A5050754913- Invertebrate Immune Response Mechanisms
- Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Marine Sponges and Natural Products
- Ion channel regulation and function
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Cellular transport and secretion
- Cephalopods and Marine Biology
- Plant and Biological Electrophysiology Studies
- Planarian Biology and Electrostimulation
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
- Parasites and Host Interactions
- Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research
- Protist diversity and phylogeny
- Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
- Adenosine and Purinergic Signaling
- Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
- Amino Acid Enzymes and Metabolism
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
University of Florida
2013-2024
Whitney Museum of American Art
2007-2024
Zero to Three
2006
Florida College
2005
University of North Florida
2005
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
2003
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
1994-1999
Eastern Michigan University
1985
The origins of neural systems remain unresolved. In contrast to other basal metazoans, ctenophores (comb jellies) have both complex nervous and mesoderm-derived muscular systems. These holoplanktonic predators also sophisticated ciliated locomotion, behaviour distinct development. Here we present the draft genome Pleurobrachia bachei, Pacific sea gooseberry, together with ten ctenophore transcriptomes, show that they are remarkably from animal genomes in their content neurogenic, immune...
We investigated genome folding across the eukaryotic tree of life. find two types three-dimensional (3D) architectures at chromosome scale. Each type appears and disappears repeatedly during evolution. The architecture that an organism exhibits correlates with absence condensin II subunits. Moreover, depletion converts human to a state resembling seen in organisms such as fungi or mosquitoes. In this state, centromeres cluster together nucleoli, heterochromatin domains merge. propose...
The evolutionary origin of metazoan cell types such as neurons and muscles is not known. Using whole-body single-cell RNA sequencing in a sponge, an animal without nervous system musculature, we identified 18 distinct types. These include nitric oxide–sensitive contractile pinacocytes, amoeboid phagocytes, secretory neuroid cells that reside close contact with digestive choanocytes express scaffolding receptor proteins. Visualizing by correlative x-ray electron microscopy revealed vesicles...
Loss of the RNA-binding protein fragile X mental retardation (FMRP) represents most common form inherited intellectual disability. Studies with heterologous expression systems indicate that FMRP interacts directly Slack Na + -activated K channels (K ), producing an enhancement channel activity. We have now used Aplysia bag cell (BC) neurons, which regulate reproductive behaviors, to examine effects and on excitability. immunoreactivity were colocalized at periphery isolated BC two proteins...
Abstract Molecular profiles of neurons influence neural development and function but bridging the gap between genes, circuits, behavior has been very difficult. Here we used single cell RNAseq to generate a complete gene expression atlas Drosophila larval central nervous system composed 131,077 cells across three developmental stages (1 h, 24 h 48 after hatching). We identify 67 distinct clusters based on patterns expression. These include 31 functional mature neuron clusters, 1 ring gland...
Hypotheses of origins and evolution neurons synapses are controversial, mostly due to limited comparative data. Here, we investigated the genome-wide distribution bilaterian "synaptic" "neuronal" protein-coding genes in non-bilaterian basal metazoans (Ctenophora, Porifera, Placozoa, Cnidaria). First, there no recognized uniquely expressed across all metazoan lineages. None so-called pan-neuronal such as embryonic lethal abnormal vision ( ELAV ) , Musashi or Neuroglobin exclusively ctenophore...
The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is integral to marine ecosystems and supports an important commercial fishery. This iconic species also serves as a valuable model for deciphering neural networks controlling rhythmic motor patterns olfaction. Here, we report high-quality draft assembly of the H. americanus genome with 25,284 predicted gene models. Analysis complement revealed extraordinary development chemosensory machinery, including profound diversification ligand-gated ion...
Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms that cause schistosomiasis, a major tropical disease. The current drug of choice against schistosomiasis is praziquantel (PZQ), which has minimal side effects and potent all schistosome species. mode action PZQ unknown, though the clearly affects Ca(2+) homeostasis in worms, there indirect evidence for interaction with voltage-gated channels. We have cloned expressed two channel beta subunits, one from Schistosoma mansoni japonicum. These subunits...
Coleoid cephalopods show remarkable evolutionary convergence with vertebrates in their neural organization, including (1) eyes and visual system optic lobes, (2) specialized parts of the brain controlling learning memory, such as vertical (3) unique vasculature supporting complexity central nervous system. We performed deep sequencing eye transcriptomes pygmy squids ( Idiosepius paradoxus ) chambered nautiluses Nautilus pompilius to decipher molecular basis convergent evolution cephalopods....
Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous gaseous messenger, but we know little about its early evolution. Here, analyzed NO synthases (NOS) in four different species of placozoans—one the early-branching animal lineages. In contrast to other invertebrates studied, Trichoplax and Hoilungia have three distinct NOS genes, including PDZ domain-containing NOS. Using ultra-sensitive capillary electrophoresis assays, quantified nitrites (products oxidation) l -citrulline (co-product synthesis...
Abstract The evolutionary origin of metazoan cell types such as neurons, muscles, digestive, and immune cells, remains unsolved. Using whole-body single-cell RNA sequencing in a sponge, an animal without nervous system musculature, we identify 18 distinct comprising four major families. This includes nitric-oxide sensitive contractile digestive cells active macropinocytosis, family amoeboid-neuroid involved innate immunity. We uncover ‘presynaptic’ genes type, ‘postsynaptic’ choanocytes,...
Here we describe a strategy designed to identify RNAs that are actively transported synapses during learning. Our approach is based on the characterization of RNA transport complexes carried by molecular motor kinesin. Using this in Aplysia , have identified 5,657 unique sequences consisting both coding and noncoding from CNS. Several these key roles maintenance synaptic function growth. One RNAs, myosin heavy chain, critical presynaptic sensory neurons for establishment long-term...
The origin and early evolution of neurotransmitter signaling in animals are unclear due to limited comparative information, primarily about prebilaterian animals. Here, we performed the survey signal molecules placozoans - simplest known free-living without canonical synapses, but with complex behaviors. First, using capillary electrophoresis laser-induced fluorescence detection, microchemical analyses transmitter candidates Trichoplax adhaerens classical reference species biology. We showed...
The mechanisms that generate neural diversity during development remains largely unknown. Here, we use scRNA-seq methodology to discover new features of the Drosophila larval CNS across several key developmental timepoints. We identify multiple progenitor subtypes - both stem cell-like neuroblasts and intermediate progenitors change gene expression development, report on candidate markers for each class progenitors. a pool quiescent in newly hatched larvae show they are transcriptionally...