Sponge Research Articles

Design and Biofunctionalization of Cloud Sponge-Inspired Scaffolds for Enhanced Bone Cell Performance.

With the increasing age of our population, which is linked to a higher incidence of musculoskeletal diseases, there is a massive clinical need for bone implants. Porous scaffolds, usually offering a lower stiffness and allowing for the ingrowth of blood vessels and nerves, serve as an attractive alternative to conventional implants. Natural porous skeletons from marine sponges represent an array of evolutionarily optimized patterns, inspiring the design of biomaterials. In this study, cloud sponge-inspired scaffolds were designed and printed from a photocurable polymer, Clear Resin. These scaffolds were biofunctionalized by mussel-derived peptide MP-RGD, a recently developed peptide that contains a cyclic, bioactive RGD cell adhesion motif and catechol moieties, which provide the anchoring of the peptide to the surface. In in vitro cell culture assays with bone cells, significantly higher biocompatibility of three scaffolds, i.e., square, octagon, and hexagon cubes, in comparison to hollow and sphere inside cubes was shown. The performance of the cells regarding signaling was further enhanced by applying an MP-RGD coating. Consequently, these data demonstrate that both the structure of the scaffold and the coating contribute to the biocompatibility of the material. Three out of five MP-RGD-coated sponge-inspired scaffolds displayed superior biochemical properties and might guide material design for improved bone implants.

Isolation and identification of antifungal, antibacterial and nematocide agents from marine bacillus gottheilii MSB1.

Pathogenic fungi employ numerous strategies to colonize plants, infect them, reduce crop yield and quality, and cause significant losses in agricultural production. The increasing use of chemical pesticides has led to various ecological and environmental issues, including the emergence of resistant weeds, soil compaction, and water pollution, all negatively impacting agricultural sustainability. Additionally, the extensive development of synthetic fungicides has adverse effects on animal and human health, prompting the exploration of alternative approaches and green strategies for phytopathogen control. Microorganisms living in sponges represent a promising source of novel bioactive secondary metabolites, potentially useful in developing new nematicidal and antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on extracting bioactive compounds from endosymbiotic bacteria associated with the marine sponge Hyrtios erect sp. (collected from NIOF Station, Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt) using various organic solvents. Bacillus sp. was isolated and identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The biocidal activity of Bacillus gotheilii MSB1 extracts was screened against plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. The n-butanol extract showed significant potential as a biological fungicide against Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum. Both n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited negative impacts against the plant pathogenic bacteria Erwinia carotovora and Ralstonia solanacearum, whereas the n-butanol extract had a positive effect. Regarding nematicidal activity, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts demonstrated in-vitro activity against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, which causes serious vegetable crop diseases, but the n-hexane extract showed no positive effects. The findings suggest that bioactive compounds from endosymbiotic bacteria associated with marine sponges, particularly B. gotheilii MSB1, hold significant potential as alternative biological control agents against plant pathogens. The n-butanol extract, in particular, displayed promising biocidal activities against various plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. These results support further exploration and development of such bioactive compounds as sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fungicides in agricultural practices.

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism by the mitotoxin bromoxib in leukemia and lymphoma cells.

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism represents a promising approach for cancer treatment. Here, we investigated the mitotoxic potential of the polybrominated diphenyl ether bromoxib, a natural compound isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea family. We could show that bromoxib comprised strong cytotoxicity in different leukemia and lymphoma cell lines (such as HL60, HPBALL, Jurkat, K562, KOPTK1, MOLT4, SUPB15 and Ramos), but also in solid tumor cell lines (such as glioblastoma cell lines SJ-GBM2 and TP365MG). Bromoxib activated the mitochondrial death pathway as evidenced by the rapid translocation of Bax to the mitochondria and the subsequent mitochondrial release of Smac. Accordingly, bromoxib-induced apoptosis was blocked in caspase 9 deficient Jurkat cells and Jurkat cells overexpressing the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. In addition, we could show that bromoxib functioned as an uncoupler of the electron transport chain with similar rapid kinetics as CCCP in terms of dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), processing of the dynamin-like GTPase OPA1 and subsequent fragmentation of mitochondria. Beyond that, bromoxib strongly abrogated ATP production via glycolysis as well as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) by targeting electron transport chain complexes II, III, and V (ATP-synthase) in Ramos lymphoma cells. Thus, bromoxib's potential to act on both cytosolic glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration renders it a promising agent for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.

Archaeocytes in sponges: simple cells of complicated fate.

Archaeocytes are considered a key cell type in sponges (Porifera). They are believed to be multifunctional cells performing various functions, from nutrient digestion to acting as adult stem cells (ASCs). Thus, archaeocytes are mentioned in discussions on various aspects of sponge biology. As presumed ASCs of an early-diverged animal taxon, archaeocytes are of great fundamental interest for further progress in understanding tissue functioning in metazoans. However, the term 'archaeocyte' is rather ambiguous in its usage and understanding, and debates surrounding archaeocytes have persisted for over a century, reflecting the ongoing complexity of understanding their nature. This article presents a comprehensive revision of the archaeocyte concept, including both its historical development and biological features (i.e. taxonomic distribution, characteristics, and functions). The term 'archaeocyte' and its central aspects were introduced as early as the end of the 19th century based on data mainly from demosponges. Remarkably, despite the general lack of comparative and non-histological data, these early studies already regarded archaeocytes as the ASCs of sponges. These early views were readily inherited by subsequent studies, often without proper verification, shaping views on many aspects of sponge biology for more than a century. Taking into account all available data, we propose considering the archaeocytes as a cell type specific to the class Demospongiae. Clear homologues of archaeocytes are absent in other sponge classes. In demosponges, the term 'archaeocytes' refers to mesohyl cells that have an amoeboid shape, nucleolated nuclei, and non-specific inclusions in the cytoplasm. The absence of specific traits makes the archaeocytes a loosely defined and probably heterogeneous cell population, rendering the exhaustive characterisation of the 'true' archaeocyte population impossible. At the same time, the molecular characterisation of archaeocytes is only beginning to develop. Stemness and almost unlimited potency have always been at the core of the traditional archaeocyte concept. However, currently, the most consistent data on archaeocyte stem cell function come only from developing gemmules of freshwater sponges. For tissues of adult demosponges, the data favour a two-component stem cell system, in which archaeocytes may cooperate with another stem cell population, choanocytes. Simultaneously, cells with archaeocyte morphology function as macrophages in demosponges, participating in the food digestion cycle and immune defence. Such cells should be denoted with the more neutral term 'nucleolar amoebocytes', as the term 'archaeocyte' not only describes the morphology of a cell but also introduces the proposition of its stem nature. Thus, the future usage of the term 'archaeocyte' should be limited to cases where a cell is shown or at least presumed to be a stem cell.

Pullenvalenes E-H: Triterpenyl-Aminoglycosides from an Australian Soil-Derived Fungus, Clonostachys sp.

Chemical profiling of soil-derived microbes collected under the auspices of the Australian citizen science initiative Soils for Science detected two fungi, Clonostachys sp. S4S-07771A07 and Coccidiodes sp. S4S-14879B01, capable of producing pullenvalenes, a rare class of triterpene glycoside. Cultivation profiling followed by scaled up cultivation and fractionation of the former yielded the known pullenvalenes A-D (1-4) and the new analogues E-H (5-8), with structures secured by detailed spectroscopic analysis and biogenetic considerations. This study reveals that the pullenvalenes 1-8 are produced by several genera of fungi (Clonostachys, Coccidiodes and Talaromyces) recovered from different geographic locations and substrates. We also draw attention to structural and biosynthetic similarities with the known Red Sea sponge metabolites neviotines A-D (9-12) and abudinols A-B (13-14), prompting speculation that the latter may be products of sponge-associated fungi.

Stable dominance of parasitic dinoflagellates in Antarctic sponges.

Marine sponges are dominant components of Antarctic benthos and representative of the high endemism that characterizes this environment. All microbial groups are part of the Antarctic sponge holobionts, but microbial eukaryotes have been studied less, and their symbiotic role still needs to be better understood. Here, we characterize the dynamics of microbial eukaryotes associated with Antarctic sponges, focusing on dinoflagellates over three summer periods to better understand the members, interannual variations, and trophic and lifestyle strategies. The analysis revealed that dinoflagellates dominate microeukaryotic communities in Antarctic sponges. The results also showed significant differences in the diversity and composition of dinoflagellate communities associated with sponges compared to those in seawater. Antarctic sponges were dominated by a single dinoflagellate family, Syndiniales Dino-Group-I-Clade 1, which was present in high abundance in Antarctic sponges compared to seawater communities. Despite minor differences, the top microeukaryotic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) showed no significant interannual abundance changes, indicating general temporal stability within the studied sponge species. Our findings highlight the abundance and importance of parasitic groups, particularly the classes Coccidiomorphea, Gregarinomorphea, and Ichthyosporea, with the exclusive dominance of Syndiniales Dino-Group-I-Clade 1 within sponges. The present study comprehensively characterizes the microbial eukaryotes associated with Antarctic sponges, showing a remarkable stability of parasitic dinoflagellates in Antarctic sponges. These findings underscore the significant role of parasites in these marine hosts, with implications for population dynamics of the microeukaryome and the holobiont response to a changing ocean.

Spongillidae (Porifera, Spongillidae) in the Subarctic of Western Siberia

When studying the zooperiphyton of reservoirs and watercourses in the Subarctic of Western Siberia, freshwater sponges were identified. The research was carried out in areas of the southern tundra and forested tundra belts, which in turn were conditionally divided into three zones: western, central and eastern. In total, the research covered 40 reservoirs and watercourses. Three species of sponges have been found: Spongilla lacustris, Ephydatia muelleri and Ephydatia fluviatilis. The most common species is S. lacustris, E. muelleri being less common, vs E. fluviatilis which occurs only occasionally. The maximum numbers of species and their occurrence were noted in forested tundra water bodies. Linear measurements and a dimensional analysis both of gemmules and elements of the skeleton of the sponges were carried out. A tendency was revealed to a decrease in size of the skeletal structures of the studied biological material in comparison with literature data.

Temporal dynamics of the bacterial community structure and functions associated with marine sponges collected off Karah Island, Terengganu, Malaysia

The marine sponge microbiome has been investigated for decades, yet its temporal fluctuation/stability is poorly understood. This study aimed to describe the seasonal dynamics of the bacterial composition and predicted functions associated with two tropical marine sponge species (Aaptos suberitoides and Xestospongia testudinaria) collected off Karah Island, Malaysia, in the three seasons (dry season, pre- and post-monsoon season) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX). The bacterial taxonomic structures demonstrated divergences among A. suberitoides, X. testudinaria, and seawater, regardless of seasons. Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Acidobacteriota comprised the core bacterial communities in two marine sponge species throughout the seasons, however, there were differences in bacterial composition between the two marine sponges. In addition, A. suberitoides was enriched with Dadabacteria, Spirochaetota, and Bdellovibrionota, whereas X. testudinaria abundantly harbored Poribacteria, PAUC34f, and Anck6. At the genus level, SAR202 clade and Candidatus Synechococcus spongiarum group dominated marine sponge samples throughout the year. Several genera, such as SAR202 clade, Candidatus Synechococcus spongiarum group, and Entotheonellaceae, were discovered only in marine sponge samples. Spirochaeta and Dadabacteriales displayed higher relative abundances in A. suberitoides, while Poribacteria and PAUC34f were more abundant in X. testudinaria. SAR202 clade was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, phosphate, and ammonia in A. suberitoides. Likewise, Candidatus Synechococcus spongiarum group was negatively correlated with salinity and nitrate in X. testudinaria. Predicted functions by FAPROTAX annotated the phototrophic-related functions in both marine sponges, which might be attributed to a sponge-specific taxon Candidatus Synechococcus spongiarum group. The functions “predatory or exoparasitic” and “fermentation” were highly detected in A. suberitoides, which might be related to the bacterial genera Bdellovibrio and Spirochaeta, respectively. This study guides a deep understanding of the bacterial community structures associated with tropical marine sponges and their temporal behavior.

Thuwalamides A–E: polychlorinated amides from the marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea collected from the Saudi Arabian Red Sea

Thuwalamides A–E (1, 3, 5, 6 and 8), previously undescribed polychlorinated amides, along with ten previously reported related compounds (2, 4, 7 and 9–15), were isolated from the organic extract of the marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea (Keller), collected off the village of Thuwal in the Red Sea at Saudi Arabia. The structures of the isolated compounds have been determined through extensive analysis of their NMR and MS data, while their absolute stereochemistry was unequivocally established via single crystal X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the absolute stereochemistry of the previously reported compounds 2 and 4, whose configuration was not determined, has also been established using single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The antibacterial activity of compounds 1–15 was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Among them, compound 14 displayed activity against S. aureus comparable to vancomycin that was used as a positive control with a MIC value of 4 μg/mL.

Anti-mycobacterial activity of secondary metabolites from marine sponge Agelas sp

Anti-mycobacterial activity of secondary metabolites from marine sponge Agelas sp

Bioassay-guided isolation and in Silico characterization of cytotoxic compounds from Hemimycale sp. Sponge targeting A549 lung cancer cells

Bioassay-guided fractionation approach led to identification of two novel compounds; (4-(hydroxymethyl)-3-methoxy-1H-pyrazol (1) and mycalene (2), alongside with four known metabolites; octadecane (3), hexatriacontane (4), 1-heneicosanol (5) and heptatriacontanoic acid (6) from the Red Sea marine sponge Hemimycale sp. The ethyl acetate fraction showed a noticeable cytotoxic activity against the lung cancer cell line (A549) with IC50 value of 75.54 µg/ mL. Structural elucidation was achieved using a combination of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). To elucidate the potential mechanism of action behind the cytotoxic effects against lung cancer, a multi-faceted approach combining in silico network pharmacology, experimental validation, and molecular docking studies were employed. Both compounds, designated as 1 and 2, demonstrated significant binding affinities to predicted target proteins, with docking scores of -4.789 and − 4.421 kcal/mol, respectively. These results lay the groundwork for further investigation into the therapeutic potential of these novel compounds from Hemimycale sp. as promising candidates for lung cancer treatment.

Paracoccus spongiarum sp. nov., isolated from the marine sponge, Phakellia elegans.

A facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacterium, designated as strain 2205BS29-5T, was isolated from a marine sponge, Phakellia elegans, in Beomseom on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, and taxonomically characterized. The cells were catalase and oxidase positive, non-motile, coccoid-rod shaped and capable of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production. Growth was observed at 10-37 °C (optimum, 25 °C) and pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), and in the presence of 0-9% NaCl (w/v) (optimum, 3.0-4.0%). The major cellular fatty acids and respiratory quinone were identified as summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c) and Q-10, respectively. The major polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, four phosphoglycolipids, two unidentified amino lipids and eight unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 67.8%. Strain 2205BS29-5T was most closely represented by Paracoccus amoyensis 11-3T and P. caeni MJ17T with 97.8 and 97.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes and whole-genome sequences showed that strain 2205BS29-5T was affiliated with the genus Paracoccus. Genomic analysis showed that strain 2205BS29-5T could synthesize vitamin B family (folate and cobalamin) and ectoine. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 2205BS29-5T and P. amoyensis 11-3T were 77.1% and 18.8%, respectively, and with P. caeni MJ17T were 78.4 and 21.2%, respectively. Based on phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and genome relatedness analyses, strain 2205BS29-5T represents a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus spongiarum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2205BS29-5T (=LMG 33062T =KACC 23240T).

Chemical and Biological Prospection of Marine Sponges Belonging to the Class Demospongiae: A Review.

Marine sponges belonging to the class Demospongiae have shown to be promising sources of bioactive compounds. This review aimed to compile studies on the biological activities and chemical components of sponge species from this class, highlighting the structure/activity relationship. Data collection was conducted using the Science Direct, PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, employing the following descriptors: antimicrobial marine sponges, antioxidant marine sponges, and biological activity of marine sponges. The inclusion criteria were: (1) publications from the year 2022 onwards; (2) written in English or Portuguese; and (3) that evaluated biological activities. Exclusion criteria included: (1) duplicate studies; (2) studies that were not within the scope; and (3) studies that did not evaluate biological activities. As a result of this survey, it was possible to isolate and identify 262 compounds from different metabolic classes, with terpenes, lipids, and alkaloids being highlighted. The extracts, fractions, and isolates were investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. The sponges demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential and cytotoxic potential against various cancer cell lines. Based on data analysis, it is concluded that the studied compounds show promise for the development of drugs for microorganism control and cancer treatment, acting through different mechanisms of action.

Toxigenic effects of sponges and benthic diatoms on marine invertebrates and their possible biotechnological applications

Secondary metabolites play important physiological roles being bioactive as defences against other organisms, or attractive signals used for various purposes, including reproduction. Their production and the emission in the environment may be viewed as an adaptive feature subjected to evolutionary selection. They were demonstrated to be useful for applications in various biotechnological fields, such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical. Sponges and microalgae, including diatoms, are the most promising sources of bioactive compounds from the sea. We aimed at detecting the ecotoxicological effects of crude extracts and fractions obtained from three marine sponges, Geodia cydonium, Haliclona (Halichoclona) vansoesti and Agelas oroides and two benthic diatoms, Nanofrustulum shiloi and Cylindrotheca closterium on model marine organisms. We tested their effects on the Mediterranean purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, and on two diatoms, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Cylindrotheca closterium, chosen because they are considered standard indicators for assessment of ecological impacts. Our results showed that extracts and fractions from both sponges and diatoms may be harmful for model invertebrates. However, eggs appeared “protected” from sponge allelochemicals when still unfertilized. The majority of sponge fractions exhibited noticeable impacts during the post-fertilization treatments. In contrast, fractions from diatoms notably increased the rate of malformations compared to the control, both in pre- and post-fertilization treatments.

Structure Revision of Halisphingosine A via Total Synthesis and Bioactivity Studies.

Sphingoid bases are important bioactive lipids found in a variety of organisms, serving as the backbone of sphingolipids, which regulate essential physiological processes. Here we describe the total synthesis and structure revision of halisphingosine A, a sphingoid base initially isolated from marine sponges. To address inconsistencies in the NMR interpretation of this natural product, we developed a synthetic route involving a late-stage enantioselective Henry reaction that allows access to multiple stereoisomers of the proposed halisphingosine core structure. Our library of 32 fully characterized synthetic stereoisomers enabled us to rectify the structure of halisphingosine A as (2R,3R,8R,Z)-2-aminooctadec-9-ene-1,3,8-triol, and to pursue further structure-activity relation (SAR) studies regarding their antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential. In summary, our study offers a yet unreported compound library along with validated analytical datasets of marine sphingoid base derivatives, which significantly affects future ecometabolomic marine research and will facilitate the identification of inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism or antagonists of sphingolipid base-sensing receptors.

Leucettinib-21, a DYRK1A Kinase Inhibitor as Clinical Drug Candidate for Alzheimer's Disease and Down Syndrome.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS) share a common therapeutic target, the dual-specificity, tyrosine phosphorylation activated kinase 1A (DYRK1A). Abnormally active DYRK1A is responsible for cognitive disorders (memory, learning, spatial localization) observed in both conditions. In DS, DYRK1A is overexpressed due to the presence of the DYRK1A gene on chromosome 21. In AD, calcium-activated calpains cleave full-length DYRK1A (FL-DYRK1A) into a more stable and more active, low molecular weight, kinase (LMW-DYRK1A). Genetic and pharmacological experiments carried out with animal models of AD and DS strongly support the idea that pharmacological inhibitors of DYRK1A might be able to correct memory/learning disorders in people with AD and DS. Starting from a marine sponge natural product, Leucettamine B, Perha Pharmaceuticals has optimized, through classical medicinal chemistry, and extensively characterized a small molecule drug candidate, Leucettinib-21. Regulatory preclinical safety studies in rats and minipigs have been completed and formulation of Leucettinib-21 has been optimized as immediate-release tablets. Leucettinib-21 is now undergoing a phase 1 clinical trial (120 participants, including 12 adults with DS and 12 patients with AD). The therapeutic potential of DYRK1A inhibitors in AD and DS is presented.

Discovery of Anti-Inflammatory Alkaloids from Sponge Stylissa massa Suggests New Biosynthetic Pathways for Pyrrole-Imidazole Alkaloids.

Pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids (PIAs) are a class of marine sponge derived natural products which have complex carbon frameworks and broad bioactivities. In this study, four new alkaloids, stylimassalins A-B (1-2), 3, and 5, together with two known compounds (4 and 6), were isolated from Stylissa massa. Compounds 2, 4, and 6 are the C-2 brominated analogues of 1, 3, and 5, respectively. Their structures display three different scaffolds, of which scaffold 1 (compounds 1,2) is new. A new biosynthetic pathway from oroidin, through spongiacidin, to latonduine and scaffold 1 was proposed by our group, in which the C12-N13-cleavaged compounds of spongiacidin (scaffold 2), dubbed seco-spongiacidins (3 and 4), are recognized as a key bridged scaffold, to afford PIA analogues (1,2 and 5,6). An anti-inflammatory evaluation in a zebrafish inflammation model induced by copper sulphate (CuSO4) demonstrated that stylimassalins A and B (1 and 2) could serve as a promising lead scaffold for treating inflammation.

The Evolution of NLR Inflammasome and Its Mediated Pyroptosis in Metazoa.

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) inflammasomes are multiprotein signaling platforms that control the inflammatory response and coordinate antimicrobial defense. In the present study, the distribution of NLR, Caspase-1, and gasdermin (GSDM) homologues and their structural characteristics and evolutionary relationships were systematically analyzed in metazoa according to the genomes of species. In invertebrates, there were only NLRC and/or NLRD presented from sponge to amphioxus, and according to the evolutionary tree, NLR from sponge located in the most primitive position. Caspase-1 existed in some metazoan phyla (Brachiopoda, Ectoprocta, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Annelia, Nematoda, Platyelminthes, Coelenterate, and Porifera) and its activation sites were relatively conserved. The amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures of N-terminal CARD/Death domain of NLR and Caspase-1 were similar in species from sponge to human. NLR and Caspase-1 co-existed in species of Brachiopoda, Mollusca, Annelia, Coelenterate, and Porifera. There was only GSDME or PJVK found in some phyla of invertebrates and their cleavage sites were conserved (DxxD). And it was predicted that the NLR inflammasome in inducing pyroptosis could occur in species of Brachiopoda, Mollusca, Annelia, and Coelenterate. These studies indicated that NLR inflammasome emerged early in sponges of metazoa, and NLR inflammasome in inducing pyroptosis first appeared in Coelenterate, suggesting that inflammasome and its mediated pyroptosis had existed in the early stage of metazoa, but they had been lost in many species during evolution.

The Ethnoarchaeology of Pottery Tempers in the Bolivian Amazon: Two Indigenous Traditions of Paste Recipes with Preparations of Freshwater Sponge, Pottery Sherds, Bone, and Turtle Shell

ABSTRACT This article integrates ethnoarchaeological investigations of the pottery chaîne opératoire from two research projects conducted with Indigenous peoples of the Llanos de Moxos region in the Bolivian Amazon. Two distinct technological traditions of pottery temper are documented: freshwater sponge temper (cauixi) used by Cayubaba potters and ground turtle shell, bone, and pottery sherds employed by Tsimane' potters. Substantial information is provided on the composition of the distinctive tempers and pastes, the origin of materials, and their preparation, careful mixing into different recipes, and appearance in the finished product. Pottery temper and clay paste recipes distinguish the identity of potters within and between technological traditions in the region. Furthermore, this study contributes to the developing understanding of the importance of ceramics in Amazonian Indigenous ontologies. New questions and challenges are raised for the analysis of archaeological ceramics in Amazonia, one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse regions of the world.

Integrative taxonomy of Tethya: description of four new species based on morphology, phylogeny and microbiome diversity

The genus Tethya, one of the most iconic groups in the phylum Porifera. includes nearly 100 valid species. Tethya shows a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, and thus this clade could help elucidate global mechanisms of speciation in sponges. Contrasting with many other marine organisms, Tethya peaks in diversity in the temperate region, with only ∼30% of diversity occurring in the tropics. This pattern may however be related to a lack of studies in the tropics, masked by dubious taxonomic identifications. To address this question, we studied new collections from the Western Atlantic (Caribbean and Brazil) and the Northeastern Atlantic, as well as museum material from the Indian Ocean. Combining morphological investigation with molecular phylogenetics and the study of the sponge’s microbial communities, we conclude that four constitute new species that we describe here: Tethya martini Riesgo, Giribet, & Santodomingo, sp. nov.; Tethya simoni Santodomingo, Zea, & Riesgo, sp. nov.; Tethya erici Díez-Vives, Santodomingo, Moles, & Riesgo, sp. nov.; Tethya orioni Kenny, Santodomingo & Riesgo, sp. nov. Some species thought to be widespread (e.g., T. aurantium and T. seychellensis), each represent multiple species with unique geographic distributions. A phylogenetic analysis of Tethya (based on COI and 28S rRNA sequence data) recovered five main clades, which were also characterized by distinct prokaryotic communities. This suggests that microbiomes could be used as a guide for taxonomic identification in Tethya. We finally explored the existence of a phylosymbiotic pattern in sponges at different levels of prokaryotic taxonomic resolution (i.e., at phylum, class, and genus-level analysis of prokaryotes). Remarkably, our analysis revealed high levels of coevolution of Tethya and their associated microbial communities, even when microbiomes were analysed at the genus level. Our findings support the use of an integrative approach to better understand the evolutionary history of sponges. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:54F80E5E-99A4-43CE-BA3A-BCD01E715595