scholarly journals Minireview: Transgenerational Inheritance of the Stress Response: A New Frontier in Stress Research

Endocrinology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 151 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen G. Matthews ◽  
David I. W. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Stress Axis ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Transgenerational Inheritance ◽  
Transgenerational Transmission ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
Stress Responsiveness ◽  
Generation Offspring

Abstract It is well established in animal models that the prenatal environment can have a major impact on stress axis function throughout life. These changes can predispose to various metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurobiological pathophysiologies. Emerging evidence indicates that the same programming effects occur in humans. It is now becoming clear that the pathophysiological effects are not confined to the first-generation offspring and that there is transgenerational memory of fetal experience that can extend across multiple generations. The complex mechanisms by which transgenerational transmission of stress responsiveness occur are rapidly becoming a focus of investigation. Understanding these fundamental biological processes will allow for development of intervention strategies that prevent or reverse adverse programming of the stress response.

scholarly journals Responses of New World flying squirrels to the acute stress of capture and handling

2015 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanna M. Desantis ◽  
Jeff Bowman ◽  
Candace V. Lahoda ◽  
Rudy Boonstra ◽  
Gary Burness
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
New World ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Stress Axis ◽  
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Total Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Abstract Northern ( Glaucomys sabrinus ) and southern ( G. volans ) flying squirrels have glucocorticoid (GC; stress hormone) levels higher than most vertebrates but virtually no binding capacity for these GCs via the carrier protein, corticosteroid-binding globulin. Thus, their total GCs are essentially all free and biologically active. However, the GC estimates come from blood samples taken after squirrels had been in live traps, and thus in a stress-induced state. Obtaining baseline values for physiological variables is valuable for assessing the response of vertebrates to stressors in their environment. We compared baseline plasma total cortisol levels (within 3min of capture) to stress-induced levels (after 30min of trap restraint) in both flying squirrel species. We recorded baseline cortisol levels that were some of the highest ever reported for mammals, indicating their stress axes operate at a higher set point than most other species. As part of the stress response, we also measured 4 indices in addition to cortisol. Total cortisol and free fatty acids increased in both species, as predicted. In contrast with our predictions, blood glucose and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio showed no overall change, and hematocrit decreased significantly. New World flying squirrels therefore appear to have a stress response that differs from many other mammals. The selective forces driving the physiology of these animals remain elusive, but this lineage may provide an interesting comparative system for the study of stress axis function and its evolution among vertebrates.

scholarly journals Reproductive performance of the Antarctic tardigrades, Acutuncus antarcticus (Eutardigrada: Hypsibiidae), revived after being frozen for over 30 years and of their offspring

2019 ◽  
Vol 188 (3) ◽  
pp. 839-847
Author(s):  
Megumu Tsujimoto ◽  
Hiroshi Kagoshima ◽  
Hiroshi Kanda ◽  
Kenichi Watanabe ◽  
Satoshi Imura
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Long Term Survival ◽  
Genetic Types ◽  
Genetic Sequences ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Generation Offspring

Abstract Studies on the long-term survival of animals often focus on the specific instance of survival of animals only, and descriptions of subsequent reproduction are generally not reported. In this study, we recorded the reproductive performance of the first-generation offspring of the resuscitated individual (SB-1) and the hatchling of the resuscitated egg (SB-3) of the Antarctic tardigrade, Acutuncus antarcticus, after being frozen for 30.5 years. By providing further detailed description of the reproduction of SB-1 and SB-3 after revival, and then comparing the reproductive performance with that of their first-generation offspring, the possible indications of the damage accrued during the long-term preservation in SB-1 and SB-3 were more specifically detected. Additionally, the DNA analysis revealed two distinctively different mitochondrial genetic sequences of A. antarcticus between the SB strains and the LSW strain. The observed differences in some of the reproductive parameters between the two genetic types suggested a possible relationship between the life-history traits and genetic type in the species A. antarcticus. Further experiments using the SB-1 and SB-3 strains reared for a long period to exclude the instant effect of preservation are expected to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the long-term survival of animals.

scholarly journals Genome-wide study of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) bHLH transcription factors indicates that cryptochrome-interacting bHLH2 (AcCIB2) participates in flowering time regulation and abiotic stress response

BMC Genomics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Aslam ◽  
Bello Hassan Jakada ◽  
Beenish Fakher ◽  
Joseph G. Greaves ◽  
Xiaoping Niu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Abiotic Stress ◽  
Stress Response ◽  
Flowering Time ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Ananas Comosus ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Abiotic Stress Response ◽  
Bhlh Genes

Abstract Background Transcription factors (TFs) are essential regulators of growth and development in eukaryotes. Basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLHs) is one of the most significant TFs families involved in several critical regulatory functions. Cryptochrome-interacting bHLH (CIB) and cryptochromes form an extensive regulatory network to mediate a plethora of pathways. Although bHLHs regulate critical biological processes in plants, the information about pineapple bHLHs remains unexplored. Results Here, we identified a total of 121 bHLH proteins in the pineapple genome. The identified genes were renamed based on the ascending order of their gene ID and classified into 18 subgroups by phylogenetic analysis. We found that bHLH genes are expressed in different organs and stages of pineapple development. Furthermore, by the ectopic expression of AcCIB2 in Arabidopsis and complementation of Atcib2 mutant, we verified the involvement of AcCIB2 in photomorphogenesis and abiotic stress response. Conclusions Our findings revealed that AcCIB2 plays an essential role in flowering time regulation and abiotic stress response. The present study provides additional insights into the current knowledge of bHLH genes and suggests their potential role in various biological processes during pineapple development.

Relationship of Body Weight and Physical Activity with Aging Inbred Mice and First Generation Offspring

2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S326
Author(s):  
Michael J. Turner ◽  
Elizabeth Grindstaff ◽  
Sean M. Courtney ◽  
Ala'a El Masri ◽  
Steven R. Kleeberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Inbred Mice ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Generation Offspring

scholarly journals Mitonuclear interactions: evolutionary consequences over multiple biological scales

2014 ◽  
Vol 369 (1646) ◽  
pp. 20130443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonci N. Wolff ◽  
Emmanuel D. Ladoukakis ◽  
José A. Enríquez ◽  
Damian K. Dowling
Keyword(s):  
Allelic Variation ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Complex Genetics ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Intergenomic Interactions ◽  
Evolutionary Consequences

Fundamental biological processes hinge on coordinated interactions between genes spanning two obligate genomes—mitochondrial and nuclear. These interactions are key to complex life, and allelic variation that accumulates and persists at the loci embroiled in such intergenomic interactions should therefore be subjected to intense selection to maintain integrity of the mitochondrial electron transport system. Here, we compile evidence that suggests that mitochondrial–nuclear (mitonuclear) allelic interactions are evolutionarily significant modulators of the expression of key health-related and life-history phenotypes, across several biological scales—within species (intra- and interpopulational) and between species. We then introduce a new frontier for the study of mitonuclear interactions—those that occur within individuals, and are fuelled by the mtDNA heteroplasmy and the existence of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial gene duplicates and isoforms. Empirical evidence supports the idea of high-resolution tissue- and environment-specific modulation of intraindividual mitonuclear interactions. Predicting the penetrance, severity and expression patterns of mtDNA-induced mitochondrial diseases remains a conundrum. We contend that a deeper understanding of the dynamics and ramifications of mitonuclear interactions, across all biological levels, will provide key insights that tangibly advance our understanding, not only of core evolutionary processes, but also of the complex genetics underlying human mitochondrial disease.

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