Genes left behind: Climate change threatens cryptic genetic diversity in the canopy-forming seaweed bifurcaria bifurcata

The global redistribution of biodiversity will intensify in the coming decades of climate change, making projections of species range shifts and of associated genetic losses important components of conservation planning. Highly-structured marine species, notably brown seaweeds, often harbor unique genetic variation at warmer low-latitude rear edges and thus are of particular concern. Here, a combination of Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) and molecular data is used to forecast the potential near-future impacts of climate change for a warm-temperate, canopy forming seaweed, Bifurcaria bifurcata. ENMs for B. bifurcata were developed using marine and terrestrial climatic variables, and its range projected for 2040-50 and 2090-2100 under two greenhouse emission scenarios. Geographical patterns of genetic diversity were assessed by screening 18 populations spawning the entire distribution for two organelle genes and 6 microsatellite markers. The southern limit of B. bifurcata was predicted to shift northwards to central Morocco by the mid-century. By 2090-2100, depending on the emission scenario, it could either retreat further north to western Iberia or be relocated back to Western Sahara. At the opposing margin, B. bifurcata was predicted to expand its range to Scotland or even Norway. Microsatellite diversity and endemism were highest in Morocco, where a unique and very restricted lineage was also identified. Our results imply that B. bifurcata will maintain a relatively broad latitudinal distribution. Although its persistence is not threatened, the predicted extirpation of a unique southern lineage or even the entire Moroccan diversity hotspot will erase a rich evolutionary legacy and shrink global diversity to current (low) European levels. NW Africa and similarly understudied southern regions should receive added attention if expected range changes and diversity loss of warm-temperate species is not to occur unnoticed.Portuguese FCT (Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia) [PTDC/AAC-CLI/109108/2008, EXPL/BIA-BIC/1471/2012, EXCL/AAG-GLO/0661/2012]; [SFRH/BPD/88935/2012]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Unique Vascular Benefits of Estetrol, a Native Fetal Estrogen with Specific Actions in Tissues (NEST)

peer reviewedEstrogens (E), in combination with oral contraceptives (COCs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs used for the relief of climacteric symptoms of menopause, increase the synthesis of clotting factors, decrease the levels of coagulation inhibitors, and increase the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Ischemic stroke incidence in postmenopausal women during HRT use is also increased and is probably due to a thrombotic event. This suggests that a safer estrogen may reduce stroke and VTE incidence, with lower impact on hemostasis. Estetrol (E4) is a relatively recently described new human-specific E produced exclusively by the fetal liver during pregnancy. This Native (human and natural) E has Selective actions in Tissues (NEST). Nest activities of E4 are the consequence of its unique dual role. It activates the nuclear estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) but antagonizes the membrane ERα in contrast to other E, which activate both types of receptors. Most beneficial effects of E on the vascular system have been ascribed to the activation of the membrane ERα of vascular endothelial cells, including enhancement of nitric oxide (NO) production, vasodilation, and prevention of atherosclerosis, of neointimal proliferation, and of hypertension. In a series of papers reviewed here, the INSERM team in Toulouse has demonstrated, by the combined use of pharmacological tools and of transgenic mice lacking either the nuclear ERα, the membrane ERα, or both, that the nuclear ERα plays a major role in controlling E activities in vessels. E4 is able to elicit the important vasculoprotective actions mediated by estradiol (E2). Furthermore, phase 1 and 2 clinical studies of E4 in a contraceptive indication (in combination with drospirenone) or in postmenopausal women for the relief of climacteric complaints demonstrate that E4 has a minimal impact on hemostasis, coagulation factors, coagulation inhibitors, fibrinolysis, angiotensinogen, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Altogether, preclinical studies and phase 1 and 2 clinical data indicate that E4 could be a new E with a better safety/efficacy profile than other E for women’s healthcare