The post-embryonic growth of the Arabidopsis thaliana root system can be modified by different types of stress,such as sublethal concentrations of metals,which may induce the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)...The post-embryonic growth of the Arabidopsis thaliana root system can be modified by different types of stress,such as sublethal concentrations of metals,which may induce the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).In this study,the effects of different concentrations of potassium chromate(K_(2)CrO_(4))on the distribution and relative quantity of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))were determined in primary and adventitious roots in A.thaliana HyPer line seedlings.This line has a biosensor that specifically reports H_(2)O_(2) levels within tissues as fluorescence.Primary root growth was inhibited at 100μM Cr(VI);in contrast,adventitious root formation was induced over the main root growth axis.These structures proliferated from 100-160μM Cr(VI),and much higher concentrations(180-200μM)of K_(2)CrO_(4) were required to affect their growth.The H_(2)O_(2) distributions were observed in the columella and lateral root cap of primary roots of plants grown in medium lacking dichromate,but following the development of toxicity symptoms,H_(2)O_(2) changed its distribution to the meristem and differentiation zones.Conversely,adventitious roots had comparable H_(2)O_(2) distribution patterns in untreated plants and those exposed to Cr(VI)supplementation.Thus,differential H_(2)O_(2) distribution correlates with the resistance of adventitious roots,but not primary roots,to dichromate and underlies cell reorganization at the apex to support growth.展开更多
Gonadal determination in marine turtles depends on incubation temperature. The mechanisms that spark off this process remain unclear. Previously, we proposed that sensory nerves reaching the gonadal primordium in nomi...Gonadal determination in marine turtles depends on incubation temperature. The mechanisms that spark off this process remain unclear. Previously, we proposed that sensory nerves reaching the gonadal primordium in nominal female embryos of Lepidochelys (L) olivacea may sense and signal incubation temperature. These nerves could later trigger ovarian determination by releasing neurotransmitters in a code constructed based on the thermal information (Gutierrez-Ospina et al., Acetylcholinesterase-positive innervation is present at the undifferentiated stages of the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea embryo gonads: implications for temperature-dependent sex determination, J. Comp. Neurol. 410 (1999) 90-98). The hypothesis briefly described, however, has been recently refuted under weak theoretical grounds and experimental misinterpretations (see introduction). Here, we present preliminary results that show that nominal female embryos have sensory neurons located in the dorsal horn laminae I and II of the lumbar spinal cord that display increased c-Fos-like immuno-staining after being incubated either at 15°C or 50°C. Because these spinal neurons are the primary central target of dorsal root ganglion neurons that innervate the urogential crest, these observations keep open the possibility that gonadal sensory nerves indeed signal thermal information that could later be used to trigger or instruct ovarian specification in marine turtles.展开更多
Background:Dietary specialization should arise when there is a relatively high abundance of a particular resource,where animals may select food items to obtain an optimal diet that maximizes energy intake.Large‑bodied...Background:Dietary specialization should arise when there is a relatively high abundance of a particular resource,where animals may select food items to obtain an optimal diet that maximizes energy intake.Large‑bodied psittacines frequently exhibit a narrow dietary niche with specific habitat use,but few studies have determined whether psittacines select food resources,and how this influences habitat use.Methods:We established fruiting phenology transects to evaluate food resource availability for the large‑bodied Military Macaw(Ara militaris)in semi‑deciduous,deciduous,and pine‑oak forest at two sites along the coast of Jalisco,during the dry season when macaws are nesting.We also determined Military Macaw diet by observations of foraging macaws along transect routes,and conducted bromatological analysis of the nutritional content of the most consumed resource.Results:Military Macaws used six plant species as food items during the dry season,and had a narrow dietary niche(Levins’B=0.28),with 56%of foraging macaws consuming the seeds of Hura polyandra.No food resources were recorded in pine‑oak forest during the dry season,with food resources and foraging by macaws concentrated in tropical deciduous and semi‑deciduous forest,where H.polyandra was the most abundant fruiting tree species.When considering the proportional availability of food resources,we determined a broad Hurlbert dietary niche breadth of H=0.67,indicating that Military Macaws consumed food resources according to their availability.Furthermore,the seeds of H.polyandra were an important source of protein,carbohydrates,minerals and moisture,and the hard fruitcasing means that these seeds are exclusively available for macaws.Conclusions:By concentrating their diet on the most abundant resources,Military Macaws may increase foraging efficiency in the dry season.The high nutrient content also means that concentrating the diet on seeds of H.polyandra may be an optimal foraging strategy for Military Macaws to meet their energy requirements during the breeding season.展开更多
Mammillaria pectinifera is an endemic, short-globose cactus species, included in the IUCN list as a threatened species with only 18 remaining populations in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley in central Mexico. W...Mammillaria pectinifera is an endemic, short-globose cactus species, included in the IUCN list as a threatened species with only 18 remaining populations in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley in central Mexico. We evaluated the population genetic diversity and structure, connectivity, recent bottlenecks and population size, using nuclear microsatellites. M. pectinifera showed high genetic diversity but some evidence of heterozygote deficiency(F_(IS)), recent bottlenecks in some populations and reductions in population size. Also, we found low population genetic differentiation and high values of connectivity for M. pectinifera, as the result of historical events of gene flow through pollen and seed dispersal.M. pectinifera occurs in sites with some degree of disturbance leading to the isolation of its populations and decreasing the levels of gene flow among them. Excessive deforestation also changes the original vegetation damaging the natural habitats. This species will become extinct if it is not properly preserved.Furthermore, this species has some ecological features that make them more vulnerable to disturbance such as a very low growth rates and long life cycles. We suggest in situ conservation to prevent the decrease of population sizes and loss of genetic diversity in the natural protected areas such as the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. In addition, a long-term ex situ conservation program is need to construct seed banks, and optimize seed germination and plant establishment protocols that restore disturbed habitats. Furthermore, creating a supply of living plants for trade is critical to avoid further extraction of plants from nature.展开更多
Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),an angiogenic factor with neuroprotective effects:The VEGF was initially characterized by its vasculogenic and angiogenic activities and its capacity to promote vascular per...Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),an angiogenic factor with neuroprotective effects:The VEGF was initially characterized by its vasculogenic and angiogenic activities and its capacity to promote vascular permeability(Yancopoulos et al.,2000).VEGF is also known as VEGF-A and is the prototype member of a related group of five trophic factors,VEGF-B,VEGF-C,VEGF-D and placental growth factor(Pl GF;Lange et al.,2016).展开更多
The ability of sea turtle hatchlings to find the seashore soon after hatching is thought to be exclusively dependent upon visual information. Target-oriented movements in most vertebrates, however, relay on combining ...The ability of sea turtle hatchlings to find the seashore soon after hatching is thought to be exclusively dependent upon visual information. Target-oriented movements in most vertebrates, however, relay on combining information gathered through different sensory systems. Hence, in this work, we investigated whether olfactory and/or magnetic information might complement visual cues during hatchling’s seaward crawling. Acute olfactory deprivation and distorted magnetic sensation in visually competent hatchlings resulted in a scattering of seaward crawling routes among cardinal points, some of them being different from those strongly preferred by control hatchlings. In addition, blindfolded hatchlings also displayed a striking misrouting while crawling on the beach surface in spite of having intact olfactory and magnetic senses. Together these results support the notion that visual information is crucial for seaward crawling, but also that olfactory and magnetic information complement visual cues when turtle hatchlings display this behavior. Hence, the present observations suggest that multisensory cues are used by turtle hatchlings while crawling towards the sea. This work also has important implications on the design of species conservation measures and policies. In the near future, efforts must be made to identify and preserve the local natural sources of odors and magnetic cues, in addition to preventing the perturbing effects of artificial lighting on adult and hatchling turtle crawling behavior.展开更多
Individual male rats may systematically display or not copulatory behavior when paired with receptive females. Although these phenotypes are associated with differences in brain organization and function, they might a...Individual male rats may systematically display or not copulatory behavior when paired with receptive females. Although these phenotypes are associated with differences in brain organization and function, they might also do so at the level of the reproductive organs. We then used high performance liquid chromatography to quantify serotonin concentration and the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase in the reproductive organs of copulator and non-copulator males. Sexual behavior display was compared between groups and parameters of fertility and reproductive fitness were determined for copulator males. Copulator males had higher concentrations of serotonin in the epididymis, testicle and ventral prostate than their non-copulator counterparts, as it was found for epididymal and testicular tryptophan hydroxylase activity. However, preliminary data shows that serotonin elevation occurs in copulator males only until they have accumulated several sexual encounters, so it might be a response to genital gratification or sexual rewarding. Interestingly, only epididymal serotonin concentration correlated with reproductive fitness, offspring number, mating success and seminal plug volume in copulator males. Our results support that copulator and non-copulator male rats feature a phenotype-specific serotoninergic tone in the epididymis, testicle and ventral prostate gland. The observation documenting that epididymal serotonin concentration correlated with parameters that monitor male fertility and reproductive fitness in copulator males predicts that epididymal factors increase their chances of parenting offspring.展开更多
Plant survival depends on seed germination,progression through post-germinative developmental checkpoints,and adaptation to abiotic stresses.All these processes underlie a tightly controlled regulation by the stress h...Plant survival depends on seed germination,progression through post-germinative developmental checkpoints,and adaptation to abiotic stresses.All these processes underlie a tightly controlled regulation by the stress hormone abscisic acid(ABA)at different levels,even though the main research focuses on changes in transcript and protein abundance.Nevertheless,protein fate undergoes complex readjustments that allow signal transduction to be integrated into physiological responses.Among them,protein redox status,stability,capacity of oligomerization,formation of complexes,and subcellular compartmentalization become key points for plant reprogramming against stresses to acquire an optimal development.In this Spotlight,we highlight and discuss the latest advances in dissecting the mechanisms driving protein dynamics of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking in the cell and its relevance for regulating the stability of ABI5 and the ABI5-dependent AB A signaling pathway(Figure 1).展开更多
According to classical prediction of aerodynamic theory,birds and other powered fliers that migrate over long distances should have longer and more pointed wings than those that migrate less.However,the association be...According to classical prediction of aerodynamic theory,birds and other powered fliers that migrate over long distances should have longer and more pointed wings than those that migrate less.However,the association between wing morphology and migratory behavior can be masked by contrasting selective pressures related to foraging behavior,habitat selection and predator avoidance,possibly at the cost of lower flight energetic efficiency.We studied the handwing morphology of Eurasian barn swallows Hirundo rustica from four populations representing a migration distance gradient.This species is an aerial insectivore,so it flies extensively while foraging,and may migrate during the day using a‘fly-and-forage’migration strategy.Prolonged foraging flights may reinforce the effects of migration distance on flight morphology.We found that two wings’aerodynamic properties—isometric handwing length and pointedness,both favoring energetically efficient flight,were more pronounced in barn swallows from populations undertaking longer seasonal migrations compared to less migratory populations.Our result contrast with two recent interspecific comparative studies that either reported no relationship or reported a negative relationship between pointedness and the degree of migratory behavior in hirundines.Our results may thus contribute to confirming the universality of the rule that longer migrations are associated with more pointed wings.展开更多
文摘The post-embryonic growth of the Arabidopsis thaliana root system can be modified by different types of stress,such as sublethal concentrations of metals,which may induce the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).In this study,the effects of different concentrations of potassium chromate(K_(2)CrO_(4))on the distribution and relative quantity of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))were determined in primary and adventitious roots in A.thaliana HyPer line seedlings.This line has a biosensor that specifically reports H_(2)O_(2) levels within tissues as fluorescence.Primary root growth was inhibited at 100μM Cr(VI);in contrast,adventitious root formation was induced over the main root growth axis.These structures proliferated from 100-160μM Cr(VI),and much higher concentrations(180-200μM)of K_(2)CrO_(4) were required to affect their growth.The H_(2)O_(2) distributions were observed in the columella and lateral root cap of primary roots of plants grown in medium lacking dichromate,but following the development of toxicity symptoms,H_(2)O_(2) changed its distribution to the meristem and differentiation zones.Conversely,adventitious roots had comparable H_(2)O_(2) distribution patterns in untreated plants and those exposed to Cr(VI)supplementation.Thus,differential H_(2)O_(2) distribution correlates with the resistance of adventitious roots,but not primary roots,to dichromate and underlies cell reorganization at the apex to support growth.
基金supported by grants from CONACyT 82879 and 94312 to GGOCIC UMSNH(8.37)to ALFF.
文摘Gonadal determination in marine turtles depends on incubation temperature. The mechanisms that spark off this process remain unclear. Previously, we proposed that sensory nerves reaching the gonadal primordium in nominal female embryos of Lepidochelys (L) olivacea may sense and signal incubation temperature. These nerves could later trigger ovarian determination by releasing neurotransmitters in a code constructed based on the thermal information (Gutierrez-Ospina et al., Acetylcholinesterase-positive innervation is present at the undifferentiated stages of the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea embryo gonads: implications for temperature-dependent sex determination, J. Comp. Neurol. 410 (1999) 90-98). The hypothesis briefly described, however, has been recently refuted under weak theoretical grounds and experimental misinterpretations (see introduction). Here, we present preliminary results that show that nominal female embryos have sensory neurons located in the dorsal horn laminae I and II of the lumbar spinal cord that display increased c-Fos-like immuno-staining after being incubated either at 15°C or 50°C. Because these spinal neurons are the primary central target of dorsal root ganglion neurons that innervate the urogential crest, these observations keep open the possibility that gonadal sensory nerves indeed signal thermal information that could later be used to trigger or instruct ovarian specification in marine turtles.
基金funded by UNAM-DGAPA-PAPIIT Grant IN205716the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología(MX)project 179877+2 种基金the Loro Parque Fundación A.C.,all to KRThe Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología(MX)provided study grants(Doctoral Grant 220278 to SMdP-M,Post-doctoral Grant 98294 to AS-M,and Masters student grant to LGM-L)a Graduation Bonus from the Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas
文摘Background:Dietary specialization should arise when there is a relatively high abundance of a particular resource,where animals may select food items to obtain an optimal diet that maximizes energy intake.Large‑bodied psittacines frequently exhibit a narrow dietary niche with specific habitat use,but few studies have determined whether psittacines select food resources,and how this influences habitat use.Methods:We established fruiting phenology transects to evaluate food resource availability for the large‑bodied Military Macaw(Ara militaris)in semi‑deciduous,deciduous,and pine‑oak forest at two sites along the coast of Jalisco,during the dry season when macaws are nesting.We also determined Military Macaw diet by observations of foraging macaws along transect routes,and conducted bromatological analysis of the nutritional content of the most consumed resource.Results:Military Macaws used six plant species as food items during the dry season,and had a narrow dietary niche(Levins’B=0.28),with 56%of foraging macaws consuming the seeds of Hura polyandra.No food resources were recorded in pine‑oak forest during the dry season,with food resources and foraging by macaws concentrated in tropical deciduous and semi‑deciduous forest,where H.polyandra was the most abundant fruiting tree species.When considering the proportional availability of food resources,we determined a broad Hurlbert dietary niche breadth of H=0.67,indicating that Military Macaws consumed food resources according to their availability.Furthermore,the seeds of H.polyandra were an important source of protein,carbohydrates,minerals and moisture,and the hard fruitcasing means that these seeds are exclusively available for macaws.Conclusions:By concentrating their diet on the most abundant resources,Military Macaws may increase foraging efficiency in the dry season.The high nutrient content also means that concentrating the diet on seeds of H.polyandra may be an optimal foraging strategy for Military Macaws to meet their energy requirements during the breeding season.
基金supported by SDI-UNAM (Secretaria de Desarrollo Institucional, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Octavo piso Torre de Rectoría, Ciudad Universitaria)
文摘Mammillaria pectinifera is an endemic, short-globose cactus species, included in the IUCN list as a threatened species with only 18 remaining populations in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley in central Mexico. We evaluated the population genetic diversity and structure, connectivity, recent bottlenecks and population size, using nuclear microsatellites. M. pectinifera showed high genetic diversity but some evidence of heterozygote deficiency(F_(IS)), recent bottlenecks in some populations and reductions in population size. Also, we found low population genetic differentiation and high values of connectivity for M. pectinifera, as the result of historical events of gene flow through pollen and seed dispersal.M. pectinifera occurs in sites with some degree of disturbance leading to the isolation of its populations and decreasing the levels of gene flow among them. Excessive deforestation also changes the original vegetation damaging the natural habitats. This species will become extinct if it is not properly preserved.Furthermore, this species has some ecological features that make them more vulnerable to disturbance such as a very low growth rates and long life cycles. We suggest in situ conservation to prevent the decrease of population sizes and loss of genetic diversity in the natural protected areas such as the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. In addition, a long-term ex situ conservation program is need to construct seed banks, and optimize seed germination and plant establishment protocols that restore disturbed habitats. Furthermore, creating a supply of living plants for trade is critical to avoid further extraction of plants from nature.
基金supported by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad-FEDER(Grant reference:BFU2015-64515-P) in Spaina scholar of MEC(BES-2016-077912) in Spain
文摘Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),an angiogenic factor with neuroprotective effects:The VEGF was initially characterized by its vasculogenic and angiogenic activities and its capacity to promote vascular permeability(Yancopoulos et al.,2000).VEGF is also known as VEGF-A and is the prototype member of a related group of five trophic factors,VEGF-B,VEGF-C,VEGF-D and placental growth factor(Pl GF;Lange et al.,2016).
基金supported by grants from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia(CONACyT No.45872M,94312 and 82879 to GGO)from the Coordinacion de la Investigacion Cientifica,Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo(No.8.37 to ALFF)Additional funding was provided by the Coordinacion de la Investigacion Cientifica,Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico,and PROMEP,SEP.
文摘The ability of sea turtle hatchlings to find the seashore soon after hatching is thought to be exclusively dependent upon visual information. Target-oriented movements in most vertebrates, however, relay on combining information gathered through different sensory systems. Hence, in this work, we investigated whether olfactory and/or magnetic information might complement visual cues during hatchling’s seaward crawling. Acute olfactory deprivation and distorted magnetic sensation in visually competent hatchlings resulted in a scattering of seaward crawling routes among cardinal points, some of them being different from those strongly preferred by control hatchlings. In addition, blindfolded hatchlings also displayed a striking misrouting while crawling on the beach surface in spite of having intact olfactory and magnetic senses. Together these results support the notion that visual information is crucial for seaward crawling, but also that olfactory and magnetic information complement visual cues when turtle hatchlings display this behavior. Hence, the present observations suggest that multisensory cues are used by turtle hatchlings while crawling towards the sea. This work also has important implications on the design of species conservation measures and policies. In the near future, efforts must be made to identify and preserve the local natural sources of odors and magnetic cues, in addition to preventing the perturbing effects of artificial lighting on adult and hatchling turtle crawling behavior.
基金supported by a grant from the Direccion General de Asuntos del Personal Academico,Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México(PAPIIT IN215208).AIPC,JLTL and MLMC are fellows from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia.
文摘Individual male rats may systematically display or not copulatory behavior when paired with receptive females. Although these phenotypes are associated with differences in brain organization and function, they might also do so at the level of the reproductive organs. We then used high performance liquid chromatography to quantify serotonin concentration and the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase in the reproductive organs of copulator and non-copulator males. Sexual behavior display was compared between groups and parameters of fertility and reproductive fitness were determined for copulator males. Copulator males had higher concentrations of serotonin in the epididymis, testicle and ventral prostate than their non-copulator counterparts, as it was found for epididymal and testicular tryptophan hydroxylase activity. However, preliminary data shows that serotonin elevation occurs in copulator males only until they have accumulated several sexual encounters, so it might be a response to genital gratification or sexual rewarding. Interestingly, only epididymal serotonin concentration correlated with reproductive fitness, offspring number, mating success and seminal plug volume in copulator males. Our results support that copulator and non-copulator male rats feature a phenotype-specific serotoninergic tone in the epididymis, testicle and ventral prostate gland. The observation documenting that epididymal serotonin concentration correlated with parameters that monitor male fertility and reproductive fitness in copulator males predicts that epididymal factors increase their chances of parenting offspring.
文摘Plant survival depends on seed germination,progression through post-germinative developmental checkpoints,and adaptation to abiotic stresses.All these processes underlie a tightly controlled regulation by the stress hormone abscisic acid(ABA)at different levels,even though the main research focuses on changes in transcript and protein abundance.Nevertheless,protein fate undergoes complex readjustments that allow signal transduction to be integrated into physiological responses.Among them,protein redox status,stability,capacity of oligomerization,formation of complexes,and subcellular compartmentalization become key points for plant reprogramming against stresses to acquire an optimal development.In this Spotlight,we highlight and discuss the latest advances in dissecting the mechanisms driving protein dynamics of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking in the cell and its relevance for regulating the stability of ABI5 and the ABI5-dependent AB A signaling pathway(Figure 1).
基金P.M.was financially supported by"the National Science Centre"grant no.DEC-2013/09/B/NZ8/03321A.C.was partially financially supported by grant FSE-REACT EU,DM 10/08/2021 n.1062Field data collected in Spain was funded by research projects of the Junta de Andalucia(P12-RNM-2144).
文摘According to classical prediction of aerodynamic theory,birds and other powered fliers that migrate over long distances should have longer and more pointed wings than those that migrate less.However,the association between wing morphology and migratory behavior can be masked by contrasting selective pressures related to foraging behavior,habitat selection and predator avoidance,possibly at the cost of lower flight energetic efficiency.We studied the handwing morphology of Eurasian barn swallows Hirundo rustica from four populations representing a migration distance gradient.This species is an aerial insectivore,so it flies extensively while foraging,and may migrate during the day using a‘fly-and-forage’migration strategy.Prolonged foraging flights may reinforce the effects of migration distance on flight morphology.We found that two wings’aerodynamic properties—isometric handwing length and pointedness,both favoring energetically efficient flight,were more pronounced in barn swallows from populations undertaking longer seasonal migrations compared to less migratory populations.Our result contrast with two recent interspecific comparative studies that either reported no relationship or reported a negative relationship between pointedness and the degree of migratory behavior in hirundines.Our results may thus contribute to confirming the universality of the rule that longer migrations are associated with more pointed wings.