The Sea Urchin Embryo: A Model for Studying Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Human Diseases and for Testing Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Most of the current knowledge concerning fundamental genetic mechanisms, evolutionary processes and development, cellular physiology, and pathogenesis comes from studies of different animal model systems. Whereas mice, rats, and other small mammals are generally thought of as the typical model systems used by researchers in biomedical studies, aquatic models including both freshwater and marine organisms have long proved to be essential for the study of basic biological processes. For over a century, biologists have used the sea urchin embryo as a prototype for the investigation of developmental mechanisms that contribute to building the embryo body plan. Here we highlight the contribution of the sea urchin embryo as a simple model for studying aging and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the pathways and mechanisms involved in cell survival and death. Moreover, we point out the role of this embryonic system as a potent and affordable tool for learning about developmental effects and toxicity responses to environmental contaminants and chemical compounds.

Benzimidazolyl-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridinones, Selective Inhibitors of MOLT-4 Leukemia Cell Growth and Sea Urchin Embryo Spiculogenesis: Target Quest

“…Detailed SAR examination of these compounds suggested that the observed MOLT-4 effect is likely a result of their interaction with the same cellular target(s) and/or molecular networks in both assay systems. This assumption is supported by the fact that numerous regulatory networks and signaling pathways common for other animals and humans were first described and investigated comprehensively in the sea urchin embryos. − Importantly, sea urchin and human genomes share more than 7000 genes . Subsequent studies of possible mechanisms that could mediate MOLT-4 specificity allowed us to eliminate Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGF/VEGFR, FGF/FGFR), PI3K, and Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathways as possible targets of BIPP.…”

“…40−43 Importantly, sea urchin and human genomes share more than 7000 genes. 44 Subsequent studies of possible mechanisms that could mediate MOLT-4 specificity allowed us to eliminate Notch, Wnt/βcatenin, receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGF/VEGFR, FGF/ FGFR), PI3K, and Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathways as possible targets of BIPP. Although MMP-9/hatching enzyme was identified as one of the possible BIPP 11 targets, specific cytotoxicity against MOLT-4 cells was unrelated to this mode of action.…”

Toxicological Impact of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) on the Reproduction and Development of Aquatic Organisms Using Sea Urchins as Biological Models

“…The sea urchin (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) embryo has long been used as a model organism for biological developmental studies [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Several factors make this system suitable for conducting a wide range of biological tests.…”

“…Furthermore, as invertebrate species, sea urchins are not subject to animal welfare concerns. This trait satisfies the strategy for developing alternative approaches to the use of vertebrates in biological testing [ 27 ].…”

“…This is because general cellular properties are common to many organisms [ 37 , 38 ]. Complete sequencing of the sea urchin genome also revealed that sea urchins are more closely related to vertebrates, with which they share the superphylum group of deuterostomes, than other invertebrates that are commonly used as models of human disease, e.g., Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans [ 27 ].…”