A drastic shift in the energetic landscape of toothed whale sperm cells

Alves, Luís Q.; Ruivo, Raquel; Valente, Raúl; Fonseca, Miguel M.; Machado, André M.; Plön, Stephanie; Monteiro, Nuno; García-Parraga, David; Ruiz-Díaz, Sara; Sánchez‐Calabuig, María Jesús; Gutiérrez‐Adán, Alfonso; Castro, L. Filipe C.

doi:10.1016/j.cub.2021.05.062

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 84 publications

(80 reference statements)

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“…However, regarding some neuropeptides and receptors (e.g., NPB ), Mysticeti (baleen whales) seem to retain functional genes (Figure 2). A similar outcome was previously observed in other organ systems (e.g., [53]), thus implying the existence of critical changes in selective pressures over the time in these two related lineages. Nevertheless, our results also suggest that the intensity of purifying selection acting on Mysticeti NMBR has been relaxed, which might indicate earlier stages of gene inactivation.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Alterations of Pleiotropic Neuropeptide-Receptor gene couples in Cetacea

Valente,

Cordeiro,

Pinto

et al. 2024

Preprint

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BackgroundHabitat transitions have considerable consequences in organism homeostasis, as they require the adjustment of several concurrent physiological compartments to maintain stability and adapt to a changing environment. Within the range of molecules with a crucial role in the regulation of different physiological processes, neuropeptides are key agents. Here, we examined the coding status of several neuropeptides and their receptors with pleiotropic activity in Cetacea.ResultsAnalysis of 202 mammalian genomes, including 41 species of Cetacea, exposed an intricate mutational landscape compatible with gene sequence modification and loss. Specifically for Cetacea, in the twelve genes analysed we have determined patterns of loss ranging from species-specific disruptive mutations (e.g., Neuropeptide FF-Amide Peptide Precursor;NPFF) to complete erosion of the gene across the cetacean stem lineage (e.g., Somatostatin Receptor 4;SSTR4).ConclusionsImpairment of some of these neuromodulators, may have contributed to the unique energetic metabolism, circadian rhythmicity and diving response displayed by this group of iconic mammals.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Alterations of Pleiotropic Neuropeptide-Receptor gene couples in Cetacea

Valente,

Cordeiro,

Pinto

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…Comparative genomics is a powerful tool to decipher the origin and loss of phenotypic variations (Huelsmann et al 2019 ; Zoonomia Consortium 2020 ; Alves et al 2021 ; Fuchs et al 2022 ; Zheng et al 2022 ). Specifically, gene loss-aware research is reverberating, highlighting the role of secondary losses in the emergence of diverse biological features, including the simplification of body plans (i.e., urochordates), the deconstruction of the vertebrate organs (i.e., stomach, pineal gland), the modulation of sensory acuity (i.e., vision, taste), or even behavior and locomotion (Castro et al 2014 ; Zhao et al 2015 ; Lopes-Marques et al 2019a , b ; Valente et al 2021a , b ; Carneiro et al 2021 ; Ferrández-Roldán et al 2021 ; Indrischek et al 2022 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decay of Skin-Specific Gene Modules in Pangolins

et al. 2023

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The mammalian skin exhibits a rich spectrum of evolutionary adaptations. The pilosebaceous unit, composed of the hair shaft, follicle, and the sebaceous gland, is the most striking synapomorphy. The evolutionary diversification of mammals across different ecological niches was paralleled by the appearance of an ample variety of skin modifications. Pangolins, order Pholidota, exhibit keratin-derived scales, one of the most iconic skin appendages. This formidable armor is intended to serve as a deterrent against predators. Surprisingly, while pangolins have hair on their abdomens, the occurrence of sebaceous and sweat glands is contentious. Here, we explore various molecular modules of skin physiology in four pangolin genomes, including that of sebum production. We show that genes driving wax monoester formation, Awat1/2, show patterns of inactivation in the stem pangolin branch, while the triacylglycerol synthesis gene Dgat2l6 seems independently eroded in the African and Asian clades. In contrast, Elovl3 implicated in the formation of specific neutral lipids required for skin barrier function is intact and expressed in the pangolin skin. An extended comparative analysis shows that genes involved in skin pathogen defense and structural integrity of keratinocyte layers also show inactivating mutations: associated with both ancestral and independent pseudogenization events. Finally, we deduce that the suggested absence of sweat glands is not paralleled by the inactivation of the ATP-binding cassette transporter Abcc11, as previously described in Cetacea. Our findings reveal the sophisticated and complex history of gene retention and loss as key mechanisms in the evolution of the highly modified mammalian skin phenotypes.

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“…Proteomic studies of human and horse sperm suggest that beta‐oxidation contribute to sperm ATP generation and motility, which was corroborated by the decline in motility observed upon incubation with etomoxir, a carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1) inhibitor (Amaral et al, 2013; Swegen et al, 2015). Dolphin and pig sperm movement are also sensitive to etomoxir, with more pronounced effects on the former (Alves et al, 2021; Lombo et al, 2021). Interestingly, dolphin sperm motility seems to depend almost entirely on endogenous fatty acids oxidation, most probably as an adaptation to the carbohydrate‐depleted marine environment.…”

Section: Sperm Energy‐producing Metabolic Pathwaysmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy metabolism in mammalian sperm motility

Amaral

2022

WIREs Mechanisms of Disease

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Mammalian sperm, the only cells that achieve their purpose outside their organism of origin, have to swim vigorously within the female reproductive tract to reach an oocyte. Flagellar dyneins drive sperm motility, which accounts for the consumption of high amounts of ATP. The two main ATP-producing metabolic pathways are compartmentalized in sperm: oxidative phosphorylation in the midpiece and glycolysis in the principal piece. The relative preponderance of these pathways has been discussed for decades (the so-called sperm energy debate). The debate has been muddled by species-specific variances and by technical constraints. But recent findings suggest that sperm from most mammalian species employ a versatile metabolic strategy to maintain motility according to the physiological environment. Different metabolic pathways likely coordinate by using exogenous and/or endogenous substrates in order to produce ATP efficiently. Defects in any of these pathways (glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, Krebs cycle, fatty acids oxidation, and ketone bodies oxidation, among others) may disturb sperm motility and be at the origin of male infertility. Understanding sperm bioenergetics is thus crucial for building new diagnostic tools, and for the development of treatments for patients presenting with low sperm motility. Some of these patients may benefit from personalized metabolic supplementations and dietary interventions.

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A drastic shift in the energetic landscape of toothed whale sperm cells

Cited by 7 publications

References 84 publications

Alterations of Pleiotropic Neuropeptide-Receptor gene couples in Cetacea

Alterations of Pleiotropic Neuropeptide-Receptor gene couples in Cetacea

Decay of Skin-Specific Gene Modules in Pangolins

Energy metabolism in mammalian sperm motility

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