scholarly journals Speciation underground in desert aquifers or just another case of hybridisation by blind beetles?

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Cooper ◽  
Barbara Langille ◽  
Josephine Hyde ◽  
William Humphreys ◽  
Andrew Austin
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Opsin Gene ◽  
Beetle Species ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
Introgressive Hybridisation ◽  
Cave Environment ◽  
The Common ◽  
Parapatric Speciation ◽  
Gene Data ◽  
Rule Out

Phylogeographic studies have provided evidence for speciation underground within the confines of a cave environment, questioning the assumption that cave animals evolved from surface ancestors (Juan et al. 2010). However, for many of these studies, it is difficult to rule out the possibility that phylogeographic patterns may have resulted from multiple colonisation events from the same ancestral surface species, introgressive hybridisation among related species, and/or the extinction of surface ancestral lineages. Such is the case for the subterranean diving beetle species (Dytiscidae) of the groundwater calcrete archipelago of central Western Australia, where more than 100 species have been described that appear to have evolved by a combination of ecological/allopatric speciation and in some cases possibly sympatric speciation. We have further explored these speciation theories by phylogeographic analyses of nuclear gene data (WG, TOPO, ARK, Cn) from 86 species in the genera Limbodessus and Paroster, including analyses of genes involved in photoreception for select Paroster taxa. Analyses provide further support for the presence of sympatric sister species, thus, rejecting the hypothesis that previous phylogeographic patterns, based on mitochondrial DNA, resulted from introgressive hybridisation. Our analyses also uncovered deleterious frameshift and stop mutations in a long wavelength opsin gene that mapped to the common ancestor of a sympatric sister triplet of stygobiont species, providing strong evidence that this ancestor was already adapted to living underground and that the species triplet evolved within the confines of a single groundwater calcrete. Our analyses show that while the majority (~75%) of these stygobiont beetle species evolved from surface ancestors, a significant number diversified underground through a process of either sympatric or parapatric speciation.

scholarly journals Opsin-based photopigments expressed in the retina of a South American pit viper, Bothrops atrox (Viperidae)

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiana Katti ◽  
Micaela Stacey-Solis ◽  
Nicole A. Coronel-Rojas ◽  
Wayne I.L. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Opsin Gene ◽  
South American ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
Rods And Cones ◽  
The Past ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Common ◽  
Cone Opsins ◽  
General Studies ◽  
Bothrops Atrox

AbstractAlthough much is known about the visual system of vertebrates in general, studies regarding vision in reptiles, and snakes in particular, are scarce. Reptiles display diverse ocular structures, including different types of retinae such as pure cone, mostly rod, or duplex retinas (containing both rods and cones); however, the same five opsin-based photopigments are found in many of these animals. It is thought that ancestral snakes were nocturnal and/or fossorial, and, as such, they have lost two pigments, but retained three visual opsin classes. These are the RH1 gene (rod opsin or rhodopsin-like-1) expressed in rods and two cone opsins, namely LWS (long-wavelength-sensitive) and SWS1 (short-wavelength-sensitive-1) genes. Until recently, the study of snake photopigments has been largely ignored. However, its importance has become clear within the past few years as studies reconsider Walls’ transmutation theory, which was first proposed in the 1930s. In this study, the visual pigments of Bothrops atrox (the common lancehead), a South American pit viper, were examined. Specifically, full-length RH1 and LWS opsin gene sequences were cloned, as well as most of the SWS1 opsin gene. These sequences were subsequently used for phylogenetic analysis and to predict the wavelength of maximum absorbance (λmax) for each photopigment. This is the first report to support the potential for rudimentary color vision in a South American viper, specifically a species that is regarded as being nocturnal.

Positive selection of the long-wavelength opsin gene in South American cichlid fishes

Hydrobiologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomaz Mansini Carrenho Fabrin ◽  
Luciano Seraphim Gasques ◽  
Rodrigo Junio da Graça ◽  
Sônia Maria Alves Pinto Prioli ◽  
Weferson Júnio da Graça ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Selection ◽  
Opsin Gene ◽  
South American ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
Cichlid Fishes ◽  
Selection Of

scholarly journals Kearns-Sayre syndrome with facial and white matter extensive involvement: a (mitochondrial and nuclear gene related?) neurocristopathy?

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agostino Berio ◽  
Attilia Piazzi ◽  
Carlo Enrico Traverso
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Neural Crest Cell ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Mtdna Mutations ◽  
Kearns Sayre Syndrome ◽  
Mtdna Deletion ◽  
The Common ◽  
Crest Cell ◽  
Extensive Involvement

The Authors report on a patient with Kearns-Sayre syndrome, large mtDNA deletion (7/kb), facial abnormalities and severe central nervous system (CNS) white matter radiological features, commonly attributed to spongy alterations. The common origin from neural crest cell (NCC) of facial structures (cartilagineous, osseous, vascular and of the peripheral nervous system) and of peripheral glia and partially of the CNS white matter are underlined and the facial and glial abnormalities are attributed to the abnormal reproduction/migration of NCC. In this view, the CNS spongy alterations in KSS may be not only a dystrophic process (leukodystrophy) but also a dysplastic condition (leukodysplasia). The Authors hypothesize that the symptoms may be related to mtDNA mutations associated to NCC nuclear gene abnormality. SOX 10 gene may be a nuclear candidate gene, as reported in some case of Waardenburg IV syndrome.

The visual pigments of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

1998 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
JEFFRY I. FASICK ◽  
THOMAS W. CRONIN ◽  
DAVID M. HUNT ◽  
PHYLLIS R. ROBINSON
Keyword(s):  
Color Vision ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Visual Pigments ◽  
Nucleotide Position ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Cone Opsin ◽  
Cone Pigments ◽  
The Common

To assess the dolphin's capacity for color vision and determine the absorption maxima of the dolphin visual pigments, we have cloned and expressed the dolphin opsin genes. On the basis of sequence homology with other mammalian opsins, a dolphin rod and long-wavelength sensitive (LWS) cone opsin cDNAs were identified. Both dolphin opsin cDNAs were expressed in mammalian COS-7 cells. The resulting proteins were reconstituted with the chromophore 11-cis-retinal resulting in functional pigments with absorption maxima (λmax) of 488 and 524 nm for the rod and cone pigments respectively. These λmax values are considerably blue shifted compared to those of many terrestrial mammals. Although the dolphin possesses a gene homologous to other mammalian short-wavelength sensitive (SWS) opsins, it is not expressed in vivo and has accumulated a number of deletions, including a frame-shift mutation at nucleotide position 31. The dolphin therefore lacks the common dichromatic form of color vision typical of most terrestrial mammals.

scholarly journals Neoxabea mexicana sp. nov. (Gryllidae: Oecanthinae): A new species from Mexico and a key for Neoxabea in North and Central America

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Nancy Collins ◽  
Carlos Gerardo Velazco-Macias
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Central America ◽  
Calling Song ◽  
Sound Recordings ◽  
Tree Cricket ◽  
The Status ◽  
Male Calling ◽  
The Common ◽  
A New Species ◽  
Rule Out

A new species of tree cricket, Neoxabea mexicanasp. nov., is described from northeast Mexico. Although it has morphological similarities to two other species found in Mexico, there are distinguishing characters, such as a well-developed tubercle on the pedicel, black markings on the maxillary palpi, one of the two pairs of spots on the female wings positioned at the base of the wings, stridulatory teeth count, and the pulse rate of the male calling song. The calling song description and pre-singing stuttering frequencies are provided. Character comparisons that rule out other species in the genus are presented. The common name given to this new species is Mexican tree cricket. Sound recordings and video are available online. We also make some clarification of the status of Neoxabea formosa (Walker, 1869), described as Oecanthus formosus, and present a key of Neoxabea in North and Central America.

Generating single-copy nuclear gene data for a recent adaptive radiation

2006 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justen B. Whittall ◽  
Andrew Medina-Marino ◽  
Elizabeth A. Zimmer ◽  
Scott A. Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Radiation ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Single Copy ◽  
Single Copy Nuclear Gene ◽  
Gene Data

Mitosis and Interphase of the Highly Polyploid Palm Voanioalagerardii (2n = 606 ± 3)

2015 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Röser
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Fluorochrome Banding ◽  
Dna Amount ◽  
Metaphase Chromosomes ◽  
Banding Patterns ◽  
High Polyploid ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Gene Data ◽  
First Time

The endemic, highly polyploid, monotypic Madagascan palm genus Voanioala (2n ≈ 606) was studied with regard to mitotic stages and interphase. Features of the cell cycle, morphology and sizes of metaphase chromosomes, fluorochrome banding patterns, and silver staining of NORs of such an extremely high polyploid organism are reported for the first time. On a whole, karyokinesis appears to be stable and efficient. A comparison with closely related palm taxa reveals that V. gerardii is 38-ploid, and comparison with the closely related genera Butia, Cocos (coconut) and Jubaea shows that Voanioala has lost ∼35% of its DNA amount subsequent to polyploidization and has suppressed between 74 and 88% of the original nucleolar organizers. About 10 active NORs are present in the nuclei. An auto- or allopolyploid origin of Voanioala is discussed with respect to currently available nuclear gene data. The biogeographic relations to Jubaeopsis, a closely related, monotypic, apparently likewise relict palm genus from eastern mainland South Africa are discussed. From a cytogenetic point of view, a common polyploid ancestor of both genera is most likely, but the available molecular phylogenetic data are not univocal.

Molecular phylogeny of Fordini (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Pemphiginae) inferred from nuclear gene EF-1 α and mitochondrial gene COI

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.C. Zhang ◽  
G.X. Qiao
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Trees ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Primary Host ◽  
Gene Coi ◽  
The Common ◽  
Different Parts ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractThe tribe Fordini is a fascinating group because of its complicated life history, primary host specificity and gall-forming characteristic. Different species produce galls with different morphology on different parts of the host plants. The EF-1α-based, COI-based and combined sequences-based phylogenetic trees with three algorithms MP, ML and Bayes all strongly suggest that Fordini is a monophyletic group with two clades corresponding to two subtribes, Fordina and Melaphidina, each also monophyletic. Some important morphological characters and primary host plants of aphids were mapped onto the phylogenetic tree to analyse the division of subtribes and to uncover at which level the aphids correspond to their primary hosts, Pistacia and Rhus. Results suggest that the division of subtribes in Fordini is closely related to host selection of aphids. The evolution of gall morphology and the probable driving force behind it in this tribe were also discussed. The Fordini aphids seem to have evolved towards a better ability to manipulate their host plant, induce strong sinks and gain high reproductive success. Galls in this tribe evolved mainly along two directions to attain this goal: (i) by enlarging the gall from small bag to spherical, even big cauliflower-like, and changing the galls' location or forming two galls in their life cycle (Fordina); (ii) by moving the gall position from midrib, petiole of the leaflet, and eventually to the common petiole of the compound leaf (Melaphidina).

scholarly journals Longitudinal evaluation of expression of virally delivered transgenes in gerbil cone photoreceptors

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
MATTHEW C. MAUCK ◽  
KATHERINE MANCUSO ◽  
JAMES A. KUCHENBECKER ◽  
THOMAS B. CONNOR ◽  
WILLIAM W. HAUSWIRTH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Meriones Unguiculatus ◽  
Opsin Gene ◽  
Post Injection ◽  
Cone Photoreceptors ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Delivery of foreign opsin genes to cone photoreceptors using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a potential tool for studying the basic mechanisms underlying cone based vision and for treating vision disorders. We used an in vivo retinal imaging system to monitor, over time, expression of virally-delivered genes targeted to cone photoreceptors in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Gerbils have a well-developed photopic visual system, with 11–14% of their photoreceptors being cones. We used replication deficient serotype 5 rAAV to deliver a gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP). In an effort to direct expression of the gene specifically to either S or M cones, the transgene was under the control of either the human X-chromosome opsin gene regulatory elements, i.e., an enhancer termed the locus control region (LCR) and L promoter, or the human S-opsin promoter. Longitudinal fluorescence images reveal that gene expression is first detectable about 14 days post-injection, reaches a peak after about 3 months, and is observed more than a year post-injection if the initial viral concentration is sufficiently high. The regulatory elements are able to direct expression to a subpopulation of cones while excluding expression in rods and non-photoreceptor retinal cells. When the same viral constructs are used to deliver a human long-wavelength opsin gene to gerbil cones, stimulation of the introduced human photopigment with long-wavelength light produces robust cone responses.

Contrasting and complex evolutionary histories within the terapontid grunter genus Hephaestus revealed by nuclear and mitochondrial genes

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 1813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley J. Pusey ◽  
Andrew Bentley ◽  
Damien Burrows ◽  
Colton Perna ◽  
Aaron Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
Cryptic Speciation ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Systematic Revision ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Mitochondrial Data ◽  
Wet Tropics ◽  
Gene Data

Contrasting evolutionary histories may be revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear information. Divergent New Guinean and eastern and western Australian lineages of Hephaestus fuliginosus (sooty grunter) were detected using mitochondrial data, with the extent of divergence consistent with cryptic speciation events. However, this phylogeographic pattern was not supported by nuclear gene data, and evidence for cryptic speciation appears driven almost entirely by introgression between H. fuliginosus and congeners on the periphery of its distribution (e.g. with H. tulliensis, H. jenkinsi or H. roemeri). Hephaestus fuliginosus is a single species with a complex evolutionary history. Introgression on the eastern coast is consistent with transfer of the mitochondrial genome of the resident species (H. tulliensis) to the invading species (H. fuliginosus) and may have provided the metabolic capacity for H. fuliginosus to spread into the cooler rainforest environment of the Wet Tropics region. Mitochondrial and nuclear analyses both identified the genus Hephaestus as polyphyletic with H. carbo and H. habbemai placed in a clade with Leiopotherapon unicolor and Amniataba percoides. The present study demonstrated the need to consider a variety of genetic information when assessing species identity in a widespread species and the need for a systematic revision of the genus and family as a whole.

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