Transcriptomic analysis of differentially expressed genes in the oviduct of Rhacophorus omeimontis provides insights into foam nest construction

Transcriptome Analysis of Human Dermal Cells Infected with Candida auris Identified Unique Pathogenesis/Defensive Mechanisms Particularly Ferroptosis

Candida auris is an emerging multi-drug resistant yeast that can cause life-threatening infections. A recent report clarified the ability of C. auris to form a biofilm with enhanced drug resistance properties in the host skin's deep layers. The formed biofilm may initiate further bloodstream spread and immune escape. Therefore, we propose that secreted chemicals from the biofilm may facilitate fungal pathogenesis. In response to this interaction, the host skin may develop potential defensive mechanisms. Comparative transcriptomics was performed on the host dermal cells in response to indirect interaction with C. auris biofilm through Transwell inserts compared to planktonic cells. Furthermore, the effect of antifungals including caspofungin and fluconazole was studied. The obtained data showed that the dermal cells exhibited different transcriptional responses. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Reactome analyses identified potential defensive responses employed by the dermal cells and potential toxicity induced by C. auris. Additionally, our data indicated that the dominating toxic effect was mediated by ferroptosis; which was validated by qRT-PCR, cytotoxicity assay, and flow cytometry. On the other hand, the viability of C. auris biofilm was enhanced and accompanied by upregulation of MDR1, and KRE6 upon interaction with dermal cells; both genes play significant roles in drug resistance and biofilm maturation, respectively. This study for the first-time shed light on the dominating defensive responses of human dermal cells, microbe colonization site, to C. auris biofilm and its toxic effects. Further, it demonstrates how C. auris biofilm responds to the defensive mechanisms developed by the human dermal cells.

Genomic and Transcriptomic Insights into the Genetic Basis of Foam Secretion in Rice Spittlebug Callitettix versicolor

Many animal species produce protective foams, the majority of which exhibit evolutionary adaptability. Although the function and composition of foams have been widely studied, the genetic basis of foam secretion remains unknown. Unlike most species that produce foam under specific situations, spittlebugs continuously secrete foams throughout all nymphal stages. Here, we capitalize on the rice spittlebug (Callitettix versicolor) to explore the genetic basis of foam secretion through genomic and transcriptomic approaches. Our comparative genomic analysis for C. versicolor and eight other insect species reveals 606 species-specific gene families and 66 expanded gene families, associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. These functions are in accordance with the composition of foams secreted by spittlebugs. Transcriptomic analyses of malpighian tubules across developmental stages detected 3192 differentially expressed genes. Enrichment analysis of these genes highlights functions also revealed by our comparative genomic analysis and aligns with previous histochemical and morphological observations of foam secretion. This consistency suggests the important roles of these candidate genes in foam production. Our study not only provides novel insights into the genetic basis of foam secretion in rice spittlebugs but also contributes valuable knowledge for future evolutionary studies of spittlebugs and the development of pest control strategies for C. versicolor.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Intricate Gene Networks Involved in Female Development in Melon

Sexual differentiation is an important developmental phenomenon in cucurbits that directly affects fruit yield. The natural existence of multiple flower types in melon offers an inclusive structure for studying the molecular basis of sexual differentiation. The current study aimed to identify and characterize the molecular network involved in sex determination and female development in melon. Male and female pools separated by the F2 segregated generation were used for sequencing. The comparative multi-omics data revealed 551 DAPs and 594 DEGs involved in multiple pathways of melon growth and development, and based on functional annotation and enrichment analysis, we summarized four biological process modules, including ethylene biosynthesis, flower organ development, plant hormone signaling, and ubiquitinated protein metabolism, that are related to female development. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of the female developmental regulatory pathway model of ethylene biosynthesis, signal transduction, and target gene regulation identified some important candidates that might have a crucial role in female development. Two CMTs ((cytosine-5)-methyltransferase), one AdoHS (adenosylhomocysteinase), four ACSs (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase), three ACOs (ACC oxidase), two ARFs (auxin response factor), four ARPs (auxin-responsive protein), and six ERFs (Ethylene responsive factor) were identified based on various female developmental regulatory models. Our data offer new and valuable insights into female development and hold the potential to offer a deeper comprehension of sex differentiation mechanisms in melon.

Form, function, foam: evolutionary ecology of anuran nests and nesting behaviour

Amphibians exhibit an incredible diversity of reproductive and life-history strategies, including various forms of nest construction and nesting behaviour. Although anuran amphibians (frogs and toads) are not known for their nests, nesting behaviour in this clade-broadly defined as a location chosen or constructed for eggs and young-is tightly linked to the amphibious lifestyle of this group. Transitions to increasingly terrestrial living have driven reproductive diversity in anurans, including the repeated, independent evolution of nests and nesting. Indeed, a core feature of many notable anuran adaptations-including nesting behaviour-is the maintenance of an aquatic environment for developing offspring. The tight link between increasingly terrestrial reproduction and morphological, physiological and behavioural diversity in anurans provides inroads for studying the evolutionary ecology of nests, their architects and their contents. This review provides an overview of nests and nesting behaviour in anurans, highlighting areas where additional work may be particularly fruitful. I take an intentionally broad view of what constitutes nesting to highlight what we can learn from thinking and researching comparatively across anurans and vertebrates more broadly. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach'.

Safety Bubbles: A Review of the Proposed Functions of Froth Nesting among Anuran Amphibians

The adults of several anuran amphibian species deposit their eggs externally in mucus secretions that are purposely aerated to produce a froth nest. This type of clutch structure has evolved independently several times in this group and has been proposed to serve a variety and often simultaneous adaptive functions associated with protecting offspring from sub-optimal conditions during embryogenesis and later stages after hatching has occurred. These functions range from buffering offspring from sub-optimal temperatures and desiccation, to defending against predation and improving oxygenation. This versatility has likely helped facilitate the reduced reliance of egg development on water and thus the penetration of anurans into environments where permanent aquatic systems are not always available. In this paper, I review the hypothesised functions of the anuran froth nest as a mucus-based solution to the environmental challenges offspring face during development, with consideration of the functions of froth nest breakdown and communal froth nesting, as well.