Endoparasite infestation of Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) in Citra Pesona Ladangku Animal Park, North Sumatra

An investigation on the infestation by endoparasites in the fecal samples of Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) captived at Citra Pesona Ladangku Animal Park, North Sumatera, Indonesia had been conducted from October to November 2020. The study aimed to determine the endoparasite species, prevalence, and intensity of the infestation. Fecal samples were prepared for microscopical examination using glass bead sedimentation method. Based the observation on 9 deers, three species of endoparasites were found namely Ascaris sp, Haemonchus sp and Paramphistomum sp. Observations in the first week revealed the prevalence of each species from often (Ascaris sp, Haemonchus sp) to common (Paramphistomum sp) with light (Haemonchus sp, Paramphistomum sp) to moderate (Ascaris sp). Observations in the second week only revealed the presence of Paramphistomum with often prevalency and light intensity of infection.

A mitotic screen in Indian muntjac cells unveils how Augmin drives kinetochore fiber maturation

Chromosome segregation in mammals relies on the maturation of a thick bundle of kinetochore-attached microtubules known as k-fibers. How k-fibers mature from initial kinetochore-microtubule attachments remains a fundamental question. Here we used the low chromosome number (n=3) and distinctively large kinetochores of Indian muntjac cells to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying k-fiber maturation. By combining functional analyses of 64 conserved mitotic proteins with fixed- and live-cell super-resolution CH-STED nanoscopy, we identified Augmin as the main driver of k-fiber maturation. Augmin promoted kinetochore microtubule turnover by sustaining centrosome-independent microtubule growth from kinetochores and poleward flux. Tracking of microtubule growth events in the kinetochore vicinity revealed a wide angular dispersion, consistent with Augmin-mediated branched microtubule nucleation. Indeed, Augmin depletion reduced the frequency of microtubule growth events on individual k-fibers and prevented normal repair after acute k-fiber injury by laser microsurgery. Altogether, our work directly elucidates how Augmin mediates k-fiber maturation in mammals.

Effects of malleable kinetochore morphology on measurements of intrakinetochore tension

The distance between fluorescent spots formed by various kinetochore proteins (delta) is commonly interpreted as a manifestation of intrakinetochore tension (IKT) caused by microtubule-mediated forces. However, large-scale changes of the kinetochore architecture (such as its shape or dimensions) may also contribute to the value of delta. To assess contributions of these non-elastic changes, we compare behaviour of delta values in human kinetochores with small yet mechanically malleable kinetochores against compound kinetochores in Indian muntjac (IM) cells whose architecture remains constant. Due to the micrometre-scale length of kinetochore plates in IM, their shape and orientation are discernible in conventional light microscopy, which enables precise measurements of IKT independent of contributions from changes in overall architecture of the organelle. We find that delta in IM kinetochores remains relatively constant when microtubule-mediated forces are suppressed by Taxol, but it prominently decreases upon detachment of microtubules. By contrast, large decreases of delta observed in Taxol-treated human cells coincide with prominent changes in length and curvature of the kinetochore plate. These observations, supported by computational modelling, suggest that at least 50% of the decrease in delta in human cells reflects malleable reorganization of kinetochore architecture rather than elastic recoil due to IKT.

kSHREC ‘Delta’ reflects the shape of kinetochore rather than intrakinetochore tension

Distance between fluorescent spots formed by various kinetochore proteins (‘Delta’) is proposed to reflect the level of intrakinetochore tension (IKT). However, larger-scale changes in the kinetochore architecture may also affect Delta. To test this possibility, we measure Delta in long kinetochores of Indian muntjac (IM) whose shape, size, and orientation are discernable in conventional light microscopy. We find that architecture of IM kinetochores and the value of Delta change minimally when microtubule-mediated forces are suppressed by Taxol. In contrast, large decreases of Delta observed in Taxol-treated human cells coincide with prominent changes in length and shape of the kinetochore. We also find that inner and outer kinetochore proteins intermix within a common spatial compartment instead of forming separate thin layers. These observations, supported by computational modelling, suggest that changes in Delta reflect changes in the kinetochore shape rather than the level of IKT.

Morphological identification of pectoral limb bones of Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) from domestic ruminants

Indian Muntjac is a short deer variety of Nilgiri-Wayand biosphere. Salient distinguishing features for morphological identification of bones of different species in vetero-legal cases is very important. Morphology of pectoral limb bones from adult Indian Muntjac (n=3), goat (n=6), sheep (n=3) and cross bred cattle (n=6) were carried out. Scapula presented a cranially-placed spine, prominent supraglenoid tubercle and extensive subscapular fossa in Indian Muntjac. Breadth to length ratio of scapula in Indian Muntjac is 0.56:1 whereas in small ruminants the values ranged from 0.41:1 to 0.44:1. Width ratio of supraspinatous to infraspinatous fossae ratio in Indian Muntjac, goat, sheep and cross bred cattle were1:4.1, 1:2.8, 1:2.9 and 1:2.5 respectively. Angle created by acromian, junction of caudal end of scapular spine to lateral surface of scapula and long axis of scapula passing through spine was a major criterion of distinction and this angle in Indian Muntjac, goat, sheep and cross bred cattle were 520, 1400, 1300 and 1100 respectively. Though crest of the humerus was ill-defined, deltoid tuberosity was prominent in Indian Muntjac. Blunt summit of cranial part of lateral tuberosity of humerus projected above head and markedly curved over the intertuberal groove. Radial tuberosity was more distinct in cattle and sheep than in Indian Muntjac and goat. The grooves for extensor tendons on distal extremity of radius were well profiled in Indian Muntjac compared to cattle, goat and sheep. Olecranon of ulna was grooved in Indian Muntjac which was lacking in other animals. Distinct dorsal longitudinal groove on entire shaft and prominent medial and lateral borders were characteristic features in Indian Muntjac. Small metacarpal bone of Indian Muntjac and sheep had the form of a very thin rod. The morphological features revealed more resemblance to that of goat, sheep and spotted deer.

5-Methylcytosine-Rich Heterochromatin in the Indian Muntjac

Two 5-methylcytosine (5-MeC)-rich heterochromatic regions were demonstrated in metaphase chromosomes of the Indian muntjac by indirect immunofluorescence using a monoclonal anti-5-MeC antibody. The metaphases were obtained from diploid and triploid cell lines. A major region is located in the ‘neck' of the 3;X fusion chromosome and can be detected after denaturation of the chromosomal DNA with UV-light irradiation for 1 h. It is located exactly at the border of the X chromosome and the translocated autosome 3. A minor region is found in the centromeric region of the free autosome 3 after denaturing the chromosomal DNA for 3 h or longer. The structure and possible function of the major hypermethylated region as barrier against spreading of the X-inactivation process into the autosome 3 is discussed.