Involvement of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase in termination of cell cycle arrest during development of Artemia-encysted embryos

Artemia has evolved a unique developmental pattern of encysted embryos to cope with various environmental threats. Cell divisions totally cease during the preemergence developmental stage from gastrula to prenauplius. The molecular mechanism of this, however, remains unknown. Our study focuses on the involvement of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), a family of serine/threonine kinase-mediating signal transduction downstream of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, in the termination of cell cycle arrest during the post-embryonic development of Artemia-encysted gastrula. With immunochemistry, morphology, and cell cycle analysis, the identified Artemia RSK was established to be specifically activated during the post-embryonic and early larval developmental stages when arrested cells of encysted embryos resumed mitoses. In vivo knockdown of RSK activity by RNA interference, kinase inhibition, and antibody neutralization consistently induced defective larvae with distinct gaps between the exoskeleton and internal tissues. In these abnormal individuals, mitoses were detected to be largely inhibited in the affected regions. These results display the requirement of RSK activity during Artemia development and suggest its role in termination of cell cycle (G(2)/M phase) arrest and promotion of mitogenesis. Our findings may, thus, provide insights into the regulation of cell division during Artemia post-embryonic development and reveal further aspects of RSK functions.

Diet-induced changes in lipid and fatty acid composition of Artemia salina

The influence of diet on lipid and fatty acid composition of the brine shrimp Artemia salina nauplii was investigated. Various diets with different lipid composition and fatty acid profiles were fed to nauplii for 2 weeks. The lipid composition of microalgal diets, Isochrysis galbana, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Nannochloropsis oculata and baker's yeast was analyzed. Newly hatched nauplii were examined before the feeding experiment. It was shown that Artemia was able to incorporate and selectively concentrate some dietary lipids. Depot lipids were more sensitive to changes in the dietary lipid composition than the main structural lipids, polar lipids and sterols. Variations in the content of the lipid classes correlated with stage of development of the animal. The fatty acid composition of the animal varied with that of diet. The concentrations of saturated fatty acids were apparently supported in the nauplii by biosynthesis de novo. The acid 16:1(n-7) originated from the food. The concentration range of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) remained constant through the accumulation from the diet. The proportion of n-3 PUFAs varied with their level in the diet. The dynamics of alteration of 20:5(n-3) content in Artemia fed on Isochrysis, which is poor in this acid, suggested a limited capacity for elongation and desaturation of 18:3(n-3) to 20:5(n-3). None of the diets provided dietary input of 22:6(n-3). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of a novel DNA methyltransferase 2 from the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana

DNA methyltransferase 2 (Dnmt2) is a dual-specificity DNA methyltransferase, which contains a weak DNA methyltransferase and novel tRNA methyltransferase activity. However, its biological function is still enigmatic. To elucidate the expression profiles of Dnmt2 in Artemia franciscana, we isolated the gene encoding a Dnmt2 from A. franciscana and named it as AfDnmt2. The cDNA of AfDnmt2 contained a 1140-bp open reading frame that encoded a putative Dnmt2 protein of 379 amino acids exhibiting 32%similar to 39% identities with other known Dnmt2 homologs. This is the first report of a DNA methyltransferase gene in Crustacean. By using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, A)Dnmt2 was found to be expressed through all developmental stages and its expression increased during resumption of diapause cysts development. Southern blot analysis indicated the presence of multiple copies of AfDnmt2 genes in A. franciscana. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Inc.

The encysted dormant embryo proteome of Artemia sinica

The possibility of the brine shrimp Artemia to produce dormant embryo (cysts) in diapause is a key feature in its life history. In the present study, we obtained a proteomic reference map for the diapause embryo of Artemia sinica using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with a pH range of 4-7 and a molecular weight range of 10-100 kDa. Approximately 233 proteins were detected, and 60 of them were analyzed by capillary liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Of these, 39 spots representing 33 unique proteins were identified, which are categorized into functional groups, including cell defense, cell structure, metabolism, protein synthesis, proteolysis, and other processes. This reference map will contribute toward understanding the state of the diapause embryo and lay the basis and serve as a useful tool for further profound studies in the proteomics of Artemia at different developmental stages and physiological conditions.

南极隐兆线粒体CO II基因序列及无翅类昆虫分子进化

测定了采自南极隐兆（Cryptopygus nanjiensis）的线粒体细胞色素氧化酶亚基II（CO II）基因序列，并测定了拉提疣兆（Neanura latior）、梅坞格蚖（Gracilentulus maijiawensis）和韦氏鳞八（Lepidocampa weberi）的CO II基因序列，对序列的A + T含量、核苷酸取代和转换/颠换（TS/TV）频率进行了统计分析。计算了种间Tamura-Nei遗传距离，以甲壳类无甲目（Anostraca）的一种卤虫Artemia franciscana作为外群构建了分子系统树。对无翅类昆虫线粒体CO II基因序列A + T含量的进化倾向性、类群间的遗传分歧和系统进化关系进行了探讨。

Sequence of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase II in Cryptopygus nanjiensis and phylogeny of apterygota

The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (Co II) from four different apterygotens Cryptopygus nanjiensis (Collembola), Neanura latior (Collembola), Gracilentulus maijiawensis (Protura) and Lepidocampa weberi (Diplura) were sequenced. Their A+T content, number of nucleotide substitutions, TV/TV ratio; and Tamura-Nei's distance were calculated. A series of phylogenetic trees were constructed by parsimony and distance methods using a crustacean Artemia franciscana as outgroup, Finally the evolutionary trend A+T content of CO II genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationship of apterygotan groups were discussed.

Ribosomal DNA gene and phylogenetic relationships of Diplura and lower Hexapods

The monophyly of Diplura and its phylogenetic relationship with other hexapods are important for understanding the phylogeny of Hexapoda. The complete 18SrRNA gene and partial 28SrRNA gene (D3-D5 region) from 2 dipluran species (Campodeidae and Japygidae), 2 proturan species, 3 collembolan species, and 1 locust species were sequenced. Combining related sequences in GenBank, phylogenetic trees of Hexapoda were constructed by MP method using a crustacean Artemia salina as an outgroup. The results indicated that: (i) the integrated data of 18SrDNA and 28SrDNA could provide better phylogenetic information, which well supported the monophyly of Diplura; (ii) Diplura had a close phylogenetic relationship to Protura with high bootstrap support.

Zingiber officinalis an herbal appetizer in the tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) larviculture

Penaeus monodon postlarvae were fed with different percentages (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of the herbal appetizer Zingiber officinalis enriched Artemia. After 30 days of culture (i.e. PL-1-30), a very positive result was found in Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia-fed postlarvae. The unenriched Artemia-fed postlarvae consumed 91.0 mg/animal/30 days of feed, whereas the Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia increased their consumption to 127.9 mg/animal/30 days. A similar pattern was noticed in feed absorbed (110.2 mg), dry weight growth (26.7 mg) and feed catabolized (83.2 mg) in Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia because of enzymatic activities. The conversion efficiency of unenriched postlarva was 17.19%, whereas in 100% Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia, the maximum conversion efficiency was 20.85%. The net production efficiency increased significantly (P < 0.05) to 22% from that of the unenriched Artemia-fed postlarvae. The administration of Z. officinalis in all levels produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher weight gain and specific growth rate. The utilization efficiency of feed increased proportionately to the percentages of Z. officinalis. Digestive enzyme activity (amylase, protease and lipase) increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the 50%, 75% and 100% enrichment. Among the different percentages of enrichment, the 100% Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia-fed postlarvae performed better in the overall status.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) vitellogenin and comparison of vitellogenin responses in rare minnow and zebrafish (Danio rerio)

A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to determine vitellogenin (Vtg) in rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) based on the separation and purification of rare minnow Vtg (r-Vtg) as well as the production of polyclonal antibody against r-Vtg in rabbits. Three different ELISAs for measuring r-Vtg were then compared: (1) indirect ELISA with the antibody against carp (Cyprinus carpio) Vtg (c-Vtg) (IC-ELISA); (2) competitive ELISA with the antibody against c-Vtg, and using r-Vtg for coating the plates and preparing standard curve (CC-ELISA); (3) competitive ELISA with the antibody against r-Vtg, and using r-Vtg for coating the plates and preparing standard curve (CR-ELISA). The result showed that the homologous CR-ELISA was the most sensitive among the three assays for quantifying r-Vtg. The sensitivities to 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) Of rare minnow and zebrafish (Danio rerio) were compared upon the establishment of homologous competitive ELISA. The lowest observed effect concentrations (LOECs) to induce Vtg were found to be 0.8 ng EE2 l(-1) for rare minnow and 4 ng EE2 l(-1) for zebrafish respectively. Afterwards, CR-ELISA was applied to measure Vtg concentration in whole body homogenate (WBH) of juvenile rare minnow fed by three diets (tubifex from wastewater treatment plant, Artemia nauplii and commercial pellet food), and the agreements between bioassay and GC-MS analysis demonstrated that rare minnow was a sensitive fish model for assessing estrogenic effects of endocrine disrupting compounds in aquatic environment. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of age and dietary protein level on digestive enzyme activity and gene expression of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco larvae

The present research studied the effects of age and dietary protein level on pepsin, trypsin and amylase activity and their mRNA level in Petteobagrus fulvidraco larvae from 3 to 26 days after hatch (DAH). Three DAH larvae were fed three isoenergetic diets, containing 42.8% (CP 43), 47.3% (CP 47) and 52.8% (CP 53) crude protein. Live food (newly hatched Artemia, unenriched) was included as a control. The effects of age on enzyme activity and mRNA were as follows: pepsin and trypsin activity in all treatment groups showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase at the beginning and decrease later although the timing of decrease was not the same among treatment groups and between the digestive enzymes. Pepsin and trypsin mRNA level followed the pattern of their respective enzyme changes. Age significantly affected amylase activity (P < 0.05) while age had no effect on amylase mRNA during the experimental period. The four diets significantly (P < 0.05) affected activity and mRNA level of pepsin and trypsin. Diets did not affect amylase activity or mRNA level. These results suggest that the effects of age on pepsin and trypsin gene expressions are at the transcriptional level. Dietary protein level does affect pepsin and trypsin gene expression in the early life of P. fulvidraco. There were no transcriptional effects on amylase gene expression. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of live food and formulated diets on survival, growth and protein content of first-feeding larvae of Plelteobagrus fulvidraco

In recent years, much progress has been made in the rearing of fish larvae fed only artificial diets. A preliminary study was made in an attempt to evaluate the effects of live food and formulated diets on survival, growth and body protein content of first-feeding larvae of Plelteobagrus fulvidraco. Three test diets varying in protein level were formulated: Feed 1 containing 45% protein, Feed 2 with 50% protein and Feed 3 with 55% protein. Larvae fed live food (newly hatched Artemia, unenriched) were the control. The experiment started 3 days post-hatch and lasted for 23 days. At the end of the 23-day trial, survival was best in the control group (65.6%) whereby the final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly lower than those in the test feed groups. At the same time, coefficients of variation for SGR and final body weight in the test groups were significantly higher than those in the control. Whole body protein content in all treatments showed a similar tendency during development: significantly higher 3 days post-hatch, then decreasing significantly, and then increasing unstatistically 10 days post-hatch. All results suggest that live food is still better for first-feeding larvae of P. fulvidraco, since live food leads to healthier larvae growth.

Comparison of two marine sponge-associated Penicillium strains DQ25 and SC10: differences in secondary metabolites and their bioactivities

Two strains of Penicillium, DQ25 and SC10, isolated from marine sponge Haliclona angulata (Bowerbank) and Hymeniacidon sp. respectively, were subjected to stationary cultivation under GYP medium for 30 days. The fermentation extracts were undergone bioactivities assays against human pathogens, phytopathogenic fungi and brine shrimp (Artemia salina). Bioassays-guided compounds isolation was performed by Silica gel columns and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography. Spectroscopic methods were used to structures elucidation of the compounds. Results showed the activities of secondary metabolites of strain DQ25 were generally stronger than that of strain SC10. Major bioactive molecules isolated from strain DQ25 were a 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative and an unidentified alkaloid. The two components were not isolated from the extract of strain SC10. ITS sequences revealed that these two species have the greatest similarity with Penicillium vinaceum and Penicillium granulatum respectively.

中华卤虫滞育卵发育和重金属刺激相关蛋白质组学研究

卤虫(Artemia)是一种广温、耐高盐的小型甲壳动物，广泛分布于内陆盐湖和沿海盐田中。卤虫的无节幼体作为重要的蛋白优质饵料，被广泛的应用于水产养殖生产。卤虫具有特殊的生物学特性，是研究甲壳动物胚胎发育的良好的实验材料，同时也是一种研究动物抗逆机制的模式动物。卤虫有卵生和卵胎生两种繁殖后代的方式，当环境条件适宜时，卤虫倾向于采取卵胎生方式，即直接产生无节幼体；而在恶劣的环境条件下，卵生方式占主要地位，产生处于滞育状态的、具有复杂外壳的休眠卵。卤虫的滞育卵具有独特的生物学特性和特殊的生理生化特点。其发育停滞，细胞分裂停止，酶活力下降，代谢活动受到抑制并可耐受各种极端恶劣环境，如缺氧、低温、紫外线、干燥等。即使在最适的环境中滞育卵的孵化率也很低，只有受到某些特定的非生物信号的刺激才自能终止这种滞育状态，恢复生理代谢；当环境条件适宜时，能够继续发育孵化成无节幼体。因此，卤虫的滞育卵在卤虫的整个生活史中占有重要的地位。另一方面，卤虫是极端环境生物，能够抵抗各种恶劣环境胁迫刺激，因此是研究抗逆机理的良好的实验动物。 本论文利用蛋白质组学技术，研究了卤虫滞育卵及滞育卵发育过程中的蛋白质组表达情况，并研究了卤虫幼体在重金属刺激后蛋白表达的变化情况。得到如下结果： 建立了中华卤虫滞育卵可溶性总蛋白的双向凝胶电泳对照图谱。在pH 4–7、分子量10-100 kDa范围内，检测到约 233个蛋白点，并利用高效液相色谱-质谱联用（LC-ESI-MS/MS）技术鉴定了其中的48个丰度较大及感兴趣的蛋白点，根据这些蛋白的生物学功能进行分类，功能类别包括细胞防御蛋白、抗氧化蛋白、细胞骨架蛋白、代谢相关蛋白等。在卤虫滞育卵中共分离鉴定到6个分子量和等电点存在差异的小热休克蛋白p26的异构体，生物信息学分析表明该蛋白有三种不同的功能位点，分别是蛋白激酶C磷酸化位点，Casein 激酶II磷酸化位点及 N-myristoylation 位点。 采用低温脱水的方法对滞育卵进行激活刺激，并对活化卵和滞育卵蛋白表达图谱进行了对比分析。结果表明对卤虫滞育卵的激活刺激引起了其蛋白表达的明显变化。活化卵图谱中蛋白点总数比滞育卵中明显增多，特别是在pI<5.5范围内。约70个蛋白点在激活刺激后上调表达，包括部分只在激活卵中表达的蛋白；25个下调表达，包括部分只在滞育卵中表达的蛋白；其余约60％（占滞育卵蛋白点数目百分比）的蛋白点表达量基本恒定。热休克蛋白家族、抗氧化蛋白家族成员等蛋白变化明显，小热休克蛋白p26、小热休克蛋白ArHsp21蛋白以及过氧化物还原酶异构体在激活卵中特异表达。 活化卵孵化过程中不同发育时期的蛋白表达又呈现出不同的特点，分别在孵化后6h、12h、18h和24h的蛋白质组学图谱上检测到267、285、195和210个蛋白点。孵化后6h和12h休眠卵蛋白表达个数相对较多，与胚胎发育过程中的器官发生和剧烈的形态变化相适应；孵化后18h和24h休眠卵蛋白表达明显下降，部分蛋白的表达关闭，部分蛋白开始富集表达。 利用双向凝胶电泳技术分析了中华卤虫幼体受到急性硫酸铜刺激后的蛋白表达变化情况。通过图谱对比分析，检测到了5mM硫酸铜刺激24h后，卤虫幼体中14个差异表达的蛋白点。利用LC-ESI-MS/MS技术鉴定了其中的7个蛋白，其中3个蛋白上调表达，分别是热休克蛋白70（7.5倍）, 肌动蛋白（2.3倍）和伴侣分子亚基1（3.0倍）。3个蛋白下调表达，分别是：精氨酸激酶（2.8倍）, 延伸因子2 (2.0倍） 和富含甘氨酸蛋白(2.0倍）。硫酸铜刺激后特异表达的一个蛋白被鉴定为过氧化物还原酶(Peroxiredoxin，Prx)。根据质谱检测提供的蛋白肽段信息和其他生物过氧化物还原酶保守氨基酸序列设计简并引物，结合RACE技术，从中华卤虫幼体中克隆到了过氧化物还原酶基因，该基因的cDNA全长为756个碱基，其中开放阅读框为594个碱基，编码198个氨基酸，其蛋白理论分子量为22.0 kDa，理论等电点为6.98。多序列比对结果显示中华卤虫Prx基因的推导氨基酸序列与美国卤虫和中国对虾的同源性高达98%和94%。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示，硫酸铜刺激后，该基因在卤虫无节幼体中的转录水平明显升高，在24h达到正常水平的3.0倍。

Identification of factors affecting the growth and survival of the settling Japanese flounder larvae, Paralichthys olivaceus

A series of experiments were conducted to identify the factors that affected the growth and survival of the settling flounder larvae Paralichthys olivaceus. Settling larvae 24 days after hatching (DAH) were reared in 10-l experimental tanks up to 40 DAH, and two of the following factors were changed as controlled factors in each experiment: light regime (24L:0D or 12L:12D), prey density (1500, 3000, or 5000 Artemia l(-1)), shelter (sand or no sand) and stocking density (5, 10, or 15 fish l(-1)). Early settling larvae (24-35 DAH) experienced little mortality (less than 10% of the overall mortality) that was not significantly affected by above factors. In contrast, late settling larvae (36-40 DAH) suffered high cannibalistic mortality which was significantly influenced by each of the above factors. Larvae experienced significantly lower mortality at 10 fish l(-1) level than at other densities. Larvae at 15 fish l(-1) level had higher mortality than at 5 fish l(-1) when all other factors were identical. Larvae at 3000 and 5000 Artemia l(-1) treatments survived significantly better than at 1500 Artemia l(-1), but no significant differences in larval mortality were found between the two higher densities. Larvae suffered higher mortality at low prey density or at the absence of sand when they were exposed to longer photoperiod. Low stocking density significantly improved the growth of the settling larvae. The average daily instantaneous growth rate (G) at 5 and 15 fish l(-1) treatments were 0.050 and 0.034, with the coefficient of variation (CV) in final length at 16.4 and 23.5, respectively. Daily instantaneous growth rate increased significantly from 0.033 in the 1500 Artemia l(-1) to 0.041 and 0.045 in the 3000 and 5000 Artennia l(-1), respectively, but no significant difference in larval growth existed between the two higher prey densities. These findings suggested that the optimal prey density for growth and survival of the settling flounder larvae at a stocking density of 5 - 15 fish l(-1) was around 3000 Artemia l(-1) . Larvae that were exposed to 24L showed 20% increase in growth ( G = 0.046, CV = 18.7) than those exposed to 12L ( G = 0.037, CV = 20.5). Longer exposure to light significantly improved larval growth, provided sufficient food was available. Sand substrate did not show significant effects on larval growth, possibly because the larvae spent most of the time swimming or feeding in the water column during this stage. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Feeding behaviour of Japanese flounder larvae under laboratory conditions

Tank-reared Japanese flounder larvae, Paralichthys olivaceus, had a major feeding peak in the morning and a secondary peak in the afternoon throughout the larval development, with light being the primary factor regulating their feeding activity. The larvae consumed rotifers in preference to Artemia for up to 10 days, after which the food preference shifted to Artemia. Feeding rates of the larvae prior to 10 days post-batch depended on prey density, but in the old larvae, feeding rates were independent of prey density. Maximum feeding rate occurred at 19 degrees C. The occurrence of the attack posture, after its onset at first feeding (2 days post-hatch), increased up to 25 days, began to decrease when the larvae prepared to settle down, then disappeared after settlement. The occurrence frequency of the attack posture was positively related to fish density, but inversely related to starvation duration, and occurred most frequently at 19 degrees C. This posture depended on prey density in larvae prior to 10 days post-hatch, but became independent of prey density as the larvae developed. It was obvious that, for flounder larvae, attack posture was a behavioural character closely related to feeding and subject to larval development and environmental factors. (C) 2000 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.