Search Results (1,969)

Invasive leafhopper species Arboridia kakogawana, Tautoneura polymitusa and Erasmoneura vulnerata were investigated for distribution, routes of introduction and population genetics in the viticultural regions of Serbia. Surveillance traps were set up in vineyards and natural habitats across 26 administrative districts between 2017 and 2025. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX1) and a nuclear wingless gene (Wg) were used in phylogenetic analysis. Arboridia kakogawana showed a significant invasive potential with its populations sampled from 19 districts. A single COX1 haplotype detected was identical with specimens from Bulgaria and Georgia suggesting a shared origin and probable invasion route via the Black Sea region. Tautoneura polymitusa expressed limited invasiveness, predominantly with northern distribution and very low population density. One detected COX1 haplotype shared identity with samples from Hungary, indicating their joint origin. Erasmoneura vulnerata has the greatest invasive potential, detected in all inspected districts. Eighteen COX1 haplotypes clustered into a monophyletic group. Three lineages were separated but morphologically indistinguishable, with a 7.5 to 9.5% average divergence between the groups. Analysis of Wg sequences led to the discovery of only two haplotypes, confirming their common ancestry. Diversity of Serbian COX1 haplotypes entirely reflected genetic variability in the native range, indicating a complex scenario of E. vulnerata introduction from multiple sources with admixed genotypes, including co-introduction of uncovered cryptic lineages. Full article

Since the first plant gene essential for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis was identified, more than 170 such genes have been discovered. However, these findings remain scattered across species, and a systematic synthesis is urgently needed to guide future functional studies and breeding applications. This review provides a systematic classification and contextual overview of the currently reported plant genes essential for AM symbiosis, covering leguminous species (e.g., Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus) and non-leguminous species (e.g., Oryza sativa, Solanum lycopersicum). We classify these genes into functional modules corresponding to key stages of AM symbiosis: SL-mediated pre-symbiotic signaling, chitin signal perception, activation of the common symbiosis signaling pathway (CSSP), calcium (Ca²⁺) oscillation generation, arbuscule development and maintenance, and nutrient exchange. Beyond classification, we highlight conserved genetic modules across plant lineages and discuss their implications for engineering AM symbiosis in non-host or poorly symbiotic crops. This synthesis establishes a foundational genetic resource for molecular breeding aimed at enhancing nutrient-use efficiency and sustainable crop production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a biologically heterogeneous disease in which transcriptional dysregulation contributes to disease onset and progression. Despite survival rates exceeding 90% in high-income countries, relapsed and high-risk cases remain a major clinical challenge, highlighting the need for improved molecular stratification, namely the classification of patients based on genetic and transcriptomic features associated with prognosis, therapeutic response, and disease biology, as well as for the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Methods: We performed an integrative cross-platform analysis to investigate the expression and potential relevance of three candidate genes: PXDN, TCF4, and TSPAN7 in ALL. Gene expression was interrogated across the MILE microarray cohort and the St. Jude Cloud PeCan paediatric RNA-sequencing dataset. Results: Differential expression analyses consistently showed significant upregulation of TCF4 and PXDN in B-cell ALL (B-ALL) across both platforms (adjusted p < 0.001), while TSPAN7 displayed higher expression in T-cell ALL (T-ALL) and variable upregulation in B-ALL. These findings were supported by preliminary validation using quantitative PCR in paediatric B-ALL samples. To explore potential functional associations, we performed gene regulatory network inference using scGraphVerse, identifying differentially expressed genes putatively linked to PXDN, TCF4, and TSPAN7. Structural modelling using AlphaFold suggested candidate protein–protein interaction interfaces for a subset of these genes, although these predictions require experimental validation. Functional enrichment analysis indicated an over-representation of developmental pathways associated with PXDN- and TCF4-related networks, whereas TSPAN7-associated genes were enriched in processes linked to neuronal lineage development. Conclusions: Collectively, our results identify, for the first time, PXDN, TCF4 and TSPAN7 as differentially expressed genes in ALL and highlight the usefulness of integrative transcriptomic analyses across independent datasets. While limited by small-scale experimental validation and reliance on computational predictions, this study provides a framework for prioritising candidate genes and generates testable hypotheses regarding their potential involvement in leukaemia-associated molecular pathways. Full article

Current protocols for generating cortical interneurons from human pluripotent stem cells are hindered by slow differentiation kinetics and poor reproducibility across cell lines. Here, we present a defined small-molecule-based strategy that efficiently directs human-induced neural stem cells (hiNSCs) toward cortical GABAergic interneurons within 14–18 days, which is substantially faster than conventional methods. Short-term dual-SMAD and WNT inhibition rapidly commits hiNSCs to an interneuron progenitor fate, reaching transcriptional states equivalent to those obtained with prolonged protocols. Prolonged activation of Sonic Hedgehog (via SAG) further enhances lineage specification, markedly upregulating NKX2.1, FOXG1, GABA, somatostatin (SST), and parvalbumin (PV) expression, and enriching pathways associated with early functional maturation. Importantly, RNA-sequencing reveals that under identical induction conditions, hiNSCs differentiate more rapidly and homogeneously than human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which exhibit broader, less lineage-focused transcriptional trajectories. This differentiation strategy is highly reproducible across four genetically distinct hiNSC lines, with minimal off-target populations. Functionally, hiNSC-derived cortical interneurons display robust migratory behavior, produce abundant GABA, and survive transplantation into the adult mouse hippocampus, where they extend processes and form synapse-like structures. These findings establish a rapid, scalable, and robust approach for generating human cortical interneurons, supporting their safety and integration potential as a foundation for future cell replacement strategies in neurological disorders. Full article

Companion animals are increasingly recognized as carriers of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli, yet genomic data from clinically healthy dogs in Latin America remain scarce. We characterized 13 genetically non-redundant multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates selected from 224 resistant E. coli isolates recovered in a previous surveillance study of 600 clinically healthy household dogs in the Metropolitan Region of Chile (2021–2022). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using VITEK2 and interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria, and whole-genome sequencing was used to identify resistance genes, virulence-associated traits, plasmid replicons, phylogroups, sequence types, and ST131 subclades. All isolates were multidrug resistant and showed high resistance to ampicillin and cephalexin (13/13, 100%), ciprofloxacin (13/13, 100%), cefpodoxime (11/13, 84.6%), cefovecin (10/13, 76.9%), and ceftiofur (10/13, 76.9%). An extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotype was observed in 9/13 isolates (69.2%). bla_CTX-M genes were detected in 7/13 isolates (53.8%) and bla_CMY-2 in 3/13 isolates (23.1%), whereas IncF-associated plasmid replicons predominated. The isolates belonged to diverse lineages, including ST131, ST744, ST1196, and ST1011. The two ST131 isolates belonged to phylogroup B2, carried bla_CTX-M variants, and were assigned to the C2/H30Rx and C1-M27 subclades. These findings support further consideration of companion animals in genomic antimicrobial resistance surveillance under a One Health framework. Full article

H3N2 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) is prevalent in poultry and wild birds and typically causes asymptomatic or mild respiratory infections. However, genetic reassortment between H3N2 and other AIV subtypes generates novel strains capable of crossing the species barrier, posing a threat to both poultry and public health. In this study, nine H3N2 AIVs were isolated from ducks in live poultry markets (LPMs) in Guangxi, southern China, during 2022–2024. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all eight gene segments of the nine isolates were clustered within the Eurasian lineage, with internal genes derived from multiple subtypes, including H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and H9. These findings indicate complex gene reassortment of H3N2 AIVs in Guangxi. Importantly, the PB2 genes of certain isolates were closely related to those of highly pathogenic H5 subtype viruses, suggesting that H3N2 AIVs may contribute internal genes to H5 viruses. Three representative isolates (LZD44, NND98, and NND100) were assessed for pathogenicity in SPF chickens and mice. All three strains successfully replicated in the respiratory tissues of both species. Notably, the LZD44 virus, which harbored the mammalian-adaptive mutations PB2-MVV and NP-I353V, presented significantly higher virulence in chickens and mice than the other two strains. These results demonstrate that H3N2 subtype AIVs are capable of replicating in certain tissues of chickens and mice without prior adaptation, underscoring a potential risk for cross-species transmission. Consequently, sustained surveillance of H3N2 subtype AIVs is essential to prevent the spillover of novel recombinants into the human population. Full article

To test the performance of COI-based DNA barcoding in species delimitation, we amplified and sequenced the mitochondrial COI gene from six Schizothoracine fishes endemic to Xinjiang, China. We then characterized the COI gene dataset, quantified genetic divergence, and inferred phylogenetic relationships using distance-based approaches. Morphological examination supported clear phenotypic differentiation among taxa. In particular, Diptychus maculatus can be readily distinguished from the densely scaled Schizothorax species by having a single pair of barbels and relatively sparse scales. The COI gene sequences showed an evident AT bias (55.1%), consistent with patterns reported for teleost mitochondrial genomes. Across all samples, 11 haplotypes were identified. Pairwise comparisons indicated a maximum interspecific divergence of 15.296%, whereas the smallest interspecific distance (0.262%) occurred between Schizothorax barbatus and Schizothorax irregularis. Species-delimitation analyses and phylogenetic reconstruction supported D. maculatus and A. laticeps as distinct mitochondrial lineages, whereas S. biddulphi, S. eurystomus, S. irregularis, and S. barbatus were not fully resolved by COI gene. The shared haplotypes and low genetic distances among the four Schizothorax species may reflect recent divergence, incomplete lineage sorting, or historical gene flow. Overall, COI gene barcoding is effective for distinguishing the major lineages in this dataset, especially D. maculatus and A. laticeps. Full article

Seasonal human influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) are frequently transmitted to swine populations. Continued transmission of these viruses among swine results in genetic and phenotypic changes, creating new lineages of swine influenza viruses that differ from their parent strains. This contributes to increased viral genetic diversity and the emergence of zoonotic risks. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of influenza viruses, including presumably human-origin A(H3N2) strains, on swine farms in Kazakhstan from 2022 to 2025. Real-time RT-PCR was used to test nasal swab antigens, and hemagglutinin inhibition test, and ELISA were used to determine serum antibody levels. Influenza A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 viruses, as well as the A(H7) hemagglutinin genes, were detected in swine. Serological analysis confirmed the presence of antibodies to the A/H1N1pdm09 and A/H3N2 viruses. The influenza A(H3N2) isolates were found to be genetically similar to human viruses of the J.2 or 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1 clade, possibly indicating transmission from humans to animals. The ongoing exchange of influenza viruses between humans and swine poses a threat of future pandemics. These studies highlight the need for continuous monitoring of swine influenza in Kazakhstan to understand virus evolution and protect public health. Full article

Bats are important reservoirs of vector-borne bacteria, including species of Bartonella, yet the ecological mechanisms underlying their circulation in bat–ectoparasite systems remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the molecular occurrence, diversity, ecological drivers, and interaction structure of Bartonella spp. in cave-dwelling bats and their associated streblid flies in northeastern Brazil. A total of 492 bats were captured across six caves, from which 231 blood samples and 1017 streblid flies were collected. Molecular screening for Bartonella was performed using a qPCR targeting the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic region, followed by characterization with multiple molecular markers (ftsZ, gltA, ribC, and rpoB). Phylogenetic and genotype diversity analyses revealed high genetic diversity, including lineage clustering with previously described bat-associated Bartonella and ftsZ sequences related to ruminant-associated lineages. Ten genotypes were shared across caves, indicating broad spatial circulation. Generalized linear models showed that streblid load did not predict infection in bats, whereas detection varied significantly among streblid species. Network analyses revealed low specialization of Bartonella molecular markers in bats and significantly higher specialization in flies compared to null expectations. Overall, Bartonella dynamics in cave bats were not explained by streblid abundance alone but instead reflect the combined influence of host ecology, ectoparasite identity, and interaction structure. Full article

The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a significant defoliator of broadleaf forests and fruit trees, but its population genetic structure in Central Asia remains poorly defined. We analyzed 153 specimens collected from ten populations across Kazakhstan between 2023 and 2024, using a combination of diagnostic real-time PCR, RAPD genotyping, and mitochondrial COI sequencing. Subspecies identification and Asian introgression were initially assessed with the COI/FS1 TaqMan assay. All samples carried the European mitochondrial type L. dispar dispar, while the nuclear FS1 locus indicated Asian introgression in 92.8% of specimens, including eleven heterozygotes for the Asian allele. RAPD amplification with five polymorphic primers produced 107 variable bands, which we converted into a presence/absence matrix for population genetics analysis. Principal coordinate analysis showed weak but detectable population structure, and Bayesian clustering (STRUCTURE) supported the presence of two primary nuclear clusters. Populations from Ketpentau, Sumbe, Kazachka, Butakovka, and Pavlodar were assigned predominantly to one cluster, whereas most individuals from Almaty, Ile-Alatau, Koksu, North Kazakhstan, and Tekeli were assigned predominantly to the other, with limited admixture in several localities. COI sequences formed a single, minimally differentiated L. dispar clade, with no evidence of distinct mitochondrial lineages. Overall, these findings reveal extensive Asian nuclear introgression in populations retaining European mitochondrial haplotypes, supporting the interpretation of Kazakhstan as part of a broad contact zone within the larger dispar–asiatica gradient. The observed mito-nuclear discordance has important implications for quarantine diagnostics and highlights the need for multilocus molecular assays in regional biosurveillance. Full article

Cycas is one of the most ancient extant seed plant lineages on Earth, with a fossil record and evolutionary history dating back to the Carboniferous period. In this study, six screened SSR primer pairs were used to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of 640 samples from 41 populations representing eight Cycas species collected from Guangxi, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the conservation of wild cycad resources in this region. The results showed that the average number of alleles (Na) across the eight species ranged from 1.945 to 3.643, the average effective number of alleles (Ne) ranged from 1.548 to 2.245, Shannon’s information index (I) ranged from 0.446 to 0.824, observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.222 to 0.453, and expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.293 to 0.443, indicating a moderate overall level of genetic diversity. Among the species, C. sexseminifera exhibited the highest genetic diversity (I = 0.824, He = 0.443), whereas C. guizhouensis showed the lowest (I = 0.446, He = 0.293). In addition, the interspecific genetic differentiation coefficient (F_st) ranged from 0.047 to 0.354, and gene flow (N_m) ranged from 0.456 to 5.094. Except for C. guizhouensis, relatively high levels of gene flow were detected among species. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) revealed that the 640 samples could be divided into three genetic clusters, which were not strictly consistent with species boundaries. AMOVA further indicated that 78% of the total genetic variation was distributed within populations, including 60% within individuals and 18% among individuals within populations. These findings provide important insights into the genetic diversity and differentiation patterns of Cycas species distributed in Guangxi and offer a theoretical foundation for their introduction, ex situ conservation, and scientific management of genetic resources. Full article

The prioritization of biomarkers that inform molecular-targeted cancer research remains challenging because tumor vulnerabilities are context-dependent. The ubiquitin–proteasome system is essential for cancer cell survival; however, the functional and biomarker-level relevance of individual proteasome subunits has not been systematically defined across cancer types. In this study, we performed an integrative pan-cancer analysis to prioritize proteasome subunits that function as context-dependent vulnerability biomarkers. We analyzed proteasome subunits and proteasome-associated genes across 54 cancer types by integrating large-scale CRISPR (n = 1178 cell lines) and RNAi (n = 707 cell lines) dependency datasets with transcriptomic, survival, immune infiltration, and co-essentiality network analyses. PSMB5 and PSMB6 were prioritized as robust cross-platform and cross-lineage dependency biomarkers, exhibiting reproducible and selective vulnerability patterns across diverse malignancies. Their dependency strength was quantitatively associated with immune-related signaling pathways, including MHC and interferon responses, and inversely correlated with key immune regulatory genes such as NLRC5 and IRF1. Co-essentiality network analysis revealed modular functional organization of proteasome-associated genes, supporting context-dependent roles rather than uniform essentiality. Importantly, the association between proteasome subunits and tumor immune context was externally validated through meta-analysis across 24 independent hepatocellular carcinoma cohorts, demonstrating reproducible correlations with CD4-positive T cell, CD8 T cell, and macrophage infiltration signatures. Functional validation further confirmed that siRNA-mediated knockdown of PSMB5 and PSMB6 significantly impaired proliferation across multiple hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Collectively, this study prioritizes PSMB5 and PSMB6 as consistently associated functional biomarkers that integrate genetic dependency and immune context, providing a data-driven framework for stratifying proteasome-targeted therapeutic strategies across cancers. Full article

Due to overfishing, eutrophication of rivers and lakes, and irrational stocking practices, the diversity of wild native carp populations has declined, leading to germplasm degradation and a decrease in fish quality, thereby affecting the sustainable development of fisheries. In this study, a novel hybrid crucian carp lineage (designated LWR) was successfully established via distant hybridization using Dongting Lake crucian carp (LC, ♀) and Hefang crucian carp (WR, ♂) as parental stocks. Systematic analyses were conducted on the morphology, ploidy, fertility, growth performance, survival rate, and molecular genetics of LWR. The results reveal that LWR is an allodiploid (2n = 100), with a chromosome number identical to that of its parents. Gonadal development in the hybrid progeny (LWR) was normal, with both sexes being fertile and reaching sexual maturity at one year of age. Morphologically, LWR exhibited intermediate traits with a paternal bias, characterized by a deep-bodied and elongated shape. In terms of growth performance, LWR displayed significant heterosis (approximately 145% and 271% higher than the body weight of the maternal parent at 6 months and 1 year). Molecular genetic analysis indicated that the 5S rDNA sequences of LWR were predominantly inherited from the paternal parent WR, with insertions, deletions, recombination, and mutations detected. The mtDNA sequences exhibited 99.78% similarity to those of the maternal parent LC, following maternal inheritance with sporadic nucleotide variations. These findings offer a new paradigm for hybridization and a theoretical foundation for the improvement and sustainable utilization of indigenous crucian carp germplasm resources, the selective breeding of improved aquaculture strains, and the sustainable development of fisheries. Full article

Ovarian cancer (OC) comprises multiple histotypes with distinct mechanisms, molecular features, and clinical behavior. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to map histotype-stratified metabolic pathways and connect them to drug targets, establishing a translatable target–metabolic node–histotype risk chain. We built a multi-stage MR framework using Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) OpenGWAS summary statistics. After screening 1400 plasma metabolites against overall ovarian cancer in UK Biobank and Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium (OCAC) with KEGG enrichment, we traced a prespecified amino acid/energy–nitrogen axis using histotype-stratified univariable MR and pathway-restricted multivariable MR. We then performed cis drug-target MR for PPARG, DPP4, ABCC8/KCNJ11, and SLC5A2, integrated triangulation, colocalization, and mediation analyses, and experimentally interrogated the prioritized PPARG/ABCC8-KCNJ11–lactate–invasive mucinous ovarian cancer (IMOC) triangle. Screening nominated 55 and 72 metabolites in UK Biobank and OCAC, respectively (IVW p < 0.05), highlighting amino-acid nitrogen and central-carbon metabolism. Univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR) showed marked heterogeneity: alanine increased low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) risk, glutamate was protective for endometrioid OC, and lactate-related traits most consistently implicated the low-grade/borderline serous lineage. In multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR), tryptophan and lactate levels emerged as independent risk nodes for serous low-grade plus low malignant potential (LG + LMP). Drug-target MR prioritized PPARG as protective (OR = 0.18) and ABCC8/KCNJ11 as risk-increasing (OR = 7.50) for IMOC, with opposite target → lactate effects supporting a directionally symmetric target–lactate–IMOC triangle. Experimental perturbation in mucinous ovarian cancer models produced concordant reciprocal changes in lactate and malignant phenotypes, extending this triangle biologically. This integrative MR framework delineates histotype-specific metabolic drivers and links them to actionable targets, providing a roadmap from genetic prioritization to mechanistic and translational validation. Full article

The circadian clock is a widespread rhythmic phenomenon across organisms, characterized by distinct gene expression patterns and behaviors at specific times of the day. Extensive genetic studies in the model fungus Neurospora crassa have yielded critical insights into the components and molecular mechanisms of circadian oscillators. However, these understandings remain absent across fungal lineages, especially from edible mushrooms. Morels (Morchella spp.) are well-recognized edible ascomycetes of considerable economic value and are partially artificially cultivated, but their biological characteristics are poorly understood. Investigating the presence of their circadian clock components, as well as the molecular underpinnings of circadian rhythms, holds important biological implications. In this study, we firstly performed a genomic search for homologs of known circadian clock genes in Morchella sextelata. Homologs of seven circadian clock genes, including wc-1, wc-2, fwd-1, frh, frq, and two additional clock-controlled genes, were identified, indicating the components necessary for the operation of a FWC oscillator contained in M. sextelata. Then, using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), the expression profiles of these seven circadian clock-related genes and four mating-type genes were examined in RNA samples which were extracted from mycelia of MAT1-1, MAT1-2 and MAT1-1 × MAT1-2 co-culture/crossed condition during conidiation under in vitro cultivation across one day. The expression levels of seven circadian clock genes and four mating-type genes displayed similar time-of-day-specific rhythmic patterns, yet remained consistently distinct across the mating-type strains and their co-culture/crossed condition, indicating a potential correlation between circadian clock and mating-type loci. Collectively, these results suggest that M. sextelata harbors conserved circadian clock-related homologs and displays mating-type-associated temporal expression differences under the tested conidiation conditions, offering a novel perspective for exploring the potential link between clock-related regulation and mating-type background in the future. Full article