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PloS One 2024The Butuo Black Sheep (BBS) is well-known for its ability to thrive at high altitudes, resist diseases, and produce premium-quality meat. Nonetheless, there is...
The Butuo Black Sheep (BBS) is well-known for its ability to thrive at high altitudes, resist diseases, and produce premium-quality meat. Nonetheless, there is insufficient data regarding its genetic diversity and population-specific Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This paper centers on the genetic diversity of (BBS). The investigation conducted a whole-genome resequencing of 33 BBS individuals to recognize distinct SNPs exclusive to BBS. The inquiry utilized bioinformatic analysis to identify and explain SNPs and pinpoint crucial mutation sites. The findings reveal that reproductive-related genes (GHR, FSHR, PGR, BMPR1B, FST, ESR1), lipid-related genes (PPARGC1A, STAT6, DGAT1, ACACA, LPL), and protein-related genes (CSN2, LALBA, CSN1S1, CSN1S2) were identified as hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that genes associated with reproduction, immunity, inflammation, hypoxia, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK signaling pathways were present. This research suggests that the unique ability of BBS to adapt to low oxygen levels in the plateau environment may be owing to mutations in a variety of genes. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic makeup of BBS and its potential implications for breeding and conservation efforts. The genes and SPNs identified in this study could serve as molecular markers for BBS.
Topics: Animals; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Whole Genome Sequencing; Sheep; Genetic Variation; Adaptation, Physiological
PubMed: 38857228
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303419 -
MycoKeys 2024This paper, with Italy as a case-study, provides a general overview on the ecology of lichenicolous lichens, i.e. those which start their life-cycle on the thallus of...
This paper, with Italy as a case-study, provides a general overview on the ecology of lichenicolous lichens, i.e. those which start their life-cycle on the thallus of other lichens. It aims at testing whether some ecological factors do exert a positive selective pressure on the lichenicolous lifestyle. The incidence of some biological traits (photobionts, growth-forms and reproductive strategies) in lichenicolous and non-lichenicolous lichens was compared, on a set of 3005 infrageneric taxa potentially occurring in Italy, 189 of which are lichenicolous. Lichenicolous lichens have a much higher incidence of coccoid (non-trentepohlioid) green algae, crustose growth-forms and sexual reproduction. A matrix of the 2762 species with phycobionts and some main ecological descriptors was subjected to ordination. Lichenicolous lichens occupy a well-defined portion of the ecological space, tending to grow on rocks in dry, well-lit habitats where a germinating spore is likely to have a short life-span, at all altitudes. This corroborates the hypothesis that at least some of them are not true "parasites", as they are often called, but gather the photobionts - which have already adapted to local ecological conditions - from their hosts, eventually developing an independent thallus.
PubMed: 38855319
DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.105.121001 -
Ecology and Evolution Jun 2024Organisms inhabiting mountainous regions can experience large vertical environmental changes, and show different ecological characteristics between altitudes, thus...
Organisms inhabiting mountainous regions can experience large vertical environmental changes, and show different ecological characteristics between altitudes, thus facilitating allopatric fragmentation even in geographically close populations. This study compared the life-history patterns of a species of limnephilid caddisfly, , in several genetically differentiated populations between alpine and sub-alpine zones in a temperate mountainous region. We showed that in the sub-alpine populations, larval development started earlier with increasing water temperature in spring, and adult emergence was also earlier. The occurrence of adults was extremely low in mid-summer, probably due to summer diapause, followed by a larger number of ovary-developed females in autumn. On the other hand, in the alpine zone, increasing water temperature was delayed compared to the sub-alpine zone, and larval development occurred from early to mid-summer. Adult emergence and ovary-developed individuals were concentrated in mid-summer. Hence, summer diapause was not observed. These results indicated life-history differences between genetically differentiated populations at different altitudes. As the timing of adult occurrence and ovarian developmental patterns differ between populations at different altitudes, it is possible that reproductive isolation is facilitated or maintained between populations.
PubMed: 38855316
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11428 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024Invasive insects threaten ecosystem stability, public health, and food security. Documenting newly invasive species and understanding how they reach into new...
Invasion and spread of the neotropical leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Africa and North America and the role of high-altitude windborne migration in invasive insects.
Invasive insects threaten ecosystem stability, public health, and food security. Documenting newly invasive species and understanding how they reach into new territories, establish populations, and interact with other species remain vitally important. Here, we report on the invasion of the South American leafhopper, into Africa, where it has established populations in Ghana, encroaching inland at least 350 km off the coast. Importantly, 80% of the specimens collected were intercepted between 160 and 190 m above ground. Further, the fraction of this species among all insects collected was also higher at altitude, demonstrating its propensity to engage in high-altitude windborne dispersal. Its aerial densities at altitude translate into millions of migrants/km over a year, representing massive propagule pressure. Given the predominant south-westerly winds, these sightings suggest an introduction of into at least one of the Gulf of Guinea ports. To assess the contribution of windborne dispersal to its spread in a new territory, we examine records of range-expansion in the USA. Reported first in 2004 from central Florida, it reached north Florida (Panhandle) by 2008-2011 and subsequently spread across the southeastern and south-central US. Its expansion fits a "diffusion-like" process with 200-300 km long "annual displacement steps"-a pattern consistent with autonomous dispersal rather than vehicular transport. Most "steps" are consistent with common wind trajectories from the nearest documented population, assuming 2-8 hours of wind-assisted flight at altitude. has been intercepted at US ports and on trucks. Thus, it uses multiple dispersal modalities, yet its rapid overland spread is better explained by its massive propagule pressure linked with its high-altitude windborne dispersal. We propose that high-altitude windborne dispersal is common yet under-appreciated in invasive insect species.
PubMed: 38854158
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595796 -
Physiological Reports Jun 2024This crossover study evaluated DNA methylation changes in human salivary samples following single sprint interval training sessions performed in hypoxia, with blood flow...
This crossover study evaluated DNA methylation changes in human salivary samples following single sprint interval training sessions performed in hypoxia, with blood flow restriction (BFR), or with gravity-induced BFR. Global DNA methylation levels were evaluated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes were used to determine the percentage methylation in a part of the promoter of the gene-inducible nitric oxide synthase (p-iNOS), as well as an enhancer (e-iNOS). Global methylation increased after exercise (p < 0.001; dz = 0.50). A tendency was observed for exercise × condition interaction (p = 0.070). Post hoc analyses revealed a significant increase in global methylation between pre- (7.2 ± 2.6%) and postexercise (10.7 ± 2.1%) with BFR (p = 0.025; dz = 0.69). Methylation of p-iNOS was unchanged (p > 0.05). Conversely, the methylation of e-iNOS increased from 0.6 ± 0.4% to 0.9 ± 0.8% after exercise (p = 0.025; dz = 0.41), independently of the condition (p > 0.05). Global methylation correlated with muscle oxygenation during exercise (r = 0.37, p = 0.042), while e-iNOS methylation showed an opposite association (r = -0.60, p = 0.025). Furthermore, p-iNOS methylation was linked to heart rate (r = 0.49, p = 0.028). Hence, a single sprint interval training increases global methylation in saliva, and adding BFR tends to increase it further. Lower muscle oxygenation is associated with augmented e-iNOS methylation. Finally, increased cardiovascular strain results in increased p-iNOS methylation.
Topics: Humans; DNA Methylation; Male; Hypoxia; Pilot Projects; Adult; High-Intensity Interval Training; Regional Blood Flow; Saliva; Cross-Over Studies; Exercise; Young Adult
PubMed: 38849292
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16044 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Since much of the current researches have focused on daily, monthly or annual near-surface (2 m) temperature lapse rate (NSTLR), there is little guidance on best...
Since much of the current researches have focused on daily, monthly or annual near-surface (2 m) temperature lapse rate (NSTLR), there is little guidance on best estimation practices and analyses of time-varying characteristics for the hourly NSTLR. To estimate hourly NSTLR and identify its time-varying characteristics accurately and objectively, this study proposed a robust estimation strategy based on IGGIII equivalent weight using multiple linear regression models. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed method was verified. The results show that the robust estimation strategy can further improve the hourly NSTLR solution accuracy relative to the least square (LSQ) method, especially in the time period of relatively high temperature. The hourly NSTLR was positively correlated with temperature, with a 24-h average maximum of 0.604 °C/100 m at universal time coordinated (UTC) 7.2 h and minimum of 0.284 °C/100 m at UTC 20.5 h, respectively. Throughout the year, the NSTLR was the largest from June to August, with an average median of around 0.492 °C/100 m. However, from November to the following January, the NSTLR value was the smallest, with a mean median of about 0.323 °C/100 m. In addition, the hourly NSTLR values were essentially less than the constant value of 0.65 °C/100 m. When the hourly NSTLR estimated based on the proposed method was applied to the temperature interpolation, the interpolation accuracies at the highest altitude (1545 m) and other meteorological stations (below 310 m) can increase by 22.4 % and 8.1 %, respectively, relative to the hourly NSTLR calculated by the LSQ method, and increased by 55.6 % and 13.0 %, respectively, relative to the no-NSTLR correction. The results are important for the fine establishment of high spatiotemporal resolution temperature fields and for the study of climatic phenomena characterized with rapid spatiotemporal variation.
PubMed: 38845890
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31964 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Yield multi-location trials associated to geostatistical techniques with environmental covariables can provide a better understanding of G x E interactions and,...
Yield multi-location trials associated to geostatistical techniques with environmental covariables can provide a better understanding of G x E interactions and, consequently, adaptation limits of soybean cultivars. Thus, the main objective of this study is understanding the environmental covariables effects on soybean adaptation, as well as predicting the adaptation of soybean under environmental variations and then recommend each soybean cultivar to favorable environments aiming maximize the average yield. The trials were carried out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replicates over three years, in 28 locations. Thirty-two genotypes (commercial and pre-commercial) representing different maturity groups (7.5-8.5) were evaluated in each trial were covering the Edaphoclimatic Region (REC) 401, 402 and 403. The covariables adopted as environmental descriptors were accumulated rainfall, minimum temperature, mean temperature, maximum temperature, photoperiod, relative humidity, soil clay content, soil water avaibility and altitude. After fitting means through Mixed Linear Model, the Regression-Kriging procedure was applied to spacialize the grain yield using environmental covariables as predictors. The covariables explained 32.54% of the GxE interaction, being the soil water avaibility the most important to the adaptation of soybean cultivars, contributing with 7.80%. Yield maps of each cultivar were obtained and, hence, the yield maximization map based on cultivar recommendation was elaborated.
Topics: Glycine max; Brazil; Genotype; Geography; Adaptation, Physiological; Soil
PubMed: 38844526
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63809-y -
Horticulture Research Jun 2024The white water lily (), exemplifying nature's resilience, thrives in the high-altitude terrains of Xinjiang, China, serving as an ideal model for investigating cold...
The white water lily (), exemplifying nature's resilience, thrives in the high-altitude terrains of Xinjiang, China, serving as an ideal model for investigating cold adaptation mechanisms in aquatic plants. This study meticulously elucidates the complex cold adaptation mechanisms of the white water lily through a comprehensive and integrated methodological approach. We discovered that the water lily undergoes ecodormancy in winter, retaining high cellular viability and growth potential. During overwintering, the white water lily demonstrates effective resource reallocation, a process facilitated by morphological adjustments, thereby strengthening its resistance to cold temperatures. This enhancement is achieved particularly through the compartmentalization of large vacuoles, the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, and an increased antioxidant capacity. We established the first exhaustive full-length transcriptome for the white water lily. A subsequent comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome, phytohormones, and metabolome uncovered a multifaceted regulatory network orchestrating cold adaptation. Our research spotlights phytohormone signaling, amino acid metabolism, and circadian rhythms as key elements in the water lily's defense against cold. The results emphasize the critical role of nitrogen metabolism, especially amino acid-related pathways, during cold stress. Metabolite profiling revealed the importance of compounds like myo-inositol and L-proline in enhancing cold tolerance. Remarkably, our study demonstrates that the white water lily notably diminishes the utilization of unsaturated fatty acids in its temperature regulation strategies. In conclusion, this research substantially enriches our understanding of the white water lily's intricate cold adaptation mechanisms, offering new perspectives on the adaptive strategies of aquatic plants and potential applications in agricultural advancement.
PubMed: 38840939
DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae093 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024External eye appearance in avian taxa has been proposed to be driven by social and ecological functions. Recent research in primates suggests, instead, that,...
External eye appearance in avian taxa has been proposed to be driven by social and ecological functions. Recent research in primates suggests, instead, that, photoprotective functions are important drivers of external eye appearance. Using similar methods, we examined the variation in external eye appearance of 132 parrot species (Psittaciformes) in relation to their ecology and sociality. Breeding systems, flock size and sexual dimorphism, as well as species' latitude and maximum living altitude, and estimated UV-B incidence in species' ranges were used to explore the contribution of social and ecological factors in driving external eye appearance. We measured the hue and brightness of visible parts of the eye and the difference in measurements of brightness between adjacent parts of the eye. We found no link between social variables and our measurements. We did, however, find a negative association between the brightness of the inner part of the iris and latitude and altitude. Darker inner irises were more prevalent farther away from the equator and for those species living at higher altitudes. We found no link between UV-B and brightness measurements of the iris, or tissue surrounding the eye. We speculate that these results are consistent with an adaptation for visual functions. While preliminary, these results suggest that external eye appearance in parrots is influenced by ecological, but not social factors.
Topics: Animals; Altitude; Parrots; Eye; Female; Male; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 38834673
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63599-3 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Jun 2024Granzyme K (GZMK) is a crucial mediator released by immune cells to eliminate tumor cells, playing significant roles in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Despite its...
BACKGROUND
Granzyme K (GZMK) is a crucial mediator released by immune cells to eliminate tumor cells, playing significant roles in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Despite its importance, the specific role of GZMK in breast cancer and its mechanisms are not well understood.
METHODS
We utilized data from the TCGA and GEO databases and employed a range of analytical methods including GO, KEGG, GSEA, ssGSEA, and PPI to investigate the impact of GZMK on breast cancer. In vitro studies, including RT-qPCR, CCK-8 assay, cell cycle experiments, apoptosis assays, Celigo scratch assays, Transwell assays, and immunohistochemical methods, were conducted to validate the effects of GZMK on breast cancer cells. Additionally, Cox regression analysis integrating TCGA and our clinical data was used to develop an overall survival (OS) prediction model.
RESULTS
Analysis of clinical pathological features revealed significant correlations between GZMK expression and lymph node staging, differentiation grade, and molecular breast cancer subtypes. High GZMK expression was associated with improved OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS), as confirmed by multifactorial Cox regression analysis. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of genes positively correlated with GZMK highlighted involvement in lymphocyte differentiation, T cell differentiation, and T cell receptor signaling pathways. A robust association between GZMK expression and T cell presence was noted in the breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME), with strong correlations with ESTIMATEScore (Cor = 0.743, P < 0.001), ImmuneScore (Cor = 0.802, P < 0.001), and StromalScore (Cor = 0.516, P < 0.001). GZMK also showed significant correlations with immune checkpoint molecules, including CTLA4 (Cor = 0.856, P < 0.001), PD-1 (Cor = 0.82, P < 0.001), PD-L1 (Cor = 0.56, P < 0.001), CD48 (Cor = 0.75, P < 0.001), and CCR7 (Cor = 0.856, P < 0.001). Studies indicated that high GZMK expression enhances patient responsiveness to immunotherapy, with higher levels observed in responsive patients compared to non-responsive ones. In vitro experiments confirmed that GZMK promotes cell proliferation, cell division, apoptosis, cell migration, and invasiveness (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Our study provides insights into the differential expression of GZMK in breast cancer and its potential mechanisms in breast cancer pathogenesis. Elevated GZMK expression is associated with improved OS and RFS, suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker for breast cancer survival and as a predictor of the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Prognosis; Biomarkers, Tumor; Immunotherapy; Granzymes; Treatment Outcome; Middle Aged; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38833021
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05791-6