Shellfish like oysters and mussels have the potential to revolutionize human health research, according to a new paper in Developmental and Comparative Immunology.
The study reveals how using bivalves as model organisms offers numerous promising avenues for medical research – from pharmaceutical development to bone regeneration.
“Model systems like mice and flies have been invaluable to biology, but there is no such thing as a model system that can answer all the important questions,” said José Fernández Robledo, senior research scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and lead author on the paper. “There is a lot of potential for bivalve research to offer unique insights into new solutions.”
One promising application in the study is the development of new techniques for fighting diseases from the flu to cancer. Just like humans, oysters are exposed to bacteria and viruses, but oysters fend off these pathogens without the aid of antibodies, the proteins that mammal immune systems use to attack disease. Clams sometimes contract a contagious cancer, which they can cure themselves of – also without antibodies. Learning more about these unique defense mechanisms could inspire new treatment options for human pathologies and diseases.
“Clams don’t have chemotherapy or radiation, and somehow they are able to get rid of cancer,” said Fernández Robledo. “How on earth do they do it? Their strategy can give us clues about how to fight cancer in humans.”
Studying immunity in bivalves could also help researchers find an alternative to antibiotics, potent drugs to which pathogens are increasingly becoming resistant. Mimicking the antimicrobial compounds that mussels produce may yield new drugs for humans and livestock, which could provide a much-needed pharmaceutical alternative. The study also identifies that oyster research could also inspire new biomaterials, inform toxicology research, increase understanding of the human microbiome, and improve methods of aiding bone growth and repair.
“Sometimes you find incredible new things when you start comparing different organisms,” said Fernández Robledo. “I believe we will find things here that will translate into discoveries for humans.”
Currently, Fernández Robledo’s team is working to develop the molecular tools needed to probe bivalve genomes for the lessons they can offer. Researchers recently sequenced the oyster genome and found it to have 28,027 genes, but they don’t yet know what most of these genes do. Developing genetic tools will allow researchers to connect the information contained in the oyster genome to the function of those genes, called the oyster’s “phenome.”
Adrienne Tracy, a Colby College student in the 2018 Changing Oceans semester program at Bigelow Laboratory, recently was able to introduce DNA into oyster blood cells in Fernández Robledo’s biosecure laboratory. This critical step is opening the door for testing hypotheses about the function of specific genes and further exploration using tools like CRISPR/Cas9. Fernández Robledo also hopes to develop an oyster cell culture that would enable researchers around the world to work from a genetically uniform stock, allowing them to compare results directly.
This research can also benefit the shellfish aquaculture industry. As his team is able to probe the oyster genome further, Fernández Robledo plans to write recommendations that help guide farmers and hatcheries who want to selectively breed their bivalve stocks for resistance to disease or other characteristics like strong shells and rapid growth.
“Oysters are more than good to eat,” Fernández Robledo said. “This research will allow us to unlock their potential as a model system that helps us innovate and improve human health.”
Learn more: Study Identifies Biomedical Potential of Bivalves
The Latest on: Shellfish research
[google_news title=”” keyword=”shellfish research” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Shellfish research
- I’m a nutritionist – here are the best foods to eat for a healthy brainon April 26, 2024 at 10:01 pm
New research indicates that diet can have a significant impact on brain health. Here's what to eat to keep your grey matter happy ...
- How Green Mineral's 'chlorella' technology could transform battery recyclingon April 26, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Jung Kwang-hwan, CEO of Green Mineral, is pioneering a chlorella technology to extract lithium from used EV batteries, providing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for battery ...
- Umami-rich scrap fish and invasive species can liven up vegetables, says gastrophysiciston April 26, 2024 at 10:45 am
Greening the way we eat needn't mean going vegetarian. A healthy, more realistic solution is to adopt a flexitarian diet where seafoods add umami to "boring" vegetables. University of Copenhagen ...
- Everything You Need to Know About Omega-5son April 26, 2024 at 8:44 am
Dietitians explain what omega-5s are, their health benefits, if you need to be taking an omega-5 supplement, and the risks of taking an omega-5 supplement.
- British shellfish and seaweed farms could provide valuable habitats for coastal fish species, according to new researchon April 26, 2024 at 12:54 am
Shellfish and seaweed farming offer potentially sustainable food sources and are increasingly recognised for their additional environmental benefits, but research into their value for fish populations ...
- Food recalls reach highest number since before pandemicon April 25, 2024 at 1:28 pm
Food recalls reached their highest level in 2023 since before the pandemic. According to a report from the Public Interest Research Group, 313 recalls were issued in 2023, an 8% increase from the year ...
- High Seafood Diet Linked to Increased Exposure to 'Forever Chemicals,' Study Showson April 25, 2024 at 12:48 pm
A new study out of Dartmouth suggests that people who consume seafood frequently might have an increased risk of exposure to PFAS, or "forever chemicals." The research suggests that there might need ...
- Chinese military’s work on marine toxins raising new fears of biological warfare weaponson April 24, 2024 at 1:12 pm
China’s military is conducting research on sea-based neurotoxins, raising new fears among U.S. officials and analysts that Beijing is secretly developing deadly biological weapons for use in a future ...
- Does Collagen Support Hair Growth?on April 24, 2024 at 10:03 am
Studies haven’t concluded what collagen does for hair growth in humans. Learn the potential benefits and collagen alternatives to consider.
- 'Forever chemicals' are now found in most fruit and vegetableson April 24, 2024 at 4:24 am
All those news stories about "forever chemicals" showing up in your food? There's more where they came from.Before you take your next bite of a strawbe ...
via Bing News