Diverse Life Forms Research Articles

Co-option of the trichome-forming network initiated the evolution of a morphological novelty in Drosophila eugracilis.

Identifying the molecular origins by which new morphological structures evolve is one of the long-standing problems in evolutionary biology. To date, vanishingly few examples provide a compelling account of how new morphologies were initially formed, thereby limiting our understanding of how diverse forms of life derived their complex features. Here, we provide evidence that the large projections on the Drosophila eugracilis phallus that are implicated in sexual conflict have evolved through the partial co-option of the trichome genetic network. These unicellular apical projections on the phallus postgonal sheath are reminiscent of trichomes that cover the Drosophila body but are up to 20-fold larger in size. During their development, they express the transcription factor Shavenbaby, the master regulator of the trichome network. Consistent with the co-option of the Shavenbaby network during the evolution of the D.eugracilis projections, somatic mosaic CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis shows that shavenbaby is necessary for their proper length. Moreover, misexpression of Shavenbaby in the sheath of D.melanogaster, a naive species that lacks these projections, is sufficient to induce small trichomes. These induced projections rely on a genetic network that is shared to a large extent with the D.eugracilis projections, indicating its partial co-option but also some genetic rewiring. Thus, by leveraging a genetically tractable evolutionary novelty, our work shows that the trichome-forming network is flexible enough that it can be partially co-opted in a new context and subsequently refined to produce unique apical projections that are barely recognizable compared with their simpler ancestral beginnings.

Nonanthropocentric climate ethics

AbstractAnthropogenic climate change poses increasingly severe long‐term threats to living things worldwide. It may even contribute to a mass extinction that would leave biodiversity depleted for millions of years—quite possibly longer than the duration of the human species. Such effects are obviously of ethical concern, but because traditional ethical theories have focused on the relatively short‐term interests of human beings, they offer little guidance. In the late 20th century, a growing number of ethical activists and theorists sought to expand moral consideration to nonhuman animals and to the diverse life forms and habitats of wild nature. Simultaneously and at first independently, others began to develop long‐term (sometimes called “intergenerational”) ethics, which extends moral consideration into the distant future. Concerns about future climate change quickly became a central focus of this work. But only in this century have there been concerted efforts to integrate these lines of thought into far‐sighted nonanthropocentric climate ethics. These efforts are the subject of this review.This article is categorized under: Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Assessing Climate Change in the Context of Other Issues Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Comparative Environmental Values

Self-Assembled Ferritin Nanoparticles for Delivery of Antigens and Development of Vaccines: From Structure and Property to Applications.

Ferritin, an iron storage protein, is ubiquitously distributed across diverse life forms, fulfilling crucial roles encompassing iron retention, conversion, orchestration of cellular iron metabolism, and safeguarding cells against oxidative harm. Noteworthy attributes of ferritin include its innate amenability to facile modification, scalable mass production, as well as exceptional stability and safety. In addition, ferritin boasts unique physicochemical properties, including pH responsiveness, resilience to elevated temperatures, and resistance to a myriad of denaturing agents. Therefore, ferritin serves as the substrate for creating nanomaterials typified by uniform particle dimensions and exceptional biocompatibility. Comprising 24 subunits, each ferritin nanocage demonstrates self-assembly capabilities, culminating in the formation of nanostructures akin to intricate cages. Recent years have witnessed the ascendance of ferritin-based self-assembled nanoparticles, owing to their distinctive physicochemical traits, which confer substantial advantages and wide-ranging applications within the biomedical domain. Ferritin is highly appealing as a carrier for delivering drug molecules and antigen proteins due to its distinctive structural and biochemical properties. This review aims to highlight recent advances in the use of self-assembled ferritin as a novel carrier for antigen delivery and vaccine development, discussing the molecular mechanisms underlying its action, and presenting it as a promising and effective strategy for the future of vaccine development.

Border Tensions for Rethinking Communication and Development: A Case of Building History in Ticoya Resguardo

This article proposes rethinking communication, development, and social change from a decolonial perspective through the case study of the Ticoya resguardo. It examines how the oral traditions of Indigenous elders construct a history of the territory, positioning orality as a practice of communicative and cognitive justice that transcends the dominant structures of the nation-state. Border tensions are explored both as a physical reality between Colombia and Peru and as a metaphor for identity conflicts. The theoretical framework incorporates debates on post-development, pluriverse, and southern epistemologies, challenging social inequalities. A qualitative methodology based on the praxeological method was implemented in four stages in collaboration with the resguardo’s communications committee. Producing a radio series narrated by participants was crucial for gathering the elders’ narratives through conversations, social mapping, and storytelling. The findings emphasize the break with linear temporality in narratives, the sense of territory beyond state borders, and the identity tensions of river dwellers. The conclusion underscores the necessity of a decolonial perspective, recognizing the impact of monocultures in obscuring diverse forms of life. The Ticoya resguardo case illustrates how communicative justice can highlight the local and everyday, considering the territory essential in the pluriverse, aligning with Escobar’s and Santos’ proposals on transitions toward a pluriversal world.

Islands of ice: Glacier‐dwelling metazoans form regionally distinct populations despite extensive periods of deglaciation

AbstractAimGlaciers cover considerable portion of land and host diverse life forms from single‐celled organisms to invertebrates. However, the determinants of diversity and community composition of these organisms remain underexplored. This study addresses the biogeography, population connectivity and dispersal of these organisms, especially critical in understanding during the rapid recession of glaciers and increased extinction risk for isolated populations. By reconstructing the Quaternary biogeographic history of Fontourion glacialis, a widespread in Northern Hemisphere glacier obligate species of Tardigrada, we aim to understand how populations of glacier‐dwelling metazoans receive immigrants, respond to disappearing glaciers and to what extent remaining glaciers can serve as refugia.LocationGlaciers across Svalbard, Scandinavia, Greenland and Iceland.MethodsWe analysed mtDNA (COI gene) variability of 263 F. glacialis specimens collected across the distribution range. Phylogeographic and coalescent‐based approaches were used to detect population differentiation patterns, investigate most likely models of gene flow and test the influences of geographical and climatic factors on the distribution of F. glacialis genetic variants.ResultsOur findings indicate that the distribution of F. glacialis genetic variants is primarily influenced by geographical rather than climatic factors. Populations exhibit a dispersal‐limited distribution pattern, influenced by geographical distance and local barriers, even between neighbouring glaciers. Significantly, the genetic structure within Scandinavia suggests the existence of “southern” glacial or low‐temperature refugia, where F. glacialis may have survived a period of extensive deglaciation during the Holocene climatic optimum (8–5 kyr ago).Main ConclusionThe study uncovers complex metapopulation structures in F. glacialis, with impacts of local barriers, population bottlenecks as well as historical ice sheet fluctuations. It suggests that such populations can endure extended periods of deglaciation, highlighting the resilience of glacial refugia. The study highlights the necessity of understanding the diversity and population structure of ice‐dwelling fauna in both spatial and temporal contexts.

Understanding Key Stressors for Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Loss: An Overview

Biodiversity hotspots are the regions with high levels of endemic species and significant habitat loss. Coastal areas can exhibit distinct biodiversity hotspots due to their diverse habitats, such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, and intertidal zones. These hotspots often support unique assemblages of species adapted to specific coastal conditions. Ecosystem services provided by marine biodiversity include provisioning services (seafood, resources for medicine); regulating services (stable climate and clean water); cultural services (recreational and mental benefits: sea bathing); and supporting services (nutrient circulation and photosynthesis). Despite some successful conservation efforts, biodiversity continues to decline. Marine ecosystems are vulnerable to rapid changes in diversity and function. Major pressures and threats causing increasing pressure on coastal and marine biodiversity include climate change, ocean acidification, habitat destruction and changes in sea use, invasive species, overexploitation, and pollution. Preservation of coastal biodiversity is of prime importance for human wellbeing. The coastal ecosystems sustain diverse life forms and also safeguard essential ecological services. Therefore conservation and restoration of coastal biodiversity is a timeless responsibility for sustainable development. In light of these observations, this review aims to update recent information from the available literature on the key stressors of marine and coastal biodiversity loss. This study also suggests the strategies to be implemented for successful conservation and restoration of coastal and marine biodiversity.

Spontaneous growth of plants enhances phytoextraction on abandoned coal mine wastes in Central Alborz coalfield, Iran

Coal mining disperses heavy metals into the environment, necessitating the identification of metal-tolerant plants for ecosystem restoration. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of plant species in abandoned coal wastes in northern Iran. Pollution indices indicated moderate contamination of Cu, Ni, V, Zn, Pb, Cr, and As in coal wastes. The plants varied in their ability to accumulate and translocate these metals, with most showing efficient root-to-shoot translocation. Artemisia scoparia (41.06 mg.kg−1) and Capparis spinosa (42.48 mg.kg−1) were effective for Cu phytoextraction. Most species, notably Cynodon dactylon (3.4 mg.kg−1), showed promise for phytoextraction of Cr. Capparis spinosa (7.67 mg.kg−1) exhibited potential for Pb phytoextraction. Most plants, particularly Hordeum vulgare and Melica persica, were effective phytoextractors of Ni. Sylibum marianum accumulated V beyond phytotoxic levels. Chenopodium album and Glaucium fimbriligerum were identified as phytoextractors of Zn while Cynodon dactylon and Hordeum vulgare, accumulating >100 mg.kg−1 Zn in roots, showed potential for phytostabilization. Sylibum marianum and Glaucium fimbriligerum, acted as excluders for As. Kochia prostrata and Artemisia aucheri were excluders for Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb. This study provided the role of multiple indigenous plants, including perennials and annuals with diverse life forms, in metal extraction and stabilization for sustainable coal waste management.

Viperin immunity evolved across the tree of life through serial innovations on a conserved scaffold.

Evolutionary arms races between cells and viruses drive the rapid diversification of antiviral genes in diverse life forms. Recent discoveries have revealed the existence of immune genes that are shared between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and show molecular and mechanistic similarities in their response to viruses. However, the evolutionary dynamics underlying the conservation and adaptation of these antiviral genes remain mostly unexplored. Here, we show that viperins constitute a highly conserved family of immune genes across diverse prokaryotes and eukaryotes and identify mechanisms by which they diversified in eukaryotes. Our findings indicate that viperins are enriched in Asgard archaea and widely distributed in all major eukaryotic clades, suggesting their presence in the last eukaryotic common ancestor and their acquisition in eukaryotes from an archaeal lineage. We show that viperins maintain their immune function by producing antiviral nucleotide analogues and demonstrate that eukaryotic viperins diversified through serial innovations on the viperin gene, such as the emergence and selection of substrate specificity towards pyrimidine nucleotides, and through partnerships with genes maintained through genetic linkage, notably with nucleotide kinases. These findings unveil biochemical and genomic transitions underlying the adaptation of immune genes shared by prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Our study paves the way for further understanding of the conservation of immunity across domains of life.

Advancing the dominance of winter annuals under changing rainfall patterns in a temperate desert of Central Asia

Understanding how climate change-induced alterations in rainfall patterns impact the composition and structure of plant diversity is crucial. Examining variations in plant life forms is vital for comprehending ecosystem dynamics. This study analyzes plant life form diversity, rainfall variability, and the impact of different rainfall patterns on plant diversity over 15 years in the Gurbantünggüt Desert, a temperate desert in Central Asia. The study identified 96 plant species in the area, comprising 27 winter annuals and 33 perennial herbs. Over the past 15 years, species diversity has remained stable, while diversity among plant life forms has varied significantly. Winter annuals consistently dominated, showing a significant linear increase in importance values (slope=1.135). Conversely, perennial shrubs like Haloxylon ammodendron and Haloxylon persicum exhibited a marked declining trend. Over the past 15 years, the occurrence of minor (<1 mm) and moderate (1–5 mm) rainfall during the spring and autumn seasons initially rose and subsequently fell. Concurrently, heavy rainfall events (≥5 mm) in spring have waned, showing notable yearly fluctuations. The frequency of heavy autumnal downpours has remained steady, with consistent interannual variations. Minor rainfall events primarily influenced winter annuals and perennial herbs during the spring and autumn, whereas heavy rainfall mainly affected perennial shrubs during these seasons. Our investigations suggest that winter annuals, despite their expanding presence, are ineffective in their ecological functions such as dune stabilization and reducing aeolian erosion in the peak summer months. In contrast, perennial shrubs like H. ammodendron and H. persicum, crucial for these roles, are markedly declining. The variable plant life forms might lead to modifications in the ecological roles of the region, thereby rendering it imperative to persistently observe this desert and proactively formulate conservation strategies for the vegetation.

Beyond tree planting: Mobilizing a global production network for savanna restoration in Brazil

Emerging global production networks innovate the supply of restoration products and services to reverse degraded ecosystems globally. Yet, savanna restoration interventions often neglect diverse plant life forms and planting techniques in implementing large-scale pledges. Drawing on global production network analysis, we examine how the configuration of savanna restoration practices in Brazil influences decision-making processes and outcomes. Our assessment of a case study in Central Brazil reveals a myriad of forces affecting the interconnections between institutional drivers, markets, and supply systems for restoration actions across multiple scales. Prevailing policies and regulations often disregard diverse expertise, economic strategies, and socio-cultural perspectives when setting savanna restoration priorities and incentives. While we identify different buyers influencing market demands to meet mandatory or voluntary environmental compliance, a wide range of suppliers remakes savanna restoration actions according to regional contexts. The experiences of community-led plant material supply systems in Central Brazil showcase collective organization that enables situated socio-technical innovations to link a high diversity of non-tree species with livelihood outcomes. This study contributes to revealing how institutional drivers and restoration markets assert political authority and commercial objectives in multifaceted decisions, while community partnerships catalyze place-based savanna restoration innovations.

Microbial Symbiont-Based Detoxification of Different Phytotoxins and Synthetic Toxic Chemicals in Insect Pests and Pollinators.

Insects are the most diverse form of life, and as such, they interact closely with humans, impacting our health, economy, and agriculture. Beneficial insect species contribute to pollination, biological control of pests, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Pest species can cause damage to agricultural crops and vector diseases to humans and livestock. Insects are often exposed to toxic xenobiotics in the environment, both naturally occurring toxins like plant secondary metabolites and synthetic chemicals like herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Because of this, insects have evolved several mechanisms of resistance to toxic xenobiotics, including sequestration, behavioral avoidance, and enzymatic degradation, and in many cases had developed symbiotic relationships with microbes that can aid in this detoxification. As research progresses, the important roles of these microbes in insect health and function have become more apparent. Bacterial symbionts that degrade plant phytotoxins allow host insects to feed on otherwise chemically defended plants. They can also confer pesticide resistance to their hosts, especially in frequently treated agricultural fields. It is important to study these interactions between insects and the toxic chemicals they are exposed to in order to further the understanding of pest insect resistance and to mitigate the negative effect of pesticides on nontarget insect species like Hymenopteran pollinators.

Accurate, scalable, and fully automated inference of species trees from raw genome assemblies using ROADIES.

Inference of species trees plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of evolutionary relationships and has immense significance for diverse biological and medical applications. Extensive genome sequencing efforts are currently in progress across a broad spectrum of life forms, holding the potential to unravel the intricate branching patterns within the tree of life. However, estimating species trees starting from raw genome sequences is quite challenging, and the current cutting-edge methodologies require a series of error-prone steps that are neither entirely automated nor standardized. In this paper, we present ROADIES, a novel pipeline for species tree inference from raw genome assemblies that is fully automated, easy to use, scalable, free from reference bias, and provides flexibility to adjust the tradeoff between accuracy and runtime. The ROADIES pipeline eliminates the need to align whole genomes, choose a single reference species, or pre-select loci such as functional genes found using cumbersome annotation steps. Moreover, it leverages recent advances in phylogenetic inference to allow multi-copy genes, eliminating the need to detect orthology. Using the genomic datasets released from large-scale sequencing consortia across three diverse life forms (placental mammals, pomace flies, and birds), we show that ROADIES infers species trees that are comparable in quality with the state-of-the-art approaches but in a fraction of the time. By incorporating optimal approaches and automating all steps from assembled genomes to species and gene trees, ROADIES is poised to improve the accuracy, scalability, and reproducibility of phylogenomic analyses.

Distribution of Coral Life Forms Based on Sea Current Velocity in Kei Besar Island, Maluku, and Mare Island, North Maluku

Abstract Diverse life forms found on coral reefs indicate resilience to environmental change, sustaining marine biodiversity and ensuring the stability of the coastal community’s ecosystems. This study investigates the relationship between sea currents and the life forms of coral reefs in Indonesia and focuses on two primary locations: Kei Besar Island, Maluku, and Mare Island in North Maluku. Sea current data from the current real-time global forecasting and coral cover data were analysed to assess the influence of current velocities on the percentage of hard coral cover and the morphological composition of corals. The dominant bottom substrate in both locations is hard coral, with varying percentages of cover. Thirteen distinct life forms of coral were identified in both study sites, with massive and sub-massive forms being the most prevalent on Kei Besar Island (41%) having average current velocities of 0.159 m/s, and branching forms (40%) being dominant on Mare Island with average current velocities were 0.103 m/s. The massive form (CM) is strongly positively (negatively) correlated with faster (slower) currents, with a correlation coefficient of 0.81 (-0.69). On the other hand, several life form of fragile coral reefs particularly Acropora branching (ACB); Acropora sub-massive (ACS); and coral Tubipora (CTU) were found to be positively (negatively) correlated with slower (faster) currents, with a correlation coefficient of 0.55 (-0.63); 0.77 (-0.75); and 0.58 (-0.67).

Is it there?—Estimating the invasion of armored sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys sp.) in the water bodies of Eastern Ghats, India using the eDNA approach

AbstractEarly detection of invasive species is crucial for effectively controlling the potential damage they can inflict on the ecosystems. In contrast to the many limitations that conventional detection methods like visual surveys and netting hold, environmental DNA assay provides a powerful alternative. This non‐invasive, highly sensitive, and user‐friendly technique offers the advantage of detecting invasive species even in areas where direct observation is challenging, thus addressing the shortcomings of traditional techniques and enhancing overall accuracy in estimating distribution. The spread of invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. has become a cause for concern in biodiversity‐rich countries like India. Despite this, comprehensive studies on the prevalence of this invasive species are limited. The Eastern Ghats of India remain under‐explored with a high potential for supporting diverse lifeforms. Studying the extent of biological invasions in the Eastern Ghats is essential for effective management and to mitigate the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of invasive species. In this study, we have designed and optimized an eDNA‐based quantitative PCR assay to map the presence and spread of invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. in selected freshwater ecosystems of the Eastern Ghats. This assay detected invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. in almost 65% of the total locations sampled. This study can be further extended to larger geographical areas, which can contribute to formulating necessary measures by the authorities to manage invasion and conserve the diversity of the freshwater ecosystem.

Patterns and drivers of plant carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometry in a novel riparian ecosystem.

Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry serve as valuable indices for plant nutrient utilization and biogeochemical cycling within ecosystems. However, the allocation of these nutrients among different plant organs and the underlying drivers in dynamic riparian ecosystems remain inadequately understood. In this study, we gathered plant samples from diverse life forms (annuals and perennials) and organs (leaves, stems, and roots) in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region (TGRR) in China-a novel ecosystem subject to winter flooding. We used random forest analysis and structural equation modeling to find out how flooding, life forms, plant communities, and soil variables affect organs C, N, and P levels. Results showed that the mean concentrations of plant C, N, and P in the riparian zone of the TGRR were 386.65, 19.31, and 5.27 mg/g for leaves respectively, 404.02, 11.23, and 4.81 mg/g for stems respectively, and 388.22, 9.32, and 3.27 mg/g for roots respectively. The C:N, C:P and N:P ratios were 16.15, 191.7 and 5.56 for leaves respectively; 26.98, 273.72 and 4.6 for stems respectively; and 16.63, 223.06 and 4.77 for roots respectively. Riparian plants exhibited nitrogen limitation, with weak carbon sequestration, low nutrient utilization efficiency, and a high capacity for nutrient uptake. Plant C:N:P stoichiometry was significantly different across life forms and organs, with higher N and P concentrations in leaves than stems and roots, and higher in annuals than perennials. While flooding stress triggered distinct responses in the C, N, and P concentrations among annual and perennial plants, they maintained similar stoichiometric ratios along flooding gradients. Furthermore, our investigation identified soil properties and life forms as more influential factors than plant communities in shaping variations in C:N:P stoichiometry in organs. Flooding indirectly impacts plant C:N:P stoichiometry primarily through alterations in plant community composition and soil factors. This study underscores the potential for hydrologic changes to influence plant community composition and soil nutrient dynamics, and further alter plant ecological strategies and biogeochemical cycling in riparian ecosystems.

Characterization of low molecular weight sulfur species in seaweed from the Antarctic continent.

Antarctic seaweeds are vital components of polar marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and supporting diverse life forms. The sulfur content in these organisms is particularly interesting due to its implication in biogeochemical processes and potential impacts on local and global environmental systems. In this study, we present a comprehensive characterization of seaweed collected in the Antarctic in terms of their total sulfur content and its distribution among different classes of species, including thiols, using various methods and high-sensitivity techniques. The data presented in this paper are unprecedented in the scientific literature. These methods allowed for the determination of total sulfur content and the distribution of sulfur compounds in different fractions, such as water-soluble and proteins, as well as the speciation of sulfur compounds in these fractions, providing valuable insights into the chemical composition of these unique marine organisms. Our results revealed that the total sulfur concentration in Antarctic seaweeds varied widely across different species, ranging from 5.5 to 56gkg-1 dry weight. Furthermore, our investigation into the sulfur speciation revealed the presence of various sulfur compounds, including sulfate, and some thiols, which were quantified in all ten seaweed species evaluated. The concentration of these individual sulfur species also displayed considerable variability among the studied seaweeds. This study provides the first in-depth examination of total sulfur content and sulfur speciation in brown and red Antarctic seaweeds.

Voices from the Other Side: Exploring Nonhuman Agents and Their Narrative Function in the Zhuangzi

In the history of Chinese literature, the Zhuangzi authors were the first to grant a voice to diverse forms of life, among them a snake, a tree, a dead man, a divine turtle, and even the wind. What exactly is the interest of incorporating nonhuman protagonists in brief literary fictions? Was there something at stake when trying out this pioneering narrative technique, or was it just for the sake of literary innovation and entertainment? Through a detailed analysis of a set of concise narratives, this study uncovers a consistent critique of the religious institutions (chiefly divination and sacrifice), as well as the economic practices prevalent during the Warring States period. It aims to demonstrate that the Zhuangzi's comprehensive critique of the Zhou cultural order achieves its “hearability” through a recurrent use of striking dualities, including day and night, dream and wakefulness, and humans and nonhumans. A heretofore silent and passive community of living beings raises its voice and is able to challenge the well-established discourse proclaiming human sovereignty over the natural world. These voices and the themes they raise serve, among other things, as a literary strategy intended to illuminate the universality of violence and the criminal essence of human culture (wen 文).

Engineering Enhanced Antimicrobial Properties in α-Conotoxin RgIA through D-Type Amino Acid Substitution and Incorporation of Lysine and Leucine Residues.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), acknowledged as host defense peptides, constitute a category of predominant cationic peptides prevalent in diverse life forms. This study explored the antibacterial activity of α-conotoxin RgIA, and to enhance its stability and efficacy, D-amino acid substitution was employed, resulting in the synthesis of nine RgIA mutant analogs. Results revealed that several modified RgIA mutants displayed inhibitory efficacy against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including Candida tropicalis and Escherichia coli. Mechanistic investigations elucidated that these polypeptides achieved antibacterial effects through the disruption of bacterial cell membranes. The study further assessed the designed peptides' hemolytic activity, cytotoxicity, and safety. Mutants with antibacterial activity exhibited lower hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, with Pep 8 demonstrating favorable safety in mice. RgIA mutants incorporating D-amino acids exhibited notable stability and adaptability, sustaining antibacterial properties across diverse environmental conditions. This research underscores the potential of the peptide to advance innovative oral antibiotics, offering a novel approach to address bacterial infections.

Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling and Oxidative Stress: Transcriptional Regulation and Evolution.

Since the evolution of the aerobic metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have represented significant challenges to diverse life forms. In recent decades, increasing knowledge has revealed a dual role for ROS in cell physiology, showing they serve as a major source of cellular damage while also functioning as important signaling molecules in various biological processes. Our understanding of ROS homeostasis and ROS-mediated cellular signaling pathways has presumed that they are ancient and highly conserved mechanisms shared by most organisms. However, emerging evidence highlights the complexity and plasticity of ROS signaling, particularly in animals that have evolved in extreme environments. In this review, we focus on ROS generation, antioxidative systems and the main signaling pathways that are influenced by ROS. In addition, we discuss ROS's responsive transcription regulation and how it may have been shaped over the course of evolution.

The untapped potential of cell culture in disentangling insect-microbial relationships.

Cell culture is a powerful technique for the investigation of molecular mechanisms fundamental to health and disease in a diverse array of organisms. Cell lines offer several advantages, namely their simplistic approach and high degree of reproducibility. One field where cell culture has proven particularly useful is the study of the microbiome, where cell culture has led to the illumination of microbial influences on host immunity, nutrition, and physiology. Thus far, researchers have focused cell culture work predominantly on humans, but the growing field of insect microbiome research stands to benefit greatly from its application. Insects constitute one of Earth's most diverse and ancient life forms and, just as with humans, possess microbiomes with great significance to their health. Insects, which play critical roles in supporting food security and ecological stability, are facing increasing threats from agricultural intensification, climate change, and pesticide use. As the microbiome is closely tied to host health, gaining a more robust understanding is of increasing importance. In this review, we assert that the cultivation and utilization of insect gut cell lines in microbiome research will bridge critical knowledge gaps essential for informing insect management practices in a world under pressure.