1,721,021 research outputs found
Estrogenic compounds as exogenous modulators of physiological functions in molluscs: Signaling pathways and biological responses
No full textMolluscs have been widely utilized to evaluate the effects of estrogenic compounds, one of the most widespread classes of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals-EDCs. However, knowledge on steroid signaling and metabolism in molluscs has considerably increased in the last decade: from these studies, a considerable debate emerged on the role of 'natural' steroids in physiology, in particular in reproduction, of this invertebrate group. In this work, available information on the effects and mechanisms of action of estrogens in molluscs will be reviewed, with particular emphasis on bivalves that, widespread in aquatic ecosystems, are most likely affected by exposure to estrogenic EDCs. Recent advances in steroid uptake and metabolism, and estrogen receptors-ERs in molluscs, as well as in estrogen signaling in vertebrates, will be considered. The results so far obtained with 17β-estradiol and different estrogenic compounds in the model bivalve Mytilus spp., demonstrate specific effects on immune function, development and metabolism. Transcriptomic data reveal non genomic estrogen signaling pathways in mussel tissues that are supported by new observations at the cellular level. In vitro and in vivo data show, through independent lines of evidence, that estrogens act through non-genomic signaling pathways in bivalves. In this light, regardless of whether molluscs synthesize estrogens de novo or not, and despite their ERs are not directly activated by ligand binding, estrogens can interact with multiple signaling components, leading to modulation of different physiological functions. Increasing knowledge in endocrine physiology of molluscs will provide a framework for a better evaluation and interpretation of data on the impact of estrogenic EDCs in this invertebrate group
Invertebrate Models for Investigating the Impact of Nanomaterials on Innate Immunity: The Example of the Marine Mussel Mytilus spp.
No full textInvertebrate Models for Investigating the Impact of Nanomaterials on Innate Immunity: The Example of the Marine Mussel Mytilus spp.
Full text linkEvaluating the interactions of nanomaterials (NMs) with the immune system is becoming an
essential part of assessing nanosafety, not only for human health, but also for organisms living in different
environments. The interactions between NMs and the components of the immune system in
wildlife have been recently intensively investigated. Invertebrates represent more than 90% of animal
species and are widespread in all environments, where they are subjected to a wide range of stressors.
Despite invertebrates lack an adaptive immunity, they have developed a potent and complex innate
immune system showing many commonalities to that of vertebrates. Conservation of the main mechanisms
of innate immunity may greatly help understanding the possible interactions of NMs with the immune system
across different taxa. However, the utilization of invertebrate models for immunosafety studies requires a thorough basic
knowledge on the physiological regulation of the immune response of the tested species, together with information on particle
behavior in the receiving environment, as well as routes of exposure in different cells and organisms. In this work,
available data on the effects of NMs on the immune system of invertebrates are summarized. In particular, the results obtained
in the marine bivalve, the mussel Mytilus, are summarized, demonstrating that mussel immune cells, the haemocytes,
represent a suitable model for investigating the impact of NMs on innate immunity. These results underline how the
utilization of invertebrate models represents a promising field for designing environmentally safer, "green" nanomaterials
Effects of the brominated flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) on cell signaling and function of Mytilus hemocytes: involvement of MAP kinases and protein kinase C
No full textGrowth factor-mediated signal transduction and redox balance in isolated digestive gland cells from Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam
No full textInsulin-like effect of zinc in mytilus digestive gland cells: modulation of tyrosine kinase-mediated cell signaling
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Comparative study of the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 from human and rabbit erythrocyte membranes.
No full textProtein Extractions from Amphistegina lessonii: Protocol Development and Optimization
Full text link: Proteins are essential to life, and the evaluation of their content, identification, and modification represents a fundamental assay in biochemistry research. Different analytical techniques and protocols have been specifically designed but have rarely been compared. Here, we test and compare a variety of methodologies and treatments for the quantification of proteins in Amphistegina lessonii, a larger symbiont-bearing benthic foraminiferal species. These analyses specifically include (a) lysis buffer (homemade vs. RIPA), (b) protein assays (Lowry, BCA, and Bradford), (c) ultrasonic bath treatment, and (d) protein staining (silver staining vs. Coomassie blue). On the basis of the comparative outcome, we suggest using the homemade lysis buffer, Lowry or BCA assays, ultrasonic bath treatment, and silver stain to maximize the extraction and characterization of protein for A. lessonii. This protocol might be suitable and extended to other benthic foraminiferal species, including the smaller ones
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