Research Square (Research Square),
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Nov. 11, 2022
Abstract
Background
The
phylum
Cnidaria
consists
of
several
morphologically
diverse
classes
including
Anthozoa,
Cubozoa,
Hydrozoa,
Polypodiozoa,
Scyphozoa,
Staurozoa,
and
Myxozoa.
Myxozoa
comprises
two
subclasses
obligate
parasites
–
Myxosporea
Malacosporea,
which
demonstrate
various
degrees
simplification.
subclass
is
especially
simplified,
lacking
any
normal
multicellular
body
plan
embryonic
development.
lack
the
majority
core
protein
domains
apoptotic
proteins
caspases,
Bcl-2
APAF-1
homologs.
Other
sequenced
Cnidaria,
parasite
Polypodium
hydriforme
from
Polypodiozoa
do
not
share
this
genetic
feature.
Whether
loss
unique
to
or
also
present
in
its
sister
Malacosporea
was
previously
investigated.
It
unclear
whether
lost
their
abruptly
gradually
(starting
with
common
ancestors
Malacosporea)
during
evolutionary
history.
Results
Using
comparative
genomics
transcriptomics
approaches
we
describe
a
detailed
picture
gene
parasitic
cnidaria
relation
each
other
free-living
members
phylum.
We
show
that
main
components
extrinsic
pathway
such
as
death
receptor
adaptor
proteins.
For
intrinsic
it
has
one
predicted
initiator
effector
caspase,
compared
2
11
Hydra
respectively.
retain
caspase
while
universally
all
actors
apoptosis
family
proteins,
calpains,
inhibitors
(IAPs),
p53
As
an
exception
some
species
retained
potentially
functional
cytochrome
C,
whose
however
absent
Myxobolus
squamalis
,
Henneguya
salminicola
pseudogene
multiple
inner
stop-codons
Kudoa
iwatai
Sphaeromyxa
zaharoni
Enteromyxum
leei
.
Conclusions
presence
(such
number
different
caspases)
diminishes
Myxosporea.
This
observation
does
favor
hypothesis
catastrophic
simplification
at
level,
but
rather
supports
stepwise
adaptation
parasitism
likely
started
early
gave
rise
BMC Biology,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
20(1)
Published: Oct. 28, 2022
Abstract
Background
Transposable
elements
(TEs)
have
been
likened
to
parasites
in
the
genome
that
reproduce
and
move
ceaselessly
host,
continuously
enlarging
host
genome.
However,
Piwi-interacting
RNA
(piRNA)
pathway
defends
animal
genomes
against
harmful
consequences
of
TE
invasion
by
imposing
small-RNA-mediated
silencing.
Here
we
compare
activity
two
grasshopper
species
with
different
sizes
Acrididae
(
Locusta
migratoria
manilensis
♀1C
=
6.60
pg,
Angaracris
rhodopa
16.36
pg)
ascertain
influence
piRNAs.
Results
We
discovered
repetitive
sequences
accounted
for
74.56%
A.
rhodopa,
more
than
56.83%
L.
,
large-genome
contained
a
higher
TEs
proportions.
The
comparative
analysis
revealed
41
(copy
number
>
500)
were
shared
both
species.
exhibited
distinct
“landscapes”
divergence.
outbreaks
small-genome
occurred
at
ancient
times,
while
maintains
active
transposition
events
recent
past.
Evolutionary
history
studies
on
suggest
may
be
subject
dynamics
resistances
these
found
transcript
abundance
was
TE-derived
piRNAs
lower
grasshopper.
In
addition,
piRNA
methylase
HENMT,
which
is
underexpressed
grasshopper,
impedes
silencing
level.
Conclusions
Our
study
gigantic
small
key
gene
HENMT
biogenesis
(Ping-Pong
cycle)
underexpressed.
hypothesize
low-level
unbalances
original
positive
correlation
between
piRNAs,
triggers
proliferate
out
control,
one
reasons
gigantism
genomes.
BMC Genomics,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
26(1)
Published: Feb. 3, 2025
Parasitism
as
a
life
strategy
has
independently
evolved
multiple
times
within
the
eukaryotic
tree
of
life.
Each
lineage
developed
mechanisms
to
invade
hosts,
exploit
resources,
and
ensure
replication,
but
our
knowledge
survival
in
many
parasitic
taxa
remain
extremely
limited.
One
such
group
is
Myxozoa,
which
are
obligate,
dixenous
cnidarians.
Evidence
suggests
that
myxozoans
from
free-living
ancestors
endoparasites
around
600
million
years
ago
likely
one
first
metazoan
parasites
on
Earth.
Some
pose
significant
threats
farmed
wild
fish
populations,
negatively
impacting
aquaculture
stocks;
example
Sphaerospora
molnari,
forms
spores
gills
common
carp
(Cyprinus
carpio),
disrupting
gill
epithelia
causing
somatic
respiratory
failure.
molnari
undergoes
sequential
development
different
organs
its
host,
with
large
numbers
morphologically
distinct
stages
occurring
blood,
liver,
carp.
We
hypothesize
these
parasite
life-stages
differ
regards
their
host
exploitation,
pathogenicity,
immune
evasion
strategies
mechanisms.
performed
stage-specific
transcriptomic
profiling
identify
differentially
expressed
key
functional
gene
groups
relate
functions
provide
fundamental
understanding
S.
uses
optimize
lifestyle.
aimed
genes
related
pathogenicity
cell
exploitation
mechanisms,
we
unique
might
be
indicative
evolutionary
innovations
specific
adaptations
environments.
used
isolation
protocols
comparative
transcriptomics
study
early
proliferative
spore-forming
unveiling
variation
expression
between
each
stage.
discovered
several
apparent
transcriptome,
including
proteins
function
uptake
previously
unknown
nutrients,
factors
may
contribute
long-term
improve
adhesion
cells
have
arisen
horizontal
transfer.
Notably,
identified
similar
known
virulence
other
organisms,
particularly
blood
intestinal
like
Plasmodium,
Trypanosoma,
Giardia.
Many
absent
published
cnidarian
myxozoan
datasets
appear
molnari;
they
therefore
represent
potential
enabling
host's
system.
In
order
address
threat
posed
by
both
cultured
species
stocks,
it
imperative
deepen
genetics.
offers
an
appealing
model
for
identifying
development.
thus
far
reveal
novelty
role
niches.
addition,
describe
pathogenicity-associated
genetic
toolbox
discuss
implications
discoveries
disease
control
shedding
light
targets
intervention
strategies.
revealed
developmental
profiles
infected
tissues.
stage
parasites,
cytoskeletal
rearrangements
mostly
up-regulated,
while
those
up-regulated
bloodstream
metabolism
propose
list
"pathogenicity-related"
families.
uncovered
up-regulation
no
homologues
or
were
not
found
lineages.
BMC Genomics,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
26(1)
Published: May 13, 2025
Genomic
repetitive
DNA
sequences
(Repeatomes,
REPs)
are
widespread
in
eukaryotes,
influencing
biological
form
and
function.
In
Cnidaria,
an
early-diverging
animal
lineage,
these
remain
largely
uncharacterized.
This
study
investigates
sea
anemone
REPs
(Cnidaria:
Actiniaria)
a
phylogenetic
context.
We
sequenced
assembled
de
novo
the
genome
of
Actinostella
flosculifera
analyzed
total
38
nuclear
genomes
to
create
first
ActiniariaREP
library
(Actiniaria-REPlib).
compared
Actiniaria-REPlib
with
Repbase
RepeatModeler2
libraries,
used
dnaPipeTE
annotate
from
genomic
short-read
datasets
36
species
for
divergence
landscapes.
Our
annotated
mitochondrial
genomes,
including
27
newly
ones.
re-annotated
~92%
unknown
initial
library,
finding
that
6.4-30.6%
were
transposons,
2.1-11.6%
retrotransposons,
1-28.4%
tandem
repeat
sequences,
1.2-7%
unclassifiable
sequences.
recovered
9.4x
more
REP
actiniarian
than
Dfam
10.4x
Repbase.
It
yielded
79,903
TE
consensus
(74,643
known,
5,260
unknown),
7,697
(3,742
3,944
unknown)
Repbae
(763
known).
significantly
enhances
characterization
DNA,
assembling
re-annotating
identifying
diverse
elements.
vastly
outperforms
existing
databases,
recovering
providing
comprehensive
resource
future
evolutionary
studies
Actiniaria.
BMC Biology,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
20(1)
Published: Feb. 18, 2022
Abstract
Background
Parasite
evolution
has
been
conceptualized
as
a
process
of
genetic
loss
and
simplification.
Contrary
to
this
model,
there
is
evidence
expansion
conservation
gene
families
related
essential
functions
parasitism
in
some
parasite
genomes,
reminiscent
widespread
mosaic
—where
subregions
genome
have
different
rates
evolutionary
change.
We
found
the
cnidarian
Myxobolus
honghuensis
,
myxozoan
fish,
with
extremely
simple
morphology.
Results
compared
M.
other
myxozoans
free-living
cnidarians,
determined
that
it
relatively
larger
(206
Mb),
which
less
reduced
compact
due
retention,
large
introns,
transposon
insertion,
but
not
polyploidy.
Relative
metazoans,
depleted
neural
genes
only
simplest
animal
immune
components.
Conversely,
more
involved
stress
resistance,
tissue
invasion,
energy
metabolism,
cellular
processes
cnidarians.
postulate
these
result
adaptations
endoparasitism.
retains
Cnidaria,
including
nervous
system,
myogenic
components,
ANTP
class
Homeobox
genes,
components
Wnt
Hedgehog
pathways.
Conclusions
Our
analyses
suggest
evolved
conservative,
divergent,
depleted,
enhanced
These
findings
illustrate
are
genetically
previously
regarded,
driven
by
both
genomic
streamlining
expansion.
Genome Biology and Evolution,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
15(3)
Published: Jan. 21, 2023
Abstract
Ion
channels
are
highly
diverse
in
the
cnidarian
model
organism
Nematostella
vectensis
(Anthozoa),
but
little
is
known
about
evolutionary
origins
of
this
channel
diversity
and
its
conservation
across
Cnidaria.
Here,
we
examined
evolution
voltage-gated
K+
Cnidaria
by
comparing
genomes
transcriptomes
species
from
Anthozoa
Medusozoa.
We
found
an
average
over
40
genes
per
species,
a
phylogenetic
reconstruction
Kv,
KCNQ,
Ether-a-go-go
(EAG)
gene
families
identified
28
present
last
common
ancestor
Medusozoa
(23
1
4
EAG).
Thus,
much
diversification
these
took
place
stem
lineage
prior
to
emergence
modern
classes.
In
contrast,
bilaterian
lineage,
which
humans
evolved,
contained
no
more
than
nine
channels.
These
results
hint
at
complexity
electrical
signaling
all
cnidarians
that
contrasts
with
perceived
anatomical
simplicity
their
neuromuscular
systems.
data
provide
foundation
function
can
be
investigated,
will
undoubtedly
important
insights
into
physiology.
BMC Genomics,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
25(1)
Published: April 22, 2024
Abstract
Background
Myxozoa
is
a
class
of
cnidarian
parasites
that
encompasses
over
2,400
species.
Phylogenetic
relationships
among
myxozoans
remain
highly
debated,
owing
to
both
lack
informative
morphological
characters
and
shortage
molecular
markers.
Mitochondrial
(mt)
genomes
are
common
marker
in
phylogeny
biogeography.
However,
only
five
complete
myxozoan
mt
have
been
sequenced:
four
belonging
two
closely
related
genera,
Enteromyxum
Kudoa
,
one
from
the
genus
Myxobolus
.
Interestingly,
while
cytochrome
oxidase
genes
could
be
identified
no
such
were
found
squamalis
another
member
Myxobolidae
(
Henneguya
salminicola
)
was
lost
its
entire
genome.
To
evaluate
utility
reconstruct
understand
if
loss
characteristic
myxobolids,
we
sequenced
genome
wulii,
M.
honghuensis
shantungensis,
Thelohanellus
kitauei
and,
Sphaeromyxa
zaharoni
using
Illumina
Oxford
Nanopore
platforms.
Results
Unlike
which
possesses
partitioned
genome,
encoded
on
single
circular
chromosomes.
An
plasmid
wulii
as
described
previously
iwatai
In
all
new
genomes,
protein-coding
cob,
cox1,
cox2,
nad1
nad5
rRNAs
rnl
rns
recognized,
but
tRNA.
We
species
shared
unidentified
reading
frames,
supporting
view
these
open
frames
functional.
Our
phylogenetic
reconstructions
based
conserved
agree
with
published
trees
18S
rRNA
gene.
Conclusions
results
suggest
not
ancestral
likely
chromosome,
plasmids
exist
few
lineages.
findings
indicate
sequences
poor
markers
for
reconstructing
because
their
fast-evolutionary
rates
abundance
repeated
elements,
complicates
assembly.
Scientific Reports,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
13(1)
Published: May 17, 2023
Abstract
The
phylum
Cnidaria
consists
of
several
morphologically
diverse
classes
including
Anthozoa,
Cubozoa,
Hydrozoa,
Polypodiozoa,
Scyphozoa,
Staurozoa,
and
Myxozoa.
Myxozoa
comprises
two
subclasses
obligate
parasites—Myxosporea
Malacosporea,
which
demonstrate
various
degrees
simplification.
Myxosporea
were
previously
reported
to
lack
the
majority
core
protein
domains
apoptotic
proteins
caspases,
Bcl-2,
APAF-1
homologs.
Other
sequenced
Cnidaria,
parasite
Polypodium
hydriforme
from
Polypodiozoa
do
not
share
this
genetic
feature.
Whether
loss
is
unique
or
also
present
in
its
sister
subclass
Malacosporea
was
investigated.
We
show
that
presence
gradually
diminishes
free-living
Myxosporea.
This
observation
does
favor
hypothesis
catastrophic
simplification
at
level,
but
rather
supports
a
stepwise
adaptation
parasitism
likely
started
early
parasitic
ancestors
gave
rise
Genome Biology and Evolution,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
15(2)
Published: Jan. 31, 2023
Abstract
Change
in
gene
family
size
has
been
shown
to
facilitate
adaptation
different
selective
pressures.
This
includes
duplication
increase
dosage
or
diversification
of
enzymatic
substrates
and
deletion
due
relaxed
selection.
We
recently
found
that
the
PON1
gene,
an
enzyme
with
arylesterase
lactonase
activity,
was
lost
repeatedly
aquatic
mammalian
lineages,
suggesting
PON
is
responsive
environmental
change.
further
investigated
if
these
fluctuations
were
restricted
mammals
approximately
when
this
expanded
within
mammals.
Using
112
metazoan
protein
models,
we
explored
evolutionary
history
characterize
dynamic
evolution
family.
there
have
multiple,
independent
expansion
events
tardigrades,
cephalochordates,
echinoderms.
In
addition,
partial
loss
monotremes
sea
cucumbers
what
appears
be
complete
arthropods,
urochordates,
platyhelminths,
ctenophores,
placozoans.
show
three
paralogs
occurred
ancestor
all
after
divergence
sauropsida
but
before
from
therians.
also
provide
evidence
a
novel
brushtail
possum.
face
repeated
expansions
deletions
context
changing
environments,
suggest
range
pressures,
including
pathogen
infection
mitigation
oxidative
damage,
are
likely
influencing
across
metazoa.
Marine Drugs,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
20(5), P. 291 - 291
Published: April 26, 2022
Myxozoa
is
a
speciose
group
of
endoparasitic
cnidarians
that
can
cause
severe
ecological
and
economic
effects.
Their
cnidarian
affinity
affirmed
by
genetic
relatedness
the
presence
nematocysts,
historically
called
“polar
capsules”.
Previous
studies
have
revealed
toxin-like
proteins
in
myxozoans;
however,
diversity
evolution
venom
are
not
fully
understood.
Here,
we
performed
comparative
analysis
using
newly
sequenced
transcriptomes
five
Myxobolidae
species
as
well
some
public
datasets.
Toxin
mining
myxozoans
lost
most
their
toxin
families,
while
retained
Kunitz,
M12B,
CRISP,
which
may
play
role
endoparasitism.
The
composition
Endocnidozoa
(Myxozoa
+
Polypodium)
differs
from
free-living
be
influenced
environmental
factors.
Phylogenetic
analyses
showed
families
were
clustered
into
different
clades.
Selection
purifying
selection
was
dominant
evolutionary
pressure
toxins,
they
still
episodic
adaptive
selection.
This
suggests
potency
or
specificity
particular
might
increase.
Overall,
our
findings
provide
more
comprehensive
framework
for
understanding
venoms.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 12, 2024
Background:
The
Myxozoa
is
a
group
of
at
least
2,400
endoparasites
within
the
phylum
Cnidaria.
All
myxozoans
have
greatly
reduced
in
size
and
morphology
compared
to
free-living
members
phylum.
They
are
best
known
for
causing
disease
economically
important
fish
across
world;
example,
Myxobolus
cerebralis
causes
Whirling
Disease,
which
can
kill
90%
infected
juvenile
salmonid
fish.
In
2017,
potentially
new
myxozoan
species
was
identified
Alberta.
sp.
distinct
lesions
fathead
minnows,
ultimately
fatal.
Here,
we
sequenced,
assembled
analyzed
genome
understand
how
parasite
interacts
with
its
host
identify
potential
strategies
counter
this
emerging
threat.
Results:
At
185
Mb,
largest
sequenced
so
far.
This
large
is,
part,
due
high
repetitive
content;
68%
interspersed
repeats,
MULE-MuDR
transposon
covering
18%
genome.
Similar
genomes,
has
lost
many
genes
well
conserved
other
eukaryotes.
However,
also
multiple
expansions
gene
families
(serine
proteases,
hexokinases,
FLYWCH-domain
containing
proteins)
suggests
their
functional
importance
parasite.
mitochondrial
encodes
only
five
thirteen
protein-coding
typically
found
animals.
We
that
atp6
transferred
nucleus
acquired
mitochondria-targeting
signal
Conclusions:
Our
study
provides
valuable
insights
into
biology
promising
avenues
future
research.
propose
M.
rasmusseni
model
explore
host-parasite
interactions
these
parasites.