核rDNA ITS区序列在无脊椎动物分子系统学研究中的应用

在无脊椎动物的分子系统学研究中,作为对线粒体DNA信息的重要补充,人们越来越多采用核DNA的核糖体内转录间隔区（ITS）作为分子标记。本文介绍了ITS的组成和性质,并对近年来ITS在无脊椎动物分子系统学研究中的应用进行了总结,同时提出并讨论了目前在该领域存在的一些问题。     

Carbohydrate-binding proteins of marine invertebrates

The information on the carbohydrate specificity and molecular organization of some carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) of marine invertebrates is reported. Antiviral activity of some of the lectins against human immunodeficiency virus has been studied. Lectins of marine invertebrates are promising tools for studying natural glycoconjugates and cell effectors in vitro.     

Electrophoretic variation in intertidal and subtidal organisms in Puget Sound, Washington

This paper presents information on the biochemical properties (via starch gel electrophoresis) of 26 marine species (15 fish and 11 invertebrates). Evidence is presented on 48 polymorphisms found in the 26 species. Estimates of the proportion of the genome heterozygous per individual per species were calculated and ranged from 0.000 to 0.176 for the invertebrates and from 0.000 to 0.074 for the fish species. Estimates of the percentage of loci polymorphic per species for invertebrates were 0 to 54 %; for the fish species, the range was 0 to 20 %.     

Carbohydrate-binding proteins of marine invertebrates

The information on the carbohydrate specificity and molecular organization of some carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) of marine invertebrates is reported. Antiviral activity of some of the lectins against human immunodeficiency virus has been studied. Lectins of marine invertebrates are promising tools for studying natural glycoconjugates and cell effectors in vitro.     

Climatic vulnerabilities and ecological preferences of soil invertebrates across biomes

Unlike plants and vertebrates, the ecological preferences, and potential vulnerabilities of soil invertebrates to environmental change, remain poorly understood in terrestrial ecosystems globally. We conducted a cross‐biome survey including 83 locations across six continents to advance our understanding of the ecological preferences and vulnerabilities of the diversity of dominant and functionally important soil invertebrate taxa, including nematodes, arachnids and rotifers. The diversity of invertebrates was analyzed through amplicon sequencing. Vegetation and climate drove the diversity and dominant taxa of soil invertebrates. Our results suggest that declines in forest cover and plant diversity, and reductions in plant production associated with increases in aridity, can result in reductions of the diversity of soil invertebrates in a drier and more managed world. We further developed global atlases of the diversity of these important soil invertebrates, which were cross‐validated using an independent database. Our study advances the current knowledge of the ecological preferences and vulnerabilities of the diversity and presence of functionally important soil invertebrates in soils from across the globe. This information is fundamental for improving and prioritizing conservation efforts of soil genetic resources and management policies.     

Zinc induces unfolding and aggregation of dimeric arginine kinase by trapping reversible unfolding intermediate

Arginine kinase plays an important role in the cellular energy metabolism of invertebrates. Dimeric arginine kinase (dAK) is unique in some marine invertebrates. The effects of Zn2(+) on the unfolding and aggregation of dAK from the sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus were investigated. Our results indicated that Zn2(+) caused dAK inactivation accompanied by conformational unfolding, the exposure of hydrophobic surface, and aggregation. Kinetic studies showed the inactivation and unfolding of dAK followed biphasic kinetic courses. Zn2(+) can affect unfolding and refolding of dAK by trapping the reversible intermediate. Our study provides important information regarding the effect of Zn2(+) on metabolic enzymes in marine invertebrates.     

A common class of nematode glutathione S-transferase (GST) revealed by the theoretical proteome of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans

The genome verified C. elegans free-living nematode model is a new tool for investigating gene expression in human and animal nematode parasites. There is limited information on designating glutathione S-transferase (GST) to specific classes in lower invertebrates such as nematodes. Following cloning, amino acid sequence alignment, recombinant expression and Western blotting we provide evidence of a new GST class in nematodes or lower invertebrates.     

Effects of capability for dispersal on the evolution of diversity in antarctic benthos

The likelihood of marine invertebrates to maintain large geographic ranges is widely dependent on the ability of their early ontogenetic stages to disperse over long distances. Marine benthic invertebrates inhabiting the cold-stenothermal environment of the Southern Ocean are known for their overall reduced number of pelagic larvae, or drifting stages of any kind, when compared with organisms elsewhere in the sea. The diversity of organisms thriving in Antarctic waters is the result of evolution in situ and of the intrusion of species from surrounding seas. The reasons for a high level of endemism and a stunning diversity of benthic invertebrates found today are frequently discussed in the literature, but the mechanisms whereby diversity has been controlled over time remain largely theoretical. Here, I suggest that, indeed, early life-history patterns play a key role in defining the radiation and the speciation potential of Antarctic benthic invertebrates. In arguing this case, I synthesize the growing body of molecular studies on population connectivity in Antarctic benthic invertebrates, and compare this information with knowledge of their life histories and biogeography. I conclude that differences in early life-history patterns are key to the resilience potential of species in response to late Cenozoic glacial periods and propose that there is a direct relationship between rate of speciation and the ability of taxa to disperse.     

Field crickets change mating preferences using remembered social information

Plasticity in female mate choice can fundamentally alter selection on male ornaments, but surprisingly few studies have examined the role of social learning in shaping female mating decisions in invertebrates. We used the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus to show that females retain information about the attractiveness of available males based on previous social experience, compare that information with incoming signals and then dramatically reverse their preferences to produce final, predictable, mating decisions. Male ornament evolution in the wild may depend much more on the social environment and behavioural flexibility through learning than was previously thought for non-social invertebrates. The predictive power of these results points to a pressing need for theoretical models of sexual selection that incorporate effects of social experience.     

Soil acidity, ecological stoichiometry and allometric scaling in grassland food webs

The factors regulating the structure of food webs are a central focus of community and ecosystem ecology, as trophic interactions among species have important impacts on nutrient storage and cycling in many ecosystems. For soil invertebrates in grassland ecosystems in the Netherlands, the site-specific slopes of the faunal biomass to organism body mass relationships reflected basic biochemical and biogeochemical processes associated with soil acidity and soil C : N : P stoichiometry. That is, the higher the phosphorus availability in the soil, the higher, on average, the slope of the faunal biomass size spectrum (i.e., the higher the biomass of large-bodied invertebrates relative to the biomass of small invertebrates). While other factors may also be involved, these results are consistent with the growth rate hypothesis from biological stoichiometry that relates phosphorus demands to ribosomal RNA and protein production. Thus our data represent the first time that ecosystem phosphorus availability has been associated with allometry in soil food webs (supporting information available online). Our results have broad implications, as soil invertebrates of different size have different effects on soil processes.     

cDNA cloning of the lysozyme of the white shrimp Penaeus vannamei

Lysozyme, an antibacterial protein, has been implicated in innate immunity in invertebrates, but its activity in shrimp remained to be determined. We cloned the white shrimp lysozyme cDNA using a PCR strategy and detected its activity in haemocytes using a lytic-zone assay against Micrococcus luteus. The cloning was based on a reported EST (dbEST BE18831). The deduced amino acid sequence resulted in 150 amino with 46% identity to hen egg white lysozyme. RT-PCR was used to detect lysozyme mRNA in haemocytes. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of the shrimp lysozyme showed that it belongs to the C-type family of lysozymes. Furthermore, the lysozyme amino acid sequence contained extra residues at its C-terminus, which are characteristic of marine invertebrates. This information will be useful in future studies on the molecular mechanisms of immunity in marine invertebrates.     

Dimensions of the Human–Animal Bond and Evacuation Decisions among Pet Owners during Hurricane Ike

ABSTRACT

Flagship species play an important role in promoting nature conservation. However, although the significance of invertebrates in biodiversity and ecosystem services is undisputed, they are rarely used as flagship species. A focused approach to better understand the drivers of differences in attitudes toward invertebrates, and insects in particular, would be helpful for selecting and establishing insects as flagship species, especially in a local context for local conservation purposes. Using a standard questionnaire, a total of 363 children, predominantly aged 10 to 12 years, were asked about their attitudes toward 18 invertebrate species indigenous to Switzerland. The species, 14 insect species and four other invertebrates, were individually presented in a color photograph without any background information. Based on ordinal regression models, the survey revealed substantial affinity rating differences across the invertebrates selected. Gender, species knowledge, preferred leisure activities, and family membership of a nature protection organization proved to be significant predictors for children's attitudes in general, and for some specific species in particular. Additionally, existing species knowledge was analyzed and was found to neither depend on school location (urban/rural) nor on gender. The authors propose the inclusion of local invertebrates and species knowledge in the curriculum in early years at primary school while applying teaching methods that allow for real-life experience.     

Assessing invertebrate response to an extreme flood event at a regional scale utilizing past survey data

Limnology - Climate change is causing frequent and large floods, creating a need for information regarding the impact of severe flood disturbances on stream invertebrates. We briefly describe the...     

IACUC Challenges in Invertebrate Research

With billions of individuals and possibly hundreds of thousands of genera, invertebrates represent the largest number and greatest diversity of all animals used in research. Although the capacity for nociception is recognized in many invertebrate taxa, researchers and IACUC members are challenged by a lack of clear understanding of invertebrate welfare and by differing standards of moral concern for these taxa. In practice this has led IACUCs to consider invertebrates in two major groups: species worthy of increased moral concern approximating that shown to vertebrate species (this group includes cephalopods and to some extent decapod crustaceans) and all others. This dichotomy has led to differences in how invertebrate research is regulated and documented. This article presents two case studies illustrating specific concerns in invertebrate research protocols and then provides relevant information to address practical IACUC matters related to regulatory and ethical issues, sourcing and record keeping, risk management, assessment of pain and nociception in invertebrates, housing and husbandry, invasive procedures, veterinary care, and humane endpoints.     

Localised high-density population of a sea cucumber on a Malaysian coral reef

Coral Reefs - While tropical sea cucumbers are among the most conspicuous mobile invertebrates on coral reefs, information on their population biology and ecology is limited, particularly...     

Ion channels in key marine invertebrates; their diversity and potential for applications in biotechnology

Of the intra-membrane proteins, the class that comprises voltage and ligand-gated ion channels represents the major substrate whereby signals pass between and within cells in all organisms. It has been presumed that vertebrate and particularly mammalian ion channels represent the apex of evolutionary complexity and diversity and much effort has been focused on understanding their function. However, the recent availability of cheap high throughput genome sequencing has massively broadened and deepened the quality of information across phylogeny and is radically changing this view. Here we review current knowledge on such channels in key marine invertebrates where physiological evidence is backed up by molecular sequences and expression/functional studies. As marine invertebrates represent a much greater range of phyla than terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates together, we argue that these animals represent a highly divergent, though relatively underused source of channel novelty. As ion channels are exquisitely selective sensors for voltage and ligands, their potential and actual applications in biotechnology are manifold.     

Fish–prey interactions in,and associated data from,a temperate stream of the Yura River,Kyoto, Japan

Although quantitative data on interspecific interactions within complex food webs are essential for evaluation of assumptions, hypotheses, and predictions of ecological theories; empirical studies yielding quantitative data on complex food webs are very limited. Ecological information on body size, habitat use, and seasonality of the component species of food webs aids in determining the mechanisms of food web structures. Ideally, ecological information on component species should be obtained contemporaneously when used to describe quantitative food webs, but such observations and sampling strategies are labor intensive and thus have been rarely described. We conducted year-round samplings of, and performed observations on, a temperate stream: the upper reaches of the Yura River, Kyoto, Japan. We derived quantitative data on the abundance, biomass, body mass, microhabitat use, and those seasonality of 7 fish species and 167 invertebrate taxa of the temperate stream food web. In addition, we estimated the per mass consumption rates of 7 predatory fish species, consuming 183 prey invertebrates, and the ratios between the per mass consumption rates of the 7 predatory fish species and the production rates of 78 prey invertebrates in each trophic link. All fishes and aquatic invertebrates were identified to species or lowest possible taxon. Our data may contribute to the construction of mathematical models explaining the behavior of stream communities/ecosystems.     

Anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia of invertebrates

Invertebrate animals have long played an important role in biomedical research in such fields as genetics, physiology, and development. However, with few exceptions, scientists, veterinarians, and technicians have paid little attention to the anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia of these diverse creatures. Indeed, some standard research procedures are routinely performed without anesthesia. Yet various chemical agents are available for the immobilization or anesthesia of invertebrates, ranging from gases or volatile liquids that can be pumped into either an anesthetic chamber (for terrestrial species) or a container of water (aquatic species), to benzocaine and other substances for fish. Many invertebrates are not difficult to immobilize or anesthetize and the procedures recommended in this article appear to be safe; however, none should be considered totally risk-free. Analgesia of invertebrates is as yet a largely unexplored field; until scientific data are available, other measures can promote the well-being of these animals in the laboratory. For euthanasia, various methods (physical or chemical or a combination of both) have been recommended for different taxa of invertebrates, but most have not been properly studied under laboratory conditions and some can be problematic in the context of research procedures and tissue harvesting. Furthermore, relevant data are scattered, sometimes available only in languages other than English, and there is no international approach for seeking and collating such information. In this article I review various methods of anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia for terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, as well as areas requiring further research.     

Trends in the Discovery of New Marine Natural Products from Invertebrates over the Last Two Decades – Where and What Are We Bioprospecting?

It is acknowledged that marine invertebrates produce bioactive natural products that may be useful for developing new drugs. By exploring untapped geographical sources and/or novel groups of organisms one can maximize the search for new marine drugs to treat human diseases. The goal of this paper is to analyse the trends associated with the discovery of new marine natural products from invertebrates (NMNPI) over the last two decades. The analysis considers different taxonomical levels and geographical approaches of bioprospected species. Additionally, this research is also directed to provide new insights into less bioprospected taxa and world regions. In order to gather the information available on NMNPI, the yearly-published reviews of Marine Natural Products covering 1990-2009 were surveyed. Information on source organisms, specifically taxonomical information and collection sites, was assembled together with additional geographical information collected from the articles originally describing the new natural product. Almost 10000 NMNPI were discovered since 1990, with a pronounced increase between decades. Porifera and Cnidaria were the two dominant sources of NMNPI worldwide. The exception was polar regions where Echinodermata dominated. The majority of species that yielded the new natural products belong to only one class of each Porifera and Cnidaria phyla (Demospongiae and Anthozoa, respectively). Increased bioprospecting efforts were observed in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in Asian countries that are associated with the Japan Biodiversity Hotspot and the Kuroshio Current. Although results show comparably less NMNPI from polar regions, the number of new natural products per species is similar to that recorded for other regions. The present study provides information to future bioprospecting efforts addressing previously unexplored taxonomic groups and/or regions. We also highlight how marine invertebrates, which in some cases have no commercial value, may become highly valuable in the ongoing search for new drugs from the sea.     

The evolution of pro-opiomelanocortin: looking for the invertebrate fingerprints

The presence and role of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene and encoded peptides in invertebrates are here summarized and discussed. Some of the POMC-derived peptides show a significant similarity regarding their functions, suggesting their appearance before the split of protostomian–deuterostomian lineages and their maintenance during evolution. The basic mechanisms that govern the exchange of information between cells are usually well conserved, and this could have also been for POMC-derived peptides, that are mainly involved in fundamental functions such as immune and neuroendocrine responses. However, the presence and functions that POMC-derived peptides exhibit in taxonomically distant models, are not always reflected by the expected gene homology, leaving the problem of POMC evolution in invertebrates in need of additional study.