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The influence of simulated microgravity on the proteome of Daphnia magna

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: The waterflea Daphnia is an interesting candidate for biore- generative life support systems (BLSS). These animals are particularly promising be- cause of their central role in the limnic food web and its mode of reproduction. How- ever, the response of Daphnia to altered gravity conditions has to be investigated, especially on the molecular level, to evaluate the suitability of Daphnia for BLSS in space. Methods: In this study, we applied a proteomic approach to identify key proteins and pathways involved in the response of Daphnia to simulated microgravity gener- ated by a 2D-clinostat. We analysed 5 biological replicates using 2D-DIGE proteomic analysis. Results: We identified 109 protein spots differing in intensity (p < 0.05). Substan- tial fractions of these proteins are involved in actin microfilament organisation, in- dicating the disruption of cytoskeletal structures during clinorotation. Furthermore, proteins involved in protein folding were identified, suggesting altered gravity in- duced break-down of protein structures in general. In addition, simulated micro- gravity increased the abundance of energy metabolism related proteins, indicating an enhanced energy demand of Daphnia. Conclusion: The affected biological processes were also described in other studies using different organisms and systems either aiming to simulate microgravity con- ditions or providing real microgravity conditions. Moreover, most of the Daphnia protein sequences are well conserved throughout taxa, indicating that the response to altered gravity conditions in Daphnia follows a general concept.

INSTRUMENT(S): LTQ

ORGANISM(S): Daphnia Magna

TISSUE(S): Whole Body

SUBMITTER: Kathrin Otte

LAB HEAD: Georg Arnold

PROVIDER: PXD002096 | Pride | 2015-09-08

REPOSITORIES: Pride

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Project description:Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of one genotype to express different phenotypes in response to changing environmental conditions, is one of the most common phenomena characterising the living world and is not only relevant for the ecology but also for the evolution of species. Daphnia, the waterflea, is a textbook example for predator induced phenotypic plastic defences including changes in life-history, behaviour and morphology. However, the analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying these inducible defences is still in its early stages. We exposed Daphnia magna to chemical cues of the predator Triops cancriformis to identify key processes underlying plastic defensive trait formation. D. magna is known to develop an array of morphological changes in the presence of T. cancriformis including changes of carapace morphology and cuticle hardening. To get a more comprehensive idea of this phenomenon, we studied four different genotypes originating from habitats with different predation history, reaching from predator-free to temporary habitats containing T. cancriformis. We analysed the morphologies as well as proteomes of predator-exposed and control animals. Three genotypes showed morphological changes when the predator was present. Using a high-throughput proteomics approach, we found 294 proteins which were significantly altered in their abundance after predator exposure in a general or genotype dependant manner. Proteins connected to genotype dependant responses were related to the cuticle, protein synthesis and calcium binding whereas the yolk protein vitellogenin increased in abundance in all genotypes, indicating their involvement in a more general response. Furthermore, genotype dependant responses at the proteome level correlated well with local adaptation to Triops predation. Altogether, our study provides new insights concerning genotype dependant and general molecular processes involved in predator-induced phenotypic plasticity in D. magna.

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The influence of simulated microgravity on the proteome of Daphnia magna

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