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Genes May 2024In , is the primary gene involved in sex determination: haploid hemizygous eggs develop as drones, while females develop from eggs heterozygous for the gene. If...
In , is the primary gene involved in sex determination: haploid hemizygous eggs develop as drones, while females develop from eggs heterozygous for the gene. If diploid eggs are homozygous for the gene, diploid drones will develop, but will be eaten by worker bees before they are born. Therefore, high allelic diversity is a priority for colony survival and breeding. This study aims to investigate the variability of the hypervariable region (HVR) of the gene in bees sampled in an apiary under a selection scheme. To this end, an existing dataset of 100 whole-genome sequences was analyzed with a validated pipeline based on de novo assembly of sequences within the HVR region. In total, 102 allelic sequences were reconstructed and translated into amino acid sequences. Among these, 47 different alleles were identified, 44 of which had previously been observed, while 3 are novel alleles. The results show a high variability in the region in this breeding population of honeybees.
Topics: Animals; Bees; Alleles; Female; Sex Determination Processes; Male; Breeding; Italy; Insect Proteins; Genetic Variation
PubMed: 38927588
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060652 -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024Grapevine (Vitis) is one of the world's most valuable fruit crops, but insect herbivory can decrease yields. Understanding insect herbivory resistance is critical to...
BACKGROUND
Grapevine (Vitis) is one of the world's most valuable fruit crops, but insect herbivory can decrease yields. Understanding insect herbivory resistance is critical to mitigating these losses. Vitis labrusca, a wild North American grapevine species, has been leveraged in breeding programs to generate hybrid grapevines with enhanced abiotic and biotic stress resistance, rendering it a valuable genetic resource for sustainable viticulture. This study assessed the resistance of V. labrusca acc. 'GREM4' and Vitis vinifera cv. 'PN40024' grapevines to Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle) herbivory and identified morphological and genetic adaptations underlying this putative resistance.
RESULTS
'GREM4' displayed greater resistance to beetle herbivory compared to 'PN40024' in both choice and no-choice herbivory assays spanning periods of 30 min to 19 h. 'GREM4' had significantly higher average leaf trichome densities than 'PN40024' and beetles preferred to feed on the side of leaves with fewer trichomes. When leaves from each species that specifically did not differ in trichome densities were fed on by beetles, significantly less leaf area was damaged in 'GREM4' (3.29mm) compared to 'PN40024' (9.80mm), suggesting additional factors beyond trichomes contributed to insect herbivory resistance in 'GREM4'. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed 'GREM4' exhibited greater constitutive (0 h) expression of defense response and secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes compared to 'PN40024', indicative of heightened constitutive defenses. Upon herbivory, 'GREM4' displayed a greater number of differentially expressed genes (690) compared to 'PN40024' (502), suggesting a broader response. Genes up-regulated in 'GREM4' were enriched in terpene biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, phytohormone signaling, and disease defense-related functions, likely contributing to heighted insect herbivory defense, while genes differentially expressed in 'PN40024' under herbivory were enriched in xyloglucan, cell wall formation, and calcium ion binding. The majority of genes implicated in insect herbivory defense were orthologs with specific expression patterns in 'GREM4' and 'PN40024', but some paralogous and genome-specific genes also likely contributed to conferring resistance.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that 'GREM4' insect herbivory resistance was attributed to a combination of factors, including trichomes and unique constitutive and inducible expression of genes implicated in terpene, flavonoid, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, as well as pathogen defense.
Topics: Animals; Vitis; Herbivory; Trichomes; Coleoptera; Plant Leaves; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Defense Against Herbivory
PubMed: 38926877
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05260-9 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Cache Valley virus (CVV) is an understudied Orthobunyavirus with a high spillover transmission potential due to its wide geographical distribution and large number of...
BACKGROUND
Cache Valley virus (CVV) is an understudied Orthobunyavirus with a high spillover transmission potential due to its wide geographical distribution and large number of associated hosts and vectors. Although CVV is known to be widely distributed throughout North America, no studies have explored its geography or employed computational methods to explore the mammal and mosquito species likely participating in the CVV sylvatic cycle.
METHODS
We used a literature review and online databases to compile locality data for CVV and its potential vectors and hosts. We linked location data points with climatic data via ecological niche modeling to estimate the geographical range of CVV and hotspots of transmission risk. We used background similarity tests to identify likely CVV mosquito vectors and mammal hosts to detect ecological signals from CVV sylvatic transmission.
RESULTS
CVV distribution maps revealed a widespread potential viral occurrence throughout North America. Ecological niche models identified areas with climate, vectors, and hosts suitable to maintain CVV transmission. Our background similarity tests identified Aedes vexans, Culiseta inornata, and Culex tarsalis as the most likely vectors and Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer) as the most likely host sustaining sylvatic transmission.
CONCLUSIONS
CVV has a continental-level, widespread transmission potential. Large areas of North America have suitable climate, vectors, and hosts for CVV emergence, establishment, and spread. We identified geographical hotspots that have no confirmed CVV reports to date and, in view of CVV misdiagnosis or underreporting, can guide future surveillance to specific localities and species.
Topics: Animals; Mosquito Vectors; Ecosystem; North America; Bunyamwera virus; Culicidae; Bunyaviridae Infections; Geography; Culex; Aedes; Mammals; Deer; Humans; Ecology
PubMed: 38926834
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06344-z -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is an ectoparasitic arachnid and vector for infectious diseases, including Lyme borreliosis. Here, we investigate the diurnal...
The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is an ectoparasitic arachnid and vector for infectious diseases, including Lyme borreliosis. Here, we investigate the diurnal activity and respiration of wild-caught and lab-reared adult ticks with long-term video recording, multi-animal tracking and high-resolution respirometry. We find male and female ticks are in a more active, more arousable state during circadian night. We find respiration is augmented by light, with dark onset triggering more frequent bouts of discontinuous gas exchange and a higher overall volume of CO respired. Observed inactivity during the day meets the criteria of sleep: homeostatic in nature, rapidly reversible, a characteristic pose, and reduced arousal threshold. Our findings indicate that blacklegged ticks are in a distinct, heightened state of activity and arousability during night and in dark, suggesting this period may carry higher risk for tick bites and subsequent contraction of tick-borne diseases.
Topics: Animals; Ixodes; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Male; Locomotion; Respiration; Arousal
PubMed: 38926516
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65498-z -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Coccinella transversoguttata is an important predatory beetle in Asia and America. Currently, few studies have investigated C. transversoguttata in China especially in...
Coccinella transversoguttata is an important predatory beetle in Asia and America. Currently, few studies have investigated C. transversoguttata in China especially in the Tibetan plateau. In this study, full-length 16 s rRNA sequencing and qPCR experiment were performed on eight C. transversoguttata populations collected from Tibet to analyze their bacterial communities and bacteria abundance. In summary, our results revealed the microbial compositions, diversities and bacterial titers in the bacterial communities in C. transversoguttata populations in the Tibetan plateau. In future, there is a need to explore the differences in microbiota among various C. transversoguttata populations collected from different locations. These results add to our understanding of the complex bacterial communities of C. transversoguttata and their utilization as potential biocontrol factors.
Topics: Tibet; Animals; Bacteria; Coleoptera; Microbiota; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Phylogeny; Biodiversity
PubMed: 38926503
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65446-x -
Scientific Data Jun 2024Functional traits reveal the adaptive strategies of species to their environment, and are relevant to the formation of communities, the function of ecosystems, and the...
Functional traits reveal the adaptive strategies of species to their environment, and are relevant to the formation of communities, the function of ecosystems, and the mechanisms underlying biodiversity. However, trait databases have not been established for most biological taxa, especially for insects, which encompass a vast number of species. This study measured the morphological traits of 307 species of Heteroptera insects collected in 2019 from the "Xishuangbanna Priority Conservation Area" in Southwest China using sweep netting and light trapping methods. This study provides a dataset for 307 Heteroptera species, comprising 34 morphometric measurements and 17 morphological traits. The dataset contains information on species sex, abundance, and the average, maximum, and minimum values of traits. This dataset facilitates an enhanced understanding of the functional traits and ecological associations of Heteroptera insects and offers opportunities for exploring a more diverse range of research topics.
Topics: Animals; China; Biodiversity; Heteroptera; Female; Male; Ecosystem
PubMed: 38926452
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03556-x -
Scientific Data Jun 2024The plum fruit moth Grapholita funebrana (Tortricidae, Lepidoptera) is an important pest of many wild and cultivated stone fruits and other plants in the family...
The plum fruit moth Grapholita funebrana (Tortricidae, Lepidoptera) is an important pest of many wild and cultivated stone fruits and other plants in the family Rosaceae. Here, we assembled its nuclear and mitochondrial genomes using Illumina, Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The nuclear genome size is 570.9 Mb, with a repeat rate of 51.28%, and a BUCSO completeness of 97.7%. The karyotype for males is 2n = 56. We identified 17,979 protein-coding genes, 5,643 tRNAs, and 94 rRNAs. We also determined the mitochondrial genome of this species and annotated 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNA. These genomes provide resources to understand the genetics, ecology, and genome evolution of the tortricid moths.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Genome, Insect; Genome, Mitochondrial; Moths; Prunus domestica
PubMed: 38926434
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03522-7 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Multi-host parasites pose greater health risks to wildlife, livestock, and humans than single-host parasites, yet our understanding of how ecological and biological...
Multi-host parasites pose greater health risks to wildlife, livestock, and humans than single-host parasites, yet our understanding of how ecological and biological factors influence a parasite's host range remains limited. Here, we assemble the largest and most complete dataset on permanently parasitic mammalian mites and build a predictive model assessing the probability of single-host parasites to become multi-hosts, while accounting for potentially unobserved host-parasite links and class imbalance. This model identifies statistically significant predictors related to parasites, hosts, climate, and habitat disturbance. The most important predictors include the parasite's contact level with the host immune system and two variables characterizing host phylogenetic similarity and spatial co-distribution. Our model reveals an overrepresentation of mites associated with Rodentia (rodents), Chiroptera (bats), and Carnivora in the multi-host risk group. This highlights both the potential vulnerability of these hosts to parasitic infestations and the risk of serving as reservoirs of parasites for new hosts. In addition, we find independent macroevolutionary evidence that supports our prediction of several single-host species of Notoedres, the bat skin parasites, to be in the multi-host risk group, demonstrating the forecasting potential of our model.
Topics: Animals; Host Specificity; Mites; Host-Parasite Interactions; Phylogeny; Mammals; Chiroptera; Ecosystem; Rodentia; Mite Infestations; Carnivora
PubMed: 38926409
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49515-3 -
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi =... Jun 2024To investigate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) using dust mites in children with allergic asthma. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) using dust mites in children with allergic asthma.
METHODS
In a prospective randomized controlled study, 98 children with dust mite-induced allergic asthma were randomly divided into a control group (=49) and an SCIT group (=49). The control group received inhaled corticosteroid treatment, while the SCIT group additionally received a standardized three-year SCIT regimen. The two groups were compared based on peripheral blood eosinophil percentage, visual analogue score (VAS), total medication score, Asthma Control Test/Childhood Asthma Control Test scores, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and lung function before treatment, and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after treatment. Adverse reactions were recorded post-injection to evaluate the safety of SCIT.
RESULTS
Compared with pre-treatment levels, the SCIT group showed a significant reduction in the percentage of peripheral blood eosinophils, VAS, total medication score, and FeNO, while lung function significantly improved, and asthma control levels were better 3 years after treatment (<0.05). Compared with the control group, the SCIT group showed more significant improvement in all evaluated indicators 3 years after treatment (<0.05). A total of 2 744 injections were administered, resulting in 157 cases (5.72%) of local adverse reactions and 4 cases (0.15%) of systemic adverse reactions, with no severe systemic adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
SCIT is an effective and safe treatment for allergic asthma in children.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Male; Child; Female; Animals; Prospective Studies; Injections, Subcutaneous; Pyroglyphidae; Child, Preschool; Desensitization, Immunologic; Adolescent
PubMed: 38926371
DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2309137 -
PloS One 2024While studies on the sublethal effects of chemical residues in beeswax on adult honey bees are increasing, the study protocols assessing the impacts on honey bee brood...
While studies on the sublethal effects of chemical residues in beeswax on adult honey bees are increasing, the study protocols assessing the impacts on honey bee brood in realistic conditions still need to be investigated. Moreover, little is known about the residue's effect on gene expression in honey bee brood. This study reports the effects of chlorpyriphos-ethyl, acrinathrin and stearin worker pupae exposure through contaminated or adulterated beeswax on the gene expression of some key health indicators, using a novel in vivo realistic model. Larvae were reared in acrinathrin (12.5, 25, 10 and 100 ppb) and chlorpyriphos-ethyl (5, 10, 500 and 5000 ppb) contaminated or stearin adulterated beeswax (3, 4, 5, 6 and 9%) in newly formed colonies to reduce the influence of external factors. On day 11, mortality rates were assessed. Honey bee pupae were extracted from the comb after 19 days of rearing and were analysed for the gene expression profile of four genes involved in the immune response to pathogens and environmental stress factors (Imd, dorsal, domeless and defensin), and two genes involved in detoxifications mechanisms (CYP6AS14 and CYP9Q3). We found no linear relation between the increase in the pesticide concentrations and the brood mortality rates, unlike stearin where an increase in stearin percentage led to an exponential increase in brood mortality. The immune system of pupae raised in acrinathrin contaminated wax was triggered and the expression of CYP6AS14 was significantly upregulated (exposure to 12.5 and 25 ppb). Almost all expression levels of the tested immune and detoxification genes were down-regulated when pupae were exposed to chlorpyrifos-contaminated wax. The exposure to stearin triggered the immune system and detoxification system of the pupae. The identification of substance-specific response factors might ultimately serve to identify molecules that are safer for bees and the ecosystem's health.
Topics: Animals; Bees; Waxes; Pesticide Residues; Pupa; Larva; Insect Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation
PubMed: 38923973
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302183