Starvation Decreases Immunity and Immune Regulatory Factor NF-κB in the Starlet Sea Anemone Nematostella vectensis

• DOI: 10.1101/2022.06.09.495518
• Publication Date: 2022-06-12T04:40:12Z
• Authors: Pablo J. Aguirre ...; Niharika Desai; Joseph J. Brennan; James E. Fifer; Sarah W. Davies; Thomas D. Gilmore
• Keywords: Sea anemone; Anemone

Abstract Lack of proper nutrition (malnutrition) or the complete absence all food (starvation) have important consequences on physiology organisms. In many cases, nutritional status affects immunity, but, for most part, relationship between and immunity has been limited to studies in vertebrates terrestrial invertebrates. Herein, we describe a positive correlation sea anemone Nematostella vectensis . Gene expression profiling adult fed starved anemones showed downregulation genes involved nutrient metabolism cellular respiration, as well immune-related genes, animals. Starved also had reduced protein levels DNA-binding activity immunity-related transcription factor NF-κB. juvenile increased sensitivity bacterial infection lower NF-κB levels, compared controls. Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) revealed significantly correlated gene networks that were inversely associated with starvation. Based WGCNA reporter assay, identified TRAF3 likely target N. Overall, these experiments demonstrate basal marine metazoan, results implications survival organisms they encounter changing environments. Significance Statement Adequate is required sustain biological function. One threatening organisms, result modern day anthropogenic environmental changes, availability. Here, characterize transcriptional changes following deprivation cnidarian model We show starvation decreased among others. Moreover, reduces level immune regulatory causes susceptibility infection. These this organism responds at food, that, addition metabolic factors, leads reduction immunity.