Evolution
- DICE: fast and accurate distance-based reconstruction of single-cell copy number phylogenies
This work presents two new computational methods for reconstructing tumor cell lineage trees from single-cell copy number data.
- Chromosome-specific barcode system with centromeric repeat in cultivated soybean and wild progenitor
A centromeric satellite DNA forms a higher order repeat structure for each chromosome in both cultivated and wild soybean genomes. This unique system provides a chromosome barcode and glimpses centromere conservation during domestication and breeding.
- ETV2 induces endothelial, but not hematopoietic, lineage specification in birds
ETV2, a master regulator of blood and vessel development in mammals, is deleted in bird genomes, and exogenous ETV2 induces endothelial lineage specification in nascent chicken mesoderm.
- FERM domain–containing proteins are active components of the cell nucleus
The information we gathered from the literature reveals that FERM domain proteins perform important and diverse functions not only in the cytoplasm, but also in the cell nucleus.
- The origin, evolution, and molecular diversity of the chemokine system
Extensive phylogenetic analysis of chemokine signalling molecules reveals the origin and evolution of canonical and non-canonical components, shedding light on the evolution of this complex system.
- Yolk-deprived Caenorhabditis elegans secure brood size at the expense of competitive fitness
Many egg-laying species lower fecundity when yolk is in short supply, but not C. elegans. They still produce abundant offspring, yet of decreased quality.
- Branch point strength controls species-specific CAMK2B alternative splicing and regulates LTP
A mechanism that contributes to species-specific alternative splicing leading to increased coding capacity of primate genomes is presented and functionality for CamK2β splicing addressed.
- Convergent evolution and horizontal gene transfer in Arctic Ocean microalgae
The Arctic Ocean stands apart from other oceans. Using multiple genomes and transcriptomes from cultured and environmental sources, we found distinct genetic modifications in Arctic microalgae consistent with biogeographically constrained trait selectivity as an adaptive force in algal evolution.
- Pandemic Vibrio cholerae acquired competitive traits from an environmental Vibrio species
Pandemic-associated Vibrio cholerae interbacterial defense genes were likely acquired through competition with and subsequent gene transfer from the fish pathogen Vibrio anguillarum.
- C-to-U RNA deamination is the driving force accelerating SARS-CoV-2 evolution
The authors propose that the host-mediated C-to-U RNA editing event, which is also affected by the RNA structure, is the driving force that accelerates SARS-CoV-2 mutation and evolution.