scholarly journals The genome of the zoonotic malaria parasite Plasmodium simium reveals adaptations to host-switching

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Mourier ◽  
Denise Anete Madureira de Alvarenga ◽  
Abhinav Kaushik ◽  
Anielle de Pina-Costa ◽  
Olga Douvropoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Large Deletions ◽  
Erythrocyte Invasion

SummaryPlasmodium simium, a malaria parasite of non-human primates in the Atlantic forest region of Brazil was recently shown to cause zoonotic infections in humans. Phylogenetic analyses based on the whole genome sequences of six P. simium isolates from humans and two isolates from brown howler monkeys revealed that P. simium is monophyletic within the broader diversity of South American Plasmodium vivax, consistent with the hypothesis that P. simium first infected non-human primates as a result of a host-switch of P. vivax from humans. Very low levels of genetic diversity within P. simium and the absence of P. simium-P. vivax hybrids suggest that the P. simium population emerged recently with a subsequent period of independent evolution in Platyrrhini monkeys. We find that Plasmodium Interspersed Repeat (PIR) genes, Plasmodium Helical Interspersed Subtelomeric (PHIST) genes and Tryptophan-Rich Antigen (TRAg) genes in P. simium are divergent from P. vivax orthologues and are enriched for non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms, consistent with the rapid evolution of these genes. Analysis of genes involved in erythrocyte invasion revealed several notable differences between P. vivax and P. simium, including large deletions within the coding region of the Duffy Binding Protein 1 (DBP1) and Reticulocyte Binding Protein 2a (RBP2a) genes of P. simium. Sequence analysis of P. simium isolates from non-human primates (NHPs) and zoonotic human infections revealed a deletion of 38 amino acids in DBP1 present in all human-derived isolates, whereas NHP isolates were multi-allelic at this locus. We speculate that these deletions in key erythrocyte invasion ligands along with other significant genetic changes may have facilitated zoonotic transfer to humans. NHPs are a reservoir of parasites potentially infectious to humans that must be considered in malaria eradication efforts. The P. simium genome is an important resource for understanding the mechanisms of malaria parasite zoonoses.

scholarly journals The genome of the zoonotic malaria parasite Plasmodium simium reveals adaptations to host switching

BMC Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Mourier ◽  
Denise Anete Madureira de Alvarenga ◽  
Abhinav Kaushik ◽  
Anielle de Pina-Costa ◽  
Olga Douvropoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Large Deletions ◽  
Human Red Blood Cells ◽  
Erythrocyte Invasion ◽  
Zoonotic Malaria ◽  
Close Phylogenetic Relationship

Abstract Background Plasmodium simium, a malaria parasite of non-human primates (NHP), was recently shown to cause zoonotic infections in humans in Brazil. We sequenced the P. simium genome to investigate its evolutionary history and to identify any genetic adaptions that may underlie the ability of this parasite to switch between host species. Results Phylogenetic analyses based on whole genome sequences of P. simium from humans and NHPs reveals that P. simium is monophyletic within the broader diversity of South American Plasmodium vivax, suggesting P. simium first infected NHPs as a result of a host switch of P. vivax from humans. The P. simium isolates show the closest relationship to Mexican P. vivax isolates. Analysis of erythrocyte invasion genes reveals differences between P. vivax and P. simium, including large deletions in the Duffy-binding protein 1 (DBP1) and reticulocyte-binding protein 2a genes of P. simium. Analysis of P. simium isolated from NHPs and humans revealed a deletion of 38 amino acids in DBP1 present in all human-derived isolates, whereas NHP isolates were multi-allelic. Conclusions Analysis of the P. simium genome confirmed a close phylogenetic relationship between P. simium and P. vivax, and suggests a very recent American origin for P. simium. The presence of the DBP1 deletion in all human-derived isolates tested suggests that this deletion, in combination with other genetic changes in P. simium, may facilitate the invasion of human red blood cells and may explain, at least in part, the basis of the recent zoonotic infections.

scholarly journals Recent Transposition of an LTR-Retrotransposon in the Gene Coding for S Receptor Kinase is Responsible for a Novel Self-Compatible Phenotype of Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
So-Hyeon Bong ◽  
Ganghee Cho ◽  
Dong-Seon Kim ◽  
Sunggil Kim
Keyword(s):  
Raphanus Sativus ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Ltr Retrotransposon ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Receptor Kinase ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Breeding Lines ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Genes Encoding

Abstract Self-incompatibility (SI) responses of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) are determined by two tightly linked genes encoding an S receptor kinase (SRK) and an S-locus cysteine-rich protein/S locus protein 11 (SCR/SP11), respectively. A radish showing an almost self-compatible (SC) phenotype was identified in this study. Inheritance patterns showed that this SC phenotype was dominant over an SI phenotype. In addition, this SC phenotype co-segregated with an S haplotype in an F2 population. This SC radish contained an RsS-26 haplotype in which duplicate SRK-like genes were previously identified. Full-length sequences of two SRK-like genes of 18,133-bp and 6,200-bp in length were obtained from radish with the RsS-26 haplotype (designated as RsSRK-26-1 and RsSRK-26-2, respectively). Duplicate SCR/SP11-like genes were also identified in the radish with the RsS-26 haplotype. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that both duplicate SRK-like and SCR/SP11-like genes were closely related to other known SRK and SCR/SP11 genes, respectively. No critical mutation was found in the coding region of SRK-like or SCR/SP11-like gene. However, a 4,146-bp intact LTR-retrotransposon was identified in the third intron of RsSRK-26-1 of the SC radish. Interestingly, this LTR-retrotransposon was not detected in three other breeding lines containing the same RsS-26 haplotype. Except for this LTR-retrotransposon, only two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in intronic regions between normal and mutant RsSRK-26-1 alleles. While normal transcription was observed for radish showing RsSRK-26-1 and SI phenotypes in these three breeding lines, no transcript of RsSRK-26-1 was detected in the SC radish, suggesting that recent transposition of an LTR-retrotransposon in the RsSRK-26-1 gene might be responsible for the SC phenotype of radish.

scholarly journals The Isoform GC1f of the Vitamin D Binding Protein Is Associated with Bronchiectasis Severity

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1573
Author(s):  
Martina Oriano ◽  
Stefano Aliberti ◽  
Franca Rosa Guerini ◽  
Cristina Agliardi ◽  
Carlotta Di Francesco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Vitamin D Binding Protein ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D modulates immune responses and its deficiency has been observed in more than 60% of bronchiectasis patients. Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is coded by the GC gene, is involved in the transport of vitamin D, and includes a number of isoforms based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region at rs7041 and rs4855. We evaluated the possible clinical impact of DBP polymorphisms and isoforms in an observational, cross-sectional study conducted in 116 bronchiectasis patients, who were genetically characterized for rs4588 and rs7041 SNPs. Results showed that the GC1f isoform (rs7041/rs4588 A/G) correlated with a more severe disease (18.9% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.038), a higher incidence of chronic infections (63.6% vs. 42%, p = 0.041), and a lower BACI score (0.0 (0.0, 2.5) vs. 3.0 (0.0, 3.0), p = 0.035). Moreover, blood concentration of vitamin D was higher in patients carrying GC1s (median (IQR): 20.5 (14.3, 29.7 vs. 15.8 (7.6, 22.4), p = 0.037). Patients carrying GC1f isoform have a more severe disease, more chronic infections and lower asthmatic comorbidity in comparison to those without the GC1f isoform. Presence of the GC1s isoform (rs7041/rs4588 C/G) seems to be associated to a milder clinical phenotype with increased vitamin D levels and lower comorbidities score.

scholarly journals Rapid Evolution of Assortative Fertilization between Recently Allopatric Species of Drosophila

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasir H. Ahmed-Braimah ◽  
Bryant F. McAllister
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Hybrid Sterility ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Good Resolution ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Virilis Group ◽  
Consequent Reduction

The virilis group of Drosophila represents a relatively unexplored but potentially useful model to investigate the genetics of speciation. Good resolution of phylogenetic relationships and the ability to obtain fertile hybrid offspring make the group especially promising for analysis of genetic changes underlying reproductive isolation separate from hybrid sterility and inviability. Phylogenetic analyses reveal a close relationship between the sister species, Drosophila americana and D. novamexicana, yet excepting their contemporary allopatric distributions, factors that contribute to reproductive isolation between this species pair remain uncharacterized. A previous report has shown reduced progeny numbers in laboratory crosses between the two species, especially when female D. novamexicana are crossed with male D. americana. We show that the hatch rate of eggs produced from heterospecific matings is reduced relative to conspecific matings. Failure of eggs to hatch, and consequent reduction in hybrid progeny number, is caused by low fertilization success of heterospecific sperm, thus representing a postmating, prezygotic incompatibility. Following insemination, storage and motility of heterospecific sperm is visibly compromised in female D. novamexicana. Our results provide evidence for a mechanism of reproductive isolation that is seldom reported for Drosophila species, and indicate the rapid evolution of postmating, prezygotic reproductive barriers in allopatry.

scholarly journals Diversity and evolution of the Cydia pomonella granulovirus

2009 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 662-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolin E. Eberle ◽  
Samy Sayed ◽  
Mohammedreza Rezapanah ◽  
Sharareh Shojai-Estabragh ◽  
Johannes A. Jehle
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Cydia Pomonella ◽  
Codling Moth ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
The Other ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Major Genome ◽  
Cydia Pomonella Granulovirus

Eight new field isolates of Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) originating in Iran and Georgia and one English CpGV isolate were analysed for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and by partial genome amplification and sequencing. According to the observed RFLPs, most of the predominant genotypes of these isolates could be assigned to those present in previously found isolates originating from Mexico (CpGV-M), England (CpGV-E) and Russia (CpGV-R). We suggest that these isolates should be designated genome A, B and C types, respectively. A fourth genome type was identified in three isolates and is designated D type. The isolates with A, B and D type genomes contained four open reading frames (ORFs) (ORF63–ORF66) not present in C type genomes. The lack of these ORFs in other granuloviruses suggests that the C type genome is evolutionarily ancestral to the other genome types. The B and D type genomes contained an additional insertion of a non-protein coding region of 0.7 kb, which was at different genome locations. Analysis of the partial gene sequences of late expression factor 8 (lef-8), lef-9 and polyhedrin/granulin (polh/gran) genes revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that corresponded to the RFLP types. Phylogenetic analyses based on these SNPs corroborated the proposed ancestry of the C type genome. C type viruses were also less virulent to neonate codling moth larvae than the other virus types. In conclusion, the known diversity of CpGV isolates can be described by four major genome types, which appear to exist in different isolates as genotype mixtures.

scholarly journals Evidence for Diversifying Selection on Erythrocyte-Binding Antigens ofPlasmodium falciparumandP. vivax

Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (4) ◽  
pp. 1327-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake Baum ◽  
Alan W Thomas ◽  
David J Conway
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Significant Excess ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Diversifying Selection ◽  
Erythrocyte Invasion ◽  
Erythrocyte Binding ◽  
Endemic Population ◽  
Region Ii ◽  
Related Parasite

AbstractMalaria parasite antigens involved in erythrocyte invasion are primary vaccine candidates. The erythrocyte-binding antigen 175K (EBA-175) of Plasmodium falciparum binds to glycophorin A on the human erythrocyte surface via an N-terminal cysteine-rich region (termed region II) and is a target of antibody responses. A survey of polymorphism in a malaria-endemic population shows that nucleotide alleles in eba-175 region II occur at more intermediate frequencies than expected under neutrality, but polymorphisms in the homologous domains of two closely related genes, eba-140 (encoding a second erythrocyte-binding protein) and Ψeba-165 (a putative pseudogene), show an opposite trend. McDonald-Kreitman tests employing interspecific comparison with the orthologous genes in P. reichenowi (a closely related parasite of chimpanzees) reveal a significant excess of nonsynonymous polymorphism in P. falciparum eba-175 but not in eba-140. An analysis of the Duffy-binding protein gene, encoding a major erythrocyte-binding antigen in the other common human malaria parasite P. vivax, also reveals a significant excess of nonsynonymous polymorphisms when compared with divergence from its ortholog in P. knowlesi (a closely related parasite of macaques). The results suggest that EBA-175 in P. falciparum and DBP in P. vivax are both under diversifying selection from acquired human immune responses.

scholarly journals Vitamin D receptor, vitamin D binding protein and CYP27B1 single nucleotide polymorphisms and susceptibility to viral infections in infants

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Zacharioudaki ◽  
Ippokratis Messaritakis ◽  
Emmanouil Galanakis
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Vitamin D Receptor ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Genotypic Differences ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Vitamin D Binding Protein ◽  
Single Nucleotide

AbstractThe role of vitamin D in innate and adaptive immunity is recently under investigation. In this study we explored the potential association of genetic variances in vitamin D pathway and infections in infancy. Τhis prospective case–control study included infants 0–24 months with infection and age-matched controls. The single nucleotide polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene (BsmI, FokI, ApaI, TaqI), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) (Gc gene, rs7041, rs4588) and CYP27B1 (rs10877012) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. In total 132 infants were enrolled, of whom 40 with bacterial and 52 with viral infection, and 40 healthy controls. As compared to controls, ΤaqI was more frequent in infants with viral infection compared to controls (p = 0.03, OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.1–3.58). Moreover, Gc1F was more frequent in the control group compared to infants with viral infection (p = 0.007, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3–5.6). No significant differences were found regarding the genetic profile for VDR and VDBP in infants with bacterial infection compared to the controls and also regarding CYP27B1 (rs10877012) between the studied groups. Genotypic differences suggest that vitamin D pathway might be associated with the host immune response against viral infections in infancy.

scholarly journals Polymorphism Detection of GDF9 Gene and Its Association with Litter Size in Luzhong Mutton Sheep (Ovis aries)

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 571
Author(s):  
Fengyan Wang ◽  
Mingxing Chu ◽  
Linxiang Pan ◽  
Xiangyu Wang ◽  
Xiaoyun He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Tertiary Structure ◽  
Novel Mutation ◽  
Major Gene ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Economic Traits ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Association Analyses ◽  
Gdf9 Gene

Litter size is one of the most important economic traits in sheep. GDF9 and BMPR1B are major genes affecting the litter size of sheep. In this study, the whole coding region of GDF9 was sequenced and all the SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were determined in Luzhong mutton ewes. The FecB mutation was genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY®SNP assay technology. Then, the association analyses between polymorphic loci of GDF9 gene, FecB, and litter size were performed using a general linear model procedure. The results showed that eight SNPs were detected in GDF9 of Luzhong mutton sheep, including one novel mutation (g.41769606 T > G). The g.41768501A > G, g.41768485 G > A in GDF9 and FecB were significantly associated with litter size in Luzhong mutton ewes. The g.41768485 G > A is a missense mutation in the mature GDF9 protein region and is predicted to affect the tertiary structure of the protein. The results preliminarily demonstrated that GDF9 was a major gene affecting the fecundity of Luzhong mutton sheep and the two loci g.41768501A > G and g.41768485 G > A may be potential genetic markers for improving litter size.

scholarly journals Genome-wide SNPs redefines species boundaries and conservation units in the freshwater mussel genus Cyprogenia of North America

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Seok Kim ◽  
Kevin J. Roe
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Freshwater Mussel ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Conservation Units ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
The North ◽  
Snp Data ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractDetailed information on species delineation and population genetic structure is a prerequisite for designing effective restoration and conservation strategies for imperiled organisms. Phylogenomic and population genomic analyses based on genome-wide double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-Seq) data has identified three allopatric lineages in the North American freshwater mussel genus Cyprogenia. Cyprogenia stegaria is restricted to the Eastern Highlands and displays little genetic structuring within this region. However, two allopatric lineages of C. aberti in the Ozark and Ouachita highlands exhibit substantial levels (mean uncorrected FST = 0.368) of genetic differentiation and each warrants recognition as a distinct evolutionary lineage. Lineages of Cyprogenia in the Ouachita and Ozark highlands are further subdivided reflecting structuring at the level of river systems. Species tree inference and species delimitation in a Bayesian framework using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) data supported results from phylogenetic analyses, and supports three species of Cyprogenia over the currently recognized two species. A comparison of SNPs generated from both destructively and non-destructively collected samples revealed no significant difference in the SNP error rate, quality and amount of ddRAD sequence reads, indicating that nondestructive or trace samples can be effectively utilized to generate SNP data for organisms for which destructive sampling is not permitted.

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