Editorial: recent advances in molecular genetics shine new light on immune disorders and infection.

The spectral properties of photoreceptors in two closely related fish species of the family Mugilidae, differing in their preferred salinity habitat, were subjected to a comparative study using microspectrophotometry and liquid chromatography. The results have shown that both species are tetrachromats and possess two classes of single cones and two classes of double cones, with paired elements containing visual pigments with the same absorption maximum (λmax). In the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), a predominantly marine species, the rods and the single (two classes) and double cones (two classes) contain rhodopsins with λmax = 506, 464, 518, 560 and 574 nm, respectively. In the so-iuy mullet (Planiliza haematocheilus), with a freshwater life-history stage, the photoreceptors contain a mixture of rhodopsin and porphyropsin in different proportions. In different P. haematocheilus individuals, values of λmax of the rods and the single and double cones vary in the following ranges: 501-522, 462-470, 518-539, 573 and 570-620 nm, respectively. The set of visual pigments indicates the identity of opsins in both species, whereas the long-wave shift in the spectral sensitivity in P. haematocheilus is due to a changed composition of the pigment mixture with a greater proportion of porphyropsin that utilizes the same opsins as in M. cephalus. The conclusion about the consistency of our results with the previously found correlation between the supposed connections of horizontal retinal cells and individual chromatic classes of photoreceptors in mullets is made based on literature data. The present study, in combination with studies on the molecular genetics structure of photopigments, can contribute to further development of views on the evolution of visual pigments.

Meritxell (Meri) Huch is a Director and Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany, where her group uses 3D organoid models to study the maintenance and repair of adult tissues, as well as the mechanisms by which their dysregulation contributes to disease. This year, Meri is a Guest Editor for Development's special issue on lifelong development, which highlights how developmental processes and pathways are used throughout animal lifespans. We caught up with Meri over Teams to discuss the importance of using organoid models to study tissue regeneration and pathology, as well as some of the most exciting research questions that her lab is trying to answer.

This literature review provides an aggregate data on pan-genome studies since the early 2000s. In molecular biology and genetics, pan-genome is the totality of all genetic information on a group of organisms (species or monophyletic group of organisms) under consideration. Pan-genome is structurally divided into the “core genome”, which contains the genes present in all studied genetic sequences, the “accessory genome”, which is genes common to most genomes (10–95 %), and the “cloud genome”, genes that are not present in all representatives of the species, or genes that are present in only one of the genomes or found in less than 10 % of genomes. Some authors also call the cloud genome the “accessory genome”, which contains “unnecessary” genes or strain-specific genes. Also, one of the important indicators of genetic diversity within a taxon is the concept of open and closed pangenomes, which allows us to judge intraspecific diversity, which is associated with various genetic events. Thus, pangenomics is a rapidly developing area at the intersection of microbiology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, which opens up new horizons in research. Due to the improvement of sequencing methods, the concept of one “standard” or “reference” genome may be inconsistent and quite limited, therefore, for a complete understanding of the picture and replenishment of data, it is possible to use the concept of pangenomes.

Abstract Aligning educational experiences with industry needs is critical to ensuring long-term career benefits for students, and an educated work force for industries related to animal science. Engaging professionals within the animal breeding and genetics industries allows us to identify the key scientific, technological, and transferable (i.e., psychosocial) skills required in the field. To this end, we developed an industry-focused survey to assess current hiring practices and expectations for college-educated workers in animal breeding and genetics. The survey asked respondents to indicate the level of competency required and level of actual proficiency of new hires in seven competencies (critical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, career and self-development, equity and inclusion), with 1 being not required/none and 6 being most required/high. Respondents were also asked to identify additional technical and transferable skills required for new hires. After validating the instrument and evaluating it for bias, the survey was distributed via two channels: 1) a curated list of 220 professionals across animal genetics and breeding-related industries, and 2) corporate members of the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG). When asked about the competencies most critical for success in full-time, entry-level positions, industry representatives ranked teamwork (mean = 5.23; on a 6-point scale), professionalism (mean = 4.95), and critical thinking/oral communication (mean = 4.77) as most important (n = 22). However, ratings of actual proficiency for new graduates were less for each skill, though the same three competencies remained top-ranked: teamwork (mean = 4.18), professionalism (mean = 3.91), and critical thinking (mean = 3.64). General skills expected of new hires included work ethic (mean = 5.32), teamwork (mean = 5.00), adaptability/flexibility (mean = 4.95), and problem-solving (mean = 4.93). Regarding content knowledge, the greatest expectations were for genetics (mean = 3.68 for basic genetic knowledge, mean = 3.55 for molecular genetics knowledge), bioinformatics (mean = 3.41), and general statistics (mean = 3.36). Low to moderate standard deviations and minimal skewness across all items indicated consensus among respondents, with some variation. Additionally, industry leaders emphasized emerging trends and needs, particularly in bioinformatics, computational biology, coding, data science, and project management. The most frequently cited skills desired in new hires included problem-solving, dependability, initiative, attention to detail, collaboration, adaptability, communication, and time management. These findings underscore critical areas for strengthening educational pathways in STEM-based animal and equine science disciplines to better align with evolving industry needs.

The green macroalgae Ulva Linnaeus, 1753, also known as sea lettuce, is one of the most ecologically and economically significant algal genera. Its representatives occur in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments worldwide and show high adaptability, rapid growth, and marked biochemical diversity. These traits support their ecological roles in nutrient cycling, primary productivity, and habitat provision, and they also explain their growing relevance to the blue bioeconomy. This review summarizes current knowledge of Ulva biodiversity, taxonomy, and physiology, and evaluates applications in food, feed, bioremediation, biofuel, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. Particular attention is given to molecular approaches that resolve taxonomic difficulties and to biochemical profiles that determine nutritional value and industrial potential. This review also considers risks and limitations. Ulva species can act as hyperaccumulators of heavy metals, microplastics, and organic pollutants, which creates safety concerns for food and feed uses and highlights the necessity of strict monitoring and quality control. Technical and economic barriers restrict large-scale use in energy and material production. By presenting both opportunities and constraints, this review stresses the dual role of Ulva as a promising bioresource and a potential ecological risk. Future research must integrate molecular genetics, physiology, and applied studies to support sustainable utilization and ensure safe contributions of Ulva to biodiversity assessment, environmental management, and bioeconomic development.

Driving Precision Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer With Molecular Genetics.

Advances in sphingan production: Biosynthesis and synthetic biology strain modification strategies based on Sphingomonas.

Specifications of the ACMG/AMP variant curation guidelines for the analysis of germline PALB2 sequence variants.

Abstract Comparative molecular genetics study was performed for the threaded sculpin Gymnocanthus pistilliger from the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, and the Bering Sea. According to the analysis of mitochondrial DNA genes, the species heterogeneity is found, which does not relate to its geographical distribution. Gymnocanthus pistilliger is characterized by a closely related relationship with Gymnocanthus intermedius, the genetic differentiation between these species is low if considering them different species. The analysis of the obtained results in molecular genetics and morphological data published by other authors, suggest that G. pistilliger and G. intermedius represent either geographical forms (subspecies) of the same species, or evolutionarily young species.

This article reviews the current classification system, common subtypes, differential diagnosis, diagnostic algorithms, current management strategies, and evolving therapeutic areas for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs). There are currently five dominantly inherited LGMDs (LGMD-D1 to D5) and 29 recessively inherited LGMDs (LGMD-R1 to R29). Progress in molecular genetics makes next-generation sequencing gene panels the initial step in diagnosing LGMD and, in some cases, obviates the need for muscle biopsy. The panel should include LGMD genes and genes responsible for other hereditary myopathies and congenital myasthenic syndromes. Whole-exome sequencing or whole-genome sequencing can be performed before or after a muscle biopsy, depending on the specifics of each case. Once a diagnosis of LGMD is established, genetic counseling, symptomatic and supportive care, and cardiopulmonary surveillance remain the cornerstones of management. However, results from preclinical studies and early-stage clinical trials of genetic therapies for common LGMD-R subtypes are promising. Progressive proximal weakness and hyperCKemia are hallmark features of LGMDs; however, they are not specific and can also be observed in many acquired and hereditary myopathies. Muscle biopsy is typically reserved for patients with negative or inconclusive genetic testing and can be particularly useful for verifying the pathogenicity of variants of uncertain significance. Advances in molecular genetics and genetic therapies have revolutionized the diagnostic landscape of LGMDs and paved the way for future disease-specific treatments.

Dissecting quantitative traits into Mendelian factors is a great challenge in genetics. Apple fruit storability is a complex trait controlled by multi-genes with unequal effects. We previously identified 62 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with apple fruit storability and genomics-assisted prediction (GAP) models were trained using 56 QTL-based markers. Here, three candidate genes, MdNAC83, MdBPM2, and MdRGLG3, were screened from the regions of QTLs with large G' value and large genetic effects. Both a 216-bp deletion and an SNP934 T/C at the promoter of MdNAC83 were associated with higher MdNAC83 expression but an SNP388 G/A at the coding region significantly reduced the activity to activate the expression of the target genes MdACO1, MdMANA3, and MdXTH28. MdBPM2 and MdRGLG3 participated in the ubiquitination of MdNAC83. SNP657 T/A of MdBPM2 and SNP167 C/G of MdRGLG3 caused a reduction in the activity to ubiquitinate MdNAC83. By the addition of functional markers to the GenoBaits SNP array, the prediction accuracy of the updated GAP models increased to 0.7723/0.6231 and 0.5639/0.5345 for flesh firmness/crispness at harvest and flesh firmness/crispness retainability, respectively. The variation network involving eight simple Mendelian variations in six genes helps to gain insight into the molecular quantitative genetics, to improve breeding strategy, and to provide targets for future genome editing.

The distribution of the number of mutations in the genealogy of a sample from a single population.

As precisely as possible! Molecular methods of postmortem interval prediction - current prospects and limitations.

5.1 Molecular Genetics of Neurodevelopmental Disorders as a Foundation for Developing New Treatments

Tumors of the Synovium.

Hormonal regulation of cell fate plasticity of xylem-pole-pericycle lineage in Arabidopsis roots.

ABSTRACT: Thalassemia is a severe hereditary disorder of hemoglobin synthesis, characterized by markedly reduced or absent production of functional hemoglobin molecules, leading to chronic anemia, progressive tissue hypoxia, and multi-organ complications. In its most severe form, patients require lifelong blood transfusions, predisposing them to iron accumulation, cardiac and hepatic dysfunction, endocrine abnormalities, and premature mortality without timely intervention. This study presents an integrative bibliometric and meta-analytical assessment of global thalassemia research from 2015 to 2024, with a focus on diagnostic innovation, molecular genetics, and therapeutic advancements.Bibliometric mapping revealed fluctuations in research productivity, with peaks in 2016 and 2018 and a marked decline in 2024. Scientific contributions originated from thirty-eight nations, with Germany producing the highest number of publications, the United States attaining the greatest citation impact, and India demonstrating the strongest strength in multinational collaboration. Network analysis positioned Germany, Austria, the United States, and Canada as central contributors, with the United States exhibiting the highest collaboration index. Influential researchers, including Ali T. Taher, Elliott P. Vichinsky, and Maria Domenica Cappellini, each averaged over forty-six citations per publication.The meta-analysis identified four primary thematic domains: genetic characterization, clinical management, hematological assessment, and diagnostic methodology. Among genetic approaches, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing achieved the highest association with favorable outcomes, followed by next-generation sequencing. In disease management, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy demonstrated the strongest therapeutic associations with improved prognosis. Diagnostic platforms, including high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, yielded a pooled odds ratio of 5.31 with negligible heterogeneity, indicating high diagnostic reliability. Findings underscore the pivotal role of global collaboration and technological innovation in advancing thalassemia research, while the recent decline in scholarly output highlights the urgent need for renewed funding and strategic prioritization to sustain progress and improve patient outcomes.

Social organization and contributions to reproduction vary widely within and between species that breed in groups. Such variation often arises from the process of group formation, which drives patterns of relatedness and hence the degree of social conflict and co‐operation between group members. Using field observations and molecular genetics, we investigated breeding behaviour in an urban population of the highly social Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus to address two objectives. First, we investigated breeding‐group frequency, composition and formation, finding that 19% of breeding units were co‐operative groups, ranging in size from three to five birds, the remainder being pairs (81%). Group composition was variable with multi‐male, multi‐female and multi‐male–female groups. Relatedness in breeding groups also varied with many containing kin, but some groups containing only non‐kin. This variation reflected alternative routes to group formation, including offspring retention by pairs, sibling coalitions and aggregation of unrelated individuals. Secondly, we investigated productivity, reproductive investment and patterns of parentage in relation to the size of breeding units. Productivity did not differ significantly between pairs and groups. We detected extra‐pair paternity in 27% of broods raised by pairs, and parentage shared among more than two members of most breeding groups, with joint‐nesting by females detected in multi‐female groups. In conclusion, the breeding system of the Monk Parakeet defies simple definition, instead showing variable reproductive roles, with potential for both indirect and direct fitness benefits.

Research aimed at studying plant DNA damage caused by various stress factors is an important area of modern molecular biology and genetics. In recent decades, there has been an intensive development of methods that make it possible to analyze in detail the molecular reactions of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses, which significantly deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of plant adaptation to adverse conditions. One of the key aspects of such studies is the assessment of damage to genetic material, which plays an important role in disrupting the normal functioning of plant cells and tissues. Special attention is paid to the combined effects of stress factors such as high fever and viral infections, such as Tobacco bushy stunt virus (TBSV) infection, which can significantly disrupt DNA integrity and disrupt normal cellular processes. This, in turn, can lead to changes in the activity of key genes, DNA repair, as well as effects on the physiological and morphological characteristics of plants. In this article, we examined three methods that are actively used to assess DNA damage under combined stress conditions: COMET, TUNNEL and FISH. These methods allow for a comprehensive analysis of DNA damage, as well as to investigate their relationship to physiological and cellular changes in plants exposed to viral and temperature stress. The purpose of this study is to explore the prospects of using COMET, FISH and TUNNEL assay methods to assess the level of damage in plant DNA under the influence of abiotic and biotic stress. The research is aimed at analyzing their effectiveness, as well as identifying advantages and limitations when working with plant objects.