A subset of conserved phagocytic genes are likely used for the intracellular theft of cnidarian stinging organelles in nudibranch gastropods

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 17, 2025

Abstract Background Phagocytosis is a universal physiological process in eukaryotes with many important biological functions. In nudibranch gastropods, novel form of phagocytosis called nematocyst sequestration specialized for the uptake venomous stinging organelles stolen from their cnidarian prey. This highly selective. Here we use emerging model species Berghia stephanieae and Hermissenda opalescens to identify genes enriched within body regions where occurs, investigate how expression profile phagocytosis, immune, digestive differs between sequestering relative those other phagocytic functions occur. Results We identified 166 significantly higher B. , including associated development, membrane transport, metabolism. Of these, 41 overlap transcripts upregulated H. tissues. Using Hybridization Chain Reaction situs show that at least two these were localized cells putative C-type lectin receptor collagen. Genes annotated digestion, or immunity GO terms often expressed both non-sequestering tissues, suggesting they may also play role processes. Conclusion Our results suggest likely phenotype, small subset (e.g., collagen) unique yet be uncovered. However, categorized related endocytosis, immunity, digestion clear decrease overall study lays foundation further inquiry into mechanisms organelle nudibranchs organisms.

Язык: Английский

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Distinct gene regulatory dynamics drive skeletogenic cell fate convergence during vertebrate embryogenesis

Nature Communications, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 16(1)

Опубликована: Март 4, 2025

Cell type repertoires have expanded extensively in metazoan animals, with some clade-specific cells being crucial to evolutionary success. A prime example are the skeletogenic of vertebrates. Depending on anatomical location, these originate from three different precursor lineages, yet they converge developmentally towards similar cellular phenotypes. Furthermore, their 'skeletogenic competency' arose at distinct timepoints, thus questioning what extent skeletal body parts rely truly homologous cell types. Here, we investigate how lineage-specific molecular properties integrated gene regulatory level, allow for fate convergence. Using single-cell functional genomics, find that transcription factor profiles inherited states and incorporated enhancer elements. This logic suggests regionalized types, rendering them amenable individualized selection, define adaptive morphologies biomaterial vertebrate skeleton.

Язык: Английский

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Immune cell type divergence in a basal chordate

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Май 23, 2025

Abstract Evolutionary adaptations often occur at the level of cell types and cellular function. Innate immune cells are a promising system for studying type evolution, as they widespread across metazoans, have several conserved functions, under selective pressure from pathogens. However, molecular characterizations invertebrate limited, it remains unclear whether homologous to those in vertebrates. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing, situ hybridization, live reporters define identity blood states basal chordate, Ciona robusta . We find evidence that C. circulating contains differentiation hierarchy gives rise least eight major morphotypes, constituting approximately half mature states. The include phagocytes, well variously expressing vanadium-binding proteins, carbonic anhydrases, pattern recognition receptors, cytokines, complement factors. Despite expression homologs vertebrate components, extensive divergence between tunicate obscures state homology. Altogether, this work modernizes classifications extends known repertoire within chordates.

Язык: Английский

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Conservation of cis-regulatory codes over half a billion years of evolution

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Ноя. 14, 2024

ABSTRACT The identification of homologous cell types across species represents a crucial step in understanding type evolution. retina is particularly amenable to comparative analysis because the basic morphology, connectivity, and function its six major classes have remained largely invariant since earliest stages vertebrate Here, we show that retina’s highly conserved cellular architecture mirrored by deep conservation underlying cis -regulatory codes control gene expression. We use single-cell chromatin accessibility lamprey, fish, bird, mammalian retinas— representing over half billion years evolutionary divergence—to demonstrate cross-species all retinal classes. This persists despite extensive turnover regions between distant species. Conservation manifests as clustering multiple distinct high-affinity transcription factor (TF) binding sites toward center cell-class-specific open with little preservation higher-order syntax. Hierarchical machine-learning models from diverse recovers clusters corresponding Thus, Bauplan controlled which predate divergence extant vertebrates persist nearly complete enhancer turnover.

Язык: Английский

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Comparative single-cell analyses reveal evolutionary repurposing of a conserved gene program in bat wing development

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Окт. 13, 2024

Abstract Bats are the only mammals capable of self-powered flight, an evolutionary innovation based on transformation forelimbs into wings. The bat wing is characterized by extreme elongation second to fifth digits and a membrane called chiropatagium connecting them. Here we investigated developmental cellular origin this structure comparing mouse limbs using omics tools single-cell analyses. Despite substantial morphological differences between species, observed overall conservation cell populations gene expression patterns including interdigital apoptosis. Single-cell analyses micro-dissected embryonic identified specific fibroblast population, independent apoptosis-associated cells, as tissue. These distal cells express conserved program transcription factors MEIS2 TBX3 , which commonly known specify pattern early proximal limb. Transgenic ectopic in limb resulted activation genes expressed during development phenotypic changes related morphology, such fusion digits. Our results elucidate fundamental molecular mechanisms illustrate how drastic can be achieved through repurposing existing programs evolution.

Язык: Английский

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