Search Results (25)

Background/Objectives: Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) are derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies (HCAb). Their small size, high stability, and ease of production, among other properties, makes them highly valuable in biomedical research and therapeutic development. Several sdAb-based molecules are currently progressing through clinical trials, highlighting their translational relevance. As sdAbs originate from HCAb of Camelidae family, they can originate from multiple species including Vicugna pacos, Lama glama, Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus. Although several reports and databases analyze the structure of sdAbs, comprehensive evaluations on species-dependent structural differences remain scarce. Methods: We assembled MO-IISA, an open-access curated database of sdAbs with known antigen targets by integrating six public resources (iCAN, INDI, SAbDab-nano, sdAb-DB, PLabDab-nano, NbThermo) under harmonized eligibility criteria. Results: The final dataset comprises 2053 sdAbs derived from llamas (Lama glama, n = 1316); alpacas (Vicugna pacos, n = 325), dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius, n = 377) and Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus, n = 35). We quantified region lengths, amino acid frequency, and conservation/entropy across frameworks (FR1–FR4). The average length of all sdAbs was about 124 ± 8 amino acids, with minor interspecies differences. We observed a consistent enrichment of lysines in FR3 (and secondarily FR2) and cysteines primarily in FR1 and FR3, with non-canonical cysteines more frequent in Bactrian and dromedary sdAbs CDRs. CDR2 and, particularly CDR3, contributed most to inter- and intra-species variability, whereas FRs were highly conserved. Conclusions: Species-neutral framework constraints and species-tuned loop adaptations have practical implications for sdAb engineering, species selection, and conjugation strategies. These features are captured in MO-IISA, an open-access database of known-target sdAbs from different species. Full article

Camels have developed unique adaptive mechanisms, one of which is the active accumulation of lipids. This metabolic feature has a direct influence on the liver ultrastructure. Its analysis reveals how exactly the hepatocytes have evolved to effectively store fat and neutralize toxins, which is crucial for survival in the desert. Considering the latter, the aim of this research is to establish the features of the microstructural organization of the liver of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). This study was conducted using 15 liver tissue fragments from 5 healthy Bacterian camels (3 pieces from each animal) via biopsy. The sections were examined using a JEM-1011 electron microscope at magnifications of 2500–8000. Electron microscopic analysis of hepatocytes revealed a significantly larger hepatocyte diameter (25–30 µm), suggesting an adaptation for metabolites and water storage. Hepatocytes exhibited fewer, medium-sized (0.5–2 µm) lipid droplets, present in only 12–15% of cells. A high density of specialized Kupffer (15–20 cells per 10,000 µm²) and activated Ito cells was observed, indicating enhanced detoxification and immune functions. These specific ultrastructural features provide a model for studying metabolic resistance and inform veterinary diagnostics and husbandry practices for this species. Full article

Plantsterol esters (PSEs) exert beneficial effects on animal product quality, indicating their potential as a nutritional intervention strategy. This study investigated the effects of dietary PSE supplementation on lactation performance and lipid metabolism in Tarim Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) to establish a scientific basis for its application in their husbandry. Thirty-two mid-lactation female camels were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 8): CON (basal diet), L (200 mg/kg PSE), M (400 mg/kg PSE), and H (800 mg/kg PSE). Since lactation performance is closely linked to metabolic status, biochemical and lipidomic analyses were conducted on serum and milk samples. Analysis revealed that the H group showed significantly increased milk yield, lactose yield, and milk fat yield compared to other groups. Serum cholesterol levels decreased progressively with higher PSE supplementation, while serum urea levels rose dose-dependently. Blood Glu was lower in the L group but higher in the H group relative to CON. Lipidomic profiling identified 644 and 257 differential metabolites in milk and serum, respectively. Milk metabolites were enriched in the EGFR inhibitor resistance, MAPK, and ErbB signaling pathways; serum metabolites were linked to glycerophospholipid, arachidonic acid, and linoleic acid metabolism. These findings indicate that PSE-modulated metabolites in serum and milk significantly influence lactation performance and glucolipid metabolism in Tarim Bactrian camels, supporting further investigation into precision nutrition strategies. Full article

Testicular development in male animals is a conserved and highly regulated biological process. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying testicular development in Junggar Bactrian camels is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of this process in the species. This study selected testicular tissue from the Junggar Bactrian camel at pre-sexual maturity (G3 group, n = 4, 3 years old) and post-sexual maturity (G5 group, n = 4, 5 years old) for whole transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. We identified differentially expressed mRNA (DEmRNA), including KPNA2 and LRRC46; differentially expressed LncRNA (DELncRNA), including LOC123613926 and LOC123613624; and differentially expressed miRNA (DEmiRNA), including eca-miR-196a and eca-miR-183. Additionally, we also identified 87 currently unnamed DEmiRNAs, which are of practical value for future research on the Junggar Bactrian camel testicular development and spermatogenesis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that DERNA are mainly involved in functions and processes such as protein binding (MF), protein import into nucleus (BP), and extracellular space (CC), as well as signaling pathways such as Insulin, FoxO, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt. Subsequently, we predicted some DEmiRNAs and DELncRNAs association with DEmRNAs, and constructed the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network. Finally, we randomly selected 10 DERNAs for RT-qPCR validation, and the transcriptome results were consistent with the RT-qPCR results, indicating that the sequencing results were true and reliable. In conclusion, this study analyzed the differential expression of mRNA, LncRNA, and miRNA in Junggar Bactrian camels before and after sexual maturity, providing data references for future studies related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. Full article

This review highlights the anti-hyperglycemic and antidiabetic properties of camel and dromedary milk (CM). Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge, and strategies that reduce reliance on insulin or other medications could substantially improve patient management. CM could represent a promising complementary approach due to its established antidiabetic effects, which are supported by its unique biological characteristics. Compared to other common milks, such as bovine milk, CM contains higher concentrations of insulin. Its distinctive physicochemical and microstructural properties help protect insulin and other bioactive proteins from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby enhancing their intestinal absorption. Furthermore, peptides generated during CM protein digestion may exert direct or indirect effects on the liver and pancreas, contributing to improved glucose metabolism. These beneficial actions are further supported by CM’s antioxidant and antilipidemic properties, which may help mitigate diabetes-related complications, including renal dysfunction and skin lesions. Full article

Camel breeding in Europe has undergone significant changes, intertwining historical continuity with modern innovation. Historically, dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) and Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus), played essential roles in Roman logistics, medieval rituals, and agriculture, leaving archeological and cultural footprints across Europe. Following a decline during the Middle Ages, camels were largely confined to exotic collections. However, the past few decades have witnessed a resurgence in camel farming, primarily driven by tourism and the demand for camel milk, with an estimated 5000–6000 camels now present in Europe. Despite their adaptability to harsh climates and nutritional advantages, the sector faces challenges such as small population sizes, fragmented breeding efforts, and the absence of regulatory frameworks tailored to camels. Advances in genomic tools, including genome-wide association studies and SNP genotyping, have created opportunities for the genetic management of camels in Europe, yet also reveal concerns about low genetic diversity stemming from founder effects. Addressing these issues requires coordinated international efforts, standardized phenotype recording, and enhanced welfare guidelines. With climate change highlighting the resilience of camels to arid environments, their potential as sustainable livestock remains promising. This review underscores the balance between preserving the historical legacy of camels in Europe and fostering their integration into contemporary agricultural systems. Full article

Camels, vital to economies in Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, have been domesticated for over 4000 years. They thrive in arid regions like Xinjiang, China, but face challenges from internal and external parasites, particularly gastrointestinal parasites, which impact health, meat and milk quality, and production efficiency. This study investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in camels from five major regions in Xinjiang. We collected 435 fresh fecal samples and used the saturated saline flotation method and McMaster’s method for detection. Molecular examination followed. The overall prevalence was 18.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.7–22.2%), with Urumqi showing the highest prevalence (29%, 95% CI: 23.4–35.1%) compared to other regions (odds ratio [OR]: 4.62, 95% CI: 2.63–8.41%). Younger camels (≤3 years old) were more likely infected by the parasites after adjusting for the region differences (OR: 10.53, 5.12–24.65%). However, we found no evidence that the prevalence was different between male and female camels. PCR analysis identified Trichostrongylus spp., Chabertia ovina, and Haemonchus contortus as predominant parasites, with observed co-infections indicating a complex parasitic landscape. The findings provide essential epidemiological data for effective parasite control strategies. Full article

Milk production is an important trait that influences the economic value of camels. However, the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying milk production in camels have not yet been elucidated. We aimed to identify candidate molecular markers that affect camel milk production. We classified Junggar Bactrian camels (9–10-year-old) as low-yield (<1.96 kg/d) or high-yield (>2.75 kg/d) based on milk production performance. Milk fat (5.16 ± 0.51 g/100 g) and milk protein (3.59 ± 0.22 g/100 g) concentrations were significantly lower in high-yielding camels than those in low-yielding camels (6.21 ± 0.59 g/100 g, and 3.93 ± 0.27 g/100 g, respectively) (p < 0.01). There were no apparent differences in gland tissue morphology between the low- and high-production groups. Whole-genome resequencing of 12 low- and 12 high-yield camels was performed. The results of selection mapping methods, performed using two methods (F_ST and θπ), showed that 264 single nucleotide polymorphism sites (SNPs) overlapped between the two methods, identifying 181 genes. These genes were mainly associated with the regulation of oxytocin, estrogen, ErbB, Wnt, mTOR, PI3K-Akt, growth hormone synthesis/secretion/action, and MAPK signaling pathways. A total of 123 SNPs were selected, based on significantly associated genomic regions and important pathways for SNP genotyping, for verification in 521 additional Bactrian camels. This analysis showed that 13 SNPs were significantly associated with camel milk production yield and 18 SNPs were significantly associated with camel milk composition percentages. Most of these SNPs were located in coding regions of the genome. However, five and two important mutation sites were found in the introns of CSN2 (β-casein) and CSN3 (κ-casein), respectively. Among the candidate genes, NR4A1, ADCY8, PPARG, CSN2, and CSN3 have previously been well studied in dairy livestock. These observations provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying milk production in camels as well as genetic markers for breeding programs aimed at improving milk production. Full article

During estrus, the poll glands of male Bactrian Camels (Camelus Bactrianus) become slightly raised, exuding a large amount of pale yellow watery secretion with a characteristic odor that may contain hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). However, whether H₂S can be synthesized in the poll glands of male Bactrian Camels and its role in inducing camel estrus remains unclear. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and signaling pathways in the poll gland tissues of male Bactrian Camels using data independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics. Additionally, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to identify differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in the neck hair containing secretions during estrus in male Bactrian Camels, to explore the specific expression patterns and mechanisms in the poll glands of camels during estrus. The results showed that cystathionine-γ-lyase (CTH) and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), which are closely related to H₂S synthesis in camel poll glands during estrus, were mainly enriched in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and metabolic pathways. In addition, both enzymes were widely distributed and highly expressed in the acinar cells of poll gland tissues in camels during estrus. Meanwhile, the neck hair secretion contains high levels of amino acids, especially glycine, serine, threonine, and cystathionine, which are precursors for H₂S biosynthesis. These results demonstrate that the poll glands of male Bactrian Camels can synthesize and secrete H₂S during estrus. This study provides a basis for exploring the function and mechanism of H₂S in the estrus of Bactrian Camels. Full article

Poor tenderness of camel meat has seriously hampered the development of the camel meat industry. This study investigated the effects of muscle fiber composition and ageing time on meat quality, glycolytic potential, and glycolysis-related enzyme activities. Muscle samples of the longissimus thoracis (LT), psoas major (PM), and semitendinosus (ST) were collected from eight 8–10 year old Sonid Bactrian camels (females). Muscle fiber composition was examined by ATPase staining and immunohistochemistry. Meat quality indexes, glycolytic potential, and activities of major glycolytic enzymes were examined at 4 °C aging for 1, 6, 24, 72, and 120 h. The results showed that LT was mainly composed of type IIb muscle fibers, whereas PM and ST were mainly composed of type I muscle fibers. The PCR results of the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) were consistent with the ATPase staining results. During aging, the shear force of LT muscle was always greater than that of PM and ST, and its glycolysis was the strongest; type IIa, IIb, and IIx muscle fibers were positively correlated with muscle shear force and glycolysis rate, and type I muscle fibers were significantly and negatively correlated with the activities of the key enzymes of glycolysis within 6 h. The results showed that the muscle fibers of LT muscle had the greatest glycolysis capacity. These results suggest that an excessive type IIb muscle fiber number percentage and area in camel meat accelerated the glycolysis process, but seriously affected the sensory profile of the camel meat. The results of this study provide directions for the camel industry when addressing the poor tenderness of camel meat. Full article

The aim of this study was to document a case of parasite co-infection in a captive Bactrian camel and to supply morphometric data of the found pathogens. It concerned a 20-year-old male animal inhabiting Sofia Zoo, Bulgaria. A decreased appetite and gastrointestinal disorders were observed in it during the summer of 2022. Improvement in the animal’s condition was achieved after the administration of antibiotics, sulfonamides, and other symptomatic medicines. However, two weeks after treatment, clinical symptoms reappeared. Then, a diarrheal fecal sample from the animal was subjected to parasitological examination by direct smear and flotation and sedimentation techniques. Multiple infections by helminths (Trichostrongylus sp., Haemonchus sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Trichuris sp., and Dicrocoelium sp.), ciliates (Buxtonella cameli), and protozoa (Eimeria cameli) were found, with E. cameli being reported for the first time in zoo conditions. Deworming led to the recovery of the general condition and appearance of the animal’s feces, but two weeks later, it died suddenly. We considered that the parasitic infection was not the direct cause of the fatal outcome, and its presence, other health disorders, and the advanced age of the animal were among the contributing factors. This case reveals the need to combine planned preventive deworming with routine parasitological diagnostics to take timely and targeted actions to protect the health of animals inhabiting zoo facilities. Full article

The CSN1S2 gene encodes αs2-casein, the third most abundant protein in camel milk. Despite its importance in foals, human nutrition, and dairy processing, the CSN1S2 gene in camels has received little attention. This study presents the first complete characterization of the CSN1S2 gene sequence in Old-World camels (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius). Additionally, the gene promoter, consisting of 752 bp upstream of exon 1, was analyzed. The entire gene comprises 17 exons, ranging in length from 24 bp (exons 4, 8, 11, and 13) to 280 bp (exon 17). Interesting was the identification of the exon 12 in both species. The promoter analysis revealed 24 putative binding sites in the Bactrian camel and 22 in dromedary camel. Most of these sites were typical elements associated with milk protein, such as C/EBP-α, C/EBP-β, Oct-1, and AP1. The SNP discovery showed relatively high genetic diversity compared to other camel casein genes (CSN1S1, CSN2, and CSN3), with a total of 34 polymorphic sites across the two species. Particularly noteworthy is the transition g.311G>A in the CSN1S2 promoter, creating a new putative consensus binding site for a C/EBP-β in the Bactrian camel. At the exon level, two novel variants were found. One was detected in exon 6 of the Bactrian camel (g.3639C>G), resulting in an amino acid replacement, p.36Ile>Met. The second variant was found in noncoding exon 17 of dromedary CSN1S2 (g.1511G>T). Although this mutation occurs in the 3′-UnTranslated Region, it represents the first example of exonic polymorphism in the CSN1S2 for this species. This SNP also affects the binding sites of different microRNAs, including the seed sequence of the miRNA 4662a-3p, highlighting its role as a regulatory factor for CSN1S2 gene. A PCR-RFLP was set up for genotyping a dromedary Tunisian population (n = 157), and the minor allele frequency was found to be 0.27 for the G allele, indicating a potential yield improvement margin. The interspersed elements (INEs) analysis revealed 10 INEs covering 7.34% and 8.14% of the CSN1S2 sequence in the Bactrian and dromedary camels, respectively. Furthermore, six elements (A, B, F, H, I, and L) are shared among cattle and camels and are partially found in other ruminants, suggesting a common ancestral origin of these retrotransposons. Conversely, elements C, D, E, and G are specific to camels. Full article

With the development of camel-derived food and pharmaceutical cosmetics, camel hoof, as a unique by-product of the camel industry, has gradually attracted the attention of scientific researchers in the fields of nutrition, health care, and biomaterial development. In this study, the protein composition and collagen type of Bactrian camel hoof collagen extract (CHC) were analyzed by LC-MS/MS, and the functional properties of CHC were further investigated, including its rheological characteristics, emulsification and emulsion stability, and hygroscopicity and humectancy. Proteomic identification confirmed that CHC had 13 collagen subunits, dominated by type I collagen (α1, α2), with molecular weights mainly in the 100–200 KDa range and a pI of 7.48. An amino acid study of CHC revealed that it carried the standard amino acid profile of type I collagen and was abundant in Gly, Pro, Glu, Ala, and Arg. Additionally, studies using circular dichroism spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that CHC contains a collagen-like triple helix structure that is stable and intact. Different concentrations of CHC solutions showed shear-thinning flow behavior. Its tan δ did not differ much with increasing concentration. The CHC has good emulsifying ability and stability, humectancy, and hygroscopicity. This study provides a basis for utilizing and developing Bactrian camel hoof collagen as a functional ingredient. Full article

The diversity and activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the camel gut remains largely unexplored. An abundant SRB community has been previously revealed in the feces of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus). This study aims to combine the 16S rRNA gene profiling, sulfate reduction rate (SRR) measurement with a radioactive tracer, and targeted cultivation to shed light on SRB activity in the camel gut. Fresh feces of 55 domestic Bactrian camels grazing freely on semi-arid mountain pastures in the Kosh-Agach district of the Russian Altai area were analyzed. Feces were sampled in early winter at an ambient temperature of −15 °C, which prevented possible contamination. SRR values measured with a radioactive tracer in feces were relatively high and ranged from 0.018 to 0.168 nmol S cm⁻³ day⁻¹. The 16S rRNA gene profiles revealed the presence of Gram-negative Desulfovibrionaceae and spore-forming Desulfotomaculaceae. Targeted isolation allowed us to obtain four pure culture isolates belonging to Desulfovibrio and Desulforamulus. An active SRB community may affect the iron and copper availability in the camel intestine due to metal ions precipitation in the form of sparingly soluble sulfides. The copper-iron sulfide, chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), was detected by X-ray diffraction in 36 out of 55 analyzed camel feces. In semi-arid areas, gypsum, like other evaporite sulfates, can be used as a solid-phase electron acceptor for sulfate reduction in the camel gastrointestinal tract. Full article

In the cheese-making industry, commonly chymosin is used as the main milk-clotting enzyme. Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) chymosin (BacChym) has a milk-clotting activity higher than that of calf chymosin for cow’s, goat’s, ewes’, mare’s and camel’s milk. A procedure for obtaining milk-clotting reagent based on recombinant camel chymosin is proposed here. Submerged fermentation by a recombinant yeast (Pichia pastoris GS115/pGAPZαA/ProchymCB) was implemented in a 50 L bioreactor, and the recombinant camel chymosin was prepared successfully. The activity of BacChym in yeast culture was 174.5 U/mL. The chymosin was concentrated 5.6-fold by cross-flow ultrafiltration and was purified by ion exchange chromatography. The activity of the purified BacChym was 4700 U/mL. By sublimation-drying with casein peptone, the BacChym powder was obtained with an activity of 36,000 U/g. By means of this chymosin, cheese was prepared from cow’s, goat’s, ewes’, camel’s and mare’s milk with a yield of 18%, 17.3%, 15.9%, 10.4% and 3%, respectively. Thus, the proposed procedure for obtaining a milk-clotting reagent based on BacChym via submerged fermentation by a recombinant yeast has some prospects for biotechnological applications. BacChym could be a prospective milk-clotting enzyme for different types of milk and their mixtures. Full article