Y. Moran

Induction of apoptosis by double-stranded RNA was present in the last common ancestor of cnidarian and bilaterian animals

The paper shows that double-stranded RNA induces apoptosis in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, suggesting this mechanism was present in the last common ancestor of cnidarians and bilaterians.

Sea anemone MACPF proteins demonstrate an evolutionary transitional state between venomous and developmental functions

The paper shows MACPF proteins in sea anemones evolved from venomous to developmental functions through gene duplication and reverse-recruitment.

Venom tradeoff shapes interspecific interactions, physiology and reproduction

This study shows that reducing Nv1 toxin levels in sea anemones decreases predator defense but increases growth and reproductive rates, revealing a venom tradeoff.

Target complementarity in cnidarians supports a common origin for animal and plant microRNAs

The paper investigates miRNA-target complementarity in cnidarians, showing they require full complementarity for silencing, similar to plants, and differ from bilaterians.

A pan-cnidarian microRNA is an ancient biogenesis regulator of stinging cells

The paper identifies miR-2022 as a conserved microRNA essential for cnidocyte biogenesis across cnidarian species.

Dominant toxin hypothesis: unravelling the venom phenotype across micro and macroevolution

The paper investigates toxin expression dynamics in sea anemones, finding that a single toxin family dominates venom phenotype across species and populations, with significant variation in gene copy numbers and geographical distribution.

Functional analysis in a model sea anemone reveals phylogenetic complexity and a role in cnidocyte discharge of DEG/ENaC ion channels

The paper identifies a proton-sensitive DEG/ENaC ion channel in sea anemones that facilitates cnidocyte discharge, highlighting its evolutionary versatility and ancient function.

A nesprin-4/kinesin-1 cargo model for nuclear positioning in cochlear outer hair cells

This study identifies a conserved 4-amino-acid motif in nesprin-4 that mediates its interaction with kinesin-1, essential for nuclear positioning in outer hair cells and hearing.

Functional characterization of the cnidarian antiviral immune response reveals ancestral complexity

This study investigates the antiviral immune response in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis, showing that RLRs trigger a complex immune response with features of both vertebrate and invertebrate systems.

Functional characterization of a "plant-like" HYL1 homolog in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis indicates a conserved involvement in microRNA biogenesis

The paper shows that a HYL1 homolog in Nematostella vectensis is essential for miRNA biogenesis and development, suggesting an ancestral miRNA system in animals and plants.

Toxin-like neuropeptides in the sea anemone Nematostella unravel recruitment from the nervous system to venom

The paper identifies a toxin-like neuropeptide in Nematostella vectensis that evolved from a neuropeptide gene into a venom component through duplication and functional specialization.

Population Specific Adaptations in Venom Production to Abiotic Stressors in a Widely Distributed Cnidarian

The study examines how abiotic stressors affect venom production in Nematostella vectensis across its geographic range, finding that toxin expression varies with local adaptation.

Unravelling the developmental and functional significance of an ancient Argonaute duplication

The paper investigates the role of miRNAs and their Argonaute paralogs in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, revealing new insights into miRNA evolution and function outside bilaterians.

Initial virome characterization of the common cnidarian lab model Nematostella vectensis

The paper analyzes transcriptome data from Nematostella vectensis to identify its virome, finding a core set of viral sequences present in adults but absent in early developmental stages, suggesting viral acquisition occurs later.

Dynamics of venom composition across a complex life cycle

The paper investigates venom composition changes across developmental stages in Nematostella vectensis using transcriptomic and biochemical methods, revealing dynamic shifts linked to ecological differences.

Cell type-specific expression profiling sheds light on the development of a peculiar neuron, housing a complex organelle

The paper characterizes cell-type specific transcriptomes of cnidocytes in Nematostella vectensis, revealing gene expression shifts during cnidocyst maturation and novel transcription factor involvement.