87 results match your criteria: "Bergen High Technology Centre[Affiliation]"

Members of the myxovirus resistance (Mx) protein family play an essential role in antiviral immunity. They are Dynamin-like GTPases, induced by interferons. In the current study, we have characterized two predicted MX genes (MX1 and MX2) from lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.

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Article Synopsis
  • The JAK-STAT signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating gene transcription in response to cytokines and growth factors, and this study focused on characterizing STAT genes in lumpfish.
  • Various methods were used to analyze the evolutionary relationships and responses of the JAK-STAT pathway when exposed to bacteria and poly(I:C), a substance that mimics viral infections.
  • The results indicated that lumpfish possess several STAT genes, which are highly conserved, and showed significant upregulation of specific genes in response to bacterial and viral challenges, highlighting a foundation for future research and the potential for vaccination strategies against diseases affecting lumpfish.
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Background: Both bacterial and viral diseases are a major threat to farmed fish. As the antiviral immune mechanisms in lumpfish ( L.) are poorly understood, lumpfish leukocytes were stimulated with poly(I:C), a synthetic analog of double stranded RNA, which mimic viral infections, and RNA sequencing was performed.

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Functional Evolution of Clustered Aquaporin Genes Reveals Insights into the Oceanic Success of Teleost Eggs.

Mol Biol Evol

April 2023

Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA)-Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Aquaporin-mediated oocyte hydration is considered important for the evolution of pelagic eggs and the radiative success of marine teleosts. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms controlling this vital process are not fully understood. Here, we analyzed >400 piscine genomes to uncover a previously unknown teleost-specific aquaporin-1 cluster (TSA1C) comprised of tandemly arranged aqp1aa-aqp1ab2-aqp1ab1 genes.

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In non-mammalian vertebrates, the molecular mechanisms involved in the transformation of haploid germ cells (HGCs) into spermatozoa (spermiogenesis) are largely unknown. Here, we investigated this process in the marine teleost gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) through the examination of the changes in the transcriptome between cell-sorted HGCs and ejaculated sperm (SPZ). Samples were collected under strict quality controls employing immunofluorescence microscopy as well as by determining the sperm motion kinematic parameters by computer-assisted sperm analysis.

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Transmembrane conductance of small uncharged solutes such as glycerol typically occurs through aquaglyceroporins (Glps), which are commonly encoded by multiple genes in metazoan organisms. To date, however, little is known concerning the evolution of Glps in Crustacea or what forces might underly such apparent gene redundancy. Here, we show that Glp evolution in Crustacea is highly divergent, ranging from single copy genes in species of pedunculate barnacles, tadpole shrimps, isopods, amphipods and decapods to up to 10 copies in diplostracan water fleas although with monophyletic origins in each lineage.

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A multiplier peroxiporin signal transduction pathway powers piscine spermatozoa.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

March 2021

Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;

The primary task of a spermatozoon is to deliver its nuclear payload to the egg to form the next-generation zygote. With polyandry repeatedly evolving in the animal kingdom, however, sperm competition has become widespread, with the highest known intensities occurring in fish. Yet, the molecular controls regulating spermatozoon swimming performance in these organisms are largely unknown.

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Transmembrane glycerol transport is an ancient biophysical property that evolved in selected subfamilies of water channel (aquaporin) proteins. Here, we conducted broad level genome (>550) and transcriptome (>300) analyses to unravel the duplication history of the glycerol-transporting channels () in Deuterostomia. We found that tandem duplication (TD) was the major mechanism of gene expansion in echinoderms and hemichordates, which, together with whole genome duplications (WGD) in the chordate lineage, continued to shape the genomic repertoires in craniates.

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Anti-sea lice pesticides, used in the salmonid aquaculture industry, are a growing environmental concern due to their potential to adversely affect non-target crustaceans. Azamethiphos and deltamethrin are two bath treatment pesticides used on salmon farms in Norway, however, limited information is available on their impact on European lobster (Homarus gammarus) larvae in the Norwegian marine environment. Here, we firstly report the lethal (LC) and effective (EC) concentrations of azamethiphos and deltamethrin for stage I and stage II larvae, following 1-h exposures.

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The interleukin (IL)-1 family play a fundamental role as immune system modulators. Our previous transcriptome-analyses of leukocytes from lumpfish ( L.) showed that IL-1β was among the most highly upregulated genes following bacterial exposure.

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The vertebrate Aqp14 water channel is a neuropeptide-regulated polytransporter.

Commun Biol

July 2020

1IRTA-Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Spain.

Water channels (aquaporins) were originally discovered in mammals with fourteen subfamilies now identified (AQP0-13). Here we show that a functional Aqp14 subfamily phylogenetically related to AQP4-type channels exists in all vertebrate lineages except hagfishes and eutherian mammals. In contrast to the water-selective classical aquaporins, which have four aromatic-arginine constriction residues, Aqp14 proteins present five non-aromatic constriction residues and facilitate the permeation of water, urea, ammonia, HO and glycerol.

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The cellular localization and redistribution of multiple aquaporin paralogs in the spermatic duct epithelium of a maturing marine teleost.

J Anat

August 2018

Group of Comparative Molecular Physiology, IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.

Aquaporin-mediated fluid transport in the mammalian efferent duct and epididymis is believed to play a role in sperm maturation and concentration. In fish, such as the marine teleost gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), the control of fluid homeostasis in the spermatic duct seems also to be crucial for male fertility, but no information exists on the expression and distribution of aquaporins. In this study, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses, employing available and newly raised paralog-specific antibodies for seabream aquaporins, indicate that up to nine functional aquaporins, Aqp0a, -1aa, -1ab, -3a, -4a, -7, -8bb, -9b and -10b, are expressed in the spermatic duct.

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The RIG-I receptors RIG-I, MDA5 and LGP2 are involved in viral recognition, and they have different ligand specificity and recognize different viruses. Activation of RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) leads to production of cytokines essential for antiviral immunity. In fish, most research has focused on interferons, and less is known about the production of proinflammatory cytokines during viral infections.

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Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida is frequently associated with disease and mortality in farmed lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L). Challenge experiments using different modes of exposure identified both high and low pathogenic isolates. Intraperitoneal vaccination induced production of high levels of specific antibodies particularly in fish given multiple injections.

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The Physiological Role and Regulation of Aquaporins in Teleost Germ Cells.

Adv Exp Med Biol

September 2017

Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, 5020, Bergen, Norway.

The unicellular germ cells and gametes of oviparous teleosts lack the osmoregulatory organs present in juveniles and adults, yet during development and particularly at spawning, they face tremendous osmotic challenges when released into the external aquatic environment. Increasing evidence suggests that transmembrane water channels (aquaporins) evolved to play vital adaptive roles that mitigate the osmotic and oxidative stress problems of the developing oocytes , embryos and spermatozoa. In this chapter, we provide a short overview of the diversity of the aquaporin superfamily in teleosts, and summarize the findings that uncovered a highly specific molecular regulation of aquaporins during oogenesis and spermatogenesis.

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The Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an economically important pest of food, fiber, and ornamental crops. This pest has evolved a number of adaptations to overcome physiological challenges, including 1) the ability to regulate osmotic stress between gut lumen and hemolymph after imbibing large quantities of a low nitrogen, sugar-rich liquid diet; 2) the ability to avoid or prevent dehydration and desiccation, particularly during egg hatching and molting; and 3) to be adapted for survival at elevated temperatures. One superfamily of proteins involved in the maintenance of fluid homeostasis in many organisms includes the aquaporins, which are integral membrane channel proteins that aid in the rapid flux of water and other small solutes across biological membranes.

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AQP0 water channels are the most abundant proteins expressed in the mammalian lens fiber membranes where they are essential for lens development and transparency. Unlike other aquaporin paralogs, mammalian AQP0 has a low intrinsic water permeability, but can form cell-to-cell junctions between the lens fibers. It is not known whether the adhesive properties of AQP0 is a derived feature found only in mammals, or exists as a conserved ancestral trait in non-mammalian vertebrates.

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Gonadotropin-Activated Androgen-Dependent and Independent Pathways Regulate Aquaporin Expression during Teleost (Sparus aurata) Spermatogenesis.

PLoS One

June 2016

IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.

The mediation of fluid homeostasis by multiple classes of aquaporins has been suggested to be essential during spermatogenesis and spermiation. In the marine teleost gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), seven distinct aquaporins, Aqp0a, -1aa, -1ab, -7, -8b, -9b and -10b, are differentially expressed in the somatic and germ cell lineages of the spermiating testis, but the endocrine regulation of these channels during germ cell development is unknown. In this study, we investigated the in vivo developmental expression of aquaporins in the seabream testis together with plasma androgen concentrations.

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Plasma levels of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones during the reproductive cycle of wild and cultured Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis).

Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol

January 2016

IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

The intensive culture of the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is hampered by the low or null fertilization rates exhibited by the first generation (F1) of reared males. To investigate the regulation of the reproductive processes in this species by the pituitary gonadotropins follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones (Fsh and Lh, respectively), we developed a highly sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Lh measurements. Quantification of the Fsh and Lh plasma levels in cultured sole using the Lh ELISA developed here, and a previously developed ELISA for Fsh, indicated that in both males and females circulating Fsh steadily increased during autumn and winter and prior to the major spawning in spring, whereas an Lh surge occurred specifically during spawning.

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Aquaporin biology of spermatogenesis and sperm physiology in mammals and teleosts.

Biol Bull

August 2015

Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and

Fluid homeostasis is recognized as a critical factor during the development, maturation, and function of vertebrate male germ cells. These processes have been associated with the presence of multiple members of the aquaporin superfamily of water and solute channels in different cell types along the reproductive tract as well as in spermatozoa. We present a comparative analysis of the existing knowledge of aquaporin biology in the male reproductive tissues of mammals and teleosts.

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Evolution and functional diversity of aquaporins.

Biol Bull

August 2015

Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

In this review, we provide a brief synopsis of the evolution and functional diversity of the aquaporin gene superfamily in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Based upon the latest data, we discuss the expanding list of molecules shown to permeate the central pore of aquaporins, and the unexpected diversity of water channel genes in Archaea and Bacteria. We further provide new insight into the origin by horizontal gene transfer of plant glycerol-transporting aquaporins (NIPs), and the functional co-option and gene replacement of insect glycerol transporters.

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Background: An emerging field in biomedical research is focusing on the roles of aquaporin water channels in parasites that cause debilitating or lethal diseases to their vertebrate hosts. The primary vectorial agents are hematophagous arthropods, including mosquitoes, flies, ticks and lice, however very little is known concerning the functional diversity of aquaporins in non-insect members of the Arthropoda. Here we conducted phylogenomic and functional analyses of aquaporins in the salmon louse, a marine ectoparasitic copepod that feeds on the skin and body fluids of salmonids, and used the primary structures of the isolated channels to uncover the genomic repertoires in Arthropoda.

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Coordinated Action of Aquaporins Regulates Sperm Motility in a Marine Teleost.

Biol Reprod

August 2015

IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain

In marine teleosts, such as the gilthead seabream, several aquaporin paralogs are known to be expressed during the hyperosmotic induction of spermatozoon motility in seawater. Here, we used immunological inhibition of channel function to investigate the physiological roles of Aqp1aa, Aqp1ab, and Aqp7 during seabream sperm activation. Double immunofluorescence microscopy of SW-activated sperm showed that Aqp1aa and Aqp7 were respectively distributed along the flagellum and the head, whereas Aqp1ab accumulated in the head and in discrete areas toward the anterior tail.

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Functional characterization of IgM+ B cells and adaptive immunity in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.).

Dev Comp Immunol

October 2015

Department of Biology, Bergen High-Technology Centre, University of Bergen, PO box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway. Electronic address:

The innate immune responses in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) have been shown to be functional, but little is currently known about the B cells, immunoglobulins or adaptive immune responses in this species. We have used anti-IgM antiserum to isolate B cells and compared them morphologically and functionally with other cell types.

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