Cytochrome C Oxidase Research Articles

The epithelial C15ORF48/miR-147-NDUFA4 axis is an essential regulator of gut inflammation, energy metabolism, and the microbiome

Chronic inflammation is epidemiologically linked to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling gut inflammation remains insufficient, hindering the development of targeted therapies for IBD and CRC. In this study, we uncovered C15ORF48/miR-147 as a negative regulator of gut inflammation, operating through the modulation of epithelial cell metabolism. C15ORF48/miR-147 encodes two molecular products, C15ORF48 protein and miR-147-3p microRNA, which are predominantly expressed in the intestinal epithelium. C15ORF48/miR-147 ablation leads to gut dysbiosis and exacerbates chemically induced colitis in mice. C15ORF48 and miR-147-3p work together to suppress colonocyte metabolism and inflammation by silencing NDUFA4, a subunit of mitochondrial complex IV (CIV). Interestingly, the C15ORF48 protein, a structural paralog of NDUFA4, contains a unique C-terminal α-helical domain crucial for displacing NDUFA4 from CIV and its subsequent degradation. NDUFA4 silencing hinders NF-κB signaling activation and consequently attenuates inflammatory responses. Collectively, our findings have established the C15ORF48/miR-147-NDUFA4 molecular axis as an indispensable regulator of gut homeostasis, bridging mitochondrial metabolism and inflammation.

First detection of Ichthyophonus sp. in invasive wild pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) from the North Atlantic Ocean.

Pacific pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) were deliberately introduced to rivers surrounding the White Sea and has spread to Norway and several other countries surrounding the North Atlantic Ocean. In August 2021, a female pink salmon displaying pale gills and abnormal behaviour was captured in River Lakselva in Northern Norway and later submitted to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI) for post-mortem examination. Histological examination of organ samples revealed structures indicative of systemic ichthyophoniasis, caused by Ichthyophonus sp. The parasites appeared to be especially abundant in the heart and skeletal musculature, and local tissue responses were assessed to be absent or very mild. Sequences of the ribosomal 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) genes confirmed the diagnosis and identified the pathogen as Ichthyophonus sp. The CO1 sequence further established that the isolate from pink salmon was most similar to sequences of Ichthyophonus sp. from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, from the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of the US and from Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, from Iceland. We here report the first detection of Ichthyophonus sp. in pink salmon in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Involvement of energy and cell wall metabolisms in chilling tolerance improved by hydrogen sulfide in cold-stored tomato fruits.

Hydrogen sulfide improved cold resistance of tomato fruits by regulating energy metabolism and delaying cell wall degradation, thereby alleviating the damage of cold storage on fruits. Postharvest cold storage in tomato fruits extended shelf life but caused the appearance of chilling injury (CI), appeared by softness and spots on the surface of the fruits. These changes were linked closely with energy and cell wall metabolisms. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as the gaseous fresh-keeping regulator, was used in the present study to investigate the effects of H2S on energy and cell wall metabolisms in tomato fruits during cold storage. Fruits after harvest were fumigated with different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5mM) of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) solution as H2S honor for 24h and stored at 4°C for 25days. The results showed that 1 and 1.5mM NaHS solution fumigation promoted the accumulation of endogenous H2S, followed by the increase in L-cysteine desulfurase (LCD) and D-cysteine desulfurase (DCD) activities in fruits during cold storage. It was also found that 1 and 1.5mM NaHS treatments improved H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, cytochrome C oxidase (CCO), and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activities. Moreover, the contents of cellulose and hemicellulose were increased by 1 and 1.5mM NaHS, following down-regulated activities of cellulase (CL), pectin lyase (PL), α-mannosidase (α-man) and β-Galactosidase (β-Gal) and down-regulated expression of PL1, PL8, MAN4 and MAN7 genes. Thus, H2S alleviates CI led by cold storage in tomato fruits via regulating energy and cell wall metabolisms.

Stiphodon chlorestes, a new species of sicydiine goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from Taiwan and Luzon.

Stiphodon chlorestes sp. nov. is described based on seven specimens collected from Taiwan and Luzon. It is a large-sized Stiphodon species sharing the second dorsal-fin rays 9-10 and pectoral-fin rays 14-16 with similar-sized congeners. However, it differs from them by the wider interorbital width and almost complete lack of scales on the occipital region in males. In addition, the new species can be further distinguished from all congeners by seven to eight oval bands or a black longitudinal band on the lower body, black and white spots on pectoral fins, and a short red or orange line on posterior upper edge of caudal fin. Molecular analysis based on the 680-bp mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) fragments also supports it as a distinct species belonging to the "Stiphodon elegans group" and a sister group of the clade consisting of Stiphodon multisquamus and Stiphodon palawanensis.

PCR-Based DNA Detection of Bovine on Medium of Cultured Meat for Consumption: Religious Perspectives

Food technology advancements have led to the development of cultured or artificial meat produced in a laboratory setting. Recently, Israel and Singapore have built factories specifically for cultured meat production. Malaysia is also informed about a cultured meat processing facility, which is expected to be completed in 2024. This alternative is a viable solution to meet the boosting needs and demand for meat-based food products while minimising the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming. Nevertheless, despite its potential benefits, cultured meat faces diverse challenges, including religious concerns for faiths with specific dietary requirements. Therefore, this research intended to determine the detection of DNA of bovine on the cultured medium by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted by targeting the mitochondrial DNA of the cytochrome oxidase II (COII) gene sequence and produced an amplicon size of 165 bp. The PCR was obtained by using the sample of medium mix with different concentrations (10-20%) of Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) (Capricorn Scientific, Ebsdorfergrund, Germany), and the cell was harvested on different days. For DNA extraction, GENEAID Blood/Cell DNA mini kit (Taipei, Taiwan) was used. The findings demonstrate that DNA concentration in foetal bovine serum content was detected on the cultured medium. The presence of DNA contradicts religions such as Islam and Judaism that have strict standard dietary practices known as halal and kosher respectively. This study serves as a reference for the consumption of cultured meat for the consumer, particularly for Muslim and Jewish communities.

Pandarus Leach, 1816 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Pandaridae) species collected from elasmobranchs off South Africa with the description of Pandarus echinifer n. sp.

Eight species of Pandarus Leach, 1816 collected from hosts caught off South Africa are reported. These species include P. bicolor Leach, 1816, P. niger Kirtisinghe, 1950 and P. carcharhini Ho, 1963 belonging to the “bicolor” group and P. cranchii Leach, 1819, P. satyrus Dana, 1849, P. smithii Rathbun, 1886 and P. sinuatus Say, 1818 belonging to the “cranchii” group. Notes on previous and new distinguishing features are provided with illustrations, specifically the relative lengths of the dorsal plates and caudal rami as well as the structure of the distomedial spine on the second segment of leg 1 exopod. Additionally, illustrated re-descriptions are provided for P. satyrus and P. sinuatus. Furthermore, a new species Pandarus echinifer n. sp., also belonging to the “cranchii” group, collected from the snaggletooth shark Hemipristis elongata (Klunzinger) is described. This species is most similar to P. sinuatus but can be distinguished from it by the heavily spinulated distomedial spine on the last segment of the first leg exopod. Molecular analysis of the cytochrome oxidase I partial gene is used to calculate sequence divergences amongst different individuals and species. According to the results (as well as based on morphological characters) P. rhincodonicus Norman, Newbound & Knott, 2000 is a synonym of P. cranchii. New hosts and geographic localities from South Africa (and Ningaloo Park, Western Australia) are reported.

Neurigona susanrocesae, the first Neurigona species from the Philippines

The first species of the genus Neurigona is described from the Philippines. The diagnosis, description and molecular data based on the partial DNA sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene were documented. The Neurigona species exhibits distinct characteristics, including a sub-apical dorsal stylus resembling an arista, a peduncle on the seventh abdominal segment, a flat dorsal postcranium, elongated legs devoid of prominent setae or bristles, and a distinctive rectangular bend in wing vein M. Based on the DNA sequence analysis, the unknown species is 90.06% similar to Cyrtona sp. and Neurigona zhejiangensis. However, 10% of its DNA sequences are significantly variable making it a totally different species. The specimen was verified by a dipterist as a species belonging to Genus Neurigona under Family Dolichopodidae. These flies are recognized for their lengthy legs and sizable yellow bodies. The species was named as N. susanrocesae as a tribute to the late Susan Roces, the “Queen of Philippine Movies”.

How does pharmacological and toxicological knowledge evolve? A case study on hydrogen cyanide in German pharmacology and toxicology textbooks from 1878 to 2020.

Little is known about how pharmacological and toxicological knowledge evolves. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the presentation of the poison hydrogen cyanide in sixteen German-language pharmacology and toxicology textbooks from 1878 to 2020. The categories of structure, molecular mechanism of action, occurrence, effects, resorption, areas of application, lethal dose, acute symptoms of intoxication, treatment of hydrogen cyanide poisoning, and recommended therapeutic preparations were evaluated. The knowledge on the structure, lethal dosage, and occurrence of hydrogen cyanide has remained constant. In contrast, knowledge on molecular mechanism of action and recommended preparations of the poison has changed dramatically. Until 1944, the binding of hydrogen cyanide to hemoglobin was considered the mechanism of action, whereas from 1951 onwards, the interaction of hydrogen cyanide with the Fe3+ of cytochrome oxidase was described. The number of preparations containing hydrogen cyanide decreased into obsolescence until 1951. The areas of application of hydrogen cyanide also show a change, as from 1919 onwards, mainly industrial areas of application of the poison are described instead of medical ones, and from 1951 onwards, criminalistic areas of application are also mentioned. Thus, pharmacological and toxicological knowledge develops non-linearly, molecular mechanism and uses being the most dynamic areas, whereas the knowledge about hydrogen cyanide's chemical structure, lethal dose, and occurrence remained constant. Older pharmacology and toxicology textbooks were better than newer ones at discussing changes in scientific concepts. Pharmacology and toxicology textbooks also mostly failed to discuss the misuse of hydrogen cyanide (Zyklon B) during the Nazi regime, missing an important opportunity to showcase the ethical responsibility of pharmacology and toxicology. Thus, future pharmacology and toxicology textbooks should improve on discussing the development of pharmacological and toxicological concepts and the ethical responsibility of the discipline.

Comparative Study of Two Himalayan Snow Trouts, Schizothorax esocinus and Schizothorax curvifrons Within the Schizothoracinae and Other Nearest Relatives of Cyprinidae, Inferred from Mitochondrial Sequences of Cytochrome b (Cyt-b) and Cytochrome Oxidase I (Co-I) Gene.

The Himalayan region encompasses varied aquatic ecosystems, characterized by the presence of diverse ichthyofauna, particularly represented by members of the Schizothorax genus, commonly referred to as snow trout. The primary objective of this work was to examine the molecular phylogeny of Schizothoracinae, specifically focusing on the two species, Schizothorax esocinus and Schizothorax curvifrons, which are known to inhabit the northern and north-eastern regions of the Himalayas. This investigation was conducted by analyzing the entire mitochondrial Cyt-b and Co-I gene sequences. The aligned Cyt-b and Co-I sequences for S. esocinus, S. curvifrons, and related members within the subfamily Schizothoracinae, spanned 1130 to 1141 and 1536 to 1551 base pairs, respectively. Using these gene, phylogenetic trees were created to compare Schizothoracinae species to other subfamilies of the family Cyprinidae (Barbinae, Alburninae, Leuciscinae, Xenocyprinae, Cyprininae, and Cultrinae). Genetic distances for Cyt-b and Co-I sequence at three hierarchical levels shows significant disparities in their average score. For Cyt-b, average p-distances for intraspecies, intragenus, and intrafamily were 2.13%, 4.1%, and 15.23%, respectively. Similarly, for Co-I, average p-distances were 1.19%, 3.6%, and 13.8% for intraspecies, intragenus, and intrafamily, respectively. Total number of haplotypes (h) based on Cyt-b and Co-I gene were 6 and 12 within the target Schizothorax spp. In the present study, the observed range of haplotype diversity (hd) for the Cyt-b gene varied from 0.00 to 0.847, with an average haplotype diversity of 0.847 ± 0.034. Similarly, for the Co-I gene, the observed haplotype diversity ranged from 0.00 to 0.931, with an average value of haplotype diversity estimated to be 0.931 ± 0.024. The results of the present study clearly shows that the representative species exhibited close affinities with members of Barbinae and Cyprininae, while other subfamilies formed distinct groups. The findings of the study also indicated that the Cyt-b and Co-I gene exhibits polymorphism and has the potential to serve as a marker for identifying genetic differentiation among populations based on ecological habitats. Mitochondrial Cyt-b and Co-I have been established as a universally accepted and validated genetic marker within a comprehensive bio-identification system at the species level.

A new species of Homalernis Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae, Tortricinae) represents the first record of the tribe Schoenotenini in Japan

Homalernis fluctuosa Suzuki & Jinbo, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Tsushima Island, Amamiooshima Island, and Okinawajima Island, Japan. This is not only the first record of the genus Homalernis but also of the tribe Schoenotenini from warm temperate zones in the Palaearctic region. The association of males and females of the new species was confirmed based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase submit 1 (COI). We discuss the taxonomic positions of two alleged Homalernis species from Malaysia and the taxonomic position of Homalernis within Schoenotenini.

High heteroplasmy is associated with low mitochondrial copy number and selection against non-synonymous mutations in the snail Cepaea nemoralis

Molluscan mitochondrial genomes are unusual because they show wide variation in size, radical genome rearrangements and frequently show high variation (> 10%) within species. As progress in understanding this variation has been limited, we used whole genome sequencing of a six-generation matriline of the terrestrial snail Cepaea nemoralis, as well as whole genome sequences from wild-collected C. nemoralis, the sister species C. hortensis, and multiple other snail species to explore the origins of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation. The main finding is that a high rate of SNP heteroplasmy in somatic tissue was negatively correlated with mtDNA copy number in both Cepaea species. In individuals with under ten mtDNA copies per nuclear genome, more than 10% of all positions were heteroplasmic, with evidence for transmission of this heteroplasmy through the germline. Further analyses showed evidence for purifying selection acting on non-synonymous mutations, even at low frequency of the rare allele, especially in cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and cytochrome b. The mtDNA of some individuals of Cepaea nemoralis contained a length heteroplasmy, including up to 12 direct repeat copies of tRNA-Val, with 24 copies in another snail, Candidula rugosiuscula, and repeats of tRNA-Thr in C. hortensis. These repeats likely arise due to error prone replication but are not correlated with mitochondrial copy number in C. nemoralis. Overall, the findings provide key insights into mechanisms of replication, mutation and evolution in molluscan mtDNA, and so will inform wider studies on the biology and evolution of mtDNA across animal phyla.

Anthropogenic dispersal explains the phylogeography of insular edible dormouse Glis glis in the Mediterranean basin

The history of human colonisation in the Mediterranean has long been recognised as a crucial factor influencing biodiversity patterns in southern Europe. Nonetheless, our understanding of how anthropogenic and natural dispersal events interacted in shaping wildlife distributions, particularly in small mammals, remains limited. The edible dormouse Glis glis, a widespread European species, whose distribution includes several islands in the Mediterranean, present an opportunity to investigate these interactions. In this work, we used the edible dormouse to test hypotheses regarding the interplay between natural and anthropogenic dispersal in shaping species’ distributions in Mediterranean archipelagos. We compared genetic sequences from samples collected on Mediterranean islands (Elba Island, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Salina Island) and the mainland. Twenty-one samples were analysed by amplifying and sequencing a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Results indicated that samples from Sardinia and Elba Island belong to the same clade of mainland Italy, specifically to the subspecies G. g. italicus. This finding does not support the existence of an endemic Sardinian subspecies and suggests recent introduction events. In contrast, Salina Island only included individuals belonging to the Sicilian subspecies, whereas Sicily hosts a mixed population of G. g. italicus and G. g. insularis. The Corsican population likely originated from a different stock than Sardinia, possibly originating from Northern Italy or southern France. Overall, our findings underscore the significant role of anthropogenic dispersal in shaping the current distribution of the edible dormouse on islands.

First record of the West Atlantic Ariopsis felis (Linnaeus, 1766) (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Ariidae) in the Mediterranean Sea

A single individual of Ariidae was captured in 2022 in the Palestinian waters off the Gaza Strip, eastern Mediterranean. A comprehensive description of the morphological and meristic characters of the specimen was conducted. Molecular identification was performed through sequence analysis of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI). The specimen was identified as Ariopsis felis, both morphologically and genetically. The natural range of this species is the western Atlantic and, to the best of our knowledge, the species has never been reported before from Mediterranean waters. The singular occurrence of this fish in the basin prompts further discussion, raising questions about the possible vectors that may be responsible for this new introduction in the Mediterranean Sea.

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria striata (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) detected in wild carnivores from Texas, United States

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria striata (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) are epidemiologically important filarial nematodes detected in wild carnivores sympatric to domestic animals and humans. In this study we surveyed for Dirofilaria species among previous studies archived blood samples (n = 202) of wild carnivores sourced across Texas between the years of 2014–2016 and 2020 to 2023. In total, 117 coyotes (Canis latrans), 67 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 12 gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), five bobcats (Lynx rufus), and one striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) were tested through the amplification of the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COI) gene followed by sequencing. Dirofilaria immitis was detected in 11.39% (95% CI = 7.71–16.51) of the samples (21 coyotes and two raccoons), while D. striata was detected in a single bobcat. Dirofilaria immitis sequences had 99.85%–100% (99.92% ± 0.08) similarity with other D. immitis sequences in GenBank. The sequence of D. striata from the bobcat was 100% similar to the single COI sequence available in GenBank. Data from this study reinforce the role of coyotes as a wild reservoir for D. immitis and suggest that raccoons may also play a role in the epidemiology of this parasite. This study additionally provides molecular data on D. striata, an understudied filarioid of felids.

Low depth sequencing reveals the critically endangered Batagur kachuga (Red-crowned roofed turtle) mitochondrial genome and its evolutionary implications

The Batagur kachuga (B. kachuga), commonly known as the Red-crowned roofed turtle, is a critically endangered species native to India and its neighboring countries like Bangladesh, and Nepal. The present study is the first report of the complete mitochondrial genome of B. kachuga (16,517 bp) construed via the next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach from eggshell DNA. There are 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and one putative control region (CR/D-loop) in the mitogenome. The CR region from the current study reveals conserved TAS, CD, and CSB domains and two AT-rich tandem repeat regions. Most genes are encoded in the heavy strand except the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) gene and seven tRNA genes. Most PCGs start with the initiation codon ATG, except the COI (Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit-I) gene, which starts with the GTG codon. The present investigation also predicts the distinctive cloverleaf structures of tRNAs except for tRNA-Ser1 and tRNA-Ser-2, which lack a DHU arm. The comparative analysis of Ka/Ks with other 33 species from Order Testudines, in relation to B. kachuga, revealed negative selection in most PCGs, indicating a process of preservation and purification that aids in eliminating undesirable or detrimental substitutes. Phylogenetic analysis of this species has been analysed using the complete mitogenome of 33 turtle species. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree strongly supports each family in different clades and also reveals a close relationship between the Pangashura and Batagur genera. Our study suggests the generation of genome-wide molecular data, in terms of mitogenomes, SNPs, and SSRs, is needed to improve the understanding of this species and their phylogenetics and evolutionary relationships, which will help to improve the conservation efforts of this species.

Unveiling the Faunal Diversity in the Water Column Adjacent to Two Seamounts in the Deep Arabian Sea Using Environmental DNA Metabarcoding

The diversity of organisms inhabiting deep-sea ecosystems, such as seamounts, has hitherto remained under-studied. In this study, we report on the faunal diversity in the water column adjacent to the summit and periphery of two seamounts (SMS2 and SMS3) and an oxygen minimum zone site located away from the seamounts in the southeast Arabian Sea. Environmental DNA (eDNA) in the water column was metabarcoded using the Cytochrome Oxidase C subunit I (COI) gene marker and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology. Hydrographic conditions revealed that the summits of the seamounts intersect with the core oxygen minimum zone between depths of 300 and 600 m. Comparisons of COI gene sequences with those in available databases, MIDORI and BOLD, indicated the existence of a diverse group of novel organisms in the study area. Crustaceans dominated (75–95%) in the summit and periphery of the SMS2 and the OMZ site, while Cnidaria (56–63%) and Chordata (55%), respectively, dominated the summit and periphery of SMS3. Overall, the current study highlights the broad diversity of organisms living in the water column around the seamounts and underscores the potential of eDNA for exploring them.

Current status of research on Aleurodicus dugesii (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on dutch eggplant

Abstract. Yuliadhi KA, Listihani L, Selangga DGW, Sudiarta IP, Wirya GNAS, Temaja IGRM. 2024. Current status of research on Aleurodicus dugesii (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on dutch eggplant. Biodiversitas 25: 2241-2248. Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell whitefly is considered to be a polyphagous insect which can parasitise a wide variety of hosts. Horticultural crops are the commodity most dominantly attacked by A. dugesii. Information on population density, damage severity, and genetic diversity of A. dugesii in Indonesia is still limited. This research aimed to determine the population density, the damage severity, and the genetic variety of A. dugesii at an eggplant cultivating center in Kintamani District, Bangli, Bali. The research was conducted on 8 plantations in Kintamani District. The A. dugesii was identified through morphology and molecular method of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Aleurodicus dugesii egg placement characteristics are circular, following the wax path formed, and at the underside of the leaf, there would be soft, long wax filament resembling a beard produced during the nymph stage. The highest A. dugesii whitefly population in duct eggplant crops during nymph, pupae, and imago stages were 184.6, 131.3, and 152.2 individuals per leaf. In Kintamani District, the highest damage severity reached 62%. The highest nucleotide homology of A. dugesii DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was found in the same species from Indonesia and the US, with >97% resemblance. This research enriches the information about the widening A. dugesii distribution area in Indonesia.

Response mechanism of Cynodon dactylon to flooding stress based on integrating metabonomics and transcriptomics analysis

Cynodon dactylon, a perennial herbaceous of Poaceae, possessing unique abilities in flooding tolerance and clonal propagation. However, evidences on molecular response mechanism from field are missing. Here, the differential responses of above-ground (stolon) and below-ground (root) organs of C. dactylon under flooding and non-flooding (CK) conditions were compared at the transcriptional and metabolomic levels. Under flooding stress, significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to dehydration responses, including cell water homeostasis and ion transmembrane transport were observed in both roots and stolons. The stolons were more sensitive to flooding, while enrichment in energy metabolism in roots were higher, such as the glycolytic process and glycogen biosynthetic process. The DEGs of photosynthesis in stolons were significantly down-regulated compared to roots. Under flooding stress, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is inactivated, and the terminal oxidase of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC), cytochrome c oxidase (COX), is inhibited. Consequently, the expression of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) involved in fermentative metabolism is upregulated. The combined analysis indicated that phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthetic pathways in roots were significantly enriched in the flooding group. In contrast, there was a significant increase in phenylalanine biosynthesis in stolons, and the metabolite phenol exhibited up-regulated expression. In summary, phenylalanine metabolism and phenylalanine biosynthesis are the major responses to flooding stress, indicating the crucial role of these pathways in the flood tolerance of C. dactylon. These findings provide valuable evidence for understanding plant regulatory mechanisms underlying flooding tolerance.

Recircumscription of the genera Goniozus and Sierola (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) based on morphological and molecular evidence

A number of undescribed species of the bethylid genera Goniozus and Sierola have been discovered in Australia and North America with character states that had previously been thought to be exclusive to one or the other, prompting a re-examination of the generic boundaries. Analysis of a large dataset of cytochrome oxidase I mtDNA sequences and key morphological characters found that Goniozus is well defined by two insertion-deletion events in COI. The traditional morphological characters can also be used to separate the genera, but variation within the regional fauna must be taken into account. Sierola always has four maxillary palpomeres; Goniozus usually has five, but some Nearctic species have four. Goniozus always has cell 2R1 of the fore wing open, with vein Rs weakly curved; Sierola has Rs bent sharply towards the wing margin, usually closing 2R1, but a small number of recently-described Hawaiian species and many undescribed Australian species and have it narrowly to moderately open. As a result of these changes, two species are transferred from Goniozus to Sierola: Sierola angulata (Muesebeck, 1933) comb. nov. from Australia, and Sierola jamiei (Ward, 2013) comb. nov. from New Zealand.

The expansion of invasive species to the East: new sites of the bullheads (genus Ameiurus Rafinesque 1820) in Ukraine with morphological and genetic identification.

This study confirms the extended distribution of two invasive species of the genus Ameiurus in Ukraine. Specifically, A. melas is recorded for the first time in the Southern Buh basin and A. nebulosus has expanded further eastward within the Dnipro basin. Material collected in 2019 and 2022 was identified by morphological features and confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. The most reliable morphological characters for distinguishing these two species include anal-fin membrane pigmentation (light or black), gill raker count (fewer or more than 16), and serrations on the pectoral-fin spine (well-developed along the full length or small, absent near the tip). The analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I barcoding marker identified all samples from the Dnipro Basin (Tnia and Velykyi Luh localities) as A. nebulosus, while all specimens from the Vinnytsia region within the Southern Buh basin (Sotskoho and Vyshenske lakes) were attributed to A. melas. The maximum-likelihood analysis revealed clearly separated clades with high bootstrap support (>75%), strongly supporting the presence of the two separate species. This study suggests the potential for further eastward expansion of both species within Ukraine: A. nebulosus in the northern direction and A. melas in the southern direction.