scholarly journals Gradual and Discrete Ontogenetic Shifts in Rattlesnake Venom Composition and Assessment of Hormonal and Ecological Correlates

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B. Schonour ◽  
Emma M. Huff ◽  
Matthew L. Holding ◽  
Natalie M. Claunch ◽  
Schyler A. Ellsworth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Composition ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Venom Protein ◽  
Ontogenetic Shifts ◽  
Venom Composition ◽  
Serial Sampling ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Dietary Shifts ◽  
Chromatographic Peaks ◽  
The Relationship

Ontogenetic shifts in venom occur in many snakes but establishing their nature as gradual or discrete processes required additional study. We profiled shifts in venom expression from the neonate to adult sizes of two rattlesnake species, the eastern diamondback and the timber rattlesnake. We used serial sampling and venom chromatographic profiling to test if ontogenetic change occurs gradually or discretely. We found evidence for gradual shifts in overall venom composition in six of eight snakes, which sometimes spanned more than two years. Most chromatographic peaks shift gradually, but one quarter shift in a discrete fashion. Analysis of published diet data showed gradual shifts in overall diet composition across the range of body sizes attained by our eight study animals, while the shifts in abundance of different prey classes varied in form from gradual to discrete. Testosterone concentrations were correlated with the change in venom protein composition, but the relationship is not strong enough to suggest causation. Venom research employing simple juvenile versus adult size thresholds may be failing to account for continuous variation in venom composition lifespan. Our results imply that venom shifts represent adaptive matches to dietary shifts and highlight venom for studies of alternative gene regulatory mechanisms.

scholarly journals Rapid and differential evolution of the venom composition of a parasitoid wasp depending on the host strain

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Cavigliasso ◽  
Hugo Mathé-Hubert ◽  
Laurent Kremmer ◽  
Christian Rebuf ◽  
Jean-Luc Gatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Evolution ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Host Strain ◽  
Parasitoid Wasps ◽  
Evolutionary Potential ◽  
Venom Protein ◽  
Venom Composition ◽  
Venom Proteins

AbstractParasitoid wasps rely primarily on venom to suppress the immune response and regulate the physiology of their host. Intraspecific variability of venom protein composition has been documented in some species, but its evolutionary potential is poorly understood. We performed an experimental evolution initiated with crosses of two lines of Leptopilina boulardi of different venom composition to generate variability and create new combinations of venom factors. The offspring were maintained for 10 generations on two strains of Drosophila melanogaster differing in resistance / susceptibility to the parasitoid lines. The venom composition of individuals was characterized by a semi-automatic analysis of 1D SDS-PAGE protein profiles whose accuracy was checked by Western blot analysis of well-characterized venom proteins. Results evidenced a rapid and differential evolution of the venom composition on both hosts and showed that the proteins beneficial on one host can be costly on the other. Overall, we demonstrated the capacity of rapid evolution of the venom composition in parasitoid wasps, important regulators of arthropod populations, suggesting a potential for adaptation to new hosts. Our approach also proved relevant in identifying, among the diversity of venom proteins, those possibly involved in parasitism success and whose role deserves to be deepened.Key ContributionThe venom protein composition of parasitoid wasps can evolve rapidly and differently depending on the host strain. Studying this evolution can help identify new venom proteins possibly involved in parasitism success on a given host.

scholarly journals Rapid and Differential Evolution of the Venom Composition of a Parasitoid Wasp Depending on the Host Strain

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cavigliasso ◽  
Mathé-Hubert ◽  
Kremmer ◽  
Rebuf ◽  
Gatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Evolution ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Parasitoid Wasp ◽  
Parasitoid Wasps ◽  
Evolutionary Potential ◽  
Venom Protein ◽  
Venom Composition ◽  
Venom Proteins

Parasitoid wasps rely primarily on venom to suppress the immune response and regulate the physiology of their host. Intraspecific variability of venom protein composition has been documented in some species, but its evolutionary potential is poorly understood. We performed an experimental evolution initiated with the crosses of two lines of Leptopilina boulardi of different venom composition to generate variability and create new combinations of venom factors. The offspring were maintained for 10 generations on two strains of Drosophila melanogaster differing in resistance/susceptibility to the parental parasitoid lines. The venom composition of individuals was characterized by a semi-automatic analysis of 1D SDS-PAGE electrophoresis protein profiles whose accuracy was checked by Western blot analysis of well-characterized venom proteins. Results made evident a rapid and differential evolution of the venom composition on both hosts and showed that the proteins beneficial on one host can be costly on the other. Overall, we demonstrated the capacity of rapid evolution of the venom composition in parasitoid wasps, important regulators of arthropod populations, suggesting a potential for adaptation to new hosts. Our approach also proved relevant in identifying, among the diversity of venom proteins, those possibly involved in parasitism success and whose role deserves to be deepened.

Do Extra-Platelet Sources Contribute to the Plasma Level of Thrombospondin?

1988 ◽  
Vol 59 (02) ◽  
pp. 273-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Dawes ◽  
D A Pratt ◽  
M S Dewar ◽  
F E Preston
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Background Concentration ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Bone Marrow Depression ◽  
Serial Sampling ◽  
Control Serum ◽  
Platelet Release ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
The Relationship

SummaryThrombospondin, a trimeric glycoprotein contained in the platelet α-granules, has been proposed as a marker of in vivo platelet activation. However, it is also synthesised by a range of other cells. The extraplatelet contribution to plasma levels of thrombospondin was therefore estimated by investigating the relationship between plasma thrombospondin levels and platelet count in samples from profoundly thrombocytopenic patients with marrow hypoplasia, using the platelet-specific α-granule protein β-thromboglobulin as control. Serum concentrations of both proteins were highly correlated with platelet count, but while plasma β-thromboglobulin levels and platelet count also correlated, there was no relationship between the number of platelets and thrombospondin concentrations in plasma. Serial sampling of patients recovering from bone marrow depression indicated that the plasma thrombospondin contributed by platelets is superimposed on a background concentration of at least 50 ng/ml probably derived from a non-platelet source, and plasma thrombospondin levels do not simply reflect platelet release.

scholarly journals Extensive Variation in the Activities of Pseudocerastes and Eristicophis Viper Venoms Suggests Divergent Envenoming Strategies Are Used for Prey Capture

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 112
Author(s):  
Bianca op den Brouw ◽  
Francisco C. P. Coimbra ◽  
Lachlan A. Bourke ◽  
Tam Minh Huynh ◽  
Danielle H. W. Vlecken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prey Capture ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Coagulation Factors ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Factor X ◽  
Venom Protein ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Future Assessment ◽  
Viper Venoms

Snakes of the genera Pseudocerastes and Eristicophis (Viperidae: Viperinae) are known as the desert vipers due to their association with the arid environments of the Middle East. These species have received limited research attention and little is known about their venom or ecology. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of desert viper venoms was conducted by visualising the venom proteomes via gel electrophoresis and assessing the crude venoms for their cytotoxic, haemotoxic, and neurotoxic properties. Plasmas sourced from human, toad, and chicken were used as models to assess possible prey-linked venom activity. The venoms demonstrated substantial divergence in composition and bioactivity across all experiments. Pseudocerastes urarachnoides venom activated human coagulation factors X and prothrombin and demonstrated potent procoagulant activity in human, toad, and chicken plasmas, in stark contrast to the potent neurotoxic venom of P. fieldi. The venom of E. macmahonii also induced coagulation, though this did not appear to be via the activation of factor X or prothrombin. The coagulant properties of P. fieldi and P. persicus venoms varied among plasmas, demonstrating strong anticoagulant activity in the amphibian and human plasmas but no significant effect in that of bird. This is conjectured to reflect prey-specific toxin activity, though further ecological studies are required to confirm any dietary associations. This study reinforces the notion that phylogenetic relatedness of snakes cannot readily predict venom protein composition or function. The significant venom variation between these species raises serious concerns regarding antivenom paraspecificity. Future assessment of antivenom is crucial.

scholarly journals Seasonal maturation of Glypthelmins vitellinophilum (Trematoda: Digenea) in Lysapsus limellus (Anura: Pseudidae) from an Argentinian subtropical permanent pond

2006 ◽  
Vol 66 (1a) ◽  
pp. 85-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. I. Hamann
Keyword(s):  
Body Length ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
The Body ◽  
Climatic Fluctuations ◽  
Parasite Stage ◽  
Permanent Pond ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
The Relationship

From December 1995 to November 2000, the seasonal maturation of Glypthelmins vitellinophilum Dobbin, 1958, in its definitive host, the frog Lysapsus limellus Cope, 1862, was studied in a subtropical permanent pond in northeastern Argentina. The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine the infrapopulation dynamics of the parasite, analyzing the seasonal maturation cycle throughout the years; and 2) to examine the relationship between the intensity of trematode infection in different developmental stages (recruitment, growth and maturation) and the host's body length. Of a total of 1,400 frogs examined over 60 months (5 years), 38% were found to be infected with G. vitellinophilum, and the intensity of infection was 1-15 trematodes per frog. Specimens of G. vitellinophilum were present in L. limellus throughout the years, but did not show a pronounced seasonal maturation cycle. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed with reference to climatic fluctuations and biotic factors. The infective period of the parasite (stage I) occurred in summer, autumn and spring, coinciding with the time each frog cohort appeared. These infections were found principally in small body sizes (classes 1 and 2) of L. limellus. Juvenile and nongravid specimens of worms (stage II and III) were found in frogs of different body sizes throughout the period of investigation. Gravid specimens of the parasite (stage IV) were generally recorded in autumn, winter and spring, mainly in the bodies of larger frogs. The body length of Trematodes in stages I and IV was significantly and positively correlated with that of the frogs.

Abstract 391: Sterol Efflux Function and Protein Composition of HDL Associates With Recovery From Stroke

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deanna Plubell ◽  
Alexandra Fenton ◽  
Clark Wayne ◽  
Neil A Zakai ◽  
Joseph F Quinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Prospective cohort studies and meta-analyses examining the relationship between HDL-cholesterol (C) and stroke are discordant and question the value of HDL-C as a marker for stroke risk prediction. Other properties of HDL-C such as cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and proteome, are less studied. Methods: We investigated the changes in HDL CEC and proteome to determine if they are associated with improved stroke recovery. Plasma from age- and lipid profile-matched healthy controls (N = 35) and stroke patients were collected at 24 (early, N = 35) and 96 hour (late, N = 20) post stroke, and analyzed with three independent assays to measure macrophage-mediated, ABCA1 and ABCG1-specific sterol efflux, and HDL proteome. Stroke recovery was assessed at 3 months using the Modified Rankin Scores (MRS) and the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Results: Both macrophage- and ABCG1-mediated CEC were reduced by 50% ( P <0.0001) and 20% ( P <0.038) in early and late post stroke samples, respectively, compared to the control group. Patients who had comparable or increased CEC between the two-time points exhibited lower NIHSS and MRS indicating better recovery. Proteomic analysis of HDL indicated a distinct time-dependent remodeling post stroke. Coagulation complement cascade proteins (FGB, FGA, A2M, C3) significantly increased (FDR>0.01) early and returned to control levels later, inflammation proteins (SAA1, SAA2, PON1, C4B) increased early and continued to increase. Interestingly, platelet adhesion proteins (DSG1, JUP, ITGB1, ITGA2, TUBB, DNAH3, PF4) were abundantly present in only later samples. Conclusion: 1) patients who maintain or improve HDL CEC post stroke exhibit better recovery scores, 2) post stroke HDL proteome remodeling is dynamic with distinct time-dependent protein signatures that may associate with stroke recovery.

scholarly journals Brain size is correlated with endangerment status in mammals

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1825) ◽  
pp. 20152772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S. Abelson
Keyword(s):  
Brain Size ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Relationship

Increases in relative encephalization (RE), brain size after controlling for body size, comes at a great metabolic cost and is correlated with a host of cognitive traits, from the ability to count objects to higher rates of innovation. Despite many studies examining the implications and trade-offs accompanying increased RE, the relationship between mammalian extinction risk and RE is unknown. I examine whether mammals with larger levels of RE are more or less likely to be at risk of endangerment than less-encephalized species. I find that extant species with large levels of encephalization are at greater risk of endangerment, with this effect being strongest in species with small body sizes. These results suggest that RE could be a valuable asset in estimating extinction vulnerability. Additionally, these findings suggest that the cost–benefit trade-off of RE is different in large-bodied species when compared with small-bodied species.

scholarly journals Exploring the Role of Insulin Signaling in Relative Growth: A Case Study on Wing-Body Scaling in Lepidoptera

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 1324-1337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Z McKenna ◽  
Della Tao ◽  
H Frederik Nijhout
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Tor Signaling ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Laboratory Populations ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Specific Variation ◽  
Wing Growth

Abstract Adult forms emerge from the relative growth of the body and its parts. Each appendage and organ has a unique pattern of growth that influences the size and shape it attains. This produces adult size relationships referred to as static allometries, which have received a great amount of attention in evolutionary and developmental biology. However, many questions remain unanswered, for example: What sorts of developmental processes coordinate growth? And how do these processes change given variation in body size? It has become increasingly clear that nutrition is one of the strongest influences on size relationships. In insects, nutrition acts via insulin/TOR signaling to facilitate inter- and intra-specific variation in body size and appendage size. Yet, the mechanism by which insulin signaling influences the scaling of growth remains unclear. Here we will discuss the potential roles of insulin signaling in wing-body scaling in Lepidoptera. We analyzed the growth of wings in animals reared on different diet qualities that induce a range of body sizes not normally present in our laboratory populations. By growing wings in tissue culture, we survey how perturbation and stimulation of insulin/TOR signaling influences wing growth. To conclude, we will discuss the implications of our findings for the development and evolution of organismal form.

Life History and Smolt-to-Adult Survival of Keogh River Steelhead Trout (Salmo gairdneri) and the Relationship to Smolt Size

1988 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 1110-1122 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. R. Ward ◽  
P. A. Slaney
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
Predictive Models ◽  
Adult Survival ◽  
Salmo Gairdneri ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Steelhead Trout ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
Large Fluctuations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Size Estimates

A decade of data on wild steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri) from a coastal stream in British Columbia demonstrated large fluctuations in smolt number, age structure, size, estimates of adult run sizes, smolt-to-adult survival, and adult age. Adult runs averaged 922 (range 209–2730) with approximately 10% repeat spawning incidence. Females repeat spawned more than males and were more abundant as kelts, but maiden run adults were equally male and female. The proportion of males returning after 1, 2, and 3 yr in the ocean averaged 3, 62, and 35%, respectively; 58 and 42% of females returned after 2 and 3 yr, respectively. Adult age structure, smolt number, and smolt size varied biennially. Adult size decreased with freshwater age, but increased with ocean age of returns. Males were larger at each ocean age. Mean number of smolts (50:50 sex ratio) was 5543 and varied fivefold. Mean smolt length was 173 mm and mean weight was 49 g. Smolts were 2–5 yr old, and freshwater age 3 was most prevalent (average 56%). Mean survival from smolt to adult was 16% (7% from 1978 cohorts to 26% from 1982 cohorts). Survival was positively correlated with smolt length and weight. However, 1982 cohorts had twice the survival of other cohorts, possibly related to El Niño. No clear relationship was found between return age and mean smolt size, but on average, freshwater age was inversely related to ocean age. The relationships suggest that predictive models may be developed over the longer term from this type of study.

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