sharks – BioQuakes

Tag: sharks

Sharks are often associated with gruesome stories of attacks and horror. However, lead researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Aaron LeBeau believes sharks deserve to be recognized in a more positive light– due to their potential for creating advanced neutralizing antibodies (NAb) therapeutics for treating SARS-CoV-2.

Neutralizing antibodies have demonstrated efficacy in treating SARS-CoV-2 in previous trials. In the recent past, the FDA authorized two NAb therapeutics for emergency use for SARS-CoV-2. However, the effectiveness of these two treatments has been complicated by the development of new variants with highly mutated target antigens. These naturally occurring mutations in the target antigen result in insufficient neutralization of the virus when using those current therapeutics derived from classical human antibodies.

This is news for concern as genome sequencing exposed the virus to create two single-letter mutations each month.

As we learned in our AP Biology class, mutations to proteins such as SARS-CoV-2 antigens occur within the amino acid chains in the protein’s primary structure. These changes in chemicals could alter the kinds of covalent or ionic bonds in the protein’s tertiary structure. This, of course, changes the antigen’s three-dimensional shape. This is why the original NAbs have experienced diminished performance as new variants emerged. The antibodies from the treatments simply could no longer recognize the virus’ new antigen structure.

Therefore, there is a dire need for the development of new, more specialized NAbs, that can recognize the newly mutated epitopes that are currently incompatible with current neutralizing antibody therapeutics.

Dr. Aaron LeBeau believes that key findings for creating more efficient NAb treatments could be derived from the likes of nurse sharks! Within the immune systems of sharks, antibody-like proteins called Variable New Antigen Receptors (VNARs) were found to be highly effective at neutralizing coronaviruses, according to his recent publication in the Nature Communications journal.

Due to the small and highly specialized structure, VNARs are able to access and bind to epitopes that human antibodies normally couldn’t. This superior ability allows VNARs to reach deep into pockets and grooves within the target antigen, allowing for a better fit and neutralization. Dr. LeBeau’s research team concluded that their data suggests that VNARs would be effective therapeutic agents against emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutants, such as the Delta and Omnicron variants.

With the help from researchers from the University of Minnesota and the Scottish biotech company, Elasmogen, the team hopes to develop the shark antibodies for therapeutic use within 10 years.

Do you think this is promising news? How do you feel about using shark “antibodies” in place of our own for serious cases of SARS-CoV-2? Assuming it’s safe, effective, and accessible to you, would you accept this treatment if you contracted a serious case of SARS-CoV-2? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Eating Shark Meat Increases Your Chance At Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

By sydbiosis

On October 24, 2020

In Student Post

What toxins lie beneath the grey leathery skin of a shark?

According to the article written at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, scientists found toxins that are commonly linked to neurodegenerative diseases in the fins and muscles of many different types of sharks. Scientists collected samples of ten different sharks that are commonly found in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The samples came back and tested positive for two toxins: mercury and beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine(BMAA). Many studies have linked mercury and BMAA to diseases like Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). Shark meat delicacies are common in many Asian countries with dishes including shark fin soup.

Shark Fin soup is common dish served in China

Effects of Mercury on humans

Mercury has numerous health effects on humans and can be detrimental to one’s neurological system. Not only that, mercury also affects digestive and immune systems and can damage lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. Mercury poisoning can also cause slow reflexes, damaged motor skills and intelligence disorders. In many instances, mercury poisoning can increase your chance at developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that the toxin mercury tends to accumulate in the shark’s tissue throughout their lives.

Effects of beta-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) on humans

The neurotoxin beta-N-Methylamino-L-alanine is an amino acid produced by certain organisms that have been linked to ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BMAA was also linked to being a cause of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers found BMAA in shark fins and cartilage both of which are used in food and medicine, respectively. The image shown below is of alanine, one of the amino acids. There is an NCC structure shown in the middle, a carboxyl group on the left hand side, an amine group on the right hand side and the CH3 represents the R group. Since BMAA is a non-protein amino acid, when inserted with other amino acids it releases toxic chemicals. The picture below represents an alanine amino acid, however, BMAA has a slightly different structure. The R group of BMAA is NH along with H3C and the amine group is NH2 which contributes to its toxicity.

Shown above is the alanine amino acid structure with the N-C-C chain

Why you shouldn’t eat shark meat?

If the reasons above have not convinced you not to eat shark meat, many species of sharks are facing extinction due to the high demand for shark parts. Though each of these toxins have their own set of dangers, mercury and BMAA together can have an entirely different and more dangerous effect on humans that researchers have not yet explored. To be safe one should refrain from consuming shark products if not for your own health but to save the sharks.

Don’t be afraid of sharks we need them!

Sharks play a very important role in the ecosystem. Sharks are the apex predators in marine life are most likely at the top of the food chain. Ultimately, they keep the rest of the ocean healthy and in order. Without them many dangerous organisms would be present and could harm marine life. Sharks keep balance within the ecosystem and ensures diversity among ocean species. If you suffer from viruses like cystic fibrosis, researchers are close to finding anticoagulants within shark tissue that could possibly cure certain diseases. Sharks are also very important in the carbon cycle. When they die naturally, their bodies are full of carbon which is then consumed by scavengers and carbon is recycled into the ecosystem. Sharks do way more for us than we think!

How are ocean conditions harming its animals?

By devoxyribonucleicacid

On January 21, 2020

In Student Post

A recent article written by Rachel Nuwer discusses the dangers of ocean acidification and how the ocean environment could compromise the fishes’ ability to swim and feed. The existence of one of the world’s most threatening predators is being threatened by ocean warming and acidification. Sharks might lose their place at the top of the marine food chain due to the changing ocean environment. As carbon dioxide levels rise in the ocean, it increases the acidity of the water. As this factor starts to rise, the teeth and scales of sharks may begin to damage, which compromises their ability to swim, hunt, and feed. According to research published in Scientific Reports, acid-base adjustments have proved to be the first piece of evidence of “dentical corrosion” caused by ocean acidification conditions. After investigating the impact of hypercapnia on a specific shark species and analyzing the acid-based regulation, the team concluded that the denticle corrosion could increase denticle turnover and compromise the skin and protection of the shark species.

A close up on the denticles and scales of a wild shark

The harsh conditions placed on the sharks could cause several consequences and ultimately could affect the whole ocean community. Biologist Lutz Auerswalk states that sharks could be displaced as apex predators, which could disrupt the whole food chain. In addition, great white sharks are already endangered, and these conditions could wipe them out completely, he states. Ocean research Sarika Singh and Auerswald, while studying over beers, stumbled upon a unique idea. After realizing that the high acidity of beet and many other carbonated beverages causes human teeth to erode, they wondered what effect more acidic ocean water might have on shark teeth.

Most studies on ocean acidification examine species that specifically build shells or other calcium-based structures, including corals and shellfish. Because sharks are large and challenging to work with, only a few studies have been conducted about how acidification might impact these animals. Only one paper has examined the effect of pH on sharks’ skin denticles or scales. The study used small-spotted catsharks and exposed them to different environments and filmed their swimming patterns. After analyzing a pectoral fin skin sample, they did not find a specific impact. However, the results were possible constrained by the low carbon dioxide concentration the researches used, compared with the high levels of acidity already present in many oceans.

To begin exploring this question for themselves, Auerswald and Singh conducted an experiment and focused on puff adder shy sharks, a small species that is easy to handle. They decided to investigate the acidification effects on the bigger scales. They divided the sharks into control and experimental groups and observed the results. After a few months, the electron-microscope analysis revealed that the concentrations of calcium and phosphate in the sharks’ denticles were significantly reduced. They noticed damaged scales on many of the sharks as well. Though the corroded scales might not impact their ability to hunt, for larger species such as the great white shark, scales play an essential role in hydrodynamics. Because denticles are responsible for an increase in swimming speed, damaged denticles could slow sharks down and make it more difficult for them to catch prey. Because many animals have been wiped out, we must strive to protect all the species that are deeply impacted by this condition.

A Fintastic Discovery

By maxillary

On October 10, 2018

In Student Post

Sharks have interesting biological features: a cartilage skeleton, highly developed senses, dermal denticles, and an oil-storing liver. However, these traits are difficult to identify within the huge genomes of sharks.

Previously, the genomes for sharks were larger than many other organisms, making it difficult for scientists to decode and understand the genetic background behind the lifestyle of sharks. However, the Japanese team at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research managed to decode whole genomes of two species of shark: the brown banded bamboo shark and the cloudy catshark. They also improved the genome sequences of the whale shark.

Whale shark Photo Credit: Zac Wolf

Whale Shark

According to the RIKEN team, the large genomes in many shark species was a result of huge, repetitive insertions within the genome. Additionally, it was discovered that these shark genomes have been evolving at a slow rate, suggesting that sharks have kept some characteristics that were similar to distant ancestors.

Already, particular parts of the shark genome revealed certain characteristics of sharks. Using the DNA from the shark genomes, researchers discovered that the rhodopsin pigments in a whale shark can sense short wavelengths, allowing them to see at 2000 meters below the water level when they aren’t hunting on the surface. Furthermore, the team determined that there were too few olfactory genes in the shark genomes, meaning that the highly developed navigation system is not done through smell.

These results help fill the gaps in the genetic background in sharks while understanding the way sharks live. Keiichi Sato, deputy director of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, says, “Such understanding should contribute to the marine environments as well as to sustainable husbandry and exhibitions at aquariums that allow everyone to experience biodiversity up close.”

If You Didn’t Already Know, You Shouldn’t Eat Sharks

By mattochondria

On November 28, 2016

In Student Post

Can sharks give you Alzheimer’s disease? Do people actually eat sharks?

NOAA, national ocean service image gallery flicker.com/photos Licensed for reuse/public domain

The answer to both of these questions is yes. A recent study by the university of Miami found large amounts of toxins that are linked to brain disease. It has been recently found that about 10 types of sharks have high concentrations of these toxins and that the consumption of these sharks can actually lead to the development of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Though it is very uncommon for someone to be found eating a shark in the U.S, shark is widely consumed across Asia so many asians may be at risk of developing brain diseases. The shark population is rapidly decreasing due for the desire to have shark fin soup, a delicacy across Asia, and this new information may be used to help the argument against the killing of sharks. Since sharks are becoming more and more endangered, this discovery could help save the lives of sharks and of people. So people, especially ones that consume shark, must learn that eating shark can have real negative effects on peoples lives and by killing sharks they are helping the endangerment of the species. This killing and consuming of sharks needs to stop to help save sharks and people.

Hammer Head Shark
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flicker.com/photos

Shark Skin is Impressive!

By carlybio12

On February 28, 2012

In Student Post

“George Lauder from Harvard University, USA, explains that the fish have long inspired human engineers, but more recently attention has focused on how the fish’s remarkable skin boosts swimming.” The Ridges called denticles that cover the shark helps it swim faster.The denticles not only increase speed, they also “improve thrust.” When sharks swim, the water goes through their furrows, reducing friction and ultimately helping them swim faster.

“The shark’s skin is so rough that contact with it can injure prey.” The coarse denticles point facing the tail so if you were to rub your hand down towards the tail it would feel smooth. Oppositely if you were to rub towards shark’s head it would feel very rough.

“Sharkskin is well adapted for moving through water at high speeds, so engineering a similar coating could be useful in making wind and water turbines run more efficiently. To do that, scientists need to understand exactly how denticles work.” A study at Harvard showed that denticles help the shark move 12% faster in comparison to a shark who does not have denticles!

Sharks kill cancer.

By sar418

On October 24, 2011

In Student Post

Sharks, thought of as being outwardly violent, are inwardly violent too. Sharks are generally resistant to viruses because of molecules their body have, especially a molecule named squalamine, discovered in 1993 from dogfish sharks. This molecule kills human viruses and can fight, kill, and prevent bacteria and cancer as well. Squalamine can fight and treat a variety of cancers from the eye to the liver. Researchers believe this molecule can be a potential cure to HIV.

The way this molecule works relates to our current topic of study in AP Biology class. Squalamine sticks to cell membranes of various organs and blood vessels. By connecting with receptors on the cell, it prevents other proteins to be received by the receptor and enter the cell, proteins that allow viruses to survive.

This molecule is the reason sharks are so resilient towards various illnesses and can help humans become that way as well. It has been known that oils from their liver can be used as an anti-inflammatory and studies now show that one of their molecules can help cure liver diseases. Shark oil is used in a very popular, over the counter anti-inflammatory medication used for arthritis, Chondroitin, that contains shark cartilage. This discovery can help save millions of lives, but before you go and kill millions of sharks in the process, it might be a good idea to try to figure out a way to help humans and keep sharks safe, as well.

Link to article:

http://www.livescience.com/16126-shark-molecule-kills-viruses.html

BioQuakes

AP Biology class blog for discussing current research in Biology

Tag: sharks

Could Sharks be the Solution to Ineffective SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Treatments?

Eating Shark Meat Increases Your Chance At Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

How are ocean conditions harming its animals?

A Fintastic Discovery

If You Didn’t Already Know, You Shouldn’t Eat Sharks

Shark Skin is Impressive!

Sharks kill cancer.

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