Project description:We compared the eggshell proteome of the crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) to the oviparous Mongolia racerunner (Eremias argus).
Project description:Based on its phylogenetic relationship to monitor lizards (Varanidae), Gila monsters (Heloderma spp.), and the earless monitor Lanthanotus borneesis, the Chinese crocodile lizard, Shinisaurus crocodilurus, has been assigned to the Toxicofera clade, which comprises venomous reptiles. However, no data about composition and biological activities of its oral secretion have been reported. In the present study, a proteomic analysis of the mandibular gland of S. crocodilurus and, for comparison, of the herbivorous Solomon Island skink Corucia zebrata, was performed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the teeth from S. crocodilurus revealed a sharp ridge on the anterior surface, but no grooves, whereas those of C. zebrata possess a flattened crown with a pointed cusp. Proteomic analysis of their gland extracts provided no evidence of venom-derived peptides or proteins, strongly supporting the non-venomous character of these lizards.
Project description:MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 18-24 nucleotide autonomous regulatory RNA molecules found in all eukaryotes. They are involved in the regulation of a multitude of genetic and biological pathways through post transcriptional gene silencing and/or translational repression. Previous data has suggested a slow evolutionary rate for the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) over the past several million years when compared to its closest extant relatives, the birds. Understanding genome regulation, adaptive capabilities and physiological features in the saltwater crocodile in the context of relatively slow genomic change thus holds significant potential for the investigation of genomics, evolution and adaptive studies. Utilizing eleven different tissue types and sixteen small RNA libraries, we report a catalog of 644 miRNAs in the saltwater crocodile with > 78% of miRNAs being potentially novel to crocodilians. We also predicted and identified targets for the miRNAs as well as analyzed the relationship of the miRNA repertoire to transposable elements (TEs) in the saltwater crocodile that showed an increased association of DNA transposons with miRNA biogenesis when compared to retrotransposons. Phylogenetic analysis of C. porosus miRNA expectedly revealed highest number of miRNAs in sister crocodilian clades of the American Alligator and the Indian Gharial. This work reports the first comprehensive analysis of miRNAs in Crocodylus porosus for and addresses the potential impacts of miRNAs in regulating the genome in the saltwater crocodile as well as supporting the role of TEs as a source for miRNAs, adding to the increasing evidence that TEs play a significant role in the evolution of gene regulation.
Project description:For species discrimination of crocodilian leather, we performed LC-MS/MS identification of type I collagen-derived marker peptides using leathers made from crocodile, alligator, caiman, and lizard skins.
Project description:Lizards cannot naturally regenerate limbs but are the closest known relatives of mammals capable of epimorphic tail regrowth. However, the mechanisms regulating lizard blastema derivation and chondrogenesis remain unclear. We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing analyses of regenerating lizard tails throughout the course of regeneration to assess diversity and heterogeneity in regeneating tail cell populations.
2023-06-20 | GSE234876 | GEO
Project description:Comparison of ulcerated and healthy skin bacterial microbiome in crocodile lizard
| PRJNA525317 | ENA
Project description:Comparison of ulcerated and healthy skin fungal microbiome in crocodile lizard
Project description:We developed a genetically engineered conditional compound heterozygous Dicer1 mouse strain that fully recapitulates the bi-allelic mutations of DICER1 in DICER1 syndrome-associated cancers. Embryonic activation of bi-allelic Dicer1 mutations, driven by the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2 (Amhr2)-driven Cre strain (Amhr2+/cre), drove cancer development from oviduct. Small RNA sequencing was performed to compare the microRNA expression profiles between tumor and normal oviduct.
2023-07-18 | GSE233398 | GEO
Project description:Gut and oviduct microbiome of Sceloporus virgatus (striped plateau lizard)