Article
Zoology
Paula Spaeth Anich, Sharon Anthony, Michaela Carlson, Adam Gunnelson, Allison M. Kohler, Jonathan G. Martin, Erik R. Olson
Summary: The researchers observed several platypus specimens and found that they exhibited green or cyan fluorescence under ultraviolet light. This is the first report of biofluorescence in a monotreme mammal.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rhys A. Coleman, Yung En Chee, Nick R. Bond, Andrew Weeks, Josh Griffiths, Melody Serena, Geoff A. Williams, Christopher J. Walsh
Summary: The study used high-resolution environmental spatial data and spatially explicit habitat suitability models to analyze the impacts of urbanization and climate change on freshwater biodiversity, focusing on the platypus. Results indicated that urbanization and climate change could lead to significant reductions in suitable platypus habitat, highlighting the importance of management actions such as maintaining flow regimes and urban stormwater management to protect the species.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
John R. Wible
Summary: The os paradoxum or dumb-bell-shaped bone is a paired bone in the platypus, which has been debated for its origin and homology. Through a review of its history and CT scans, it is concluded that the bone is likely a remnant of the medial palatine processes of the premaxillae and shares homology with the vomer of other mammals and sauropsids.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Archibold Mposhi, Lin Liang, Kevin P. Mennega, Dilemin Yildiz, Crista Kampert, Ingrid H. Hof, Pytrick G. Jellema, Tom J. de Koning, Klaas Nico Faber, Marcel H. J. Ruiters, Klary E. Niezen-Koning, Marianne G. Rots
Summary: Mutations in mitochondrial DNA or nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins can lead to dysfunctional mitochondria and mitochondrial diseases. This study investigated the role of mtDNA methylation in explaining impaired mitochondrial function in myopathy patients without known genetic mutations. Enhanced mtDNA methylation was observed in muscle biopsies of myopathy patients compared to healthy controls, but no disease-associated difference in mtDNA methylation was found in fibroblast samples. The study also discovered increased expression of SLC25A26 and enhanced mtDNA copy numbers in myopathy fibroblasts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Saverio Marchi, Emma Guilbaud, Stephen W. G. Tait, Takahiro Yamazaki, Lorenzo Galluzzi
Summary: This article discusses the molecular mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction leads to inflammatory reactions, the cellular pathways that regulate them, and the pathological consequences of dysregulated inflammatory responses elicited by mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Tamielle Brunt, Matt Cecil, Josh Griffiths, Christine Adams-Hosking, Peter Murray
Summary: By comparing environmental DNA data and historical observational records of platypus in the Greater Brisbane region, it was found that in some waterways there was no evidence of platypus presence, raising concerns about the potential loss of habitat.
AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shriya Purohit, Partigya Sharma, Sachin Kothiyal, Upendra Singh, Prakash Nautiyal, Mahender Singh, Indrashis Bhattacharya
Summary: This study sequenced mitochondrial genes CO-I and Cyt b to elucidate the phylogenetic status of three species of the genus Schizothorax. The results suggest that the simultaneous use of two molecular markers along with morphometric data is a better strategy for the classification of Schizothoracinae species.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xiaoying Ji, Wenjie Guo, Xiwen Gu, Shanshan Guo, Kaixiang Zhou, Liping Su, Qing Yuan, Yang Liu, Xu Guo, Qichao Huang, Jinliang Xing
Summary: The study reveals a significantly higher and more variable mutation rate in mtCTR across different tumor types, with a noticeable distributional bias of tumor somatic mutations between the hypervariable segment and non-hypervariable segment. The mutational pattern of mtCTR is associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, and patient overall survival.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sivaranjani Namasivayam, Rodrigo P. Baptista, Wenyuan Xiao, Erica M. Hall, Joseph S. Doggett, Karin Troell, Jessica C. Kissinger
Summary: The content and structure of mitochondrial genomes vary widely across the eukaryotic tree of life, with protists showing extreme examples. Here, the independent evolution of fragmented cytochrome genes in Toxoplasma and related tissue coccidia, as well as the evolution of a novel genome architecture consisting minimally of 21 sequence blocks totaling 5.9 kb, have been reported. Single-molecule Nanopore reads reveal both whole and fragmented cytochrome genes, while a definitive genome architecture of the mtDNA sequence remains elusive.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cheng-He Sun, Qi Huang, Yang-Liang Gu, Xiao-Ying Huang, Hong-Wei Du, Ye-Ling Lao, Jin-Long Huang, Qun Zhang
Summary: This study used mitochondrial DNA sequences to study the genetic diversity and historical dynamics of four populations of the brushtooth lizardfish in the South China Sea. The results showed no significant genetic differences among the populations and indicated that the fish expanded around 30.1 to 55.4 thousand years ago.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jiahleen B. Roungchun, Amanda M. Tabb, Rosalee S. Hellberg
Summary: Accurate species identification of tuna products is crucial for combating fraud, improving stock regulation, and reducing health risks. This study utilized a DNA mini-barcoding system to successfully identify tuna species in raw and processed samples, with potential for further optimization in future research for canned tuna samples.
Review
Cell Biology
Jiyao Song, Johannes M. Herrmann, Thomas Becker
Summary: Mitochondria contain a diverse array of proteins from two genomes and require synchronized gene expression for proper function. The mitochondrial proteome is highly adaptable and regulated by quality control systems to ensure cellular adaptation and functionality. Defects in mitochondrial protein quality control mechanisms can lead to proteotoxic insults and cell death, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining protein homeostasis in mitochondria.
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jorge Hermilo Vega Avalos, Luis Enrique Hernandez, Laura Yareni Zuniga, Maria Guadalupe Sanchez-Parada, Ana Elizabeth Gonzalez Santiago, Luis Miguel Roman Pintos, Rolando Castaneda Arellano, Luis Daniel Hernandez-Ortega, Arieh Roldan Mercado-Sesma, Felipe de Jesus Orozco-Luna, Raul C. Baptista-Rosas
Summary: The study found differences in mitochondrial sequences between breast cancer cases and control samples, with certain polymorphic changes significantly more frequent in breast cancer cases compared to controls. These changes are associated with the haplogroup H of Indo-European and Euro-Asiatic origins.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sumedha Dahal, Humaira Siddiqua, Vijeth K. Katapadi, Divyaanka Iyer, Sathees C. Raghavan
Summary: Mitochondria have their own genome that can be replicated independently, and are vulnerable to oxidative damage due to the production of reactive oxygen species. Studies have found an association between mitochondrial deletions and aging or disorders, many of which are near non-B DNA structures. The presence of various noncanonical structures, such as G-quadruplex motifs, inverted repeats, and mirror repeats in the mitochondrial DNA, contribute to instability and potential deletions in the mitochondrial genome.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shilong Mu, Shoujie Li, Hongfa Zhao, Zihan Wang, Xiao Xiao, Xiao Xiao, Zenan Lin, Ziwu Song, Huaze Tang, Qinghao Xu, Dongkai Wang, Wang Wei Lee, Changsheng Wu, Wenbo Ding
Summary: This study proposes a bionic electro-mechanosensory finger (EM-Finger) that combines triboelectric and visuotactile sensing for remote control and tactile perception. The system achieves high accuracy in classifying 18 common material types under varying contact forces through data fusion and deep learning algorithms.
Article
Ecology
Xiaolin Ma, Zhixiong Deng, David Blair, Yonghong Bi, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: The study found that cyanobacterial blooms in a warm-temperate ice-free lake in Eastern China had significant impacts on the genetic structure and population dynamics of Daphnia galeata, leading to high turnover rates of clones and frequent sexual reproduction. Additionally, experimental feeding of Daphnia galeata with toxic cyanobacteria resulted in reduced survivorship, consistent with field observations. Further research is needed to explore the ecological responses of zooplankton to cyanobacterial blooms.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Norman E. Davis, David Blair, Sara V. Brant
Summary: This study investigated human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) outbreaks in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand and identified four Trichobilharzia species. Cercaria longicauda was found to be the major causative agent of HCD in Lake Wanaka, while a new Trichobilharzia species and an unidentified species were also discovered.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Wenwu Yang, Zhixiong Deng, David Blair, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: The diversity and distribution of the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus species complex were studied across China using molecular data. The results showed that this species complex was detected in 44 out of 251 waterbodies sampled, and it was categorized into four distinct species. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences revealed seven groups within the B. calyciflorus species complex in China. The occurrence of mito-nuclear discordance indicated occasional hybridization between different species of this complex.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhixiong Deng, Wenwu Yang, David Blair, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: This study investigated the diversity of the Brachionus plicatilis species complex from inland saline waters in China. The researchers used morphometric and DNA taxonomy analyses and found two distinct species lineages in China, as well as a novel mitochondrial clade that is restricted to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The study demonstrated the successful adaptation of this species complex to the harsh environment of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexander J. Mentzer, Nicole Brenner, Naomi Allen, Thomas J. Littlejohns, Amanda Y. Chong, Adrian Cortes, Rachael Almond, Michael Hill, Simon Sheard, Gil McVean, Rory Collins, Adrian V. S. Hill, Tim Waterboer
Summary: The authors designed a multiplex serology platform to measure quantitative antibody responses against 20 infectious agents and confirmed their associations with sociodemographic characteristics, HLA genetic variants, and disease outcomes. The findings provide valuable insights into host-pathogen-disease relationships.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kanwara Trisakul, Ditthawat Nonghanphithak, Pratchakan Chaiyachat, Orawee Kaewprasert, Kankanon Sakmongkoljit, Wipa Reechaipichitkul, Angkana Chaiprasert, David Blair, Taane G. Clark, Kiatichai Faksri
Summary: Global susceptibility data for newly recommended anti-TB drugs against M/XDR-TB are limited. This study used whole-genome sequences to determine the proportion of XDR-TB isolates carrying mutations associated with resistance against these drugs.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhixiong Deng, Yiyang Yao, David Blair, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: This study investigated the species/lineage diversity and phylogeography of Ceriodaphnia species in freshwater invertebrate zooplankton in China. Using mitochondrial and nuclear markers, seven morphospecies and nine mitochondrial lineages were identified, with three of the lineages being newly reported. Occasional mito-nuclear discordances were observed, indicating interspecific introgression and hybridization.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Thanh Hoa Le, Khue Thi Nguyen, Linh Thi Khanh Pham, Huong Thi Thanh Doan, Takeshi Agatsuma, David Blair
Summary: The complete circular mitogenome of Paragonimus skrjabini miyazakii has been obtained, and the differences in base usage patterns and codon frequencies among different Paragonimus species have been revealed.
Article
Biology
Jose L. Mijangos, Gilad Bino, Tahneal Hawke, Stephen H. Kolomyjec, Richard T. Kingsford, Harvinder Sidhu, Tom Grant, Jenna Day, Kimberly N. Dias, Jaime Gongora, William B. Sherwin
Summary: Major dams act as significant barriers to platypus movement, disrupting gene flow and dispersal. Genetic differentiation across dams is much higher compared to undammed rivers, and similar to differentiation between adjacent river systems.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Meaghan L. Rourke, Jackson Wilkes Walburn, Matt K. Broadhurst, Ashley M. Fowler, Julian M. Hughes, D. Stewart Fielder, Joseph D. DiBattista, Elise M. Furlan
Summary: Environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to estimate the abundance of teleosts for stock assessments. However, the relationship between eDNA concentrations and fish weight is species-specific and influenced by various factors. This study investigated the relationship between eDNA concentrations and the weight of Murray cod and found that eDNA is not suitable for estimating biomass.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lugege Wang, Zhixiong Deng, David Blair, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: This study investigates the lineage diversity and phylogeography of the Scapholeberis kingii species complex in Chinese freshwater ecosystems. Only one morphospecies of S. smirnovi was identified in 29 out of 491 water bodies. Geographical separation among three S. smirnovi mitochondrial lineages was observed, with Lineages A, B, and C restricted to the Eastern Plain, Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang Plateau, and Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau respectively. The deep mtDNA divergence and genetic differentiation among populations is likely due to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and associated ecological changes. This study enhances our understanding of the genetic diversity of the neustonic zooplankton species complex.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alexandra M. McGowan, Janet M. Lanyon, Nicholas Clark, David Blair, Helene Marsh, Eric Wolanski, Jennifer M. Seddon
Summary: Despite their ability to travel long distances, marine mammals often show population structuring over short geographic distances. The genetic population structure of dugongs along the eastern Queensland coast was investigated. A genetic break was identified in the Whitsunday Islands region, interrupting the overall isolation-by-distance pattern. Geographic distance was found to be more important than sea-surface temperature and seagrass distribution in explaining genetic distances. The findings suggest distinct breeding units for management plans of Queensland dugongs.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Thanh Hoa Le, Khue Thi Nguyen, Linh Thi Khanh Pham, Huong Thi Thanh Doan, Do Thi Roan, Xuyen Thi Kim Le, Takeshi Agatsuma, David Blair
Summary: This study obtained the complete mitochondrial genome and nuclear ribosomal transcription unit coding region of Paragonimus iloktsuenensis, and found that it was nearly identical to that of Paragonimus ohirai, further supporting the synonymy of these two species.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David Blair, Lester R. G. Cannon, D. Timothy J. Littlewood, Peter D. Olson, Kim B. Sewell
Summary: This article examines the systematic implications of a group of flatworms that are ectosymbiotic on freshwater crustaceans. A molecular phylogeny based on partial sequences of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes is used. The study reveals the early diverging groups within the family and proposes a new subfamily. It also highlights the underappreciated diversity of temnocephalids in Australia and Asia.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
O. Pitaksakulrat, P. Sithithaworn, K. Y. Kopolrat, N. Kiatsopit, W. Saijuntha, R. H. Andrews, T. N. Petney, D. Blair
Summary: Digenetic trematodes are important parasites of humans and animals, infecting a gastropod as the first intermediate host. The morphological details of cercariae provide limited identification, so molecular data was used to improve identification and investigate the diversity of trematode species infecting B. s. goniomphalos in Thailand.
JOURNAL OF HELMINTHOLOGY
(2022)