Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maximilien Franck, Juan de Toro-Martin, Thibault V. Varin, Veronique Garneau, Genevieve Pilon, Denis Roy, Patrick Couture, Charles Couillard, Andre Marette, Marie-Claude Vohl
Summary: Numerous studies have found that diets rich in phenolic compounds are beneficial for immune-metabolic health, but the effects vary among individuals and the mechanisms are not well understood. This study used transcriptomic analysis to identify two subgroups of responders and non-responders to raspberry consumption based on whole-blood RNAseq data. Responders showed a significant decrease in triglycerides, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein levels, and had distinct gene expression and microbiota profiles compared to non-responders. The transcriptomic approach used in this study provides a promising framework for understanding the inter-individual variability in the impact of foods on immune-metabolic health.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jitka Kyselova, Ladislav Tichy, Zuzana Sztankoova, Jirina Markova, Katerina Kavanova, Monika Beinhauerova, Michala Muskova
Summary: This study explores the potential role of immune genes in the fight against caseous lymphadenitis (CL) in sheep. By investigating the blood transcriptome, the study provides new insights into the disease course and host-pathogen interaction, which can help prevent the spread of incurable diseases and improve animal breeding for bacterial resistance.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Victor Kalbskopf, Dag Ahren, Gediminas Valkiunas, Vaidas Palinauskas, Olof Hellgren
Summary: This study investigated the transcriptomal profiles of the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum SGS1 lineage during the blood stages of infection. The parasite showed distinct transcriptome profiles between days 8 and 20 post-infection, with gene expression becoming more heterogeneous late in the infection. This research demonstrates the potential for using the avian malaria system in controlled experimental settings to study gene expression and compare responses of parasites with different life-history traits and host effects.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tobias Sahr, Pedro Escoll, Christophe Rusniok, Sheryl Bui, Gerard Pehau-Arnaudet, Gregory Lavieu, Carmen Buchrieser
Summary: This study reveals that Legionella pneumophila mimics eukaryotic microRNA to modulate the host response to infection. This miRNA-like regulation is a feature of host-pathogen communication and may represent a general mechanism used by bacteria that interact with eukaryotic hosts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Daniel Stratis, Guy Trudel, Lynda Rocheleau, Martin Pelchat, Odette Laneuville
Summary: This study characterized the molecular response of the immune system in astronauts transitioning to and from long-duration spaceflight by analyzing changes in leukocyte transcriptomes. The results showed that entering space led to changes in gene expression and immune suppression, while returning to Earth resulted in immune reactivation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Wipavee Thaimuangphol, Laorsri Sanoamuang, Eakapol Wangkahart
Summary: By conducting RNA sequencing and gene transcription analysis, this study characterized the gene expression pattern of fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus sirindhornae) in response to Aeromonas hydrophila, shedding new light on its molecular mechanisms and providing guidance for future disease control efforts.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Zanini, Ena Secic, Tobias Busche, Matteo Galli, Ying Zheng, Joern Kalinowski, Karl-Heinz Kogel
Summary: The study investigated gene regulation mechanisms in the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae and the model plant Brachypodium distachyon during infection, identifying differentially expressed genes and sRNAs, and highlighting the importance of RNAi genes for fungal virulence.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Keyvan Esmaeilzadeh-Salestani, Masoud Tohidfar, Rahele Ghanbari Moheb Seraj, Banafsheh Khaleghdoust, Indrek Keres, Hashem Marawne, Evelin Loit
Summary: This study compares the effects of organic and mineral nitrogen fertilizers on gene activity in barley. The results show that mineral nitrogen fertilizer treatment leads to a higher number of differentially expressed genes compared to organic nitrogen fertilizer treatment. Pathways related to amino acid synthesis and ribosomal activities are upregulated in mineral fertilizer treatment, while pathways related to starch and sucrose metabolism and carotenoid biosynthesis are downregulated. Organic nitrogen fertilizer treatment enriches pathways related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant-pathogen interaction. These findings provide insights into the genetic regulation of barley growth in field conditions and can guide the development of sustainable cropping practices and low nitrogen input varieties.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yuhao Peng, Hongjuan Shi, Yuqi Liu, Yang Huang, Renchi Zheng, Dongneng Jiang, Mouyan Jiang, Chunhua Zhu, Guangli Li
Summary: This study analyzed the gill transcriptomes of greater amberjack under different salinity stress and explored the regulatory networks of salinity-related pathways. The results provide valuable insights into the molecular basis of salinity adaptation in greater amberjack. The study also identified differentially expressed genes involved in various biological processes such as steroid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, ion transporters, and immune response, and showed enrichment in important pathways.
Article
Oncology
Alexandra Pender, Emma Titmuss, Erin D. Pleasance, Kevin Y. Fan, Hillary Pearson, Scott D. Brown, Cameron J. Grisdale, James T. Topham, Yaoqing Shen, Melika Bonakdar, Gregory A. Taylor, Laura M. Williamson, Karen L. Mungall, Eric Chuah, Andrew J. Mungall, Richard A. Moore, Jean-Michel Lavoie, Stephen Yip, Howard Lim, Daniel J. Renouf, Sophie Sun, Robert A. Holt, Steven J. M. Jones, Marco A. Marra, Janessa Laskin
Summary: The study investigated the use of WGTA to analyze fresh tumor biopsies from 98 patients with metastatic tumors, revealing that tumor mutation burden, CD8(+) T-cell, and M1-M2 macrophage ratios were significant predictors of treatment response. Combining multiple biomarkers based on WGTA allows for better identification of responders to immune checkpoint inhibitors in a heterogeneous population of advanced and previously treated cancers.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Tim Nestler, Priya Dalvi, Friederike Haidl, Maike Wittersheim, Melanie von Brandenstein, Pia Paffenholz, Svenja Wagener-Ryczek, David Pfister, Ulrike Koitzsch, Martin Hellmich, Reinhard Buettner, Margarete Odenthal, Axel Heidenreich
Summary: This study investigated gene expression changes related to metastasis in seminomatous testicular germ cell tumour (STGCT) patients. It found distinct gene expression patterns between metastatic and non-metastatic seminomas. Inflammatory and cancer-related pathways, including the IL-6 signalling pathway, were significantly upregulated in metastatic tumours. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying metastasis in STGCT.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Yucai Pan, Jinqiang Huang, Yongjuan Li, Shenji Wu, Lu Zhao
Summary: This study used RNA sequencing technology to analyze the transcriptome profiles in spleens of rainbow trout infected and uninfected with infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). A total of 9144 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with most DEGs significantly enriched in major immune terms and signaling pathways. The expression levels of six key immune-related genes in four important immune signaling pathways were also detected. The results provide a better understanding of the dynamic immune response of rainbow trout infected with IHNV and lay a foundation for further study of molecular mechanisms of anti-IHNV innate immunity.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Cerezo-Cortes Maria Irene, Rodriguez-Castillo Juan German, Lopez-Leal Gamaliel, Mata-Espinosa Dulce Adriana, Bini Estela Isabel, Marquina-Casitllo Brenda Nohemi, Barrios Payan Jorge, Zatarain-Barron Zyanya Lucia, Bobadilla del Valle Myriam, Cornejo-Granados Fernanda, Ochoa-Leyva Adrian, Murcia Martha Isabel, Hernandez-Pando Rogelio
Summary: There are differences in the course of pulmonary tuberculosis and pathogenic mechanisms between the two Beijing strains, with BL strain causing faster pneumonia and death, contrasting with Classical-Beijing strain which results in slower pneumonia and necrosis.
Article
Dermatology
Takeshi Fukumoto, Jianhuang Lin, Nail Fatkhutdinov, Pingyu Liu, Rajasekharan Somasundaram, Meenhard Herlyn, Rugang Zhang, Chikako Nishigori
Summary: The study demonstrates that ARID2 knockout enhances melanoma sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors by increasing infiltration of cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells and upregulating expression of T-cell-attracting chemokines. These findings suggest that ARID2 acts as an immunomodulator and a potential biomarker for predicting the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wei-Ying Zeng, Yu-Rong Tan, Sheng-Feng Long, Zu-Dong Sun, Zhen-Guang Lai, Shou-Zhen Yang, Huai-Zhu Chen, Xia-Yan Qing
Summary: This study investigated the DNA methylation profile of soybean response to bean pyralid using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA-sequencing. Numerous differentially methylated regions and genes were identified, along with potential regulatory genes involved in soybean resistance to bean pyralid. The results provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying soybean's response to insect pests.
Article
Parasitology
Juste Azelyte, Elena Platonova, Staffan Bensch, Olof Hellgren, Vaidas Palinauskas
Summary: Co-infections and interactions of avian Plasmodium parasites have a significant impact on parasite development and transmission success. The dominance of one parasite may suppress the parasite load of another. Understanding these interactions helps explain why certain avian Plasmodium parasites dominate in specific host species.
Review
Parasitology
Apolline Maitre, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Juste Azelyte, Vaidas Palinauskas, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Dasiel Obregon, Adnan Hodzic, Claire Valiente Moro, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jean-Christophe Paoli, Alessandra Falchi, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: Human and animal pathogens transmitted by arthropods, such as ticks and mosquitoes, are a global concern. Control measures using acaricides are threatened by resistance in vector populations. Alternative strategies that target the vector microbiota and interfere with pathogen development are encouraged. Understanding the immune functions of host antibodies and disrupting the vector microbiota open up possibilities for novel transmission-blocking vaccines.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Vaidas Palinauskas, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Jose de la Fuente, Juste Azelyte, Dasiel Obregon, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: This paper proposes the hypothesis that gut microbiota diversity shapes the immune response and resistance to avian malaria. The authors also suggest that anti-alpha-Gal antibodies are transmitted from mother to eggs for early malaria protection in chicks. They provide preliminary data showing the presence of bacterial alpha 1,3GT genes in the gut microbiome of birds and the induction of anti-alpha-Gal antibodies upon avian malaria infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Elin Videvall
Summary: Longitudinal data on gut microbiomes of wild baboons demonstrate that individual variations exist in microbial communities, despite sharing the same diet and environment within primate social groups.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Francisco C. Ferreira, Elin Videvall, Christa M. Seidl, Nicole E. Wagner, A. Marm Kilpatrick, Robert C. Fleischer, Dina M. Fonseca
Summary: This study analyzed the transcriptional responses of mosquitoes to malaria parasites in non-mammalian systems for the first time. The results showed that there were reduced gene expression levels in Hawaiian Culex mosquitoes during ookinete invasion and relatively small transcriptional changes during oocyst development. This suggests that the fitness costs of avian Plasmodium infection in Culex mosquitoes are low.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda K. Navine, Kristina L. Paxton, Eben H. Paxton, Patrick J. Hart, Jeffrey T. Foster, Nancy McInerney, Robert C. Fleischer, Elin Videvall
Summary: Hawaiian honeycreepers, specifically the amakihi species, show some level of immunity to avian malaria. Examining their cloacal microbiomes has revealed potential microbes, such as Escherichia and Lactobacillus species, that could mitigate malaria severity and be candidates for future probiotic research. This study highlights the importance of innovative conservation strategies and the potential role of gut microbiota in enhancing malaria immunity in endangered species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luz Garcia-Longoria, Dag Ahren, Arnaud Berthomieu, Victor Kalbskopf, Ana Rivero, Olof Hellgren
Summary: This study presents the first transcriptomic analysis of the immune response of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus to Plasmodium relictum infection. The results reveal the important roles of Toll and Imd pathways during the critical period of parasite development. Unexpected differences in immune RNA expression patterns were also observed in infected mosquitoes compared to uninfected mosquitoes. The study expands our understanding of immune pathways and the selective pressures exerted by Plasmodium parasites on their vectors.
Article
Ecology
Martina Ferraguti, Sergio Magallanes, Jessica Jimenez-Penuela, Josue Martinez-de la Puente, Luz Garcia-Longoria, Jordi Figuerola, Jaime Muriel, Tamer Albayrak, Staffan Bensch, Camille Bonneaud, Rohan H. Clarke, Gabor A. Czirjak, Dimitar Dimitrov, Kathya Espinoza, John G. Ewen, Farah Ishtiaq, Wendy Flores-Saavedra, Laszlo Zsolt Garamszegi, Olof Hellgren, Dita Horakova, Kathryn P. Huyvaert, Henrik Jensen, Asta Krizanauskiene, Marcos R. Lima, Charlene Lujan-Vega, Eyofinn Magnussen, Lynn B. Martin, Kevin D. Matson, Anders Pape Moller, Pavel Munclinger, Vaidas Palinauskas, Peter L. Pap, Javier Perez-Tris, Swen C. Renner, Robert Ricklefs, Sergio Scebba, Ravinder N. M. Sehgal, Manuel Soler, Eszter Szoellosi, Gediminas Valkiunas, Helena Westerdahl, Pavel Zehtindjiev, Alfonso Marzal
Summary: This study investigated the ecological drivers affecting avian malaria parasite lineages in native and introduced house sparrows. The results showed that urbanization was positively related to parasite prevalence in both native and introduced populations, with higher infection in areas with intermediate levels of urbanization. In introduced populations, altitude and time since bird introduction were positively associated with the number of parasite lineages.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Kristina L. Paxton, Loren Cassin-Sackett, Carter T. Atkinson, Elin Videvall, Michael G. Campana, Robert C. Fleischer
Summary: The rise in new and emerging infectious diseases poses a threat to human and wildlife health. The introduction of Plasmodium relictum and its mosquito vector to the Hawaiian archipelago has caused significant losses in endemic Hawaiian forest bird species. Understanding the evolution of disease immunity is important for the remaining bird species residing in high elevation habitats. This study compares the gene expression profiles of infected and uninfected birds, providing insights into the molecular pathways involved in survival or mortality during malaria infection.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Juste Azelyte, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Apolline Maitre, Rita Ziegyte, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Dasiel Obregon, Vaidas Palinauskas, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: Avian malaria infection does not significantly change the alpha and beta diversity of the bird gut microbiome, but it does alter the composition and abundance of certain bacterial taxa. The progression of microbiome structural states differs between infected and uninfected birds. Infection by avian malaria parasites is associated with the presence of specific metabolic pathways and the abundance of these pathways changes over the course of infection.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Elin Videvall, Hanna M. Bensch, Anel Engelbrecht, Schalk Cloete, Charlie K. Cornwallis
Summary: Coprophagy, a behavior observed in various species including birds and mammals, involves the consumption of feces. This study investigates the effects of ostrich chicks ingesting adult feces on their gut microbiota development, growth, feeding behavior, pathogen abundance, and mortality. The results show that coprophagy leads to significant changes in the juvenile gut microbiota, promotes growth, alters feeding behavior, reduces a common gut pathogen, and lowers mortality associated with gut disease.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elin Videvall, Pablo Burraco, German Orizaola
Summary: Radioactive contamination has the potential to damage DNA and other biomolecules. A study on animals in Chernobyl revealed that wildlife can persevere despite chronic radiation exposure. However, the effects of radiation on microbial communities in the environment are not well understood. This study examined the impact of ionizing radiation on the diversity and composition of microbiomes in the wetlands of Chernobyl.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Irene Hernandez-Caballero, Olof Hellgren, Luz Garcia-Longoria Batanete
Summary: The translation highlights the importance of studying the interactions between parasites and mosquitoes in order to understand vector-borne diseases. It emphasizes the need for more genomic studies on non-mammophilic mosquito species and their associated parasites to fill the knowledge gap. The review article underlines the significance of identifying key genes and pathways in both Anopheles mosquitoes and Culex mosquitoes that are involved in malaria infections and avian malaria infections, respectively.
Article
Microbiology
Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Apolline Maitre, Ryan O. M. Rego, Radek Sima, Stefania Porcelli, Sabine Rakotobe, Angelique Foucault-Simonin, Sara Moutailler, Vaidas Palinauskas, Juste Azelyte, Ladislav Simo, Dasiel Obregon, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: Research has found that infection with Borrelia afzelii causes changes to the microbiota composition, diversity, and structure in ticks. Anti-microbiota vaccines can alter the tick microbiota's ability to be infected by Borrelia and decrease the pathogen's load. Network analysis is a suitable tool for identifying properties of the vector microbiota associated with infection-refractory states.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicholas M. Fountain-Jones, Tatiana Giraud, Lucie Zinger, Holly Bik, Simon Creer, Elin Videvall
Summary: This article explores the common challenges, methodological advancements, and future directions in microbiome research. Key research areas include the drivers of microbiome community assembly, the relationship between microbiome composition and host genetics, microbial functions and spatial partitioning, and understanding non-bacterial components of the microbiome. Methodological advancements such as quantifying absolute abundances, sequencing complete genomes, and novel statistical approaches are useful tools for studying microbial diversity patterns.