The Stress Response of the Holothurian Central Nervous System: A Transcriptomic Analysis

Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113393 · Published: November 2, 2022

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

This research explores how the nervous system of sea cucumbers responds to stress, focusing on gene activity after injury. Sea cucumbers can regenerate their nervous system, unlike humans. This study examines which genes are activated when the sea cucumber's nerve cord is cut and dissected, comparing it to nerve cords kept in culture. The scientists looked at genes related to heat shock, protein management (ubiquitin), mobile DNA (transposons), and cell death (apoptosis). Surprisingly, the stress response didn't trigger cell death in this system. Also, some stress-related genes found in other animals weren't active in the sea cucumber. This study gives a new understanding of stress responses in creatures with great regenerative abilities. It helps unravel the molecular steps that allow sea cucumbers to fully regrow their nervous system, offering a comparison to how other organisms handle stress.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adult individuals of the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima

Evidence Level

Transcriptomic Analysis

Key Findings

1
Several stress-associated genes, including heat-shock proteins and ubiquitin-related pathways, are differentially expressed in the holothurian CNS following transection and enzyme dissection.
2
The stress response in the holothurian CNS does not induce apoptosis, which is a surprising finding compared to other animal models.
3
Some stress-related genes found in other animal models, such as hero proteins and those associated with the integrated stress response, were not found to be differentially expressed in the holothurian CNS.

Research Summary

The study investigates the gene activation profile of the stressed holothurian CNS using RNA sequencing to compare transected and enzyme-dissected RNC explants with cultured explants. The research identifies stress-associated genes, including heat-shock families, ubiquitin-related pathways, transposons, and apoptosis genes, and notes the absence of apoptosis induction. The findings provide a novel perspective on the stress response in organisms with remarkable regenerative capabilities, offering insights into CNS regeneration mechanisms and a comparative view of stress responses across different organisms.

Practical Implications

Understanding Regeneration

The research sheds light on the molecular mechanisms that enable complete CNS regeneration in echinoderms.

Comparative Stress Response

It provides a basis for comparing stress responses between regenerative and non-regenerative organisms.

Potential Therapeutic Targets

Identifying key genes involved in the stress response may lead to the development of therapies to promote regeneration after CNS injuries.

Study Limitations

1
The stress elicited in the model system comes from two different procedures: transection and collagenase treatment.
2
Comparisons to the in situ RNC were not possible due to contamination from surrounding tissues.
3
A change in mRNA levels does not necessarily imply a change in the expression of the protein.

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