Search Results (52)

The zoonotic potential of bat coronaviruses, especially HKU5, is a significant issue because of their capacity to utilize human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for cellular entry. This study offers structural insights into the binding kinetics of HKU5 (Bat Merbecovirus HKU5) receptor-binding domain (RBD) spike protein with human ACE2 through a multiscale computational method. This study employed structural modeling, 300-nanosecond (ns) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, alanine-scanning mutagenesis, and computational peptide design to investigate ACE2 recognition by the HKU5 RBD and its interactions with peptides. The root mean square deviation (RMSD) investigation of HKU5–ACE2 complexes indicated that HKU5 exhibited greater flexibility than SARS-CoV-2, with RMSD values reaching a maximum of 1.2 nm. Free energy analysis, Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA), indicated a more robust binding affinity of HKU5 to ACE2 (ΔG_Total = −21.61 kcal/mol) in contrast to SARS-CoV-2 (ΔG_Total = −5.82 kcal/mol), implying that HKU5 binding with ACE2 had higher efficiency. Additionally, a peptide was designed from the ACE2 interface, resulting in the development of 380 single-site mutants by mutational alterations. The four most promising mutant peptides were selected for 300-nanosecond (ns) MD simulations, subsequently undergoing quantum chemical calculations (DFT) to evaluate their electronic characteristics. MM/GBSA of −37.83 kcal/mol indicated that mutant-1 exhibits the most favorable binding with HKU5, hence potentially inhibiting ACE2 interaction. Mutant-1 formed hydrogen bonds involving Glu74, Ser202, Ser204, and Asn152 residues of HKU5. Finally, QM/MM calculations on the peptide–HKU5 complexes showed the most favorable ΔE_interaction of −170.47 (Hartree) for mutant-1 peptide. These findings offer a thorough comprehension of receptor-binding dynamics and are crucial for evaluating the zoonotic risk associated with HKU5-CoV and guiding the design of receptor-targeted antiviral treatments. Full article

Uganda is home to a rich diversity of bats, which carry high ecological and socioeconomic value through the ecosystem services that they provide. However, critical bat habitats, including caves, are facing increasing anthropogenic pressures, and the types and frequencies of disturbances to cave-roosting bats are not well understood in Uganda. Therefore, we examined the role of anthropogenic disturbances in caves to assess the threats posed to bat populations. We used the Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) framework to score 14 caves inhabited by bats within the study region. We included qualitative surveys with human communities to better understand various aspects within the BCVI. All bat species recorded were of the IUCN category “Least Concern”. The BCVI indicated 50% of the caves (with insectivorous and frugivorous bats) require urgent conservation interventions due to high bat diversity and anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., guano collection). Most of the caves studied were highly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances, as assessed in the study. All the caves we studied (except two) are outside the protected area, and due to their imputed vulnerabilities, interventions ought to be implemented to balance cave conservation and human use in the Mt. Elgon area. Such interventions should integrate human factors. Full article

The ongoing biodiversity crisis, driven by human activity, climate change, and disease spread, is reflected by the rapid decline of animal populations across all phylogenetic groups. Bats exemplify a group highly susceptible to these threats. While threats to bats are often studied locally, global interactions remain overlooked. Using a literature-based analysis and the metacoupling framework (including the telecoupling framework), which analyzes human–nature interactions across local to global scales, we take a holistic approach to understanding how conservation strategies can support both biodiversity and ecological and socioeconomic sustainability. Focusing on the Indiana bat (an endangered species with an accelerating population decline for which such a comprehensive analysis is urgently needed), we find how local, regional, and global factors contribute to the shrinking population. Results indicate that local factors include habitat disturbance, cave tourism, and public perceptions. Regional factors include inconsistent regulations and land-use change (e.g., suburban sprawl). Global factors include ecotourism, distant consumer demand (e.g., the timber market), and climate change. White-Nose Syndrome affects bats across scales. The results also suggest that conservation strategies limited to local interventions alone are insufficient. This paper advances sustainability research by applying the metacoupling framework to species conservation, demonstrating how local-to-global human–nature interactions can inform more effective and sustainable management strategies. Full article

Dysregulated lipid metabolism is associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. In the current report, we explore the functional interactions between two important regulators of lipid metabolism, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and 2 (SREBP1/2), and PRDI-BF1 and RIZ homology domain containing 16 (PRDM16). The SREBP family of transcription factors regulate cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis and metabolism, primarily in liver but also in white adipose tissue. PRDM16 is a major regulator of brown adipose tissue (BAT) biogenesis and function as well as an inhibitor of white adipogenesis. We find that PRDM16 interacts with the nuclear forms of SREBP1/2 and inhibits their transcriptional activities. Consequently, inactivation of PRDM16 enhances the expression of well-established SREBP target genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis/metabolism. Importantly, PRDM16 inactivation increases the expression of LDL receptor mRNA (1.6-fold) and protein (1.7-fold) and augments the cellular uptake of LDL particles (2.3-fold). Supporting these findings, PRDM16-deficient cells accumulate more neutral lipids in a SREBP1/2-dependent manner. Inactivation of PRDM16 in white and brown preadipocyte cell lines and human adipose-derived stem cells enhances the expression of SREBP target genes. In addition, the expression of adipogenic markers was increased in mature white adipocytes generated from PRDM16-knockdown preadipocytes (1.8- to 3.9-fold). Thus, our study identifies PRDM16 as a novel inhibitor of SREBP-dependent lipid metabolism with implications for adipose biology and metabolic disease. Full article

Since the appearance of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus, there has been increased interest in understanding the role of bats in the maintenance and circulation of coronaviruses. This study aimed to describe the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships and antigenic architecture of a new coronavirus detected in bats in the Department of Córdoba. In a surveillance study of pathogens of interest to public health, a bat Phyllostomus hastatus was captured. Rectal swabs samples were collected from the bats, and RNA was extracted and sequenced using NGS with MGI-G50 equipment. The results were analyzed using bioinformatics software. A contig of 28,619 nucleotides associated with the Coronaviridae family was obtained. Phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses of the ORF1ab gene revealed a novel divergent Alphacoronavirus that originated directly from an ancestral node. The analysis of the spike (S) protein and receptor-binding domain (RBD) is similar to that of humans (HCoV-229E) and porcine coronaviruses. In silico analysis suggests potential RBD interaction sites with human and pig cellular receptor aminopeptidase N. There is a possible risk of interspecies jumping of the new AlphaCoV/P. hastatus in humans and pigs. This is the first study to perform phylogenetic, evolutionary, and antigenic characterization of bat coronaviruses in Colombia. Full article

This pilot study investigated the presence of potentially zoonotic microorganisms in bat species from Kopaonik National Park, Serbia. A total of 40 individuals from 12 bat species were sampled and screened using microbiological and molecular methods. Salmonella spp., Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira spp., Lyssavirus, Filoviridae, henipaviruses, and SARS-CoV-2 were not detected in any bats. Coronavirus genomes were confirmed in four bats—one Myotis brandtii, two Myotis daubentonii, and one Myotis cf. mystacinus. Sequence analysis identified the presence of alphacoronavirus genomes with high similarity to strains previously found in Europe. Mycoplasma spp. genomes were found in 18 bats (45%), and Rickettsia spp. were detected in five bats (12.5%), although species-level identification was not possible. The findings highlight the presence of certain bacteria and viruses in bats that could have implications for public health, especially in areas with close human–wildlife interaction. Although no direct evidence of high-risk pathogens was found, the results support the importance of continued surveillance and ecological studies on bats, given their role as potential reservoirs. Monitoring bat-associated microorganisms is essential to better understand possible transmission routes and improve the prevention of emerging zoonotic diseases. Full article

Rabies, a fatal zoonotic disease, affects humans, domestic animals, and wildlife predominantly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In Malawi, rabies virus (RABV) is primarily transmitted by infected dogs, impacting humans and cattle. Lyssavirus has also been documented in insectivorous bats. A community survey near bat roosts assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding bat-borne zoonoses. Bat samples were tested for lyssavirus using RT-PCR, and RABV genomes from humans and domestic animals were sequenced and analysed phylogenetically. The survey revealed that 50% of participants consumed bat meat, and 47% reported bats entering their homes. Reduced bat presence indoors significantly lowered contact risk (aOR: 0.075, p = 0.021). All 23 bat samples tested negative for lyssavirus. Malawian RABV genomes, 11,801 nucleotides long, belonged to the Africa 1b lineage, showing >95% similarity with GenBank sequences. Phylogenetic analysis indicated close clustering with strains from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Human and cattle strains shared 99% and 92% amino acid similarity with dog strains, respectively, with conserved critical sites and unique substitutions across all five RABV genes. Frequent human–bat interactions pose zoonotic risks. While no lyssavirus was detected in bats, ongoing surveillance is crucial. This first comprehensive genome analysis of Malawian RABVs highlights their regional transmission and signifies the need for regional collaboration in rabies control, community education, and further study of genetic adaptations. Full article

Bats, as members of the order Chiroptera, are vital to ecosystems and serve as reservoirs for numerous microorganisms, some of which can cause zoonotic diseases. Human interactions with bats are increasing due to habitat alterations, making it essential to understand their microbiota, particularly potential pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the excretion of zoonotic bacteria and protozoa in insectivorous bats from four caves in the provinces of Ragusa, Catania, and Syracuse (Sicily, Southern Italy) using molecular biology tests for zoonotic agents, including Bartonella henselae, Borrelia, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira, Chlamydia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Piroplasmids. From December 2020 to April 2023, urine, fecal swabs, ocular conjunctival swabs, and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 149 bats of six species, along with guano samples from the caves. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 3 of the 149 tested bats, one ocular conjunctival swab and two oropharyngeal swabs. Chlamydia spp. DNA was detected in a sample of guano, in feces, ocular conjunctival and oropharyngeal swabs of a bat, and in four urine samples. Piroplasmid DNA was detected in 10 of 149 fecal swabs and in 5 of 16 bat ectoparasites. No samples were positive for Leptospira spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., or Anaplasma spp. These findings underscore the importance of multiple sample types in assessing bats as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, particularly highlighting their role in transmitting pathogens through various body habitats, including saliva, urine, and ocular excretions. This study highlights the relevance of monitoring bat populations and studying their microbiota to enhance protections for both human and animal health. Full article

This study presents a three-dimensional collective motion model that integrates auditory and visual sensing modalities, inspired by organisms like bats that rely on these senses for navigation. Most existing models of collective motion consider vision-based sensing, likely reflecting an inherent human bias towards visual perception. However, many organisms utilize multiple sensory modalities, and this study explores how the integration of these distinct sensory inputs influences group behavior. We investigate a generalized scenario of three-dimensional motion, an area not previously explored for combining sensory information. Through numerical simulations, we investigate the combined impact of auditory and visual sensing on group behavior, contrasting these effects with those observed when relying solely on vision or audition. The results demonstrate that composite sensing allows particles to interact with more neighbors, thereby gaining more information. This interaction allows the formation of a single, large, perfectly aligned group using a narrow sensing region, achievable by taking advantage of the mechanics of both auditory and visual sensing. Our findings demonstrate the importance of integrating multiple sensory modalities in shaping emergent group behavior, with potential applications in both biological studies and the development of robotic swarms. Full article

SADS-CoV, a recently identified Rhinolophus bat coronavirus HKU2-associated swine coronavirus, is a malignant pathogen that causes acute diarrhea, severe diarrhea, and weight loss in infected piglets. The virus was first detected in Guangdong Province, China, in 2017 and has since been observed in Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangxi Provinces. In 2023, the virus was detected in Henan Province, in inland China. This virus can infect various cell lines, including human cell lines, showing significant potential for cross-species transmission and posing a possible zoonotic threat. However, the molecular biology of SADS-CoV remains largely unknown, and there are no commercially available therapeutics or vaccines to prevent SADS-CoV infection. In this review, an update on progress in SADS-CoV research is provided, with a focus on the history of outbreaks, the characteristics of the virus, its interactions with the host, and developments in therapeutics and vaccines. Full article

Background: Environmental changes impact bat–human interactions, heightening concerns of pathogen spillover and highlighting the need to understand human–bat interactions in the context of ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with human contact with bats in communities living near bat roosts in Northern Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to investigate the factors associated with human contact with bats. Utilizing a standardized questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews, relevant data were collected from respondents living in or near regions characterized by high bat density. Descriptive analyses followed by bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association between the investigated factors and the outcome variable of interest, contact with bats. Results: Data were collected from 325 respondents. Of the respondents, 57.5% (187/325) reported bat contact, and only 4% believed bats can transmit rabies. The following factors were significantly associated with human–bat contact: being unaware that bats can transmit diseases like rabies (AOR = 8.63, CI = 1.04, 71.43, p = 0.045), feeling safe to handle bats with bare hands (AOR = 3.47, CI = 1.71, 7.05, p < 0.001), not washing hands thoroughly after bat bite or scratch (AOR = 2.43, CI = 1.29, 4.59, p = 0.006), using water from ponds, rivers or wells (AOR = 5.58, CI = 3.17, 9.79, p <0.001), age > 45 years (AOR = 1.77, CI = 1.0, 3.14, p = 0.047) and a low level of education (AOR = 5.86, CI = 2.97, 11.57, p <0.001). Conclusion: The study findings highlight the key factors to be targeted when developing strategies aimed at improving the community’s knowledge of the potential risks of zoonotic infectious diseases associated with bats and reducing the likelihood of human–bat contact and the related public health risks in communities living near bat roosting sites in Tanzania. Full article

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant RNA epitranscriptomic modification in eukaryotes. The m6A machinery includes cellular writer, eraser and reader proteins that regulate m6A. Pteropus alecto (P. alecto) (the Australian black flying fox) and Rousettus aegyptiacus (R. aegyptiacus) (the Egyptian fruit bat) are bats associated with several viral zoonoses yet neglected in the field of m6A epigenetics studies. Objectives: This study utilises various bioinformatics and in silico tools to genetically identify, characterise and annotate the m6A machinery in P. alecto and R. aegyptiacus. Methods: A range of bioinformatic tools were deployed to comprehensively characterise all known m6A-associated proteins of P. alecto and R. aegyptiacus. Results: Phylogenetically, the m6A fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) eraser placed the order Chiroptera (an order including all bat species) in a separate clade. Additionally, it showed the lowest identity matrices in P. alecto and R. aegyptiacus when compared to other mammals (74.1% and 72.8%) and Homo sapiens (84.0% and 76.1%), respectively. When compared to humans, genetic loci-based analysis of P. alecto and R. aegyptiacus showed syntenic conservation in multiple flanking genes of 8 out the 10 m6A-associated genes. Furthermore, amino acid alignment and protein tertiary structure of the two bats’ m6A machinery demonstrated conservation in the writers but not in erasers and readers, compared to humans. Conclusions: These studies provide foundational annotation and genetic characterisation of m6A machinery in two important species of bats which can be exploited to study bat–virus interactions at the interface of epitranscriptomics. Full article

In this review, we tentatively tried to connect the most recent findings on the bat microbiome and to investigate on their microbial communities, that may vary even in conspecific hosts and are influenced by host physiology, feeding behavior and diet, social interactions, but also by habitat diversity and climate change. From a conservation perspective, understanding the potentially negative and indirect effects of habitat destruction on animal microbiota can also play a crucial role in the conservation and management of the host itself. According to the One Health concept, which recognizes an interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment, bat microbiota represents an indicator of host and environmental health, besides allowing for evaluation of the risk of emerging infectious diseases. We noticed that a growing number of studies suggest that animal microbiota may respond in various ways to changes in land use, particularly when such changes lead to altered or deficient food resources. We have highlighted that the current literature is strongly focused on the initial phase of investigating the microbial communities found in Chiroptera from various habitats. However, there are gaps in effectively assessing the impacts of pathogens and microbial communities in general in animal conservation, veterinary, and public health. A deeper understanding of bat microbiomes is paramount to the implementation of correct habitat and host management and to the development of effective surveillance protocols worldwide. Full article

Human rabies cases today are predominantly associated with infection from rabid domestic dogs. Unlike dogs, a common global reservoir species that perpetuates rabies viruses (RABV) within their populations, domestic cats are much less frequently reported or vaccinated. Epidemiologically, cats are important vectors of lyssaviruses but are not viral reservoirs. Typically, cats are incidental hosts only, infected with the predominant lyssavirus in their geographic locale. Human cases associated with rabid cats have occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe and throughout the Americas. As adept, solitary hunters, wild and domestic felids are at risk of lyssavirus infection based upon interactions with infected prey, such as bats, or from transmission by other mesocarnivores, such as rabid dogs, foxes, jackals, raccoons, and skunks. Current veterinary vaccines provide safe and effective immunity in cats against phylogroup I lyssaviruses, such as RABV, but not against divergent lyssaviruses in phylogroups II-IV. With the focus upon the global elimination of canine rabies, the emergence of rabies in cats represents a concerning trend. Clearly, education about the occurrence of rabies in cats needs to be improved, as well as the routine vaccination of cats to reduce the associated risks to public health, agriculture, and conservation biology from a One Health perspective. Full article