Biology subjects

Bigatti, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Bigatti, G..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Purified CBD and CBD-rich full-spectrum Cannabis sativa extract potentiate the angiogenic paracrine function of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells

BackgroundChronic and non-healing wounds remain a major clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. Angiogenesis and inflammation are central to tissue repair, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) contribute to these processes through their trophic and immunomodulatory secretome. Cannabidiol (CBD) exhibits antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. However, whether CBD-rich Cannabis sativa extract stimulate MSC toward a pro-angiogenic secretome remains unclear. PurposeThis study aims to determine whether purified CBD or a phytochemically CBD-rich full spectrum extract stimulate umbilical cord-derived human MSC (UC-hMSC) to secrete pro-angiogenic factors and enhance endothelial responses relevant to wound healing. MethodsUC-hMSC were preconditioned with either purified CBD or a CBD-rich full-spectrum extract. Transcriptional changes were assessed by qPCR. The functional impact of the resulting secretomes was evaluated in vitro using HUVEC-based proliferation and tube formation assays, and in vivo through the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. To explore underlying mechanisms, we examined HIF-1 stabilization and VEGFA release in UC-hMSC, and VEGFR-2/ERK signaling in HUVEC. ResultsPurified CBD and full-spectrum CBD extract preconditioned UC-hMSC secretomes, increased HUVEC proliferation, tube formation, and enhanced vascular branching in the CAM assay. Mechanistic analyses indicated activation of the HIF-1/VEGF axis in UC-hMSC, and ERK1/2 activation in HUVEC that was sensitive to VEGFR-2 blockade. ConclusionPurified CBD and CBD-rich full-spectrum extract prime UC-hMSC toward a pro-angiogenic secretome that promotes endothelial activation and neovascularization. These findings suggest that cannabinoid-based preconditioning of UC-hMSC involves the HIF-1/VEGF axis and VEGFR-2/ERK signaling pathways in endothelial cells, supporting further investigation of this approach in wound healing and regenerative therapies.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Argentina Explores Its Bathyal and Abyssal Zone for the First Time Using an ROV: New Biodiversity Discoveries and Unprecedented Public Engagement

Between July 23 and August 12, 2025, members of the scientific group Grupo de Estudios del Mar Profundo de Argentina (GEMPA) and collaborators conducted the Talud Continental IV expedition in the Mar del Plata Canyon. The expedition was conducted aboard the R/V Falkor (too) in partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI), marking the first deployment of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in Argentinean bathyal and abyssal waters. The Mar del Plata Canyon was explored in 2012 and 2013 by CONICET researchers using bottom trawls aboard the R/V Puerto Deseado (CONICET, Argentina). This new expedition combined high-definition video surveys, acoustic seafloor mapping, and physicochemical water-column characterization, with in situ sensing and sampling of fauna (animal specimens, zooplankton, and environmental DNA), water, sediments, and rock to characterize biodiversity and habitats between 880 and 3900 m. The expedition revealed extensive Bathelia cold-water coral reefs, soft-coral gardens, and more than 40 species suspected to be new to science, six of which have already been formally described. Anthropogenic debris, including plastics and fishing gear, was recorded at multiple stations, reaching even the deepest sites, underscoring the extent of human influence on these environments. The Talud Continental IV expedition was successful both scientifically and in promoting deep-ocean literacy and engagement, with broad outreach conducted through SOIs outreach and community engagement programs. The Ship-to-Shore program connected scientists on board with students and educators through live interactive sessions, engaging over 900 students from 19 institutions across Argentina and the United States. The live ROV divestreams, broadcast through SOIs YouTube and Twitch platforms, reached record levels of public engagement, with [~]19 million total views by July 23rd. The national and international press responded with extensive coverage and interview requests, resulting in over 3,900 international stories. Scientists continued to engage with the public after the expedition through talks at schools and public institutions. The expeditions achievements promise to usher in a new era of scientific discovery in the Southwestern Atlantic and underscore the value of integrating exploration, conservation, and outreach to inspire wonder and curiosity about the deep-sea in society. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=179 SRC="FIGDIR/small/726651v3_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (138K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1457548org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@116f19aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14fbb26org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@187c3a4_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

ecology↗

bioRxiv2020

Mass mortality of foundation species on rocky shores: another reason why monitoring programs are relevant

Global concern around substantial losses of biodiversity has led to the development of a number of large-scale long-term monitoring programs. In the past few decades, networks were established to obtain appropriate data on the spatial and temporal variation of marine species on rocky shores. Recently, the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Pole to Pole of the Americas program (MBON P2P) was established and is coordinating biodiversity surveys along coastal areas throughout the continent. In this context, the goal of this paper was to demonstrate whether the proposed MBON P2P sampling protocol is capable of detecting rapid declines in cover of foundation species on Patagonian rocky shores. Changes in mussel beds cover were studied on monitored sites in northern Patagonia. Concurrently, long-term mussel bed dynamics were assessed based on existing data. Results showed that a mussel mortality event could be detected with this methodology. It took less than a year for mussel cover to drop from 90 to almost 0% despite the fact that significant changes in mussel bed cover were not registered in the previous 20 years at the study area. Therefore, yearly monitoring is needed, as a minimum, in order to timely perceive this kind of process. Real-time detection offers the opportunity of properly understanding the causes that lead to the loss of key community components such as these foundation species. Furthermore, it would provide early warning to decision makers enhancing the chances of conservation of natural environments and their key ecosystem services.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Undaria pinnatifida exudates trigger shifts in seawater chemistry and microbial communities from Atlantic Patagonian coasts

The invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida has spread from northeastern Asia to temperate coastal environments worldwide, with profound effects on colonized ecosystems. In this work, we analyzed the effect of exudates from U. pinnatifida on the chemical and microbial properties of seawater from a semi-enclosed gulf from Atlantic Patagonia. Exudates of U. pinnatifida, consisting mainly of carbohydrates, were released at a rate of 1.6 {+/-} 0.8 mg C g-1 algae day-1, affecting the quality and optical properties of seawater in experimental incubations. Parallel factor analysis based on excitation-emission matrices collected from exudates revealed the presence of two humic-like and one non-humic fluorescent components. Exudate release stimulated microbial growth and polysaccharide degrading activity in seawater. After a 7-day incubation of fresh seawater with the exudates, changes in microbial community structure were analyzed by large-scale 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Copiotrophic and fermentative genera such as Spirochaeta (Spirochaetes) and Propionigenium (Fusobacteria) increased in the incubations with algal exudates. Genomic potential prediction revealed that the selected bacterial community could have higher ribosome content - an indicator of the potential for reaching higher metabolic rates - and genes for the degradation of complex organic compounds such as polysaccharides and other carbohydrates present in the exudates. Nutrient addition triggered the emergence of other microbial populations with different ecophysiological niches: unclassified Flavobacteriales, unclassified bacteria related to the recently described Phylum Kiritimatiellaeota, as well as potential pathogens such as Vibrio (Gammaproteobacteria) and Arcobacter (Epsilonproteobacteria), suggesting potential synergistic effects between invasive macroalgae and human activities.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Metabarcoding, direct stomach observation and stable isotope analysis reveal a highly diverse diet for the invasive green crab in Atlantic Patagonia

The European green crab Carcinus maenas and its sister species C. aestuarii are highly invasive species causing damage to coastal ecosystems and contributing to severe economic losses worldwide. C. maenas was first detected at the Atlantic Patagonian coast in 2001. In this work, we studied the diet of the green crab in a recently invaded location in Golfo Nuevo, using three complementary techniques: direct stomach observation, metabarcoding of gut content and stable isotope analysis. Direct stomach observation and metabarcoding showed that green crabs have a broad omnivorous diet, ingesting most of the phyla present in the study area. Gut content metabarcoding allowed a detailed description of algal diversity and revealed other taxa that went unnoticed in the visual stomach analysis. Stable isotope analysis showed that the major contribution to the crabs diet was from the phytoplankton chain (by bivalve consumption) and not directly from algae. This study approach combining three complementary techniques also allowed us to detect some differences in the diet between sexes, which suggests that male and female crabs are not as ecologically equivalent as previously thought. Besides, we detected sequences corresponding to C. aestuarii suggesting that the green crab Patagonian population is a hybrid of both sister species. These findings are key to understanding the impacts green crabs can have on the local ecosystem.

ecology↗