Project description:This experiment examined the transcriptional response of juvenile amphibian hosts (common frog, Rana temporaria) to two important amphibian pathogens: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Ranavirus. Common frogs are non-model organisms which do not have a reference genome.
Project description:Global amphibian declines and extinction events are currently occurring at an unprecedented rate. While various factors are influencing these declines, one factor that is readily identifiable is disease. Specifically, the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is thought to play a major role in amphibian declines in tropical and neotropical regions of the globe. While the effects of this chytrid fungus have been shown to be devastating, certain individuals and relict populations have shown resistance. This resistance has been attributed in part to the cutaneous microbiome. Many identified bacterial species that make up the microbiome have shown anti-B. dendrobatidis activity in vitro. One bacteria that is commonly associated as being a member of the amphibian microbiome across amphibian species and shows such anti-B. dendrobatidis activity is Serratia marcescens. Here, we look at transcriptomic shifts in gene expression of S. marcescens (high homology to strain WW4) in response to both live and heat-killed B. dendrobatidis.
Project description:Photoaging-induced deterioration of skin structural integrity and barrier function represents a critical challenge in dermatological health. While small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) hold therapeutic potential, their source diversity remains underexplored. Here, we report a novel sEV, designated OA-UVR-sEV, isolated from ultraviolet irradiation (UVR)-stimulated skin secretions of the amphibian Odorrana andersonii. Characterization confirmed its typical vesicular ultrastructure and excellent biocompatibility. Integrated multi-omics analysis revealed enrichment of functional miRNAs, proteins, and small-molecule metabolites with anti-photoaging potential. In vitro, OA-UVR-sEV substantially reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation, UVR-associated DNA damage marker expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human immortalized keratinocytes and mouse dermal fibroblasts. For in vivo delivery, we developed a hyaluronic acid microneedle system, which enabled OA-UVR-sEV to attenuate wrinkle formation, stimulate dermal collagen synthesis, improve skin hydration, and reduce transepidermal water loss in photoaged mice. Analyses in dermal fibroblasts showed that these protective effects were associated with reduced activation of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Collectively, our results establish OA-UVR-sEV as an effective anti-photoaging agent and highlight amphibian-derived sEVs as a promising new avenue for combating skin aging.