Current Science

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access

Encystment and Excystment in Ciliated Protists:Multidimensional Approach


Affiliations
1 California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology LLC, 4751 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94534, United States
 

In unfavourable conditions, ciliated protists lower or shut down their metabolic activities and form resting cysts to survive. According to the present knowledge, most studies are based on one or two-dimensional approaches to understand the morphological, physiological and biochemical changes during encystment and excystment. However, in the last few years, research has been initiated to reveal proteins involved in encystment. This review provides an insight into the major findings related to the formation of resting cysts in ciliates using multidimensional approach and various limitations in the field.

Keywords

Ciliated Protists, Encystment, Excystment, Proteins.
User
Notifications
Font Size

  • Gutierrez, J. C., Callejas, S., Borniquel, S., Bénitez, L. and Martín-González, A., Ciliate cryptobiosis: a microbial strategy against environmental starvation. Int. Microbiol., 2001, 4, 151– 157.

  • Corliss, J. O. and Esser, S. C., Comments on the role of the cyst in the life cycle and survival of free-living protozoa. Trans. Am. Microsc. Soc., 1974, 93, 578–593.

  • Ricci, N., Verni, F. and Rosati, G., The cyst of Oxytricha bifaria (Ciliata: Hypotrichida). I. Morphology and significance. Trans. Am. Microsc. Soc., 1985, 104, 70–78.

  • Keilin, D., The Leeuwenhoek lecture: the problem of anabiosis or latent life. History and current concept. Proc. R. Soc. Lond, B, Biol. Sci., 1959, 150, 149–191.

  • Gutiérrez, J. C., Martín-González, A. and Matsusaka, T., Towards a generalised model of encystment (cryptobiosis) in ciliates: a review and a hypothesis. BioSystems, 1990, 24, 17–24.

  • Verni, F. and Rosati, G., Resting cysts: a survival strategy in Protozoa Ciliophora. Ital. J. Zool., 2011, 78, 134–145.

  • Gu, F., Ji, L., Ni, B. and Li, G., Observations on cellular ultrastructure during encystment of Oxytricha platystoma. Acta Zool. Sin., 1996, 43, 227–231.

  • Li, Q., Fan, X., Ni, B. and Gu, F., Scanning electron microscopic observations on the differentiation of cortex and cilia during the encystment of Allotricha curdsi (Ciliophora: Hypotrichida). Chinese J. Cell Biol., 2012, 34, 290–294.

  • Berger, H., Monograph of the Oxytrichidae (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia). Monographiae Biol., 1999, 78(i–xii), 1–1080.

  • Berger, H., Monograph of the Urostyloidea (Ciliophora, Hypotricha). Monographiae Biol., 2006, 85(i–xv), 1–1303.

  • Corliss, J. O., The Ciliated Protozoa, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1979, 2nd edn.

  • Fukang, G., Bing, N., Zhenyun, Y. and Baojian, D., Ultrastructure of the vegetative cell and resting cyst in Pseudourostyla cristata (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida). Chinese J. Zool., 2002, 48, 251– 257.

  • Finlay, B. J., Corliss, J. O., Esteban, G. and Fenchel, T., Biodiversity at the microbial level: the number of free-living ciliates in the biosphere. Q. Rev. Biol., 1996, 71, 221–237.

  • Foissner, W. and Pichler, M., The unusual, lepidosome coated resting cyst of Meseres corlissi (Ciliophora: Oligotrichea): genesis of four complex types of wall precursors and assemblage of the cyst wall. Acta Protozool., 2006, 45, 339–366.

  • Foissner, W., Müller, H. and Agatha, S., A comparative fine structural and phylogenetic analysis of resting cysts in oligotrich and hypotrich Spirotrichea (Ciliophora). Eur. J. Protistol., 2007, 43, 295–314.

  • Benčaťová, S. and Tirjaková, E., A study on resting cysts of an oxytrichid soil ciliate, Rigidohymena quadrinucleata (Dragesco and Njine, 1971) Berger, 2011 (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia), including notes on its encystation and excystation Process. Acta Protozool., 2017, 56, 77–91.

  • Chen, J., Gao, X., Wang, B., Chen, F., Wu, N. and Zhang, Y., Proteomic approach to reveal the proteins associated with encystment of the ciliate Euplotes encysticus. PLOS ONE, 2014, 9, e97362; doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0097362.

  • Wang, B., Niu, T., Bhatti, M. Z., Chen, F., Wu, L. and Chen, J., Identification of cyst wall proteins of the hypotrich ciliate Euplotes encysticus using a proteomics approach. J. Microbiol., 2017, 55, 545–553; doi:10.1007/s12275-017-6422-7.

  • Benčaťová, S., Tirjaková, E. and Vďačný, P., Resting cysts of Parentocirrus hortualis Voß, 1997 (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia), with preliminary notes on encystation and various types of excystation. Eur. J. Protistol., 2016, 53, 45–60.

  • Dallai, R., Miceli, C. and Luporini, P., Euplotesrariseta Curds et al. (Ciliophora Hypotrichida) from the Somalian coast: description and preliminary observations on cyst induction and ultrastructure. Monit. Zool. Ital. (NS), 1987, XXII, 263–280.

  • Weisse, T., Meserescorlissi: rare oligotrich ciliate adapted to warm water and temporary habitats. Aquat. Microb. Ecol., 2004, 37, 75–83.

  • Weisse, T., Freshwater ciliates as ecophysiological model organism – lesson from Daphnia, major achievements and future perspectives. Arch. Hydrobiol., 2006, 167, 371–402.

  • Ekelund, F., Frederiksen, H. B. and Rønn, R., Population dynamics of active and total ciliate populations in arable soil amended with wheat. Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 2002, 68, 1096–1101.

  • Walker, G. K. and Maugel, T. K., Encystment and excystment in hypotrich ciliates 11. Diophrys scutum and remarks on comparative features. Protistologica, 1980, 16, 525–531.

  • Zhao, L., Li, Y. S., Li, J. G. and Gu, F. K., Some ultrastructural observations of the vegetative, resting and excysting ciliate, Urostyla grandis (Urostylidae, Hypotrichida). Biol. Res., 2009, 42, 396–401.

  • Grimes, G. W. and Hammersmith, R. L., Analysis of the effects of encystment and excystment on incomplete doublets of Oxytricha fallax. Development, 1980, 59, 19–26.

  • Li, Q., Sun, Q., Fan, X., Wu, N., Ni, B. and Gu, F., The differentiation of cellular structure during encystment in the soil hypotrichous ciliate Australocirrus cf. australis (Protista, Ciliophora). Animal Cells Syst., 2017, 21, 45–52; http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19768354.2016.1262896).

  • Yun, M., Li, Q., Zhang, X., Sheng, C. and Gu, F., Ultrastructural observations on the resting cyst of the soil ciliate, Territricha stramenticola and the freshwater ciliate, Urostyla grandis. Afr. J. Microbiol. Res., 2013, 7, 853–859.

  • Delgado, P., Calvo, P. and Torres, A., Encystment in the hypotrichous ciliate Paraurostyla weissei: ultrastructure and cytochemistry. J. Protozool., 1987, 34, 104–110.

  • Gutiérrez, J. C., Martín-González, A. and Callejas, S., Nuclear changes, macronuclear chromatin reorganization and DNA modifications during ciliate encystment. Eur. J. Protistol., 1998, 34, 97–103.

  • Gu, F. K. and Ni, B., An ultrastructural study on resting cyst of Euplotes encysticus. Acta Biol. Exer. Sin., 1995, 28, 163– 171.

  • Kamra, K. and Sapra, G. R., Formation of a transient corticotype during excystment in Coniculostomum monilata (oxytrichidae, hypotrichida) and its modification by reorganizations. Eur. J. Protistol., 1991, 27, 331–342; doi:10.1016/S0932-4739(11)80249-X.

  • Montagnes, D. J. S., Lowe, C. D., Poulton, A. and Jonsson, P., Redescription of Strombidium oculatum Gruber 1884 (Ciliophora, Oligotrichia). J. Eukaryot. Microbiol., 2002, 49, 329–337.

  • Jeffries, W. B., Studies on excystment in the hypotrichous ciliate Pleurotricha lanceolata. J. Protozool., 1956, 3, 136–144.

  • Rios, R. M., Torres, A., Calvo, P. and Fedriani, C., The cyst of Urostylagrandis (Hypotrichida: Urostylidae): ultrastructure and evolutionary implications. Protistologica, 1985, 21, 481–485.

  • Walker, G. K. and Hoffman, J. T., An ultrastructural examination of cyst structure in the hypotrich ciliate Gonostomum species. Cytobios, 1985, 44, 153–161.

  • Calvo, P., Torres, A. and Perez-Silva, J., Ultrastructural and cytochemical study of the encystment in the hypotricous ciliate Histriculus similis. Arch. Protistenkunde, 1986, 132, 201–211.

  • Gutierrez, J. C., Diaz, S., Ortega, R. and Martín-González, A., Ciliate resting cysts walls: a comparative review. Recent Res. Devel. Microbiol., 2003, 7, 361–379.

  • Rosati, G., Verni, F. and Ricci, N., The cyst of Oxytricha bifaria (Ciliata, Hypotrichida) IV. Cytochemical investigation. Protistologica, 1984, 20, 197–204.

  • Gutierrez, J. C., Torres, A. and Perez-Silva, J., Fine structure of the cyst wall of Laurentiella acuminata (Hypotrichida: Oxytrichidae). Trans. Am. Microsc. Soc., 1983, 102, 55–59.

  • Walker, G. K., Maugel, T. K. and Goode, D., Some ultrastructural observations on encystment in Stylonychia mytilus (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida). Trans. Am. Microsc. Soc., 1975, 94, 147– 154.

  • Matsusaka, T., An ultrastructural study of the encystment in the hypotrichous ciliate Pleurotricha sp. Kumamoto J. Sci. Biol., 1976, 13, 13–26.

  • Verni, F., Rosati, G. and Ricci, N., The cyst of Oxytricha bifaria (Ciliata, Hypotrichida) 11. The ultrastructure. Protistologica, 1984, 20, 87–95.

  • Jarefio, M. A., Etude ultrastructurale de I’enkystement et du dtkystement chez Onychodromus acuminatus (Ciliata, Hypotrichida). Protistologica, 1985, 21, 313–321.

  • Palacios, G., Martín-González, A. and Gutiérrez, J. C., Macronuclear DNA demethylation is involved in the encystment process of the ciliate Colpodainflata. Cell Biol. Int., 1994, 18, 223–228.

  • Rosati, G., Verni, F. and Ricci, N., The cyst of Oxytricha bifaria (Ciliata Hypotrichida). III Cytochemical investigation. Protistologica, 1984, 20, 197–204.

  • Foissner, W., Agatha, S. and Berger, H., Soil ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from Namibia (Southwest Africa), with emphasis on two contrasting environments, the Etosha Region and the Namib Desert Denisia, 2002, 5, 1–1459.

  • Matsusaka, T. and Hongo, F., Cytochemical and electrophoretic studies on the cyst wall of a ciliate, Histriculus muscorum Kahl. J. Protozool., 1984, 31, 471–475.

  • Barin Tourancheau, A., Morin, L., Yang, T. and Perasso, R., Messenger RNA in dormant cells of Sterkiella histriomuscorum (Oxytrichidae): identification of putative regulatory gene transcripts. Protist, 1999, 150, 137–147.

  • Chen, J. W., Wang, B. Z., Gao, X. X. and Zhang, Y. Y., Crosstalk between autophagy and proteasome systems. Prog. Bio-chem. Biophys., 2013, 40, 199–208.

  • Jung, T., Catalgol, B. and Grune, T., The proteasomal system. Mol. Aspects Med., 2009, 30, 191–296.

  • Mukhopadhyay, D. and Riezman, H., Proteasome-independent functions of ubiquitin in endocytosis and signaling. Science, 2007, 315, 201–205.

  • Chen, J. W., Zheng, L. N., Wang, B. Z. and Xiao-Tao, L. I., The nonproteolytic functions mediated by ubiquitylation. Prog. Bio-chem. Biophys., 2012, 39, 613–621.

  • Villalobo, E., Moch, C., Fryd-Versavel, G., Fleury-Aubusson, A. and Morin, L., Cysteine proteases and cell differentiation: excystment of the ciliated protist Sterkiella histriomuscorum. Euakryot. Cell, 2003, 2, 1234–1245; doi:10.1128/EC.2.6.1234–1245.2003.

  • Gutiérrez, J. C., Callejas, S., Borniquel, S. and Martín-González, A., DNA methylation in ciliates: implications in differentiation processes. Int. Microbiol., 2000, 3, 139–146.

  • Grimes, G. W., Differentiation during encystment and excystment in Oxytricha fallax. J. Protozool., 1973, 20, 92–104.

  • Gutierrez, J. C., Torres, A. and Perez-Silva, J., Excystment cortical morphogenesis and nuclear processes during encystment and excystment in Laurentiella acuminate (Hypotrichida, Oxytrichidae). Acta Protozool., 1981, 20, 145–152.

  • Foissner, I. and Foissner, W., The fine structure of the resting cysts of Kahliella simplex (Ciliata, Hypotrichida). Zool. Anz., 1987, 218, 65–74.

  • Kumar, S., Bharti, D., Marinsalti, S., Insom, E. and La Terza, A., Morphology, morphogenesis, and molecular phylogeny of Paraparentocirrus sibillinensisn. gen., n. sp., a ‘Stylonychinae Oxytrichidae’ (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida) without transverse cirri. J. Eukaryot. Microbiol., 2014, 61, 247–259.


Abstract Views: 426

PDF Views: 128




  • Encystment and Excystment in Ciliated Protists:Multidimensional Approach

Abstract Views: 426  |  PDF Views: 128

Authors

Harpreet Kaur
California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology LLC, 4751 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94534, United States
Sara Iqbal
California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology LLC, 4751 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94534, United States
Evelyn Inga
California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology LLC, 4751 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94534, United States
Dorcas Yawe
California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology LLC, 4751 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94534, United States

Abstract


In unfavourable conditions, ciliated protists lower or shut down their metabolic activities and form resting cysts to survive. According to the present knowledge, most studies are based on one or two-dimensional approaches to understand the morphological, physiological and biochemical changes during encystment and excystment. However, in the last few years, research has been initiated to reveal proteins involved in encystment. This review provides an insight into the major findings related to the formation of resting cysts in ciliates using multidimensional approach and various limitations in the field.

Keywords


Ciliated Protists, Encystment, Excystment, Proteins.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv117%2Fi2%2F198-203