Sensory pathway in aquatic basal polyneoptera: Antennal sensilla and brain morphology in stoneflies

Aquatic insects represent a great portion of Arthropod diversity and the major fauna in inland waters. The sensory biology and neuroanatomy of these insects are, however, poorly investigated. This research aims to describe the antennal sensilla of nymphs of the stonefly Dinocras cephalotes using scanning electron microscopy and comparing them with the adult sensilla. Besides, central antennal pathways in nymphs and adults are investigated by neuron mass-tracing with tetramethylrhodamine, and their brain structures are visualized with an anti-synapsin antibody. No dramatic changes occur in the antennal sensilla during nymphal development, while antennal sensilla profoundly change from nymphs to adults when switching from an aquatic to an aerial lifestyle. However, similar brain structures are used in nymphs and adults to process diverging sensory information, perceived through different sensilla in water and air. These data provide valuable insights into the evolution of aquatic heterometabolous insects, maintaining a functional sensory system throughout development, including a distinct adaptation of the peripheral olfactory systems during the transition from detection of water-soluble chemicals to volatile compounds in the air. From a conservation biology perspective, the present data contribute to a better knowledge of the biology of stoneflies, which are very important bioindicators in rivers.

Morphology, morphogenesis, and molecular phylogeny of Aspidisca koreana n. sp. (Ciliophora, Euplotida) from South Korea

The morphology, morphogenesis, and molecular phylogeny of a new ciliate, Aspidisca koreana n. sp., discovered in the eastern coast of South Korea, were investigated. The morphological description is based on the observation of living cells, 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and silver-stained specimens (e.g., protargol, silver nitrate), and scanning electron micrographs. The new species is characterized by having a small body size (17-25 × 15-18 μm in vivo), a distinct peristomial spur on the posterior portion of left margin, seven frontoventral cirri in "polystyla-arrangement", and the arrangement of the anterior portion of adoral zone of membranelles, i.e., anteriormost membranelle is distinctly separated from the other three membranelles. The morphogenesis follows the typical pattern of this genus. Phylogenetic analyses, using the 18S rDNA sequence, also support the establishment of a new species.

Molecular characterization and ontogenetic expression profiles of LPXRFa and its receptor in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Investigations concerning the LPXRFa system are rarely conducted in flatfish species. Here, we first identified and characterized lpxrfa and its cognate receptor lpxrfa-r genes in the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). The coding DNA sequence of lpxrfa was 579 bp in length, wich encoded a 192-aa preprohormone that can produce three mature LPXRFa peptides. The open reading frame (ORF) of lpxrfa-r was 1446 bp in size, and encoded a 481-aa LPXRFa-R protein that encompassed seven hydrophobic transmembrane domains. Subsequently, tissue distribution expression profiles of lpxrfa and lpxrfa-r transcripts were assayed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results indicated that expressions of lpxrfa transcripts were detected at the highest levels in the brain of both females and males, however, lpxrfa-r transcripts were remarkablely expressed in the brain tissue of female fish and in the testis tissue of male fish. Furthermore, transcript levels of lpxrfa and lpxrfa-r genes were investigated during early ontogenetic development, with the maximum expression levels at 30 days post-hatching. Overall, these data contribute to providing preliminary proof for the existence and structure of the LPXRFa system in Japanese flounder, and the study is just the foundation for researching physiological function of LPXRFa system in this species.

Morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of a novel saline soil ciliate, Urosoma quadrinucleatum n. sp. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)

The morphology and morphogenesis of a new saline soil hypotrichous ciliate, Urosoma quadrinucleatum n. sp., collected from northwestern China, were studied based on live observations and protargol stained specimens. The new species is characterized as follows: size in vivo 90-130 × 20-30 μm; body outline elongate-elliptical with both ends broadly rounded; four macronuclear nodules; cortical granules present; paroral in front of endoral; usually 16 frontal-ventral-transverse cirri. Urosoma quadrinucleatum n. sp. has almost the same morphogenetic characteristics as its congeners U. gigantea and U. salmastra, and differs from other three congeners whose morphogenesis is known in the formation of the frontal-ventral-transverse cirral anlagen as well as the development of marginal and dorsal kineties anlagen. The sequence differences among U. quadrinucleatum n. sp. and other Urosoma species further support the validity of the present organism as novel species. Further, U. quadrinucleatum n. sp. clusters with U. salmastra in the phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) sequence data.

Description of a new oxytrichid ciliate, Oxytricha buxai n. sp. and redescription of O. quadricirrata Blatterer and Foissner, 1988 based on morphology and 18S rDNA analyses

The morphology of a new oxytrichid ciliate, Oxytricha buxai n. sp., isolated from a soil sample collected from the Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, India, was studied based on live observation and protargol impregnation. The new species is characterised by a body size of 85×35 µm in vivo, two macronuclear nodules with one or two micronuclei attached at variable positions, a few colourless cortical granules scattered throughout cortex, adoral zone of membranelles about 35% of body length with 26 membranelles on average, about 18 cirri in left and 16 cirri in right marginal row, right marginal row starts at the level of buccal vertex, usually 18 frontoventral transverse cirri, five dorsal kineties including one dorsomarginal row, three caudal cirri. Further, a redescription based on live and protargol-impregnated specimens of Oxytricha quadricirrata Blatterer and Foissner, 1988, isolated from a moss sample collected from the Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India, is provided. The Indian population of O. quadricirrata is similar in morphology to the type population. However, the dorsal side shows some variation, i.e., the presence of a second dorsomarginal row with one or two bristles and incomplete fragmentation of dorsal kinety 3 (vs single dorsomarginal row and complete fragmentation). The resting cyst is spherical and about 20 µm across, with a wrinkled surface. Morphogenesis is in typical Oxytricha pattern. Based on 18S rDNA, phylogenetic analyses show Oxytricha to be a polyphyletic genus. Further, O. quadricirrata clusters away from O. granulifera, thereby supporting the validity of the former.

Morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of Lamtostyla granulifera sinensis subsp. nov. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia) from a wetland in China

The morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of a hypotrichous ciliate, Lamtostyla granulifera sinensis subsp. nov., isolated from northern China, were investigated. This population appeared highly similar in morphology to L. granulifera Foissner, 1997. However, on detailed investigation some non-overlapping features were identified, i.e., the body shape and the arrangement of the cortical granules. These differences suggested the separation at subspecies level. Furthermore, the morphogenesis of the new subspecies is described, which is characterized by: (1) the posterior part of the parental adoral zone of membranelles is renewed; (2) the amphisiellid median cirral row is formed from two anlagen; and (3) the frontoventral-transverse cirral anlagen II to VI generate one transverse cirrus each. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data show that Lamtostyla species are scattered in different clades. The monophyly of the genus Lamtostyla is also rejected by the AU test in this study.

Timing matters: age-dependent impacts of the social environment and host selection on the avian gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

The establishment of the gut microbiota in early life is a critical process that influences the development and fitness of vertebrates. However, the relative influence of transmission from the early social environment and host selection throughout host ontogeny remains understudied, particularly in avian species. We conducted conspecific and heterospecific cross-fostering experiments in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and Bengalese finches (Lonchura striata domestica) under controlled conditions and repeatedly sampled the faecal microbiota of these birds over the first 3 months of life. We thus documented the development of the gut microbiota and characterised the relative impacts of the early social environment and host selection due to species-specific characteristics and individual genetic backgrounds across ontogeny by using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

The taxonomic composition and community structure of the gut microbiota changed across ontogenetic stages; juvenile zebra finches exhibited higher alpha diversity than adults at the post-breeding stage. Furthermore, in early development, the microbial communities of juveniles raised by conspecific and heterospecific foster parents resembled those of their foster family, emphasising the importance of the social environment. In later stages, the social environment continued to influence the gut microbiota, but host selection increased in importance.

CONCLUSIONS

We provided a baseline description of the developmental succession of gut microbiota in zebra finches and Bengalese finches, which is a necessary first step for understanding the impact of the early gut microbiota on host fitness. Furthermore, for the first time in avian species, we showed that the relative strengths of the two forces that shape the establishment and maintenance of the gut microbiota (i.e. host selection and dispersal from the social environment) change during development, with host selection increasing in importance. This finding should be considered when experimentally manipulating the early-life gut microbiota. Our findings also provide new insights into the mechanisms of host selection. Video Abstract.

Hypotrichidium tisiae (Gelei, 1929) Gelei, 1954: a unique hypotrichid ciliate having a highly specialized developmental pattern during binary division

In sharp contrast to their pelagic relatives, the oligotrichs, the overwhelming majority of hypotrich ciliates inhabit the benthos. Only a few species, including those of the genus Hypotrichidium Ilowaisky, 1921, have adapted to a planktonic lifestyle. The ontogenetic mode of the highly differentiated ciliate, Hypotrichidium tisiae (Gelei, 1929) Gelei, 1954, is unknown. In this study, the interphase morphology and the ontogenetic process of this species are investigated. Accordingly, the previously unidentified ciliary pattern of Hypotrichidium is redefined. The main morphogenetic features are as follows: (1) The parental adoral zone of membranelles is inherited completely by the proter and the oral primordium of the opisthe arises in a deep pouch. (2) Five frontoventral cirral anlagen (FVA) are formed: FVA I contributes to the single frontal cirrus, FVA II-IV generate three frontoventral cirral rows, FVA V migrates and forms postoral ventral cirri. (3) All marginal cirral row anlagen develop de novo: each of the two left anlagen forms a single cirral row, while the single right anlage fragments into anterior and posterior parts. (4) Two dorsal kinety anlagen occur de novo, with the right one fragmenting to form kineties 2 and 3. (5) Two long caudal cirral rows are formed at the ends of dorsal kineties 1 and 3. On the basis of the morphogenetic features and phylogenetic analyses, the assignment of Hypotrichidium to the family Spirofilidae Gelei, 1929 within Postoralida is supported. The establishment of separate families for the slender "tubicolous" spirofilids and the highly helical spirofilids is also validated.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00148-9.

The reversibility of cellular determination: An evolutive pattern of epigenetic plasticity

Until the middle of the 20th century, embryogenesis patterns were considered as based on a rigid, unidirectional ontogenetic development, whose nuclear programming yields an irreversibility feature for cellular determination. Further empirical pieces of evidence have provided new insights about a certain reversibility to cellular determination, finding new biomolecular mechanisms (nuclear reprogramming, dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation) which have clearly shown that such a reversibility exists, warranting a certain cellular plasticity inside cell cycle; moreover, they seem mainly ruled by epigenetic factors. In this framework, evolution can be viewed as a systemic transformation of the spatiotemporal epigenetic organization, and the maintenance of the stable final adult stage includes a possibility of dedifferentiation at the particular points of ontogenetic development leading to the achievement of the final stage though the alternate sets of epigenetic trajectories. This paper is aimed to briefly outline historically the main aspects which have led to define the mechanisms of cellular plasticity, highlighting the chief empirical facts supporting it and the related still unresolved problematic issues.

Rescue specialists in Cataglyphis piliscapa ants: The nature and development of ant first responders

Previous research in our laboratories has demonstrated that, within each colony of Cataglyphis piliscapa (formerly C. cursor) ants, only some individuals are capable of performing a complex sequence of behavioral patterns to free trapped nestmates-a sequence that not only is memory-dependent but also is responsive to the particular circumstances of that entrapment and how the rescue operation unfolds. Additionally, this rescue behavior is inherited patrilineally from but a few of the many males that fertilize the eggs of the colony's single queen. Here, we describe three experiments to explore rescue behavior further-namely, whether rescuers are in any way selective about which nestmates they help, how the age of rescuers and the victims that they help affect the quantity and quality of the rescue operation, and when this complex behavior first emerges in an ant's development. Taken together with the previous heritability analysis, these behavioral experiments provide clear evidence that the ability to rescue nestmates in distress should be recognized as a specialization, which together with other specialized tasks in C. piliscapa, contributes to a division of labor that increases the efficiency of the colony as a whole and, thus increases its reproductive success.

Current state of populations of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) in East Kazakhstan

BACKGROUND

Based on world experience, first, a modern assessment of the flora is needed to develop strategies for the conservation of ecosystems of rare and endangered plant species. A regional and global biodiversity strategy should focus on assessing the current state of bioresources. To preserve the biodiversity of the species and its habitat, we evaluated botanical features, ontogenetic phases, the ecological and phytocenotic structure of the rare and endangered of Rhodiola rosea L. (golden rose root) populations from the highlands of Eastern Kazakhstan.

RESULTS

R. rosea in the study region lives on damp mossy rocks, rocky slopes, overgrown moraines and along the banks of mountain rivers in the upper limit of cedar-larch forests, subalpine and alpine belts, in the altitude limit of 1700-2400 m. In the studied region, R. rosea begins to vegetate in May-June, blooms in June-July, the fruits ripen in August. The species is encountered in the high mountain ranges of the Kazakh Altai and Saur-Tarabagatai. Unfavorable habitat conditions for the species are overgrown by sedge-grass and birch-moss communities. The most common species at sites with R. rosea are: Schulzia crinita, Achillea ledebourii, Doronicum altaicum, Macropodium nivale, Hylotelephium telephium, Rhodiola algida, Carex capillaris, C. aterrima. Ontogenetic study revealed that all age-related phases were present, with the exception of the senile states. Individual life expectancy shown to be 50-55 years. The analysis of the species composition in the communities with R. rosea showed that the leading families in terms of the number of accompanying species are Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Caryophyllaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae; while the most dominant genera are: Carex, Aconitum, Dracocephalum, Festuca, Pedicularis, Poa, Salix; the ecological groups are dominated by psychrophytes, mesophytes mesopsychrophytes; the Asian, Eurasian, and Holarctic groups are the most represented groups. Dominant life forms according to Serebyakov were rod-rooted, brush-rooted, short-rooted and long-rooted grasses, while based on Raunkiaer's groups the overwhelming majority consisted of Hemincryptophytes (74%).

CONCLUSIONS

The R. rosea populations of Kazakhstan represent an important gene stock of the species. Our study provides new insights into the species' biology thus contributes to the conservation of biodiversity on a wide spatial scale.

Nets-within-nets for modeling emergent patterns in ontogenetic processes

Ontogenesis is the development of an organism from its earliest stage to maturity, including homeostasis maintenance throughout adulthood despite environmental perturbations. Almost all cells of a multicellular organism share the same genomic information. Nevertheless, phenotypic diversity and complex supra-cellular architectures emerge at every level, starting from tissues and organs. This is possible thanks to a robust and dynamic interplay of regulative mechanisms. To study ontogenesis, it is necessary to consider different levels of regulation, both genetic and epigenetic. Each cell undergoes a specific path across a landscape of possible regulative states affecting both its structure and its functions during development. This paper proposes using the Nets-Within-Nets formalism, which combines Petri Nets' simplicity with the capability to represent and simulate the interplay between different layers of regulation connected by non-trivial and context-dependent hierarchical relations. In particular, this work introduces a modeling strategy based on Nets-Within-Nets that can model several critical processes involved in ontogenesis. Moreover, it presents a case study focusing on the first phase of Vulval Precursor Cells specification in C.Elegans. The case study shows that the proposed model can simulate the emergent morphogenetic pattern corresponding to the observed developmental outcome of that phase, in both the physiological case and different mutations. The model presented in the results section is available online at https://github.com/sysbio-polito/NWN_CElegans_VPC_model/.

Effect of a neurostimulator on postnatal neurogenesis in rodent olfactory bulbs

The aim of the study was to reveal the effect of neurostimulation with the TKPRPGP neuropeptide on the expression intensity of Doublecortin and Nestin in the olfactory bulb of white Wistar rats using immunohistochemical and computer analysis methods. An isolated assessment of early progenitor differentiation by the density of nestin-positive structures showed that stimulation from birth to 14 days preserves the level of nestin expression, preventing its decrease. When the administration of the neuropeptide is stopped, the expression of nestin decreases sharply, starting from the central zones of the bulb, and after three weeks it is no longer present. The dynamics of doublecortin positive structure density reflects an increase upon neuropeptide administration. Each course of neuropeptide administration caused an increase in the density of the marker, but the degree of effectiveness decreased with age, and the duration of the effect decreased. In conclusion, administration of the neuropeptide TKPRPGP to rats at an early age prolongs the expression of nestin and doublecortin in the olfactory bulbs of rats up to 35 days and up to 74 days of observation, respectively. The administration of the neuropeptide in adulthood does not lead to re-expression of these markers.

The mystery of claustral neural circuits and recent updates on its role in neurodegenerative pathology

INTRODUCTION

The claustrum is a structure involved in formation of several cortical and subcortical neural microcircuits which may be involved in such functions as conscious sensations and rewarding behavior. The claustrum is regarded as a multi-modal information processing network. Pathology of the claustrum is seen in certain neurological disorders. To date, there are not enough comprehensive studies that contain accurate information regarding involvement of the claustrum in development of neurological disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Our review aims to provide an update on claustrum anatomy, ontogenesis, cytoarchitecture, neural networks and their functional relation to the incidence of neurological diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review was conducted using the Google Scholar, PubMed, NCBI MedLine, and eLibrary databases.

RESULTS

Despite new methods that have made it possible to study the claustrum at the molecular, genetic and epigenetic levels, its functions and connectivity are still poorly understood. The anatomical location, relatively uniform cytoarchitecture, and vast network of connections suggest a divergent role of the claustrum in integration and processing of input information and formation of coherent perceptions. Several studies have shown changes in the appearance, structure and volume of the claustrum in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), autism, schizophrenia, and depressive disorders. Taking into account the structure, ontogenesis, and functions of the claustrum, this literature review offers insight into understanding the crucial role of this structure in brain function and behavior.

Differential developmental toxicity of crude oil in early life stages of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

To further understand the complexity of developmental toxicity of dispersed oil and importance of exposure timing on fish early life stages, Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations through two embryonic developmental windows: the first period occurred during the epiboly process (named as "early embryonic exposure") and the second period overlapped the ontogenesis and cardiogenesis processes (named as "late embryonic exposure"). Following 72 hour oil exposure, embryos were transferred to clean seawater and a toxicity screening was performed in the yolk-sac larvae until first-feeding stages (56 days). The current study demonstrated that the exposure timing is essential for the development of toxic effects of crude oil in Atlantic halibut. Neither embryonic exposures (early or late) showed notable acute toxicity during exposure, yet both showed global latent teratogenic effects during yolk sac stages. Fish exposed during organogenesis (late) displayed stronger and more severe toxic effects than fish exposed during epiboly process (early), including reduced condition, severe craniofacial deformities and cardiovascular disruptions. The uptake level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into larval tissue and metabolic activity were greater following the late embryonic exposure and remained high during the depuration period at the highest exposure concentration. Overall, the long yolk sac stage development timing of Atlantic halibut makes this species a good candidate for evaluation of embryonic crude oil toxicity and its mechanisms.

Molecular phylogeny of a new gonostomatid ciliate revealing a discrepancy between interphasic and cell divisional patterns (Ciliophora, Hypotricha)

The morphology, ontogenesis, and molecular phylogeny of a new ciliate, Gonostomum koreanum n. sp., discovered in a terrestrial moss sample from South Korea, were investigated. Morphologically, it is characterized by a gonostomatid oral apparatus, two macronuclear nodules, six frontoventral rows, the two rightmost of which (frontoventral rows V and VI) extend posteriorly to near pretransverse and transverse cirri, and three dorsal kineties each with a single caudal cirrus posteriorly. The new species is easily confused with members of the genus Metagonostomum because of the long frontoterminal cirral row but differs mainly in the de novo (vs. intrakinetal) origin of anlage VI, a character found only in Gonostomum and Paragonostomum. To solve the discrepancy between the interphasic and ontogenetic patterns, we additionally performed morphological and multigene analyses on three gonostomatid species, namely Gonostomum koreanum n. sp. and its morphologically (M. gonostomoida) and ontogenetically (G. kuehnelti) most similar species. The multigene analyses show that the new species is closely related to G. kuehnelti and the core gonostomatids consists of five groups based on the origin of the frontoventral rows.

Perspectives of pluripotent stem cells in livestock

The recent progress in derivation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) from farm animals opens new approaches not only for reproduction, genetic engineering, treatment and conservation of these species, but also for screening novel drugs for their efficacy and toxicity, and modelling of human diseases. Initial attempts to derive PSCs from the inner cell mass of blastocyst stages in farm animals were largely unsuccessful as either the cells survived for only a few passages, or lost their cellular potency; indicating that the protocols which allowed the derivation of murine or human embryonic stem (ES) cells were not sufficient to support the maintenance of ES cells from farm animals. This scenario changed by the innovation of induced pluripotency and by the development of the 3 inhibitor culture conditions to support naïve pluripotency in ES cells from livestock species. However, the long-term culture of livestock PSCs while maintaining the full pluripotency is still challenging, and requires further refinements. Here, we review the current achievements in the derivation of PSCs from farm animals, and discuss the potential application areas.

Anteholosticha foissneri n. sp., a marine hypotrich ciliate (Ciliophora: Spirotrichea) from Vietnam: Morphology, morphogenesis, and molecular phylogeny

In a study of marine ciliate diversity, we collected an Anteholosticha monilata-like population from Vietnam. To identify this population, we analyzed its morphology, some morphogenetic stages, and molecular phylogeny. Based on these data, we conclude that the Vietnamese population is new to science. Anteholosticha foissneri n. sp. resembles Anteholosticha monilata-like species considering (1) the number and arrangement of macronuclear nodules and micronuclei; (2) the presence of cortical granules; and (3) the saline habitat. However, the new species can be easily distinguished from these species by the arrangement, color, and shape of the cortical granules. The divisional morphogenesis commences with the de novo proliferation of basal bodies as a single longitudinal patch left of the posteriormost midventral cirral pair. This character state has not been reported before in Anteholosticha (based on check of the available data) and probably reflects a distinct clade within the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene tree.

(Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)

The morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of a new saline soil hypotrich ciliate, Uroleptoides salina nov. spec., discovered from China, was investigated. The new species is characterized as follows: body 150-215 × 40-50 μm in vivo, slender and highly flexible; usually four ellipsoidal macronuclear nodules; contractile vacuole absent; cortical granules absent; endosymbiotic algae present; amphisiellid median cirral row consists of 14-25 cirri and terminates about 47% down length of body; usually three buccal cirri and 3-13 cirri left of anterior portion of amphisiellid median cirral row; 3-5 transverse cirri. Morphogenesis during binary fission is characterized by: (1) the parental adoral zone of membranelles is retained completely, parental paroral contributes to the formation of the undulating membranes anlage for the proter; (2) the oral primordium of the opisthe is formed apokinetally; and (3) the amphisiellid median cirral row is formed from two anlagen. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data show that Uroleptoides salina nov. spec. has a close relationship with its morphologically similar species, U. longiseries, U. magnigranulosus, Orthamphisiella breviseries, and Parabistichella variabilis.

Ontogenesis of the tear drainage system requires Prickle1-driven polarized basement membrane deposition

In terrestrial animals, the lacrimal drainage apparatus evolved to serve as conduits for tear flow; however, little is known about the ontogenesis of this system. Here, we define the anatomy of the fully formed tear duct in mice, characterize crucial morphogenetic events for the development of tear duct components and identify the site for primordial tear duct (PTD) initiation. We report that the PTD originates from the orbital lacrimal lamina, a junction formed by the epithelia of the maxillary and lateral nasal processes. We demonstrate that Prickle1, a key component of planar cell polarity signaling, is expressed in progenitors of the PTD and throughout tear duct morphogenesis. Disruption of Prickle1 stalls tear duct elongation; in particular, the loss of basement membrane deposition and aberrant cytoplasmic accumulation of laminin are salient. Altered cell adhesion, cytoskeletal transport systems, vesicular transport systems and cell axis orientation in Prickle1 mutants support the role of Prickle1 in planar cell polarity. Taken together, our results highlight a crucial role of Prickle1-mediated polarized basement membrane secretion and deposition in PTD elongation.

Morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of a novel soil ciliate, Afrokahliella paramacrostoma n. sp. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)

A soil hypotrich ciliate, Afrokahliella paramacrostoma n. sp., was discovered in China. Its morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny were investigated using standard methods. The new species is characterized as follows: body about 140-180 × 60-70 μm in vivo, cortical granules absent, contractile vacuole positioned about 40% down length of body, 5-9 macronuclear nodules, 34-49 adoral membranelles, 3-5 buccal and 3-6 parabuccal cirri, usually two frontoventral rows, three or four left and two or three right marginal rows, three dorsal kineties and one dorsomarginal kinety; 1-3 and one or two caudal cirri located at the ends of dorsal kineties 1 and 2, respectively. The ontogenetic process is characterized by: (1) the marginal anlagen on each side develop in the outer right and the inner left marginal rows, respectively; (2) five frontoventral-transverse cirral anlagen, anlagen II-IV develop in secondary mode; (3) dorsal morphogenesis follows a typical Urosomoida-pattern, no parental dorsal kineties are retained; (4) caudal cirri are generated at the ends of dorsal kineties 1 and 2. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data reveals that Afrokahliella paramacrostoma n. sp. is closely related to Parakahliella macrostoma and Hemiurosomoida longa.

Variation of attachment ability of Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) during nymphal development and adult aging

The present investigation reports data on the attachment ability of the Southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a relevant pest in the world, along its whole life cycle. Using a centrifugal force tester, we evaluated a) the differences in the attachment ability among the four active nymphal developmental instars (N2-N5 nymphs) and adult to hydrophilic glass, showing an increased attachment ability during ontogenesis, owing to increased pulvilli size and efficiency; b) the possible role of growth and body shape on insect attachment ability on hydrophilic glass during the intermoult period, revealing that N. viridula nymphs attach stronger (higher safety factor) in the first part of the intermoult period; c) the age-specific differences in the attachment ability of adults of both sexes on hydrophilic glass, showing the best performance at an intermediate age, in agreement with a higher proportion of resilin in comparison with younger or older insects; d) the difference in attachment ability on hydrophilic vs. hydrophobic glass along the insect development, revealing a strong effect of surface hydrophobicity on reducing the attachment of N. viridula nymphs and adults. The results on the attachment ability of a hemimetabolous insect along its life cycle are relevant because they 1) shed light on different adaptations of attachment pads in relation to insect size, shape and age; 2) deepen the knowledge on the functional morphological adaptations, thus potentially contributing to the development of suitable control systems for this important pest insect.

The subscapularis tendon: A proposed classification system

BACKGROUND

The subscapularis muscle originates from the medial two-thirds and from the lower two-thirds of the groove on the subscapular fossa of the scapula and inserts into the lesser tubercle of the humerus. Our initial hypothesis is that it shows little morphological variation. The aim of this study is to demonstrate and classify the morphological variability of the subscapularis muscle.

METHODS

Classical anatomical dissection was performed on 64 upper limbs (44 females, 20 males, 30 left and 34 right, fixed in 10% formalin). The mean age "at death" of the cadavers was 75.6 years (range 48-95), and the group comprised equal numbers of female and male adults (Central European population). Upon dissection, the following morphological features were assessed: the number of tendons of the SM, the type of insertion of each tendon of the SM, morphometric measurements of the SM.

RESULTS

Four types of morphology (based on number of tendons) were observed in the cadavers. Type I was characterized by a single band. This was the most common type, occurring in 43.7% of all cases. Type II was characterized by a double tendon (superior and inferior); it occurred in 9.4%. Type III had three tendons (superior, middle, and inferior). It was the rarest type (7.8% of cases). Type IV, called "multiband", was the second most common (39.1%) and was divided into five subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The subscapularis muscle is highly morphologically variable. Knowledge of particular types of insertion is essential for both clinicians (for example orthopedists, physiotherapists) and anatomists.

Morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of two soil ciliates Australocirrus australis (Foissner, 1995) Kumar and Foissner, 2015 and A. aspoecki (Foissner, 2004) Kumar and Foissner, 2015 (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)

The morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of two soil hypotrich ciliates, Australocirrus australis and A. aspoecki, collected from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, were investigated using protargol preparation. The main features of morphogenesis of A. australis are as follows: (1) the parental adoral zone of membranelles is retained completely in the proter; (2) parental cirri and the undulating membranes are involved in the formation of six primordial streaks; (3) multiple fragmentation of the third dorsal kinety anlage; (4) more than three dorsomarginal kineties are formed. An early divider of A. aspoecki was also found, and its morphogenetic events resemble those of other Australocirrus species. Furthermore, the SSU rDNA sequence of the Shaanxi populations of A. australis and A. aspoecki was provided. The molecular phylogeny indicates that A. aspoecki clusters together with A. rubrus and two populations of A. australis with full support, which are separated from the clade comprising the two populations of A. shii.

Morphology, morphogenesis, and molecular phylogeny of a new freshwater ciliate, Gonostomum jangbogoensis n. sp. (Ciliophora, Hypotricha), from Victoria Land, Antarctica

In a study on ciliate diversity, we discovered the new hypotrich species, Gonostomum jangbogoensis n. sp., in freshwater from Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Land, southeast Antarctica. We describe its morphology and morphogenesis using standard methods, and the SSU rRNA gene phylogeny is provided as well. Morphology of Gonostomum jangbogoensis n. sp. is characterized as follows: slender to elongated body shape; grayish under low magnification; cortical granules present; 32-41 adoral membranelles; 3 enlarged frontal cirri; 1 buccal cirrus; 2 frontoterminal cirri; 3 or 4 frontoventral cirral pairs, 2 pretransverse cirri, 6-7 transverse cirri; 13-19 left and 18-26 right marginal cirri; 17-23 paroral kinetids; 3 dorsal kineties; 3 caudal cirri; 2 macronuclear nodules with 1-3 micronuclei. The morphogenesis of the new species confirms that it has at least seven frontal-ventral-transverse cirral anlagen, which is also reported in Gonostomum sp. 1 sensu Shin from Korea. Even though these two populations occur very far from each other, the morphometric data prove that this character state, the seven cirral anlagen, is a stable feature across these populations and might be an apomorphy. The phylogenetic analyses show that the genus Gonostomum is non-monophyletic and that the new species is a sister to G. bromelicola.

Morphology and ontogeny of Tetmemena pustulata indica nov. subspec. (Ciliophora, Hypotricha), from the Thane Creek, Mumbai, India

The morphology and ontogenesis of a novel stylonychid ciliate, Tetmemena pustulata indica nov. subspec., were investigated using live observation and protargol preparation. The new subspecies was isolated from a water sample collected from the Thane Creek, Mumbai, India. At first glance, T. pustulata indica looked very similar in morphology and ontogenesis to the well-known Tetmemena pustulata, however, on detailed investigation some non-overlapping features in the ciliature were identified, i.e., the numbers of cirri in marginal rows, adoral membranelles, and bristles in dorsal kineties. These morphometric differences justified the separation at subspecies level. Furthermore, the resting cysts are different, i.e., with smooth external layer in T. pustulata indica whereas spinous in the nominotypical subspecies T. pustulata pustulata. The Venezuelan population of T. pustulata described by Foissner corresponds very well with the Indian population in the ciliature; however, the information on the resting cyst is lacking for the former. Our study presents an example of a cyst subspecies among hypotrich ciliates, and thus extends the concept which has been mainly reported for spathidiids.

Are developmental shifts the main driver of phenotypic evolution in Diplodus spp. (Perciformes: Sparidae)?

Background

Sparid fishes of the genus Diplodus show a complex life history. Juveniles have adaptations well suited to life in the water column. When fishes recruit into the adult population, individuals develop a radically differentiated shape that reflects their adaptation to the new benthic environment typical of the adult.

A comparative analysis of ontogenetic trajectories was performed to assess the presence of divergence in the developmental pattern. By using a geometric morphometric approach, we investigated the pattern of shape variation across ontogenetic stages that span from early settlement to the adult stage in four species of the genus Diplodus. Landmarks were collected on the whole body of fishes to quantify the phenotypic variation along two well defined life stages, i.e. juvenile and adult.

A comparative analysis of ontogenetic trajectories was performed to assess the presence of divergence in the developmental pattern. Subsequently, we investigated the patterns of integration and modularity as proxy for the alteration of the developmental processes. This have allowed to give an insight in morphological developmental patterns across ecologically and ontogenetically differentiated life stages and to investigate the process leading to the adult shape.

Result

Our results suggest that the origin of morphological novelties in Diplodus spp. arise from shifts of the ontogenetic trajectories during development. During the settlement phase, the juveniles’ morphological shapes converge towards similar regions of the morphospace. When the four species approach the transition between settlement and recruitment, we observe the lowest level of inter- and intra-specific disparity. After this transition we detect an abrupt shift of ontogenetic trajectories, i.e. the path taken by species during development, that led to highly divergent adult phenotypes.

Discussion

We suggest that the evolution of new ecomorphologies, better suited to exploit different niches (pelagic vs. benthonic) and reduce inter-specific competition in Diplodus spp., are related to the shift in the ontogenetic trajectory that in turn is associated to changes in modularity and integration pattern.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-019-1424-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of a freshwater ciliate, Monomicrocaryon euglenivorum euglenivorum (Ciliophora, Oxytrichidae)

The morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of the oxytrichid ciliate, Monomicrocaryon euglenivorum euglenivorum (Kahl, 1932) Foissner, 2016, isolated from freshwater in a seaside park, Guangzhou, China, were investigated. Monomicrocaryon euglenivorum euglenivorum can be recognized as follows: caudal cirri in midline of body; dorsal kinety 1 without a one-kinetid-wide gap; transverse cirri acicular or rod-shaped with a fringed distal end; right marginal row commences at level of buccal vertex or anterior to buccal vertex. The main events during binary fission are as follows: (1) the proter retains the parental adoral zone of membranelles entirely; (2) frontoventral-transverse cirral anlagen I-VI are segmented in the ordinary pattern 1:3:3:3:4:4 from left to right, which form three frontal, four frontoventral, one buccal, three postoral ventral, two pretransverse ventral and five transverse cirri, respectively; (3) dorsal morphogenesis is in the typical Oxytricha-pattern, but fragmentation of dorsal kinety 3 is indistinct; and (4) three caudal cirri are formed, one at the posterior end of each of dorsal kineties 1, 2 and 4. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequences showed that M. euglenivorum euglenivorum clustered with Kleinstyla dorsicirrata and Heterourosomoida lanceolata rather than with its congener M. elegans. The genus Monomicrocaryon is not monophyletic in this study; however, its monophyly is not rejected by the AU test.

Maternal eating behavior is a major synchronizer of fetal and postnatal peripheral clocks in mice

Most living organisms show circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior. These oscillations are generated by endogenous circadian clocks, present in virtually all cells where they control key biological processes. To study peripheral clocks in vivo, we developed an original model, the Rev-Luc mouse to follow noninvasively and longitudinally Rev-Luc oscillations in peripheral clocks using in vivo bioluminescence imaging. We found in vitro and in vivo a robust diurnal rhythm of Rev-Luc, mainly in liver, intestine, kidney and adipose tissues. We further confirmed in vivo that Rev-Luc peripheral tissues are food-entrainable oscillators, not affected by age or sex. These data strongly support the relevance of the Rev-Luc model for circadian studies, especially to investigate in vivo the establishment and the entrainment of the rhythm throughout ontogenesis. We then showed that Rev-Luc expression develops dynamically and gradually, both in amplitude and in phase, during fetal and postnatal development. We also demonstrate for the first time that the immature peripheral circadian system of offspring in utero is mainly entrained by maternal cues from feeding regimen. The prenatal entrainment will also differentially determine the Rev-Luc expression in pups before weaning underlining the importance of the maternal chrononutrition on the circadian system entrainment of the offspring.

Early postnatal development of the visual cortex in mice with retinal degeneration

This study characterizes the early postnatal development of the visual neocortex in C3H/HeNRj mice. These mice are homozygous for the Pde6b^rd1 mutation, which causes retinal degeneration starting from postnatal day 7 (P7). To monitor the development of the visual cortex between P3 and P28 we used eight antigens known to be expressed at different developmental stages (Nestin, tau3, β3- Tubulin, Calbindin, Doublecortin, MAP2, Parvalbumin and NeuN). Using semiquantitative analysis we traced the expression and localization of different developmental markers throughout the layers of the visual cortex. Cortical tissue sections corresponding to the first postnatal week (P3-P6) stained positively for Nestin, tau3, β3-Tubulin and Calbindin. These proteins are known to be involved in the migration of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) within the cortical plate. At the time of eye-opening (P14), Doublecortin, MAP2 and NeuN, markers for developing and maturing neurons involved in NPC differentiation are present. Between P9 and P21 Nestin and Calbindin disappear while NeuN and Parvalbumin expression increases in the course of visual neocortex development. The findings of this study provide a snapshot of the dynamic changes in cortex formation during early postnatal development. So far, it is the first investigation on the postnatal development of the mouse visual cortex. Our results indicate that in C3H/HeNRj mice retinal degeneration during these early stages may not influence the maturation of the visual cortex. Until P28 in this mouse strain, the development of the visual neocortex is in accordance with data from other mice (C57BL/6) without retinal degeneration. Whether in older individuals of the C3H/HeNRj strain the visual neocortex will show signs of functional impairment has to be shown by future work.

Whole transcriptome analysis of human erythropoietic cells during ontogenesis suggests a role of VEGFA gene as modulator of fetal hemoglobin and pharmacogenomic biomarker of treatment response to hydroxyurea in β-type hemoglobinopathy patients

BACKGROUND

Human erythropoiesis is characterized by distinct gene expression profiles at various developmental stages. Previous studies suggest that fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch is regulated by a complex mechanism, in which many key players still remain unknown. Here, we report our findings from whole transcriptome analysis of erythroid cells, isolated from erythroid tissues at various developmental stages in an effort to identify distinct molecular signatures of each erythroid tissue.

RESULTS

From our in-depth data analysis, pathway analysis, and text mining, we opted to focus on the VEGFA gene, given its gene expression characteristics. Selected VEGFA genomic variants, identified through linkage disequilibrium analysis, were explored further for their association with elevated fetal hemoglobin levels in β-type hemoglobinopathy patients. Our downstream analysis of non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients, β-thalassemia major patients, compound heterozygous sickle cell disease/β-thalassemia patients receiving hydroxyurea as fetal hemoglobin augmentation treatment, and non-thalassemic individuals indicated that VEGFA genomic variants were associated with disease severity in β-thalassemia patients and hydroxyurea treatment efficacy in SCD/β-thalassemia compound heterozygous patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that VEGFA may act as a modifier gene of human globin gene expression and, at the same time, serve as a genomic biomarker in β-type hemoglobinopathy disease severity and hydroxyurea treatment efficacy.

Genetics of Adrenocortical Development and Tumors

This article links the understanding of developmental physiology of the adrenal cortex to adrenocortical tumor formation. Many molecular mechanisms that lead to formation of adrenocortical tumors have been discovered via next-generation sequencing approaches. The most frequently mutated genes in adrenocortical tumors are also factors in normal adrenal development and homeostasis, including those that alter the p53 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition, dysregulated protein kinase A signaling and ARMC5 mutations have been identified as key mediators of adrenocortical tumorigenesis. The growing understanding of genetic changes that orchestrate adrenocortical development and disease pave the way for potential targeted treatment strategies.

The head morphology of Pyrrhosoma nymphula larvae (Odonata: Zygoptera) focusing on functional aspects of the mouthparts

BACKGROUND

The understanding of concerted movements and its underlying biomechanics is often complex and elusive. Functional principles and hypothetical functions of these complex movements can provide a solid basis for biomechanical experiments and modelling. Here a description of the cephalic anatomy of Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) focusing on functional aspects of the mouthparts using micro computed tomography (μCT) is presented.

RESULTS

We compared six different instars of the damselfly P. nymphula as well as one instar of the dragonfly Aeshna cyanea and Epiophlebia superstes each. In total 42 head muscles were described with only minor differences of the attachment points between the examined species and the absence of antennal muscle M. scapopedicellaris medialis (0an7) in Epiophlebia as a probable apomorphy of this group. Furthermore, the ontogenetic differences between the six larval instars are minor; the only considerable finding is the change of M. submentopraementalis (0la8), which is dichotomous in the early instars (I1,I2 and I3) with a second point of origin at the postero-lateral base of the submentum. This dichotomy is not present in any of the older instars studied (I6, middle-late and pen-ultimate).

CONCLUSION

However, the main focus of the study herein, is to use these detailed morphological descriptions as basis for hypothetic functional models of the odonatan mouthparts. We present blueprint like description of the mouthparts and their musculature, highlighting the caused direction of motion for every single muscle. This data will help to elucidate the complex concerted movements of the mouthparts and will contribute to the understanding of its biomechanics not in Odonata only.

Ontogenetic characterization of sporangium and spore of Huperzia serrata: an anti-aging disease fern

BACKGROUND

Huperzia serrata is a medicinal plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been used to prevent against aging diseases. It is mainly propagated by spores and grows extremely slowly. Due to severe harvest, it is a highly endangered species. In this report, we characterize ontogenesis of sporangia and spores that are associated with propagation. A wild population of H. serrata plants is localized in western Hunan province, China and protected by Chinese Government to study its development (e.g. sporangia and spores) and ecology. Both field and microscopic observations were conducted for a few of years.

RESULTS

The development of sporangia from their initiation to maturation took nearly 1 year. Microscopic observations showed that the sporangial walls were developed from epidermal cells via initiation, cell division, and maturation. The structure of the mature sporangial wall is composed of one layer of epidermis, two middle layers of cells, and one layer of tapetum. Therefore, the sporangium is the eusporangium type. Spore development is characterized into six stages, initiation from epidermal cell and formation of sporogenous cells, primary sporogenous cell, secondary sporogenous cell, spore mother cell, tetrad, and maturation.

CONCLUSION

The sporangial development of H. serrata belongs to the eusporangium type. The development takes approximately 1 year period from the initiation to the maturation. These data are useful for improving propagation of this medicinal plant in the future.

Clinical potential of human-induced pluripotent stem cells : Perspectives of induced pluripotent stem cells. Cell Biol Toxicol. 2017;33:99-112. [PMID: 27900567 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-016-9370-9]

The recent establishment of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells promises the development of autologous cell therapies for degenerative diseases, without the ethical concerns associated with human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Initially, iPS cells were generated by retroviral transduction of somatic cells with core reprogramming genes. To avoid potential genotoxic effects associated with retroviral transfection, more recently, alternative non-viral gene transfer approaches were developed. Before a potential clinical application of iPS cell-derived therapies can be planned, it must be ensured that the reprogramming to pluripotency is not associated with genome mutagenesis or epigenetic aberrations. This may include direct effects of the reprogramming method or "off-target" effects associated with the reprogramming or the culture conditions. Thus, a rigorous safety testing of iPS or iPS-derived cells is imperative, including long-term studies in model animals. This will include not only rodents but also larger mammalian model species to allow for assessing long-term stability of the transplanted cells, functional integration into the host tissue, and freedom from undifferentiated iPS cells. Determination of the necessary cell dose is also critical; it is assumed that a minimum of 1 billion transplantable cells is required to achieve a therapeutic effect. This will request medium to long-term in vitro cultivation and dozens of cell divisions, bearing the risk of accumulating replication errors. Here, we review the clinical potential of human iPS cells and evaluate which are the most suitable approaches to overcome or minimize risks associated with the application of iPS cell-derived cell therapies.

Expression of hematopoietic transcription factors Runt, CBFβ and GATA during ontogenesis of scallop Chlamys farreri

Transcription factors Runx1, CBFβ and GATA1/2/3 play essential roles in regulating hematopoietic development during embryogenesis of vertebrate. In previous study, the orthologous genes of Runt, CBFβ and GATA1/2/3 have been identified from scallop Chlamys farreri and proved to have conserved function in regulating hemocyte production. Here, these three transcription factors were selected as hematopoietic markers to explore potential developmental events of hematopoiesis during ontogenesis of scallop. The transcripts of CfRunt, CfCBFβ and CfGATA were detected abundantly after 32-cell embryo, trochophore and morula stage, and reached to a peak level in 32-cell embryos and D-shaped veligers, pediveligers or gastrula respectively. Further whole-mount immunofluorescence assay showed that the immunoreactivity of CfRunt was firstly observed at 32-cell stage and then its distribution was specialized gradually to the mesoderm during gastrulation. By trochophore, the expression of CfRunt, CfCBFβ and CfGATA proteins occurred coincidently in two specific symmetry cell mass located bilaterally on prototroch, and then disappeared rapidly in D-shaped or umbonal vliger, respectively. However, remarkable expressions of the three transcription factors were observed consistently in a new sinus structure appeared at the dorsal anterior side of D-shaped and umbonal veliger. After bacterial challenge, the mRNA expression levels of the three transcription factors were up-regulated or down-regulated significantly in trochophore, D-shaped veliger and pediveliger, indicating the available hematopoietic regulation in scallop larvae. The results revealed that scallop might experience two waves of hematopoiesis during early development, which occurred in the bilateral symmetry cell mass of trochophore and the sinus structure of veliger.

Phytochemical profiling of underexploited Fabaceae species: Insights on the ontogenic and phylogenetic effects over isoflavone levels

There is an increasing trend towards finding alternative sources of valued phytochemicals due to their diverse potentialities in food industry and pharmaceutical applications. Phenolic compounds, in particular, have been the focus of several profiling reports, but isoflavones characterization has been studied in fewer cases and in a very limited group of plant species. Despite their acknowledged bioactivity, there's actually a strict number of plants validated for their isoflavones contents. In a previous report, we have identified nine Leguminosae species (from genera Biserrula, Lotus, Ornithopus and Scorpiurus) as potential alternative sources of these phenolic compounds. However, the isoflavone profiles are highly modulated by the ontogenic stage. Therefore, the present study was conducted in the same Leguminosae species, but harvested at three sequential vegetative development stages: vegetative elongation, late bud and late flowering, with the main purpose of assessing the evolution of isoflavones content throughout the plant development. In general, the plant species from Biserrula and Lotus genera showed the highest potential as new natural sources of isoflavones, especially owing their high levels of biochanin A. Independently of the plant species, it was possible to identify the phenologic stages where each of the quantified isoflavones is maximized. These findings are useful to predict isoflavone yields according to harvesting time, validating the potential use of the studied plants in innovative food formulations.

High cryptic soil ciliate (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida) diversity in Australia

The diversity and distribution of soil ciliates from Australia is poorly known. Thus, we studied eight taxa, using the non-flooded Petri dish culture method, live observation, silver impregnation, detailed morphometrics, ontogenesis, and reinvestigation of type slides. At first glance, the Australian taxa looked very similar to described species, however, detailed investigations resulted in the identification of six cryptic species: Afroamphisiella multinucleata minima nov. subspec., Cladotricha similis nov. spec., Erimophrya similis nov. spec., Heterogonostomum salinarum nov. gen., nov. spec., Pseudohemisincirra arabica australiensis nov. subspec., and Pattersoniella (Pattersoniellides) australiensis nov. subgen., nov. spec. This new subgenus is unique among all described hypotrichs in having reduced some anterior paroral dikinetids the fibrillar associates of which are, however, still present. Only two of the eight taxa are possibly cosmopolitans: Apourosomoida halophilaFoissner et al., 2002 and Urosoma karinaeFoissner, 1987. This supports the moderate endemicity model, i.e., that a third of protists have a restricted distribution (Foissner, Chao and Katz 2008).

Assembling the Puzzle: Pathways of Oxytocin Signaling in the Brain

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide, which can be seen to be one of the molecules of the decade due to its profound prosocial effects in nonvertebrate and vertebrate species, including humans. Although OT can be detected in various physiological fluids (blood, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid) and brain tissue, it is unclear whether peripheral and central OT releases match and synergize. Moreover, the pathways of OT delivery to brain regions involved in specific behaviors are far from clear. Here, we discuss the evolutionarily and ontogenetically determined pathways of OT delivery and OT signaling, which orchestrate activity of the mesolimbic social decision-making network. Furthermore, we speculate that both the alteration in OT delivery and OT receptor expression may cause behavioral abnormalities in patients afflicted with psychosocial diseases.

Glucose metabolism ontogenesis in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the light of the recently sequenced genome: new tools for intermediary metabolism programming

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a carnivorous fish species, displays a 'glucose-intolerant' phenotype when fed a high-carbohydrate diet. The importance of carbohydrate metabolism during embryogenesis and the timing of establishing this later phenotype are currently unclear. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the poor ability of carnivorous fish to use dietary carbohydrates as a major energy substrate are not well understood. It has recently been shown in trout that duplicated genes involved in glucose metabolism may participate in establishing the glucose-intolerant phenotype. The aim of this study was therefore to provide new understanding of glucose metabolism during ontogenesis and nutritional transition, taking into consideration the complexity of the trout genome. Trout were sampled at several stages of development from fertilization to hatching, and alevins were then fed a non-carbohydrate or a high-carbohydrate diet during first feeding. mRNA levels of all glucose metabolism-related genes increased in embryos during the setting up of the primitive liver. After the first meal, genes rapidly displayed expression patterns equivalent to those observed in the livers of juveniles. g6pcb2.a (a glucose 6-phosphatase-encoding gene) was up-regulated in alevins fed a high-carbohydrate diet, mimicking the expression pattern of gck genes. The g6pcb2.a gene may contribute to the non-inhibition of the last step of gluconeogenesis and thus to establishing the glucose-intolerant phenotype in trout fed a high-carbohydrate diet as early as first feeding. This information is crucial for nutritional programming investigations as it suggests that first feeding would be too late to programme glucose metabolism in the long term.

Circadian activity rhythm in pre-pubertal and pubertal marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) living in family groups

In marmosets, a phase advance was observed in activity onset in pubertal animals living in captivity under semi-natural conditions which had stronger correlation with the times of sunrise over the course of the year than the age of the animal. In order to evaluate the effect of puberty on the circadian activity rhythm in male and female marmosets living in family groups in controlled lighting conditions, the activity of 5 dyads of twins (4 ♀/♂ and 1 ♂/♂) and their respective parents was continuously monitored by actiwatches between the 4th and 12th months of age. The families were kept under LD 12:12 h with constant humidity and temperature. The onset of puberty was identified by monitoring fecal steroids. Juveniles showed higher totals of daily activity and differences in the daily distribution of activity in relation to parents, in which the bimodal profile was characterized by higher levels in evening activity in relation to morning activity. Regarding the phase, the activity onset and offset, occurred later in relation to parents. After entering puberty, the activity onset and offset occurred later and there was an increase in total daily activity. On the other hand, when assessing the effect of sex, only females showed a delay in the activity offset and an increase in total daily activity. Therefore, the circadian activity rhythm in marmosets has peculiar characteristics in the juvenile stage in relation to the total of daily activity, the onset and offset of the active phase, and the distribution of activity during this phase. Besides, the entering puberty was associated with a phase delay and increase on total daily activity, with differences between sexes, possibly due to hormonal influences and/or social modulation on rhythm.

Left-Right Axis Differentiation and Functional Lateralization: a Haplotype in the Methyltransferase Encoding Gene SETDB2 Might Mediate Handedness in Healthy Adults

Handedness is a multifactorial trait, and genes contributing to the differentiation of the left-right axis during embryogenesis have been identified as a major gene group associated with this trait. The methyltransferase SETDB2 (SET domain, bifurcated 2) has been shown to regulate structural left-right asymmetry in the vertebrate central nervous system by suppressing fgf8 expression. Here, we investigated the relation of genetic variation in SETDB2-and its paralogue SETDB1-with different handedness phenotypes in 950 healthy adult participants. We identified a haplotype on SETDB2 for which homozygous individuals showed a significantly lower lateralization quotient for handedness than the rest of the cohort after correction for multiple comparisons. Moreover, direction of handedness was significantly associated with genetic variation in this haplotype. This effect was mainly, but not exclusively, driven by the sequence variation rs4942830, as individuals homozygous for the A allele of this single nucleotide polymorphism had a significantly lower lateralization quotient than individuals with at least one T allele. These findings further confirm a role of genetic pathways relevant for structural left-right axis differentiation for functional lateralization. Moreover, as the protein encoded by SETDB2 regulates gene expression epigenetically by histone H3 methylation, our findings highlight the importance of investigating the role of epigenetic modulations of gene expression in relation to handedness.

Ontogenesis of coelomocytes in sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) studied with probes of monoclonal antibody

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specifically against coelomocytes of Apostichopus japonicus were employed to study the ontogenesis of coelomocytes by indirect immunofluorescence assay technique (IIFAT). Different developmental stages were identified by histochemical staining method. Stages including blastula, gastrula, auricularia (small-auricular larvae, mid-auricular larvae and big-auricular larvae), doliolaria, pentactula and juvenile were examined. The positive reactions with both MAb1C2 against all the types of coelomocytes and MAb3F6 specific to spherulocytes, were observed firstly at the blastula stage of the embryos. The positive reaction with MAb1E2 against lymphoid cells was observed from the big-auricular larvae, which indicated that lymphoid cells may not be progenitor cells or stem cells for A. japonicus. An increase of fluorescence intensity for each cell may imply a possible enhancement of the innate defensive mechanism as the embryogenesis progress.

Morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of a new marine ciliate, Trichototaxis marina n. sp. (Ciliophora, Urostylida)

The live morphology, infraciliature and morphogenesis of a new urostylid ciliate, Trichototaxis marina n. sp., collected from coastal water in Qingdao, China, were studied based on the observations of live and silver stained specimens. The new species is characterised as follows: body very flexible and contractile, slight to brick-reddish in colour due to irregularly-shaped, brick-red pigments; ca. 70 adoral membranelles; about 17 frontal cirri arranged in a bicorona; average 67 midventral pairs, the right base of each pair being conspicuously larger than the left base; five to seven transverse cirri; constantly two frontoterminal, one buccal and two pretransverse ventral cirri; two or three left marginal rows; right and innermost left marginal rows with 56-92 and 66-106 cirri, respectively; six bipolar dorsal kineties; more than 100 macronuclear nodules. The characteristic morphogenetic feature in T. marina is the development of the left marginal rows, that is, only one left marginal row is newly built the other one or two being retained from the parental cell. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal gene sequence data reveal a close relationship of T. marina with members of family Pseudokeronopsidae.

Manganese-induced oxidative stress in two ontogenetic stages of chamomile and amelioration by nitric oxide

Impact of manganese (Mn(2+)) excess (100, 500 and 1000 μM over 7 days) on two ontogenetic stages (7-week-old plants and 7-day-old seedlings) of Matricaria chamomilla was compared. Mn excess depressed growth of seedlings (but not germination) and stimulated oxidative stress (ROS and lipid peroxidation) in both plants and seedlings. Growth inhibition could be evoked by higher Mn uptake and higher translocation factor in seedlings than in plants. Total thiols staining revealed elevation in almost all treatments. In 7-week-old plants, activity of peroxidases increased slightly and rather decreased under high Mn doses. Superoxide rather than hydrogen peroxide contributed to visualized ROS presence. Fluorescence of nitric oxide (NO) showed stimulation in plants but decrease in seedlings. Impact of exogenous nitric oxide donor (sodium nitroprusside/SNP) was therefore tested and results showed amelioration of 1000 μM Mn-induced oxidative stress in seedlings (decrease in H2O2 and increase in NO content while antioxidative enzyme activities were variably affected) concomitantly with depleted Mn accumulation. It is concluded that NO participates in tolerance to Mn excess but negative effects of the highest SNP dose were also observed. Extensive fluorescence microscopy is also explanatively discussed.

FOXP2 variation modulates functional hemispheric asymmetries for speech perception

Left-hemispheric language dominance is a well-known characteristic of the human language system, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this crucial feature of vocal communication are still far from being understood. The forkhead box P2 gene FOXP2, which has been related to speech development, constitutes an interesting candidate gene in this regard. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating effects of variation in FOXP2 on individual language dominance. To this end, we used a dichotic listening and a visual half-field task in a sample of 456 healthy adults. The FOXP2 SNPs rs2396753 and rs12533005 were found to be significantly associated with the distribution of correct answers on the dichotic listening task. These results show that variation in FOXP2 may contribute to the inter-individual variability in hemispheric asymmetries for speech perception.