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Journal of Thermal Biology Jun 2024The present research focuses on the seasonal changes in the energy content and metabolic patterns of red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) sampled in a fish farm in North Evoikos...
The present research focuses on the seasonal changes in the energy content and metabolic patterns of red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) sampled in a fish farm in North Evoikos Gulf (Greece). The study was designed in an effort to evaluate the influence of seasonality in several physiological feauteres of high commercial importance that may affect feed intake and growth. We determined glycogen, lipids and proteins levels, and cellular energy allocation (CEA) as a valuable marker of exposure to stress, which integrates available energy (Ea) and energy consumption (Ec). Metabolic patterns and aerobic oxidation potential were based on the determination of glucose transporter (GLU), carnitine transporter (CTP), L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH), citrate synthase (CS), cytochrome C oxidase subunit IV isoform 1 (COX1) and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) relative gene expression. To integrate metabolic patterns and gene expression, L-LDH, CS, COX and HOAD activities were also determined. For further estimation of biological stores oxidized during seasonal acclimatization, we determined the blood levels of glucose, lipids and lactate. The results indicated seasonal changes in energy content, different patterns in gene expression and reorganization of metabolic patterns during cool acclimatization with increased lipid oxidation. During warm acclimatization, however, energy consumption was mostly based on carbohydrates oxidation. The decrease of E and COX1 activity in the warm exposed heart seem to be consistent with the OCLTT hypothesis, suggesting that the heart may be one of the first organs to be limited during seasonal warming. Overall, this study has profiled changes in energetics and metabolic patterns occurring at annual temperatures at which P. pagrus is currently farmed, suggesting that this species is living at the upper edge of their thermal window, at least during summer.
PubMed: 38879912
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103894 -
Ecology Jul 2024An understanding of thermal limits and variation across geographic regions is central to predicting how any population may respond to global change. Latitudinal clines,...
An understanding of thermal limits and variation across geographic regions is central to predicting how any population may respond to global change. Latitudinal clines, in particular, have been used to demonstrate that populations can be locally adapted to their own thermal environment and, as a result, not all populations will be equally impacted by an increase in temperature. But how robust are these signals of thermal adaptation to the other ecological challenges that animals commonly face in the wild? Seasonal changes in population density, food availability, or photoperiod are common ecological challenges that could disrupt patterns of thermal tolerance along a cline if each population differentially used these signals to anticipate future temperatures and adjust their thermal tolerances accordingly. In this study, we aimed to test the robustness of a cline in thermal tolerance to simulated signals of seasonal heterogeneity. Experimental animals were derived from clones of the Australian water flea, Daphnia carinata, sampled from nine distinct populations along a latitudinal transect in Eastern Australia. We then factorially combined summer (18 h light, 6 h dark) and winter (6 h light, 18 h dark) photoperiods with high (5 million algal cells individual day) and low (1 million algal cells individual day) food availabilities, before performing static heat shock assays to measure thermal tolerance. We found that the thermal tolerances of the clonal populations were sensitive to both measures of seasonal change. In general, higher food availability led to an increase in thermal tolerances, with the magnitude of the increase varying by clone. In contrast, a switch in photoperiod led to rank-order changes in thermal tolerances, with heat resistance increasing for some clones, and decreasing for others. Heat resistance, however, still declined with increasing latitude, irrespective of the manipulation of seasonal signals, with clones from northern populations always showing greater thermal resistance, most likely driven by adaptation to winter thermal conditions. While photoperiod and food availability can clearly shape thermal tolerances for specific populations, they are unlikely to overwhelm overarching signals of thermal adaptation, and thus, observed clines in heat resistance will likely have remained robust to these forms of seasonal heterogeneity.
Topics: Animals; Seasons; Daphnia; Climate Change; Hot Temperature; Thermotolerance; Demography; Models, Biological
PubMed: 38877760
DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4359 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024High temperatures are a major stress factor that limit the growth of Pinellia ternata. WRKY proteins widely distribute in plants with the important roles in plant growth...
High temperatures are a major stress factor that limit the growth of Pinellia ternata. WRKY proteins widely distribute in plants with the important roles in plant growth and stress responses. However, WRKY genes have not been identified in P. ternata thus far. In this study, five PtWRKYs with four functional subgroups were identified in P. ternata. One group III WRKY transcription factor, PtWRKY2, was strongly induced by high temperatures, whereas the other four PtWRKYs were suppressed. Analysis of transcription factor characteristics revealed that PtWRKY2 localized to the nucleus and specifically bound to W-box elements without transcriptional activation activity. Overexpression of PtWRKY2 increased the heat tolerance of Arabidopsis, as shown by the higher percentage of seed germination and survival rate, and the longer root length of transgenic lines under high temperatures compared to the wild-type. Moreover, PtWRKY2 overexpression significantly decreased reactive oxygen species accumulation by increasing the catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities. Furthermore, the selected heat shock-associated genes, including five transcription factors (HSFA1A, HSFA7A, bZIP28, DREB2A, and DREB2B), two heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP17.4), and three antioxidant enzymes (POD34, CAT1, and SOD1), were all upregulated in transgenic Arabidopsis. The study identifies that PtWRKY2 functions as a key transcriptional regulator in the heat tolerance of P. ternata, which might provide new insights into the genetic improvement of P. ternata.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Transcription Factors; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins; Thermotolerance; Pinellia; Plants, Genetically Modified; Reactive Oxygen Species; Heat-Shock Response; Hot Temperature
PubMed: 38877055
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64560-0 -
Harmful Algae Jun 2024This study aimed to explore the effects of different light intensities on the ecophysiology of eight new Dinophysis isolates comprising four species (D. acuminata, D....
This study aimed to explore the effects of different light intensities on the ecophysiology of eight new Dinophysis isolates comprising four species (D. acuminata, D. ovum, D. fortii, and D. caudata) collected from different geographical regions in the US. After six months of acclimation, the growth rates, photosynthetic efficiency (F/F ratio), toxin content, and net toxin production rates of the Dinophysis strains were examined. The growth rates of D. acuminata and D. ovum isolates were comparable across light intensities, with the exception of one D. acuminata strain (DANY1) that was unable to grow at the lowest light intensity. However, D. fortii and D. caudata strains were photoinhibited and grew at a slower rate at the highest light intensity, indicating a lower degree of adaptability and tolerance to such conditions. Photosynthetic efficiency was similar for all Dinophysis isolates and negatively correlated with exposure to high light intensities. Multiple toxin metrics, including cellular toxin content and net production rates of DSTs and PTXs, were variable among species and even among isolates of the same species in response to light intensity. A pattern was detected, however, whereby the net production rates of PTXs were significantly lower across all Dinophysis isolates when exposed to the lowest light intensity. These findings provide a basis for understanding the effects of light intensity on the eco-physiological characteristics of Dinophysis species in the US and could be employed to develop integrated physical-biological models for species and strains of interest to predict their population dynamics and mitigate their negative effects.
Topics: Photosynthesis; Light; Dinoflagellida; Acclimatization; Marine Toxins; Species Specificity
PubMed: 38876524
DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102624 -
European Journal of Sport Science Jun 2024This study investigates whether exercise as a strategy for improving physical fitness at sea level also offers comparable benefits in the unique context of high... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study investigates whether exercise as a strategy for improving physical fitness at sea level also offers comparable benefits in the unique context of high altitudes (HA), considering the physiological challenges of hypoxic conditions. Overall, 121 lowlanders who had lived on the Tibetan Plateau for >2 years and were still living at HA during the measurements were randomly classified into four groups. Each individual of the low-intensity (LI), moderate-intensity (MI), and high-intensity (HI) groups performed 20 sessions of aerobic exercise at HA (3680 m) over 4 weeks, while the control group (CG) did not undergo any intervention. Physiological responses before and after the intervention were observed. The LI and MI groups experienced significant improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness (0.27 and 0.35 L/min increases in peak oxygen uptake [ O], both p < 0.05) after exercise intervention, while the hematocrit (HCT) remained unchanged (p > 0.05). However, HI exercise was less efficient for cardiopulmonary fitness of lowlanders (0.02 L/min decrease in O, p > 0.05), whereas both the HCT (1.74 %, p < 0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (18.41 mL/min, p < 0.001) increased with HI intervention. Therefore, LI and MI aerobic exercise, rather than HI, can help lowlanders in Tibet become more acclimated to the HA by increasing cardiopulmonary function and counteracting erythrocytosis.
Topics: Humans; Tibet; Exercise; Altitude; Male; Adult; Acclimatization; Oxygen Consumption; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Female; Hematocrit; Young Adult; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Physical Fitness; Heart Rate
PubMed: 38874991
DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12110 -
Journal of Agromedicine Jun 2024Agricultural workers are at risk of heat-related illness, which is preventable. Few field studies have compared farmworker-relevant heat exposure in different...
OBJECTIVES
Agricultural workers are at risk of heat-related illness, which is preventable. Few field studies have compared farmworker-relevant heat exposure in different conditions. We examined heat exposure over time in different potential shade and work locations to inform future occupational heat prevention approaches.
METHODS
We assessed heat exposure in Eastern Washington State (WA) cherry and grape fields in August 2022. QUESTemp° monitors recorded Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and Black Globe Temperature (BGT) every 10 min from approximately 07:00-14:00 for three days in the center of crop rows (mid-row), under portable shade structures (shade), and in open field (open) locations. Linear mixed effects regression (LMER) models compared WBGT and BGT among field locations. Hourly time-weighted average WBGT and comparisons with occupational exposure limits (OELs) were computed for different hypothetical work-rest cycles during the hottest sampling hours, assuming different worker effort levels, rest locations (mid-row versus shade), and acclimatization statuses.
RESULTS
Across all crops and locations during the study period, the mean/SD air temperature was 31°C (88°F)/3.9°C (6.9°F), with a maximum temperature of 39°C (102°F) and a mean/SD relative humidity of 30%/9.6%. LMER models suggested no significant difference in mid-row versus open WBGT but significantly lower WBGT in shade versus open locations for both cherries (main effect -5.14: 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.97,-3.32) and grapes (-6.20: 95%CI -7.73,-4.67), though this difference diminished over the course of the day. BGT was significantly higher in the mid-row than the shade (cherries main effect 14.33: 95%CI 9.52,19.13 and grapes 17.10: 95%CI 13.44,20.75). During the hottest sampling hour, the exceedances of OELs were reduced with assumptions of increased shaded break lengths, reduced effort level, and acclimatization.
CONCLUSIONS
Shade canopies, but not the crops studied, provided significant reductions in heat exposure. We observed increased protection from heat assuming longer shaded breaks and reduced effort levels. Results highlight the need for additional field research on the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of different shade types and work-rest cycles to guide employer optimization of best practices for worker protections, including acclimatization before high heat, sufficient shaded rest time, reduced effort levels as the day warms, and avoiding work in peak heat.
PubMed: 38874305
DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2024.2365647 -
Cell Reports Jun 2024Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play a crucial role in heat stress tolerance in vegetative tissues. However, their involvement in reproductive tissues and their...
Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play a crucial role in heat stress tolerance in vegetative tissues. However, their involvement in reproductive tissues and their post-translational modifications are not well understood. In this study, we identify the E3 ligase XB3 ORTHOLOG 1 IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA (XBAT31) as a key player in the ubiquitination and degradation of HSFB2a/B2b. Our results show that the xbat31 mutant exhibits a higher percentage of unfertile siliques and decreased expression of HSPs in flowers under heat stress conditions compared to the wild type. Conversely, the hsfb2a hsfb2b double mutant displays improved reproductive thermotolerance. We find that XBAT31 interacts with HSFB2a/B2b and mediates their ubiquitination. Furthermore, HSFB2a/B2b ubiquitination is reduced in the xbat31-1 mutant, resulting in higher accumulation of HSFB2a/B2b in flowers under heat stress conditions. Overexpression of HSFB2a or HSFB2b leads to an increase in unfertile siliques under heat stress conditions. Thus, our results dissect the important role of the XBAT31-HSFB2a/B2b module in conferring reproductive thermotolerance in plants.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Thermotolerance; Heat-Shock Response; Ubiquitination; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; Flowers; Heat Shock Transcription Factors; Mutation; Reproduction; Protein Binding
PubMed: 38870009
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114349 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024High temperature is one of the most devastating environmental factors that severely impede plant growth multi-laterally and threatens global food security. Global...
High temperature is one of the most devastating environmental factors that severely impede plant growth multi-laterally and threatens global food security. Global warming and the predicted steady rise in temperature emphasize the urgent need to improve heat stress resilience of crop plants to meet the growing food demand. Although known for several years, a memory-based mechanism termed "priming-induced stress tolerance" or "acquired stress tolerance" has gained the attention of the plant science community in recent years. Thermopriming is one such phenomenon that enhances the plant tolerance to subsequent heat stress and promotes growth. The memory of the foregoing mild increase in temperature is captured and retained as dormant signals, which upon exposure to subsequent high temperature aids in mounting a faster, stronger, and sensitized response. Such acquired thermotolerance is more effective than the basal endurance of the plant due to altered molecular regulatory networks. Thereupon, thermopriming can be used as a convenient tool to study and improve plant response to heat stress. In this chapter, the protocol to study thermopriming-mediated short- and long-term acquired thermotolerance is described in detail.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Thermotolerance; Heat-Shock Response; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Hot Temperature
PubMed: 38869799
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3973-3_16 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024Plant growth and survival in their natural environment require versatile mitigation of diverse threats. The task is especially challenging due to the largely... (Review)
Review
Plant growth and survival in their natural environment require versatile mitigation of diverse threats. The task is especially challenging due to the largely unpredictable interaction of countless abiotic and biotic factors. To resist an unfavorable environment, plants have evolved diverse sensing, signaling, and adaptive molecular mechanisms. Recent stress studies have identified molecular elements like secondary messengers (ROS, Ca, etc.), hormones (ABA, JA, etc.), and signaling proteins (SnRK, MAPK, etc.). However, major gaps remain in understanding the interaction between these pathways, and in particular under conditions of stress combinations. Here, we highlight the challenge of defining "stress" in such complex natural scenarios. Therefore, defining stress hallmarks for different combinations is crucial. We discuss three examples of robust and dynamic plant acclimation systems, outlining specific plant responses to complex stress overlaps. (a) The high plasticity of root system architecture is a decisive feature in sustainable crop development in times of global climate change. (b) Similarly, broad sensory abilities and apparent control of cellular metabolism under adverse conditions through retrograde signaling make chloroplasts an ideal hub. Functional specificity of the chloroplast-associated molecular patterns (ChAMPs) under combined stresses needs further focus. (c) The molecular integration of several hormonal signaling pathways, which bring together all cellular information to initiate the adaptive changes, needs resolving.
Topics: Acclimatization; Signal Transduction; Stress, Physiological; Plants; Plant Growth Regulators; Chloroplasts; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38869784
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3973-3_1 -
Anaerobe Jun 2024This lab-scale study aimed to investigate the effect of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) stress on the methanogenic activity and the taxonomic and functional profiles of the...
OBJECTIVES
This lab-scale study aimed to investigate the effect of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) stress on the methanogenic activity and the taxonomic and functional profiles of the microbial community of anaerobic sludge (AS) from a full-scale bioreactor.
METHODS
The AS was subjected to a stepwise increase in TAN every 14 days at concentrations of 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 g-TAN/L (Acclimated-AS or AAS). This acclimation stage was followed by an ammonia stress stage (4 g/L). A blank-AS (BAS) was maintained without TAN during the acclimation stage. In the second stress stage (ST), the BAS was divided into two new treatments: a control (BAS') and one that received a shock load of TAN of 4 g/L (SBAS'). Methane production was measured, and a metagenomic analysis was conducted to describe the microbial community.
RESULTS
A decrease in the relative abundance of Methanothrix soehngenii of 16% was related to a decrease of 23% in the methanogenic capacity of AAS when comparing with the final stage of BAS. However, recovery was observed at 3.5 g TAN/L, and a shift to methylotrophic metabolism occurred, indicated by a 4-fold increase in abundance of Methanosarcina mazei. The functional analysis of sludge metagenomes indicated that no statistical differences (p > 0.05, RM ANOVA) were found in the relative abundance of methanogenic genes that initiate acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic pathways (acetyl-CoA synthetase, ACSS; acetate kinase, ackA; phosphate acetyltransferase, pta; and formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase subunit A, fwdA) into the BAS and AAS during the acclimation phase. The same was observed between groups of genes associated with methanogenesis from methylated compounds. In contrast, statistical differences (p < 0.05, one-way ANOVA) in the relative abundance of these genes were recorded during ST. The functional profiles of the genes involved in acetoclastic, hydrogenotrophic, and methylotrophic methanogenic pathways were brought to light for acclimatation and stress experimental stages.
CONCLUSIONS
TAN inhibited methanogenic activity and acetoclastic metabolism. The gradual acclimatization to TAN leads to metabolic and taxonomic changes that allow for the subsequent recovery of methanogenic functionality. The study highlights the importance of adequate management of anaerobic bioprocesses with high nitrogen loads to maintain the methanogenic functionality of the microbial community.
PubMed: 38866129
DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2024.102877