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Population Genomics Approaches Identify a Cryptic, Emerging Generalist Pest Complex.

Information about biological traits essential for pest management, such as species identity, diet and movement often require laborious and time-intensive studies on pest natural history, in both laboratory and field settings. However, new agricultural pest threats are continually emerging, often requiring prompt responses with limited information. Using a combination of molecular gut content analysis and RAD-seq, we examined the species identities, plant diet composition, and population genetic structure of an emerging and important agricultural pest in the US, the peanut burrower bug, Pangaeus bilineatus Say (Hemiptera, Cydnidae). We found that two, morphologically similar, burrowing bug species (including P. bilineatus) were commonly caught in light traps near peanut fields, one of which (Dallasiellus lugubris) was not previously considered a pest of peanut. Molecular gut content analysis revealed a wide, but somewhat distinct, variety of plants among the diets of both bug species. Surprisingly, peanut was a rare part of the diet of either species. RAD-seq analysis revealed evidence consistent with weak isolation-by-distance and modest spatial genetic differentiation for both species. Together, these results suggest a potential pest complex where previously only one species was in focus. Moreover, their broad diets and spatially restricted population dispersal patterns may also explain the sporadic nature of damage that has been recorded for this potential pest complex. Responses to emerging pest challenges can benefit from insights generated by population genomics techniques, opening up new avenues for research and supporting efforts to quickly tailor management strategies for novel pests.

burrower bug↗

Microarray-based analysis of subnanogram quantities of microbial community DNAs by using whole-community genome amplification.

Microarray technology provides the opportunity to identify thousands of microbial genes or populations simultaneously, but low microbial biomass often prevents application of this technology to many natural microbial communities. We developed a whole-community genome amplification-assisted microarray detection approach based on multiple displacement amplification. The representativeness of amplification was evaluated using several types of microarrays and quantitative indexes. Representative detection of individual genes or genomes was obtained with 1 to 100 ng DNA from individual or mixed genomes, in equal or unequal abundance, and with 1 to 500 ng community DNAs from groundwater. Lower concentrations of DNA (as low as 10 fg) could be detected, but the lower template concentrations affected the representativeness of amplification. Robust quantitative detection was also observed by significant linear relationships between signal intensities and initial DNA concentrations ranging from (i) 0.04 to 125 ng (r2 = 0.65 to 0.99) for DNA from pure cultures as detected by whole-genome open reading frame arrays, (ii) 0.1 to 1,000 ng (r2 = 0.91) for genomic DNA using community genome arrays, and (iii) 0.01 to 250 ng (r2 = 0.96 to 0.98) for community DNAs from ethanol-amended groundwater using 50-mer functional gene arrays. This method allowed us to investigate the oligotrophic microbial communities in groundwater contaminated with uranium and other metals. The results indicated that microorganisms containing genes involved in contaminant degradation and immobilization are present in these communities, that their spatial distribution is heterogeneous, and that microbial diversity is greatly reduced in the highly contaminated environment.

Biomass↗

The pattern of chromosome folding in interphase is outlined by the linear gene density profile.

Spatial organization of chromatin in the interphase nucleus plays a role in gene expression and inheritance. Although it appears not to be random, the principles of this organization are largely unknown. In this work, we show an explicit relationship between the intranuclear localization of various chromosome segments and the pattern of gene distribution along the genome sequence. Using a 7-megabase-long region of the Drosophila melanogaster chromosome 2 as a model, we observed that the six gene-poor chromosome segments identified in the region interact with components of the nuclear matrix to form a compact stable cluster. The six gene-rich segments form a spatially segregated unstable cluster dependent on nonmatrix nuclear proteins. The resulting composite structure formed by clusters of gene-rich and gene-poor regions is reproducible between the nuclei. We suggest that certain aspects of chromosome folding in interphase are predetermined and can be inferred through in silico analysis of chromosome sequence, using gene density profile as a manifestation of "folding code."

Animals↗

Multiple cis-acting regulatory regions are required for restricted spatio-temporal Hoxa5 gene expression.

Genetic analyses have revealed the essential role of the murine Hoxa5 gene for the correct specification of the cervical and upper thoracic region of the skeleton, and for the normal organogenesis and function of the respiratory tract, both structures expressing Hoxa5 during embryogenesis. To understand how the expression domains of the Hoxa5 gene are established during development, we have analyzed the cis-acting control regions mediating Hoxa5 gene expression using a transgenic approach. Four transcripts are derived from the Hoxa5 locus. The shortest and most abundant one displays a specific spatio-temporal profile of expression at earlier stages and in more anterior structures along the embryonic axis than the larger forms. We established that an 11.1 kilobase pair (kb) genomic fragment, extending from position -3.8 kb to +7.3 kb relative to Hoxa5 transcription initiation site, was sufficient to reproduce the temporal expression and substantially reconstitute the spatial pattern of the major Hoxa5 transcript. By deletion analyses, we identified a 2.1 kb fragment located downstream of the Hoxa5 gene that possesses mesodermal enhancer activity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that cis-acting regulatory elements essential for the correct expression of the major Hoxa5 transcript are located both upstream and downstream of the Hoxa5 coding sequences.

Animals↗

Diurnal regulation of per repeat mRNA in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in rat brain.

'Per repeat is a rodent genomic DNA fragment which is homologous to the Gly-Thr repetitive amino acid sequence of the Drosophila clock gene period'. This study examined the temporal and spatial expression of the per repeat mRNA in rat brain. Northern blot analysis showed that the level of per repeat mRNA species fluctuates under light-dark cycle conditions in rat brain. Furthermore, the fluctuation of per repeat mRNA was clearly observed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, but not so in other regions including the hippocampus as shown by in situ hybridization. The above results suggest that the Gly-Thr repetitive sequence also plays an important role in the circadian rhythm of mammals.

Animals↗

Olfaction in birds: differential embryonic expression of nine putative odorant receptor genes in the avian olfactory system.

We have isolated nine putative odorant receptor genes from the chick, named COR1 to COR9, that belong to the large multigene family of olfactory G protein-coupled receptors found in the fish, rat, mouse, dog, and human. By combining genomic DNA blot analysis, low stringency library screenings, and several PCR analyses, we were able to detect approximately 20 COR genes in the chick genome highly related to COR1-9. By in situ hybridization of newborn and adult, COR expression was detected only in the olfactory epithelium, and exhibited a random spatial distribution. During development, COR expression was observed as early as embryonic stage E5. Different levels of gene expression were observed for the COR1-9 genes: at E5, COR1-6 expression was high compared to the expression of COR7, COR8, and COR9. Surprisingly, at E5, a row of COR1-6 positive cells probably associated with the olfactory nerve extended outside the olfactory placode, reaching the anterior pole of the developing forebrain. These results suggest that, in addition to their role as putative odorant receptors, some COR may play a role in the development of the avian olfactory system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Correlation between caspase-3 activation and three different markers of DNA damage in neonatal cerebral hypoxia-ischemia.

Caspase-3 has been identified as a key protease that, by targeting a limited number of proteins, can disrupt essential homeostatic processes and initiate an orderly disassembly of cells, including degradation of genomic DNA. We demonstrate the usefulness of an antibody specific for activated caspase-3 in a model of neonatal rat hypoxia-ischemia (Hl) and correlate the spatial and temporal activation of caspase-3 with three different markers of DNA damage and with the loss of a neuronal marker [microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP 2)]. An oligonucleotide hairpin probe (HPP) with one base overhang in the 3' end displayed a close colocalization with caspase-3 activation at 3 h post-Hl, whereas terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) appeared later (24 h post-Hl). A monoclonal antibody against single-stranded DNA appeared to stain an entirely different population of cells, not positive for active caspase-3, HPP, or TUNEL at this time point. After 24 h of reperfusion, however, when cellular injury is extensive, all markers stained a large number of cells with a high degree of colocalization, and all markers delineated regions with loss of MAP 2. We conclude that the HPP shows the best correlation with pathological caspase-3 activation in this model.

Animals↗

DiCARN-DNase: enhancing cell-to-cell Hi-C resolution using dilated cascading ResNet with self-attention and DNase-seq chromatin accessibility data.

MOTIVATION: The spatial organization of chromatin is fundamental to gene regulation and essential for proper cellular function. The Hi-C technique remains the leading method for unraveling 3D genome structures, but the limited availability of high-resolution (HR) Hi-C data poses significant challenges for comprehensive analysis. Deep learning models have been developed to predict HR Hi-C data from low-resolution counterparts. Early Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based models improved resolution but struggled with issues like blurring and capturing fine details. In contrast, Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based methods encountered difficulties in maintaining diversity and generalization. Additionally, most existing algorithms perform poorly in cross-cell line generalization, where a model trained on one cell type is used to enhance HR data in another cell type. RESULTS: In this work, we propose Dilated Cascading Residual Network (DiCARN) to overcome these challenges and improve Hi-C data resolution. DiCARN leverages dilated convolutions and cascading residuals to capture a broader context while preserving fine-grained genomic interactions. Additionally, we incorporate DNase-seq data into our model, providing a robust framework that demonstrates superior generalizability across cell lines in HR Hi-C data reconstruction. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: DiCARN is publicly available at https://github.com/OluwadareLab/DiCARN.

Chromatin↗

An outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus in a bone marrow transplant center.

An outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection occurred among 31 patients in a marrow transplant center over a 13-week period beginning in January 1990. RSV infection was also documented in 35 family members and employees. Of 18 patients with pneumonia, 14 (78%) died. None of 13 with upper respiratory infection died. Preengraftment patients tended to develop pneumonia more frequently than did engrafted patients. Early administration of ribavirin may have had a beneficial effect in patients with pneumonia. Antigenic and genomic analysis of 14 available isolates suggested that at least four different viral strains were responsible for the outbreak. One group of patients and 1 employee in spatial proximity were infected with the same strain and likely acquired their infections nosocomially. RSV infection in marrow transplant patients is a serious and life-threatening infection with a high mortality rate once pneumonia develops.

Adolescent↗

dNTP versus NTP discrimination by phenylalanine 451 in duck hepatitis B virus P protein indicates a common structure of the dNTP-binding pocket with other reverse transcriptases.

Hepatitis B viruses, or hepadnaviruses, are small DNA-containing viruses that replicate through reverse transcription. Their prototype, HBV, causes severe liver disease in humans. The hepadnaviral P protein is an unusual reverse transcriptase (RT) that initiates DNA synthesis by host-factor-dependent protein priming on a specific RNA stem-loop template, epsilon, yielding a short DNA oligonucleotide covalently attached to the RT. This priming reaction can be reconstituted with in vitro-translated duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) P protein. No direct structural data are available for any P protein. However, P proteins share a number of conserved motifs with other polymerases. Box A contains an invariant bulky residue recently shown to be crucial for dNTP versus NTP discrimination in RTs and some DNA polymerases; its equivalent in DHBV P protein would be phenylalanine 451 (F451). Four mutants, containing glycine (F451G), alanine (F451A), valine (F451V) and aspartate (F451D), were therefore analyzed for their ability to utilize dNTPs and NTPs in in vitro priming. Priming efficiencies with dNTPs decreased with decreasing side chain size but GTP utilization increased; the wild-type enzyme was inactive with GTP. In the context of complete DHBV genomes, all mutant proteins were competent for RNA encapsidation, indicating the absence of global structural alterations. Because the function of the discriminatory residue depends on its specific spatial disposition this strongly suggests a similar architecture for the P protein dNTP-binding pocket as in other RTs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Microarray comparative genomic hybridization detection of chromosomal imbalances in uterine cervix carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Chromosomal Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) has been applied to all stages of cervical carcinoma progression, defining a specific pattern of chromosomal imbalances in this tumor. However, given its limited spatial resolution, chromosomal CGH has offered only general information regarding the possible genetic targets of DNA copy number changes. METHODS: In order to further define specific DNA copy number changes in cervical cancer, we analyzed 20 cervical samples (3 pre-malignant lesions, 10 invasive tumors, and 7 cell lines), using the GenoSensor microarray CGH system to define particular genetic targets that suffer copy number changes. RESULTS: The most common DNA gains detected by array CGH in the invasive samples were located at the RBP1-RBP2 (3q21-q22) genes, the sub-telomeric clone C84C11/T3 (5ptel), D5S23 (5p15.2) and the DAB2 gene (5p13) in 58.8% of the samples. The most common losses were found at the FHIT gene (3p14.2) in 47% of the samples, followed by deletions at D8S504 (8p23.3), CTDP1-SHGC- 145820 (18qtel), KIT (4q11-q12), D1S427-FAF1 (1p32.3), D9S325 (9qtel), EIF4E (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E, 4q24), RB1 (13q14), and DXS7132 (Xq12) present in 5/17 (29.4%) of the samples. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the presence of a specific pattern of chromosomal imbalances in cervical carcinoma and define specific targets that are suffering DNA copy number changes in this neoplasm.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Characterization of the pufferfish Otx2 cis-regulators reveals evolutionarily conserved genetic mechanisms for vertebrate head specification.

The Otx2 gene, containing a highly conserved paired-type homeobox, plays a pivotal role in the development of the rostral head throughout vertebrates. Precise regulation of the temporal and spatial expression of Otx2 is likely to be crucial for proper head specification. However, regulatory mechanisms of Otx2 expression remain largely unknown. In this study, the Otx2 genome of the puffer fish Fugu rubripes, which has been proposed as a model vertebrate owing to its highly compact genome, was cloned. Consistently, Fugu Otx2 possesses introns threefold smaller in size than those of the mouse Otx2 gene. Otx2 mRNA was transcribed after MBT, and expressed in the rostral head region throughout the segmentation and pharyngula periods of wild-type Fugu embryos. To elucidate regulatory mechanisms of Otx2 expression, the expression of Otx2-lacZ reporter genes nearly covering the Fugu Otx2 locus, from -30.5 to +38.5 kb, was analyzed, by generating transgenic mice. Subsequently, seven independent cis-regulators were identified over an expanse of 60 kb; these regulators are involved in the mediation of spatiotemporally distinct subdomains of Otx2 expression. Additionally, these expression domains appear to coincide with local signaling centers and developing sense organs. Interestingly, most domains do not overlap with one another, which implies that cis-regulators for redundant expression may be abolished exclusively in the pufferfish so as to reduce its genome size. Moreover, these cis-regions were also able to direct expression in zebrafish embryos equivalent to that observed in transgenic mice. Further comparative sequence analysis of mouse and pufferfish intergenic regions revealed eight highly conserved elements within these cis-regulators. Therefore, we propose that, in vertebrate evolution, the Otx2 promoter acquires multiple, spatiotemporally specific cis-regulators in order to precisely control highly coordinated processes in head development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Temporally and spatially regulated somatic mutagenesis in mice.

In mice transgenesis through oocyte injection or DNA recombination in embryonal stem (ES) cells allows mutations to be introduced into the germline. However, the earliest phenotype of the introduced mutation can eclipse later effects. We show in mice that site-specific genomic recombination can be induced in a selected cell type, B lymphocytes, at a chosen time. This precision of somatic mutagenesis was accomplished by limiting expression of a Cre recombinase-estrogen receptor fusion protein to B lymphocytes by use of tissue-specific elements in the promoter of the transgene employed. The expressed fusion protein remained inactive until derepressed by systemic administration of an exogenous ligand for the estrogen receptor, 4-OH-tamoxifen. Upon derepression the Cre recombinase enzyme deleted specific DNA segments, flanked by loxP sites, in B lymphocytes only. The efficiency of recombination in cells expressing the fusion protein could be varied from low levels to >80%, depending on the dose of ligand administered. Our work presents a paradigm applicable to other uses of site-specific recombination in somatic mutagenesis where both temporal and spatial regulation are desired.

Animals↗

Diterpene synthesis in Stevia rebaudiana: recruitment and up-regulation of key enzymes from the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves accumulate a mixture of at least eight different glycosides derived from the tetracyclic diterpene steviol. These natural products taste intensely sweet and have similar biosynthetic origins to those of gibberellic acid (GA). The initial steps leading to the formation of GA result from the two-step cyclization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) to (-)-kaurene via the action of two terpene cyclases (-)-copalyl diphosphate synthase (CPS) and (-)-kaurene synthase (KS). Steviol biosynthesis probably uses the same mechanism although the genes and enzymes from S. rebaudiana that are involved in the cyclization of GGDP have not been characterized. We have isolated both the CPS and KS genes from S. rebaudiana and found that recombinant CPS and KS were catalytically active, suggesting that the CPS and KS genes participate in steviol biosynthesis. The genes coding for CPS and KS are usually present in single copies in most plant species and their expression is normally low and limited to rapidly growing tissues. The KS gene has been duplicated in the S. rebaudiana genome and both the KS and CPS genes are highly expressed in mature leaves, a pattern opposite to that found with GA biosynthesis. This pattern may, at least in part, lead to temporal and spatial separation of GA and steviol biosynthesis and probably helps to prevent over-expression from interfering with normal GA metabolism. Our results show that CPS and KS are part of the steviol glycoside biosynthetic pathway and that Stevia rebaudiana has recruited two genes to secondary metabolism from a highly regulated pathway involved in hormone biosynthesis.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Spatial Proteomics Using BiFCPL Identifies Regulators of DMV Formation Involved in Coronavirus Replication.

β-Coronaviruses hijack host factors to remodel host endo-membranes to form double membrane vesicles (DMVs), which act as central hubs for the replication of viral genomes. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying DMV formation is critical for developing effective antiviral strategies and has garnered significant attention. However, the host factors involved in DMV formation remain scanty. Here, we employed a bimolecular fluorescence complementation-based proximity labeling (BiFCPL) strategy to investigate the proteome of DMVs generated by co-expression of SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 and NSP4. Our analysis identified 62 proteins with high confidence, among which five proteins were localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and were further confirmed to be recruited to DMVs through interactions with NSP3/NSP4. Moreover, we demonstrated that the absence of GRAMD1B or TEX2 resulted in the formation of enlarged DMVs induced by either NSP3/NSP4 or coronaviruses infection, and impaired coronaviruses replication as well. Collectively, our study concerning host-virus interactions sheds light on novel host factors involved in DMV formation.

Virus Replication↗

Parental genome separation and asynchronous centromere division in interspecific F1 hybrids in Lathyrus.

Chromosomes were studied in root-tip metaphase cells of several F1 interspecific Lathyrus hybrids including: L. hirsutus x L. cassius (H x C), L. cassius x L. hirsutus (C x H), L. cassius x L. odoratus (C x O), and their parents, all with 2n = 2x = 14. Two types of morphologically distinct centromeres were identified in the hybrids on the basis of the degree of contraction of the primary constriction. At least 12 well-defined centromeres were seen in all cells of L. hirsutus, L. cassius and L. odoratus, and about 80% of cells had 14. The hybrids were more variable than the species. H x O contained between six and 14 well-defined centromeres, while cells of H x C, C x H and C x O all had seven well-defined and seven weakly defined centromeres. These were used as markers to plot their spatial disposition in two dimensions on metaphase spreads. In H x C, C x H and C x O the two types of centromeres showed a significant tendency to occupy two spatially distinct and concentrically arranged domains on the metaphase plate (P < 0.005). Owing to shortage of material subsequent work was restricted to H x C and C x H. Six or seven chromosomes of one parental genome were selectively labelled by in situ hybridization using biotinylated total genomic DNA from either parent as a probe. Moreover, there was a very strong correlation between centromere type and genomic origin (P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Centromere↗

Localization of hepatitis delta virus RNA in the nucleus of human cells.

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a human pathogen that can greatly increase the severity of liver damage caused by an hepatitis B infection. HDV contains a circular, single-stranded RNA genome that encodes a unique protein, the delta antigen. Two forms of the delta antigen, deltaAg-S and deltaAg-L, are derived from a single open reading frame by RNA editing. Here we analyze the subcellular distribution of HDV RNA and its spatial relationship to known intranuclear structures. The human hepatoma cell line Huh7 was stably transfected with wild-type HDV cDNA and the viral RNAs were localized by in situ hybridization and fluorescence confocal microscopy. HDV RNA is detected throughout the nucleoplasm, with additional concentration in focal structures closely associated with nuclear speckles or clusters of interchromatin granules. Both the smaller form of the delta antigen (deltaAg-S), which is required for HDV genomic replication, and the larger form of the delta antigen (deltaAg-L), which represses replication, co-localize with delta RNA throughout the nucleoplasm and in the foci. However, the foci do not incorporate bromo-UTP and do not concentrate either RNA polymerase II or cleavage and polyadenylation factors required for viral RNA synthesis and 3' end processing, respectively. Thus, it is unlikely that the delta foci represent major sites of viral transcription or replication. In conclusion, the data show that viral RNA-protein complexes accumulate in structures closely associated with interchromatin granules, a subnuclear domain highly enriched in small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, poly(A+) RNA, and RNA splicing protein factors. This implies a specific compartmentalization of ribonucleoproteins in the nucleus.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Signals of Natural Selection Across Regions of Low Recombination in Wild Populations of the Purple Sea Urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.

Structural variants (SVs) are increasingly recognized as important components of genetic architecture. Yet our understanding of the evolutionary forces maintaining SVs in natural populations is limited. Chromosomal inversions in particular can facilitate local adaptation in populations with high gene flow, including many marine species. The purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) is a powerful system to study these dynamics due to its high gene flow, lack of population structure, and broad latitudinal range. We analyzed whole genome sequence data from 137 individuals sampled across seven populations to identify regions of low recombination using scans for elevated linkage disequilibrium and genetic differentiation. Such regions may arise from structural variants, including chromosomal inversions. We identified nine regions showing signatures of reduced recombination, including three way genotype clustering, long range linkage, and hanging bridge patterns frequently associated with inversion polymorphisms. The regions were polymorphic within locations and along the species range with three loci showing concordant signatures of balancing and spatially heterogeneous selection based on enrichment of outliers and distinct patterns of allelic age. Additionally, these loci showed enrichment for genes associated with biomineralization and development. Our results provide the first evidence for regions of low recombination in the purple sea urchin genome, several of which display genomic signatures consistent with structural variants such as chromosomal inversions. These findings add to growing evidence that regions of reduced recombination constitute an important component of standing genetic variation in natural populations and may play a key role in adaptation to heterogeneous environments.

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus↗