Chromosomal Characteristics Research Articles

Genome structural dynamics: insights from Gaussian network analysis of Hi-C data.

Characterization of the spatiotemporal properties of the chromatin is essential to gaining insights into the physical bases of gene co-expression, transcriptional regulation and epigenetic modifications. The Gaussian network model (GNM) has proven in recent work to serve as a useful tool for modeling chromatin structural dynamics, using as input high-throughput chromosome conformation capture data. We focus here on the exploration of the collective dynamics of chromosomal structures at hierarchical levels of resolution, from single gene loci to topologically associating domains or entire chromosomes. The GNM permits us to identify long-range interactions between gene loci, shedding light on the role of cross-correlations between distal regions of the chromosomes in regulating gene expression. Notably, GNM analysis performed across diverse cell lines highlights the conservation of the global/cooperative movements of the chromatin across different types of cells. Variations driven by localized couplings between genomic loci, on the other hand, underlie cell differentiation, underscoring the significance of the four-dimensional properties of the genome in defining cellular identity. Finally, we demonstrate the close relation between the cell type-dependent mobility profiles of gene loci and their gene expression patterns, providing a clear demonstration of the role of chromosomal 4D features in defining cell-specific differential expression of genes.

Mathematical model for the role of multiple pericentromeric repeats on heterochromatin assembly.

Although the length and constituting sequences for pericentromeric repeats are highly variable across eukaryotes, the presence of multiple pericentromeric repeats is one of the conserved features of the eukaryotic chromosomes. Pericentromeric heterochromatin is often misregulated in human diseases, with the expansion of pericentromeric repeats in human solid cancers. In this article, we have developed a mathematical model of the RNAi-dependent methylation of H3K9 in the pericentromeric region of fission yeast. Our model, which takes copy number as an explicit parameter, predicts that the pericentromere is silenced only if there are many copies of repeats. It becomes bistable or desilenced if the copy number of repeats is reduced. This suggests that the copy number of pericentromeric repeats alone can determine the fate of heterochromatin silencing in fission yeast. Through sensitivity analysis, we identified parameters that favor bistability and desilencing. Stochastic simulation shows that faster cell division and noise favor the desilenced state. These results show the unexpected role of pericentromeric repeat copy number in gene silencing and provide a quantitative basis for how the copy number allows or protects repetitive and unique parts of the genome from heterochromatin silencing, respectively.

A Unifying Hypothesis for the Genome Dynamics Proposed to Underlie Neuropsychiatric Phenotypes.

The sheer number of gene variants and the extent of the observed clinical and molecular heterogeneity recorded in neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) could be due to the magnified downstream effects initiated by a smaller group of genomic higher-order alterations in response to endogenous or environmental stress. Chromosomal common fragile sites (CFS) are functionally linked with microRNAs, gene copy number variants (CNVs), sub-microscopic deletions and duplications of DNA, rare single-nucleotide variants (SNVs/SNPs), and small insertions/deletions (indels), as well as chromosomal translocations, gene duplications, altered methylation, microRNA and L1 transposon activity, and 3-D chromosomal topology characteristics. These genomic structural features have been linked with various NPDs in mostly isolated reports and have usually only been viewed as areas harboring potential candidate genes of interest. The suggestion to use a higher level entry point (the 'fragilome' and associated features) activated by a central mechanism ('stress') for studying NPD genetics has the potential to unify the existing vast number of different observations in this field. This approach may explain the continuum of gene findings distributed between affected and unaffected individuals, the clustering of NPD phenotypes and overlapping comorbidities, the extensive clinical and molecular heterogeneity, and the association with certain other medical disorders.

Abstract 3305: Golcadomide (CC-99282) is a novel CELMoD® agent with antiproliferative activity and combinatorial potential in disease models of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is an adult leukemia characterized by the accumulation of incompetent B lymphocytes expressing CD19, CD20, CD23, and CD5. Current therapies include chemotherapy and combination with targeted therapies such as ibrutinib (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor), venetoclax (BCL2 inhibitor), and obinutuzumab (anti-CD20). The tumor microenvironment promotes CLL development and drug resistance. Golcadomide (GOLCA, CC-99282) is an oral cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD®) agent with immunomodulatory and tumor cell-autonomous activities under clinical investigation for R/R non-Hodgkin lymphomas and CLL/SLL. Here we investigated the effect of GOLCA on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of CLL preclinical models by degrading Ikaros and Aiolos. We also studied its combination with other anti-CLL agents. A panel of 10 CLL cell lines and 15 primary CLL patient samples were used to assess efficacy of GOLCA alone or in combination with ibrutinib (Ibru), venetoclax (Ven), and obinutuzumab (Obi). Primary CLL cells were grown ex vivo in a co-culture system with CD40L expressing fibroblasts designed to mimic the CLL lymph node microenvironment. Substrate degradation, viability, cell cycle and immunophenotyping were assessed by flow cytometry. GOLCA showed potent in vitro antiproliferative activity on 6 out of 10 CLL cell lines, including those with high-risk features, with IC50 of 1-20 nM. It also inhibited CLL stimulated cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in all evaluated patient samples in the co-culture system, with low to sub-nanomolar IC50, independent of IGHV mutation status and other chromosomal characteristics. Cell-cycle analysis confirmed inhibition of proliferation in the 5 patient samples evaluated after 3 days of treatment with GOLCA, with a dose-dependent decrease in the fraction of cells in the S phase. GOLCA also demonstrated degradation of the proximal substrates Ikaros and Aiolos in tumor and T cells from CLL patient samples. In combination with Obi, Ven, and Ibru, GOLCA led to synergistic or additive tumor cell toxicity in most patient samples evaluated, suggesting potential clinical benefit of these targeted agent combinations. Additive tumor toxicity was observed in two out of four patient samples when GOLCA was combined with Ibru. We have previously demonstrated that GOLCA induces immune activation in T cells from healthy donor PBMCs. In co-cultures of CLL PBMCs and CD40L-expressing fibroblasts, GOLCA increased T cell numbers and activation characteristics. Ven inhibited this immune activation, while Obi or Ibru maintained the immune activation. Collectively, these findings suggest that GOLCA, alone or in combination with targeted agents, may produce clinical benefit in CLL patients. Citation Format: Antonia Lopez-Girona, Maria Dolores Jimenez-Nunez, Diego Sobradillo, Soraya Carrancio, Preethi Janardhanan, Gauri Deb, Lynda Groocock, Daniel Pierce, Neil Bence, Mark Rolfe. Golcadomide (CC-99282) is a novel CELMoD® agent with antiproliferative activity and combinatorial potential in disease models of chronic lymphocytic leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3305.

Psychological support for individuals with differences of sex development (DSD)

ObjectiveCongenital conditions with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex characteristics are referred to as Differences of Sex Development (DSD). Psychosocial care is recommended to be an integral part of clinical management for individuals with DSD. Few studies have examined the perceived need for, utilization of and the opinions of individuals with DSD regarding psychological support. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was part of a European multicentre study in 14 different medical centres in six countries. In total, 1040 individuals with DSD participated in a patient-reported outcome questionnaire asking about experiences and opinions regarding psychological support in DSD care. ResultsA majority of the participants reported that they had not received psychological support, in childhood and/or adolescence (70.6%, n = 692) nor in adulthood (67.9%, n = 661). Need for psychological support in childhood and/or adolescence was reported by 51.3% (n = 503), need for psychological support in adulthood, was reported by 49.5% (n = 482). The majority (80.2%; n = 718) agreed with the statement that people with DSD should always be offered psychological support. According to 78.7% (n = 697) of the participants, parents of children with DSD should always be offered psychological support. ConclusionOur findings support the existing consensus that psychological support should be an integral part of DSD care. The discrepancy between received and perceived need for psychological support suggests that individuals with DSD experience barriers to access mental health care services. Psychosocial and psychological services for children, adolescents and adults should therefore be available and offered throughout the lifespan to individuals with DSD.

Chromosome counts and karyotype features of different ecotypes of Allium L. species (Amaryllidaceae – Subg. Melanocrommyum) in Iran

This study aimed to investigate the karyotypes of five Allium species, which belong to three sections of the subgenus Melanocrommyum. Bulbs from these species were collected from natural habitats in Iran, and their somatic chromosomes were analysed. The results revealed that all examined members of subg. Melanocrommyum had a basic chromosome number of x=8 and were diploid (2n=2x=16). Chromosomal data for A. saralicum and A. shatakiense are reported here for the first time. The karyotypes exhibited a variety of chromosome types and sizes, including variations observed among different accessions of the same species. In particular, A. saralicum showed satellite chromosomes ranging in size from 2.2 to 3.71 µm, located on the short arm. Seven accessions of A. saralicum, A. stipitatum, and A. haemanthoides demonstrated the presence of 1-3 B chromosomes with centromeres located in the median or subterminal position. Notably, the number of B chromosomes varied even among different accessions of the same species. Based on various indices, the karyotypes of the species were classified into symmetric and asymmetric groups. All karyotype asymmetry methods consistently identified A. stipitatum as the species with the most asymmetric chromosomes, while A. ubipetrense was recognized as the most symmetric species. This study contributes to the karyological knowledge of the genus Allium and provides valuable data for future taxonomic research. It emphasizes the significance of chromosomal characteristics in understanding plant evolution and species diversity within the Allium genus.

Investigation of chromosomal genetic characteristics and identification of structural variation in the offspring of hexaploid triticale×hexaploid wheat.

Hexaploid triticale is an important genetic resource for genetic improvement of common wheat, which can broaden the genetic basis of wheat. In order to lay a foundation for the subsequent research and utilization of triticale germplasm materials, the chromosomal genetic characteristics of cross and backcross offspring of hexaploid triticale×hexaploid wheat were investigated in the process of transferring rye chromatin from hexaploid triticale to hexaploid wheat. Hybrid and backcross combinations were prepared with hexaploid triticale 16yin171 as the maternal parent and hexaploid wheat Chuanmai62 as the paternal parent. The chromosomes in root tip cells of F1, BC1F1 and BC1F2 plants were traced and identified non-denaturing florescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH). The results indicated that the backcross setting rate of hybrid F1 was 2.61%. The transmission frequency of 2R chromosome was the highest in BC1F1 plants while the transmissibility of rye chromosome in BC1F2 plant was 6R>4R>2R, and the 5B-7B wheat translocation in BC1F2 plants showed severe segregation. A total of 24 structural variant chromosomes were observed both in BC1F1 and BC1F2 plants, including chromosome fragments, isochromosomes, translocations, and dicentric chromosomes. In addition, the seed length and 1000-grain weight of some BC1F2 plants were better than that of the hexaploid wheat parent Chuanmai 62. Therefore, multiple backcrosses should be adopted as far as possible to make the rapid recovery of group D chromosomes, ensuring the recovery of fertility in offspring, when hexaploid tritriale is used as a bridge to introduce rye genetic material into common wheat. At the same time, the potential application value of chromosomal structural variation materials should be also concerned.

Comparative karyotypic study of fifteen cyprinids (Cyprinidae, Cyprininae) species. An insight into the chromosomal evolution of the tribe Systomini.

The family Cyprinidae is the largest freshwater fish group with 377 genera and over 3,000 described species. However, this group of fish has very limited cytogenetics and advanced molecular cytogenetics information. Therefore, in this study the karyotypes and other chromosomal characteristics of 15 species in the tribe Systomini (Cyprininae) were examined using Ag-NOR staining along with fluorescence in situ hybridization (5S and 18S rDNA). All species share a similar karyotype (2n = 50; NF = 88-100) in both sexes and no differentiated sex chromosome was observed. Chromosomes bearing NOR sites ranged from one to four pairs among the species, mostly mapped adjacent to telomeres in the short arms of distinct pairs in all analyzed species. This difference indicates an extensive rearrangement of chromosomes including genomic differences. The use of the 5S and 18S rDNA probe confirmed the Ag-NOR sites interstitially located in the telomeric regions of distinct chromosomes, characterizing an interspecies variation of these sites. In most of its analyzed species, the signals of 18S rDNA probe corresponded to the Ag-NOR regions, except in Barbonymus altus, B. gonionotus, B. schwanenfeldii and Puntius brevis having these signals on the same as Ag-NOR regions and other sites.

Unfolding chromosomal uniqueness of the Scilloid ornamental Albuca virens by application of EMA based Giemsa- DAPI staining

The cytogenetic features in the tribe Ornithogaleae of subfamily Scilloideae is a prerequisite for understanding genome evolution. Unfortunately, genomic or the foundational chromosomal features are neglected within majority of Ornithogaloids, incuding Albuca, one of the largest genus of the tribe. Albuca virens (Lindl.) J.C. Manning & Goldblatt is the only ornamental species of Albuca found to be exotic to India. Analysis of karyotype by EMA method followed by Giemsa and DAPI staining is the first step towards molecular cytogenetics attempted in this species and has currently brought significant resolution in chromosome morphology (especially NORs). The Indian population of A. virens with 2n=6 chromosomes, symmetric karyotype and heterophorphy of NORs provide excellent scope to navigate questions on dysploid origin of Albuca. The regular meiotic stages advocate genomic stability despite vegetative propagation and polysomaty in root cells. The comparative review of chromosomal evolution within Albuca has been discussed in relation to the Indian A. virens as a prototype.

A Method to Create NIPT Samples with Turner Disorder to Evaluate NIPT Algorithms

Noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT) is a widely used screening method to detect numerical aberrations on autosomal chromosomes with high sensitivity and specificity. However, predicting abnormalities on sex chromosomes is much more challenging due to complicated genomic characteristics of sex chromosomes. Turner disorder (XO) is one of the most common disorders due to the missing of one X chromosome in females. A number of large-scale retrospective studies have showed that the positive detection rate of Turner disorder is considerably high and the false negative rate has not been well evaluated due to the lack of available positive Turner samples. To solve the problem, we present a novel method to create positive Turner samples from negative samples that can be easily obtained from NIPT testing centers. We applied the method to create 600 positive Turner samples and examined and the performance of WisecondorX, CNVkit, and VINIPT algorithms on the samples. Experiments show that the sensitivity of WisecondorX, VINIPT, and CNVkit in detecting positive Turner samples are 100%, 100%, and 99.5%, respectively. We also evaluated the performance of the algorithms on 500 negative XO samples. The VINIPT and CNVkit algorithms have very high specificity in identifying negative XO samples (i.e., 99.8% for VINIPT and 99.6% for CNVkit), while WisecondorX has a lower specificity of 96.8%. The study opens an easy way for researchers to assess the performance of NIPT algorithms on screening the Turner disorder.
 Keywords: NIPT, cfDNA analysis, Turner disorder, XO aberration, WisecondorX, CNVkit.

Chromosomal-level assembly of Tokudaia osimensis, Tokudaia tokunoshimensis, and Tokudaia muenninki genomes

Herein, we present the first high-quality long-read-based chromosome-level genome assemblies and gene annotations of the genomes of three endangered Tokudaia species: Tokudaia osimensis, Tokudaia tokunoshimensis, and Tokudaia muenninki. These species, which are endemic to different islands of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, exhibited unique karyotypes and sex chromosomal characteristics. The genome assemblies generated using PacBio, Illumina, and Hi-C sequence data consisted of 13 (corresponded to 12 autosomes and one X chromosome), 23 (corresponded to 22 autosomes and one X chromosome), and 23 (corresponded to 21 autosomes and the neo- and ancestral X regions) chromosome-level scaffolds that contained 2,445, 2,477, and 2,661 Mbp of sequence data, respectively. Annotations of protein-coding genes were performed using RNA-Seq-based, homology-based, and Ab initio methods. BUSCO completeness values for every species exceeded 96% for genomes and 98% for genes. These data can be an important resource for contributing to our understanding of species genomes resulting from allopatric speciation and provide insights into mammalian sex-determination mechanisms and sex chromosome evolution.

Cytogenetic Investigation of Some Ranunculus L. Species Distributed in Bitlis and its Surroundings

Ranunculus L. genus has 84 species in Turkey, when subspecies and varieties are included in this number, it is represented by a total of 102 taxa. 22 of which are endemic, the endemism rate is 21.5%. Since many members of the genus Ranunculus cannot be distinguished from each other with definite differences, they have been tried to be defined and expressed as species complexes taxonomically. Most of the systematic studies are in the direction of regulating such complexes. It is known that karyological characters are of great importance in the phylogenetic classification of the Ranunculaceae family.
 
 In this study, it is aimed to reveal the karyological characteristics of three species which are very similar to each other, in Group A of Ranunculus subgenus of Ranunculus L. in Volume 1 of Flora of Turkey morphologically by using cytogenetic methods. In this context, the karyological characteristics of R. diversifolius Boiss. & Kotschy, R. poluninii Davis and R. crateris Davis species have been determined. R. poluninii and R. crateris species are endemic to our country and are Iran-Turanian element. R. diversifolius species, on the other hand, is distributed in the East of Turkey.
 
 It has been determined that all three species whose chromosomal characteristics were examined are diploid and their chromosome numbers are x=8, 2n=16. It has also been determined that these three species, which are morphologically similar to each other, are the same in terms of chromosome number but different in terms of chromosome morphology and each species has its own characteristics. With this study, the chromosomal characteristics of these three species have been determined for the first time by us and have been brought to the literature.

Comparative and phylogenetic analyses of nine complete chloroplast genomes of Orchidaceae

The orchid family has 200,000 species and 700 genera, and it is found worldwide in the tropics and subtropics. In China, there are 1247 species and subspecies of orchids belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Orchidaceae is one of the most diverse plant families in the world, known for their lush look, remarkable ecological tolerance, and capability for reproduction. It has significant decorative and therapeutic value. In terms of evolution, the orchid family is one of the more complicated groups, but up until now, little has been known about its affinities. This study examined the properties of 19 chloroplast (cp) genomes, of which 11 had previously been published and nine had only recently been revealed. Following that, topics such as analysis of selection pressure, codon usage, amino acid frequencies, repeated sequences, and reverse repeat contraction and expansion are covered. The Orchidaceae share similar cp chromosomal characteristics, and we have conducted a preliminary analysis of their evolutionary connections. The cp genome of this family has a typical tepartite structure and a high degree of consistency across species. Platanthera urceolata with more tandem repeats of the cp genome. Similar cp chromosomal traits can be seen in the orchidaceae. Galearis roborowskyi, Neottianthe cucullata, Neottianthe monophylla, Platanthera urceolata and Ponerorchis compacta are the closest cousins, according to phylogenetic study.

Integrated taxonomy of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) reveals unexpected diversity in the most arid ecosystem of Europe.

The family Simuliidae includes more than 2000 species of black flies worldwide. Their morphological uniformity creates difficulty for species identification, which limits our knowledge of their ecology and vectorial role. We investigated the systematics of black flies in a semi-arid area of the Iberian Peninsula, an ecologically harsh environment for these organisms. Sampling adult black flies in three different habitats (by means of CDC traps) and in avian nest boxes and collecting immature stages in high-salinity rills provided a representative sample of the component species. A combination of approaches, including morphological, chromosomal, and molecular (based on the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) genes) revealed five species: four common species (Simulium intermedium, S. petricolum, S. pseudequinum, and S. rubzovianum) and the first European record for S. mellah. Barcoding gap and phylogenetic analyses revealed that ITS2 is a key marker to identify the species, whereas the COI marker does not provide enough resolution to identify some species or infer their phylogenetic relationships. Morphological and chromosomal features are also provided to identify S. mellah unequivocally. Our study highlights the need for integrated studies of black flies in ecologically extreme habitats to increase our knowledge of their distribution, ecology, and potential risks for public health.

Differentiation-dependent chromosomal organization changes in normal myogenic cells are absent in rhabdomyosarcoma cells.

Myogenesis, the progression of proliferating skeletal myoblasts to terminally differentiated myotubes, regulates thousands of target genes. Uninterrupted linear arrays of such genes are differentially associated with specific chromosomes, suggesting chromosome specific regulatory roles in myogenesis. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a tumor of skeletal muscle, shares common features with normal muscle cells. We hypothesized that RMS and myogenic cells possess differences in chromosomal organization related to myogenic gene arrangement. We compared the organizational characteristics of chromosomes 2 and 18, chosen for their difference in myogenic gene arrangement, in cultured RMS cell lines and normal myoblasts and myotubes. We found chromosome-specific differences in organization during normal myogenesis, with increased area occupied and a shift in peripheral localization specifically for chromosome 2. Most strikingly, we found a differentiation-dependent difference in positioning of chromosome 2 relative to the nuclear axis, with preferential positioning along the major nuclear axis present only in myotubes. RMS cells demonstrated no preference for such axial positioning, but induced differentiation through transfection of the pro-myogenic miRNA miR-206 resulted in an increase of major axial positioning of chromosome 2. Our findings identify both a differentiation-dependent, chromosome-specific change in organization in normal myogenesis, and highlight the role of chromosomal spatial organization in myogenic differentiation.

Effects of chromosomal translocation characteristics on fertilization and blastocyst development - a retrospective cohort study.

To determine the effect of different translocation characteristics on fertilization rate and blastocyst development in chromosomal translocation patients. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University From January 2017 to December 2022.All couples were diagnosed as reciprocal translocation or Robertsonian translocation by karyotype of peripheral blood lymphocytes test. After adjusting for confounding factors, the effect of chromosomal rearrangement characteristics, such as carrier sex, translocation type, chromosome length and break sites, on fertilization rate and embryo development were analysed separately using multiple linear regression. In cases of Robertsonian translocation (RobT), the carrier sex plays an independent role in fertilization rate, and the male carriers was lower than that of female carriers (76.16% vs.86.26%, P = 0.009). In reciprocal translocation (RecT), the carrier sex, chromosome types and break sites had no influence on fertilization rate, blastocyst formation rate (P > 0.05). However, patients with human longer chromosomal (chromosomes 1-5) translocation have a lower available blastocyst formation rate (Group AB vs. Group CD: 41.49%vs.46.01%, P = 0.027). For male carriers, the translocation types was an independent factor affecting the fertilization rate, and the RobT was the negative one (B = - 0.075, P = 0 0.009). In female carriers, we did not observe this difference (P = 0.227). In patients with chromosomal translocation, the fertilization rate may be influenced by carrier sex and translocation type, chromosomes 1-5 translocation may adversely affect the formation of available blastocysts. Break sites have no role in fertilization and blastocyst development.

Genetic conflict and the origin of multigene families: implications for sex chromosome evolution.

Sex chromosomes are havens for intragenomic conflicts. The absence of recombination between sex chromosomes creates the opportunity for the evolution of segregation distorters: selfish genetic elements that hijack different aspects of an individual's reproduction to increase their own transmission. Biased (non-Mendelian) segregation, however, often occurs at a detriment to their host's fitness, and therefore can trigger evolutionary arms races that can have major consequences for genome structure and regulation, gametogenesis, reproductive strategies and even speciation. Here, we review an emerging feature from comparative genomic and sex chromosome evolution studies suggesting that meiotic drive is pervasive: the recurrent evolution of paralogous sex-linked gene families. Sex chromosomes of several species independently acquire and co-amplify rapidly evolving gene families with spermatogenesis-related functions, consistent with a history of intragenomic conflict over transmission. We discuss Y chromosome features that might contribute to the tempo and mode of evolution of X/Y co-amplified gene families, as well as their implications for the evolution of complexity in the genome. Finally, we propose a framework that explores the conditions that might allow for recurrent bouts of fixation of drivers and suppressors, in a dosage-sensitive fashion, and therefore the co-amplification of multigene families on sex chromosomes.

Construction and characterization of microsatellite markers for the Schistosoma japonicum isolate from a hilly area of China based on whole genome sequencing.

Schistosoma japonicum had once caused the greatest disease burden in China and has still been transmitted in some hilly areas, for example, in Shitai of Anhui province, where rodents are projected to be the main reservoir. This may lead to a critical need of molecular tools with high efficiency in monitoring the dynamic of the rodent-associated S. japonicum, as an appropriate amount of schistosome input can re-establish its life cycle in a place with snails and then result in the re-emergence of schistosomiasis. Therefore, the goal of this study was to develop high polymorphic microsatellites from the whole genome of rodent-associated S. japonicum strain to monitor its transmission dynamic. We sampled the hilly schistosome isolate from Shitai of Anhui in China and sequenced the parasite with the next-generation sequencing technology. The whole genome was assembled with four different approaches. We then developed 71 microsatellite markers at a genome-wide scale throughout two best assembled genomes. Based on their chromosome mapping and the expected length of targeted sequences, we selected 24 markers for the development of multiplex reactions. Two multiplexes composed of 10 loci were finally developed, and their potential was revealed by their successful application on and capturing the genetic diversity of three schistosome populations. The selected 10 markers, each with clear chromosome location and characteristics, will be greatly useful in tracing the dispersal pathways or/and dynamics of the rodent-associated S. japonicum or others in the hilly area of China or elsewhere.

The Implication of Behavioral and Molecular Factors on COVID-19 Infection

Abstract: Worldwide, more than 6 million individuals have passed away in the two years since the pandemic began. The mortality and infection rates for men and women differ significantly across the several nations impacted by SARS-CoV-2. Many features of the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle are influenced by several processes. The numerous ways in which genetic, epigenetic, or behavioral mechanisms affect the viral life cycle and the host's immune response to infection have led to identifying potential markers. COVID-19 causes various symptoms, from minor respiratory symptoms to fatal respiratory syndrome, with men, regardless of age, having a worsened illness course than women and a higher mortality rate. : Gender differences in illness progression can be attributed to genetic variables like chromosomal characteristics and behavioral factors like hygiene behaviors. In this review, we extracted data from various WHO guidelines and other articles and the main molecular and behavioral mechanisms involved in COVID-19 disease are highlighted. Exploration of these factors may explain why COVID-19 affects gender differently.

Cytogenomic characterization of Euschistus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) species and strains reveals low chromosomal and repetitive DNAs divergences

Abstract Euschistus stink bugs are important pests on soybean crops, including the Neotropical representatives Euschistus heros, Euschistus crenator, and Euschistus taurulus. Despite their importance, little genomic and chromosomal information is available. Genomic and chromosomal differences can play an important role in establishing reproductive barriers between species and populations. Here we investigate the chromosomes, some repetitive DNAs, and genome sizes of three Euschistus species, including two E. heros strains (North strain-NS and South strain-SS), to address chromosomal evolution and genomic differentiation. Our data reveal conservative karyotypes and only one possible inversion among Euschistus species. Moreover, we observe Y chromosome reorganization through differential microsatellite accumulation. The nuclear genome sizes are slightly variable among species. We noticed a differential accumulation of satellite DNAs, mainly on the Y chromosome, in the two strains of E. heros. Although typical meiotic behaviour, demonstrating full compatibility, was observed in hybrids despite interference on chiasmata frequency. This data shows that chromosomal and repetitive DNAs do not prevent secondary contact between E. heros strains, contributing to genetic variability in hybrids. Therefore, we provide data about Euschistus pests and their chromosomal characteristics, representing the first step in understanding their genomic organization and evolution.