scholarly journals Rapid morphological divergence of a stream fish in response to changes in water flow

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 20140352 ◽  
Author(s):  
James C. Cureton ◽  
Richard E. Broughton
Keyword(s):  
Water Flow ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Phenotypic Change ◽  
Stream Fish ◽  
Stabilizing Selection ◽  
Dam Construction ◽  
Gradual Change ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Body Depth

Recent evidence indicates that evolution can occur on a contemporary time scale. However, the precise timing and patterns of phenotypic change are not well known. Reservoir construction severely alters selective regimes in aquatic habitats due to abrupt cessation of water flow. We examined the spatial and temporal patterns of evolution of a widespread North American stream fish ( Pimephales vigilax ) in response to stream impoundment. Gross morphological changes occurred in P. vigilax populations following dam construction in each of seven different rivers. Significant changes in body depth, head shape and fin placement were observed relative to fish populations that occupied the rivers prior to dam construction. These changes occurred over a very small number of generations and independent populations exhibited common responses to similar selective pressures. The magnitude of change was observed to be greatest in the first 15 generations post-impoundment, followed by continued but more gradual change thereafter. This pattern suggests early directional selection facilitated by phenotypic plasticity in the first 10–20 years, followed by potential stabilizing selection as populations reached a new adaptive peak (or variation became exhausted). This study provides evidence for rapid, apparently adaptive, phenotypic divergence of natural populations due to major environmental perturbations in a changing world.

Effect of verapamil on cytoplasmic distribution of granules and microfilaments in amphibian urinary bladder

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 324-325
Author(s):  
A.J. Mia ◽  
L.X. Oakford ◽  
T. Yorio
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Granular Cell ◽  
Cytosolic Calcium ◽  
Calcium Storage ◽  
Amphibian Urinary Bladder ◽  
Vesicular Membrane ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Cytoskeletal System

The amphibian urinary bladder has been used as a ‘model’ system for studies of the mechanism of action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in stimulating transepithelial water flow. The increase in water permeability is accompanied by morphological changes that include the stimulation of apical microvilli, mobilization of microtubules and microfilaments and vesicular membrane fusion events . It has been shown that alterations in the cytosolic calcium concentrations can inhibit ADH transmembrane water flow and induce alterations in the epithelial cell cytomorphology, including the cytoskeletal system . Recently, the subapical granules of the granular cell in the amphibian urinary bladder have been shown to contain high concentrations of calcium, and it was suggested that these cytoplasmic constituents may act as calcium storage sites for intracellular calcium homeostasis. The present study utilizes the calcium antagonist, verapamil, to examine the effect of calcium deprivation on the cytomorphological features of epithelial cells from amphibian urinary bladder, with particular emphasis on subapical granule and microfilament distribution.

scholarly journals Heritability of DNA methylation in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Genetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 217 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juntao Hu ◽  
Sara J S Wuitchik ◽  
Tegan N Barry ◽  
Heather A Jamniczky ◽  
Sean M Rogers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Genetic Architecture ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Additive Genetic Variance ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Threespine Stickleback ◽  
Phenotypic Change ◽  
Cpg Sites ◽  
Cis And Trans ◽  
Methylation Variation

Abstract Epigenetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic change are hypothesized to contribute to population persistence and adaptation in the face of environmental change. To date, few studies have explored the heritability of intergenerationally stable methylation levels in natural populations, and little is known about the relative contribution of cis- and trans-regulatory changes to methylation variation. Here, we explore the heritability of DNA methylation, and conduct methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs) analysis to investigate the genetic architecture underlying methylation variation between marine and freshwater ecotypes of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We quantitatively measured genome-wide DNA methylation in fin tissue using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing of F1 and F2 crosses, and their marine and freshwater source populations. We identified cytosines (CpG sites) that exhibited stable methylation levels across generations. We found that additive genetic variance explained an average of 24–35% of the methylation variance, with a number of CpG sites possibly autonomous from genetic control. We also detected both cis- and trans-meQTLs, with only trans-meQTLs overlapping with previously identified genomic regions of high differentiation between marine and freshwater ecotypes. Finally, we identified the genetic architecture underlying two key CpG sites that were differentially methylated between ecotypes. These findings demonstrate a potential role for DNA methylation in facilitating adaptation to divergent environments and improve our understanding of the heritable basis of population epigenomic variation.

Phenotypic change from transformed to normal induced by benzoquinonoid ansamycins accompanies inactivation of p60src in rat kidney cells infected with Rous sarcoma virus

1986 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 2198-2206
Author(s):  
Y Uehara ◽  
M Hori ◽  
T Takeuchi ◽  
H Umezawa
Keyword(s):  
Immune Complex ◽  
Rous Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Rat Kidney ◽  
Phenotypic Change ◽  
Permissive Temperature ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Sarcoma Virus

Three benzenoid ansamycin antibiotics (herbimycin, macbecin, and geldanamycin) were found to reduce the intracellular phosphorylation of p60src at a permissive temperature (33 degrees C) in a rat kidney cell line infected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of Rous sarcoma virus. This effect was accompanied by morphological changes from the transformed to the normal phenotype. The filamentous staining pattern of actin fibers was observed in the cells treated with these antibiotics at 33 degrees C. Removal of the antibiotics allowed the cells to revert to the transformed morphology. Ansamitocin, another benzenoid ansamycin, and naphthalenoid ansamycins such as streptovaricin and rifamycins did not show this effect. Pulse-labeling of the antibiotic-treated cultures with 32Pi showed a marked reduction of 32P radioactivity incorporated into p60src. A parallel experiment with [35S]methionine showed that synthesis of p60src was slightly inhibited. The immune complex prepared by mixing the herbimycin-treated cell extracts with antibody against p60src was inactive in vitro in phosphorylating the complex itself. On the contrary, the immune complex derived from untreated cells was active in vitro even in the presence of the antibiotics. These results suggest that benzoquinonoid ansamycins have no direct effect on src kinase but destroy its intracellular environment, resulting in an irreversible alteration of p60src and loss of catalytic activity.

Complex Traits in Natural Populations

2020 ◽  
pp. 263-290
Author(s):  
Daniel L. Hartl
Keyword(s):  
Complex Traits ◽  
Population Genomics ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Complex Diseases ◽  
Stabilizing Selection ◽  
Phenotypic Evolution ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Number Of Genes ◽  
Almost All

This chapter could as well be titled “Population Genomics,” although many aspects of population genomics are integrated throughout the other chapters. It includes estimates of mutational variance and standing variance, phenotypic evolution under directional selection as measured by the linear selection gradient, and phenotypic evolution under stabilizing selection. It explores the strengths and limitations of genome-wide association studies of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and expression (eQTLs) to detect genetic influencing complex traits in natural populations and genetic risk factors for complex diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. The number of genes affecting complex traits is considered, as well as evidence bearing on the issue of whether complex diseases are primarily affected by a very large number of genes, almost all of small effect, and how this bears on direct-to-consumer and over-the-counter genetic testing. The population genomics of adaptation is considered, including drug resistance, domestication, and local selection versus gene flow. The chapter concludes with the population genomics of speciation as illustrated by reinforcement of mating barriers, the reproducibility of phenotypic and genetic changes, and the accumulation of genetic incompatibilities.

The Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell In Culture

1981 ◽  
Author(s):  
G R Campbell ◽  
J H Chamley-Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Phenotypic Change ◽  
Aortic Tissue ◽  
Isolated Cells ◽  
Confluent Monolayer ◽  
Spontaneous Change ◽  
Synthetic Phenotype

When smooth muscle from the aortic media of adult pigs, monkeys and rabbits are dispersed into single cells and seeded into primary culture they are in the contractile phenotype and do not undergo cell division when challenged with 5 or 10% whole blood serum. However, after 6-8 days the isolated cells undergo a spontaneous change in phenotype to a synthetic state whereby their contractility is lost and they become responsive to serum mitogens. This change in function is accompanied by distinct morphological changes and is reversible if the cells are seeded sufficiently dense (5 × 104 -1 × 105/ml) that a confluent monolayer of cells is achieved within 5-7 days of the original change in phenotype. If however the cells are seeded so sparsely (1 × 103 - 5 × 103/ml) that 2-3 weeks of proliferation is necessary for confluence to be achieved then the cells remain permanently in the synthetic phenotype and immediately responsive to serum mitogens upon subculture. While the cells are in the synthetic phenotype, whether proliferating or quiescent, they have a considerably decreased production of prostaglandins E2, F2α and I2. They also have a decreased ability to metabolize low density lipoprotein, a decrease in the specific activity of cholesteryl esterase and an increase in cholesterol ester deposits.The spontaneous change in phenotype from the contractile to synthetic state in culture can be prevented by seeding the contractile smooth muscle sufficiently dense (1 × 106/ ml) that a confluent monolayer is present from day 1. It can also be inhibited by a confluent monolayer of contractile smooth muscle or endothelial cells in co-culture with the sparsely-seeded smooth muscle such that the two cell layers are not in contact but bathed by the same nutrient medium. A factor which inhibits smooth muscle phenotypic change can also be extracted from pig and rabbit aortic tissue and its effect mimicked by sodium heparin at 50 units/ml.It is suggested that smooth muscle phenotype and its control are important but unrecognized factors in atherogenesis.

scholarly journals How predation shaped fish: the impact of fin spines on body form evolution across teleosts

2015 ◽  
Vol 282 (1819) ◽  
pp. 20151428 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Price ◽  
S. T. Friedman ◽  
P. C. Wainwright
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Vertical Plane ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Dimension ◽  
Body Depth ◽  
Body Dimensions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fin Spines

It is well known that predators can induce morphological changes in some fish: individuals exposed to predation cues increase body depth and the length of spines. We hypothesize that these structures may evolve synergistically, as together, these traits will further enlarge the body dimensions of the fish that gape-limited predators must overcome. We therefore expect that the orientation of the spines will predict which body dimension increases in the presence of predators. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we tested this prediction on the macroevolutionary scale across 347 teleost families, which display considerable variation in fin spines, body depth and width. Consistent with our predictions, we demonstrate that fin spines on the vertical plane (dorsal and anal fins) are associated with a deeper-bodied optimum. Lineages with spines on the horizontal plane (pectoral fins) are associated with a wider-bodied optimum. Optimal body dimensions across lineages without spines paralleling the body dimension match the allometric expectation. Additionally, lineages with longer spines have deeper and wider body dimensions. This evolutionary relationship between fin spines and body dimensions across teleosts reveals functional synergy between these two traits and a potential macroevolutionary signature of predation on the evolutionary dynamics of body shape.

scholarly journals Spontaneous mutations and the origin and maintenance of quantitative genetic variation

eLife ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Huang ◽  
Richard F Lyman ◽  
Rachel A Lyman ◽  
Mary Anna Carbone ◽  
Susan T Harbison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Quantitative Traits ◽  
Spontaneous Mutation ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Stabilizing Selection ◽  
Spontaneous Mutation Rate ◽  
Evolutionary Forces ◽  
Quantitative Genetic

Mutation and natural selection shape the genetic variation in natural populations. Here, we directly estimated the spontaneous mutation rate by sequencing new Drosophila mutation accumulation lines maintained with minimal natural selection. We inferred strong stabilizing natural selection on quantitative traits because genetic variation among wild-derived inbred lines was much lower than predicted from a neutral model and the mutational effects were much larger than allelic effects of standing polymorphisms. Stabilizing selection could act directly on the traits, or indirectly from pleiotropic effects on fitness. However, our data are not consistent with simple models of mutation-stabilizing selection balance; therefore, further empirical work is needed to assess the balance of evolutionary forces responsible for quantitative genetic variation.

scholarly journals Spatial and temporal patterns of stream fish assemblages within Taihu Basin

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1371-1380
Author(s):  
LI Qifang ◽  
◽  
YAN Yunzhi ◽  
CHU Ling ◽  
ZHU Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Stream Fish ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Taihu Basin ◽  
Stream Fish Assemblages

scholarly journals Warming waters beget smaller fish: evidence for reduced size and altered morphology in a desert fish following anthropogenic temperature change

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 20190518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean C. Lema ◽  
Samantha L. Bock ◽  
Morgan M. Malley ◽  
Emma A. Elkins
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Reaction Rates ◽  
Metabolic Energy ◽  
Body Depth ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Ecological Changes ◽  
Body Sizes

Poikilothermic organisms are predicted to show reduced body sizes as they experience warming environments under a changing global climate. Such a shrinking of size is expected under scenarios where rising temperatures increase cellular reaction rates and basal metabolic energy demands, therein requiring limited energy to be shifted from growth. Here, we provide evidence that the ecological changes associated with warming may not only lead to shrinking body size but also trigger shifts in morphology. We documented 33.4 and 39.0% declines in body mass and 7.2 and 7.6% reductions in length for males and females, respectively, in a wild population of Amargosa pupfish, Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae , following an abrupt anthropogenically driven temperature increase. That reduction in size was accompanied by the partial or complete loss of paired pelvic fins in approximately 34% of the population, a morphological change concomitant with altered body dimensions including head size and body depth. These observations confirm that increasing temperatures can reduce body size under some ecological scenarios and highlight how human-induced environmental warming may also trigger morphological changes with potential relevance for fitness.

scholarly journals Sex ratio and morphological characteristics of rufous gnateaters, Conopophaga lineata (Aves, Passeriformes) in Atlantic forest fragments

2009 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gisele P. M. Dantas ◽  
Fabrício R. Santos ◽  
Miguel Ângelo Marini
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Atlantic Rain Forest ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Term Survival

Unequal sex ratios lead to the loss of genetic variability, decreasing the viability of populations in the long term. Anthropogenic activities often disturb the natural habitats and can cause alterations in sex ratio and morphological characteristics of several species. Forest fragmentation is a major conservation concern, so that understanding its effects in natural populations is essential. In this study, we evaluated the sex ratio and the morphological characteristics of Rufous Gnateaters (Conopophaga lineata (Wied, 1831)) in small and large forest fragments in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Birds (n = 89) were sexed by plumage characteristics and molecular markers. The molecular analysis showed that plumage is not a totally reliable method for sexing Rufous Gnateaters. We observed that sex ratio did not differ between large and small forest fragments, but birds in small fragments had larger wings and tarsus. Wing and tarsus changes may affect the movement ability of individuals within and among forest fragments. In conclusion, Rufous Gnateaters have been able to survive in both small and large Atlantic rain forest fragments without altering their sex ratio, but morphological changes can be prejudicial to their long term survival.

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