Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Felipe de Souza Cruz Nobrega, Luciano Neves dos Santos, Ana Clara Sampaio Franco, Fabiano Salgueiro
Summary: Our study confirmed hybridization between two invasive cichlids in a Neotropical reservoir, with most hybrids carrying the CR haplotype of one species. The presence of high genetic diversity in the nuclear microsatellite loci suggests an increase in local adaptability and establishment success in novel areas. The intermediate color patterns of most hybrids highlight the usefulness of these traits as visual tools for the identification of ongoing hybridization between these invasive species.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
El-Sayed M. Abdel-Kafy, Sherif I. Ramadan, Weal H. Ali, Sabbah F. Youssef, Hoda A. Shabaan, Amira El-Deighadi, Miho Inoue-Murayama
Summary: The study aimed to characterize three domestic Egyptian goose populations from different geographical zones phenotypically and genetically. Results showed low differentiation in morphology and genetics among the three populations, suggesting their suitability for forming a large founder population with high genetic variation. This information could be valuable for developing conservation programs for Egyptian geese.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jesus Antonio Rocamontes-Morales, Carla Gutierrez-Rodriguez, Oscar Rios-Cardenas, Pablo C. Hernandez-Romero
Summary: Genetic and morphological variation within Xiphophorus hellerii populations are influenced by geographic and environmental factors, with body shape variations possibly linked to temperature. The study suggests that X. hellerii from different basins and hydrological regions have followed independent evolutionary routes.
Article
Cell Biology
Natalya Kozhukhar, Domenico Spadafora, Yelitza A. R. Rodriguez, Mikhail F. Alexeyev
Summary: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing was used to establish the conditional viability of knockouts in key proteins involved in mitochondrial DNA replication. The GeneSwap approach was developed for in situ reverse genetic analysis. The functional independence of HMG domains in TFAM opens opportunities for engineered chimeric TFAMs for studying mitochondrial DNA replication, mitochondrial transcription, and respiratory chain function. Furthermore, evidence suggests the leading role of the HMG2 domain in TFAM species-specificity, indicating a potential pathway for TFAM-mtDNA evolutionary co-adaptations.
Article
Fisheries
Xin-Fen Guo, Min Liu, Yu-Lin Zhou, Wen-Yu Wei, Zhi Li, Li Zhou, Zhong-Wei Wang, Jian-Fang Gui
Summary: This study developed microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversities of wild and cultured populations of red swamp crayfish. The results showed that genetic diversity was slightly higher in cultured populations and there was a small degree of genetic differentiation between them. Cluster analysis, principal coordinate analysis, and STRUCTURE analysis indicated that isolation-by-distance pattern was not significant. These microsatellite markers can be used for genetic monitoring and provide important information for breeding and management of red swamp crayfish populations.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zhongwen Hu, Fangyuan Yang, Deping Zhang, Shimeng Zhang, Xiaofei Yu, Maofa Yang
Summary: In this study, a population genetic analysis of 24 populations of Spodoptera litura in Southern China was conducted using microsatellite markers, providing information on genetic diversity and genetic structure. The results will contribute to pest control management strategies for S. litura in Southern China.
Article
Plant Sciences
A. Bruno Agudo, F. Xavier Pico, Ruben G. Mateo, Arnald Marcer, Ruben Torices, Ines Alvarez
Summary: This study aimed to estimate genetic identity, explore the role of hybridization in phenotypic diversity, and investigate the effect of climate on species and genetic cluster distribution in three Anacyclus species. Population genetic analysis and ecological niche modeling were employed, revealing a correspondence between species and genetic clusters, except for A. clavatus having three genetic clusters. It was also suggested that gene flow and introgression contribute to phenotypic diversity and ecological differentiation in these species.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shuqin Liu, Chunzheng Fu, Yunzhou Yang, Yuanyuan Zhang, Hongying Ma, Zhiyao Xiong, Yao Ling, Chunjiang Zhao
Summary: The genetic diversity of Chinese indigenous horses was investigated using Y chromosomal microsatellite markers and known Y chromosomal SNPs and mtDNA sequences. The study revealed highly polymorphic Y chromosomal microsatellite markers in Chinese indigenous horse populations, with the most ancient paternal lines found in mountainous and remote areas of southwestern China. Despite higher mtDNA diversity in southern local breeds, haplogroup frequencies have declined in recent years, leading to some breeds being endangered due to small population sizes.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yang Teng, Jing Yang, Long-Fei Ju, Wen-Hua Huang, Xin Zhang, Fu-Li Gao, Wei-Dong Bao
Summary: Habitat fragmentation is an important factor in the decline of the leopard cat population in Beijing, leading to population shrinkage and increased risk of inbreeding and genetic decline. This study analyzed the genetic structure of leopard cats in five nature reserves in Beijing to reveal the effects of highway construction and infrastructure expansion on population genetic variation. The results showed mild disparity in subpopulations due to habitat segregation and dispersal difficulties. Monitoring the genetic structure of the leopard cat population and introducing artificial exchanges among subpopulations are suggested to maintain their viability. The understanding of population genetic structure during habitat fragmentation is critical for effective management strategies.
Article
Zoology
Stella C. Yuan, Eric Malekos, Catalina Cuellar-Gempeler, Melissa T. R. Hawkins
Summary: This study characterized the intraspecific genetic structure and diversity of the San Bernardino flying squirrel, an important subspecies of the Humboldt's flying squirrel. The results indicate reduced genetic diversity in the San Bernardino population and highlight its genetic distinctiveness. The differences in genetic diversity between mitochondrial and nuclear markers suggest sex-biased dispersal and historic isolation followed by recent gene flow.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Jianqing Guo, Jing Li, Sebastien Massart, Kanglai He, Frederic Francis, Zhenying Wang
Summary: Population genetic studies provide insights into the evolution of adaptive strategies and the influence of environmental factors on aphid populations. This study analyzed the genetic diversity of two aphid species from China and Europe. The results showed genetic differentiation between Chinese and European populations in one species, while the other species had low genetic diversity indicating high gene flow. These findings are important for the development of pest control strategies.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rekha Sharma, Sonika Ahlawat, R. K. Pundir, Reena Arora, M. S. Tantia
Summary: Thutho cattle from India's northeast region have unique genetic diversity and require immediate scientific management for conservation and protection of this precious indigenous breed.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Leme Pablos, Ana Kristina Silva, Noemy Seraphim, Luiza de Moraes Magaldi, Anete Pereira de Souza, Andre Victor Lucci Freitas, Karina Lucas Silva-Brandao
Summary: The study on Atlantic Forest White Morpho butterflies shows that there is no clear species diversification and population structure among the populations, suggesting that the current distinction between the two species is unreasonable. Northern samples exhibit more intragroup structure, and clustering tests indicate the existence of three genetic clusters, with turnover between the states of Paran ' a and Sa similar to o Paulo.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Subrat Kumar Swain, Basanta Pravas Sahu, Sofia Priyadarsani Das, Lakshman Sahoo, Pratap Chandra Das, Paramananda Das
Summary: Labeo fimbriatus, a medium carp species found in India, has experienced a dramatic decline due to habitat degradation and overfishing. Selective breeding is crucial for improving its performance traits. Using genetic markers, we analyzed the genetic variation and distribution among the four populations of L. fimbriatus in Indian rivers. The results provide insights for conservation measures and selective breeding.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lenka Stohlova Putnova, Radek Stohl, Martin Ernst, Katerina Svobodova
Summary: Sika deer in the Czech Republic are a highly abundant and rapidly expanding group, hybridizing with the native red deer and posing a threat to the gene pool of the red deer population. Effective game management changes are needed to prevent the widespread proliferation of sika deer and their genetic introgression into the red deer populations.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nicolas S. M. Robert, Fatih Sarigol, Bob Zimmermann, Axel Meyer, Christian R. Voolstra, Oleg Simakov
Summary: This study analyzed 49 animal genomes and discovered the largest gains of synteny in the last common ancestor of bilaterians and cnidarians. Depending on their node of emergence, the novel syntenic blocks exhibit distinct functional compositions and gene density properties. These findings provide insights into the regulatory properties of microsyntenic blocks in animal genomes.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Mark D. Scherz, Paul Masonick, Axel Meyer, C. Darrin Hulsey
Summary: Whole genome sequences provide important evidence for our understanding of phylogenetic relationships, but they may not be able to resolve the evolutionary history of rapidly radiating lineages. Integrating results from different methods and using phylogenomic approaches can help overcome these challenges.
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claudius F. Kratochwil, Andreas F. Kautt, Alexander Nater, Andreas Harer, Yipeng Liang, Frederico Henning, Axel Meyer
Summary: This study uncovers the genetic basis of the gold/dark polymorphism in Midas cichlid fish by identifying a transposon insertion in the gene goldentouch.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sabine Urban, Jan Gerwin, C. Darrin Hulsey, Axel Meyer, Claudius F. Kratochwil
Summary: Color patterns are linked to the behavioral and morphological characteristics of animals, and play an important role in antipredatory strategies. This study finds a strong correlation between stripe patterns and body elongation in cichlid fish, indicating that the effectiveness of the stripes as an antipredatory strategy depends on body shape. However, genetic analyses show that stripes and body elongation segregate independently, suggesting that their correlation is maintained by correlational selection rather than genetic linkage. Furthermore, mate preference tests indicate that females do not differentiate between striped and nonstriped males, suggesting that stripes might be less important for species recognition and mate choice.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Paul Masonick, Axel Meyer, Christopher Darrin Hulsey
Summary: By analyzing the genomes of Lake Malawi cichlid species, this study found that protein-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can provide enough phylogenetic information to study the inter- and intra-specific relationships of hypertrophied lip cichlids, although noncoding SNPs provide better support. The study also revealed that hypertrophied lip cichlids have likely evolved independently at least twice in Lake Malawi.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jose Luis Spinoso-Castillo, Juan Antonio Perez-Sato, Sandra Silvana Schettino-Salomon, Jerico Jabin Bello-Bello
Summary: This study evaluated the efficiency of gibberellin inhibitors, paclobutrazol (PBZ) and trinexapac-ethyl (TNE), for in vitro conservation in anthurium, sugarcane, and agave. The results showed that 1 mg L-1 PBZ was the best treatment for anthurium, while 1 mg L-1 PBZ and 3 mg L-1 PBZ or TNE were most effective for sugarcane and agave. The gibberellin-inhibiting compounds PBZ and TNE are low-cost alternatives for in vitro conservation and can be evaluated in other species.
IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-PLANT
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camila L. Nacif, Claudius F. Kratochwil, Andreas F. Kautt, Alexander Nater, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Axel Meyer, Frederico Henning
Summary: The evolution and differentiation of sex chromosomes is a significant event in genome evolution, and the repeated evolution and variability of sex-determination mechanisms in fishes make them a suitable model for studying general patterns in evolution. This study used forward-genetics, long-read sequencing, and optical mapping to determine that sex in Midas cichlids is determined by an XY system and identified and assembled the sex-determining region. The study also found that the male-specific region on chromosome 4 contains transposable elements and a Y-specific duplicate of the anti-Mullerian receptor 2 gene, which has evolved as a master sex-determining gene. The duplication of anti-Mullerian genes is a common mechanism for establishing new sex determiners, highlighting the importance of molecular parallelism in the evolution of sex determination.
Article
Biology
Julian Torres-Dowdall, Sina J. Rometsch, Jacobo Reyes Velasco, Gaston Aguilera, Andreas F. Kautt, Guillermo Goyenola, Ana C. Petry, Gabriel C. Depra, Weferson J. da Graca, Axel Meyer
Summary: Phylogenetic comparative studies suggest that the deviation from bilateral symmetry might evolve through genetic assimilation, but the changes in its inheritance are largely unknown. Research on the evolution of genital asymmetry in Anablepidae fish reveals that the bias towards left-sided males has likely evolved independently three times. Breeding experiments show that regardless of their own sidedness, male fish sire more left-sided offspring. This suggests that sidedness may be inherited as a threshold trait with different thresholds across species.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Claudius F. Kratochwil, Andreas F. Kautt, Sina J. Rometsch, Axel Meyer
Summary: High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have made it easier to sequence entire genomes. Whole-genome resequencing can help identify and describe species that are difficult to discern, but it can be costly and time-consuming. Species-specific markers can be designed based on whole-genome resequencing data, enabling rapid and reliable species identification at a lower cost.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Claudius F. Kratochwil, Yipeng Liang, Jan Gerwin, Paolo Franchini, Axel Meyer
Summary: This study investigates the differences between striped and nonstriped cichlid fishes in different lineages of Lake Victoria and Lake Malawi. The gene agrp2 is found to be associated with stripe pattern divergence. The study also examines the development of stripe patterns and vertical bar patterns, and suggests that the stripe phenotype may be caused by a combination of subtle transcriptomic differences or cellular changes.
EVOLUTION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melisa Olave, Alexander Nater, Andreas F. Kautt, Axel Meyer
Summary: This study presents a rare example of sympatric homoploid hybrid speciation in Midas cichlid fishes from Nicaragua. The hybrid lineage has diverged from its parental species both genomically and phenotypically, and occupies a different trophic niche facilitated by body shape adaptations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Flor Y. Solis-Zanotelli, O. Baltazar-Bernal, Nicacio Cruz-Huerta, Juan Hidalgo-Contreras, Juan A. Perez-Sato
Summary: In this study, a gravity immersion bioreactor (GIB) system was used to develop asymbiotic seed germination and seedling development methods for Lycaste aromatica. The results showed that 1/2 MS medium achieved the best seed germination, and the GIB had no significant effect on most growth parameters of the seedlings. Seedlings developed in the semi-solid medium had more shoots and longer roots, while the GIB showed a higher photosynthesis rate.
IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-PLANT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Graciela Alcantara-Salinas, Eugene S. Hunn, Maria Elena Ibanez-Bravo, Elda Miriam Aldasoro-Maya, Noe Flores-Hernandez, Juan Antonio Perez-Sato, Natalia Real-Luna, Rafael Arturo Munoz-Marquez Trujillo, Diana Lope-Alzina, Jaime Ernesto Rivera-Hernandez
Summary: This article summarizes the ethnoornithological data for ten Mexican Indigenous communities, aiming to establish a comprehensive archive of avian diversity within Indigenous territories in Mexico. By counting bird species listed on red lists for conservation status and their cultural value, the study builds biocultural policies in Mexico to promote their conservation.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Paul Masonick, Axel Meyer, Christopher Darrin Hulsey
Summary: The genomic loci underlying variation in vertebrate structures like lips are surprisingly predictable. Both adaptive and maladaptive variation in traits such as jaws and teeth can be structured by the same genes in evolutionarily disparate organisms like teleost fishes and mammals. The recurrence of hypertrophied lips in cichlid fish lineages suggests the presence of shared genetic bases and potential insights into the genetic factors influencing human craniofacial anomalies.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ralf F. Schneider, Helen M. Gunter, Inken Salewski, Joost M. Woltering, Axel Meyer
Summary: Evolutionary novelties can promote ecological specialization and adaptive radiations. Belonoid fishes, such as flying fishes, halfbeaks, and needlefishes, have highly diversified elongated jaw phenotypes. In this study, the development of elongated jaws in a halfbeak and a needlefish was investigated, revealing that these jaws consist of distinct base and extension portions. The growth dynamics of both bases and extensions were described, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the extension outgrowth were deduced.