Search Results (89)

Skeletal muscle regeneration depends on muscle stem cells, which give rise to myoblasts that drive muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. In bats—the only mammals capable of powered flight—these processes must also sustain contractile performance under extreme mechanical and metabolic stress. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying bat muscle physiology remain largely unknown. To enable mechanistic investigation of these traits, we established the first myoblast cell lines from the pectoralis muscle of Pteronotus mesoamericanus, a highly maneuverable aerial insectivore. Using both spontaneous immortalization and exogenous hTERT/CDK4 gene overexpression, we generated two stable cell lines that retain proliferative capacity and differentiate into contractile myotubes. These cells exhibit frequent spontaneous contractions, suggesting robust functional integrity at the neuromuscular junction. In parallel, we performed transcriptomic and metabolic profiling of native pectoralis tissue in the closely related Pteronotus parnellii to define molecular programs supporting muscle specialization. Gene expression analyses revealed enriched pathways for muscle metabolism, development, and regeneration, highlighting supporting roles in tissue maintenance and repair. Consistent with this profile, the flight muscle is triglyceride-rich, which serves as an important fuel source for energetically demanding processes, including muscle contraction and cellular recovery. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolic data identified three key metabolic modules—glucose utilization, lipid handling, and nutrient signaling—that likely coordinate ATP production and support metabolic flexibility. Together, these complementary tools and datasets provide the first in vitro platform for investigating bat muscle research, enabling direct exploration of muscle regeneration, metabolic resilience, and evolutionary physiology. Full article

The history of the rabies virus dates back four millennia, with the virus being considered by many to be the first known transmitted between animals and humans. In Brazil, rabies virus variants associated with terrestrial wild animals, marmosets, and different bat species have been identified. In this study, bat samples from different regions of São Paulo State, in Southeast Brazil, were analyzed to identify their genetic variability and patterns. A total of 51 samples were collected over ten years (1999–2009) and submitted to the immunofluorescent technique using monoclonal antibodies for antigenic profile detection (the diagnostic routine used in Latin American countries) and genetic evolution analysis through maximum likelihood approaches. Three antigenic profiles were detected: one related to the rabies virus maintained by hematophagous bat populations (AgV3), part of the monoclonal antibody panel used, and two other profiles not included in the panel (called NC1 and NC2). These antigenic profiles were genetically distributed in five groups. Group I was related to hematophagous bats (AgV3), Groups II and III were related to insectivorous bats (NC1) and Groups IV and V were also related to insectivorous bats (NC2). The results presented herein show that genetic lineages previously restricted to the northwest region of São Paulo State are now found in other state regions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive genetic study of bat rabies covering geographic and temporal space, through expanded genomic analysis using a standard genomic fragment. Full article

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) has devastated insectivorous bat populations, particularly in North America, leading to severe ecological and economic consequences. Despite extensive research, many aspects of the evolutionary history, mitochondrial genome organization, and metabolic adaptations of its etiological agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, remain unexplored. Here, we present a multi-scale genomic analysis integrating pangenome reconstruction, phylogenetic inference, Bayesian divergence dating, comparative mitochondrial genomics, and refined functional annotation. We show that P. destructans exhibits extensive mitochondrial genome rearrangements absent in its nonpathogenic relatives from the Leotiomycetes class, suggesting a potential link between mitochondrial evolution and pathogenic adaptation. Our divergence dating analysis reveals that P. destructans separated from its Antarctic relatives approximately 141 million years ago, before adapting to bat hibernacula in the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, our refined functional annotation significantly expands the known functional landscape of P. destructans, revealing an extensive repertoire of previously uncharacterized proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis—key processes that likely contribute to its pathogenic success. By providing new insights into the genomic basis of P. destructans adaptation and pathogenicity, our study refines the evolutionary framework of this fungal pathogen and creates the foundation for future research on WNS mitigation strategies. Full article

We examined three decades of changes in the mammal fauna of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the context of climate variability, land use transformation, and anthropogenic pressures. We compiled distributional, abundance, and status data from publications, atlases, official game statistics, and long-term monitoring programs, and we evaluated trends using compound annual growth rates or temporal indices. Our review identified losses such as regional extinctions of garden dormice and European mink, declines in small insectivores (e.g., pond bats and shrews) and herbivores (e.g., Microtus voles), and the contraction of boreal specialists (e.g., Siberian flying squirrels). However, we also identified gains, including increases in ungulate numbers (e.g., roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, moose, and wild boars before African swine fewer outbreak) and the recovery of large carnivores (e.g., wolves and lynxes). Invasions by non-native species (e.g., American mink, raccoon dog, and raccoon) and episodic disturbances, such as African swine fever and the “anthropause” caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have further reshaped community composition. The drivers encompass climatic warming, post-socialist forest succession, intensified hunting management, and rewilding policies, with dispersal capacity mediating the responses of species. Our results underscore the dual legacy of historical land use and contemporary climate forcing in structuring the fauna dynamics of Baltic mammal communities in the face of declining specialists and invasive taxa. Full article

Bats serve as key ecological reservoirs of diverse microbial communities, including emerging viruses and antibiotic resistance genes. This study investigates the intestinal microbiota of two insectivorous bat species, Nyctalus noctula and Vespertilio murinus, at the Rostov Bat Rehabilitation Center in Southern Russia using whole metagenome shotgun sequencing. We analyzed taxonomic composition, functional pathways, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors. Densoviruses, especially those closely related to Parus major densovirus, were the most dominant viral sequences identified. Metagenome-assembled densovirus genomes showed high sequence similarity with structural variations and clustered phylogenomically with viruses from mealworms and birds, reflecting both dietary origins and the potential for vertebrate infection. Functional profiling revealed microbial pathways associated with cell wall biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and biofilm formation. A total of 510 antibiotic resistance genes, representing 142 unique types, mainly efflux pumps and β-lactamases, were identified. Additionally, 870 virulence factor genes were detected, with a conserved set of iron acquisition systems and stress response regulators across all samples. These findings highlight the ecological complexity of bat-associated microbiota and viromes and suggest that synanthropic bats may contribute to the circulation of insect-associated viruses and antimicrobial resistance in urban settings. Full article

Rabies virus (RABV) causes a fatal infection in the central nervous system of mammals. RABV circulates through two different epidemiological cycles—terrestrial and aerial—with bats being the natural reservoir of the aerial cycle. In Patagonia, only variants (V) associated with insectivorous bats have been detected. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity of circulating RABV variants in bats from Central Patagonia, Argentina. Fifty-six samples of seven bat species from eleven localities in Chubut province were analyzed using a direct immunofluorescence and biological assay, while antigenic variants were determined using an indirect immunofluorescence test. Twelve samples tested positive for RABV (>21%). Variants V4 and V6 were identified in samples of T. brasiliensis and L. varius, respectively. The remaining positive samples did not exhibit any antigenic pattern previously identified in Argentina. These samples were associated with H. macrotus, H. magellanicus, H. montanus, and L. varius. Our results confirm RABV circulation in over 71% of the bat species analyzed and in over 63% of the localities assessed. We recommend maintaining active surveillance at both local and regional levels to ensure the early detection of cases and transmission risks, which is crucial for disease prevention and control. Full article

Bats (order Chiroptera) are increasingly recognized as important reservoirs and potential vectors of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB), with potential implications for human, animal, and environmental health. This study aimed to assess the presence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial isolates from bat populations in Sicily, an area for which data are currently limited. A total of 132 samples (120 rectal swabs and 12 guano samples) were collected at four sites in the provinces of Catania, Siracusa, and Ragusa. Bacteriological analysis yielded 213 isolates, including 161 Gram-negative and 52 Gram-positive strains, representing 55 different species. Among Gram-negative isolates, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, and Morganella morganii were most frequently detected, while Bacillus licheniformis and Staphylococcus xylosus were predominant among Gram-positive bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance rates to colistin, amoxicillin, and ampicillin in Gram-negative strains, and to oxacillin, ceftazidime, and lincomycin in Gram-positive strains. Notably, 84.5% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. These findings highlight the potential role of bats as reservoirs of ARB and underline the importance of ongoing monitoring within a One Health framework to mitigate risks to public and animal health. 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

Myotis yumanensis is a small insectivorous bat distributed in Western North America and is susceptible to white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease. Effective management of the disease in M. yumanensis requires an understanding of its population structure to identify possible routes and barriers of disease transmission. Here we used nine microsatellite loci to investigate genetic variation among 336 M. yumanensis from 10 locations in Western Canada. Our analyses revealed high genetic diversity and low but statistically significant genetic differentiation among several geographic populations. Interestingly, though geographically it was not the most distant, the Lillooet population showed the highest genetic differentiation from others, suggesting factors other than geographic distance also contributed to gene flow in this species. While white-nose syndrome has been reported in M. yumanensis populations in neighbouring Washington State in the United States of America, as of 2023, the causative pathogen was not detected on the wings of our analyzed 336 M. yumanensis bats in Western Canada. However, continuing monitoring is required to provide the most updated information about the white-nose syndrome status in these populations. The knowledge of M. yumanensis population structure in Western Canada will help develop effective management strategies for protecting this bat species from white-nose syndrome. 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

Mercury is considered to be one of the chemical elements posing the greatest threats to the health of most animals and can be transferred from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial food webs. Many bat species forage above water, and their food sources include aquatic and amphibious organisms. Bats are very sensitive to the slightest changes in the environment. The objective was to determine the accumulation of mercury in the fur of insectivorous bats in summer habitats in an area with limited anthropogenic activity in the conditions of the middle taiga in the northwest European part of the Russian Federation. In the studied species, the average values of the metal’s content (μg/g) increased in the following order: Myotis daubentonii (3.294 ± 0.934), Myotis dasycneme (3.909 ± 0.543), Vespertilio murinus (8.011 ± 1.136), Pipistrellus nathusii (8.366 ± 0.546), and Nyctalus noctula (8.408 ± 1.386). The key factor regarding the mercury accumulation in each bat species is the foraging strategy. The mercury content in the fur of adult bats was higher than in subadults. Full article

Agriculture is a leading cause of biodiversity loss, making the transition to sustainable agroecological practices crucial. Insectivorous bats play a crucial role as biological controllers in regard to agricultural crops, serving as important insect predators. The purpose of this study is to assess bat communities in three distinct habitats, namely the interior of a vineyard, native vegetation, and the transitional edge between them, by analyzing the echolocation patterns of different species. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate the influence of landscape characteristics on bat communities and at the species level, allowing the incorporation of variables at different scales (at 10 m, 100 m, and 1000 m radius) from each sampling site. Our results show that edges enhance bat richness, their general activity, and feeding patterns, and are of particular benefit to certain species: Tadarida brasiliensis, Myotis chiloensis, and Lasiurus varius. Implementing agroecological practices, such as the maintenance of tree hedgerows at the landscape scale, along with native vegetation at the landscape scale, can amplify feeding activity in vineyards, thereby enhancing the provision of ecosystem services in agroecosystems. The edges of vineyards and natural vegetation are crucial for providing habitats for bats and increasing their foraging activity, as well as providing a way to enhance agroecological practices in vineyards to bolster ecosystem services. Full article

Mercury (Hg) has been extensively studied due to its impact on the environment and health, but its effects on wild mammal populations are still poorly known. Therefore, the use of biomonitors has gained importance. Our objective was to report and compare, for the first time, the amount of mercury in small mammals belonging to three trophic guilds and to provide an initial toxicology perspective in the Mezquital Valley, a critically polluted area of Central Mexico. We quantified total Hg from the hair and liver of a nectarivorous bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae), an insectivorous bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) and a granivorous mouse (Peromyscus melanophrys) using atomic absorption spectrometry during the dry and rainy seasons. We compared the mercury concentrations between seasons, species and matrices. In all species, the average mercury content was higher in hair than liver, and there was no correlation between matrices. There was no difference in mercury content among species. Hg concentrations in the livers of P. melanophrys and C. townsendii were lower during the dry season than the rainy season, suggesting a seasonal decline in mercury availability. All of the values detected were below the neurotoxicity threshold reported in small mammals (10 ppm); however, we propose constant monitoring of Hg in their environment and confirm the utility of these species as biomonitors. Full article

Insect-eating bats play a crucial role in agriculture and public health by suppressing populations of agricultural pests and disease vectors. These ecosystem services promoted by insect-eating bats are essential in a world that seeks sustainability in agricultural production and the management of urban areas. Despite Brazil’s status as one of the largest agricultural producers globally, research using insect-eating bats for pest control is lacking. This review underscores the importance of filling this knowledge gap and provides guidelines for future research. Bats exhibit diverse feeding habits and consume significant quantities of insects, including agricultural pests. While studies in the USA and Europe have highlighted insect-eating bats’ role in reducing agricultural losses, research in Brazil is limited. Challenges include the need for more advanced diet analysis techniques, such as DNA metabarcoding, and understanding bat habitat use in agricultural and urban landscapes. Research on natural and artificial roosts’ effectiveness and population dynamics is also essential. Integrating bat conservation into agricultural sustainability requires investment in technological methods, valuation of ecosystem services, population monitoring, habitat use studies and environmental education. Financial incentives and collaboration between sectors are crucial for advancing research and implementing bat-friendly practices in agriculture, ultimately enhancing biodiversity conservation and production sustainability in Brazil. Full article

Energy consumption in the world is growing every year, and there is an increasing demand on the energy system to meet the increase in consumption, resulting in the installation of new power transmission lines. The understanding of how power transmission lines affect biodiversity is predominantly focused on birds, with limited information available on other organisms. In this study, we assessed the potential effect of power transmission lines on bat communities in a locality in the Cerrado biome in Brazil. More specifically, we used a paired sample design and acoustically sampled bats in locations near and far from the transmission lines. Our findings suggest that power transmission lines do not have a generally positive or negative effect on insectivorous bat communities in the study area. However, their presence seems to be associated with increased diversity in specific functional groups and changes in the activity patterns of some bat species and families. We believe that this information is of particular importance for establishing appropriate programs during the environmental licensing process, assisting in the development of projects in the different stages of construction as well as in monitoring programs during operation. Full article