Coastal Plains Soil, Water & Plant Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, 2611 West Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29501, USA
| | - Sechin Chang
- Souther Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
| | - Bosoon Park
- National Poultry Research Center, Quality and Safety Assessment Research Unit, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Elliston T, Oliver IW. Ecotoxicological assessments of biochar additions to soil employing earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:33410-33418. [PMID: 30796657 PMCID: PMC7423795 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biochar is the degradation-resistant product generated by the pyrolysis of organic materials and is produced for the intended use of land application in order to promote carbon sequestration and soil improvement. However, despite the many potential benefits biochar application offers, it is important to quantify any ecological impacts that may result from soil amendment in order to avoid potentially causing negative effects upon soil biota which are crucial in the many ecosystem services provided by soil. Any impacts on earthworms in particular are important to evaluate because of their pivotal role in organic matter breakdown, nutrient cycling and soil formation. In this study, we conducted a series of ecotoxicological assays to determine lethal and sublethal (avoidance, mass change and moisture content) effects of heavy biochar applications that reflect levels that may be used in soil restoration efforts. Two earthworm species, Eisenia fetida, an epigeic species, and Lumbricus terrestris, an anecic species, were utilised as test organisms. Two types of biochar, produced from wheat straw and rice husk feedstocks, respectively, were applied to OECD artificial soil and to a natural soil (Kettering loam) at rates of up to 20% w/w. The influence of biochar application on soil porewater chloride, fluoride and phosphate concentrations was also assessed. The biochar applications induced only a subtle level of avoidance behaviour while effects on survival over a 4-week exposure period were inconsistent. However, death and physical damage to some individual earthworms at high biochar application rates were observed, the mechanisms and processes leading to which should be investigated further. Earthworm development (mean mass change over time) proved to be a more sensitive measure, revealing negative effects on L. terrestris at 10% and 20% (w/w) wheat biochar applications in OECD soil and at 20% (w/w) applications of both biochars in Kettering loam. The moisture content of E. fetida remained remarkably consistent across all treatments (~ 82%), indicating that this is not a sensitive measure of effects. The high rates of biochar application resulted in increased chloride (2 to 3-fold) and phosphate (100-fold) concentrations in simulated soil porewaters, which has important implications for soil fertility and production but also for environmental management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Elliston
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Ian W Oliver
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sanchez-Hernandez JC, Cares XA, Pérez MA, Del Pino JN. Biochar increases pesticide-detoxifying carboxylesterases along earthworm burrows. Sci Total Environ 2019; 667:761-768. [PMID: 30851609 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we examined whether synergistic effects of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) and pine needle-derived biochar result in biochar-coated burrows with enhanced carboxylesterase (CE) activity (a pesticide-detoxifying enzyme). Biochar was placed at the top of soil columns at two doses (2.5 and 5% w/w dry mass), with an additional biochar-free treatment as control. Carboxylesterase and dehydrogenase activities were measured in the burrow walls sampled at three depths (0-4, 8-12, and 18-22 cm). Biochar was recovered from these samples to confirm its vertical transport and enzymatic activation. We tested whether biochar protected CE activity against desiccation stress of burrow wall samples. Likewise, the role of earthworm mucus in stabilizing CE onto biochar surface was also investigated by measuring the enzyme activity in fresh biochar particles previously incubated in the presence of earthworm mucus and purified esterase. Finally, we checked for the sensitivity of biochar-bound CE activity against selected organophosphorus pesticides. The main results were: i) co-application of earthworms and biochar caused a significant increase of CE activity in the first 12 cm of the soil column, ii) recovered biochar particles displayed CE activity which was significantly higher in the particles collected from the bottom of columns, iii) soil desiccation decreased the enzymatic activity, although such effect depended on biochar treatment and column depth (22-77% inhibition). Nevertheless, CE activity still was higher in the samples from the 5%-biochar treatment than activity in control and 2.5%-biochar treatments, iv) earthworm mucus favored the retention of CE onto the biochar surface, and v) the activity of biochar-bound CE was sensitive to inhibition by chlorpyrifos-oxon. These results suggest that the joint application of L. terrestris and biochar may be a suitable vermiremediation strategy to inactivate OP pesticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Sanchez-Hernandez
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Science (ICAM), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain.
| | - Ximena Andrade Cares
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Science (ICAM), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Mariana Adrián Pérez
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Science (ICAM), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Jesús Notario Del Pino
- Department of Animal Biology, Soil Science and Geology, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Subaraja M, Vanisree AJ. The novel phytocomponent asiaticoside-D isolated from Centella asiatica exhibits monoamine oxidase-B inhibiting potential in the rotenone degenerated cerebral ganglions of Lumbricus terrestris. Phytomedicine 2019; 58:152833. [PMID: 30903943 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centella asiatica (CA) is one of the most valuable herbal medicines widely being used for the treatment of various neurological ailments that are challenging for health-care providers and also is deemed to be safe and effective. PURPOSE Monoamines (MAs) are neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that play a significant role in the neural communication, regulation of motor and cognitive functions in the brain. Neurodegeneration is associated with elevated levels of MAO-B that can lead to damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. The current study, evaluated the effects of asiaticoside-D (AD) from neuroprotective CA, on the levels and activities of monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and B), in addition to the behavioral analysis. METHODS Qualitative and quantitative analyses of various solvent extracts of CA were performed. The extracts were screened for antioxidant potential using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical, nitric oxide (NO) radical inhibition, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The purification of AD was done by column, thin layer and high-performance liquid chromatographies followed by structural elucidation using IR, HR-MS, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. Docking studies were performed to assess the impact of AD on MAO-A and B.In vivo, Lumbricus terrestris were exposed to 0.4 ppm rotenone (ROT) of medium for 7 days and were subjected to co-treatment along with 15 ppm of AD from CA. At the end of experiment period, the neuronal behavior of worms was assessed. Cerebral ganglions (CGs) were removed and the m-RNA levels of MAO-A and B were analyzed by Semi Q-PCR and their activities were also analyzed. RESULTS The ethanolic extracts exhibited higher antiradical activity against DPPH, ABTS, H2O2, LPO, FRAP, NO and vitamin C with EC50 value of 20.2, 20.9, 20.4, 22.0, 24.9, 28.1, 25.5 and 22.0 µg/ml respectively. Structural analysis by IR, HR-MS, 1H and 13C NMR spectrum have shown the structure of the isolated compound as (2α, 3β)-2,3-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oicacid-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-β-copyranosyl ester and was represented as AD. In silico interaction of AD with MAO-A and B residues Lys312 at distances of 1.84 Å and 2.44 Å respectively was found to exhibit high binding energy of -9.4 and 7.4 kcal. The neuronal behavior using L. terrestris showed significant improvement against (p < 0.001) ROT impaired behavior (group II) on AD supplementation (p < 0.05). Further, the m-RNA levels and activities of MAO-A and B which were significantly altered (p < 0.001) by ROT could be effectively maintained on AD supplementation. CONCLUSION AD was found to exert its negative impact on the levels and activities of MAO-A and B in CGs of rotenone- induced changes in L. terrestris, the property which is considered to be crucial against ROT induced neurodegenerative pathology like -Parkinsonism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamangam Subaraja
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Subaraja M, Janardhanam Vanisree A. Aberrant neurotransmissional mRNAs in cerebral ganglions of rotenone-exposed Lumbricus terrestris exhibiting motor dysfunction and altered cognitive behavior. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2019; 26:14461-14472. [PMID: 30868461 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04740-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rotenone (ROT) was shown to affect cerebral ganglions (CGs) of Lumbricus terrestris as a pioneering observation in our earlier investigation. Though ROT is a well-known neurotoxin causing neurodegeneration (ND), the precipitation of movement dysfunction remains largely unknown. We have designed the current study to analyze motor abnormalities in worms by exposing them to different concentrations (0.0-0.4 ppm) of ROT for 7 days. GABA, cholinergic receptor, serotonin transporter (SERT), acetylcholine esterase (AchE), and dopamine-β-hydroxylase that are well known for their involvement in neuromuscular junctions were investigated by qRT-PCR. Further, neuronal mitochondrial genes (cytochrome C oxidase-2, NADH deydrogenase-1, cytochrome-b) and actin-1 that are essential for regeneration and calreticulin (phagocytosis) were investigated. The levels of neurotransmitters, lipids, ATPase, neuronal behavior analyses, and fluorescence analysis (lipid droplets) were performed in CGs which showed significant variations at 0.3 ppm. Ultrastructural changes in lipid droplet and neuromelatonin were prominent in 0.3 ppm. Dose-dependent effect of ROT on behavior alteration and expression of m-RNAs studied suggested that at 0.3 ppm, it could deteriorate motor and cognitive functions. We predict that perhaps, by virtue of its effect on cerebral ganglionic genes and their neurotransmitting potential, ROT may cause morbidities that resemble features characteristic of hemiparkinsonic degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamangam Subaraja
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 025, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Subaraja M, Vanisree AJ. Counter effects of Asiaticosids-D through putative neurotransmission on rotenone induced cerebral ganglionic injury in Lumbricus terrestris. IBRO Rep 2019; 6:160-175. [PMID: 31193360 PMCID: PMC6526298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asiaticoside-D (AD) was shown to efficacy of ganglionic degenerated Lumbricus terrestris as a pioneering observation in our earlier research. Though, extract molecular mechanisms of AD for degenerative diseases (DDs) remains largely unknown. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of AD against ROT in cerebral ganglions (CGs) of degenerative L. terrestris. Worms were exposed to 0.4 ppm ROT for 7 days were subjected to co- treatment with 15 ppm of AD. After, CGs was removed. The levels oxidant, non-antioxidant, antioxidant status, ganglioside, ceramide and ceramide glycanase (CGase) were estimated. The m-RNA levels of dopamine transporter (DAT), octopamine transporter (OAT), innexins-9 (inx-9), ionotropic glutamate receptor 3 (iGlu3), heat shock proteins (hsp70), XPRLamide neuropeptide precursor, tyramine beta-hydroxylase (tbh-1) and β- adrenergic receptor kinase-2 (β-ARK2-3) by semi-qRT- PCR. The expression pattern of tyramine beta hydroxylase (TBH), glutamate receptor (iGluR), serotonin transporter (SERT), dopamine transporters (DAT), nerve growth factors (NGF), cytochrome C oxidase (COC), NADH dehydogenase subunit-1 (ND-1), neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR), neuronal nitric oxiside synthase (nNOs) interleukin 1- beta (IL1-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by western blotting. Glutaminergic, serotogenic and dopaminergic toxicity variations were also performed. The levels of oxidant, non-antioxidant, antioxidant status, lipids, proteins and m-RNAs were significantly altered (p < 0.001) on ROT-induced (group II) and their levels were significantly changes (p < 0.05) by ROT+AD in CGs. The sensitive study plan concluded the neuroprotective effects of AD against ROT induced degeneration in worms and suggest that the AD deserves future studies for its use as an effective alternative medicine that could minimize the morbidity of ganglionic degenerative diseases patients.
Collapse
Key Words
- 5HT, serotonin
- AD, Asitiacoside-D
- AD’, Alzheimer disease
- ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Asitiacoside-D
- CGase, ceramide glycanase
- CGs, cerebral ganglions
- CNS, central nervous system
- COC, cytochrome C oxidase
- Cerebral ganglions
- DA, dopamine
- DAT, dopamine transporter
- DDs, degenerative diseases
- GABARB, gama amninobutric acids -B receptor
- GDD, ganglionic degenerative disease
- HD, Huntington disease
- IL1β, interleukin-1beta
- Inx-9, innexins-9
- Lumbricus terrestris
- ND, neurodegeneration
- ND-1, NADH dehydogenase subunite-1
- NGF, nerve growth factors
- NS, nervous system
- NT, neurotransmission
- NTs, neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmission pathway
- OAT, octopamine transporter
- P75NTR, P75 neurotrophin receptor
- PD, Parkinson’s disease
- ROT, rotenone
- Rotenone
- SERT, serotonin transporter
- TBH, tyramine beta-hydroxylase
- TNF-α, tumour necrosis factor-α
- XPRL amide NP, XPR Lamide neuropeptide precursor
- iGlu3, ionotropic glutamate receptor 3
- nNOS, neuronal niticoxide synthase
- Βeta-ARK2–3, β- adrenergic receptor kinase-2
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamangam Subaraja
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Subaraja M, Kulandaisamy A, Shanmugam NRS, Vanisree AJ. Homology modeling identified for purported drug targets to the neuroprotective effects of levodopa and asiaticoside-D in degenerated cerebral ganglions of Lumbricus terrestris. Indian J Pharmacol 2019; 51:31-39. [PMID: 31031465 PMCID: PMC6444839 DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_600_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT: Homology modeling plays role in determining the therapeutic targets dreadful for condition such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDD), which pose challenge in achieving the effective managements. The structures of the serotonin transporter (SERT), aquaporin (AQP), and tropomyosin receptor kinase (TrkA) which are implicated in NDD pathology are still unknown for Lumbricus terrestris, but the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the human counterpart for modeling. AIM: This study aims to generate and evaluate the 3D structure of TrkA, SERT, and AQP proteins and their interaction with the ligands, namely Asiaticoside-D (AD) and levodopa (L-DOPA) the anti-NDD agents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Homology modeling for SERT, AQP, and TrkA proteins of Lumbricus terrestris using SWISS-MODEL Server and the modeled structure was validated using Rampage Server. Wet-lab analysis of their correspondent m-RNA levels was also done to validate the in silico data. RESULTS: It was found that TrkA had moderately high homology (67%) to human while SERT and AQP could exhibit 58% and 42%, respectively. The reliability of the model was assessed by Ramachandran plot analysis. Interactions of AD with the SERT, AQP-4, and TrkA showed the binding energies as −9.93, 8.88, and −7.58 of Kcal/mol, respectively, while for L-DOPA did show −3.93, −5.13, and −6.0 Kcal/mol, respectively. The levels of SERT, TrkA, and AQP-4 were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) on ROT induced when compared to those of control worms. On ROT + AD supplementation group (III), m-RNA levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) when compared to those of ROT induced worms (group II). CONCLUSION: Our pioneering docking data propose the possible of target which is proved useful for therapeutic investigations against the unconquered better of NDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamangam Subaraja
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Kulandaisamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N R Siva Shanmugam
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Šrut M, Menke S, Höckner M, Sommer S. Earthworms and cadmium - Heavy metal resistant gut bacteria as indicators for heavy metal pollution in soils? Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2019; 171:843-853. [PMID: 30660978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.12.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Preservation of the soil resources stability is of high importance for ecosystems, particularly in the current era of environmental change, which presents a severe pollution burden (e.g. by heavy metals) to soil fauna. Gut microbiomes are becoming recognized as important players in organism health, with comprehension of their perturbations in the polluted environment offering new insights into the nature and extent of heavy metal effects on the health of soil biota. Our aim was to investigate the effect of environmentally relevant heavy metal concentrations of cadmium (Cd) on the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) gut microbiota. Our results revealed that Cd exposure led to perturbations of earthworm gut microbiota with an increase in bacteria previously described as heavy metal resistant or able to bind heavy metals, revealing the potential of the earthworm-gut microbiota system in overcoming human-caused heavy metal pollution. Furthermore, an 'indicator species analysis' linked the bacterial genera Paenibacillus, Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas, with Cd treatment, suggesting these bacterial taxa as biomarkers of exposure in earthworms inhabiting Cd-stressed soils. The results of this study help to understand the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on soil fauna health and will have implications for environmental monitoring and protection of soil resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Šrut
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sebastian Menke
- University of Ulm, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Helmholtzstr. 10/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Martina Höckner
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simone Sommer
- University of Ulm, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Helmholtzstr. 10/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sanchez-Hernandez JC, Ríos JM, Attademo AM, Malcevschi A, Andrade Cares X. Assessing biochar impact on earthworms: Implications for soil quality promotion. J Hazard Mater 2019; 366:582-591. [PMID: 30576997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Potential harmful effects of spent coffee grounds (SCGs)-derived biochar on earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) were investigated through two complementary experiments, which assessed the avoidance response of earthworms to biochar-amended soils (experiment 1), and the response of oxidative stress biomarkers and digestive enzymes (experiment 2). The main results were: 1) the highest dose of biochar (5% w/w) caused a significant avoidance response of earthworms (75% individuals avoided these treated soils after 48 h); 2) signs of oxidative stress were early detected in earthworms exposed to biochar (1 and 5% w/w) as indicated by the integrated biological response index; 3) earthworms exposed to biochar-amended soils for 30 d experienced a significant increase of digestive enzyme activities measured in both the gastrointestinal tissue and the luminal content; 4) interaction between earthworms and biochar led to a higher soil extracellular enzyme activities in the 1% biochar treatment than that of control and 5% biochar treatments. These findings suggest that the joint application of SCG-biochar and L. terrestris is a workable approach for improving soil quality in terms of soil biochemical promotion, although earthworms may develop some physiological mechanisms of biochar tolerance (antioxidant defenses).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Sanchez-Hernandez
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain.
| | - Juan Manuel Ríos
- Laboratorio de Química Ambiental, Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales (IANIGLA)-CONICET, P.O. Box 131, ZC5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Andrés Maximiliano Attademo
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (FBCB-UNL-CONICET), Paraje El Pozo s/n, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Alessio Malcevschi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientales, Parco Area della Science, 11/a, 43124, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Ximena Andrade Cares
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sanchez-Hernandez JC, Ríos JM, Attademo AM. Response of digestive enzymes and esterases of ecotoxicological concern in earthworms exposed to chlorpyrifos-treated soils. Ecotoxicology 2018; 27:890-899. [PMID: 29497918 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1914-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of organophosphorus (OP) pesticide exposure in non-target organisms rarely involves non-neural molecular targets. Here we performed a 30-d microcosm experiment with Lumbricus terrestris to determine whether the activity of digestive enzymes (phosphatase, β-glucosidase, carboxylesterase and lipase) was sensitive to chlorpyrifos (5 mg kg-1 wet soil). Likewise, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities were measured in the wall muscle and gastrointestinal tissues as indicators of OP exposure. Chlorpyrifos inhibited the acid phosphatase (34% of controls), carboxylesterase (25.6%) and lipase activities (31%) in the gastrointestinal content. However, in the gastrointestinal tissue, only the carboxylesterase and lipase activities were significantly depressed (42-67% carboxylesterase inhibition in the foregut and crop/gizzard, and 15% lipase inhibition in the foregut). Chlorpyrifos inhibited the activity of both cholinesterases in the gastrointestinal tissues, whereas the AChE activity was affected in the wall muscle. These results suggested chlorpyrifos was widely distributed throughout the earthworm body after 30 d of incubation. Interestingly, we found muscle carboxylesterase activity strongly inhibited (92% of control) compared with that detected in the gastrointestinal tissues of the same OP-exposed individuals. This finding was explained by the occurrence of pesticide-resistant esterases in the gastrointestinal tissues, which were evidenced by zymography. Our results suggest that digestive processes of L. terrestris may be altered by chlorpyrifos, as a consequence of the inhibitory action of the insecticide on some digestive enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Sanchez-Hernandez
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Environmental Science and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071, Toledo, Spain.
| | - Juan Manuel Ríos
- Laboratorio de Química Ambiental, Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales (IANIGLA)-CONICET, P.O. Box 131, ZC5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Andrés M Attademo
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (FBCB-UNL-CONICET), Paraje El Pozo s/n, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang L, Sintim HY, Bary AI, Hayes DG, Wadsworth LC, Anunciado MB, Flury M. Interaction of Lumbricus terrestris with macroscopic polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch. Sci Total Environ 2018; 635:1600-1608. [PMID: 29678255 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene mulch films used in agriculture are a major source of plastic pollution in soils. Biodegradable plastics have been introduced as alternative to commonly-used polyethylene. Here we studied the interaction of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) with polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulches. The objective was to assess whether earthworms would select between different types of mulches when foraging for food, and whether they drag macroscopic plastic mulch into the soil. Laboratory experiments were carried out with earthworms in Petri dishes and mesocosms. The treatments were standard polyethylene mulch, four biodegradable plastic mulches (PLA/PHA [polylactic acid/polyhydroxy alkanoate], Organix, BioAgri, Naturecycle), a biodegradable paper mulch (WeedGuardPlus), and poplar litter, which served as control. Four and three replicates for the Petri dish and mesocosm experiments were used, respectively. Macroscopic plastic and paper mulch pieces (1.5 cm × 1.5 cm and 2 cm × 2 cm) were collected from an agricultural field after a growing season, after being buried in the soil for 6 and 12 months, and after being composted for 2 weeks. We found that earthworms did not ingest polyethylene. Field-weathered biodegradable plastic mulches were not ingested either, however, after soil burial and composting, some biodegradable plastics were eaten and could not be recovered from soil any longer. Earthworms, when foraging for food, dragged plastic mulch, including polyethylene and biodegradable plastic, and poplar leaves into their burrows. The burial of macroscopic plastic mulch underground led to a redistribution of plastics in the soil profile, and likely enhances the degradation of biodegradable mulches in soil, but also can lead to leaching of plastic fragments by macropore flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup, WA 98371, USA; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Henry Y Sintim
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup, WA 98371, USA
| | - Andy I Bary
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup, WA 98371, USA
| | - Douglas G Hayes
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Larry C Wadsworth
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Marife B Anunciado
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Markus Flury
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup, WA 98371, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Thiruketheeswaran P, Huch R, D'Haese J. Soluble calcium-binding proteins (SCBPs) of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris: possible role as relaxation factors in muscle. J Comp Physiol B 2018; 188:919-927. [PMID: 30056509 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-018-1177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The soluble Ca2+-binding protein (SCBP) from the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris was analyzed with regard to its role as a soluble muscle relaxation factor. The actomyosin ATPase activity was inhibited by the addition of decalcified SCBP as it binds Ca2+ stronger than the regulatory proteins associated with the actomyosin. Competitive 45Ca2+-binding assays with decalcified actomyosin and SCBP showed that 45Ca2+ is first bound to actomyosin and is subsequently taken over by SCBP with increasing incubation time. Ca2+ competition experiments carried out with 45Ca2+ loaded SCBP and fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles revealed that 45Ca2+ bound to SCBP can be deprived by the ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, experiments in a diffusion chamber showed that the addition of SCBP significantly enhances the 45Ca2+ flux in a concentration dependent manner. The amount of the Ca2+ flux increase tends to reach a maximum value of about 70%. With all protein components isolated from the obliquely striated muscle, our in vitro experiments consistently show that SCBP may accelerate muscle relaxation similar as assumed for vertebrate parvalbumin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasath Thiruketheeswaran
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ralf Huch
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jochen D'Haese
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Huerta Lwanga E, Thapa B, Yang X, Gertsen H, Salánki T, Geissen V, Garbeva P. Decay of low-density polyethylene by bacteria extracted from earthworm's guts: A potential for soil restoration. Sci Total Environ 2018; 624:753-757. [PMID: 29272844 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is the most abundant source of microplastic pollution worldwide. A recent study found that LDPE decay was increased and the size of the plastic was decreased after passing through the gut of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Oligochaeta). Here, we investigated the involvement of earthworm gut bacteria in the microplastic decay. The bacteria isolated from the earthworm's gut were Gram-positive, belonging to phylum Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. These bacteria were used in a short-term microcosm experiment performed with gamma-sterilized soil with or without LDPE microplastics (MP). We observed that the LDPE-MP particle size was significantly reduced in the presence of bacteria. In addition, the volatile profiles of the treatments were compared and clear differences were detected. Several volatile compounds such as octadecane, eicosane, docosane and tricosane were measured only in the treatments containing both bacteria and LDPE-MP, indicating that these long-chain alkanes are byproducts of bacterial LDPE-MP decay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Agroecología, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Campeche, Av Polígono s/n, Cd. Industrial, Lerma, Campeche, Mexico; Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Binita Thapa
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henny Gertsen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamás Salánki
- Soil Quality Department, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paolina Garbeva
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Department of Microbial Ecology, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mohd Firdaus MA, Agatz A, Hodson ME, Al-Khazrajy OSA, Boxall ABA. Fate, uptake, and distribution of nanoencapsulated pesticides in soil-earthworm systems and implications for environmental risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018; 37:1420-1429. [PMID: 29341233 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanopesticides are novel plant protection products offering numerous benefits. Because nanoparticles behave differently from dissolved chemicals, the environmental risks of these materials could differ from conventional pesticides. We used soil-earthworm systems to compare the fate and uptake of analytical-grade bifenthrin to that of bifenthrin in traditional and nanoencapsulated formulations. Apparent sorption coefficients for bifenthrin were up to 3.8 times lower in the nano treatments than in the non-nano treatments, whereas dissipation half-lives of the nano treatments were up to 2 times longer. Earthworms in the nano treatments accumulated approximately 50% more bifenthrin than those in the non-nano treatments. In the non-nano treatments, most of the accumulated material was found in the earthworm tissue, whereas in the nano treatments, the majority resided in the gut. Evaluation of toxicokinetic modeling approaches showed that models incorporating the release rate of bifenthrin from the nanocapsule and distribution within the earthworm provided the best estimations of uptake from the nano-formulations. Overall, our findings indicate that the risks of nanopesticides may be different from those of conventional formulations. The modeling presented provides a starting point for assessing risks of these materials but needs to be further developed to better consider the behavior of the nanoencapsulated pesticide within the gut system. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1420-1429. © 2018 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Anuar Mohd Firdaus
- Environment Department, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
- Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Annika Agatz
- Environment Department, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Mark E Hodson
- Environment Department, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Omar S A Al-Khazrajy
- Environment Department, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, College of Ibn al-Haitham, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Alistair B A Boxall
- Environment Department, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rajesh A, Zimmerman D, Spivack K, Abdulmalik O, Elmer J. Glutaraldehyde cross-linking increases the stability of Lumbricus terrestris erythrocruorin. Biotechnol Prog 2017; 34:521-528. [PMID: 29226612 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Since donated red blood cells must be constantly refrigerated, they are not available in remote areas and battlefields. We have previously shown that the hemoglobin of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (LtEc) is an effective and safe substitute for donated blood that is stable enough to be stored for long periods at the relatively high temperatures that may be encountered in remote areas. The goal of this study was to further increase the thermal stability of LtEc by covalently cross-linking LtEc with glutaraldehyde (gLtEc). Our results show that the melting temperatures of the gLtEc samples steadily increase as the molar ratio of glutaraldehyde to heme increases (from Tm = 57°C for native LtEc up to Tm = 68°C at a ratio of 128:1). In addition, while native LtEc is susceptible to subunit dissociation at alkaline pH (8-10), cross-linking with glutaraldehyde completely prevents dissociation of gLtEc at pH 10. Increasing the molar ratio of glutaraldehyde:heme also significantly increased the oxygen affinity of gLtEc, but this effect was decreased by cross-linking gLtEc in the deoxygenated T state. Finally, while gLtEc samples cross-linked at low G:H ratios (e.g., 2:1) exhibited slight increases in oxidation rate in Tris buffer, no significant difference in oxidation rate was observed between native LtEc and the gLtEc samples in Ringer's Solution, which contains antioxidants. Overall, cross-linking LtEc with glutaraldehyde significantly increases its thermal and structural stability without any loss of function, making gLtEc an attractive blood substitute for deployment in remote areas and battlefields. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:521-528, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athul Rajesh
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085
| | - Devon Zimmerman
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085
| | - Kyle Spivack
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085
| | - Osheiza Abdulmalik
- Div. of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Abramson Research Center Suite 302F, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| | - Jacob Elmer
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, 19085
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Thiruketheeswaran P, Thomalla P, Krüger E, Hinssen H, D'Haese J. Four paralog gelsolin genes are differentially expressed in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 208-209:58-67. [PMID: 28400331 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.04.004] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have identified and characterized four distinct variants of the gelsolin-related protein (EWAM P1-P4) in the earthworm L. terrestris. All of these proteins biochemically qualify as gelsolins since they sever actin filaments in a calcium dependent manner. P1, P2 and P3 are present in the Lumbricus body wall muscle whereas in the gizzard muscle P3 and P4 were found. P1-P4 are encoded by four paralog genes and are differentially expressed in various muscle cell tissues. While the genes for P1 and P2 contain one intron, there was no intron in both P3 and P4 genes. The coding sequences consist of 1104bp (368 amino acids) for P1/P4 and 1101bp (367 amino acids) for P2/P3. Corresponding genes were confirmed by northern blot analysis which revealed three (calculated lengths: 3100, 2300 and 2100 nucleotides) and two (calculated lengths: 2300 and 1700 nucleotides) mRNA transcripts in the body wall and the gizzard, respectively. EWAM mRNA was localized by fluorescence in situ hybridization in the body wall and the gizzard muscle. P1 mRNA was detected in the inner proximal layers of both the circular and longitudinal muscle of the body wall whereas in the gizzard no significant staining was observed for P1. P2-P4 mRNAs were abundant in the outer distal layers of both the circular and the longitudinal muscles of both body wall and gizzard. The differential expression of four paralog gelsolin genes suggests a functional adaptation of different muscle cells with respect to actin filament turnover and modulation of its polymer state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasath Thiruketheeswaran
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Paul Thomalla
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Evelyn Krüger
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Horst Hinssen
- Biochemical Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, D-33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jochen D'Haese
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Subaraja M, Vanisree AJ. Neurotransmissional, structural, and conduction velocity changes in cerebral ganglions of Lumbricus terrestris on exposure to acrylamide. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:17123-17131. [PMID: 27215980 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6815-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Acrylamide (ACR), an environmental toxin though being investigated for decades, remains an enigma with respect to its mechanism/site of actions. We aim to explicate the changes in cerebral ganglions and giant fibers along with the behavior of worms on ACR intoxication (3.5-17.5 mg/mL of medium/7 days). Neurotransmitter analysis revealed increased levels of excitatory glutamate and inhibitory gamma amino butyrate with reduced levels of dopamine, serotonin, melatonin, and epinephrine (p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy showed architectural changes in cerebral ganglions at 3.5 mg/mL/ACR. The learning behavior as evidenced by Pavlovian and maze tests was also altered well at 3.5 mg/mL of ACR. Electrophysiological assessment showed a reduction in conduction velocity of the medial and lateral giant nerve fibers. We speculate that the observed dose/time-dependent changes in neurotransmission, neurosecretion, and conduction velocity on ACR intoxication at 17.5 mg/ml, possibly, could be due to its effect on nerve fibers governing motor functions. The bioaccumulation factor in the range of 0.38-0.99 mg/g of ACR causes a detrimental impact on giant fibers affecting behavior of worm. The observations made using the simple invertebrate model implicate that the cerebral ganglionic variations in the worms may be useful to appreciate the pathology of the neurological diseases which involve motor neuron dysfunction, esp where the availability of brain samples from the victims are scarce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamangam Subaraja
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A J Vanisree
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Carter LJ, Ryan JJ, Boxall ABA. Does Uptake of Pharmaceuticals Vary Across Earthworm Species? Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2016; 97:316-322. [PMID: 27443341 PMCID: PMC4978760 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1875-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study compared the uptake and depuration of four commonly used pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, diclofenac, fluoxetine and orlistat) in two earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia fetida). L. terrestris are a larger species and often found in deep burrows whereas E. fetida prefer to reside near the soil surface. Species burrowing habits and sizes may alter uptake by earthworms. All four pharmaceuticals were taken up into both L. terrestris and E. fetida tissue after 21 days exposure to spiked soil. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) ranged between 1.72 and 29.83 for L. terrestris and 1.14 and 63.03 for E. fetida. For carbamazepine and diclofenac, BCFs were similar whereas for fluoxetine and orlistat, BCFs in E. fetida were more than double those seen in L. terrestris. Results indicate that uptake into earthworms cannot be generalised between species and that the influence of species traits can vary depending on the nature of the study chemical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Carter
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Jim J Ryan
- EHS Technical CoE, GlaxoSmithKline, Ware, SG12 0DP, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Thiruketheeswaran P, Kiehl E, D'Haese J. Soluble calcium-binding proteins (SCBPs) of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris: molecular characterization and localization by FISH in muscle and neuronal tissue. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:635-644. [PMID: 27383759 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1463-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Soluble calcium-binding proteins (SCBPs) of invertebrates probably serve like their vertebrate counterpart-the parvalbumins-as soluble relaxing factors in muscles. Three SCBP isoforms (SCBP1-3) have been isolated and biochemically characterized in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Huch et al. in J Comp Physiol B 158:325-334, 1988). For SCBP2, we found two isoforms named SCBP2a/2b. Both of them together with SCBP3 are present in the body wall muscle. In the gizzard solely, SCBP2b and no SCBP2a or SCBP3 could be detected. The coding sequences of all three isoforms consist of 534 bp for 178 amino acids and contain four EF-hand motifs, of which the second EF-hands are truncated. Recombinant proteins show heat stability and a Ca2+-dependent mobility shift similar to the native proteins, indicating comparable calcium-binding properties. All three isoforms are encoded by three distinct and differentially expressed genes. The genes for SCBP2a, SCBP2b, and SCBP3 are interrupted by only one intron, inserting at nearly the same positions. Northern blot analysis revealed two mRNA transcripts for SCBP2 of approximately 1250 and 1500 kb and one transcript for SCBP3 of approximately 1250 kb. SCBP mRNA was localized by fluorescent in situ hybridization in the body wall and the gizzard. The distribution of the staining intensities resembles that for the myosin ATPase activity and indicates a correlation between the amount of SCBP and speed of muscle contraction. In addition, SCBP mRNA was localized within the nervous tissue, the cerebral and subesophageal ganglia and the ventral nerve cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasath Thiruketheeswaran
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ernst Kiehl
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jochen D'Haese
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Barbier E, Chantemesse B, Rochelet M, Fayolle L, Bollache L, Boschiroli ML, Hartmann A. Rapid dissemination of Mycobacterium bovis from cattle dung to soil by the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Vet Microbiol 2016; 186:1-7. [PMID: 27016750 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Indirect transmission of Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), between wildlife and livestock is thought to occur by inhalation or ingestion of environmental substrates contaminated through animal shedding. The role of the soil fauna, such as earthworms, in the circulation of M. bovis from contaminated animal feces is of interest in the epidemiology of bTB. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of earthworm activity on M. bovis transfer from animal dung to castings and the surrounding soil. For this purpose, microcosms of soil containing the anecic earthworms Lumbricus terrestris were prepared and covered with cattle feces spiked with the M. bovis BCG strain Pasteur to carry out two separate experiments. The dissemination, the gut carriage and the excretion of M. bovis were all monitored using a specific qPCR-based assay. Our results showed that the earthworm L. terrestris was able to rapidly disseminate M. bovis from the contaminated cattle feces to the surrounding soil through casting egestion. Moreover, contaminated earthworms were shown to shed the bacteria for 4 days when transferred to a M. bovis-free soil. This study highlights for the first time the possible role of earthworms in the dissemination and the persistence of M. bovis in soils within bTB endemic areas.
Collapse
|
29
|
Salgado MA, Lewbart GA, Christian LS, Griffith EH, Law JM. Evaluation of five different suture materials in the skin of the earthworm ( Lumbricus terrestris). Springerplus 2014; 3:423. [PMID: 25143875 PMCID: PMC4138315 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine which suture material is the most appropriate for dermal closure of terrestrial annelids. This paper describes the tissue reactions of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, to five different types of suture materials in order to determine which suture material is the most appropriate for dermal closure. Silk, monofilament nylon, polydiaxonone, polyglactin 910, and chromic gut were studied. There was mild to moderate tissue reaction to all five suture materials. In all of the biopsies wound-healing reaction consisted of aggregates of blastemal cells which appeared in various stages of dedifferentiation from the body wall. Inflammatory cells infiltrated the wound sites, reminiscent of the typical foreign body reaction in vertebrates. The results indicate polyglactin 910 would be the best suture material with regards to tissue security and reaction scores. Chromic gut occupies the next position but there were problems with suture security over time. This appears to be the first suture material performance study on a terrestrial invertebrate. The earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, was chosen for its wide availability, size, and the extensive species knowledge base. The earthworm may prove to be a good surgical/suture model for economically important invertebrates such as mollusks, tunicates, and insect larval stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory A Lewbart
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina, 27607 USA
| | - Larry S Christian
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 USA
| | - Emily H Griffith
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, 27695 USA
| | - Jerry McHugh Law
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina, 27607 USA
| |
Collapse
|