Crown-of-thorns starfish in captivity experience sustained large-scale changes in gene expression

Morin, Marie; Jönsson, Mathias; Wang, Conan K.; Craik, David J.; Degnan, Sandie M.; Degnan, Bernard M.

doi:10.1101/2022.07.21.501052

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 104 publications

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“…Additionally, honeybees (Apis mellifera) exposed to caging stress for up to 4 weeks showed a constant upregulation of only two genes, namely Rsod and another antioxidant thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) [48]. In crown of thorns starfish, A. planci, maintained in captivity, one Rsod homologue (gbr.190.13.t1) is upregulated in three tissues (skin, tube feet and spines), and a second homologue (gbr.190.14.t1) in skin only, compared to wild populations [49].…”

Section: An Atypical Cuznsod -Rsod -Is Widespread In the Animal Kingdommentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and diversity of ROS-generating enzymes across the animal kingdom, with a focus on sponges (Porifera)

Hewitt

Degnan

2022

BMC Biol

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Background Reactive derivatives of oxygen (reactive oxygen species; ROS) are essential in signalling networks of all aerobic life. Redox signalling, based on cascades of oxidation–reduction reactions, is an evolutionarily ancient mechanism that uses ROS to regulate an array of vital cellular processes. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2•−) are employed as signalling molecules that alter the oxidation state of atoms, inhibiting or activating gene activity. Here, we conduct metazoan-wide comparative genomic assessments of the two enzyme families, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NADPH oxidases (NOX), that generate H2O2 and/or O2•− in animals. Results Using the genomes of 19 metazoan species representing 10 phyla, we expand significantly on previous surveys of these two ancient enzyme families. We find that the diversity and distribution of both the SOD and NOX enzyme families comprise some conserved members but also vary considerably across phyletic animal lineages. For example, there is substantial NOX gene loss in the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi and divergent SOD isoforms in the bilaterians D. melanogaster and C. elegans. We focus particularly on the sponges (phylum Porifera), a sister group to all other metazoans, from which these enzymes have not previously been described. Within Porifera, we find a unique calcium-regulated NOX, the widespread radiation of an atypical member of CuZnSOD named Rsod, and a novel endoplasmic reticulum MnSOD that is prevalent across aquatic metazoans. Conclusions Considering the precise, spatiotemporal specificity of redox signalling, our findings highlight the value of expanding redox research across a greater diversity of organisms to better understand the functional roles of these ancient enzymes within a universally important signalling mechanism.

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Section: An Atypical Cuznsod -Rsod -Is Widespread In the Animal Kingdommentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and diversity of ROS-generating enzymes across the animal kingdom, with a focus on sponges (Porifera)

Hewitt

Degnan

2022

BMC Biol

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Sex-specific expression of pheromones and other signals in gravid starfish

et al. 2022

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Background Many echinoderms form seasonal aggregations prior to spawning. In some fecund species, a spawning event can lead to population outbreaks with detrimental ecosystem impacts. For instance, outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), a corallivore, can destroy coral reefs. Here, we examine the gene expression in gravid male and female COTS prior to spawning in the wild, to identify genome-encoded factors that may regulate aggregation and spawning. This study is informed by a previously identified exoproteome that attracts conspecifics. To capture the natural gene expression profiles, we isolated RNAs from gravid female and male COTS immediately after they were removed from the Great Barrier Reef. Results Sexually dimorphic gene expression is present in all seven somatic tissues and organs that we surveyed and in the gonads. Approximately 40% of the exoproteome transcripts are differentially expressed between sexes. Males uniquely upregulate an additional 68 secreted factors in their testes. A suite of neuropeptides in sensory organs, coelomocytes and gonads is differentially expressed between sexes, including the relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide and gonadotropin-releasing hormones. Female sensory tentacles—chemosensory organs at the distal tips of the starfish arms—uniquely upregulate diverse receptors and signalling molecules, including chemosensory G-protein-coupled receptors and several neuropeptides, including kisspeptin, SALMFamide and orexin. Conclusions Analysis of 103 tissue/organ transcriptomes from 13 wild COTS has revealed genes that are consistently differentially expressed between gravid females and males and that all tissues surveyed are sexually dimorphic at the molecular level. This finding is consistent with female and male COTS using sex-specific pheromones to regulate reproductive aggregations and synchronised spawning events. These pheromones appear to be received primarily by the sensory tentacles, which express a range of receptors and signalling molecules in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, coelomocytes and gonads differentially express signalling and regulatory factors that control gametogenesis and spawning in other echinoderms.

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Crown-of-thorns starfish in captivity experience sustained large-scale changes in gene expression

Cited by 2 publications

References 104 publications

Distribution and diversity of ROS-generating enzymes across the animal kingdom, with a focus on sponges (Porifera)

Distribution and diversity of ROS-generating enzymes across the animal kingdom, with a focus on sponges (Porifera)

Sex-specific expression of pheromones and other signals in gravid starfish

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