Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuai Sun, Christian Roedelsperger, Ralf J. Sommer
Summary: This study implemented single worm transcriptomics in the nematode Pristionchus pacificus, providing a high-resolution map of the developmental transcriptome and revealing oscillatory gene expression patterns and their potential regulatory functions. The research offers an updated protocol for SWT in nematodes and compares oscillatory gene expression dynamics between the two model organisms, P. pacificus and C. elegans.
Article
Cell Biology
Tess Renahan, Ralf J. J. Sommer
Summary: Resource competition drives the evolution of novel polyphenisms in many organisms, and parasitic nematodes provide a malleable environment to study the role of polyphenisms in organismal interactions.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Catia Igreja, Tobias Loschko, Alejandra Schaefer, Radhika Sharma, Shiela Pearl Quiobe, Elbin Aloshy, Hanh Witte, Ralf J. Sommer
Summary: The detection, manipulation and purification of proteins are crucial in modern life sciences studies. The introduction of the ALFA-tag provides a novel epitope tag for nematode research with a wide range of applications, such as super-resolution microscopy and immunoprecipitation. This study successfully demonstrates the utilization of ALFA-tagging in nematode model organisms, leading to high-resolution protein expression and successful pulldown experiments.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia Igreja, Ralf J. Sommer
Summary: The role of sulfation in most invertebrates is not well understood, but recent studies in nematodes have revealed its involvement in the regulation of development and phenotypic plasticity.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yacine Badis, Delphine Scornet, Minori Harada, Celine Caillard, Olivier Godfroy, Morgane Raphalen, Claire M. M. Gachon, Susana M. Coelho, Taizo Motomura, Chikako Nagasato, J. Mark Cock
Summary: Mutations at specific target sites can be generated in Ectocarpus cells following the introduction of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins, providing a potentially useful reverse genetics tool for studying diverse aspects of brown algal biology. This methodology has the potential to enhance the utility of Ectocarpus as a model organism and could be transferable to other brown algal species.
Article
Virology
Hejin Zhang, Kaiqi Duan, Yingbin Du, Shaobo Xiao, Liurong Fang, Yanrong Zhou
Summary: In this study, a recombinant PRRS virus (rPRRSV) was successfully generated using reverse genetics systems, and a restrictive endonucleases-free method based on CRISPR/Cas9 was developed to edit the PRRSV genome. The study provides a rapid and convenient approach for the development of genetically engineered vaccines against PRRSV and the exploration of PRRSV gene functions.
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Smriti Mallapaty
Summary: The newly published guidelines will encourage research on crops with improved resistance to climate change.
Article
Immunology
Caroline R. Espada, Jose Carlos Quilles, Andreia Albuquerque-Wendt, Mario C. Cruz, Tom Beneke, Lucas B. Lorenzon, Eva Gluenz, Angela K. Cruz, Silvia R. B. Uliana
Summary: The introduction of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has made protein function studies in Leishmania more efficient and direct, providing a new approach to genome editing in these parasites. By replacing sequences in the plasmid, the stable integration of the CRISPR/Cas9 system into L. braziliensis has been successfully achieved, allowing for the exploration of the biological characteristics of this parasite.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Hirokuni Hiraga, Yuuki Ishita, Takahiro Chihara, Misako Okumura
Summary: This study presents a visual screening system for CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in P. pacificus, along with technical tips for microinjection. The use of co-injection markers significantly increases screening efficiency, enabling the acquisition of desired mutant worms. This protocol not only facilitates genome editing in P. pacificus, but also has the potential to be applied to other nematode species.
DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
James W. Lightfoot, Mohannad Dardiry, Ata Kalirad, Stefano Giaimo, Gabi Eberhardt, Hanh Witte, Martin Wilecki, Christian Roedelsperger, Arne Traulsen, Ralf J. Sommer
Summary: Resource polyphenisms in Pristionchus nematodes are closely related to reproductive mode and influenced by genetic relatedness. Different reproductive modes affect mouth forms and feeding strategies, leading to the development of microbivorous and cannibalistic morphs, which in turn shape different competitive behaviors among nematodes.
Article
Zoology
Natsumi Kanzaki, Matthias Herrmann, Christian Weiler, Waltraud Roeseler, Tobias Theska, Jurgen Berger, Christian Roedelsperger, Ralf J. Sommer
Summary: In the past decade, intensive research has been conducted on the model organism Pristionchus pacificus and the genus Pristionchus, focusing on development, evolution, ecology, behavior, neurobiology, and genomics. Asia is identified as a biodiversity hotspot for Pristionchus worms. Nine new Pristionchus species were isolated in Mainland China through morphology, morphometrics, mating experiments, and genome-wide sequence analysis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaochao Qu, Mei Liao, Weiwei Liu, Yisheng Cai, Qiaorong Yi, Jianmei Long, Lijun Tan, Yun Deng, Hongwen Deng, Xiangding Chen
Summary: This study successfully generated a wnt16(-/-) zebrafish model using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and found that the wnt16 gene plays a crucial role in skeletal development. Through RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR validation, a series of down-regulated DEGs were identified, revealing the molecular mechanisms by which wnt16 regulates bone metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Junyan Liu, Amanda K. Vogel, Jian Miao, Jennifer A. Carnahan, David J. Lowes, Jeffrey M. Rybak, Brian M. Peters
Summary: Recently, the phenotypic heterogeneity in Candida albicans isolates has been recognized as an underappreciated factor contributing to gene diversification, antifungal resistance, fitness, and pathogenicity. We have developed a cloning-free genetic system that combines recyclable genetic systems with CRISPR-Cas9 technology for rapid gene deletion and reversion in C. albicans clinical isolates. By reengineering the SAT1-flipper plasmid to contain CaHygB gene encoding resistance to hygromycin B, both SAT1- and CaHygB-flipper cassettes were integrated at loci with high efficiency and homozygous gene targeting exceeding 99% across various anatomical isolates. Revertant strains were constructed by targeted integration at the NEUT5 locus. This system will aid in understanding the genetic factors contributing to intraspecies diversity.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shuai Sun, Tobias Theska, Hanh Witte, Erik J. Ragsdale, Ralf J. Sommer
Summary: This study identified a gene involved in nematode mouth formation and revealed its role in mouth morphology and external cuticle deposition. Additionally, previously unrecognized defects in the mouth structure were discovered through geometric morphometric analysis. The findings of this study open up new avenues for researching the molecular composition of nematode mouths, which is crucial for understanding their extreme ecological diversification.
Article
Entomology
Zhong-Jie Zhang, Xiao-Jing Liu, Ye Yu, Fang-Ying Yang, Kai Li
Summary: Torso is critical for maintaining steroid hormone homeostasis in insects. Depletion of BmTorso results in prolonged developing time during larval and pupal stages, increased pupa and cocoon sizes, as well as sharp decline in ecdysteroid titers in the hemolymph. Furthermore, genes involved in the longevity pathway and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum pathway are affected after BmTorso deletion.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cristina C. Ledon-Rettig, Armin P. Moczek, Erik J. Ragsdale
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Linh T. Bui, Nicholas A. Ivers, Erik J. Ragsdale
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linh T. Bui, Erik J. Ragsdale
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2019)
Article
Biology
Joseph F. Biddle, Erik J. Ragsdale
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Casasa, Joseph F. Biddle, Georgios D. Koutsovoulos, Erik J. Ragsdale
Summary: This study investigated the origins of components of a polyphenism network by inferring coexpression networks for the feeding-structure dimorphism of the nematode Pristionchus pacificus. Through comparative analysis of different nematode families, it was discovered that gene networks instructing alternative forms originated from ancestral plastic responses to the environment and included rapidly evolving gene families with higher connectivity.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Natsumi Kanzaki, Tatsuya Yamashita, James Siho Lee, Pei-Yin Shih, Erik J. Ragsdale, Ryoji Shinya
Summary: Life in extreme environments is typically studied from a physiological perspective, but the discovery of extremophilic animals suggests that developmental and behavioral traits may also play a role. This study introduces a new nematode species found in an extreme environment, offering insights into unique reproductive and developmental traits. By analyzing this new species, researchers can gain a better understanding of adaptation to extreme conditions and transitions in mating systems.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shuai Sun, Tobias Theska, Hanh Witte, Erik J. Ragsdale, Ralf J. Sommer
Summary: This study identified a gene involved in nematode mouth formation and revealed its role in mouth morphology and external cuticle deposition. Additionally, previously unrecognized defects in the mouth structure were discovered through geometric morphometric analysis. The findings of this study open up new avenues for researching the molecular composition of nematode mouths, which is crucial for understanding their extreme ecological diversification.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Nicholas A. Levis, Erik J. Ragsdale
Summary: Resource polyphenism, which involves environmentally-induced and intraspecific morphs with differential niche use, is common in taxonomy and crucial in the evolution of ecological function. Recent studies have started to reveal the proximate mechanisms behind resource polyphenism switches, especially those influenced by trophic interactions, providing insights into plasticity and its impact on evolution. Studying resource polyphenism not only uncovers interesting details of discrete plasticity, but also sheds light on general principles at the intersection of development, ecology, and evolution.
FRONTIERS IN INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Clayton J. Harry, Sonia M. Messar, Erik J. Ragsdale
Summary: This study examines the morphological polyphenism in Pristionchus pacificus, focusing on the developmental genetics at the individual cell level. Using three-dimensional reconstruction of all cells and syncytia in the face, mouth, and pharynx of the nematode, the research reveals that the predatory morphology of P. pacificus shares similarities with Caenorhabditis elegans in terms of cell classes and nuclei. However, differences in cell form, spatial relationships, and nucleus position correspond to gross morphological differences. The study also identifies fine-structural features that underlie the left-right asymmetry in the P. pacificus feeding apparatus.
EVOLUTION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nicholas A. Ivers, Zacchariah Jordan, Hamutahl Cohen, Amber Tripodi, Mark J. F. Brown, Heidi Liere, Brenda B. Lin, Stacy Philpott, Shalene Jha
Summary: This study investigates the impact of urban garden management and regional landscape composition on the disease dynamics of a critical native pollinator, the bumble bee Bombus vosnesenskii. The research found that higher pollinator taxonomic richness in gardens led to lower prevalence of certain parasites, indicating a dilution effect. Additionally, gardens with higher mulch use and surrounded by greater proportions of impervious urban cover had higher prevalence of certain parasites.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sofia Casasa, Eleni Katsougia, Erik J. Ragsdale
Summary: Polyphenism requires the regulation of transcriptional coregulators and nuclear receptors to ensure the discontinuity and robustness of phenotypes. Through studying a nematode model, it was found that the duplicate homolog of the Mediator subunit MDT-15, P. pacificus MDT-15.1, plays a critical role in determining polyphenism and the robustness of resulting phenotypes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
Erik J. Ragsdale, N. A. Levis
JOURNAL OF NEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Erik J. Ragsdale, Natsumi Kanzaki, Tatsuya Yamashita, Ryoji Shinya
Summary: This study describes two new species of Tokorhabditis, T. tauri n. sp. and T. atripennis n. sp., which are associated with Onthophagus species in North America and Japan, respectively. The new species are distinguished by male tail and genitalia characters, as well as molecular barcode differences. The description of T. tauri n. sp. expands our knowledge of nematode associates of O. taurus and provides a model for studying insect-nematode-microbiota interactions. The description of T. atripennis n. sp. sets up a comparative model for ecological interactions and other phenomena.
JOURNAL OF NEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Erik J. Ragsdale, Georgios Koutsovoulos, Joseph F. Biddle
JOURNAL OF NEMATOLOGY
(2019)