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Biology
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Internal Defense System and Evolution of Aquatic Animals
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Internal Defense System and Evolution of Aquatic Animals

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Evolutionary Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2025 | Viewed by 5778

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Alessio Alesci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: zoology; morpho-functional adaptations; biodiversity; internal defense system; aquatic environment; evolution; immunology; confocal microscopy; immunohistochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, research has increasingly focused on the defense system of metazoans, as studying how their internal defense system has adapted and evolved has multiple benefits. We currently live in a society and historical period in which consumerism and the exploitation of environmental resources are increasing disproportionately. The accumulation of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, in particular, has the potential to cause a major environmental crisis, with a loss of biodiversity and damage to nature representing major risks. Aquatic animals have developed specific mechanisms to protect themselves from these pollutants, and these can serve as indicators of environmental alterations. Furthermore, studying the defense systems of aquatic animals can aid in understanding the adaptations of animals that have become partially or fully adapted to non-aquatic environments. Additionally, studying the biological responses and mechanisms of aquatic organisms that interact with the external environment can provide additional information regarding the complex defense systems of higher vertebrates such as mammals. In conclusion, this Special Issue aims to collect data that highlight the evolution of the defense system in aquatic metazoans, from invertebrates to marine mammals.

Dr. Alessio Alesci
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • internal defense system
  • evolution
  • aquatic animals
  • immunology
  • aquatic environment
  • biodiversity
  • pollution
  • ecosystems

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 4547 KiB  
Article
Exploring Chromosomal Polymorphism and Evolutionary Implications in Rineloricaria lanceolata (Günther, 1868) (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): Insights from Meiotic Behavior and Phylogenetic Analysis
by Vanessa Isabel Batista de Morais, Juliane Vida Lemos de Oliveira, Alessio Alesci, Mara Cristina de Almeida and Roberto Ferreira Artoni
Biology 2024, 13(9), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13090708 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 732
Abstract
Chromosomal polymorphism is a significant aspect of population genetics, influencing the adaptation and evolution of species. In Rineloricaria lanceolata, a Neotropical fish species, chromosomal polymorphism has been observed, yet the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary implications remain poorly understood. This article aims to [...] Read more.
Chromosomal polymorphism is a significant aspect of population genetics, influencing the adaptation and evolution of species. In Rineloricaria lanceolata, a Neotropical fish species, chromosomal polymorphism has been observed, yet the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary implications remain poorly understood. This article aims to investigate the chromosomal polymorphism in Rineloricaria lanceolata, focusing on elucidating the meiotic behavior of karyotypic variants and tracing the phylogenetic origins of this polymorphism within the genus. By employing molecular markers and cytogenetic techniques, we aim to uncover the mechanisms driving chromosomal rearrangements and their potential role in speciation and adaptation. Understanding the genetic basis of chromosomal polymorphism in R. lanceolata not only contributes to our knowledge of species evolution but also holds implications for the conservation of genetic diversity within this vulnerable group of Neotropical fishes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Defense System and Evolution of Aquatic Animals)
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14 pages, 10500 KiB  
Article
Morphological Analysis of a New Species of Micropterus (Teleostei: Centrarchidae) from Lake Erie, PA, USA
by Andrew T. Ross and Jay R. Stauffer, Jr.
Biology 2024, 13(9), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13090660 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2167
Abstract
This previously undescribed species of Micropterus is described from collections in Lake Erie. The species was first recognized by the tri-colored tail of juveniles. This tri-colored tail, the presence of bold parallel lines ventral to the lateral band, and scales in the inter-radial [...] Read more.
This previously undescribed species of Micropterus is described from collections in Lake Erie. The species was first recognized by the tri-colored tail of juveniles. This tri-colored tail, the presence of bold parallel lines ventral to the lateral band, and scales in the inter-radial membranes of the dorsal fin distinguish it from Micropterus nigricans. The large mouth that extends past the eye distinguishes it from Micropterus punctulatus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Defense System and Evolution of Aquatic Animals)
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15 pages, 2851 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Triplophysa microphthalma
by Ping Yang, Wei Guo, Chao Wei, Xin Wang, Yixuan Wang and Jia Wang
Biology 2024, 13(8), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13080608 - 11 Aug 2024
Viewed by 751
Abstract
The complete mitochondrial genome has been extensively utilized in studies related to phylogenetics, offering valuable perspectives on evolutionary relationships. The mitochondrial genome of the fine-eyed plateau loach, Triplophysa microphthalma, has not attracted much attention, although this species is endemic to China. In [...] Read more.
The complete mitochondrial genome has been extensively utilized in studies related to phylogenetics, offering valuable perspectives on evolutionary relationships. The mitochondrial genome of the fine-eyed plateau loach, Triplophysa microphthalma, has not attracted much attention, although this species is endemic to China. In this study, we characterized the mitochondrial genome of T. microphthalma and reassessed the classification status of its genus. The complete mitochondrial genome of T. microphthalma was 16,591 bp and contained thirty-seven genes, including thirteen protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and twenty-two transfer RNA genes (tRNAs). All but one of the thirteen PCGs had the regular start codon ATG; the gene cox1 started with GTG. Six PCGs had incomplete stop codons (T--). These thirteen PCGs are thought to have evolved under purifying selection, and the mitogenome shared a high degree of similarity with the genomes of species within the genus Leptobotia. All tRNA genes exhibited the standard clover-shaped structure, with the exception of the trnS1 gene, which lacked a DHU stem. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that T. microphthalma was more closely related to species within the genus Triplophysa than to those in Barbatula. The present study contributes valuable genomic information for T. microphthalma, and offers new perspectives on the phylogenetic relationships among species of Triplophysa and Barbatula. The findings also provide essential data that can inform the management and conservation strategies for T. microphthalma and other species of Triplophysa and Barbatula. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Defense System and Evolution of Aquatic Animals)
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15 pages, 23106 KiB  
Article
Investigating Development and Defense Systems in Early Reproductive Stages of Male and Female Gonads in Black Scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758)
by Alessio Alesci, Sebastian Marino, Claudio D’Iglio, Silvana Morgante, Anthea Miller, Gabriele Rigano, Josipa Ferri, Jorge M. O. Fernandes and Gioele Capillo
Biology 2024, 13(8), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13080587 - 2 Aug 2024
Viewed by 660
Abstract
One of the most crucial biological indicators in tracking long-term variations in the reproductive cycle is sexual development. Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the black scorpionfish, is a small teleost from the family Scorpaenidae. Much is known about its ecology, but [...] Read more.
One of the most crucial biological indicators in tracking long-term variations in the reproductive cycle is sexual development. Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the black scorpionfish, is a small teleost from the family Scorpaenidae. Much is known about its ecology, but data on its reproductive and defense systems are still lacking. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as piscidins, are integral components of the innate immune system in fish. These peptides exhibit a wide range of activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa and act as the first line of host defense. This study aims to investigate the primary sexual development stages in male and female gonads of black scorpionfish, providing additional knowledge on the reproductive biology of this teleost while evaluating concomitant changes in the expression of a Piscidin-1 antimicrobial peptide. The results show a histological, morpho-structural change from the immature stage to the developing virgin stage. Immunohistochemical analyses show that germinal and somatic cells are strongly reactive to Piscidin-1 in both gonads at an early ontogeny stage. These data suggest that Piscidin-1 may play a key role in the local defense system of scorpionfish gonads at this delicate stage, which is critical for the continuation and maintenance of the species. The present findings are potentially useful for a better understanding of the reproductive cycle of this fish, improving our knowledge of the interaction between the immune system and reproduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Defense System and Evolution of Aquatic Animals)
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18 pages, 8135 KiB  
Article
The Evolution of Three Schizothoracinae Species from Two Major River Systems in Northwest China Based on Otolith Morphology and Skeletal Structure
by Chengxin Wang, Linghui Hu, Yong Song, Haoyang Xie, Liting Yang, Gulden Serekbol, Bin Huo and Shengao Chen
Biology 2024, 13(7), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070517 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 863
Abstract
Schizothoracinae species are the largest group of Cypriniformes that readily adapt to the natural conditions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This group has habitat characteristics and distribution patterns centered on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. To study the evolution of three Schizothoracinae species in Northwest China, [...] Read more.
Schizothoracinae species are the largest group of Cypriniformes that readily adapt to the natural conditions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This group has habitat characteristics and distribution patterns centered on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. To study the evolution of three Schizothoracinae species in Northwest China, the evolutionary characteristics of these species were explored based on differences in otolith morphology and skeletal morphology. From 2020 to 2022, 138 samples (63 Aspiorhynchus laticeps, 35 Diptychus maculatus and 40 Schizothorax pseudaksaiensis) were collected from the Tarim River and Ili River, 6 basic morphological parameters of otoliths were measured and converted into 6 morphological factors and 7 morphological indices. A total of 77 Fourier transform coefficients of each otolith were selected The first three principal components accounted for 92.834% of the total variation in 13 otolith morphological indices of the three Schizothoracinae species, and the overall discrimination rate was 94.20%. According to the principal component analysis of 77 Fourier harmonic values of otoliths, the first 20 principal components explained 97.233% of the total variation, and the overall discrimination rate was 100%. The results of the cluster analysis directly reflected the relationships between related species. The differences in the bone morphology of the three Schizothoracinae species were particularly reflected in the number of whiskers, pharyngeal teeth and vertebrae, and there were also significant differences in the shapes of the sphenotic (SP), pterotic (PTE), preoperculum (PO), branchiostegal ray (BRA) and basibranchial (BB) bones. Their unique morphological and skeletal characteristics are closely related to geological changes and water system evolutionary trends. This study contributes to the understanding of species identification and the evolutionary status of plateau fishes, provides a reference for further evolutionary classification and for assessing the evolutionary mechanisms of plateau fishes, and provides a scientific basis for phylogeny and germplasm resource protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Defense System and Evolution of Aquatic Animals)
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