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PubMed2026

Consistent and idiosyncratic pleiotropy in shaping genetic correlations.

Pleiotropy, the phenomenon where a single mutation influences multiple phenotypic traits, creates genetic correlations that can constrain evolutionary trajectories. Yet genetic correlations differ in their persistence: some remain stable over long evolutionary timescales, whereas others change rapidly across generations or environments. One explanation is that similar values of genetic correlation, rG, can arise from different pleiotropic architectures: broadly aligned effects across many loci, or disproportionate covariance contributions from a few large effect loci. Motivated by the distinction between vertical and horizontal pleiotropy, here, we develop a bivariate marker effect framework for recombinant mapping populations that separates candidate large covariance contributors from the polygenic background correlation, rD. We define rD as the correlation among marker effects after trimming markers with unusually large covariance contributions. rD is a trait-pair summary of how consistently small and moderate effect markers align across the genome; high rD is expected when many perturbations propagate through shared developmental, physiological, causal, or geometric structure. Applying this framework to high-dimensional yeast single-cell morphology, we show that trait pairs with similar rG can differ substantially in rD, and that a small number of candidate outlier regions can strongly influence some marker effect correlations. We then test whether rD predicts the environmental stability of genetic correlations under geldanamycin-mediated Hsp90 perturbation. Trait pairs with stronger rD show smaller absolute changes in rG. These results suggest that genetic correlations supported by a strong polygenic marker effect background are more environmentally stable than correlations shaped primarily by a few large covariance contributors.

Genetic Pleiotropy↗

PubMed2026

Assembly and comparative analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Pleione yunnanensis: genome structure and evolutionary insights.

BACKGROUND: Pleione yunnanensis a terrestrial or semi-epiphytic herbaceous plant belonging to the Orchidaceae family, is valued for both its medicinal uses and ornamental appeal. Although its chloroplast genomes have been sequenced, its complete mt genome had not previously been resolved, limiting genetic and evolutionary studies of the species. RESULTS: In this work, we assembled and characterized the first complete mt genome of P. yunnanensis, revealing a structurally complex, multibranched system composed of 14 circular-mapping molecules totaling 468,176 bp with a GC content of 44.32%. The genome encodes 44 annotated genes, including 28 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 15 tRNAs, and one rRNA. The multibranched architecture provides new evidence supporting the dynamic and recombinational nature of plant mt genomes. Repeat analysis uncovered 29 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 19 tandem repeats, and 118 dispersed repeats, indicating a comparatively lower repeat abundance than that found in closely related orchids with similar mt genome sizes. Codon-usage profiling of PCGs showed a marked bias toward A/T-ending codons. Prediction of RNA editing sites identified 4,708 putative edits across mitochondrial PCGs. Most mitochondrial genes displayed Ka/Ks ratios close to 1.0, suggesting relaxed selective constraints or lineage-specific evolutionary patterns rather than strong positive selection. Moreover, we detected 69 chloroplast-derived homologous fragments, including 15 intact genes, suggesting ongoing plastid-mitochondrial DNA transfer. Phylogenetic reconstruction and collinearity comparisons demonstrated that P. yunnanensis clustered closely with Dendrobium species, including D. amplum and D. hancockii, within the Orchidaceae clade. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first complete mt genome of P. yunnanensis, providing a foundational genomic resource for the genus Pleione. The results not only improve our understanding of mt genome structure and evolution in Orchidaceae, but also offer valuable molecular evidence for phylogenetic inference, germplasm identification, and conservation of this endangered medicinal species.

Orchidaceae↗

PubMed2025

Genomic analysis of xerophyte Salweenia species provides insights into the alpine dry-warm valleys divergence and survival history.

Salweenia species are evergreen shrubs capable of preventing desertification and maintaining the health of alpine dry-warm ecosystems in the Hengduan Mountains. However, both the narrowly distributed S. bouffordiana and its more widespread close relative S. wardii are endemic and endangered. Furthermore, their small population sizes render each of these species at risk of extinction. To infer how past climate changes have shaped the evolutionary history of these species, we developed a chromosome-level S. bouffordiana genome (788 Mb) and compared the two species' evolutionary histories, genetic loads and the genomic adaptions to local environmental conditions using whole-genome resequencing data. Our findings reveal a sharp population decline from the Pliocene to the Quaternary. However, populations of S. bouffordiana then started to recover before declining further, while S. wardii populations continued to decline until recently. Abundant homozygous-derived variants accumulated in the two species, particularly in S. bouffordiana, while the species with the most heterozygous variants was S. wardii. Accumulated extensive inbreeding effects but possessed few LOF mutations and few highly deleterious variants in the S. bouffordiana that have experienced the most severe demographic bottlenecks, most likely because of purging effects. This accelerating decline cascade will likely be detrimental to the consequences for the species' future viability and adaptive potential. Overall, this study improves our understanding of the evolutionary history of Salweenia shrubs tolerant to extreme environments and offers a genetic resource for future breeding and conservation efforts.

Genome, Plant↗

PubMed1979

Evolutionary conservation of large chromosomal segments reflected in mammalian gene maps.

Conservation of genetic linkage over long periods of time is exemplifted. Comparisons are made between chromosomal regions in different species as well as within two species, man and the house mouse. Homologous regions are defined and the phenomenon of differential silencing of genes is described. The importance of conservation of particular sequences of genes is discussed in relation to medical genetics, animal breeding, evolutionary theory and genetic regulation.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Eden's Whale Clarifies the Taxonomy and Speciation of Bryde's Whale Complex.

Eden's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), a poorly understood baleen cetacean, has long been shrouded in taxonomic ambiguity due to limited genomic resources, obscuring its distinction from closely related species and its position within the cetacean Tree of Life. In this paper, we present a high-quality chromosomal-level genome of B. edeni and conduct comparative genomic analyses to address long-standing taxonomic confusion and elucidate speciation of balaenopterids. Our phylogenomic analysis and demographic reconstruction reveal that B. edeni is a distinct sister to Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei), sharing a common ancestor that diverged approximately 7.84 million years ago during the late Miocene. Their genetic divergence exceeds typical intraspecific variation in whales, supporting the reinstatement of B. brydei as a valid species. Chromosomal syntenic analyses suggest that macro-fragment inversions contributed to speciation in balaenopterid whales and uncover unexpected large-scale complex genome rearrangements in Bryde's whale, offering novel insights into cetacean genome evolution. Functional enrichment analysis of inverted regions between B. edeni and Balaenoptera musculus indicates their predominant association with metabolism and biosynthesis, as well as responses to various substances, stress, and stimuli. These genomic resources for B. edeni not only lay a critical foundation for comparative genetic and evolutionary research of cetaceans but also advance our understanding of the taxonomy and evolutionary dynamics of the Bryde's whale complex, with broader implications for baleen whale conservation and biodiversity.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Synonymous mutations in essential genes infrequently produce fitness effects in human cell lines.

The assumption that synonymous mutations are fitness-neutral is central to many foundational results in the fields of genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, and medicine. However, recent results suggest synonymous mutations have pervasive and strong fitness effects. These vigorously debated studies in non-human model systems have even suggested that the proportion of synonymous mutations and their fitness effect sizes are similar to non-synonymous mutations. To probe the fitness effect of synonymous mutations, we utilized recent advances in base editing to test 8558 potential synonymous mutations in 128 highly essential genes in human cell lines. Importantly, our library design excluded splice-proximal sites, ensuring a direct test of codon-level synonymous effects independent of splicing disruption. We find that synonymous mutations rarely have fitness effects on growth, occurring around 37.9-fold (95% CI: 22.16-81.48-fold) less frequently than missense mutations. In this experimental context, these findings demonstrate that synonymous mutations impact cellular fitness far less frequently than missense mutations. These results deviate from earlier reports of widespread synonymous fitness effects in yeast, yet they align with recent prime editing data observed in other human cell lines.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A Cis-Regulatory Duplication in a Hox Hotspot Implicated in Mimetic Convergence in the Bumble Bee Bombus flavifrons.

Several species of North American bumble bees spanning the Pacific Coastal and Rocky Mountain regions converge onto distinct mimetic abdominal colour forms for each region by switching abdominal coloration from black to red. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of red and black transitions in two mimics (Bombus melanopygus and Bombus vancouverensis) revealed that black forms were generated by independently deleting a portion of the same cis-regulatory region near the Hox gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B). Here, we test the genetic basis of these mimetic colour forms in a third co-mimic, Bombus flavifrons, that has continuous variation in red and black that is shifted posteriorly one segment compared to its co-mimics. Using genome-wide association of red and black forms, we identified a structural variant < 50 bp away from the deletions in B. melanopygus and B. vancouverensis that was strongly associated with the colour phenotype. Sequencing across mimicry zones and closely related taxa revealed that all red forms of B. flavifrons and monomorphic red close relative Bombus centralis have a 319 bp tandem duplication at this locus that has extensive modification to the duplicated copy. Black forms of B. flavifrons from the Cascades also have this duplication but without the modifications, while black forms in the western Rockies mostly lack this duplication, similar to ancestral black forms. This suggests independent mechanisms may regulate the black phenotypes in different populations and that ancestral sorting of variation and/or adaptive introgression generated these phenotypes. This study strengthens support for this Abd-B cis-regulatory region being a hotspot for regulating abdominal coloration in bumble bees, and features the role of regulatory region duplication in creating novel phenotypes.

Animals↗

PubMed1979

Partial N-terminal amino acid sequence analyses and comparative tryptic peptide maps of murine Ia molecules encoded by the I-A subregion.

The partial N-terminal amino acid sequences and tryptic peptide maps of I-A subregion products from the H-2b, H-2d, H-2k and H-2s haplotypes demonstrate that haplotype-associated differences are present in both alpha and beta polypeptides. The genetic and evolutionary implications of these multiple amino acid substitutions and the homology relationships among Ia molecules from human, guinea pig and the I-E subregion of the mouse are discussed.

Alleles↗

PubMed2026

Genomic and Structural Analysis of Gamete Recognition Proteins in a Broadcast Spawning Echinoderm Mesocentrotus franciscanus.

Gamete recognition proteins are expressed on the surfaces of sperm and eggs, where they mediate interactions between gametes. The genetic basis for gamete recognition proteins, as well as their structure and interactions, have yet to be fully resolved. Using a new high-quality de novo genome assembly for the sea urchin Mesocentrotus franciscanus, we investigated the genomic structure, expression, and protein forms of several gamete recognition proteins: sperm bindin, egg receptor for sperm (HSP110), and egg bindin receptor (EBR1), as well as the receptor for egg jelly (REJ) and its paralogs. To inform future population genetic and evolutionary studies, we resolve the genomic structure of the large EBR1 protein, identifying fewer tandem CUB-TSP1 repeats in EBR1 compared to the initial characterization of this protein. As expected for an egg receptor for sperm, EBR1 is highly expressed in female reproductive tissues (eggs and female gonad), compared to other tissues. In contrast, HSP110 shows similar levels of expression across male and female reproductive tissues, as well as across non-reproductive tissues and development stages. HSP110 might be a pleiotropic gene that in part influences fertilization. Using protein structural modeling and functional domain predictions, we propose hypotheses about potential interactions among EBR1, bindin, and HSP110 proteins that may provide insight into sperm-egg interactions in sea urchins. Resolving the genomic structure of genes encoding gamete recognition proteins, in combination with functional annotations and protein structural modeling, enables deeper investigation into the consequences of variation in gamete recognition proteins and the evolution of reproductive isolation.

Mesocentrotus franciscanus↗

PubMed2025

Genomic mechanism of aroma terpenoids biosynthesis in plants.

BACKGROUND: Aroma terpenoids are crucial plant secondary metabolites with physiological and commercial importance. Interestingly, both closely and distantly related species can synthesize identical aroma terpenoids. With the development of genome sequencing technology, it has become possible to elucidate the genomic mechanism underlying this phenomenon. AIM: This review highlights whole-genome data as a robust strategy for investigating the genomic mechanism of aroma terpenoids biosynthesis in plants, and provides new perspectives on the origin, evolution, and engineering of terpene synthases (TPSs). This aims to significantly benefit plant breeding and enhance suitability for industrial production. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: Genomic mechanism of aroma terpenoids biosynthesis in plant genomes is the genetic and evolutionary dynamics. We elaborate the genomic mechanism governing the biosynthesis of plant-derived aroma terpenoids in three dimensions: (1) Genome-wide identification and phylogenetic analyses of TPSs. The same aroma terpenoids were produced by numerous plant species with chromosome-level genomes. Based on 34 plant genomes, we identified 1643 TPSs and classified them into seven subfamilies. (2) Functional and structural basis of TPSs. We found that TPSs with identical functions in distant species exhibit low sequence similarity but conserved active cavity architectures. Conversely, functionally distinct TPSs in closely related species cluster phylogenetically but differ in active cavity structures. (3) Patterns of TPS gene origination. Comparative genomic analyses within and between species revealed three patterns enabling TPSs to acquire the same functions: tandem duplications, dispersed duplications, and genes without duplication.

Terpenes↗

PubMed1976

Structure and evolution of transplantation antigens: partial amino-acid sequences of H-2K and H-2D alloantigens.

Techniques for the amino acid sequence analysis of subnanomole quantities of polypeptides have been applied to characterize beta2-microglobulin and transplantation antigens of the mouse isolated from spleen cells by indirect immunoprecipitation. Eleven residues were identified throughout the NH2-terminal 27 residues of the beta2-microglobulin; all were identical to residues seen at the corresponding positions of beta2-microglobulins from other species. Two K and two D transplantation antigens were examined and the following generalizations emerged from the limited partial amino-acid sequence data: (1) the K and D molecules are homologous to one another; (2) they do not show amino acid sequence homology with immunoglobulins; (3) the two K and two D molecules differ from one another by multiple amino acid substitutions; and (4) the K molecules as a class cannot be distinguished from the D molecules as a class. The genetic and evolutionary implications of these observations are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2026

The complete chloroplast genome of Heterostemma pingtaoi (Apocynaceae).

Heterostemma pingtaoi, a species endemic to Hainan Island, China, was discovered and formally described in the family Apocynaceae in 2010. However, genetic and evolutionary information on the genus Heterostemma remains poorly understood. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of H. pingtaoi. The genome displays the typical quadripartite structure characteristic of dicotyledonous plant cp genomes, with a total length of 162,681 bp and a GC content of 38.25%. The cp genome encodes 131 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 39 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete cp genome sequences confirmed that the genus Heterostemma forms a monophyletic group at the base of tribe Ceropegieae (Apocynaceae), with 100% bootstrap support. This study provides essential genomic resources for future taxonomic and evolutionary studies of Heterostemma species.

Apocynaceae↗

PubMed2025

Genome-based exploration of volatile flavor diversity from food yeast species.

Yeast shares a longer than 10 000-year history with humans in food fermentation by producing various volatile flavor compounds that contribute to the final taste and aroma of foods. Yeast-associated volatile flavor compounds include esters, benzenoids, sulfur compounds, and phenolic derivatives, which enhance the sensory complexity of fermented foods and beverages. Genome-scale technologies have advanced and transformed our understanding of the genetic and evolutionary drivers of volatile flavor diversity. The conventional approach to aroma enrichment and flavor balancing through single-strain optimization has been redefined through yeast cofermentation strategies, such as the pairing of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with nonconventional yeast species. This minireview summarizes the latest genomic insights into volatile flavor compound formation through ester, benzenoid, sulfur, and phenolic pathways in various yeast species and highlights the shaping of the next generation of food fermentation innovation via cofermentation combined with omics analysis, followed by a future perspective on synthetic biology for industrial applicability.

Volatile Organic Compounds↗

PubMed2026

Ecological and evolutionary implications of a mobile genetic element-rich haloarchaeon with unique osmotic resilience.

We isolated a novel halophilic archaeon, strain DSL9, representing the proposed new species Haloliberatus hailidukes gen. nov., sp. nov., from Dishui Lake, China. Unlike most obligate halophiles, DSL9 survives in low salinity, even distilled water, without lysis. Genomic analysis revealed dual salinity adaptation strategies: salt-in and compatible solutes, including a complete trehalose biosynthesis pathway. The strain harbors multiple plasmids, notably a 111,311 bp large plasmid (pHdsl9-3) encoding replication (Orc1/Cdc6, SSB), transcription (TFIIB), transmission (T4SS cluster, ArdC-like protein), and recombination (XerA) modules. pHdsl9-3 provides auxiliary functions such as defense, genome diversification, ion detoxification, and suggests active horizontal gene transfer. Similar elements are widespread in Halobacteriales, highlighting their role in haloarchaeal genetic diversity and plasticity. The encoded XerA hinted at a function beyond DNA dimer resolution, suggesting it may have been adapted by other archaeal mobile genetic elements. These findings underscore the need to investigate plasmid-driven evolution and environmental adaptation mechanisms in haloarchaea.IMPORTANCEThis study reports the isolation and characterization of DSL9, a novel halophilic archaeon from a freshwater lake. Remarkably, DSL9 defies the typical obligate halophilic lifestyle by surviving in low-salinity environments, including distilled water, without cell lysis. A key discovery is the identification of a 111,311 bp large plasmid harboring essential modules for replication, transcription, transmission, and integration. Widespread distribution of similar elements across Halobacteriales suggests their crucial role in haloarchaeal genetic diversity and plasticity, warranting further study of plasmid-mediated evolution and adaptation strategies.

Lakes↗

PubMed2026

New Insights into Genomic Variations and Mutational Events Associated with Plant-Pathogen Interactions.

Plant diseases threaten global food security, causing up to 40% crop yield losses and more than $220 billion in annual economic damage. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the genomic variations and mutational events underlying plant-pathogen interactions and durable plant disease resistance. Key insights into evolutionary dynamics, genetic variability, and coadaptive strategies reveal the complexity of host-pathogen relationships and the implications for developing durable disease resistance. Integrative approaches combining genome-wide association studies and functional genomics have uncovered the polygenic and epistatic architecture of quantitative resistance. Advances in pan-genomics and high-throughput sequencing have revealed extensive genetic variability in cultivated/elite germplasm and wild relatives. Emerging technologies, including gene editing, multi-omics, and machine learning, enable predictive modeling of resistance traits and support evolution that informs plant breeding strategies. Collectively, these advances provide a robust framework for developing durable resistance and sustainable crop protection in the face of global agricultural challenges.

Host-Pathogen Interactions↗

PubMed2026

Interpreting cancer genetics through a two-step "evolutionary cascade hypothesis": bridging neutral and selective perspectives.

BACKGROUND: DNA mutations are the fundamental engines of cancer, driving its initiation and progression. The forces that fuel malignancy are also the architects of evolution, shaping life through genetic variations. Mutations, in fact, can emerge naturally from endogenous processes, such as oxidative DNA damage or errors in replication, as well as induced by external factors, including cosmic radiation and chemical carcinogens. MAIN BODY: A key question in cancer research is whether tumor evolution is primarily governed by selective bottlenecks, neutral evolution, or dynamic genetic plasticity. In this work, we examine cancer as a disease driven by evolutionary processes rooted in fundamental biological requirements, including sustained proliferation and nutrient utilization. We hypothesize that the accumulation of mutations activates an evolutionary switch, enabling tumor cells to acquire an enhanced capacity for survival, adaptation, and growth at rates far exceeding typical evolutionary timescales. We propose the "evolutionary cascade hypothesis," a unifying framework that integrates these models into a coherent sequence. At its core lies the failure of DNA repair mechanisms, representing a critical transition in cancer progression. This shift marks the transition from an initial non-Darwinian, neutral phase to a Darwinian, more deterministic phase. CONCLUSIONS: As predictive models of tumor evolution advance through genomic big data and artificial intelligence-driven analysis, the future of cancer treatment may extend beyond targeting individual mutations to disrupting the underlying evolutionary mechanisms that sustain malignancy. This paradigm shift could redefine therapeutic strategies and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The paradoxical extinction: Exploring signatures of assortative mating as a possible mechanism that maintains canonical Red Wolf genetic ancestry in the American Gulf Coast canids.

Admixed genomes, particularly those with an evolutionary history of genetic exchange with an endangered or extinct species, are valued for innovative and unconventional conservation actions. Here, we show the substantial conservation value that the admixed canids of the Gulf Coast have as they retain high amounts of contemporary Red Wolf ancestry and unique genetic variation of past Red Wolf lineages (e.g. ghost ancestry). We analyzed 54,439 loci genotyped across the genome of 413 North American canids and investigated the role that assortative mating with respect to ancestry proportions played in the retention of endangered genetic variation. We report high correlations of inter-chromosomal ancestry proportions that varied with geographic location along Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast populations, with the stronger signatures reported in the latter. We found that models of assortative mating promoted greater ancestry variance compared with random mating leading to increased efficiency of selection for Red Wolf and ghost alleles. Despite the Red Wolf being extinct in the wild, original, and ghost genomic variation persists in Gulf Coast admixed canids. We suggest two conservation strategies that value and preserve this unique and endangered genomic variation through designed breeding programs. Ultimately the incorporation of this ghost genetic variation would be valuable to boost the genetic viability of the ex situ Red Wolf breeding program, create in situ redundancy, and avoid extinction for this endemic American wolf species.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Genetic Tools in the Nakaseomyces clade for Evolutionary Comparisons of Signal Transduction Pathways.

The genus Nakaseomyces provides four species that are closely related but have different characteristics. For example, N. glabratus (formerly known as Candida glabrata) is a common human pathogen, whereas N. bracarensis and N. nivariensis have been isolated in clinical settings but are not common human pathogens. N. delphensis was isolated from fruit and there is no evidence it is pathogenic. Given the differences, we developed the clade as a molecular genetic system where we could introduce plasmids and assess transcriptional output from cloned promoters. We engineered a CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid that allows for rapid Gibson cloning of gRNAs, generated auxotrophic strains for amino acids and nucleotides, and introduced plasmids into each species. We used promoter-YFP plasmids to determine that while there are differences between the species, each species likely has intact thiamine and phosphate (THI and PHO) signal transduction pathways, and that gene expression in N. glabratus and N. bracarensis is more similar to one another than to the other two species. Finally, we determine that N. glabratus, N. bracarensis, and N. nivariensis persist in a murine macrophage for 24 h, whereas N. delphensis does not. This work describes new molecular tools for genetic manipulation in the Nakaseomyces clade and allows for evolutionary questions to be explored.

Signal Transduction↗