Different Species Of Vertebrates Research Articles

Study of in Silico Phylogenetic Analysis of Vertebrate Protein Neuroglobin

Abstract Neuroglobin protein is found in invertebrate and vertebrate bodies, which provide oxygen to the central nervous system of organisms. Ngb also performs a role in the enhancement of program cell death (Apostasis). If Ngb does not work properly it affects the function of nerves in the body, and it may cause Hypoxia, cerebral stroke, and in severe conditions, nerve cells die. We observed Ngb having some moderate variation in several amino acids, but without affecting protein function. we also concluded that phylogenetic tree analysis that proteins show some similarity in the different species of vertebrates.

Evolutionary conservation and antiviral effect of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) in Tibetan frog Nanorana parkeri

Interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) is considered to be a vital regulator of antiviral immune responses, and the knowledge on functions of IRF1 in antiviral defense is rather limited in amphibians, which have undergone worldwide declines due to the prevalence of ranavirus infections. In the present study, an IRF1 gene named as Np-IRF1 was identified and characterized in Tibetan frog (Nanorana parkeri). Bioinformatic analysis revealed that Np-IRF1 and IRF1 from different species of vertebrates have a conserved genomic organization of eight exons and nine introns, and locate a conserved genomic region. Expression analysis showed that Np-IRF1 gene was widely expressed and induced by poly(I:C) in different organs/tissues. Moreover, the overexpression of Np-IRF1 could induce the expression of interferon-stimulated genes, and reduce the CPE and viral loads in ranavirus-infected A6 cells. The present research thus contributes to a better understanding of regulatory function of IRF1 in the antiviral immune responses of anuran amphibians.

Phytophages and mycobiots of white mistletoe

Aim. The aim of the study was to investigate the natural antagonists of white mistletoe (Viscum album L.), which may affect the number and speed of spread of this species. Methods. The plant material of V. album, collected in urban plantations of Kyiv, was used in the study. The research was conducted mainly in park zones and urban plantations of Podilskyi district. Samples of affected white mistletoe were collected by the route method during 2019-2021. Plant material was also inspected during the sanitary cutting of utilities. Results. Different species of vertebrates and invertebrates, fungi, lichens and bacteria that form close ecological links with V. album were analyzed. It has been established that several species of fungi can parasitize on V. album, showing a fairly high level of specialization. Hyperparasitic disease has also been reported. Conclusions. A list of species associated with white mistletoe was identified and the possibility of their use in the development of biological methods to control the semi-parasite was assessed.

The mesenchymal potential of trunk neural crest cells.

It has long been held that the main difference between cranial and trunk neural crest (CNC and TNC, respectively) was the potential of CNC to originate mesenchymal cell types, especially skeletogenic. This is an age-old question that continues to challenge researchers, even today. Unfortunately, to date, no consensus has concluded the extent of TNC mesenchymal potential, nor has a systematic review been conducted to organize current knowledge about this fascinating question. However, the number of studies related to this question have expanded and deepened considerably in the last few years thanks to several new different species of vertebrates employed, the generation of transgenic animal strains, the combination of cell markers, and also the improvement of cell culture conditions through the use of different substrates and signaling molecules. Therefore, this review summarizes the literature showing that TNCCs can generate a broad range of mesenchymal cell types, including skeletogenic. This potential can be unveiled by certain favorable in vitro conditions, but it also seems to be expressed in some animal structures in vivo, to which TNCCs contribute. We also present several works that offer a contrary view and do not detect any mesenchymal/skeletogenic contribution of TNCCs in vivo. Perhaps, it is the controversy itself that makes this subject even more exciting.

RECORD OF A LEUCISTIC PAMPAS FOX LYCALOPEX GYMNOCERCUS (CARNIVORA: CANIDAE) IN NORTHEASTERN OF ARGENTINA

Leucism is a frequent chromatic mutation in mammals that causes partial or complete fur depigmentation. This type of mutation is interesting because they have physiological and ecological implications. We report here the first record of leucism in a pampas fox Lycalopex gymnocercus (Carnivora: Canidae), photographed using a camera trap in the northeast of the province of Corrientes, Argentina. Although cases of hypopigmentation are apparently very rare among pampas foxes, they could actually be more frequent than previously assumed. Given the ecological and physiological importance of these anomalies, researchers should report all records of this type in order to understand the degree to which these genetic variants are present in wild populations of different species of vertebrates.

IS THERE AN OUTBREAK OF TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS IN PERNIK DISTRICT, BULGARIA? FOUR CASES REGISTERED FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS – CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RELATIONS

In Europe, the number of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases has been increasing in the last decade, and the number of endemic areas has also been increasing. Bulgaria, located in southeastern Europe, is not in the TBE endemic area. However, sporadic TBE cases have been occasionally detected. The disease has a natural-focal nature, pronounced seasonality, with a vector- Ixodes ticks that transmit the infection from animals to humans. TBE is severe infection with specific lesions of the central nervous system (CNS), with residual phenomena and high lethality. The first cases of TBE in Pernik district were registered in 2015. The aim of the study is to consider clinical cases of TBE in Pernik district during period 2017-2020, to look for an epidemiological link between them and to monitor severity of the infection. We briefly present the most characteristic clinical and laboratory features of four laboratory confirmed cases of tick-borne encephalitis in the last 4 years. The mean age of all of the patients was 56. All four cases were observed in May, June, and July. They proceeded relatively smoothly with a favorable outcome, without paresis or paralysis of the limbs, without seizures or loss of consciousness. In the first case of computed tomography, no pathological changes in the brain were observed, while in the other three cases multiinfarction encephalopathy, evidence of initial cerebral edema and two porencephalic foci were found. Two of the patients had meningoradicular irritation with positive symptoms of Kerning, Brudzinski and Babinski, while in the other two patients these symptoms were absent. In all four cases there was a classic change in the hemogram: moderate leukocytosis with granulocytosis, and in the study of cerebrospinal fluid - a slight increase in total protein, moderate pleiocytosis and normal values of sugar and chloride. Only one of the patients was reported to be bitten by a tick, and the other three were most likely infected through food (raw goat's milk). Confirmed cases of TBE in Pernik district, although isolated, show that the virus is circulating in this region. This is facilitated by a number of factors: climate change, activity of the epizootic process in the tick population, different species of vertebrates in natural foci; presence of a large number of goats infected with viruses. Although cases of TBE have been reported only sporadically due to a lack of sufficient testing, TBE virus is circulating in Pernik district. Comprehensive measures are needed: through good awareness of clinicians, search for infection in patients with viral meningitis, increased screening of raw milk by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, future studies on ticks and farm animals for presence of TBE in this region. This study is a prerequisite for future research in this direction.

Blind fish: An eye opener.

Lay Summary: Different species of vertebrates have conditions similar to human obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Increasing number of studies are now revealing that the causes and interrelationships between these states are substantially different in different species. Comparative physiology may turn out to be an eye opener for evolutionary theories of diabetes. Obesity induced insulin resistance is believed to be central to type 2 diabetes. Recent work on Mexican cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus, has revealed a hyperglycemic phenotype similar to human type 2 diabetes but here insulin resistance is the cause of obesity rather than an effect. Instead of developing diabetic complications, the hyperglycemic fish lead a healthy and long life. In addition to fish, insulin resistance in hibernating bears, dolphins, horses, bonnet macaques and chimpanzees demonstrate that the relationship between diet, obesity, insulin sensitivity and diabetes is widely different in different species. Evolutionary hypotheses about type 2 diabetes should explain these differences.

On site DNA barcoding by nanopore sequencing.

Biodiversity research is becoming increasingly dependent on genomics, which allows the unprecedented digitization and understanding of the planet’s biological heritage. The use of genetic markers i.e. DNA barcoding, has proved to be a powerful tool in species identification. However, full exploitation of this approach is hampered by the high sequencing costs and the absence of equipped facilities in biodiversity-rich countries. In the present work, we developed a portable sequencing laboratory based on the portable DNA sequencer from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, the MinION. Complementary laboratory equipment and reagents were selected to be used in remote and tough environmental conditions. The performance of the MinION sequencer and the portable laboratory was tested for DNA barcoding in a mimicking tropical environment, as well as in a remote rainforest of Tanzania lacking electricity. Despite the relatively high sequencing error-rate of the MinION, the development of a suitable pipeline for data analysis allowed the accurate identification of different species of vertebrates including amphibians, reptiles and mammals. In situ sequencing of a wild frog allowed us to rapidly identify the species captured, thus confirming that effective DNA barcoding in the field is possible. These results open new perspectives for real-time-on-site DNA sequencing thus potentially increasing opportunities for the understanding of biodiversity in areas lacking conventional laboratory facilities.

Captivity effects on immune response and steroid plasma levels of a Brazilian toad (Rhinella schneideri)

Stressors can increase plasma glucocorticoid (GC) levels and decrease plasma androgen levels in different species of vertebrates. GCs can have immune-enhancing or immunosuppressive effects, which are dependent upon stress duration and intensity. The worldwide decline in amphibian populations is strongly linked to an array of different stressors. The impacts of stress on GCs, androgens, and the immune response are important to clarify and should lead to the better development of conservation strategies. The present study in adult male toads of Rhinella schneideri investigated the effects of captivity (7, 30, and 60 days) on plasma corticosterone (CORT) and plasma testosterone (T), as well as innate immune responses, specifically humoral and cell mediated responses, as indicated by bacterial killing ability (BKA) and phagocytosis by peritoneal cells, respectively. Captivity increased CORT threefold and decreased T versus controls. CORT maintained a threefold elevation throughout the captivity period, while body mass and T gradually decreased with time in captivity. BKA was lower at day 30, versus days 7 and 60, while peritoneal cell phagocytic efficiency decreased after day 30, remaining low at day 60. Moreover, phagocytosis efficiency was positively associated with T and body condition, suggesting that the effects of chronic stress on reproductive potential and immune response might be associated with the state of energetic reserves.

Checkerboards and Missing Species Combinations: Are Ecological Communities Assembled by Chance?

How are communities of plants and animals organized in nature? This is a challenging question, because there are too many species in most communities to study this problem experimentally. For example, even with only three species (A, B, and C), eight different “communities” or distinct species combinations can be formed, based on the presence or absence of each species in the community: 0, A, B, C, AB, BC, AC, and ABC. With S species, 2S possible species combinations can be formed, which is far too many for a wieldy experiment. That is why ecologists have often taken a different tack. They use so-called “natural experiments” in which they let nature do the work and generate the replicates. Islands in an archipelago, for example, are often treated as statistical replicates. The patterns of species association among a set of islands may provide important clues for how species interact. The data for such an analysis can be represented as a binary matrix in which each row is a species, each column is an island (or site), and the matrix entries represent the presence (1) or absence (0) of a particular species on a particular island. For a matrix M with i = 1 to S species and j = 1 to R replicate islands, Mij indicates the presence or absence of species i on island j. It is too much work to identify all of the different species of vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and microbes on a single island, much less in an entire archipelago. Instead, ecologists have usually restricted Checkerboards and Missing Species Combinations: Are Ecological Communities Assembled by Chance?

The relevance of temporal cues in a fish sound: a first experimental investigation using modified signals in cichlids

Playback experiments have been a useful tool for studying the function of sounds and the relevance of different sound characteristics in signal recognition in many different species of vertebrates. However, successful playback experiments in sound-producing fish remain rare, and few studies have investigated the role of particular sound features in the encoding of information. In this study, we set-up an apparatus in order to test the relevance of acoustic signals in males of the cichlid Metriaclima zebra. We found that territorial males responded more to playbacks by increasing their territorial activity and approaching the loudspeaker during and after playbacks. If sounds are used to indicate the presence of a competitor, we modified two sound characteristics, that is, the pulse period and the number of pulses, in order to investigate whether the observed behavioural response was modulated by the temporal structure of sounds recorded during aggressive interactions. Modified sounds yielded little or no effect on the behavioural response they elicited in territorial males, suggesting a high tolerance for variations in pulse period and number of pulses. The biological function of sounds in M. zebra and the lack of responsiveness to our temporal modifications are discussed.

Microsatellite DNA variation in Ural bank vole populations

Highly polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci areeffective markers of genetic and demographic pro-cesses in mammal populations. These processes arestudied in terms of the spatial organization of popula-tions and cyclic fluctuations in population sizes (Ehrichet al., 2001; Redeker et al., 2006). The microsatelliteDNA variation in mammals and other vertebratescaused by technogenic environment pollution has beenstudied considerably less. Mutagenic pollution mayeither increase the genetic diversity (due to de novomutations) or decrease it as a result of differential elimi-nation of the genotypes noncompetitive in an adverseenvironment. The complexity of this problem is evi-denced by contradictory data on microsatellite DNAvariation in different species of vertebrates. An increasedmutation rate in microsatellite loci was found in barnswallows exposed to irradiation after the Chernobylaccident (Ellegren, 1997). On the other hand, no sucheffect has been found in children of Chernobyl liquida-tors (Slebos et al., 2004; Furitsu et al., 2005). No rela-tionship between heavy metal pollution and microsatel-lite variation has been found in European eel from Bel-gium (Maes, 2005); however, such a relationship isvery probable in the case of wood mice (Berckmoeset al., 2005).In this study, we used microsatellite markers to com-pare genetic diversity in Ural populations of the bankvole (

Shapes of Differential Pulse Voltammograms and Level of Metallothionein at Different Animal Species.

Metallothioneins play a key role in maintaining homeostasis of essential metalsand in protecting of cells against metal toxicity as well as oxidative damaging. Exceptinghumans, blood levels of metallothionein have not yet been reported from any animalspecies. Blood plasma samples of 9 animal species were analysed by the adsorptive transferstripping technique to obtain species specific voltammograms. Quite distinct records wereobtained from the Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), while other interesting records were observedin samples from the European Bison (Bison bonasus bonasus) and the Red-eared Slider(Trachemys scripta elegans). To quantify metallothionein the catalytic peak Cat2 was used,well developed in the Domestic Fowl (Gallus gallus f. domestica) and showing a very lowsignal in the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus). The highest levels of metallothionein reachingover 20 μM were found in the Domestic Fowl. High levels of MT were also found in theBearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) and the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus lupus). The lowestvalues of about 1-3 μM were determined in the Red-eared Slider, Takin and Red Deer. Employing a simple electrochemical detection it was possible to examine variation in blood metallothionein in different species of vertebrates.

Distribution of NADPH-diaphorase and nitric oxide synthase reactivity in the central nervous system of the goldfish ( Carassius auratus)

The nitrergic system has been inferred from cells positive to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd) histochemistry and/or to the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunohistochemistry in different species of vertebrates. The aim of the present work was to systematically study the distribution of cell producing nitric oxide in the goldfish ( Carassius auratus) brain. To reach this goal, we firstly studied co-localization for NADPHd and nNOS techniques and demonstrated an extensive double labeling. Then, we studied the distribution through the brain by the two separate methods and found labeled cells widely distributed in brain and spinal cord. In the telencephalon, such cells were in both dorsal and ventral areas. In the diencephalon, the cells were found in some nuclei of the preoptic area and hypothalamus, habenula, pretectum, and dorsal and ventral thalamic regions. In the midbrain, cells were observed in the optic tectum, torus longitudinalis, and tegmental nuclei. In the rhombencephalon, cells were found in the cerebellum, the reticular formation, the locus coeruleus, the raphe nuclei, and the nuclei of the cranial nerves. Labeled cells were also observed in the gray area of the spinal cord. Cognizing that a direct comparison of the present results with those reported in other vertebrates is not clear-cut because of homologies; we conclude that the nitrergic system is roughly similar from fish to mammals.

Comparative analysis of the mechanisms of attack and defense among higher brain animals

Abstract Many studies have investigated different mechanisms of attack and defense in different species of higher brain animals including cats, rats, rodents, mice, and even in some bird species. However, detailed comparative analysis has not been carried out to understand the major similarities in the mechanisms of attack and defense across the different species of vertebrates. Although there are differences, there are also significant similarities as well, which warrant comparative assessment. By considering ethological ideas associated with the motivational defense system, we investigated the motor patterns of attack and defense in cats and rats, using the “resident-intruder” experimental paradigm. Our results reveal specific similarities and differences in the motor patterns of attack and defense in rats and cats. We discuss comparatively the mechanisms of attack and defense across different species of vertebrates, focusing on motor patterns, neuromodulating factors, brains neural substrates, and circuitry.

A Novel Cardiolipin-remodeling Pathway Revealed by a Gene Encoding an Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Acyl-CoA:Lysocardiolipin Acyltransferase (ALCAT1) in Mouse

Cardiolipin is a major membrane polyglycerophospholipid that is required for the reconstituted activity of a number of key mitochondrial enzymes involved in energy metabolism. Cardiolipin is subjected to remodeling subsequent to its de novo biosynthesis to attain appropriate acyl composition for its biological functions. Yet, the enzyme(s) involved in the remodeling process have not been identified. We report here the identification and characterization of a murine gene that encodes an acyl-CoA:lysocardiolipin acyltransferase 1 (ALCAT1). Expression of the ALCAT1 cDNA in either insect or mammalian cells led to a significant increase in acyl-CoA:monolysocardiolipin acyltransferase and acyl-CoA: dilysocardiolipin acyltransferase activities that exhibited a dependence upon ALCAT1 enzyme levels. The recombinant ALCAT1 enzyme recognizes both monolysocardiolipin and dilysocardiolipin as substrates with a preference for linoleoyl-CoA and oleoyl-CoA as acyl donors. In contrast, no significant increases in acyltransferase activities by the recombinant ALCAT1 were detected against either glycerol-3-phosphate or a variety of other lysophospholipids as substrates, including lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and lysophosphatidylserine. Immunocytohistochemical analysis showed that the ALCAT1 enzyme is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, which is supported by a significant ALCAT activity in isolated liver and heart microsomes. Northern blot analysis indicates that the mouse ALCAT1 is widely distributed, with the highest expression in heart and liver. In support of a role for ALCAT1 in maintaining heart function, the ALCAT1 gene is conserved among different species of vertebrates, but not in non-atrium organisms. ALCAT1 represents the first identified cardiolipin-remodeling enzyme from any living organism; its identification implies a novel role for the endoplasmic reticulum in cardiolipin metabolism.

FKBP Binding Characteristics of Cardiac Microsomes from Diverse Vertebrates

FK506 binding protein (FKBP) is a cytosolic receptor for the immunosuppressive drug FK-506. The common isoform, FKBP12, was found to be associated with the calcium release channel (ryanodine receptor 1) of different species of vertebrate skeletal muscle, whereas 12.6, a novel FKBP isoform was found to be associated with canine cardiac ryanodine receptor (ryanodine receptor 2). Until recently, canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum was considered to be the prototype for studying heart RyR2 and its interactions with FKBP. In this study, cardiac microsomes were isolated from diverse vertebrates: human, rabbit, rat, mice, dog, chicken, frog, and fish and were analyzed for their ability to bind or exchange with FKBP isoforms 12 and 12.6. Our studies indicate that RyR2 from seven out of the eight animals contain both FKBP12 and 12.6. Dog is the exception. It can now be concluded that the association of FKBP isoforms with RyR2 is widely conserved in the hearts of different species of vertebrates.

Genetic control of regional identity in the developing vertebrate forebrain.

In the past we isolated and characterized a number of vertebrate homeobox genes expressed in the developing brain. In particular, Emx1 and Emx2 are expressed in the developing forebrain of mouse embryos, in a region including the presumptive cerebral cortex. In the developing cerebral cortex, Emx1 is expressed in most neuroblasts and neurons at all stages of development, whereas Exm2 expression is restricted to proliferating neuroblasts of the so-called ventricular zone and to Cajal-Retzius cells, but is undetectable in most postmitotic cortical neurons. It is conceivable to hypothesize that Emx2 plays a role in the control of proliferation of cortical neuroblasts and in the regulation of their subsequent migration. This latter process has been recently analysed in some detail in null mutant mice. The expression of these and other genes has also been analysed in the developing brain of different species of vertebrates. Homologies between forebrain subdivisions have been proposed based on the conservation and divergence of gene expression patterns.

Comparison of four monoclonal antibodies reacting with gastric gland mucous cell-derived mucins of rat and frog

Features of four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), PGM36, PGM37, PGM38 and HIK1083, reacting with the mucin derived from rat gastric gland mucous cells were compared. By applying enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, all of these MAbs reacted not only with the mucins purified from both rat and frog stomach, but also with the oligosaccharides obtained from the antigenic mucins by alkaline borohydride treatment. These MAbs could be characterized as distinct MAbs due to the immunohistochemical observation of rat cecal mucosa and the reactivity to paranitrophenyl derivatives of monosaccharides. These MAbs might be useful tools to compare the gastric gland-type mucins in different species of vertebrates and to investigate the heterogeneity of the carbohydrate structure of the mucin molecules of various origins.

Occurrence of natural hemagglutinins in Halys dentata (hemiptera) during development

Agglutinating activity of insect hemolymph against vertebrate erythrocytes and microorganisms has been reported by many workers (1,3,7,9,11,12,14). Recently, Bellah et al. (1) have detected thc presence of hemolymph agglutinin in 5-day-old last instar larvae of Philosamia ricini. They concluded that trier variations were related essentially to larval age. In holometabolous insects, complete reconstruction occurs during metamorphosis. Suzuki and Natori (14) reported a rhythmic pattern in the activity of hemagglutinins during larvalpupal and pupal-adult ecdysis in Bombyx mori. They further suggested that agglutinins may be absorbed to the surface of decomposed larval tissues and, therefore, may be functional in the immune surveillance of old tissue. Studies on the interrelationship of age (i.e., development) and titer of hemagglutinins in hemimetabolus insects are limited. Jurenka et al. (6) studied hemagglutination titer in relation to age in Melanoplus sanguinipes and reported the occurrence of lectins from 4th instar and throughout adulthood. They further concluded that hemagglutination liter varies with age and sex in this insect. In the present study, the hemagglutination titer was screened in 3rd, 4th, 5th instars and adults in relation to moulting and the age of insect to determine if there is a correlation between agglutination titer and development in hemimetabolous insect. The other objective of this study was to investigate the hemagglutinating activity of the serum of Halys dentata against the erythrocytes of different species of vertebrates and m i c r o o r g a n i s m s to d e t e r m i n e the binding specificities of the agglutinins.