Angiosperms with large genomes experience nuclear-, cellular-, and organism-level constraints that may limit their phenotypic plasticity and ecological niche, which could increase their risk of extinction. Therefore, we test the hypotheses that large-genomed species are more likely to be threatened with extinction than those with small genomes, and that the effect of genome size varies across three selected covariates: life form, endemism, and climatic zone. We collated genome size and extinction risk information for a representative sample of angiosperms comprising 3250 species, which we analyzed alongside life form, endemism, and climatic zone variables using a phylogenetic framework. Genome size is positively correlated with extinction risk, a pattern driven by a signal in herbaceous but not woody species, regardless of climate and endemism. The influence of genome size is stronger in endemic herbaceous species, but is relatively homogenous across different climates. Beyond its indirect link via endemism and climate, genome size is associated with extinction risk directly and significantly. Genome size may serve as a proxy for difficult-to-measure parameters associated with resilience and vulnerability in herbaceous angiosperms. Therefore, it merits further exploration as a useful biological attribute for understanding intrinsic extinction risk and augmenting plant conservation efforts.
- Klíčová slova
- C‐value, IUCN Red List, conservation status, endemic species, life form, nucleotype, plant traits,
- MeSH
- délka genomu * MeSH
- extinkce biologická * MeSH
- fylogeneze * MeSH
- genom rostlinný MeSH
- Magnoliopsida * genetika fyziologie MeSH
- podnebí MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: Alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a tick-borne food allergy caused by IgE antibodies against the glycan galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) present in glycoproteins and glycolipids from mammalian meat. To advance in the diagnosis and treatment of AGS, further research is needed to unravel the molecular and immune mechanisms underlying this syndrome. The objective of this study is the characterization of tick salivary components and proteins with and without α-Gal modifications involved in modulating human immune response against this carbohydrate. METHODS: Protein and α-Gal content were determined in tick saliva components, and proteins were identified by proteomics analysis of tick saliva fractions. Pathophysiological changes were recorded in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model after exposure to distinct Ixodes ricinus tick salivary components. Serum samples were collected from zebrafish at day 8 of exposure to determine anti-α-Gal, anti-glycan, and anti-tick saliva protein IgM antibody titers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Zebrafish treated with tick saliva and saliva protein fractions combined with non-protein fractions demonstrated significantly higher incidence of hemorrhagic type allergic reactions, abnormal behavioral patterns, or mortality when compared to the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated control group. The main tick salivary proteins identified in these fractions with possible functional implication in AGS were the secreted protein B7P208-salivary antigen p23 and metalloproteases. Anti-α-Gal and anti-tick salivary gland IgM antibody titers were significantly higher in distinct saliva protein fractions and deglycosylated saliva group when compared with PBS-treated controls. Anti-glycan antibodies showed group-related profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the hypothesis that tick salivary biomolecules with and without α-Gal modifications are involved in modulating immune response against this carbohydrate.
- Klíčová slova
- Allergy, Alpha-gal syndrome, Glycan, Tick, Zebrafish,
- MeSH
- dánio pruhované metabolismus MeSH
- galaktosa MeSH
- imunoglobulin E MeSH
- imunoglobulin M MeSH
- klíště * MeSH
- kousnutí klíštětem * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- potravinová alergie * etiologie MeSH
- proteiny členovců MeSH
- savci MeSH
- sliny MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- galaktosa MeSH
- imunoglobulin E MeSH
- imunoglobulin M MeSH
- proteiny členovců MeSH
