ALBERT

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yang Hu, Wei-Chao Chen, Yu-Feng Shen, Bin Zhu, Gao-Xue Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Viral diseases in aquaculture were challenging because there are few preventative measures and/or treatments. Our previous study indicated that imidazole arctigenin derivatives possessed antiviral activities against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). Based on the structure-activity relationship in that study, a new imidazole arctigenin derivative, 4-(8-(2-ethylimidazole)octyloxy)-arctigenin (EOA), was designed, synthesized and its anti-IHNV activity was evaluated. By comparing inhibitory concentration at half-maximal activity (IC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉), we found that EOA (IC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 = 0.56 mg/L) possessed a higher antiviral activity than those imidazole arctigenin derivatives in our previous study. Besides, EOA could significantly decrease cytopathic effect (CPE) and viral titer induced by IHNV in epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells. In addition, EOA significantly inhibited apoptosis induced by IHNV in EPC cells. Further data verified that EOA inhibited IHNV replication in rainbow trout, with reducing 32.0% mortality of IHNV-infected fish. The results suggested that EOA was more stable with a prolonged inhibitory half-life in the early stage of virus infection (1–4 days). Consistent with above results, EOA repressed IHNV glycoprotein gene expression in virus sensitive tissues (kidney and spleen) in the early stage of virus infection. Moreover, histopathological evaluation showed that tissues from the spleen and kidney of fish infected with IHNV exhibited pathological changes. But there were no lesions in any of the tissues from the control group and EOA-treaten group. In accordance with the histopathological assay, EOA could elicited anti-inflammation response in non-viral infected rainbow trout by down-regulating the expression of cytokine genes (〈em〉IL-8〈/em〉, 〈em〉IL-12p40〈/em〉, and 〈em〉TNF-α〈/em〉). Altogether, EOA was expected to be a therapeutic agent against IHNV infection in the field of aquaculture.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Junjun He, Haiying Liang, Jiaping Zhu, Xiaochen Fang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Antibacterial peptides (AMPs) constitute an important part of the body's innate immune system and are responsible for a wide range of inhibitory effects against pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In this study, multi-step high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), combined with Mass Spectrometry (MS), was used to isolate and identify proteins with antibacterial activity from the serum of 〈em〉Pinctada fucata martensii〈/em〉 (〈em〉P.f. Martensii〈/em〉) and obtain a component named 〈em〉P.f. Martensii〈/em〉 antimicrobial peptide-1 (PmAMP-1). 〈em〉PmAMP-1〈/em〉 cDNA was cloned and sequenced by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and mRNA expression of was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). From the results of this study, full-length 〈em〉PmAMP-1 c〈/em〉DNA was shown to be 700 base pairs (bp) long with an open reading frame (ORF) of 294 bp, encoding 97 amino acids with a predicted structure that is mostly α-helices. 〈em〉PmAMP-〈/em〉1 mRNA was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues including the adductor muscle, mantle, hepatopancreas, gill, gonads and hemocytes. The highest level of 〈em〉PmAMP-〈/em〉1 transcription was observed at 8 h and 2 h after bacterial challenge in hemocytes and adductor muscle (p 〈 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, PmAMP-1 caused significant morphological alterations in 〈em〉E. coli,〈/em〉 as shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results from this study provide a valuable base for further exploration of molluscan innate immunity and immune response.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Bin Zhong, Zeyin Jiang, Zhenhuang Chen, Kazue Ishihara, Huilin Mao, Shanghong Wang, Gang Lin, Chengyu Hu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Recently, studies have shown that IκB kinase β (IKKβ), a critical kinase in the nucleus factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, participates in inflammatory responses associated with unfolded protein response (UPR) and plays an important role in ER stress-induced cell death. The unfolded protein response (UPR), which is a regulatory system to restore cellular homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), such as oxidative stress, bacterial infection, and virus invasion. The UPR pathways have been reported to be involved in immune responses in mammals, including the classical NF-κB pathway. However, the molecular mechanism of their crosstalk remains to be elucidated. Previously, we demonstrated that IKKβ also has some conserved functions between fish and human, as grass carp (〈em〉Ctenopharyngodon idella〈/em〉) IKKβ (CiIKKβ) can activate NF-κB pathway. In this study, we found that CiIKKβ level in nucleus was elevated under ER stress and CiIKKβ can interact with grass carp X-box-binding protein 1 (CiXBP1S), a key transcription factor in UPR. Consistently, fluorescent histochemical analysis of grass carp kidney (CIK) cells indicated that CiIKKβ and CiXBP1S colocalized under ER stress. Furthermore, overexpression of CiIKKβ in CIK cells enhanced ER stress tolerance by regulating UPR signaling and resulted in the significant increase of cell viability.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lu-Yun Ni, Qing Han, Hong-Ping Chen, Xiao-Chun Luo, An-Xing Li, Xue-Ming Dan, Yan-Wei Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Macrophage expressed gene 1 (Mpeg1) is a molecule that can form pores and destroy the cell membrane of invading pathogens. In this study, we identified two Mpeg1 isoforms from the orange-spotted grouper (〈em〉Epinephelus coioides〈/em〉) and named them EcMpeg1a and EcMpeg1b. Predicted proteins of the two EcMpeg1s contained a signal peptide, a conserved membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain, a transmembrane segment, and an intracellular region. Sequence alignment demonstrated that two EcMpeg1 proteins share a high sequence identity with that of other teleosts. Tissue distribution analysis showed that EcMpeg1s were expressed in all tissues tested in healthy grouper, with the highest expression in the head kidney and spleen. After infection with the ciliate parasite 〈em〉Cryptocaryon irritans〈/em〉, expression of the two EcMpeg1s was significantly upregulated in the spleen and gills. Furthermore, the recombinant EcMpeg1a showed antiparasitic and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria, whereas EcMpeg1b had an inhibitory effect only against Gram-positive bacteria. These results indicated that EcMpeg1s play an important role in the host response against invading pathogens.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pengfei Chu, Libo He, Cheng Yang, Wencheng Zeng, Rong Huang, Lanjie Liao, Yongming Li, Zuoyan Zhu, Yaping Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Autophagy is an essential and conserved process that plays an important role in physiological homeostasis, adaptive response to stress and the immune response. Autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) are key components of the autophagic machinery. In the study, grass carp (〈em〉Ctenopharyngodon idella〈/em〉) autophagy-related gene 5 (〈em〉ATG5〈/em〉) and 12 (〈em〉ATG12〈/em〉) were identified. In the gill and intestine, 〈em〉ATG5〈/em〉 and 〈em〉ATG12〈/em〉 were highly expressed, but after grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infection, they were decreased significantly. In 〈em〉Ctenopharyngodon idella〈/em〉 kidney (CIK) cells, the sharp variation of 〈em〉ATG5〈/em〉 and 〈em〉ATG12〈/em〉 expression was observed after poly(I:C) infection. Subcellular localisation showed that ATG5 and ATG12 were evenly distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. However, the interaction between ATG5 and ATG12 was only found in cytoplasm in both 293T cells and CIK cells. In addition, the overexpression of ATG5 or ATG12 in 293T cells showed enhanced autophagy, and autophagic process was facilitated when ATG5 and ATG12 were simultaneously overexpressed. Dual-luciferase activity assay indicated that both ATG5 and ATG12 remarkably suppressed the promoter activity of 〈em〉IRF3〈/em〉, 〈em〉IRF7〈/em〉, and 〈em〉IFN-I〈/em〉. Further, ATG5 and ATG12 conjugate showed far stronger inhibitory affection on the expression of 〈em〉IFN-I〈/em〉 than either ATG5 or ATG12 in response to poly(I:C) or GCRV infection. Taken together, the results demonstrate that grass carp ATG5 and ATG12 play an important role in innate immunity and autophagy.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Chao Xu, Wen-Bin Liu, Sofie Charlotte Remø, Bing-Ke Wang, Hua-Juan Shi, Li Zhang, Jia-Dai Liu, Xiang-Fei Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study investigated the effects of restricted feeding on the growth performance, oxidative stress and inflammation of 〈em〉Megalobrama amblycephala〈/em〉 fed high-carbohydrate (HC) diets. Fish (46.94 ± 0.04 g) were randomly assigned to four groups containing the satiation of a control diet (30% carbohydrate) and three satiate levels (100% (HC1), 80% (HC2) and 60% (HC3)) of the HC diets (43% carbohydrate) for 8 weeks. Results showed that HC1 diet remarkably decreased final weight (FW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), hepatic activities of total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), the AMP/ATP ratio, the p-AMPKα/t-AMPKα ratio, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) protein expression and hepatic transcriptions of AMPKα2, SIRT1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), catalase (CAT), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and interleukin10 (IL 10) compared to the control group, whereas the opposite was true for protein efficiency ratio (PER), nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE), energy retention efficiency (ERE), plasma glucose levels, alanine transaminase (AST) and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) activities, hepatic contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF α) and interleukin 1β (IL 1β), ATP and AMP contents and hepatic transcriptions of kelch-like ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1), IkB kinase α (IKK α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), TNF α, IL 1β, interleukin 6 (IL 6) and transforming growth factor β (TGF β). As for the HC groups, fish fed the HC2 diet obtained relatively high values of SGR, PER, NRE, ERE, hepatic activities of T-AOC, SOD and CAT, the AMP/ATP ratio, the p-AMPKα/t-AMPKα ratio, SIRT1 protein expression and hepatic transcriptions of AMPKα2, Nrf2, CAT, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), Mn-SOD, GPx1, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and interleukin10 (IL 10), while the opposite was true for hepatic content of IL 6 and transcription of IKK α. Overall, an 80% satiation improved the growth performance and alleviated the oxidative stress and inflammation of blunt snout bream fed HC diets via the activation of the AMPK-SIRT1 pathway and the up-regulation of the activities and transcriptions of Nrf2-modulated antioxidant enzymes coupled with the depression of the levels and transcriptions of the NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jiangfan Zhang, Chuanju Dong, Junchang Feng, Junpeng Li, Shengjie Li, Jianxin Feng, Xiaodi Duan, Gaigai Sun, Peng Xu, Xuejun Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 (Hypoxia inducible factors) are the main regulators of the expression change of oxygen-dependent genes, in addition, they also play important roles in immune regulation. 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 participate in infectious diseases and inflammatory responses, providing us a new therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases. In this study, 16 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 were identified in common carp genome database. Comparative genomics analysis showed large expansion of 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 gene family and approved the four round whole genome duplication (WGD) event in common carp. To further understand the function of 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉, the domain architectures were predicted. All HIF proteins had the conserved HLH-PAS domain, which were essential for them to form dimer and bind to the downstream targets. The differences in domain of HIFα and HIFβ might result in their different functions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 were divided into two subfamilies and the 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 in common carp were clustered with their teleost counterparts indicating they are highly conservative during evolution. In addition, the tissue distribution was examined by RT-PCR showed that most of 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes had a wide range of tissue distribution but exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns. The expression divergences were observed between the copy genes, for example, 〈em〉HIF1A-1〈/em〉, 〈em〉HIF2A-1〈/em〉, 〈em〉ARNT-〈/em〉2 had wide tissue distribution while their copies had limited tissue distribution, proving the function divergence of copies post the WGD event. In order to find an effective activation of 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 and apply to treatment of aquatic diseases, we investigate the dietary supplementation effects of different strains of 〈em〉Lactococcus lactis〈/em〉 on the expression of 〈em〉HIFα〈/em〉 subfamily members in kidney of common carp infected with 〈em〉A. hydrophila〈/em〉. In addition, all of the 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes have a high expression in the early stages of infection, and decreased in the treatment time point of 48 h in common carp. This phenomenon confirms that as a switch, the main function of 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 is to regulate the production of immune response factors in early infection. So activation of the switch may be an effective method for infectious disease treatment. As expected, the treatment groups improved the expression of 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 compared with the control group, and the effects of the three strains are different. The strain1 of 〈em〉L. lactis〈/em〉 had a stronger induction on 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes than strain2 and strain3, and it might be applied as a potential activation of 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes for disease treatment. So, adding befitting 〈em〉L. lactis〈/em〉 maybe a well method to activate the 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes to protect them from mycobacterial infection.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): K.A.S.N. Shanaka, M.D. Neranjan Tharuka, Thanthrige Thiunuwan Priyathilaka, Jehee Lee〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Viperin, also known as RSAD2 (Radical S-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2), is an interferon-induced endoplasmic reticulum-associated antiviral protein. Previous studies have shown that viperin levels are elevated in the presence of viral RNA, but it has rarely been characterized in marine organisms. This study was designed to functionally characterize rockfish viperin (〈em〉SsVip〈/em〉), to examine the effects of different immune stimulants on its expression, and to determine its subcellular localization. SsVip is a 349 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 40.24 kDa. It contains an S-adenosyl 〈span〉l〈/span〉-methionine binding conserved domain with a CNYKCGFC sequence. Unchallenged tissue expression analysis using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) revealed 〈em〉SsVip〈/em〉 expression to be the highest in the blood, followed by the spleen. When challenged with poly I:C, 〈em〉SsVip〈/em〉 was upregulated by approximately 60-fold in the blood after 24 h, and approximately 50-fold in the spleen after 12 h. Notable upregulation was detected throughout the poly I:C challenge experiment in both tissues. Significant expression of 〈em〉SsVip〈/em〉 was detected in the blood following 〈em〉Streptococcus iniae〈/em〉 and lipopolysaccharide challenge, and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) gene transcription was significantly downregulated during SsVip overexpression. Furthermore, cell viability assay and virus titer quantification with the presence of SsVip revealed a significant reduction in virus replication. As with previously identified viperin counterparts, SsVip was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Our findings show that SsVip is an antiviral protein crucial to innate immune defense.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jing Li, Zhi-Bin Wu, Zhao Zhang, Ji-Wei Zha, Shen-Ye Qu, Xiao-Zhou Qi, Gao-Xue Wang, Fei Ling〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Nowadays, there is no suitable treatment for vibriosis in groupers. So an eco-efficient and environmentally friendly treatment is necessary for the grouper industry. Probiotic-feeding has been a promising strategy to control the bacterial pathogens in aquaculture. A new 〈em〉Bacillus velezensis〈/em〉 strain named K2 was isolated from the intestinal tract of healthy grouper, and exhibited wide antimicrobial spectrum of against fish pathogens, including 〈em〉Vibrio harveyi〈/em〉, 〈em〉Vibrio alginolyticus〈/em〉, 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉, 〈em〉Aeromonas veronii〈/em〉, 〈em〉Aeromonas caviae〈/em〉, 〈em〉Enterococcus casseliflavus〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Lactococcus garvieae〈/em〉. Moreover, results of the safety of 〈em〉B. velezensis〈/em〉 K2 showed that intraperitoneal injection of K2 in healthy grouper did not cause any pathological abnormality or death, indicating this bacteria could be considered as a candidate probiotic in aquaculture. Groupers were fed with the diets containing 1 × 10〈sup〉7〈/sup〉 cfu/g of 〈em〉B. velezensis〈/em〉 K2 for 4 weeks. Various immune parameters were examined at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of post-feeding. Results showed that diets supplemented with K2 significantly increased serum acid phosphatase (ACP) activity (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Results of the mRNA expression of immune-related genes in the head kidney of hybrid grouper showed that the expression of lysozyme gene was significantly upregulated after 1 and 2 weeks of feeding (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). A significant up-regulation of the expression of piscidin, IgM and MyD88 were detected at day 21, whereas the TLR3 and TLR5 showed lower expression compared to the controls during 21 days, and a significant decrease of TLR3 gene was found at day 28 (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). After challenge with 〈em〉V. harveyi〈/em〉, the survival rate of fish administrated with the strain K2 for 28 days was signifiacantly higher than the controls without this strain (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). These results collectively suggest that 〈em〉B. velezensis〈/em〉 K2 is a potential probiotic species to improve health status and disease resistance and can be developed as a probiotic agent in grouper industry.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Phennapa Promthale, Pattira Pongtippatee, Boonsirm Withyachumnarnkul, Kanokpan Wongprasert〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Fishmeal is the main source of protein in the shrimp feed industry and is normally derived from trash fish. As such, the production of fishmeal has an adverse effect on the marine environment by taking away small and juvenile fish, leading to depletion of marine species. There is a need for alternative sources of protein which will substitute fishmeal in the aquaculture industry. This study evaluated the components and nutritional efficacy of bioflocs, which were used to substitute fishmeal protein. The effect of bioflocs diets on growth performance, survival rate, and immune response in shrimp compared to normal fishmeal feed were determined. Bioflocs were harvested from the shrimp ponds (C:N ratio 〉12:1) at Shrimp Village, Chaiya district, Surat Thani, Thailand. The total protein in bioflocs was about 48% and the total lipid was about 5% (dried weight) and the percentages of essential amino acids (EAA) and fatty acids (EFA) in bioflocs were similar to those of fishmeal feed. Shrimp fed with the different dietary bioflocs feed regimens [% to replace fishmeal; 0% (B0), 25% (B25), 50% (B50), 75% (B75), and 100% (B100)] for 42 days revealed that all growth parameters were almost similar to those of the control shrimp (shrimp fed with normal fishmeal, B0) including final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. Remarkably, the survival rates, the levels of immune parameters, and expression of immune genes (proPO-I, PEN-4 and dicer) were significantly higher in bioflocs fed shrimp, especially in B25 and B50 shrimp. Moreover, B25 and B50 bioflocs fed shrimp showed notably increased survival rates following 〈em〉Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus)〈/em〉 infection. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that shrimp survival and immunity are enhanced by biofiocs substituted fishmeal. Significantly, the bioflocs diets activated the immune response to prevent 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 infection.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sarah J. Poynter, Shanee Herrington-Krause, Stephanie J. DeWitte-Orr〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In mammals, the multifunctional DExH/D-box helicases, DDX3 and DHX9, are nucleic acid sensors with a role in antiviral immunity; their role in innate immunity in fish is not yet understood. In the present study, full-length DDX3 and DHX9 coding sequences were identified in rainbow trout (〈em〉Oncorhynchus mykiss)〈/em〉. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated both deduced proteins were similar to those of other species, with ~80% identity to other fish species and ~70–75% identity to mammals, and both protein sequences had conserved domains found amongst all species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of DDX3 and DHX9 with corresponding proteins from other fish. Cellular localization of overexpressed DDX3 and DHX9 was performed using GFP-tagged proteins, and endogenous DDX3 localization was measured using immunocytochemistry. In the rainbow trout gonadal cell line, RTG-2, DHX9 localized mostly to the nucleus, while DDX3 was found mainly in the cytoplasm. Tissue distribution from healthy juvenile rainbow trout revealed ubiquitous constitutive expression, highest levels of DDX3 expression were seen in the liver and DHX9 levels were fairly consistent among all tissues tested. Stimulation of RTG-2 cells revealed that DDX3 and DHX9 transcripts were both significantly upregulated by treatment with the dsRNA molecule, poly I:C. A pull-down assay suggested both proteins were able to bind dsRNA. In addition to their roles in RNA metabolism, the conserved common domains found between the rainbow trout proteins and other species having defined antiviral roles, combined with the ability for the proteins to bind to dsRNA, suggest these proteins may play an important role in fish innate antiviral immunity. Future studies on both DDX3 and DHX9 function will contribute to a better understanding of teleost immunity.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 94〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ke-Cheng Zhu, Hua-Yang Guo, Nan Zhang, Bao-Suo Liu, Liang Guo, Shi-Gui Jiang, Dian-Chang Zhang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) increases type I IFN transcription levels by binding to IFN promoters, thereby playing a role in innate immunity. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanism through which IRF8 regulates type II IFN in fish remains ambiguous. In the present study, two genes from the golden pompano (〈em〉Trachinotus ovatus〈/em〉), 〈em〉IRF8〈/em〉 (〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉) and 〈em〉IFN gamma〈/em〉 (〈em〉ToIFNγ〈/em〉), were identified in the IFN/IRF-based signalling pathway. The full-length 〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉 cDNA was composed of 2,141 bp and encoded a 421 amino acid polypeptide; the genomic DNA was 2,917 bp in length and consisted of 8 exons and 7 introns. The putative protein showed the highest sequence identity (90–92%) with fish IRF8 and possessed a DNA-binding domain (DBD), an IRF-association domain (IAD) and a nuclear localization signal (NLS) motif consistent with those of IRF8 in other vertebrates. Furthermore, the 〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉 transcripts were expressed in all examined tissues of healthy fish, with higher levels observed in the central nervous and immune relevant tissues. They were upregulated by polyinosinic acid: polycytidylic acid [poly (I: C)], lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and flagellin treatments in the blood, liver, intestine and kidney. The results from assays of subcellular localization showed that 〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉 was localized to the cytoplasm. Moreover, to investigate whether ToIRF8 was a regulator of 〈em〉ToIFNγ〈/em〉, a promoter analysis was performed using progressive deletion mutations of 〈em〉ToIFNγ〈/em〉. The results indicated that the region from −601 bp to −468 bp includes the core promoter. Mutation analyses indicated that the activity of the 〈em〉ToIFNγ〈/em〉 promoter significantly decreased after the targeted mutation of the M1-M3 binding sites. Additionally, overexpressed 〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉 in vitro notably increased the expression of several IFN/IRF-based signalling pathway genes. These results suggest that 〈em〉IRF8〈/em〉 is vital in the defence of 〈em〉T. ovatus〈/em〉 against bacterial infection and contributes to a better understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms of ToIRF8 on type II IFN in fish.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Investigating slow earthquake activity in subduction zones provides insight into the slip behavior of megathrusts, which can provide important clues about the rupture extent of future great earthquakes. Using the S-net ocean-bottom seismograph network along the Japan Trench, we mapped a detailed distribution of tectonic tremors, which coincided with very-low-frequency earthquakes and a slow slip event. Compiling these and other related observations, including repeating earthquakes and earthquake swarms, we found that the slow earthquake distribution is complementary to the Tohoku-Oki earthquake rupture. We used our observations to divide the megathrust in the Japan Trench into three along-strike segments characterized by different slip behaviors. We found that the rupture of the Tohoku-Oki earthquake, which nucleated in the central segment, was terminated by the two adjacent segments.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Stimuli-responsive materials activated by biological signals play an increasingly important role in biotechnology applications. We exploit the programmability of CRISPR-associated nucleases to actuate hydrogels containing DNA as a structural element or as an anchor for pendant groups. After activation by guide RNA–defined inputs, Cas12a cleaves DNA in the gels, thereby converting biological information into changes in material properties. We report four applications: (i) branched poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels releasing DNA-anchored compounds, (ii) degradable polyacrylamide-DNA hydrogels encapsulating nanoparticles and live cells, (iii) conductive carbon-black–DNA hydrogels acting as degradable electrical fuses, and (iv) a polyacrylamide-DNA hydrogel operating as a fluidic valve with an electrical readout for remote signaling. These materials allow for a range of in vitro applications in tissue engineering, bioelectronics, and diagnostics.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Understanding genomic variation and population structure of 〈i〉Plasmodium falciparum〈/i〉 across Africa is necessary to sustain progress toward malaria elimination. Genome clustering of 2263 〈i〉P. falciparum〈/i〉 isolates from 24 malaria-endemic settings in 15 African countries identified major western, central, and eastern ancestries, plus a highly divergent Ethiopian population. Ancestry aligned to these regional blocs, overlapping with both the parasite’s origin and with historical human migration. The parasite populations are interbred and shared genomic haplotypes, especially across drug resistance loci, which showed the strongest recent identity-by-descent between populations. A recent signature of selection on chromosome 12 with candidate resistance loci against artemisinin derivatives was evident in Ghana and Malawi. Such selection and the emerging substructure may affect treatment-based intervention strategies against 〈i〉P. falciparum〈/i〉 malaria.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tetsuro Ikuta, Akihiro Tame, Masaki Saito, Yui Aoki, Yukiko Nagai, Makoto Sugimura, Koji Inoue, Katsunori Fujikura, Kazue Ohishi, Tadashi Maruyama, Takao Yoshida〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In symbiotic systems in which symbionts are transmitted horizontally, hosts must accept symbionts from the environment while defending themselves against invading pathogenic microorganisms. How they distinguish pathogens from symbionts and how the latter evade host immune defences are not clearly understood. Recognition of foreign materials is one of the most critical steps in stimulating immune responses, and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play vital roles in this process. In this study, we focused on a group of highly conserved PRRs, peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), in the deep-sea mussel, 〈em〉Bathymodiolus septemdierum〈/em〉, which harbours chemosynthetic bacteria in their gill epithelial cells. We isolated 〈em〉B. septemdierum〈/em〉 PGRP genes 〈em〉BsPGRP-S〈/em〉 and 〈em〉BsPGRP-L〈/em〉, which encode a short- and a long-type PGRP, respectively. The short-type PGRP has a signal peptide and was expressed in the asymbiotic goblet mucous cells in the gill epithelium, whereas the long-type PGRP was predicted to include a transmembrane domain and was expressed in gill bacteriocytes. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that the secreted and transmembrane PGRPs are engaged in host defence against pathogenic bacteria and/or in the regulation of symbiosis via different cellular localizations and mechanisms.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guilherme Rabelo Coelho, Pedro Prezotto Neto, Fernanda Cortinhas Barbosa, Rafael Silva Dos Santos, Patrícia Brigatte, Patrick Jack Spencer, Sandra Coccuzzo Sampaio, Fernanda D’Amélio, Daniel Carvalho Pimenta, Juliana Mozer Sciani〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Stingrays skin secretions are largely studied due to the human envenoming medical relevance of the sting puncture that evolves to inflammatory events, including necrosis. Such toxic effects can be correlated to the biochemical composition of the sting mucus, according to the literature. Fish skin plays important biological roles, such as the control of the osmotic pressure gradient, protection against mechanical forces and microorganism infections. The mucus, on the other hand, is a rich and complex fluid, acting on swimming, nutrition and the innate immune system. The elasmobranch's epidermis is a tissue composed mainly by mucus secretory cells, and marine stingrays have already been described to present secretory glands spread throughout the body. Little is known about the biochemical composition of the stingray mucus, but recent studies have corroborated the importance of mucus in the envenomation process. Aiming to assess the mucus composition, a new non-invasive mucus collection method was developed that focused on peptides and proteins, and biological assays were performed to analyze the toxic and immune activities of the 〈em〉Hypanus americanus〈/em〉 mucus. Pathophysiological characterization showed the presence of peptidases on the mucus, as well as the induction of edema and leukocyte recruitment in mice. The fractionated mucus improved phagocytosis on macrophages and showed antimicrobial activity against 〈em〉T. rubrumç. neoformans〈/em〉 and 〈em〉C. albicans in vitro〈/em〉. The proteomic analyses showed the presence of immune-related proteins like actin, histones, hemoglobin, and ribosomal proteins. This protein pattern is similar to those reported for other fish mucus and stingray venoms. This is the first report depicting the 〈em〉Hypanus〈/em〉 stingray mucus composition, highlighting its biochemical composition and importance for the stingray immune system and the possible role on the envenomation process.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mariana Maluli Marinho de Mello, Camila de Fátima Pereira de Faria, Fábio Sabbadin Zanuzzo, Elisabeth Criscuolo Urbinati〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, we show that β-glucan can modulate cortisol release in fish. We simulated a common situation in aquaculture: the transport of fish followed by contact with an opportunistic pathogen and observed what effect glucan had on the immune and stress response in these conditions. Pacu (〈em〉Piaractus mesopotamicus〈/em〉) were fed with a diet containing β-glucan (0.1%) for 15 days prior to transport followed by an injection with heat-killed 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila.〈/em〉 We sampled fish before transport, at arrival and at 3 and 24 h after bacterial injection. β-Glucans are used in aquaculture and have a known immunostimulatory effect, which was observed in this study. The results showed that β-glucan modulated the plasma cortisol levels differently by increasing these levels up to 24 h after transport and preventing the increase caused by bacterial inoculum injection. In addition, β-glucan enhanced the activity of the complement system at 24 h and reduced the monocytes and lymphocytes number in peripheral blood at 3 and 24 h after bacterial inoculation. Our results suggest that β-glucan modulated a bidirectional interaction between the stress and the immune responses. The modulation of cortisol levels and the immunostimulation by β-glucan at different moments in our study suggest the compound has a protective effect by avoiding higher levels of the hormone and improving resistance against bacterial infection in pacu. These results add evidence to support the use of β-glucan as an immunomodulator in the aquaculture industry.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Min Sun Kim, Ki Hong Kim〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Although the type I interferon-mediated increase of Mx1 and ISG15 gene expression in Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells has been reported, the antiviral role of Mx1 and ISG15 in EPC cells has not been investigated. In this study, to know the anti-viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) role of Mx1 and ISG15 of EPC cells, either Mx1 or ISG15 gene was knocked-out using a CRISPR/Cas9 system, and the progression of cytopathic effects (CPE) and viral growth were analyzed. Mx1 gene and ISG15 gene knockout EPC cells were successfully produced via CRISPR/Cas9 coupled with a single-cell cloning. Through the sequence analysis, one clone showing two heterozygous indel patterns in Mx1 gene and a clone showing three heterozygous indel patterns in ISG15 gene were selected for further analyses. Mx1 knockout EPC cells did not show any differences in VHSV-mediated CPE progression, even when pre-treated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), compared to control EPC cells. These results suggest that Mx1 in EPC cells may be unfunctional to cytoplasmic RNA viruses. In contrast to Mx1, ISG15 knockout cells showed clearly hampered anti-VHSV activity even when pre-treated with poly I:C, indicating that ISG15 plays an important role in type I interferon-mediated anti-viral activity in EPC cells, which allowed VHSV to replicate more efficiently in ISG15 knockout cells than Mx1 knockout and control cells.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 94〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): José Luis Sánchez-Salgado, Mohamed Alí Pereyra, Concepción Agundis, Montserrat Calzada-Ruiz, Erika Kantun-Briceño, Edgar Zenteno〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In crustaceans, it has been suggested that specific protection against pathogens could be triggered by vaccines and biological response modifiers; although the specific mechanisms of this protection have not been clarified yet. In the crayfish 〈em〉Cherax quadricarinatus〈/em〉, a humoral lectin (CqL) binds its own granular hemocytes through a specific receptor (CqLR) and increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we challenged 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 crayfishes with immunostimulants, β-glucan (200 μg/kg) or LPS (20 μg/kg), and identified the participation of cellular and humoral mechanisms. The stimulants generated a complex modification in the total hemocytes count (THC), as well as in the proportion of hemocyte subsets. At 2 h after the challenge, the largest value in THC was observed in either challenged crayfishes. Furthermore, at the same time, hyaline hemocytes were the most abundant subset in the hemolymph; after 6 h, granular hemocytes (GH) were the most abundant hemocyte subset. It has been observed that a specific subset of GH possesses a CqLR that has been related to ROS production. After 2 and 6 h of the β-glucan challenge, a significant increase in CqLR expression was observed in the three circulating hemocyte subsets; also, an increased expression of CqL was detected in a granular hemocytes sub-population. After 2 and 6 h of stimulation, the specific activity of the serum lectin challenged with β-glucan was 250% and 160% higher than in the LPS-treated-group, respectively (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Hemocytes from challenged crayfishes were stimulated 〈em〉ex vivo〈/em〉 with CqL, ROS production was 180% higher in hemocytes treated with β-glucan + CqL than in hemocytes treated with LPS + CqL (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). The results evidence the effectivity of immune stimulators to activate specific crayfish defense mechanisms, the participation of CqL and its receptor (CqLR) could play an important role in the regulation of immune cellular functions, like ROS production, in 〈em〉Cherax quadricarinatus〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Nikolai Mugue, Nadezhda Terekhanova, Sergey Afanasyev, Aleksei Krasnov〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Sturgeons represent a substantial scientific interest due to their high economic value, endangered status and also as the most primitive group of ray-finned fishes. Rapid progress in knowledge of sturgeon immunity was achieved recently with use of RNA sequencing. We report transcriptome sequencing of gill, head kidney, and spleen of bester sturgeon (a hybrid of beluga 〈em〉Huso huso〈/em〉 and sterlet 〈em〉Acipen〈/em〉s〈em〉er ruthenus〈/em〉) injected with synthetic double-stranded RNA (polyI:C). The composition of transcriptome and responses to treatment were examined in the context of comparative genomics with focus on immune genes. Sturgeon transcripts matched to 21.5 k different proteins (blastx). With reference to Atlantic salmon, the functional groups and pathways of the immune system were uniformly represented: at average 36.5 ± 0.8% genes were found. Immune genes comprise a significant fraction of transcriptome. Among twenty genes with highest transcription levels, five are specialized immune genes and two encode heme and iron binding proteins (〈em〉serotransferrin〈/em〉 and 〈em〉hemopexin〈/em〉) also known as acute phase proteins. Challenge induced multiple functional groups including apoptosis, cell cycle and a number of metabolic pathways. Treatment stimulated innate antiviral immunity, which is well conserved between sturgeon and salmon, the most responsive genes were 〈em〉mx, rsad2 (viperin)〈/em〉, 〈em〉interferon induced protein 44〈/em〉 and 〈em〉protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5〈/em〉, 〈em〉cd87〈/em〉 and 〈em〉receptor transporting protein 3〈/em〉. Results added to knowledge of immune phylogeny. Gain and loss of genes was assessed by comparison with genomes from different phylogenetic groups. Among differentially expressed genes, percentage of acquired and lost genes was much lower in comparison with genes present in all vertebrates. Innate antiviral immunity was subject to the greatest changes in evolution of jawed vertebrates. A significant fraction of genes (15%) was lost in mammals and only half of genes is annotated in public databases as involved in antiviral responses. Change of function may have an important role in evolution of immunity together with gain and loss of genes.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Malene Soleng, Lill-Heidi Johansen, Hanne Johnsen, Gunhild S. Johansson, Mette W. Breiland, Lisbeth Rørmark, Karin Pittman, Lars-Flemming Pedersen, Carlo C. Lazado〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Peracetic acid (PAA), a strong organic peroxide, is considered a relatively sustainable disinfectant in aquaculture because of its broad effectivity against many pathogens at low concentrations and because it degrades spontaneously to harmless residues. The impacts of PAA on fish health must be determined before its use as either a routine disinfectant or chemotherapeutant. Here we investigated the systemic and mucosal stress responses of Atlantic salmon (〈em〉Salmo salar〈/em〉) to PAA. In experiment 1, salmon were exposed to different nominal concentrations (0, 0.6, and 2.4 ppm) of PAA for 5 min, followed by a re-exposure to the same concentrations for 30 min 2 weeks later. Sampling was performed before exposure to PAA and at 2 h, 48 h, and 2 w after exposures. In experiment 2, fish were subjected to crowding stress prior to PAA exposure at 4.8 ppm for 30 min. The fish were sampled before exposure and 1 h, 4 h, and 2 w after. The two trials were performed in a recirculation system. Both systemic (i.e., plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, total antioxidant capacity) and mucosal (i.e., expression of antioxidant coding genes in the skin and gills) stress indicators were affected by the treatments at varying levels, and it was apparent that the fish were able to mount a robust response to the physiological demands of PAA exposure. The cortisol levels increased in the early hours after exposure and returned to basal level afterwards. Prior exposure history to PAA did not markedly affect the levels of plasma lactate and glucose when fish were re-exposed to PAA. Crowding stress before PAA treatment, however, did alter some of the stress indicators (i.e., lactate, glucose and expression of antioxidant genes in the gills), suggesting that stress history serves as both a confounding and compounding factor on how stress responses to PAA are mobilised. Nonetheless, the changes were not substantial. Gene expression profile analyses revealed that the antioxidant system was more responsive to PAA in the gills than in the skin. The increased antioxidant capacity in the plasma, particularly at 2.4 ppm and higher, indicates that antioxidants were produced to neutralise the internal redox imbalance resulting from PAA exposure. In conclusion, the results show that salmon were able to mount a robust adaptive response to different PAA doses and exposure times, and a combined exposure to stress and PAA. These results underscore the potential of PAA as a chemotherapeutant for salmon at PAA concentrations commonly applied to control parasitic infestations.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhiwei Cao, Sijia Liu, Hao Nan, Kaixia Zhao, Xiaodong Xu, Gaoxue Wang, Hong Ji, Hongying Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) is the causative pathogen of herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis disease, which has caused huge economic losses to aquaculture industry in China. In this study, nine truncated CyHV-2 membrane glycoproteins (ORF25, ORF25C, ORF25D, ORF30, ORF124, ORF131, ORF136, ORF142A, ORF146) and a GFP reporter protein were respectively expressed using baculovirus surface displaying system. Western blot showed that the proteins were successfully packaged in the recombinant virus particles. In baculovirus transduced gibel carp kidney cells, the target proteins were expressed and displayed on the fish cell surface. Healthy gibel carp were immunized by immersion with the recombinant baculoviruses and the fish treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were served as mock group. The expression of 〈em〉interleukin-11〈/em〉 (〈em〉IL-11〈/em〉), 〈em〉interferon α〈/em〉 (〈em〉IFNα〈/em〉) and a complement component gene 〈em〉C3〈/em〉 were significantly up-regulated in most experimental groups, and 〈em〉interferon γ〈/em〉 (〈em〉IFNγ〈/em〉) expression in some groups were also induced after immunization. Subsequently, the immunized gibel carp were challenged by intraperitoneal injection of CyHV-2 virus. All the immunized groups exhibited reduced mortality after CyHV-2 challenge. In the groups immunized with baculoviruses displaying and expressing ORF25, ORF25C and ORF146, the relative percentage survival values reached 83.3%, 87.5% and 70.8%, respectively. Our data suggested that baculovirus-displayed ORF25, ORF25C and ORF146 could be potential vaccine candidates for the prevention of CyHV-2 infection in gibel carp.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Membraneless organelles involved in RNA processing are biomolecular condensates assembled by phase separation. Despite the important role of intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs), the specific interactions underlying IDR phase separation and its functional consequences remain elusive. To address these questions, we used minimal condensates formed from the C-terminal disordered regions of two interacting translational regulators, FMRP and CAPRIN1. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of FMRP-CAPRIN1 condensates revealed interactions involving arginine-rich and aromatic-rich regions. We found that different FMRP serine/threonine and CAPRIN1 tyrosine phosphorylation patterns control phase separation propensity with RNA, including subcompartmentalization, and tune deadenylation and translation rates in vitro. The resulting evidence for residue-specific interactions underlying co–phase separation, phosphorylation-modulated condensate architecture, and enzymatic activity within condensates has implications for how the integration of signaling pathways controls RNA processing and translation.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉SARM1 (sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1) is responsible for depletion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in its oxidized form (NAD〈sup〉+〈/sup〉) during Wallerian degeneration associated with neuropathies. Plant nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors recognize pathogen effector proteins and trigger localized cell death to restrict pathogen infection. Both processes depend on closely related Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains in these proteins, which, as we show, feature self-association–dependent NAD〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 cleavage activity associated with cell death signaling. We further show that SARM1 SAM (sterile alpha motif) domains form an octamer essential for axon degeneration that contributes to TIR domain enzymatic activity. The crystal structures of ribose and NADP〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 (the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) complexes of SARM1 and plant NLR RUN1 TIR domains, respectively, reveal a conserved substrate binding site. NAD〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 cleavage by TIR domains is therefore a conserved feature of animal and plant cell death signaling pathways.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉The near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu is a 900-m-diameter dark object expected to contain primordial material from the solar nebula. The Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout (MASCOT) landed on Ryugu’s surface on 3 October 2018. We present images from the MASCOT camera (MASCam) taken during the descent and while on the surface. The surface is covered by decimeter- to meter-sized rocks, with no deposits of fine-grained material. Rocks appear either bright, with smooth faces and sharp edges, or dark, with a cauliflower-like, crumbly surface. Close-up images of a rock of the latter type reveal a dark matrix with small, bright, spectrally different inclusions, implying that it did not experience extensive aqueous alteration. The inclusions appear similar to those in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Van Meter 〈i〉et al〈/i〉. (Reports, 27 April 2018, p. 427) warn that achieving nitrogen reduction goals in the Gulf of Mexico will take decades as a result of legacy nitrogen effects. We discuss limitations of the modeling approach and demonstrate that legacy effects ranging from a few years to decades are equally consistent with observations. The presented time scales for system recovery are therefore highly uncertain.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Malaria parasites adopt a remarkable variety of morphological life stages as they transition through multiple mammalian host and mosquito vector environments. We profiled the single-cell transcriptomes of thousands of individual parasites, deriving the first high-resolution transcriptional atlas of the entire 〈i〉Plasmodium berghei〈/i〉 life cycle. We then used our atlas to precisely define developmental stages of single cells from three different human malaria parasite species, including parasites isolated directly from infected individuals. The Malaria Cell Atlas provides both a comprehensive view of gene usage in a eukaryotic parasite and an open-access reference dataset for the study of malaria parasites.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Soil organisms represent the most biologically diverse community on land and govern the turnover of the largest organic matter pool in the terrestrial biosphere. The highly complex nature of these communities at local scales has traditionally obscured efforts to identify unifying patterns in global soil biodiversity and biogeochemistry. As a result, environmental covariates have generally been used as a proxy to represent the variation in soil community activity in global biogeochemical models. Yet over the past decade, broad-scale studies have begun to see past this local heterogeneity to identify unifying patterns in the biomass, diversity, and composition of certain soil groups across the globe. These unifying patterns provide new insights into the fundamental distribution and dynamics of organic matter on land.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Welding of ceramics is a key missing component in modern manufacturing. Current methods cannot join ceramics in proximity to temperature-sensitive materials like polymers and electronic components. We introduce an ultrafast pulsed laser welding approach that relies on focusing light on interfaces to ensure an optical interaction volume in ceramics to stimulate nonlinear absorption processes, causing localized melting rather than ablation. The key is the interplay between linear and nonlinear optical properties and laser energy–material coupling. The welded ceramic assemblies hold high vacuum and have shear strengths comparable to metal-to-ceramic diffusion bonds. Laser welding can make ceramics integral components in devices for harsh environments as well as in optoelectronic and/or electronic packages needing visible-radio frequency transparency.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉The concept of topological phases is a powerful framework for characterizing ground states of quantum many-body systems that goes beyond the paradigm of symmetry breaking. Topological phases can appear in condensed-matter systems naturally, whereas the implementation and study of such quantum many-body ground states in artificial matter require careful engineering. Here, we report the experimental realization of a symmetry-protected topological phase of interacting bosons in a one-dimensional lattice and demonstrate a robust ground state degeneracy attributed to protected zero-energy edge states. The experimental setup is based on atoms trapped in an array of optical tweezers and excited into Rydberg levels, which gives rise to hard-core bosons with an effective hopping generated by dipolar exchange interaction.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Ballard 〈i〉et al〈/i〉. argue that our prediction of a 30-year or longer recovery time for Gulf of Mexico water quality is highly uncertain, and that much shorter time lags are equally likely. We demonstrate that their argument, based on the use of a two-component regression model, does not sufficiently consider fundamental watershed processes or multiple lines of evidence suggesting the existence of decadal-scale lags.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Plant nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors activate cell death and confer disease resistance by unknown mechanisms. We demonstrate that plant Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains of NLRs are enzymes capable of degrading nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in its oxidized form (NAD〈sup〉+〈/sup〉). Both cell death induction and NAD〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 cleavage activity of plant TIR domains require known self-association interfaces and a putative catalytic glutamic acid that is conserved in both bacterial TIR NAD〈sup〉+〈/sup〉-cleaving enzymes (NADases) and the mammalian SARM1 (sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1) NADase. We identify a variant of cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose as a biomarker of TIR enzymatic activity. TIR enzymatic activity is induced by pathogen recognition and functions upstream of the genes 〈i〉enhanced disease susceptibility 1〈/i〉 (〈i〉EDS1〈/i〉) and 〈i〉N requirement gene 1〈/i〉 (〈i〉NRG1〈/i〉), which encode regulators required for TIR immune function. Thus, plant TIR-NLR receptors require NADase function to transduce recognition of pathogens into a cell death response.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉How do neurons encode long-term memories? Bilateral imaging of neuronal activity in the mouse hippocampus reveals that, from one day to the next, ~40% of neurons change their responsiveness to cues, but thereafter only 1% of cells change per day. Despite these changes, neuronal responses are resilient to a lack of exposure to a previously completed task or to hippocampus lesions. Unlike individual neurons, the responses of which change after a few days, groups of neurons with inter- and intrahemispheric synchronous activity show stable responses for several weeks. The likelihood that a neuron maintains its responsiveness across days is proportional to the number of neurons with which its activity is synchronous. Information stored in individual neurons is relatively labile, but it can be reliably stored in networks of synchronously active neurons.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Armando Vega-López, Nataraj S. Pagadala, Brenda P. López-Tapia, Ruth L. Madera-Sandoval, Erika Rosales-Cruz, Minerva Nájera-Martínez, Elba Reyes-Maldonado〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The signaling mediated by small non-proteinogenic molecules, which probably have the capacity to serve as a bridge amongst complex systems is one of the most exiting challenges for the study. In the current report, stem cells differentiation of the immune system in Nile tilapia treated with sub-basal doses of GABA evaluated as c-kit〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 and Sca-1〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 cells disappearance on pronephros, thymus, spleen and peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry was assessed. Explanation of biological response was performed by molecular docking approach and multiparametric analysis. Stem cell differentiation depends on a delicate balance of negative and positive interactions of this neurotransmitter with receptors and transcription factors involved in this process. This in turn depends on the type of interaction with hematopoietic niche to differentiate into primordial, early or late hematopoiesis as well as from the dose delivery. In fish treated with the low doses of GABA (0.1% over basal value) primordial hematopoiesis is regulated by interaction of glutamate (Glu) with the Ly-6 antigen. Early hematopoiesis was influenced by the bond of GABA near or adjacent to turns of FLTR3-Ig-IV domain. During late hematopoiesis, negative regulation by structural modifications on PU.1/IRF-4 complex, IL-7Rα and GM-CSFR mainly prevails. Results of molecular docking were in agreement with the percentages of the main blood cells lineages estimated in pronephros by flow cytometry. Current study provides the first evidences about the role of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters such as GABA and Glu, respectively with the most transcriptional factors and receptors involved on hematopoiesis in adult Nile tilapia.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1050464819308320-fx1.jpg" width="266" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xianyun Ren, Yunbin Zhang, Ping Liu, Jian Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study aimed to use isobaric tags (IBTs) to investigate the immune response of the hepatopancreas of 〈em〉Marsupenaeus japonicas〈/em〉 infected with 〈em〉Vibrio parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 or white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and protein sequencing identified 1005 proteins. Among them, 109 proteins were upregulated and 94 were downregulated after 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 infection. After WSSV infection, 130 proteins were identified as differentially abundant, including 88 that were upregulated and 42 were downregulated. Fifty-four proteins were identified as differentially abundant after both 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 and WSSV infection. A number of proteins related to cytoskeletal processes, including actin and myosin, and apoptosis-related proteins were upregulated in shrimp after 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 and WSSV infection, indicating that phagocytosis and apoptosis may be involved in the response to in 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 or WSSV infection. Quantitative real-time PCR was carried out to verify the reliability of the proteomic data. These data provide a basis to characterize the immunity-related processes of shrimp in response to infection with WSSV or 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 94〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jiajia Yu, Hongxia Wang, Xin Yue, Baozhong Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Meretrix petechialis〈/em〉 is an important commercial aquaculture species in China. During the clam culture period, mass mortality events often occurred due to the 〈em〉Vibrio〈/em〉 infection. In this paper, 〈em〉M. petechialis〈/em〉 were challenged with 〈em〉Vibrio parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 immersion to simulate a natural infection, and the infection process were divided into four phases including latency, prodrome, onset and recovery phases based on the clam mortality data. Then, the dynamic response of clams to 〈em〉Vibrio〈/em〉 infection at different infection phases were investigated by transcriptome analysis. A total of 38,067 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at different infection phases. DEG annotations showed that immune-related and metabolism-related signaling pathways were enriched, indicating that immune defense and metabolism process play key roles during bacterial infection. Three kinds of expression pattern were classified by cluster analysis, including U-shape, L-shape and inverted V-shape. Anabolism and cellular growth proliferation related signaling pathways were repressed (long-lasting or transient) during bacterial infection. However, the immune related signaling pathways with different immune functions showed induction expression or repression expression against bacterial infection, which indicated that immune system take different strategies against bacterial infection. Furthermore, some signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway both involved in immune defense and cell metabolism. This study provides a sight that the dynamic immunity and metabolic responses may be integrated to improve the host survival and shift more energy for immune defense.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guang-hua Wang, Zhao-xia Li, En-mian Guo, Jing-jing Wang, Min Zhang, Yong-hua Hu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Calreticulin (CRT) is a highly conserved and multi-functional protein with diverse localizations. CRT has lectin-like properties and possesses important immunological activities in mammalian. In teleost, very limited studies on CRT immunologic function have been documented. In the present study, a CRT homologue (SsCRT) was cloned, identified and characterized from black rockfish, 〈em〉Sebastes schlegeli〈/em〉, an important aquaculture species in East Asia. The full length of 〈em〉SsCRT〈/em〉 cDNA is 2180 bp and encoded a polypeptide of 425 amino acids. SsCRT contains a signal peptide, three distinct structural and functional domains (N-, P- and C-domains), and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retrieval signal sequence (KDEL). The deduced amino acid sequence of SsCRT shares 89–92% overall sequence identities with the CRT proteins of several fish species. 〈em〉SsCRT〈/em〉 was distributed ubiquitously in all the detected tissues and was highly expressed in the spleen, muscle and liver. After the infection of fish extracellular bacterial pathogen 〈em〉Vibrio anguillarum〈/em〉 and intracellular bacterial pathogen 〈em〉Edwardsiella tarda〈/em〉, the mRNA transcripts of 〈em〉SsCRT〈/em〉 in spleen, liver, and head kidney were significantly up-regulated. The expression patterns were time-dependent and tissue-dependent. Recombinant SsCRT (rSsCRT) exhibited apparent binding activities against different bacteria and PAMPs. 〈em〉In vivo〈/em〉 studies showed that the expressions of multiple immune-related genes such as TNF13B, IL-1β, IL-8, SAA, Hsp70, and ISG15 in head kidney were significantly enhanced when black rockfish were treated with rSsCRT. Furthermore, rSsCRT reduced pathogen dissemination and replication in fish kidney and spleen. These results indicated that SsCRT served as an immune receptor to recognize and eliminate the invading pathogens, which played a vital role in the immune response of 〈em〉Sebastes schlegeli〈/em〉. These findings provide new insights into understanding the roles of CRT proteins in immune response and pathogen infection in teleost.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ying Wu, Yongcan Zhou, Zhenjie Cao, Yun Sun, Yang Chen, Yajing Xiang, Lu Wang, Shengnan Zhang, Weiliang Guo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Interleukins (ILs) are a subgroup of cytokines, which are molecules involved in the intercellular regulation of the immune system. These cytokines have been extensively studied in mammalian models, but systematic analyses of fish are limited. In the current study, 3 IL genes from golden pompano (〈em〉Trachinotus ovatus〈/em〉) were characterized. The IL-1β protein contains IL-1 family signature motif, and four long helices (αA - αD) in IL-11 and IL-34, which were well conserved. All 3 ILs clustered phylogenetically with their respective IL relatives in mammalian and other teleost species. Under normal physiological conditions, the expression of IL-1β, IL-11, and IL-34 were detected at varied levels in the 11 tissues examined. Most of the 3 ILs examined were highly expressed in liver, spleen, kidney, gill, or skin. Following pathogenic bacterial, viral, or parasitic challenge, IL-1β, IL-11, and IL-34 exhibited distinctly different expression profiles in a time-, tissue-, and pathogen-dependent manner. In general, IL-1β was expressed at higher levels following challenge with all pathogens examined than was observed for IL-11 and IL-34. Furthermore, 〈em〉Streptococcus agalactiae〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Cryptocaryon irritans〈/em〉 caused higher levels of IL-1β and IL-11 expression than 〈em〉Vibrio harveyi〈/em〉 and viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV). The increased expression of IL-34 caused by VNNV and 〈em〉C. irritans〈/em〉 were higher than that caused by 〈em〉V. harveyi〈/em〉 and 〈em〉S. agalactiae〈/em〉. These results suggest that these 3 ILs in 〈em〉T. ovatus〈/em〉 may play different effect pathogen type specific responses.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dinglong Yang, Yijing Han, Lizhu Chen, Ruiwen Cao, Qing Wang, Zhijun Dong, Hui Liu, Xiaoli Zhang, Qianqian Zhang, Jianmin Zhao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is an antimicrobial protein with potent endotoxin-neutralising activity and plays a crucial role in innate immunity against bacterial infection. In the present study, a 〈em〉bpi〈/em〉 (designed as 〈em〉rpbpi〈/em〉) was identified and characterized from manila clam 〈em〉Ruditapes philippinarum〈/em〉. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis suggested that 〈em〉rpbpi〈/em〉 was a new member of the 〈em〉bpis〈/em〉 family. In non-stimulated clams, 〈em〉rpbpi〈/em〉 transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues with the highest expression level in hemocytes. After 〈em〉Vibrio anguillarum〈/em〉 challenge, the expression levels of 〈em〉rpbpi〈/em〉 mRNA in hemocytes were up-regulated significantly at 3 h and 48 h compared with that in the control, which were 4.01- and 19.10-fold (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05), respectively. The recombinant RpBPI (rRpBPI) showed high antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria 〈em〉Escherichia coli〈/em〉 and 〈em〉V. anguillarum〈/em〉, but not 〈em〉Staphylococcus aureus〈/em〉. Moreover, membrane integrity analysis revealed that rRpBPI increased the membrane permeability of Gram-negative bacteria, and then resulted in cell death. Overall, our results suggested that RpBPI played an important role in the elimination of invaded bacteria through membrane-disruptive activity.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wenlin Wu, Congjie Dai, Xunwei Duan, Cuifang Wang, Xiaosi Lin, Jiaying Ke, Yixuan Wang, Xiaobo Zhang, Haipeng Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉White shrimp 〈em〉Litopenaeus vannamei〈/em〉 are widely cultured in the world and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) led to huge economic losses in the shrimp industry every year. In the present study, miRNAs involved in the response of shrimp 〈em〉L. vannamei〈/em〉 to WSSV infection were obtained through the Illumina HiSeq 2500 high-throughput next-generation sequencing technique. A total number of 7 known miRNAs and 54 putative novel miRNAs were obtained. Among them, 14 DEMs were identified in the shrimp infected with WSSV. The putative target genes of these DEMs were related to host immune response or signaling pathways, indicating the importance of miRNAs in shrimp against WSSV infection. The results will provide information for further research on shrimp response to virus infection and contribute to the development of new strategies for effective protection against WSSV infections.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rahul Krishnan, Syed Shariq Nazir Qadiri, Myung-Joo Oh〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Nectin-4/PVRL4 belonging to the family of immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules was identified as a potential cellular receptor for several animal viruses. Here we show that nervous necrosis virus that causes viral nervous necrosis in teleosts uses the same receptor in its life cycle. Transfection of SSN-1 cell lines with an expression vector encoding Nectin-4 rendered them to be more susceptible to NNV. Immunofluorescence microscopy on Nectin-4 expressing cells revealed that the protein interacted with NNV specifically. A virus binding assay indicated that Nectin-4 was a bonafide receptor that supported virus attachment to the host cell whereas siRNA directed against Nectin-4 blocked NNV infections in grouper primary brain cells. Results of the present study will improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of NNV infection and provide a target for the development of novel antiviral interventions in marine finfish aquaculture.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jun Di, Zhipeng Chu, Shuhuan Zhang, Jun Huang, Hao Du, Qiwei Wei〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In the present study, we aimed to screen the potential probiotic 〈em〉Bacillus subtilis〈/em〉 isolated from the gut of healthy fish using 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 assays and to evaluate its effect on Dabry's sturgeon (〈em〉Acipenser dabryanus〈/em〉) using 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 feeding experiments. Among the isolates, 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BSth-5 and BSth-19 exhibited antimicrobial effect against four sturgeon-pathogenic bacteria, including 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉, 〈em〉A. veronii〈/em〉, 〈em〉A. media〈/em〉, and 〈em〉Streptococcus iniae〈/em〉. The cell number of 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BSth-5 and BSth-19 changed little after 2 h of exposure to pH 3.0 or fresh Dabry's sturgeon bile at 2.5% and 5.0%. Meanwhile, 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BSth-5 and BSth-19 produced extracellular protease, cellulose, and lipase. And it was proved that 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BSth-5 and BSth-19 were harmless after injection of Dabry's sturgeon. One group of Dabry's sturgeon was fed a control diet and two groups were fed experimental diets containing 2.0 × 10〈sup〉8〈/sup〉 CFU/g BSth-5 (T1 group) or BSth-19 (T2 group) for 8 weeks. No significant differences in final weight, weight gain rate, and special growth rate were observed in the T1 and T2 groups compared to the control group (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〉 0.05), but a significant improvement in survival rate was detected after 4 and 8 weeks of feeding (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). After 8 weeks, serum total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase activity, and IgM levels were significantly higher in the T1 and T2 groups compared to the control group (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Moreover, serum lysozyme activity was significantly higher in the T1 group relative to the control group during the whole experiment period (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05); however, the differences were not significant between the T2 and control groups (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〉 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde levels in the T1 and T2 groups were significantly lower than those in the control group after 4 weeks (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Sturgeons in the T1 and T2 groups showed a higher survival rate after 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉 infection. To summarize, dietary supplementation with BSth-5 and BSth-19 could enhance the survival rate, antioxidant activity, serum immunity, and disease resistance in 〈em〉A. dabryanus〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1050464819308204-fx1.jpg" width="388" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Håvard Bjørgen, Oskar Mongstad Løken, Ida Bergva Aas, Per Gunnar Fjelldal, Tom Hansen, Lars Austbø, Erling Olaf Koppang〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pan Wu, Weiguang Yang, Yuying Dong, Yanling Wang, Ying Zhang, Xuejun Zou, Hui Ge, Dongxue Hu, Yubo Cui, Zhaobo Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Application of traditional bait in aquaculture caused environment pollution and disease frequent occurrence. Residual coconut could be re-utilized to culture Spinibarbus sinensis as dietary supplement. Therefore, a novel integrated system of the improvement of yield, antioxidant and nonspecific immunity of Spinibarbus sinensis by dietary residual coconut was proposed and investigated. Spinibarbus sinensis could grow well in all supplement residual coconut groups. Survival rate, yield, whole fish body composition under 15–45% groups were increased compared with control group (CK). Bioactive substances (polyphenols and vitamin) in residual coconut enhanced AKP, ACP, phagocytic, SOD, CAT activities through up-regulating 〈em〉AKP, ACP, SOD, CAT〈/em〉 genes expression levels. Theoretical analysis showed bioactive substances regulated these genes expressions and enzyme activities as stimulus signal, component, active center. Moreover, residual coconut improved mTOR and NF-kB signaling pathway. Furthermore, residual coconut inhibited 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉 that increased resistance to diseases. This technology completed the solid waste recovery and the Spinibarbus sinensis culture simultaneously.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jianting Lu, Xianyong Bu, Shusheng Xiao, Zhideng Lin, Xinyue Wang, Yongyi Jia, Xiaodan Wang, Jian G. Qin, Liqiao Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study evaluates the effect of dietary supplementation of immunostimulants on the Chinese mitten crab (〈em〉Eriocheir sinensis〈/em〉) with a single administration of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), or its combination with either β-glucan or with inulin for 8 weeks. Four diets included an untreated control diet (C), MOS alone (3 g kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, M), MOS with β-glucan (3 g kg 〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 MOS + 1.5 g kg 〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 β-glucan, MB), and MOS with inulin (3 g kg 〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 MOS + 10 g kg 〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 inulin, MI). The weight gain and specific growth rate of the crabs fed M, MB, and MI diets were improved by lowing feed conversion ratio. The growth and feed utilization of the crabs fed the MB diet were improved compared with the other three groups. The crabs fed the M, MB and MI diets showed a higher intestinal trypsin activity than that in the M and control groups. The highest trypsin activity in the hepatopancreas was observed in the MB group. Crabs fed M, MB and MI diets increased antioxidant system-related enzyme activities, but reduced malondialdehyde. The highest activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lysozyme and phenol oxidase in the gut and the respiratory burst of the crabs were found in the MB group. The MB diet promoted the mRNA expression of 〈em〉E. sinensis〈/em〉 immune genes (ES-PT, ES-Relish, ES-LITAF, p38MAPK and Crustin) compared with the control. After 3 days of infection with 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉, the highest survival of crabs was also found in the MB group. This study indicates that the combination of MOS with β-glucan or with inulin can improve growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and disease resistance in 〈em〉E. sinensis〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Marco Rozas-Serri, Andrea Peña, Lucerina Maldonado〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Piscirickettsiosis is the most challenging disease present in the Chilean salmon industry. The aim of this study was to describe the expression of genes associated with immune response of Atlantic salmon intraperitoneally infected with LF-89 and EM-90 〈em〉Piscirickettsia salmonis〈/em〉 and vaccinated with inactivated whole-cell bacterin of 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉. The fish infected with PS-LF-89 showed an anti-inflammatory response, whereas this finding was not observed in the PS-EM-90-infected fish and vaccinated fish. Fish infected with both 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉 isolates showed 〈em〉mhc1-mhc2〈/em〉, 〈em〉cd4-cd8b〈/em〉 and 〈em〉igm〈/em〉 overexpression, suggesting that 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉 promotes a T CD4〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 and T CD8〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 cell response and a humoral immune response. The vaccinated-fish exhibited 〈em〉mhc1〈/em〉, 〈em〉mhc2〈/em〉 and 〈em〉cd4〈/em〉 overexpression but a significant downregulation of 〈em〉cd8b〈/em〉 and 〈em〉igm〈/em〉, suggesting that the vaccine supported the CD4〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 T-cell response but did not induce an immune response mediated by CD8〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 T cells or a humoral response. In conclusion, the expression pattern of genes related to the humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immune response showed upregulation in fish infected with 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉 and down-regulation in vaccinated fish. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the immune response against 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉 and can be used in the optimization of SRS prevention and control measures.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wen-rui Li, Yong-hua Hu, Shuai Jiang, Li Sun〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Japanese flounder (〈em〉Paralichthys olivaceus〈/em〉) is an important economic fish species farmed in China and other countries. It is susceptible to infection by 〈em〉Edwardsiella tarda〈/em〉, a severe fish pathogen with a broad host range. In this study, we employed high-throughput deep sequencing technology to identify, in a global scale, flounder kidney microRNAs (miRNAs) induced by 〈em〉E. tarda〈/em〉 at different stages of infection. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) exhibiting significantly altered expression levels before and after 〈em〉E. tarda〈/em〉 infection were examined. A total of 96 DEmiRNAs were identified, for which 2779 target genes were predicted. Eighty-seven miRNA–mRNA pairs, involving 29 DEmiRNAs and 86 DEmRNAs, showed negative correlations in their expression patterns. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the putative target genes of the DEmiRNAs were associated with diverse biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. One of the DEmiRNAs, pol-miR-182-5p, was demonstrated to regulate sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (PoS1PR1) negatively in a manner that depended on the specific interaction between the seed sequence of pol-miR-182-5p and the 3'-UTR of PoS1PR1. Overexpression of pol-miR-182-5p in flounder cells promoted apoptosis and inhibited cellular viability. Knockdown of PoS1PR1 in flounder enhanced 〈em〉E. tarda〈/em〉 invasion and dissemination in fish tissues. These results provide new insights into miRNA-mediated anti-bacterial immunity in flounder.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hongli Xia, Yuan Li, Zhiwen Wang, Wenjie Chen, Jun Cheng, Dapeng Yu, Yishan Lu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Nile tilapia (〈em〉Oreochromis niloticus〈/em〉) is a pivotal economic fish that has been plagued by Streptococcus infections. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5) is a crucial adaptor molecule, which can trigger downstream signaling cascades involved in immune pathway. In this study, Nile tilapia TRAF5 coding sequence (named OnTRAF5) was obtained, which contained typical functional domains, such as RING, zinc finger, coiled-coil and MATH domain. Different from other TRAF molecules, OnTRAF5 had shown relatively low identify with its homolog, and it was clustered into other teleost TRAF5 proteins. qRT-PCR was used to analysis the expression level of OnTRAF5 in gill, skin, muscle, head kidney, heart, intestine, thymus, liver, spleen and brain, In healthy Nile tilapia, the expression level of OnTRAF5 in intestine, gill and spleen were significantly higher than other tissues. While under 〈em〉Streptococcus agalactiae〈/em〉 infection, the expression level of OnTRAF5 was improved significantly in all detected organs. Additionally, over-expression WT OnTRAF5 activated NF-κB, deletion of RING or zinc finger caused the activity impaired. In conclusion, OnTRAF5 participate in anti-bacteria immune response and is crucial for the signaling transduction.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉V (vacuolar)/A (archaeal)-type adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases), found in archaea and eubacteria, couple ATP hydrolysis or synthesis to proton translocation across the plasma membrane using the rotary-catalysis mechanism. They belong to the V-type ATPase family, which differs from the mitochondrial/chloroplast F-type ATP synthases in overall architecture. We solved cryo–electron microscopy structures of the intact 〈i〉Thermus thermophilus〈/i〉 V/A-ATPase, reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs, in three rotational states and two substates. These structures indicate substantial flexibility between V〈sub〉1〈/sub〉 and V〈sub〉o〈/sub〉 in a working enzyme, which results from mechanical competition between central shaft rotation and resistance from the peripheral stalks. We also describe details of adenosine diphosphate inhibition release, V〈sub〉1〈/sub〉-V〈sub〉o〈/sub〉 torque transmission, and proton translocation, which are relevant for the entire V-type ATPase family.〈/p〉