Shared transcriptional responses to con- and heterospecific behavioral antagonists in a wild songbird

Mapping Intimacies ◽

10.1101/795757 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew I. M. Louder ◽

Michael Lafayette ◽

Amber A. Louder ◽

Floria M. K. Uy ◽

Christopher N. Balakrishnan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Plasticity ◽

Molothrus Ater ◽

System Response ◽

Brood Parasite ◽

Functional Responses ◽

Transcriptional Responses ◽

Free Living ◽

Brood Parasites ◽

Singing Behavior ◽

Immune System Response

AbstractThe recognition of and differential responses to salient stimuli are among the main drivers of behavioral plasticity, yet, how animals evolve and modulate functional responses to novel classes of antagonistic stimuli remain poorly understood. We studied free-living male red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to test whether gene expression responses in blood are distinct or shared between patterns of aggressive behavioral responses directed at simulated conspecific versus heterospecific intruders. In this species, males defend territories against conspecific males and respond aggressively to female brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), a brood parasite that commonly lays eggs in blackbird nests. Both conspecific songs and parasitic calls elicited aggressive responses from focal subjects and caused a downregulation in genes associated with immune system response, relative to control calls of a second, harmless heterospecific species. In turn, only the conspecific song treatment elicited an increase in singing behavior and an upregulation of genes associated with metabolic processes relative to the two heterospecific calls. Our results suggest that aspects of antagonistic responses to both conspecifics and brood parasites can be based on similar physiological responses, suggestive of shared molecular and behavioral pathways involved in the recognition and reaction to both evolutionarily old and new enemies.

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Glucocorticoids mediate egg rejection in a brood parasite host

10.1101/818864 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Mikus Abolins-Abols ◽

Mark E. Hauber

Keyword(s):

Causal Link ◽

Host Responses ◽

Egg Rejection ◽

Brood Parasite ◽

Ecological Significance ◽

Turdus Migratorius ◽

Free Living ◽

Brood Parasites ◽

American Robins ◽

Host Behaviour

AbstractAvian brood parasites and their hosts are engaged in a coevolutionary battle that can result in the evolution of sophisticated trickery by parasites and novel defence behaviours in hosts. Despite the clear evolutionary and ecological significance of host behaviour, however, we know very little about the mechanisms that regulate host defences, which limits our understanding of both inter- and intraspecific variation in host responses to parasitism. Here we tested whether corticosterone, a hormone known to be upregulated in hosts exposed to parasitism, also mediates one of the most frequent host defences – the rejection of foreign eggs. We experimentally reduced corticosterone levels in free-living brood parasite hosts, American robins Turdus migratorius, using mitotane and found that the likelihood of model egg rejection was significantly lower in the mitotane-treated birds relative to the sham-treated birds. These results demonstrate a causal link between glucocorticoids and egg rejection in hosts of avian brood parasites, but the physiological and sensory-cognitive pathways that regulate this effect remain unknown.

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Developmental asynchrony and host species identity predict variability in nestling growth of an obligate brood parasite: a test of the “growth-tuning” hypothesis

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/cjz-2020-0147 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Katherine Winnicki ◽

Bill M. Strausberger ◽

Nick Antonson ◽

Dirk E. Burhans ◽

Justin Lock ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Rates ◽

Host Species ◽

Developmental Plasticity ◽

Molothrus Ater ◽

The Novel ◽

Brood Parasite ◽

Species Identity ◽

Brood Parasites ◽

Specific Growth Rates ◽

Developmental Asynchrony

Generalist obligate brood parasites are excellent models for studies of developmental plasticity, as they experience a range of social and environmental variation when raised by one of their many hosts. Parasitic Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater (Boddaert, 1783)) exhibit host-specific growth rates, yet cowbird growth rates are not predicted by hosts’ incubation or brooding periods. We tested the novel “growth-tuning” hypothesis which predicts that total asynchrony between cowbirds’ and hosts’ nesting periods results in faster parasitic growth in nests where host young fledge earlier than cowbirds. We tested this prediction using previously-published and newly-added nestling mass data across diverse host species. Total nesting period asynchrony (summed across incubation and brooding stages) predicted cowbird growth; 8-day old cowbirds were heavier in host nests with relatively shorter nesting periods. We further explored the drivers of variation in growth using mass measurements of cowbirds in Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia (Wilson, 1810)) and Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus (Linnaeus, 1766)) nests. Our top models included host species (cowbirds grew faster in sparrow nests), numbers of nestmates (slowest when raised alone), and sex (males grew faster). These results confirm that multiple social and environmental factors predict directional patterns of developmental plasticity in avian generalist brood parasites.

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NCMP-05. DECODING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM RESPONSE TO LEPTOMENINGEAL METASTASIS

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa215.517 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. ii124-ii124

Author(s):

Jan Remsik ◽

Xinran Tong ◽

Ugur Sener ◽

Danille Isakov ◽

Yudan Chi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Immune Cells ◽

Leptomeningeal Metastasis ◽

System Response ◽

Idle State ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Health And Disease ◽

Immune System Response ◽

Therapeutic Protocols ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord

Abstract For decades, the central nervous system was considered to be an immune privileged organ with limited access to systemic immunity. However, the leptomeninges, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled anatomical structure that protects the brain and spinal cord, represent a relatively immune-rich environment. Despite the presence of immune cells, complications in the CSF, such as infectious meningitis and a neurological development of cancer known as leptomeningeal metastasis, are difficult to treat and are frequently fatal. We show that immune cells entering the CSF are held in an ‘idle’ state that limits their cytotoxic arsenal and antigen presentation machinery. To understand this underappreciated neuroanatomic niche, we used unique mouse models and rare patient samples to characterize its cellular composition and critical signaling events in health and disease at a single-cell resolution. Revealing the mediators of CSF immune response will allow us to re-evaluate current therapeutic protocols and employ rational combinations with immunotherapies, therefore turning the patient’s own immune system into an active weapon against pathogens and cancer.

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Nest prospecting brown-headed cowbirds ‘parasitize’ social information when the value of personal information is lacking

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2017.1083 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 284 (1861) ◽

pp. 20171083 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

David J. White ◽

Hayden B. Davies ◽

Samuel Agyapong ◽

Nora Seegmiller

Keyword(s):

Personal Information ◽

Molothrus Ater ◽

Social Information ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Brood Parasites ◽

Nest Selection ◽

Strong Negative Relationship ◽

Nest Quality ◽

Cognitive Challenges

Brood parasites face considerable cognitive challenges in locating and selecting host nests for their young. Here, we test whether female brown-headed cowbirds, Molothrus ater , could use information acquired from observing the nest prospecting patterns of conspecifics to influence their own patterns of nest selection. In laboratory-based experiments, we created a disparity in the amount of personal information females had about the quality of nests. Females with less personal information about the quality of two nests spent more time investigating the nest that more knowledgeable females investigated. Furthermore, there was a strong negative relationship between individual's ability to track nest quality using personal information and their tendency to copy others. These two contrasting strategies for selecting nests are equally effective, but lead to different patterns of parasitism.

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Cytokine Patterns in Brain Tumour Progression

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2013/979748 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 63

Author(s):

Radu Albulescu ◽

Elena Codrici ◽

Ionela Daniela Popescu ◽

Simona Mihai ◽

Laura Georgiana Necula ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Tumour Growth ◽

Tumour Progression ◽

Inflammatory Cells ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Angiogenic Factors ◽

System Response ◽

Gm Csf ◽

Immune System Response

Inflammation represents the immune system response to external or internal aggressors such as injury or infection in certain tissues. The body’s response to cancer has many parallels with inflammation and repair; the inflammatory cells and cytokines present in tumours are more likely to contribute to tumour growth, progression, and immunosuppression, rather than in building an effective antitumour defence. Using new proteomic technology, we have investigated serum profile of pro- (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, GM-CSF, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), along with angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF) in order to assess tumoural aggressiveness. Our results indicate significant dysregulation in serum levels of cytokines and angiogenic factors, with over threefold upregulation of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 and up to twofold upregulation of VEGF, FGF-2, IL-8, IL-2, and GM-CSF. These molecules are involved in tumour progression and aggressiveness, and are also involved in a generation of disease associated pain.

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Pengaruh Suplementasi Probiotik A3-51 terhadap Derajat Imunitas Oreochromis niloticus Didasarkan pada Angka Kuman pada Ginjal Setelah Uji Tantang dengan Aeromonas hydrophila dan Aeromonas salmonicida achromogenes

Jurnal Perikanan Universitas Gadjah Mada ◽

10.22146/jfs.126 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 144

Author(s):

Agus Irianto ◽

Hernayanti Hernayanti ◽

Ning Iriyanti

Keyword(s):

Aeromonas Hydrophila ◽

Oreochromis Niloticus ◽

Challenge Test ◽

Aeromonas Salmonicida ◽

Control Fish ◽

System Response ◽

Randomized Design ◽

Immune System Response ◽

Completely Randomized Design ◽

Number Of Bacteria

Objectives of this research was to know the effect of probiotic A3-51 supplementation on food to the total number of bacteria in kidney and mortality of Oreochromis niloticus after challenge test with Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas salmonicida achromogenes. This research was consisted of two experiment, the first was to know the highest immunity level of fish based on the number of macrophage and its phagocytic activity. Meanwhile, the second was to know the immunity level of fish challenged with A. hydrophila and A. salmonicida achromogenes by intra-peritoneal injection. The experiment used Completely Randomized Design in triplicates. The result from the first experiment showed that the highest non spesific immune system response, by means number of macrophage, was found 21 days treatment. The second experiment showed that the highest total number of bacteria in kidney and mortality level were 20.23 x 108 cells/g and 46.67%, respectively, both was found in control fish injected intra-peritoneally with A. salmonicida achromogenes.

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INTRODUCING CRYSTALLIZATION BACKWARD SUCTION TRAPPING LIPIDS AND DEBRIS AS PROPOSED ADDITIONAL FACTOR IN THE GENESIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH ◽

10.29121/granthaalayah.v8.i9.2020.1174 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. 215-233

Author(s):

Abraham A. Embi

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery Disease ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

System Response ◽

Cholesterol Crystals ◽

Video Recordings ◽

Arterial Plaque ◽

Abnormal Accumulation ◽

Immune System Response ◽

Artery Disease ◽

First Time

Coronary artery disease progression involves a slow process of abnormal accumulation of lipid deposits to the inner walls of the arteries followed by an immune system response. It is known that an increase in lipid concentration could trigger cholesterol crystals deposition, thus starting a vicious cycle that could also progress into intra-arterial plaque formation, the hallmark of mature atheromas. The purpose of this manuscript is to introduce a proposed mechanism for the genesis of coronary artery disease; whereby the actual act of lipids crystallization starts a cycle demonstrated to induce additional crystallization via dehydration. Experiments demonstrate for the first time via images and video-recordings showing that when the onset crystallization occurs near the tissue (≅ 1 mm) a dehydration triggered backward hydrodynamic suction or vacuum ensues with enough force to withdraw lipid molecules from human tissue; these molecules are shown to adhere to the crystals.

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Scaling in the Immune System: PhD Thesis

10.31219/osf.io/b24kw ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

soumya banerjee

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Immune System ◽

Body Size ◽

Human Health ◽

Response Rates ◽

System Response ◽

Metabolic Rates ◽

Viral Dynamics ◽

Immune System Response ◽

Phd Thesis

How different is the immune system in a human from that of a mouse? Do pathogens replicate at the same rate in different species? Answers to these questions have impact on human health since multi-host pathogens that jump from animals to humans affect millions worldwide.It is not known how rates of immune response and viral dynamics vary from species to species and how they depend on species body size. Metabolic scalingtheory predicts that intracellular processes will be slower in larger animals since cellular metabolic rates are slower. We test how rates of pathogenesis and immune system response rates depend on species body size.

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Host-pathogen Immune Feedbacks Can Explain Widely Divergent Outcomes from Similar Infections

10.1101/2021.01.08.425954 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stephen Ellner ◽

Nicolas Buchon ◽

Tobias Doerr ◽

Brian P Lazzaro

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Population ◽

Dynamic Models ◽

System Response ◽

Chronic Infections ◽

Host Immune Responses ◽

Lethal Infection ◽

Negative Feedbacks ◽

Immune System Response ◽

Natural Result ◽

The Cost

A longstanding question in infection biology is why two very similar individuals, with very similar pathogen exposures, may have very different outcomes. Recent experiments have found that even isogenic \emph{Drosophila melanogaster} hosts, given identical inoculations of some bacterial pathogens at suitable doses, can experience very similar initial bacteria proliferation but then diverge to either a lethal infection or a sustained chronic infection with much lower pathogen load. We hypothesized that divergent infection outcomes are a natural result of mutual negative feedbacks between pathogens and the host immune response. Here we test this hypothesis \emph{in silico} by constructing process-based dynamic models for bacterial population growth,host immune induction, and the feedbacks between them, based on common mechanisms of immune system response. Mathematical analysis of a minimal conceptual model confirms our qualitative hypothesis that mutual negative feedbacks can magnify small differences among hosts into life-or-death differences in outcome. However, explaining observed features of chronic infections requires an extension of the model to include induced pathogen modifications that shield themselves from host immune responses at the cost of reduced proliferation rate. Our analysis thus generates new, testable predictions about the mechanisms underlying bimodal infection outcomes.

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