scholarly journals Genetic evidence of widespread variation in ethanol metabolism among mammals: revisiting the ‘myth' of natural intoxication

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 20200070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareike C. Janiak ◽  
Swellan L. Pinto ◽  
Gwen Duytschaever ◽  
Matthew A. Carrigan ◽  
Amanda D. Melin
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Ethanol Exposure ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Ethanol Metabolism ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Dietary Adaptation ◽  
Metabolic Adaptations ◽  
Comparative Genetic Analysis ◽  
Insight Into

Humans have a long evolutionary relationship with ethanol, pre-dating anthropogenic sources, and possess unusually efficient ethanol metabolism, through a mutation that evolved in our last common ancestor with African great apes. Increased exposure to dietary ethanol through fermenting fruits and nectars is hypothesized to have selected for this in our lineage. Yet, other mammals have frugivorous and nectarivorous diets, raising the possibility of natural ethanol exposure and adaptation in other taxa. We conduct a comparative genetic analysis of alcohol dehydrogenase class IV (ADH IV) across mammals to provide insight into their evolutionary history with ethanol. We find genetic variation and multiple pseudogenization events in ADH IV, indicating the ability to metabolize ethanol is variable. We suggest that ADH enzymes are evolutionarily plastic and show promise for revealing dietary adaptation. We further highlight the derived condition of humans and draw attention to problems with modelling the physiological responses of other mammals on them, a practice that has led to potentially erroneous conclusions about the likelihood of natural intoxication in wild animals. It is a fallacy to assume that other animals share our metabolic adaptations, rather than taking into consideration each species' unique physiology.

Phylogeny of actin and tubulin gene homologs in diverse eukaryotic species

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 (01S) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pawan Kumar Jayaswal ◽  
Asheesh Shanker ◽  
Nagendra Kumar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Genomic Data ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Species Trees ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Tubulin Gene ◽  
Tubulin Genes ◽  
Eukaryotic Species ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Insight Into

Actin and tubulin are cytoskeleton proteins, which are important components of the celland are conserved across species. Despite their crucial significance in cell motility and cell division the distribution and phylogeny of actin and tubulin genes across taxa is poorly understood. Here we used publicly available genomic data of 49 model species of plants, animals, fungi and Protista for further understanding the distribution of these genes among diverse eukaryotic species using rice as reference. The highest numbers of rice actin and tubulin gene homologs were present in plants followed by animals, fungi and Protista species, whereas ten actin and nine tubulin genes were conserved in all 49 species. Phylogenetic analysis of 19 actin and 18 tubulin genes clustered them into four major groups each. One each of the actin and tubulin gene clusters was conserved across eukaryotic species. Species trees based on the conserved actin and tubulin genes showed evolutionary relationship of 49 different taxa clustered into plants, animals, fungi and Protista. This study provides a phylogenetic insight into the evolution of actin and tubulin genes in diverse eukaryotic species.

scholarly journals Acute ethanol exposure disrupts VEGF receptor cell signaling in endothelial cells

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (1) ◽  
pp. H174-H184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Radek ◽  
Elizabeth J. Kovacs ◽  
Richard L. Gallo ◽  
Luisa A. DiPietro
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Cell Signaling ◽  
Network Formation ◽  
Ethanol Exposure ◽  
Capillary Network ◽  
Ethanol Metabolism ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Acute Ethanol

Physiological angiogenesis is regulated by various factors, including signaling through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors. We previously reported that a single dose of ethanol (1.4 g/kg), yielding a blood alcohol concentration of 100 mg/dl, significantly impairs angiogenesis in murine wounds, despite adequate levels of VEGF, suggesting direct effects of ethanol on endothelial cell signaling (40). To examine the mechanism by which ethanol influences angiogenesis in wounds, we employed two different in vitro angiogenesis assays to determine whether acute ethanol exposure (100 mg/dl) would have long-lasting effects on VEGF-induced capillary network formation. Ethanol exposure resulted in reduced VEGF-induced cord formation on collagen and reduced capillary network structure on Matrigel in vitro. In addition, ethanol exposure decreased expression of endothelial VEGF receptor-2, as well as VEGF receptor-2 phosphorylation in vitro. Inhibition of ethanol metabolism by 4-methylpyrazole partially abrogated the effect of ethanol on endothelial cell cord formation. However, mice treated with t-butanol, an alcohol not metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase, exhibited no change in wound vascularity. These results suggest that products of ethanol metabolism are important factors in the development of ethanol-induced changes in endothelial cell responsiveness to VEGF. In vivo, ethanol exposure caused both decreased angiogenesis and increased hypoxia in wounds. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrated a direct effect of ethanol on the response to hypoxia in endothelial cells, as ethanol diminished nuclear hypoxia-inducible factor-1α protein levels. Together, the data establish that acute ethanol exposure significantly impairs angiogenesis and suggest that this effect is mediated by changes in endothelial cell responsiveness to both VEGF and hypoxia.

scholarly journals Evolutionary Relationship between Two Firefly Species,Curtos costipennisandC. okinawanus(Coleoptera, Lampyridae), in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan Revealed by the Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Sequences

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiko Muraji ◽  
Norio Arakaki ◽  
Shigeo Tanizaki
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Early Pleistocene ◽  
Ryukyu Islands ◽  
Mtdna Sequences ◽  
Northern Half ◽  
The Ryukyu Islands ◽  
History Of

The phylogenetic relationship, biogeography, and evolutionary history of closely related two firefly species,Curtos costipennisandC. okinawanus, distributed in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan were examined based on nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial (2.2 kb long) and nuclear (1.1-1.2 kb long) DNAs. In these analyses, individuals were divided among three genetically distinct local groups,C. costipennisin the Amami region,C. okinawanusin the Okinawa region, andC. costipennisin the Sakishima region. Their mtDNA sequences suggested that ancestralC. costipennispopulation was first separated between the Central and Southern Ryukyu areas, and the northern half was then subdivided betweenC. costipennisin the Amami andC. okinawanusin the Okinawa. The application of the molecular evolutionary clocks of coleopteran insects indicated that their vicariance occurred 1.0–1.4 million years ago, suggesting the influence of submergence and subdivision of a paleopeninsula extending between the Ryukyu Islands and continental China through Taiwan in the early Pleistocene.

scholarly journals Box, stalked, and upside-down? Draft genomes from diverse jellyfish (Cnidaria, Acraspeda) lineages: Alatina alata (Cubozoa), Calvadosia cruxmelitensis (Staurozoa), and Cassiopea xamachana (Scyphozoa)

GigaScience ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aki Ohdera ◽  
Cheryl L Ames ◽  
Rebecca B Dikow ◽  
Ehsan Kayal ◽  
Marta Chiodin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Hox Genes ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Valuable Resource ◽  
Genomic Features ◽  
Cassiopea Xamachana ◽  
Nuisance Species

Abstract Background Anthozoa, Endocnidozoa, and Medusozoa are the 3 major clades of Cnidaria. Medusozoa is further divided into 4 clades, Hydrozoa, Staurozoa, Cubozoa, and Scyphozoa—the latter 3 lineages make up the clade Acraspeda. Acraspeda encompasses extraordinary diversity in terms of life history, numerous nuisance species, taxa with complex eyes rivaling other animals, and some of the most venomous organisms on the planet. Genomes have recently become available within Scyphozoa and Cubozoa, but there are currently no published genomes within Staurozoa and Cubozoa. Findings Here we present 3 new draft genomes of Calvadosia cruxmelitensis (Staurozoa), Alatina alata (Cubozoa), and Cassiopea xamachana (Scyphozoa) for which we provide a preliminary orthology analysis that includes an inventory of their respective venom-related genes. Additionally, we identify synteny between POU and Hox genes that had previously been reported in a hydrozoan, suggesting this linkage is highly conserved, possibly dating back to at least the last common ancestor of Medusozoa, yet likely independent of vertebrate POU-Hox linkages. Conclusions These draft genomes provide a valuable resource for studying the evolutionary history and biology of these extraordinary animals, and for identifying genomic features underlying venom, vision, and life history traits in Acraspeda.

Trematodes and snails: an intimate association

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E Lockyer ◽  
Catherine S Jones ◽  
Leslie R Noble ◽  
David Rollinson
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Intimate Association ◽  
In Vitro Cell Cultures ◽  
Medical Burden ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Trematode Parasites

Trematode parasites share an intimate relationship with their gastropod intermediate hosts, which act as the vehicle for their development and transmission. They represent an enormous economic and medical burden in developing countries, stimulating much study of snail–trematode interactions. Laboratory-maintained snail–trematode systems and in vitro cell cultures are being used to investigate the molecular dialogue between host and parasite. These dynamic and finely balanced antagonistic relationships, in which parasites strongly influence the physiology of the host, are highly specific and may occasionally demonstrate co-speciation. We consider the mechanisms and responses deployed by trematodes and snails that result in compatibility or rejection of the parasite, and the macroevolutionary implications that they may effect. Although for gastropods the fossil record gives some insight into evolutionary history, elucidation of trematode evolution must rely largely upon molecular approaches, and for both, such techniques have provided fresh and often surprising evidence of their origins and dispersal over time. Co-evolution of snails and trematodes is becoming increasingly apparent at both cellular and population levels; the implications of which are only beginning to be understood for disease control. Untangling the complex interactions of trematodes and snails promise fresh opportunities for intervention to relieve the burden of parasitic disease.

The amphibamiform Nanobamus macrorhinus from the early Permian of Texas

2019 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 366-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan M. Gee ◽  
Robert R. Reisz
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Early Permian ◽  
Larval Form ◽  
Terrestrial Environments ◽  
History Of ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractNanobamus macrorhinus Schoch and Milner, 2014 is a small amphibamiform temnospondyl from the early Permian Arroyo Formation of Texas. It is most readily characterized by an elongate and partially subdivided naris. This condition is superficially reminiscent of that seen in the coeval trematopids, the group to which N. macrorhinus was originally referred to under an interpretation of the holotype as a larval form. This was discounted by later workers, but the amphibamiform affinities of the specimen were not formalized until recently. The specimen has never been described in the context of its amphibamiform affinities and remains poorly characterized, never having been sampled in a phylogenetic analysis. Here we present a complete, updated osteological description of N. macrorhinus, including an improved characterization of its unique mosaic of plesiomorphic and apomorphic features and clarification of the taxon's autapomorphies. Our analysis of the taxon's phylogenetic position within Amphibamiformes shows that N. macrorhinus was recovered as diverging after basal amphibamiforms, e.g., the micropholids, and before derived amphibamiforms, e.g., the amphibamids. This is supported by the unique mixture of retained plesiomorphies, e.g., nonforeshortened postparietals and an oval choana, and apomorphies, e.g., a narrow interorbital region and slender palatal rami of the pterygoid. These results reflect the complexity of terrestrial amphibamiform diversity and provide further insight into the evolutionary history of the lissamphibian stem in terrestrial environments.

scholarly journals Unraveling a Tangled Skein: Evolutionary Analysis of the Bacterial Gibberellin Biosynthetic Operon

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan S. Nett ◽  
Huy Nguyen ◽  
Raimund Nagel ◽  
Ariana Marcassa ◽  
Trevor C. Charles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Genetic Heterogeneity ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Biosynthetic Gene Cluster ◽  
Evolutionary Analysis ◽  
Biosynthetic Gene ◽  
Ancestral Gene ◽  
Associated Bacteria ◽  
Microbe Interactions ◽  
Insight Into

ABSTRACT Gibberellin (GA) phytohormones are ubiquitous regulators of growth and developmental processes in vascular plants. The convergent evolution of GA production by plant-associated bacteria, including both symbiotic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and phytopathogens, suggests that manipulation of GA signaling is a powerful mechanism for microbes to gain an advantage in these interactions. Although orthologous operons encode GA biosynthetic enzymes in both rhizobia and phytopathogens, notable genetic heterogeneity and scattered operon distribution in these lineages, including loss of the gene for the final biosynthetic step in most rhizobia, suggest varied functions for GA in these distinct plant-microbe interactions. Therefore, deciphering GA operon evolutionary history should provide crucial evidence toward understanding the distinct biological roles for bacterial GA production. To further establish the genetic composition of the GA operon, two operon-associated genes that exhibit limited distribution among rhizobia were biochemically characterized, verifying their roles in GA biosynthesis. This enabled employment of a maximum parsimony ancestral gene block reconstruction algorithm to characterize loss, gain, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of GA operon genes within alphaproteobacterial rhizobia, which exhibit the most heterogeneity among the bacteria containing this biosynthetic gene cluster. Collectively, this evolutionary analysis reveals a complex history for HGT of the entire GA operon, as well as the individual genes therein, and ultimately provides a basis for linking genetic content to bacterial GA functions in diverse plant-microbe interactions, including insight into the subtleties of the coevolving molecular interactions between rhizobia and their leguminous host plants. IMPORTANCE While production of phytohormones by plant-associated microbes has long been appreciated, identification of the gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic operon in plant-associated bacteria has revealed surprising genetic heterogeneity. Notably, this heterogeneity seems to be associated with the lifestyle of the microbe; while the GA operon in phytopathogenic bacteria does not seem to vary to any significant degree, thus enabling production of bioactive GA, symbiotic rhizobia exhibit a number of GA operon gene loss and gain events. This suggests that a unique set of selective pressures are exerted on this biosynthetic gene cluster in rhizobia. Through analysis of the evolutionary history of the GA operon in alphaproteobacterial rhizobia, which display substantial diversity in their GA operon structure and gene content, we provide insight into the effect of lifestyle and host interactions on the production of this phytohormone by plant-associated bacteria.

scholarly journals Whole-Genome Sequencing of Tibetan Macaque (Macaca thibetana) Provides New Insight into the Macaque Evolutionary History

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1475-1489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenxin Fan ◽  
Guang Zhao ◽  
Peng Li ◽  
Naoki Osada ◽  
Jinchuan Xing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Macaca Thibetana ◽  
Tibetan Macaque ◽  
Insight Into

scholarly journals Acetaldehyde accelerates HCV-induced impairment of innate immunity by suppressing methylation reactions in liver cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 309 (7) ◽  
pp. G566-G577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murali Ganesan ◽  
Jinjin Zhang ◽  
Tatiana Bronich ◽  
Larisa I. Poluektova ◽  
Terrence M. Donohue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Liver Cells ◽  
Ethanol Exposure ◽  
Ethanol Metabolism ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Temporary Increase ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Induced Defects

Alcohol exposure worsens the course and outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Activation of protective antiviral genes is induced by IFN-α signaling, which is altered in liver cells by either HCV or ethanol exposure. However, the mechanisms of the combined effects of HCV and ethanol metabolism in IFN-α signaling modulation are not well elucidated. Here, we explored a possibility that ethanol metabolism potentiates HCV-mediated dysregulation of IFN-α signaling in liver cells via impairment of methylation reactions. HCV-infected Huh7.5 CYP2E1+ cells and human hepatocytes were exposed to acetaldehyde (Ach)-generating system (AGS) and stimulated with IFN-α to activate IFN-sensitive genes (ISG) via the Jak-STAT-1 pathway. We observed significant suppression of signaling events by Ach. Ach exposure decreased STAT-1 methylation via activation of protein phosphatase 2A and increased the protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 (PIAS-1)-STAT-1 complex formation in both HCV+ and HCV− cells, preventing ISG activation. Treatment with a promethylating agent, betaine, attenuated all examined Ach-induced defects. Ethanol metabolism-induced changes in ISGs are methylation related and confirmed by in vivo studies on HCV+ transgenic mice. HCV- and Ach-induced impairment of IFN signaling temporarily increased HCV RNA levels followed by apoptosis of heavily infected cells. We concluded that Ach potentiates the suppressive effects of HCV on activation of ISGs attributable to methylation-dependent dysregulation of IFN-α signaling. A temporary increase in HCV RNA sensitizes the liver cells to Ach-induced apoptosis. Betaine reverses the inhibitory effects of Ach on IFN signaling and thus can be used for treatment of HCV+ alcohol-abusing patients.

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