Integrating mitochondrial and nuclear genomic data to decipher the evolutionary history of Eubranchipus species in Japan.

Understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of species is crucial for their conservation and management. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among Eubranchipus species occurring in Japan. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that nuclear and mitochondrial data yield incompatible results. In E. uchidai, nuclear data support the monophyly of the Shimokita area, while mitochondrial data indicate a clustering of Higashidori2 individuals with Hokkaido (Ishikari and Wakkanai) E. uchidai. Similar incongruences were observed in E. hatanakai, where nuclear data favor the monophyly of the Chokai area, while mitochondrial data cluster some Chokai pool 3 individuals with Aizu individuals. These incompatibilities might be caused by mitochondrial gene flow. The findings emphasize the importance of considering both nuclear and mitochondrial data during phylogenetic studies and provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of migration and genetic exchange in Eubranchipus species.

Cardioprotective effects of Moku-boi-to and its impact on AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, induced by elevated levels of angiotensin II (AngII), plays a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases. Current therapeutic approaches aim to regress cardiac hypertrophy but have limited efficacy. Widely used Japanese Kampo medicines are highly safe and potential therapeutic agents. This study aims to explore the impact and mechanisms by which Moku-boi-to (MBT), a Japanese Kampo medicine, exerts its potential cardioprotective benefits against AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, bridging the knowledge gap and contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. By evaluating the effects of six Japanese Kampo medicines with known cardiovascular efficiency on AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cell death, we identified MBT as a promising candidate. MBT exhibited preventive effects against AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cell death and demonstrated improvements in intracellular Ca2+ signaling regulation, ROS production, and mitochondrial function. Unexpectedly, experiments combining MBT with the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan suggested that MBT may target the AT1 receptor. In an isoproterenol-induced heart failure mouse model, MBT treatment demonstrated significant effects on cardiac function and hypertrophy. These findings highlight the cardioprotective potential of MBT through AT1 receptor-mediated mechanisms, offering valuable insights into its efficacy in alleviating AngII-induced dysfunction in cardiomyocytes. The study suggests that MBT holds promise as a safe and effective prophylactic agent for cardiac hypertrophy, providing a deeper understanding of its mechanisms for cardioprotection against AngII-induced dysfunction.

Development of microsatellite markers for a soricid water shrew, Chimarrogale platycephalus, and their successful use for individual identification.

The soricid water shrew Chimarrogale platycephalus is a mammalian species endemic to the Japanese Islands. The animals inhabit the islands of Honshu and Kyushu, and are considered to be extinct in Shikoku. Information on this water shrew from Honshu and Kyushu is scarce, and C. platycephalus is registered on many local governments' red lists as an endangered species. There are very few studies on their ethology, ecology or phylogenetics, due to difficulties related to the shrews being both nocturnal and aquatic: to study C. platycephalus, field research must be conducted in mountain streams at night. To overcome these challenges, we previously established a genetic analysis method using the feces of C. platycephalus, as a result of which the amount of phylogenetic and phylogeographic data has increased and our understanding of the species has improved. In this study, microsatellite markers were developed, and analyses using markers for 21 loci were performed. Moreover, to confirm the ability of these 21 microsatellite markers to differentiate individuals, all markers were tested using fecal and tissue specimens from 12 individuals reared separately in an aquarium. Using as few as 12 of these loci, individual differentiation with 100% accuracy should be achievable. The development of microsatellite markers in this study and the establishment of individual identification methods should greatly contribute to future ecological, ethological, population genetics and biogeographical research on C. platycephalus.