Review
Plant Sciences
Steven J. Fleck, Richard W. Jobson
Summary: Plastid molecular phylogenies reveal that carnivorous plants evolved independently at least 11 times. A nuclear gene-based phylogeny provides an overview of relationships within and between carnivorous families and genera.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lin Yang, Fuwen Wei, Xiangjiang Zhan, Huizhong Fan, Pengpeng Zhao, Guangping Huang, Jiang Chang, Yinghu Lei, Yibo Hu
Summary: This study investigates the genomics of takins and reveals the existence of two phylogenetic species and recent speciation. Two genetically divergent subspecies were also identified. The findings provide insights into the scientific conservation of takins and the biogeography of the Himalaya-Hengduan biodiversity hotspot.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enrique Celemin, Marijke Autenrieth, Anna Roos, Iwona Pawliczka, Maria Quintela, Ulf Lindstrom, Harald Benke, Ursula Siebert, Christina Lockyer, Per Berggren, A. Amaha Ozturk, Bayram Ozturk, Veronique Lesage, Ralph Tiedemann
Summary: This study used whole genome resequencing to study the evolutionary history of Harbour porpoises and the role of local adaptation in their diversification. The results revealed three subspecies and three populations within the species, and identified salinity as a major driver of genomic variation based on genotype-environment association analysis.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ewen Callaway
Summary: Genetic material collected from permafrost reveals that northern Greenland was once a thriving forest.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jae Young Choi, Xiaoguang Dai, Ornob Alam, Julie Z. Peng, Priyesh Rughani, Scott Hickey, Eoghan Harrington, Sissel Juul, Julien F. Ayroles, Michael D. Purugganan, Elizabeth A. Stacy
Summary: The study conducted an evolutionary genomics analysis of genus Metrosideros, a landscape-dominant adaptive radiation of woody plants in Hawaii. It was found that Hawaiian Metrosideros originated from a single colonization event and showed evidence of extensive reticulation and admixture between taxa. Divergent selection was identified as driving the formation of differentiation outliers in early stages of speciation/divergence.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xue Qin, Hao Wang, Chao Miao, Xinyan Yang, Yanming Zhang, Jing Feng, Stephen J. Forsythe, Chaoxin Man, Yujun Jiang
Summary: The genus Cronobacter is an opportunistic food-borne pathogen with considerable genetic diversity and adaptability to diverse environments. Genomic analysis revealed the variation in terms of virulence, drug resistance, and factors involved in horizontal gene transfer. The study identified core genes for substrate transport and metabolism, as well as antibiotic resistance genetic determinants classified into various AROs, while also uncovering genomic islands likely acquired through horizontal gene transfer.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jibin Miao, Perla Farhat, Wentao Wang, Markus Ruhsam, Richard Milne, Heng Yang, Sonam Tso, Jialiang Li, Jingjing Xu, Lars Opgenoorth, Georg Miehe, Kangshan Mao
Summary: This study explores the genetic variation, speciation, and demographic history of two narrow-endemic juniper species from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results show that the two species diverged in the late Pliocene and continued interspecific gene flow until the Last Glacial Maximum. Additionally, it highlights differences in habitat adaptation, genetic diversity, and genetic load between the two species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephen M. Zozaya, Luisa C. Teasdale, Leonardo G. Tedeschi, Megan Higgie, Conrad J. Hoskin, Craig Moritz
Summary: This study explores multiple dimensions in two species complexes of gekkonid lizards in tropical Australia, and finds that the rock-restricted species, Heteronotia planiceps, exhibits exceptional fine-scale phylogeographical structure compared to the habitat generalist, Heteronotia binoei. Divergence in genomes, ecomorphology, and chemical signals all play a role in the incipient speciation of H. planiceps, with significant divergence observed in chemical signals between lineages.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joseph D. Manthey, Yann Bourgeois, Yonas Meheretu, Stephane Boissinot
Summary: This study utilized whole-genome sequencing data to characterize genomic variation in populations of six Ethiopian Highlands forest bird species separated by a lowland biogeographic barrier, the Great Rift Valley (GRV). It was found that the GRV acts as a substantial biogeographic barrier even in highly dispersive species like birds, with species' dispersal ability negatively correlated with levels of population differentiation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Van Wishingrad, Robert C. Thomson
Summary: The field of biogeography combines landscape genetics and phylogeography to understand genetic variation across space and time. This study used the western fence lizard as a model species to investigate the connection between landscape genetics and phylogeography. The results showed significant concordance in landscape genetics processes at different geographical scales, while phylogeographical results indicated distinct clades restricted to specific river drainages or hydrological regions. Integrating theory, models, and methods between landscape genetics and phylogeography will enhance our understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Axel Jensen, Frances Swift, Dorien de Vries, Robin M. D. Beck, Lukas F. K. Kuderna, Sascha Knauf, Idrissa S. Chuma, Julius D. Keyyu, Andrew C. Kitchener, Kyle Farh, Jeffrey Rogers, Tomas Marques-Bonet, Kate M. Detwiler, Christian Roos, Katerina Guschanski
Summary: Understanding the drivers of speciation is fundamental in evolutionary biology, and recent studies highlight hybridization as an important evolutionary force. This study analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 22 species of guenons and found rampant gene flow characterized their evolutionary history. Ancient hybridization events were identified across deeply divergent lineages with differences in ecology, morphology, and karyotypes. The study also revealed that genes with immune functions were overrepresented in introgressing regions, suggesting adaptive introgression, while genes involved in pigmentation and morphology may contribute to reproductive isolation. Additionally, it was found that some of the most species-rich guenon clades were of admixed origin.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qihang Chen, Le Chen, Jaime Teixeira A. da Silva, Xiaonan Yu
Summary: The plastome of Paeonia is highly informative for phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses, and could be useful in future research related to taxonomy, evolution, and domestication.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jun Chen, Yu Zang, Shuo Liang, Song Xue, Shuai Shang, Meiling Zhu, Ying Wang, Xuexi Tang
Summary: This study sequenced and compared the mitochondrial genomes of Zostera japonica and Phyllospadix iwatensis, providing new evidence of genome size reduction, gene loss, and adaptive evolution in seagrasses. It found a large number of repeat sequences and extensive loss of ribosomal protein genes in seagrass species. Additionally, it identified positive selection genes associated with seagrass adaptation to the marine environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martine J. van den Heuvel-Greve, Anneke M. van den Brink, Michiel J. J. Kotterman, Christiaan J. A. F. Kwadijk, Steve C. Geelhoed, Sinead Murphy, Jan van den Broek, Hans Heesterbeek, Andrea Grone, Lonneke L. IJsseldijk
Summary: The study demonstrated the transgenerational transfer of PCBs, PBDEs, and HCB from adult harbor porpoises to fetuses, with males having higher levels due to offloading by adult females. Nutritional stress in females led to higher offloading in milk, potentially increasing toxicity in calves. This highlights the potential health effects of POPs on harbor porpoises in the North Sea, despite current pollution reduction regulations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Aidan W. Short, Matthew A. Streisfeld
Summary: The reuse of old genetic variation can promote rapid diversification in evolutionary radiations. In the Mimulus aurantiacus species complex, there is evidence for ancient and recurrent hybridization. Selection against gene flow can reduce genomic signatures of ancient hybridization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jesse R. Conklin, Yvonne Verkuil, Phil F. Battley, Chris J. Hassell, Job Ten Horn, James A. Johnson, Pavel S. Tomkovich, Allan J. Baker, Theunis Piersma, Michael C. Fontaine
Summary: The red knot, Calidris canutus, derives from two main lineages that diverged around 34,000 years ago, potentially persisting in both Palearctic and Nearctic refugia during the last glacial maximum. Previously unknown genetic structure was found in Beringian subspecies, while weak genetic differentiation was observed between two Nearctic populations.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Virginie Rougeron, Josquin Daron, Michael C. Fontaine, Franck Prugnolle
Summary: This review summarizes the most recent studies that have addressed the origin of malaria in the Americas and the transfer of Plasmodium vivax from humans to monkeys using genetic and genomic approaches.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacqueline A. Robinson, Christopher C. Kyriazis, Sergio F. Nigenda-Morales, Annabel C. Beichman, Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, Kelly M. Robertson, Michael C. Fontaine, Robert K. Wayne, Kirk E. Lohmueller, Barbara L. Taylor, Phillip A. Morin
Summary: This study analyzed the genome sequences of the vaquita porpoise in Mexico and simulated the species' recovery potential. The research found that the vaquita's historical rarity reduced the risk of inbreeding depression, and it can recover if gillnet fishing is immediately halted.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pina Brinker, Fangying Chen, Yacine Ben Chehida, Leo W. Beukeboom, Michael C. Fontaine, Joana Falcao Salles
Summary: This study investigated the influence of host genotype, environmental conditions, and the endosymbiont Wolbachia on the bacterial communities of the parasitic wasp Asobara japonica. It was found that the bacterial communities in asexual wasps were highly similar due to the strong effect of Wolbachia, while in sexual wasps, the bacterial communities appeared primarily shaped by a combination of population structure and environmental conditions.
Article
Fisheries
Luis Cardona, Olga Renones, Adam Gouraguine, Fabiana Saporiti, Asuncion Borrell, Alex Aguilar, Joan Moranta
Summary: This study examines the impact of fishery exploitation on the trophic structure of carnivorous fish. The research was conducted in the Mediterranean Sea and the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean, comparing areas open to fishing with marine protected areas (MPAs). Results indicate that fishing has a significant impact on the biomass and size structure of carnivorous fish, but does not affect the diversity of trophic resources, resource partitioning, or trophic redundancy. These findings suggest that MPAs may not be able to restore the original food web structure in fished seascapes.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Christopher C. Kyriazis, Jacqueline A. Robinson, Sergio F. Nigenda-Morales, Annabel C. Beichman, Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, Kelly M. Robertson, Michael C. Fontaine, Robert K. Wayne, Barbara L. Taylor, Kirk E. Lohmueller, Phillip A. Morin
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margaux J. M. Lefebvre, Josquin Daron, Eric Legrand, Michael C. Fontaine, Virginie Rougeron, Franck Prugnolle
Summary: Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent agent of human malaria, spread from Africa to all continents following human migrations. Through genome-wide polymorphism analysis, this study reveals the genetic structure, invasion history, and selective pressures associated with P. falciparum's adaptation in the Americas. The findings show that American populations originated from Africa with at least two independent introductions, leading to genetically distinct clusters in North and South America, along with an admixed Peruvian group. The study also identifies positive selection signals in genes related to host interactions and drug resistance, suggesting repeated evolution through adaptive introgression or selection on standing variation.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Scott T. Small, Carlo Costantini, N'Fale Sagnon, Moussa W. Guelbeogo, Scott J. Emrich, Andrew D. Kern, Michael C. Fontaine, Nora J. Besansky
Summary: The two forms of the major African malaria mosquito Anopheles funestus, which are indistinguishable in morphology but different in their genetic makeup, show evidence of local adaptation to breeding in natural swamps and irrigated rice fields. This rapid adaptation is fueled by standing genetic variation predating the split between the two forms. Differences in inversion frequencies likely facilitated the adaptive divergence between the two forms by suppressing recombination.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Laura Stukonyte, Asuncion Borrell, Massimiliano Drago, Christina Lockyer, Gisli Vikingsson, Alex Aguilar
Summary: The effect of formic acid etching on stable C and N isotope ratios in sperm whale teeth dentine is investigated in this study. The results show that there are significant differences in the values of both elements between untreated and etched samples. Linear regression models are developed to estimate untreated values from etched half-sections.
RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Borrell, O. Garcia-Garin, A. Aguilar, M. Vighi, M. Valdivia, E. M. Gonzalez, D. Paez-Rosas, M. Drago
Summary: This study analyzed the aluminum concentrations in the bone of 10 species of marine mammals inhabiting different geographic areas with varying aluminum inputs. The results showed unusually high concentrations of aluminum in marine mammal bone compared to terrestrial animals, with the lowest concentrations in the Galapagos archipelago, followed by the Rio de la Plata estuary and Mauritania. The source of aluminum varied between regions, with anthropogenic sources dominating in the Rio de la Plata estuary and natural sources (wind-blown dust) in Mauritanian waters. The type of source determined the contamination levels, with anthropogenic sources being more significant for coastal species and declining with distance from the shoreline.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carla A. Crossman, Michael C. Fontaine, Timothy R. Frasier
Summary: Through deep whole genome sequencing, researchers found that North Atlantic right whales have smaller effective population sizes, reduced genetic diversity, and higher inbreeding compared to southern right whales in the Southwest Atlantic. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of genome-wide diversity of right whales and highlights the importance of understanding historical changes in effective population size in shaping contemporary diversity estimates.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andres Moreira-Mendieta, Odei Garcia-Garin, Juan Pablo Munoz-Perez, Diego O. Urquia, Massimiliano Drago, Asuncion Borrell, Diego Paez-Rosas
Summary: Marine debris pollution, primarily plastics, poses a global threat to biodiversity. A study on the Galapagos sea lion found a significant presence of microplastics in their scat, mainly in the form of fibers. These findings establish a baseline framework for future research and management actions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Odei Garcia-Garin, Asuncion Borrell, Pere Colomer-Vidal, Morgana Vighi, Nuria Trilla-Prieto, Alex Aguilar, Manel Gazo, Begona Jimenez
Summary: This study investigates the biomagnification of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in striped dolphins in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea and examines the temporal trends of PFAS concentrations over the past three decades. The results show that PFAS, especially the long-chain compounds, have bioaccumulated in dolphins and may have potential health effects. The findings contribute to the understanding of PFAS pollution in marine ecosystems and can support future ecological risk assessments and management strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)