The process of hybridization between closely related species plays an important role in defining the genetic integrity and overall genetic diversity of species. The distribution range of Magellanic (Spheniscus magellanicus) and Humboldt (Spheniscus humboldti) penguins is predominantly allopatric; however, the species share a region of sympatry where they may hybridize. We analyzed four types of genetic

Amphibians are experiencing worldwide declines due to increasing anthropogenetic disturbances. However, the genetic variability and hence adaptability are still unknown for most frogs. We integrated the mitochondrial (ND2 gene), nuclear (TYR gene) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci, to clarify the demographic patterns and immune-gene diversity of the Lolokou Sucker Frog (Amolops loloensis)

Vertebrate mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are valuable for studying phylogeny, evolutionary genetics and genomics. To date, however, compared to other vertebrate groups, our knowledge about the mitogenomes of skinks (the family Scincidae), even of reptile, has been relatively limited. In the present study, we determined the complete mitogenome of a blue-tailed skink Plestiodon capito for the first

Availability of genome sequence of different legume species has provided an opportunity to characterize the abundance, distribution, and divergence of canonical intact long terminal retrotransposons (In-LTR-RT) superfamilies. Among seven legume species, Arachis ipaensis (Aip) showed the highest number of full-length canonical In-LTR-RTs (3325), followed by Glycine max (Gma, 2328), Vigna angularis (Van

Receptor like kinases (RLKs) are preserved upstream signaling molecules which regulate several biological processes from plant development to various stress adaptation programs. Non arginine aspartate (non-RD) a prominent class of RLKs plays a significant role in disease resistance and apoptosis in plants. In present investigation, a comprehensive in silico analysis for non-RD Kinase gene family as

Gibberellic acid (GA) is a major plant hormone involved in several biological processes from the flowering to the symbiosis with microorganisms. Thus, the GA regulation is crucial for plant biology. This regulation occurs via the DELLA proteins that belong to the GRAS transcription factor family. DELLA proteins are characterised by a DELLA N-terminal and a GRAS C-terminal domains. It is well known

The recently developed phylogenomic approach provides a unique way to identify disease risk or protective allele in any organism. While risk alleles evolve mostly under purifying selection, protective alleles are evolving either under balancing or positive selection. Owing to insufficient information, authors employed the phylogenomic approach to detect the nature of selection acting on type 2 diabetes

Beneficial acclimation hypothesis (BAH) is the phenotypic plasticity in response to changing environments which enables organisms to enhance their fitness. In recent years, however, BAH has received vigorous criticism and is still debatable. In this study, we tested thermal hardiness phenotypes (melanization, chill coma recovery, heat knockdown and percentage survival) on adult and pre-adult stages

The Monteiro is a feral pig found in the Brazilian Pantanal ecosystem. The goal of this research is to generate data and knolewdge related to animal populations wich can be used for management and development of an in vitro conservation program for animal resourses at Pantanal ecosystem. The present study evaluated animals sampled from 10 distinct locations within the region, using 19 microsatellite

Two subspecies of common reed (Phragmites australis; Poaceae) exist in northern North America: the native P. australis subsp. americanus and the introduced P. australis subsp. australis. There are numerous native populations in Wisconsin, in addition to the more recently established populations of the introduced subspecies. We studied populations of both P. australis subspecies across Wisconsin in

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) is an important economic crop in tropical countries. Demands for using cassava in food, feed and biofuel industries have been increasing worldwide. Cassava anthracnose disease, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f.sp. manihotis (CAD), is considered a major problem in cassava production. To minimize the effects of such disease, this study investigated the response

The strategic location of Pakistan and its presence at the crossroads of Asia has resulted in it playing a central role in both prehistoric and historic human migratory events, thereby linking and facilitating contacts between the inhabitants of the Middle East, Central Asia, China and South Asia. Despite the importance of this region and its inhabitants for our understanding of modern human origins

Understanding the processes and patterns of local adaptation and migration involves an exhaustive knowledge of how landscape features and population distances shape the genetic variation at the geographical level. Ctenomys australis is an endangered subterranean rodent characterized by having a restricted geographic range immerse in a highly fragmented sand dune landscape in the Southeast of Buenos

We explored diversity, distribution and evolutionary dynamics of Ty1-Copia retrotransposons in the genomes of the Hordeum murinum polyploid complex and related taxa. Phylogenetic and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses of reverse transcriptase sequences identified four Copia families in these genomes: the predominant BARE1 (including three groups or subfamilies, A, B and C), and the less

In nature, plants are regularly exposed to biotic and abiotic stress conditions. These conditions create potential risks for survival. Plants have evolved in order to compete with these stress conditions through physiological adjustments that are based on epigenetic background. Thus, the ecological signals create different levels of stress memory. Recent studies have shown that this stress-induced

Aging is a natural biological process that results in progressive loss of cell, tissue, and organ function. One of the causing factors of the aging process is the decrease in muscle mass, which has not been fully verified in Drosophila. Apoptotic cell death may result in aberrant cell loss and can eventually diminish tissue function and muscle atrophy. If so, inhibition of apoptosis may prolong longevity

We studied how mutation rates promote the evolution of advantageous traits in an asexual population. First, to examine the effects of mutation rates on the evolution of an advantageous trait (high competitive ability), we carried out simulation analyses with competition between individuals for survival. Second, to examine the mechanism underlying the promotion of advantageous trait evolution, we calculated

The development of agro-ecosystems in the pastures of the Pampean Region has substantially modified their structure and functioning. Many wild mammal populations in the Argentinean Pampas face habitat loss and/or fragmentation due to human activities, resulting in harmful genetic effects. The screaming hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus) is a species considered an indicator of the state of

Crabs feed on a wide range of items and display diverse feeding strategies. The primary objective of this study was to investigate 10 digestive enzyme genes in representative crabs to provide insights into the genetic basis of feeding habits among crab functional groups. Crabs were classified into three groups based on their feeding habits: herbivores (HV), omnivores (OV), and carnivores (CV). To test

The glycoside hydrolase family GH57 is known as the second α-amylase family. Its main characteristics are as follows: (i) employing the retaining reaction mechanism; (ii) adopting the (β/α)7-barrel (the incomplete TIM-barrel) with succeeding bundle of α-helices as the catalytic domain; (iii) sharing the five conserved sequence regions (CSRs) exhibiting the sequence fingerprints of the individual enzyme

Barley shrunken endosperm mutants have been extensively reported. However, knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms of these mutants remains limited. Here, a pair of near isogenic lines (normal endosperm: Bowman and shrunken endosperm: sex1) was subjected to transcriptome analysis to identify mRNAs and lncRNAs related to endosperm development to further dissect its mechanism of molecular regulation

Long terminal repeats (LTR) retrotransposons have a major role in determining genome size, structure and function, thanks to their ability to transpose. We performed a meta-analysis of LTR-retrotransposon expression in roots of sunflower plantlets treated with different plant hormones, chemicals and NaCl. By using Illumina cDNA libraries, available from public repositories, we measured the number of

The Carpathian Mountains provide critical wildlife habitat in central Europe, and previous genome-wide studies have found western Carpathian Mountain wolves (Canis lupus) to be a separate population. Whereas differentiation to the north may be explained by a lowland-mountain transition and habitat fragmentation, the eastern Carpathian Mountains extending through Romania appear to offer continuous wildlife

Cytogenetic data showed a variation in diploid chromosome number in the genus Hyphessobrycon ranging from 2n = 46 to 52, and studies involving repetitive DNA sequences are scarce in representatives of this genus. The purpose of this paper was the chromosomal mapping of repetitive sequences (rDNA, histone genes, U snDNA and microsatellites) and investigation of the amplification of 5S rDNA clusters

During the early 1900s, Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) populations in the northern Dinaric Mountains were extirpated. During the 1960s and 1970s there were several reintroductions of individuals from two Northern chamois subspecies (Alpine chamois, R. r. rupicapra and Balkan chamois, R. r. balcanica) from neighbouring areas in the attempt to re-establish the population. Accurate taxonomic classification

There is a high international demand for timber from the genus Dipteryx, or “shihuahuaco” as it is known in Peru. Developing tools that allow the identification and discrimination of Dipteryx species is therefore important for supporting management of natural populations and to underpin legal trade of its timber. The objective of this study was the molecular characterization of Dipteryx species in

The changes of chromosomal inversion polymorphism composition of Drosophila subobscura in samples from Apatin (Serbia) were studied in a 24-years interval (1994-2018). The variation was significant for all autosomes and directional, increasing the inversions considered as 'warm', whereas those reported as 'cold' decreased. Furthermore, the Chromosomal Thermal Index (CTI), which allows studying the

HECT (homologous to the E6AP carboxyl terminus) ubiquitin ligase genes (E3s) are enzymes with diverse functions influencing plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stresses. However, there is relatively little information available regarding the maize HECT E3 gene family. In the present study, 12 maize HECT E3 genes (ZmUPL1 to ZmUPL12) were identified at the whole-genome level. The phylogenetic

The conservation of plant genetic resources is essential for breeding programs. Regarding the native species of the Brazilian Cerrado biome, many studies have demonstrated their high potential for use in both medicines and foods. Hymenaea stigonocarpa, a tree with wide occurrence in the Cerrado, has economic importance, and due its extractive use, the establishment of a breeding program is relevant

Caldesia is a genus in the family Alismataceae mainly found in the tropical and temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere. In China, two species, Caldesia parnassifolia, and Caldesia grandis are recorded as critically endangered in sporadic regions. Available protection of the genetic resource of these threatened species has been impeded due to limited genomic information. Here, we sequence the

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the adaptive immune system and the toll-like receptor (TLR) family of the innate immune system are involved in the detection of foreign invaders, and thus are subject to parasite-driven molecular evolution. Herein, we tested for macroevolutionary signatures of selection in these gene families within and among all three major clades of birds (Paleognathae

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a member of MYC superfamily, associated with melanocyte cells, as it was discovered in depigmented mice. However, over the last years it was found to be involved in many cellular signaling pathways, among which oncogenesis, osteoclast differentiation, and stress response. In mammals, Mitf gene mutations can cause diverse syndromes affecting pigmentation

Late flowering sometimes occurs in F1 hybrids between rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.), although the parental varieties show similar days-to-flowering (DTF). The genetic architecture prompting the occurrence of such late flowering is poorly understood. To clarify the genetic architecture of late flowering in F1 hybrids from a cross between rice varieties, 'Koshihikari' and 'IR64', we performed quantitative

Species of new world silversides (Actinopterygii; Atherinopsidae; genus Odontesthes) possess economic relevance, biological interest and ecological importance. In the present paper we: (A) investigate the molecular diversity in marine species of Odontesthes from the South West Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), and analyse their interspecific relationships and divergence by means of DNA Barcoding, including its

The Sichuan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is an endangered species endemic to China, where the smallest population resides in Shennongjia National Park, Hubei Province. In this study, the genetic diversity of the Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys from two areas, Qianjiaping (QJP) and Dalongtan (DLT) in Shennongjia National Park was evaluated using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) data

Throughout the world, there is a male-bias in the sex ratio at birth (SRB). It is not known whether this phenomenon has a genetic basis, though there is tentative evidence from genealogical and genomic studies that it may have. It has been proposed that the higher rate of male childhood mortality in humans is linked to the male-bias in SRB through parental investment, but this may only apply to facultative

Thraupidae (Tanagers and allies) show a remarkable array of behaviors, ecologies, morphologies and plumage colors, offering a great opportunity to investigate the evolution of avian mating strategies. We characterize the population genetics and mating system of Sicalis flaveola pelzelni, a socially monogamous Neotropical songbird with biparental care. We found moderate to high levels of neutral genetic

Dendrobium officinale, a herb with highly medicinal and ornamental value, is widely distributed in China. MADS-box genes encode transcription factors that regulate various growth and developmental processes in plants, particular in flowering. However, the MADS-box genes in D. officinale are largely unknown. In our study, expression profiling analyses of selected MADS-box genes in D. officinale were

Meiotic recombination is evolutionarily ambiguous, as being associated with both benefits and costs to its bearers, with the resultant dependent on a variety of conditions. While existing theoretical models explain the emergence and maintenance of recombination, some of its essential features remain underexplored. Here we focus on one such feature, recombination plasticity, and test whether recombination

A number of studies investigating different aspects of IUCN endangered species, Aulopyge huegelii Heckel, 1843 (Dalmatian barbelgudgeon) biology have been conducted, but data on molecular genetics are lacking. The goal of this survey was to assess the genetic structure of the A. huegelii population from the Buško Blato reservoir, based on four mitochondrial DNA regions and five microsatellite loci

Codon usage bias (CUB) is defined as the usage of synonymous codons unequally for an amino acid in a gene transcript. It is influenced by both mutation pressure and natural selection and is a species-specific property. In our current study, we used bioinformatic methods to investigate the coding sequences of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate gene (MT-ATP) in different classes of arthropoda to know

We analyzed intraspecific diversity of Indian anchovy, Stolephorus indicus, a commercially and ecologically important species, using mitochondrial DNA markers so as to derive insights into population structuring and historical demography. Analyses were carried out on 128 and 138 individuals collected from 5 locations along the range of distribution using mitochondrial ATPase (843 bp) and COI (663 bp)

Information about population structure and genetic relationships within and among wild and brazilian Coffea arabica L. genotypes is highly relevant to optimize the use of genetic resources for breeding purposes. In this study, we evaluated genetic diversity, clustering analysis based on Jaccard's coefficient and population structure in 33 genotypes of C. arabica and of three diploid Coffea species

Reversible acetylation of core histones plays an important role in the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription, and is controlled by the action of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). While HDACs have been well studied in Drosophila melanogaster, information from insect pests is still limited. In the current study, we cloned and characterized three class I enzymes

Trifolium alexandrinum (Egyptian clover) is a widely cultivated winter annual fodder. Present work deals with inheritance of the seed coat colour in segregating progenies of the interspecific cross between T. alexandrinum and T. apertum. Although, both the parent species possessed yellow seed coat, the F1 seeds were black coloured in the reciprocal cross (T. apertum × T. alexandrinum). Seeds borne

Members of the EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR-LIKE (EPFL) family play diverse roles in plant growth and development, including the guidance of inflorescence architecture and pedicel length. In this work, we identified and characterized the EFPL gene TaEPFL1 from the wheat pistillody mutant HTS-1. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis indicated that TaEPFL1 belongs to the EPFL1 gene. Quantitative

The amino acid/auxin permease (AAAP) gene family plays an important role in the long-distance amino acid transport pathway and takes part in various stages of plant growth and development. However, little is known about the AAAP gene family in Medicago truncatula. Here, we identified 86 putative MtAAAP family members using genome sequence information. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these MtAAAP genes

The soft-shell turtles Apalone spinifera (AS) and Apalone ferox (AF) are two important economic species. AF is found in the Yellow River of China, and is a confirmed member of the Trionychidae family. However, the classification of AS was in dispute. Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been widely used for species identification, as well as population and phylogenetic analysis. In order to understand

The Kho population speaking Khowar language reside since long ago in Chitral District of North-western Pakistan. So far, no report is available about their genetic structure and relationship with surrounding population groups. We partially sequenced the mitochondrial DNA control region from 16 unrelated Kho male and female individuals of different ages. The D-Loop region sequences of Kho were aligned

Land use changes are threatening the maintenance of biodiversity. Genetic diversity is one of the main indicators of biological diversity and is highly important as it shapes the capability of populations to respond to environmental changes. We studied eleven populations of Pseudoeurycea robertsi, a micro-endemic and critically endangered species from the Nevado de Toluca Volcano, a mountain that is

Carnivores exhibit various fat contents and energy reserves to adapt to their environments. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolic differences among carnivores have not been well explored. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs) catalyze the initial step in lipid metabolism by activating fatty acids (FAs), and they drive acyl-CoAs toward anabolic lipid synthesis or catabolic β-oxidation

The perception of bitter taste is linked to the detection of toxins. Therefore, it facilitates avoiding the consumption of potential toxins in the diet. At the molecular level, bitter taste is mediated by taste 2 receptors (Tas2rs). Studies on Tas2r have made major advances in recent years. However, little is known about Tas2rs in Squamata, the second largest order of extant vertebrates. To explore

Cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C.) is one of the oldest agricultural crops, each variety comprising an array of clones obtained by vegetative propagation from a selected vine grown from a single seedling. Most clones within a variety are identical, but some show a different form of accession, giving rise to new divergent phenotypes. Understanding the associations among the genotypes

In plants, clonal propagation is a common reproductive strategy in parallel to sexual reproduction. It has both advantages and drawbacks, and the potential complete loss of sexual reproduction causes serious conservation concerns, especially because population maintenance then only relies on adult survival and low genetic diversity leads to decreased adaptive potential. We investigated the rare, southernmost

In the original publication of the article, the incorrect version of Fig. 1 was mistakenly used. The correct version of the figure is provided in this correction.

The pearly razorfish Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus, 1758) is a sedentary benthic species distributed in both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea. Previous cytogenetic analysis reported different diploid numbers in samples from Italy, Venezuela and Brazil. This research aims to test the hypothesis that samples from American Atlantic coast and Mediterranean Sea belong to the same

Magnolias are characteristic tree species of the Tropical Montane Cloud Forest (TMCF) in Mexico, an ecosystem that is highly threatened by habitat fragmentation and climate change. In this study, based on DNA sequences from five regions (chloroplast: trnT-trnL, trnK5-matK, trnS-trnG, rpl32-trnL, nuclear: ITS) and seven nuclear microsatellite markers, we aimed to delineate species boundaries between

The Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) is a semi-colonial raptor species widely but patchily distributed across the Palearctic region with recorded cases of philopatry and presence of extra-pair copulation. In order to assess Montagu's harrier spatial genetic structure and contemporary gene flow, we developed 16 new microsatellite markers using 454 pyrosequencing. Genotypes of 117 chicks sampled in

The initial components of ribosomes first appeared more than 3.8 billion years ago during a time when many types of RNAs were evolving. While modern ribosomes are complex molecular machines consisting of rRNAs and proteins, they were assembled during early evolution by the association and joining of small functional RNA units. Introns may have provided the means to ligate many of these pieces together

Despite the insights into retrogene evolution in multiple species provided by trans-traffic retrogenes (trans-retrogenes), cis-traffic retrogenes (cis-retrogenes) are hitherto understudied and thus limit our understanding of genetic novelty. Here we used the pig genome as a model to compare cis- and trans-retrogenes. We found that cis- and trans-retrogenes have similar patterns in terms of excessive