151 results on '"Peter K. Dearden"'
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2. Immune system modulation & virus transmission during parasitism identified by multi-species transcriptomics of a declining insect biocontrol system
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Sarah N. Inwood, Thomas W. R. Harrop, Morgan W. Shields, Stephen L. Goldson, and Peter K. Dearden
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Multi-species transcriptomics ,Endoparasitoid wasp ,Parasitism ,Host-parasite interaction ,Virus transmission ,Biocontrol ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Abstract Background The Argentine stem weevil (ASW, Listronotus bonariensis) is a significant pasture pest in Aotearoa New Zealand, primarily controlled by the parasitoid biocontrol agent Microctonus hyperodae. Despite providing effective control of ASW soon after release, M. hyperodae parasitism rates have since declined significantly, with ASW hypothesised to have evolved resistance to its biocontrol agent. While the parasitism arsenal of M. hyperodae has previously been investigated, revealing many venom components and an exogenous novel DNA virus Microctonus hyperodae filamentous virus (MhFV), the effects of said arsenal on gene expression in ASW during parasitism have not been examined. In this study, we performed a multi-species transcriptomic analysis to investigate the biology of ASW parasitism by M. hyperodae, as well as the decline in efficacy of this biocontrol system. Results The transcriptomic response of ASW to parasitism by M. hyperodae involves modulation of the weevil’s innate immune system, flight muscle components, and lipid and glucose metabolism. The multispecies approach also revealed continued expression of venom components in parasitised ASW, as well as the transmission of MhFV to weevils during parasitism and some interrupted parasitism attempts. Transcriptomics did not detect a clear indication of parasitoid avoidance or other mechanisms to explain biocontrol decline. Conclusions This study has expanded our understanding of interactions between M. hyperodae and ASW in a biocontrol system of critical importance to Aotearoa-New Zealand’s agricultural economy. Transmission of MhFV to ASW during successful and interrupted parasitism attempts may link to a premature mortality phenomenon in ASW, hypothesised to be a result of a toxin-antitoxin system. Further research into MhFV and its potential role in ASW premature mortality is required to explore whether manipulation of this viral infection has the potential to increase biocontrol efficacy in future.
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- 2024
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3. Chromosome-level genome assemblies of two parasitoid biocontrol wasps reveal the parthenogenesis mechanism and an associated novel virus
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Sarah N. Inwood, John Skelly, Joseph G. Guhlin, Thomas W.R. Harrop, Stephen L. Goldson, and Peter K. Dearden
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Genome assembly ,Metagenome assembly ,Microctonus ,Endoparasitoid wasp ,Biocontrol ,Parthenogenesis ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Abstract Background Biocontrol is a key technology for the control of pest species. Microctonus parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have been released in Aotearoa New Zealand as biocontrol agents, targeting three different pest weevil species. Despite their value as biocontrol agents, no genome assemblies are currently available for these Microctonus wasps, limiting investigations into key biological differences between the different species and strains. Methods and findings Here we present high-quality genomes for Microctonus hyperodae and Microctonus aethiopoides, assembled with short read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding. These assemblies have total lengths of 106.7 Mb for M. hyperodae and 129.2 Mb for M. aethiopoides, with scaffold N50 values of 9 Mb and 23 Mb respectively. With these assemblies we investigated differences in reproductive mechanisms, and association with viruses between Microctonus wasps. Meiosis-specific genes are conserved in asexual Microctonus, with in-situ hybridisation validating expression of one of these genes in the ovaries of asexual Microctonus aethiopoides. This implies asexual reproduction in these Microctonus wasps involves meiosis, with the potential for sexual reproduction maintained. Investigation of viral gene content revealed candidate genes that may be involved in virus-like particle production in M. aethiopoides, as well as a novel virus infecting M. hyperodae, for which a complete genome was assembled. Conclusion and significance These are the first published genomes for Microctonus wasps which have been deployed as biocontrol agents, in Aotearoa New Zealand. These assemblies will be valuable resources for continued investigation and monitoring of these biocontrol systems. Understanding the biology underpinning Microctonus biocontrol is crucial if we are to maintain its efficacy, or in the case of M. hyperodae to understand what may have influenced the significant decline of biocontrol efficacy. The potential for sexual reproduction in asexual Microctonus is significant given that empirical modelling suggests this asexual reproduction is likely to have contributed to biocontrol decline. Furthermore the identification of a novel virus in M. hyperodae highlights a previously unknown aspect of this biocontrol system, which may contribute to premature mortality of the host pest. These findings have potential to be exploited in future in attempt to increase the effectiveness of M. hyperodae biocontrol.
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- 2023
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4. Hidden impacts of conservation management on fertility of the critically endangered kākāpō
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Andrew Digby, Daryl Eason, Alejandro Catalina, Michael Lierz, Stephanie Galla, Lara Urban, Marissa F. Le Lec, Joseph Guhlin, Tammy E. Steeves, Peter K. Dearden, Tineke Joustra, Caroline Lees, Tane Davis, Deidre Vercoe, and Kākāpō Recovery Team
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Kākāpō ,Fertility ,Reproduction ,Conservation management ,Genetics ,Animal behaviour ,Medicine ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Background Animal conservation often requires intensive management actions to improve reproductive output, yet any adverse effects of these may not be immediately apparent, particularly in threatened species with small populations and long lifespans. Hand-rearing is an example of a conservation management strategy which, while boosting populations, can cause long-term demographic and behavioural problems. It is used in the recovery of the critically endangered kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus), a flightless parrot endemic to New Zealand, to improve the slow population growth that is due to infrequent breeding, low fertility and low hatching success. Methods We applied Bayesian mixed models to examine whether hand-rearing and other factors were associated with clutch fertility in kākāpō. We used projection predictive variable selection to compare the relative contributions to fertility from the parents’ rearing environment, their age and previous copulation experience, the parental kinship, and the number of mates and copulations for each clutch. We also explored how the incidence of repeated copulations and multiple mates varied with kākāpō density. Results The rearing status of the clutch father and the number of mates and copulations of the clutch mother were the dominant factors in predicting fertility. Clutches were less likely to be fertile if the father was hand-reared compared to wild-reared, but there was no similar effect for mothers. Clutches produced by females copulating with different males were more likely to be fertile than those from repeated copulations with one male, which in turn had a higher probability of fertility than those from a single copulation. The likelihood of multiple copulations and mates increased with female:male adult sex ratio, perhaps as a result of mate guarding by females. Parental kinship, copulation experience and age all had negligible associations with clutch fertility. Conclusions These results provide a rare assessment of factors affecting fertility in a wild threatened bird species, with implications for conservation management. The increased fertility due to multiple mates and copulations, combined with the evidence for mate guarding and previous results of kākāpō sperm morphology, suggests that an evolutionary mechanism exists to optimise fertility through sperm competition in kākāpō. The high frequency of clutches produced from single copulations in the contemporary population may therefore represent an unnatural state, perhaps due to too few females. This suggests that opportunity for sperm competition should be maximised by increasing population densities, optimising sex ratios, and using artificial insemination. The lower fertility of hand-reared males may result from behavioural defects due to lack of exposure to conspecifics at critical development stages, as seen in other taxa. This potential negative impact of hand-rearing must be balanced against the short-term benefits it provides.
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- 2023
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5. A single fungal strain was the unexpected cause of a mass aspergillosis outbreak in the world’s largest and only flightless parrot
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David J. Winter, Bevan S. Weir, Travis Glare, Johanna Rhodes, John Perrott, Matthew C. Fisher, Jason E. Stajich, Andrew Digby, Peter K. Dearden, and Murray P. Cox
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Animals ,Microbiology ,Microbiology parasite ,Parasitology ,Science - Abstract
Summary: Kākāpō are a critically endangered species of parrots restricted to a few islands off the coast of New Zealand. Kākāpō are very closely monitored, especially during nesting seasons. In 2019, during a highly successful nesting season, an outbreak of aspergillosis affected 21 individuals and led to the deaths of 9, leaving a population of only 211 kākāpō. In monitoring this outbreak, cultures of aspergillus were grown, and genome sequenced. These sequences demonstrate that, very unusually for an aspergillus outbreak, a single strain of aspergillus caused the outbreak. This strain was found on two islands, but only one had an outbreak of aspergillosis; indicating that the strain was necessary, but not sufficient, to cause disease. Our analysis provides an understanding of the 2019 outbreak and provides potential ways to manage such events in the future.
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- 2022
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6. Five animal phyla in glacier ice reveal unprecedented biodiversity in New Zealand's Southern Alps
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Daniel H. Shain, Philip M. Novis, Andrew G. Cridge, Krzysztof Zawierucha, Anthony J. Geneva, and Peter K. Dearden
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Glacier ice is an extreme environment in which most animals cannot survive. Here we report the colonization of high elevation, climate-threatened glaciers along New Zealand’s southwestern coast by species of Arthropoda, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Rotifera and Tardigrada. Based on DNA barcoding and haplotype-inferred evidence for deep genetic variability, at least 12 undescribed species are reported, some of which have persisted in this niche habitat throughout the Pleistocene. These findings identify not only an atypical biodiversity hotspot but also highlight the adaptive plasticity of microinvertebrate Animalia.
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- 2021
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7. High-Quality Assemblies for Three Invasive Social Wasps from the Vespula Genus
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Thomas W. R. Harrop, Joseph Guhlin, Gemma M. McLaughlin, Elizabeth Permina, Peter Stockwell, Josh Gilligan, Marissa F. Le Lec, Monica A. M. Gruber, Oliver Quinn, Mackenzie Lovegrove, Elizabeth J. Duncan, Emily J. Remnant, Jens Van Eeckhoven, Brittany Graham, Rosemary A. Knapp, Kyle W. Langford, Zev Kronenberg, Maximilian O. Press, Stephen M. Eacker, Erin E. Wilson-Rankin, Jessica Purcell, Philip J. Lester, and Peter K. Dearden
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vespula germanica ,vespula pensylvanica ,vespula vulgaris ,hymenoptera ,social insects ,genomes ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Social wasps of the genus Vespula have spread to nearly all landmasses worldwide and have become significant pests in their introduced ranges, affecting economies and biodiversity. Comprehensive genome assemblies and annotations for these species are required to develop the next generation of control strategies and monitor existing chemical control. We sequenced and annotated the genomes of the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), German wasp (Vespula germanica), and the western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica). Our chromosome-level Vespula assemblies each contain 176–179 Mb of total sequence assembled into 25 scaffolds, with 10–200 unanchored scaffolds, and 16,566–18,948 genes. We annotated gene sets relevant to the applied management of invasive wasp populations, including genes associated with spermatogenesis and development, pesticide resistance, olfactory receptors, immunity and venom. These genomes provide evidence for active DNA methylation in Vespidae and tandem duplications of venom genes. Our genomic resources will contribute to the development of next-generation control strategies, and monitoring potential resistance to chemical control.
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- 2020
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8. Population genomics of the critically endangered kākāpō
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Nicolas Dussex, Tom van der Valk, Hernán E. Morales, Christopher W. Wheat, David Díez-del-Molino, Johanna von Seth, Yasmin Foster, Verena E. Kutschera, Katerina Guschanski, Arang Rhie, Adam M. Phillippy, Jonas Korlach, Kerstin Howe, William Chow, Sarah Pelan, Joanna D. Mendes Damas, Harris A. Lewin, Alex R. Hastie, Giulio Formenti, Olivier Fedrigo, Joseph Guhlin, Thomas W.R. Harrop, Marissa F. Le Lec, Peter K. Dearden, Leanne Haggerty, Fergal J. Martin, Vamsi Kodali, Françoise Thibaud-Nissen, David Iorns, Michael Knapp, Neil J. Gemmell, Fiona Robertson, Ron Moorhouse, Andrew Digby, Daryl Eason, Deidre Vercoe, Jason Howard, Erich D. Jarvis, Bruce C. Robertson, and Love Dalén
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kākāpō ,mutational load ,inbreeding ,purging ,bottleneck ,conservation ,Genetics ,QH426-470 ,Internal medicine ,RC31-1245 - Abstract
Summary: The kākāpō is a flightless parrot endemic to New Zealand. Once common in the archipelago, only 201 individuals remain today, most of them descending from an isolated island population. We report the first genome-wide analyses of the species, including a high-quality genome assembly for kākāpō, one of the first chromosome-level reference genomes sequenced by the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP). We also sequenced and analyzed 35 modern genomes from the sole surviving island population and 14 genomes from the extinct mainland population. While theory suggests that such a small population is likely to have accumulated deleterious mutations through genetic drift, our analyses on the impact of the long-term small population size in kākāpō indicate that present-day island kākāpō have a reduced number of harmful mutations compared to mainland individuals. We hypothesize that this reduced mutational load is due to the island population having been subjected to a combination of genetic drift and purging of deleterious mutations, through increased inbreeding and purifying selection, since its isolation from the mainland ∼10,000 years ago. Our results provide evidence that small populations can survive even when isolated for hundreds of generations. This work provides key insights into kākāpō breeding and recovery and more generally into the application of genetic tools in conservation efforts for endangered species.
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- 2021
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9. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of a wing-dimorphic stonefly reveals candidate wing loss genes
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Graham A. McCulloch, Andrew Oliphant, Peter K. Dearden, Andrew J. Veale, Charles W. Ellen, and Jonathan M. Waters
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Vestigial winged ,Wing development ,Gene expression ,Zelandoperla fenestrata ,Evolution ,QH359-425 - Abstract
Abstract Background The genetic basis of wing development has been well characterised for model insect species, but remains poorly understood in phylogenetically divergent, non-model taxa. Wing-polymorphic insect species potentially provide ideal systems for unravelling the genetic basis of secondary wing reduction. Stoneflies (Plecoptera) represent an anciently derived insect assemblage for which the genetic basis of wing polymorphism remains unclear. We undertake quantitative RNA-seq of sympatric full-winged versus vestigial-winged nymphs of a widespread wing-dimorphic New Zealand stonefly, Zelandoperla fenestrata, to identify genes potentially involved in wing development and secondary wing loss. Results Our analysis reveals substantial differential expression of wing-development genes between full-winged versus vestigial-winged stonefly ecotypes. Specifically, of 23 clusters showing significant similarity to Drosophila wing development-related genes and their pea aphid orthologues, nine were significantly upregulated in full-winged stonefly ecotypes, whereas only one cluster (teashirt) was substantially upregulated in the vestigial-winged ecotype. Conclusions These findings suggest remarkable conservation of key wing-development pathways throughout 400 Ma of insect evolution. The finding that two Juvenile Hormone pathway clusters were significantly upregulated in vestigial-winged Zelandoperla supports the hypothesis that Juvenile Hormone may play a key role in modulating insect wing polymorphism, as has previously been suggested for other insect lineages.
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- 2019
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10. Molecular evolutionary trends and feeding ecology diversification in the Hemiptera, anchored by the milkweed bug genome
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Kristen A. Panfilio, Iris M. Vargas Jentzsch, Joshua B. Benoit, Deniz Erezyilmaz, Yuichiro Suzuki, Stefano Colella, Hugh M. Robertson, Monica F. Poelchau, Robert M. Waterhouse, Panagiotis Ioannidis, Matthew T. Weirauch, Daniel S. T. Hughes, Shwetha C. Murali, John H. Werren, Chris G. C. Jacobs, Elizabeth J. Duncan, David Armisén, Barbara M. I. Vreede, Patrice Baa-Puyoulet, Chloé S. Berger, Chun-che Chang, Hsu Chao, Mei-Ju M. Chen, Yen-Ta Chen, Christopher P. Childers, Ariel D. Chipman, Andrew G. Cridge, Antonin J. J. Crumière, Peter K. Dearden, Elise M. Didion, Huyen Dinh, Harsha Vardhan Doddapaneni, Amanda Dolan, Shannon Dugan, Cassandra G. Extavour, Gérard Febvay, Markus Friedrich, Neta Ginzburg, Yi Han, Peter Heger, Christopher J. Holmes, Thorsten Horn, Yi-min Hsiao, Emily C. Jennings, J. Spencer Johnston, Tamsin E. Jones, Jeffery W. Jones, Abderrahman Khila, Stefan Koelzer, Viera Kovacova, Megan Leask, Sandra L. Lee, Chien-Yueh Lee, Mackenzie R. Lovegrove, Hsiao-ling Lu, Yong Lu, Patricia J. Moore, Monica C. Munoz-Torres, Donna M. Muzny, Subba R. Palli, Nicolas Parisot, Leslie Pick, Megan L. Porter, Jiaxin Qu, Peter N. Refki, Rose Richter, Rolando Rivera-Pomar, Andrew J. Rosendale, Siegfried Roth, Lena Sachs, M. Emília Santos, Jan Seibert, Essia Sghaier, Jayendra N. Shukla, Richard J. Stancliffe, Olivia Tidswell, Lucila Traverso, Maurijn van der Zee, Séverine Viala, Kim C. Worley, Evgeny M. Zdobnov, Richard A. Gibbs, and Stephen Richards
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Phytophagy ,Transcription factors ,Gene structure ,Lateral gene transfer ,RNAi ,Gene family evolution ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Abstract Background The Hemiptera (aphids, cicadas, and true bugs) are a key insect order, with high diversity for feeding ecology and excellent experimental tractability for molecular genetics. Building upon recent sequencing of hemipteran pests such as phloem-feeding aphids and blood-feeding bed bugs, we present the genome sequence and comparative analyses centered on the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus, a seed feeder of the family Lygaeidae. Results The 926-Mb Oncopeltus genome is well represented by the current assembly and official gene set. We use our genomic and RNA-seq data not only to characterize the protein-coding gene repertoire and perform isoform-specific RNAi, but also to elucidate patterns of molecular evolution and physiology. We find ongoing, lineage-specific expansion and diversification of repressive C2H2 zinc finger proteins. The discovery of intron gain and turnover specific to the Hemiptera also prompted the evaluation of lineage and genome size as predictors of gene structure evolution. Furthermore, we identify enzymatic gains and losses that correlate with feeding biology, particularly for reductions associated with derived, fluid nutrition feeding. Conclusions With the milkweed bug, we now have a critical mass of sequenced species for a hemimetabolous insect order and close outgroup to the Holometabola, substantially improving the diversity of insect genomics. We thereby define commonalities among the Hemiptera and delve into how hemipteran genomes reflect distinct feeding ecologies. Given Oncopeltus’s strength as an experimental model, these new sequence resources bolster the foundation for molecular research and highlight technical considerations for the analysis of medium-sized invertebrate genomes.
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- 2019
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11. Phenotypic Plasticity: What Has DNA Methylation Got to Do with It?
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Elizabeth J. Duncan, Christopher B. Cunningham, and Peter K. Dearden
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behaviour ,development ,DNA methylation ,epigenetics ,phenotypic plasticity ,Science - Abstract
How does one genome give rise to multiple, often markedly different, phenotypes in response to an environmental cue? This phenomenon, known as phenotypic plasticity, is common amongst plants and animals, but arguably the most striking examples are seen in insects. Well-known insect examples include seasonal morphs of butterfly wing patterns, sexual and asexual reproduction in aphids, and queen and worker castes of eusocial insects. Ultimately, we need to understand how phenotypic plasticity works at a mechanistic level; how do environmental signals alter gene expression, and how are changes in gene expression translated into novel morphology, physiology and behaviour? Understanding how plasticity works is of major interest in evolutionary-developmental biology and may have implications for understanding how insects respond to global change. It has been proposed that epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, are the key link between environmental cues and changes in gene expression. Here, we review the available evidence on the function of DNA methylation of insects, the possible role(s) for DNA methylation in phenotypic plasticity and also highlight key outstanding questions in this field as well as new experimental approaches to address these questions.
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- 2022
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12. The Pacific Biosciences de novo assembled genome dataset from a parthenogenetic New Zealand wild population of the longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, 1901
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Felix D. Guerrero, Kylie G. Bendele, Noushin Ghaffari, Joseph Guhlin, Kristene R. Gedye, Kevin E. Lawrence, Peter K. Dearden, Thomas W.R. Harrop, Allen C.G. Heath, Yanni Lun, Richard P. Metz, Pete Teel, Adalberto Perez de Leon, Patrick J. Biggs, William E. Pomroy, Charles D. Johnson, Philip D. Blood, Stanley E. Bellgard, and Daniel M. Tompkins
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Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 ,Science (General) ,Q1-390 - Abstract
The longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, feeds upon a wide range of bird and mammalian hosts. Mammalian hosts include cattle, deer, sheep, goats, humans, and horses. This tick is known to transmit a number of pathogens causing tick-borne diseases, and was the vector of a recent serious outbreak of oriental theileriosis in New Zealand. A New Zealand-USA consortium was established to sequence, assemble, and annotate the genome of this tick, using ticks obtained from New Zealand's North Island. In New Zealand, the tick is considered exclusively parthenogenetic and this trait was deemed useful for genome assembly. Very high molecular weight genomic DNA was sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq4000 and the long-read Pac Bio Sequel platforms. Twenty-eight SMRT cells produced a total of 21.3 million reads which were assembled with Canu on a reserved supercomputer node with access to 12 TB of RAM, running continuously for over 24 days. The final assembly dataset consisted of 34,211 contigs with an average contig length of 215,205 bp. The quality of the annotated genome was assessed by BUSCO analysis, an approach that provides quantitative measures for the quality of an assembled genome. Over 95% of the BUSCO gene set was found in the assembled genome. Only 48 of the 1066 BUSCO genes were missing and only 9 were present in a fragmented condition. The raw sequencing reads and the assembled contigs/scaffolds are archived at the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Keywords: Tick genome, Pac Bio de novo assembly, Genome annotation, Cattle tick
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- 2019
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13. First complete mitochondrial genome of a Gripopterygid stonefly from the sub-order Antarctoperlaria: Zelandoperla fenestrata
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Andrew J. Veale, Peter K. Dearden, and Jonathan M. Waters
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plecoptera ,polyneoptera ,mitogenome ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Plecoptera (stoneflies) are an anciently derived order of freshwater insects with two divergent suborders Antarctoperlaria in the southern hemisphere and Arctoperlaria primarily in the northern hemisphere. In this paper, we present the first published mitochondrial genome of an Antarctoperlarian stonefly: the New Zealand stonefly Zelandoperla fenestrata. The Z. fenestrata mitochondrial genome is 16,385 bp, with the typical insect mitogenome complement of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and two rRNA genes, along with a A + T rich control region. This mitogenome will be of interest to the study of evolutionary divergence within Polyneoptera, and will aid in phylogeographic studies of this species.
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- 2019
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14. Analysis of the genome of the New Zealand giant collembolan (Holacanthella duospinosa) sheds light on hexapod evolution
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Chen Wu, Melissa D. Jordan, Richard D. Newcomb, Neil J. Gemmell, Sarah Bank, Karen Meusemann, Peter K. Dearden, Elizabeth J. Duncan, Sefanie Grosser, Kim Rutherford, Paul P. Gardner, Ross N. Crowhurst, Bernd Steinwender, Leah K. Tooman, Mark I. Stevens, and Thomas R. Buckley
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Hexapoda ,Neanuridae ,Genome assembly ,Phylogenomics ,Methylation ,Epigenetics ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Abstract Background The New Zealand collembolan genus Holacanthella contains the largest species of springtails (Collembola) in the world. Using Illumina technology we have sequenced and assembled a draft genome and transcriptome from Holacanthella duospinosa (Salmon). We have used this annotated assembly to investigate the genetic basis of a range of traits critical to the evolution of the Hexapoda, the phylogenetic position of H. duospinosa and potential horizontal gene transfer events. Results Our genome assembly was ~375 Mbp in size with a scaffold N50 of ~230 Kbp and sequencing coverage of ~180×. DNA elements, LTRs and simple repeats and LINEs formed the largest components and SINEs were very rare. Phylogenomics (370,877 amino acids) placed H. duospinosa within the Neanuridae. We recovered orthologs of the conserved sex determination genes thought to play a role in sex determination. Analysis of CpG content suggested the absence of DNA methylation, and consistent with this we were unable to detect orthologs of the DNA methyltransferase enzymes. The small subunit rRNA gene contained a possible retrotransposon. The Hox gene complex was broken over two scaffolds. For chemosensory ability, at least 15 and 18 ionotropic glutamate and gustatory receptors were identified, respectively. However, we were unable to identify any odorant receptors or their obligate co-receptor Orco. Twenty-three chitinase-like genes were identified from the assembly. Members of this multigene family may play roles in the digestion of fungal cell walls, a common food source for these saproxylic organisms. We also detected 59 and 96 genes that blasted to bacteria and fungi, respectively, but were located on scaffolds that otherwise contained arthropod genes. Conclusions The genome of H. duospinosa contains some unusual features including a Hox complex broken over two scaffolds, in a different manner to other arthropod species, a lack of odorant receptor genes and an apparent lack of environmentally responsive DNA methylation, unlike many other arthropods. Our detection of candidate horizontal gene transfer candidates confirms that this phenomenon is occurring across Collembola. These findings allow us to narrow down the regions of the arthropod phylogeny where key innovations have occurred that have facilitated the evolutionary success of Hexapoda.
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- 2017
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15. The torso-like gene functions to maintain the structure of the vitelline membrane in Nasonia vitripennis, implying its co-option into Drosophila axis formation
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Shannon E. Taylor, Jack Tuffery, Daniel Bakopoulos, Sharon Lequeux, Coral G. Warr, Travis K. Johnson, and Peter K. Dearden
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Vitelline membrane ,Terminal patterning ,Axis formation ,Nasonia ,Drosophila ,Evolution of development ,Science ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Axis specification is a fundamental developmental process. Despite this, the mechanisms by which it is controlled across insect taxa are strikingly different. An excellent example of this is terminal patterning, which in Diptera such as Drosophila melanogaster occurs via the localized activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Torso. In Hymenoptera, however, the same process appears to be achieved via localized mRNA. How these mechanisms evolved and what they evolved from remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that torso-like, known for its role in Drosophila terminal patterning, is instead required for the integrity of the vitelline membrane in the hymenopteran wasp Nasonia vitripennis. We find that other genes known to be involved in Drosophila terminal patterning, such as torso and Ptth, also do not function in Nasonia embryonic development. These findings extended to orthologues of Drosophila vitelline membrane proteins known to play a role in localizing Torso-like in Drosophila; in Nasonia these are instead required for dorso–ventral patterning, gastrulation and potentially terminal patterning. Our data underscore the importance of the vitelline membrane in insect development, and implies phenotypes caused by knockdown of torso-like must be interpreted in light of its function in the vitelline membrane. In addition, our data imply that the signalling components of the Drosophila terminal patterning systems were co-opted from roles in regulating moulting, and co-option into terminal patterning involved the evolution of a novel interaction with the vitelline membrane protein Torso-like. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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- 2019
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16. TCR- or Cytokine-Activated CD8+ Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Are Rapid Polyfunctional Effectors That Can Coordinate Immune Responses
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Rajesh Lamichhane, Marion Schneider, Sara M. de la Harpe, Thomas W.R. Harrop, Rachel F. Hannaway, Peter K. Dearden, Joanna R. Kirman, Joel D.A. Tyndall, Andrea J. Vernall, and James E. Ussher
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Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Summary: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells can be activated via either their T cell receptor (TCR), which recognizes MR1-bound pyrimidines derived from microbial riboflavin biosynthesis, or via cytokines. These two modes of activation may act in concert or independently, depending upon the stimulus. It is unknown, however, how MAIT cell responses differ with the mode of activation. Here, we define transcriptional and effector responses of human CD8+ MAIT cells to TCR and cytokine stimulation. We report that MAIT cells rapidly respond to TCR stimulation, producing multiple cytokines and chemokines, altering their cytotoxic granule content and transcription factor expression, and upregulating co-stimulatory proteins. In contrast, cytokine-mediated activation is slower and results in a more limited response. Therefore, we propose that, in infections by riboflavin-synthesizing bacteria, MAIT cells play a key early role in effecting and coordinating immune responses, while in the absence of TCR stimulation, their role is likely to differ. : Lamichhane et al. compare the response of human CD8+ mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells to T cell receptor (TCR) and cytokine stimuli, demonstrating distinct transcriptional responses. Early TCR-stimulated MAIT cells are polyfunctional and produce multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In contrast, response to cytokine stimulation is more restricted. Keywords: mucosal-associated invariant T cells, T cell receptor, interleukin-12, interleukin-18, activation, effector functions, transcriptome, transcription factors
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- 2019
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17. Notch signalling mediates reproductive constraint in the adult worker honeybee
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Elizabeth J. Duncan, Otto Hyink, and Peter K. Dearden
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Science - Abstract
In honeybees, pheromones produced by the queen inhibit reproduction by workers and enforce a eusocial division of labour. Here, Duncan, Hyink and Dearden show that this inhibition is mediated by the Notch signalling pathway in the workers' ovaries.
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- 2016
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18. Genetic Diversity in Invasive Populations of Argentine Stem Weevil Associated with Adaptation to Biocontrol
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Thomas W. R. Harrop, Marissa F. Le Lec, Ruy Jauregui, Shannon E. Taylor, Sarah N. Inwood, Tracey van Stijn, Hannah Henry, John Skelly, Siva Ganesh, Rachael L. Ashby, Jeanne M. E. Jacobs, Stephen L. Goldson, and Peter K. Dearden
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biological control ,invasive species ,argentine stem weevil ,population genetics ,genotyping-by-sequencing ,Science - Abstract
Modified, agricultural landscapes are susceptible to damage by insect pests. Biological control of pests is typically successful once a control agent has established, but this depends on the agent’s capacity to co-evolve with the host. Theoretical studies have shown that different levels of genetic variation between the host and the control agent will lead to rapid evolution of resistance in the host. Although this has been reported in one instance, the underlying genetics have not been studied. To address this, we measured the genetic variation in New Zealand populations of the pasture pest, Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis), which is controlled with declining effectiveness by a parasitoid wasp, Microctonus hyperodae. We constructed a draft reference genome of the weevil, collected samples from a geographical survey of 10 sites around New Zealand, and genotyped them using a modified genotyping-by-sequencing approach. New Zealand populations of Argentine stem weevil have high levels of heterozygosity and low population structure, consistent with a large effective population size and frequent gene flow. This implies that Argentine stem weevils were able to evolve more rapidly than their biocontrol agent, which reproduces asexually. These findings show that monitoring genetic diversity in biocontrol agents and their targets is critical for long-term success of biological control.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. The complete mitogenome sequence of the agricultural pest, clover root weevil: the key to its own demise?
- Author
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Rami A. Al-Jiab, Joanne Gillum, Alana Alexander, Daniel M. Tompkins, Craig B. Phillips, Peter K. Dearden, and Neil J. Gemmell
- Subjects
complete mitochondrial sequence ,sitona obsoletus ,sitona lepidus ,sitona flavescens ,trojan female technique ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
We report the complete mitogenome of Sitona obsoletus, an agricultural pest in New Zealand and some European countries. Like other Sitona mitogenomes, the 6 tRNA gene box is ordered RNSAEF, supporting the hypothesis that this signature is common to, and potentially diagnostic, of this genus. The Trojan Female Technique (TFT) is a genetic pest control strategy that exploits mitochondrial DNA alleles that affect male, but not female fertility and fitness. The complete mitogenome is an essential first step in exploring the utility of TFT for the control of S. obsoletus.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. What Do Studies of Insect Polyphenisms Tell Us about Nutritionally-Triggered Epigenomic Changes and Their Consequences?
- Author
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Andrew G. Cridge, Megan P. Leask, Elizabeth J. Duncan, and Peter K. Dearden
- Subjects
polyphenisms ,epigenetics ,DNA methylation ,chromatin structure ,insect models ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,TX341-641 - Abstract
Many insects are capable of remarkable changes in biology and form in response to their environment or diet. The most extreme example of these are polyphenisms, which are when two or more different phenotypes are produced from a single genotype in response to the environment. Polyphenisms provide a fascinating opportunity to study how the environment affects an animal’s genome, and how this produces changes in form. Here we review the current state of knowledge of the molecular basis of polyphenisms and what can be learnt from them to understand how nutrition may influence our own genomes.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Microinvertebrate Colonization of New Zealand’s Thermally Extreme Environments
- Author
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Daniel H. Shain, Nataliia S. Iakovenko, Andrew G. Cridge, Philip M. Novis, Vítězslav Plášek, and Peter K. Dearden
- Subjects
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Published
- 2022
22. The promise and challenges of characterizing genome‐wide structural variants: A case study in a critically endangered parrot
- Author
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Jana R. Wold, Joseph G. Guhlin, Peter K. Dearden, Anna W. Santure, and Tammy E. Steeves
- Subjects
Genetics ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Biotechnology - Published
- 2023
23. Evolution: Hidden homologies may underpin the diversity of arthropods
- Author
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Peter K, Dearden
- Subjects
Insecta ,Crustacea ,Animals ,Wings, Animal ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,Arthropods ,Biological Evolution ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology - Abstract
Arthropods are remarkable for the diversity of their exoskeletons. A new study shows that these structures, from crustacean carapaces to insect wings, may be homologous and derived from hidden developmental structures preserved through arthropod evolution.
- Published
- 2022
24. Management tools for genetic diversity in an isolated population of the honeybee (
- Author
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Gertje E. L. Petersen, Peter F. Fennessy, and Peter K. Dearden
- Subjects
Genetic diversity ,Beekeeping ,education.field_of_study ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Population ,Context (language use) ,Geography ,Sustainability ,Animal Science and Zoology ,education ,Environmental planning ,Genotyping ,Selection (genetic algorithm) ,Food Science ,Diversity (politics) ,media_common - Abstract
Context Beekeepers and honeybee queen breeders alike currently have few tools at their disposal for the management of genetic diversity inside their populations. Pedigree information is often absent, beekeepers cannot afford to genotype selection candidates due to costs, and acquisition of material for genotyping without risk to individual queen bees is difficult. However, in New World honeybee populations where import of additional genetic material to refresh the population is restricted (e.g. Australia) or impossible (e.g. New Zealand), management of genetic diversity is important for population sustainability. While the role of individual beekeepers in maintaining genetic resources becomes crucial under these circumstances, a more holistic approach to the management of genetic diversity is needed to allow for maximum impact of their contribution. Aims The establishment of affordable genotyping methodologies for successful strategies in managing honeybee genetic diversity, as well as the necessary delivery systems for the results to support the beekeeping community by providing interpretation in the context of the wider population. Methods Genotyping-by-sequencing of honeybee samples collected as part of a national survey were used as the basis for assessment of New Zealand’s honeybee genetic diversity and development of a tool with largely self-explanatory outputs that can be used directly by beekeepers. Key results It would appear that New Zealand’s honeybee population is sufficiently diverse to maintain population viability. However, both within regions and within companies, genetic diversity is significantly reduced, especially in the case of specialised queen breeders, indicating that active management will be necessary to achieve long-term sustainability. Conclusions Interactive tools are needed to help beekeepers understand their role in maintaining overall genetic diversity in the honeybee population as well as the potential impact of planned bee movement and queen acquisitions. Regular rounds of voluntary bee sampling can be used as the basis for management decisions without concentrating genotyping load on specific operators and restricting diversity assessments to subpopulations. Implications The described strategy is expected to both improve the outlook of New Zealand’s honeybee population as a whole and facilitate stringent genetic improvement programs by enabling queen breeders to make informed selection decisions and giving beekeepers confidence in the viability of their population.
- Published
- 2021
25. Germ-stem cells and oocyte production in the Honeybee Queen Ovary
- Author
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Georgia Cullen, Joshua B. Gilligan, Joseph G. Guhlin, and Peter K. Dearden
- Abstract
Understanding the reproduction of honeybee queens is crucial to support populations of this economically important insect. Here we examine the structure of the honeybee ovary to determine the nature of the germ-stem cells in the ovary. Using a panel of marker genes that mark somatic or germ-line tissue in other insects we determine which cells in the honeybee ovary are somatic and which germline. We examine patterns of cell division, and demonstrate that, unlike Drosophila, there are no single germ-line stem cells that provide the germ-line in honeybees. Germ-line stem cells are clustered in groups of 8 cells, joined by a polyfusome, and collections of these, in each ovariole, maintain the germ-line during reproduction. We also show that these 8-cell clusters can divide, and that their division occurs such that the numbers of germ-line stem cells are relatively constant over the reproductive life of queen honeybees. This information helps us to understand the diversity of structures in insects reproduction, and provide information to better support honeybee reproduction.
- Published
- 2022
26. The parthenogenesis mechanism and venom complement of the parasitoid wasp Microctonus hyperodae, a declining biocontrol agent
- Author
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Sarah N. Inwood, Thomas W.R. Harrop, and Peter K. Dearden
- Abstract
A biocontrol system in New Zealand using the endoparasitoid Microctonus hyperodae is failing, despite once being one of the most successful examples of classical biocontrol worldwide. In this study, RNA-seq was used to characterise two key traits of M. hyperodae in this system, the venom complement, critical for the initial success of biocontrol, and the asexual reproduction, which influenced the decline. Full characterisation of M. hyperodae venom revealed 82 candidate venom transcripts with both signal peptides and significantly higher expression in venom. Among these were many involved in manipulating the host environment to source nutrition for the parasitoid egg, preventing a host immune response against the egg, as well as two components that may stimulate the host’s innate immune system. Notably lacking from this list was calreticulin, as it also had high expression in the ovaries. In-situ hybridisation revealed expression was localised to the follicle cells, which may result in the deposition of calreticulin into the egg exochorion. Investigating the asexual reproduction of M. hyperodae revealed core meiosis-specific genes had conserved expression patterns with the highest expression in the ovaries, suggesting M. hyperodae parthenogenesis involves meiosis and the potential for sexual reproduction may have been retained. Upregulation of genes involved in endoreduplication provides a potential mechanism for the restoration of diploidy in eggs after meiosis.
- Published
- 2022
27. The venom composition and parthenogenesis mechanism of the parasitoid wasp Microctonus hyperodae, a declining biocontrol agent
- Author
-
Sarah N. Inwood, Thomas W.R. Harrop, and Peter K. Dearden
- Subjects
Insect Science ,Molecular Biology ,Biochemistry - Abstract
A biocontrol system in New Zealand using the endoparasitoid Microctonus hyperodae is failing, despite once being one of the most successful examples of classical biocontrol worldwide. Though it is of significant economic importance as a control agent, little is known about the genetics of M. hyperodae. In this study, RNA-seq was used to characterise two key traits of M. hyperodae in this system, the venom, critical for the initial success of biocontrol, and the asexual reproduction mode, which influenced biocontrol decline. Expanded characterisation of M. hyperodae venom revealed candidates involved in manipulating the host environment to source nutrition for the parasitoid egg, preventing a host immune response against the egg, as well as two components that may stimulate the host's innate immune system. Notably lacking from the venom-specific expression list was calreticulin, as it also had high expression in the ovaries. In-situ hybridisation revealed this ovarian expression was localised to the follicle cells, which may result in the deposition of calreticulin into the egg exochorion. Investigating the asexual reproduction of M. hyperodae revealed core meiosis-specific genes had conserved expression patterns with the highest expression in the ovaries, suggesting M. hyperodae parthenogenesis involves meiosis and that the potential for sexual reproduction may have been retained. Upregulation of genes involved in endoreduplication provides a potential mechanism for the restoration of diploidy in eggs after meiosis.
- Published
- 2022
28. Two new tardigrade genera from New Zealand's Southern Alp glaciers display morphological stasis and parallel evolution
- Author
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Krzysztof Zawierucha, Daniel Stec, Peter K. Dearden, and Daniel H. Shain
- Subjects
RNA, Ribosomal, 28S ,Genetics ,Tardigrada ,Animals ,Ice Cover ,Molecular Biology ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Phylogeny ,New Zealand - Abstract
Tardigrada is an invertebrate phylum that often constitutes a dominant micrometazoan group on glaciers worldwide. We investigated tardigrades residing in surface ice above the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) on three temperate glaciers of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Morphological, morphometric and multilocus DNA analyses (CO1, 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2) revealed two new genera comprising four species, of which two are formally described here: Kopakaius gen. nov. nicolae sp. nov. and Kararehius gen. nov. gregorii sp. nov. The former is represented by three genetically distinct phyletic lineages akin to species. According to CO1, Kopakaius gen. nov. nicolae sp. nov. inhabits Whataroa Glacier only while the remaining two Kopakaius species occur on Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, suggesting low dispersal capabilities. Although morphological characteristics of the new genera could indicate affinity with the subfamily Itaquasconinae, phylogenetic analysis placed them confidently in the subfamily Diphasconinae. Kopakaius gen. nov. lack placoids in the pharynx similar with some Itaquasconinae, whereas dark pigmentation and claw shape aligns them with the glacier-obligate genus, Cryobiotus (subfamily Hypsibiinae), which is an example of parallel evolution. The second genus, Kararehius gen nov. could be classified as Adropion-like (subfamily Itaquasconinae), but differs greatly by genetics (placed in the subfamily Diphasconinae) as well as morphology (e.g., lack of septulum), exemplify deep stasis in Hypsibiidae. Our results suggest that glacier fragmentation during the Pleistocene triggered tardigrade speciation, making it a suitable model for studies on allopatric divergence in glacier meiofauna.
- Published
- 2022
29. Noggin proteins are multifunctional extracellular regulators of cell signaling
- Author
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Prashath Karunaraj, Olivia Tidswell, Elizabeth J Duncan, Mackenzie R Lovegrove, Grace Jefferies, Travis K Johnson, Caroline W Beck, and Peter K Dearden
- Subjects
animal structures ,embryonic structures ,Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ,Genetics ,Animals ,Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ,Proteins ,Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ,Body Patterning ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
Noggin is an extracellular cysteine knot protein that plays a crucial role in vertebrate dorsoventral patterning. Noggin binds and inhibits the activity of bone morphogenetic proteins via a conserved N-terminal clip domain. Noncanonical orthologs of Noggin that lack a clip domain (“Noggin-like” proteins) are encoded in many arthropod genomes and are thought to have evolved into receptor tyrosine kinase ligands that promote Torso/receptor tyrosine kinase signaling rather than inhibiting bone morphogenic protein signaling. Here, we examined the molecular function of noggin/noggin-like genes (ApNL1 and ApNL2) from the arthropod pea aphid using the dorso-ventral patterning of Xenopus and the terminal patterning system of Drosophila to identify whether these proteins function as bone morphogenic protein or receptor tyrosine kinase signaling regulators. Our findings reveal that ApNL1 from the pea aphid can regulate both bone morphogenic protein and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways, and unexpectedly, that the clip domain is not essential for its antagonism of bone morphogenic protein signaling. Our findings indicate that ancestral noggin/noggin-like genes were multifunctional regulators of signaling that have specialized to regulate multiple cell signaling pathways during the evolution of animals.
- Published
- 2022
30. Including Digital Sequence Data in the Nagoya Protocol Can Promote Data Sharing
- Author
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Alpha Ahmadou Diallo, Maui Hudson, Nicki Tiffin, Jon Ambler, Peter K. Dearden, and Phil Wilcox
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Convention on Biological Diversity ,Biological data ,Knowledge management ,business.industry ,Bioengineering ,Sample (statistics) ,02 engineering and technology ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Data sharing ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,Data sequences ,Data access ,Nagoya Protocol ,Business ,Traditional knowledge ,0210 nano-technology ,Biotechnology - Abstract
The Nagoya Protocol (NP), a legal framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), formalises fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological diversity. It encompasses biological samples and associated indigenous knowledge, with equitable return of benefits to those providing samples. Recent proposals that the use of digital sequence information (DSI) derived from samples should also require benefit-sharing under the NP have raised concerns that this might hamper research progress. Here, we propose that formalised benefit-sharing for biological data use can increase willingness to participate in research and share data, by ensuring equitable collaboration between sample providers and researchers, and preventing exploitative practices. Three case studies demonstrate how equitable benefit-sharing agreements might build long-term collaborations, furthering research for global benefits.
- Published
- 2021
31. Five animal phyla in glacier ice reveal unprecedented biodiversity in New Zealand's Southern Alps
- Author
-
Philip M. Novis, Peter K. Dearden, Andrew G. Cridge, Krzysztof Zawierucha, Anthony J. Geneva, and Daniel H. Shain
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,Pleistocene ,Evolution ,Science ,Niche ,Tardigrada ,Biodiversity ,Biology ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,DNA barcoding ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,geography ,Multidisciplinary ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,Ecology ,Glacier ,Biodiversity hotspot ,030104 developmental biology ,Habitat ,Medicine ,Zoology - Abstract
Glacier ice is an extreme environment in which most animals cannot survive. Here we report the colonization of high elevation, climate-threatened glaciers along New Zealand’s southwestern coast by species of Arthropoda, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Rotifera and Tardigrada. Based on DNA barcoding and haplotype-inferred evidence for deep genetic variability, at least 12 undescribed species are reported, some of which have persisted in this niche habitat throughout the Pleistocene. These findings identify not only an atypical biodiversity hotspot but also highlight the adaptive plasticity of microinvertebrate Animalia.
- Published
- 2021
32. Honeybee queen mandibular pheromone induces a starvation response in Drosophila melanogaster
- Author
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Mackenzie R. Lovegrove, Peter K. Dearden, and Elizabeth J. Duncan
- Subjects
Insect Science ,Molecular Biology ,Biochemistry - Published
- 2023
33. Genomics Reveals Widespread Ecological Speciation in Flightless Insects
- Author
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Joseph Guhlin, Peter K. Dearden, Ludovic Dutoit, Thomas W. R. Harrop, Graham A. McCulloch, Jonathan M. Waters, and Brodie J. Foster
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,Species complex ,Insecta ,animal structures ,Genetic Speciation ,Genome, Insect ,Biology ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Ecological speciation ,03 medical and health sciences ,Genomic island ,Genetic algorithm ,Genetics ,Animals ,Phylogeny ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Ecotype ,Genomics ,Reproductive isolation ,Incipient speciation ,030104 developmental biology ,Sympatric speciation ,Evolutionary biology ,New Zealand - Abstract
Recent genomic analyses have highlighted parallel divergence in response to ecological gradients, but the extent to which altitude can underpin such repeated speciation remains unclear. Wing reduction and flight loss have apparently evolved repeatedly in montane insect assemblages and have been suggested as important drivers of hexapod diversification. We test this hypothesis using genomic analyses of a widespread wing-polymorphic stonefly species complex in New Zealand. We identified over 50,000 polymorphic genetic markers generated across almost 200 Zelandoperla fenestrata stonefly specimens using a newly generated plecopteran reference genome, to reveal widespread parallel speciation between sympatric full-winged and wing-reduced ecotypes. Rather than the existence of a single, widespread, flightless taxon (Zelandoperla pennulata), evolutionary genomic data reveal that wing-reduced upland lineages have speciated repeatedly and independently from full-winged Z. fenestrata. This repeated evolution of reproductive isolation between local ecotype pairs that lack mitochondrial DNA differentiation suggests that ecological speciation has evolved recently. A cluster of outlier single-nucleotide polymorphisms detected in independently wing-reduced lineages, tightly linked in an approximately 85 kb genomic region that includes the developmental “supergene” doublesex, suggests that this “island of divergence” may play a key role in rapid ecological speciation. [Ecological speciation; genome assembly; genomic island of differentiation; genotyping-by-sequencing; incipient species; plecoptera; wing reduction.]
- Published
- 2020
34. High-Quality Assemblies for Three Invasive Social Wasps from the Vespula Genus
- Author
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Marissa F. Le Lec, Phillip J Lester, Jessica Purcell, Zev N. Kronenberg, Joshua Gilligan, Emily J. Remnant, Maximilian O. Press, Gemma M. McLaughlin, Oliver Quinn, Monica A. M. Gruber, Peter K. Dearden, Erin E. Wilson-Rankin, Thomas W. R. Harrop, Elizabeth Permina, Stephen M. Eacker, Jens Van Eeckhoven, Joseph Guhlin, Peter A. Stockwell, Kyle W. Langford, Rosemary A. Knapp, Brittany Graham, Elizabeth J. Duncan, and Mackenzie Lovegrove
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,AcademicSubjects/SCI01140 ,AcademicSubjects/SCI00010 ,Wasps ,Vespula vulgaris ,Vespula germanica ,Hymenoptera ,QH426-470 ,AcademicSubjects/SCI01180 ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Genome ,Vespula ,03 medical and health sciences ,Genetics ,Animals ,Yellowjacket ,Vespula pensylvanica ,Molecular Biology ,Genetics (clinical) ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,social insects ,biology ,Vespidae ,Genomics ,biology.organism_classification ,Corrigenda ,Genome Report ,Evolutionary biology ,AcademicSubjects/SCI00960 ,genomes - Abstract
Social wasps of the genus Vespula have spread to nearly all landmasses worldwide and have become significant pests in their introduced ranges, affecting economies and biodiversity. Comprehensive genome assemblies and annotations for these species are required to develop the next generation of control strategies and monitor existing chemical control. We sequenced and annotated the genomes of the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), German wasp (Vespula germanica), and the western yellowjacket (Vespula pensyl- vanica). Our chromosome-level Vespula assemblies each contain 176–179 Mb of total sequence assembled into 25 scaffolds, with 10–200 unanchored scaffolds, and 16,566–18,948 genes. We annotated gene sets relevant to the applied management of invasive wasp populations, including genes associated with spermatogenesis and development, pesticide resistance, olfactory receptors, immunity and venom. These genomes provide evidence for active DNA methylation in Vespidae and tandem duplications of venom genes. Our genomic resources will contribute to the development of next-generation control strategies, and monitoring potential resistance to chemical control.
- Published
- 2020
35. Rights, interests and expectations: Indigenous perspectives on unrestricted access to genomic data
- Author
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Laura Arbour, Andrew Martinez, Jane Anderson, Nadine R. Caron, Nanibaa’ A. Garrison, Andrew Sporle, David Chagné, Rogena Sterling, Ben Te Aika, Ibrahim Garba, Raymond Lovett, Maui Hudson, Maile Taualii, Nicki Tiffin, Leah L. Ballantyne, Stephanie Russo Carroll, Maggie Walter, Dominique M David-Chavez, Ripan S. Malhi, Joseph Yracheta, Matthew B. Stott, Peter K. Dearden, Rodney C. Haring, Phil Wilcox, Deborah A. Bolnick, Anna Rolleston, Keolu Fox, Alex Brown, Tahu Kukutai, Jeff Reading, and Gareth Baynam
- Subjects
0303 health sciences ,Open science ,Equity (economics) ,business.industry ,Genomic data ,Public relations ,Biology ,Indigenous rights ,Indigenous ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Genetic resources ,Accountability ,Genetics ,business ,Molecular Biology ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Genetics (clinical) ,030304 developmental biology - Abstract
Addressing Indigenous rights and interests in genetic resources has become increasingly challenging in an open science environment that promotes unrestricted access to genomic data. Although Indigenous experiences with genetic research have been shaped by a series of negative interactions, there is increasing recognition that equitable benefits can only be realized through greater participation of Indigenous communities. Issues of trust, accountability and equity underpin Indigenous critiques of genetic research and the sharing of genomic data. This Perspectives article highlights identified issues for Indigenous communities around the sharing of genomic data and suggests principles and actions that genomic researchers can adopt to recognize community rights and interests in data.
- Published
- 2020
36. Genotyping-by-sequencing of pooled drone DNA for the management of living honeybee (Apis mellifera) queens in commercial beekeeping operations in New Zealand
- Author
-
Gertje E. L. Petersen, Peter K. Dearden, Tracey C. van Stijn, Peter F. Fennessy, Ken G. Dodds, Shannon M. Clarke, and University of Otago [Dunedin, Nouvelle-Zélande]
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Genotyping ,Entomology ,Beekeeping ,[SDV.GEN.GPO]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Genetics/Populations and Evolution [q-bio.PE] ,Artificial insemination ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Tassel ,[SDV.SA.ZOO]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Agricultural sciences/Zootechny ,Breeding ,Biology ,Selective breeding ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Drone ,[SDV.GEN.GA]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Genetics/Animal genetics ,010602 entomology ,Evolutionary biology ,Insect Science ,medicine ,Genotyping-by-sequencing ,Queen ,Mating ,SNPs - Abstract
International audience; The absence of a full pedigree can hinder selective breeding efforts. In honeybees, definitive maternity and especially paternity of queens is difficult to determine, even under managed mating schemes (e.g. using artificial insemination) due to the negative effects of single-drone mating on colony fitness. Here we genotyped 388 living queens from two beekeeping operations using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS). We evaluate two methods to call single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), Tassel 5 and Stacks, for their ability to supply SNPs that can recover known relationships. While Stacks discovered more SNPs (29,433), SNPs called with Tassel 5 (16,757) were found to be more accurate for the derivation of relationships. This methodology presents a low-cost genotyping approach and can be used to support commercial honeybee breeding schemes.
- Published
- 2020
37. Designing and implementing a genetic improvement program in commercial beekeeping operations
- Author
-
Peter K. Dearden, Peter F. Fennessy, Gertje E. L. Petersen, and Peter R. Amer
- Subjects
Agricultural science ,Beekeeping ,Breeding program ,business.industry ,Insect Science ,Livestock ,Honey bee ,Biology ,business ,Selection (genetic algorithm) - Abstract
While other livestock breeders routinely refer to individual estimated breeding values based on large datasets, honey bee selection remains focused on personal preferences and ad hoc selection sche...
- Published
- 2020
38. Genomic signatures of parallel alpine adaptation in recently evolved flightless insects
- Author
-
Ludovic Dutoit, Jonathan M. Waters, Peter K. Dearden, Joseph Guhlin, Thomas W. R. Harrop, and Graham A. McCulloch
- Subjects
Ecotype ,Natural selection ,Genome ,Insecta ,Range (biology) ,Reproductive isolation ,Genomics ,Incipient speciation ,Biology ,Neoptera ,Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ,Genetic marker ,Evolutionary biology ,Genetics ,Animals ,Adaptation ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Reference genome - Abstract
Natural selection along elevational gradients has potential to drive predictable adaptations across distinct lineages, but the extent of such repeated evolution remains poorly studied for many widespread alpine taxa. We present parallel genomic analyses of two recently evolved flightless alpine insect lineages to test for molecular signatures of repeated alpine adaptation. Specifically, we compare low-elevation vs. alpine stonefly ecotypes from parallel stream populations in which flightless upland ecotypes have been independently derived. We map 67,922 polymorphic genetic markers, generated across 176 Zelandoperla fenestrata specimens from two independent alpine stream populations in New Zealand's Rock and Pillar Range, to a newly developed plecopteran reference genome. Genome-wide scans revealed 31 regions with outlier single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) differentiating lowland vs. alpine ecotypes in Lug Creek, and 37 regions with outliers differentiating ecotypes in Six Mile Creek. Of these regions, 13% (8/60) yielded outlier SNPs across both within-stream ecotype comparisons, implying comparable genomic shifts contribute to this repeated alpine adaptation. Candidate genes closely linked to repeated outlier regions include several with documented roles in insect wing-development (e.g., dishevelled), suggesting that they may contribute to repeated alpine wing reduction. Additional candidate genes have been shown to influence insect fecundity (e.g., ovo) and lifespan (e.g., Mrp4), implying that they might contribute to life history differentiation between upland and lowland ecotypes. Additional outlier genes have potential roles in the evolution of reproductive isolation among ecotypes (hedgehog and Desaturase 1). These results demonstrate how replicated outlier tests across independent lineages can potentially contribute to the discovery of genes underpinning repeated adaptation.
- Published
- 2021
39. Population genomics of the critically endangered kākāpō
- Author
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Fiona Robertson, William Chow, Kerstin Howe, Alex Hastie, Thomas W. R. Harrop, Marissa F. Le Lec, Tom van der Valk, Erich D. Jarvis, David Díez-del-Molino, Andrew Digby, Harris A. Lewin, Bruce C. Robertson, Fergal J. Martin, David Iorns, Katerina Guschanski, Verena E. Kutschera, Deidre Vercoe, Michael Knapp, Hernán E. Morales, Nicolas Dussex, Sarah Pelan, Neil J. Gemmell, Arang Rhie, Joanna D. Mendes Damas, Love Dalén, Vamsi K. Kodali, Françoise Thibaud-Nissen, Ron Moorhouse, Jason T. Howard, Daryl Eason, Olivier Fedrigo, Yasmin Foster, Christopher W. Wheat, Adam M. Phillippy, Johanna von Seth, Joseph Guhlin, Jonas Korlach, Giulio Formenti, Peter K. Dearden, and Leanne Haggerty
- Subjects
bottleneck ,education.field_of_study ,Evolutionary Biology ,Life on Land ,Human Genome ,Population ,conservation ,Endangered species ,inbreeding ,Small population size ,Biology ,Evolutionsbiologi ,Population genomics ,Critically endangered ,Negative selection ,Genetic drift ,Evolutionary biology ,kākāpō ,purging ,Genetics ,mutational load ,education ,Inbreeding - Abstract
Summary The kākāpō is a flightless parrot endemic to New Zealand. Once common in the archipelago, only 201 individuals remain today, most of them descending from an isolated island population. We report the first genome-wide analyses of the species, including a high-quality genome assembly for kākāpō, one of the first chromosome-level reference genomes sequenced by the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP). We also sequenced and analyzed 35 modern genomes from the sole surviving island population and 14 genomes from the extinct mainland population. While theory suggests that such a small population is likely to have accumulated deleterious mutations through genetic drift, our analyses on the impact of the long-term small population size in kākāpō indicate that present-day island kākāpō have a reduced number of harmful mutations compared to mainland individuals. We hypothesize that this reduced mutational load is due to the island population having been subjected to a combination of genetic drift and purging of deleterious mutations, through increased inbreeding and purifying selection, since its isolation from the mainland ∼10,000 years ago. Our results provide evidence that small populations can survive even when isolated for hundreds of generations. This work provides key insights into kākāpō breeding and recovery and more generally into the application of genetic tools in conservation efforts for endangered species.
- Published
- 2021
40. Evolution and genomic organization of the insect sHSP gene cluster and coordinate regulation in phenotypic plasticity
- Author
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Peter K. Dearden, Elizabeth J. Duncan, Abigail Walker, Megan Leask, and Mackenzie Lovegrove
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Insecta ,Evolution ,Lineage (evolution) ,H3K27me3 ,Honeybee ,Genome, Insect ,Biology ,01 natural sciences ,Genome ,Synteny ,Evolution, Molecular ,03 medical and health sciences ,Phylogenetics ,Gene cluster ,QH359-425 ,Animals ,sHSP ,Gene ,Arthropods ,QH540-549.5 ,Phylogeny ,030304 developmental biology ,Genomic organization ,Birth-and-death evolution ,0303 health sciences ,Phylogenetic tree ,Ecology ,fungi ,General Medicine ,Genomics ,Bees ,Adaptation, Physiological ,Evolutionary biology ,Multigene Family ,Female ,010606 plant biology & botany ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Conserved syntenic gene complexes are rare in Arthropods and likely only retained due to functional constraint. Numerous sHSPs have been identified in the genomes of insects, some of which are located clustered in close proximity. Previous phylogenetic analyses of these clustered sHSP have been limited to a small number of holometabolous insect species and have not determined the pattern of evolution of the clustered sHSP genes (sHSP-C) in insect or Arthropod lineages. Results Using eight genomes from representative insect orders and three non-insect arthropod genomes we have identified that a syntenic cluster of sHSPs (sHSP-C) is a hallmark of most Arthropod genomes. Using 11 genomes from Hymenopteran species our phylogenetic analyses have refined the evolution of the sHSP-C in Hymenoptera and found that the sHSP-C is order-specific with evidence of birth-and-death evolution in the hymenopteran lineage. Finally we have shown that the honeybee sHSP-C is co-ordinately expressed and is marked by genomic features, including H3K27me3 histone marks consistent with coordinate regulation, during honeybee ovary activation. Conclusions The syntenic sHSP-C is present in most insect genomes, and its conserved coordinate expression and regulation implies that it is an integral genomic component of environmental response in arthropods.
- Published
- 2021
41. Corrigendum to 'High-Quality Assemblies for Three Invasive Social Wasps from the Vespula Genus'
- Author
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Mackenzie Lovegrove, Stephen M. Eacker, Kyle W. Langford, Thomas W. R. Harrop, Jens Van Eeckhoven, Emily J. Remnant, Elizabeth Permina, Rosemary A. Knapp, Peter K. Dearden, Brittany Graham, Gemma M. McLaughlin, Josh Gilligan, Elizabeth J. Duncan, Monica A. M. Gruber, Erin E. Wilson-Rankin, Maximilian O. Press, Marissa F. Le Lec, Zev N. Kronenberg, Philip J. Lester, Jessica Purcell, Oliver Quinn, Joseph Guhlin, and Peter A. Stockwell
- Subjects
Genus ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Genetics ,Zoology ,Quality (business) ,Biology ,QH426-470 ,biology.organism_classification ,Molecular Biology ,Genetics (clinical) ,Vespula ,media_common - Published
- 2021
42. The Nasonia pair-rule gene regulatory network retains its function over 300 million years of evolution
- Author
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Shannon E. Taylor and Peter K. Dearden
- Subjects
Insecta ,Animals ,Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ,Insect Proteins ,Drosophila ,Gene Regulatory Networks ,Bees ,Molecular Biology ,Developmental Biology ,Body Patterning - Abstract
Insect segmentation is a well-studied and tractable system with which to investigate the genetic regulation of development. Though insects segment their germband using a variety of methods, modelling work implies that a single gene regulatory network can underpin the two main types of insect segmentation. This means limited genetic changes are required to explain significant differences in segmentation mode between different insects. This idea needs to be tested in a wider variety of species, and the nature of the gene regulatory network (GRN) underlying this model has not been tested. Some insects, e.g. Nasonia vitripennis and Apis mellifera segment progressively, a pattern not examined in previous studies of this segmentation model, producing stripes at different times progressively through the embryo, but not from a segment addition zone. Here, we aim to understand the GRNs patterning Nasonia using a simulation-based approach. We found that an existing model of Drosophila segmentation ( Clark, 2017) can be used to recapitulate the progressive segmentation of Nasonia, if provided with altered inputs in the form of expression of the timer genes Nv-caudal and Nv-odd paired. We predict limited topological changes to the pair-rule network and show, by RNAi knockdown, that Nv-odd paired is required for morphological segmentation. Together this implies that very limited changes to the Drosophila network are required to simulate Nasonia segmentation, despite significant differences in segmentation modes, implying that Nasonia use a very similar version of an ancestral GRN used by Drosophila, which must therefore have been conserved for at least 300 million years.
- Published
- 2021
43. Honeybee Queen mandibular pheromone induces starvation in Drosophila melanogaster, implying a role for nutrition signalling in the evolution of eusociality
- Author
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Elizabeth J. Duncan, Mackenzie Lovegrove, and Peter K. Dearden
- Subjects
Evolution of eusociality ,Queen mandibular pheromone ,biology ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Sex pheromone ,Melanogaster ,Insect ,Drosophila melanogaster ,biology.organism_classification ,Starvation response ,Eusociality ,media_common ,Cell biology - Abstract
Eusocial insect societies are defined by the reproductive division of labour, a social structure that is generally enforced by the reproductive dominant or ‘queen’. Reproductive dominance is maintained through behavioural dominance in some species as well as production of queen pheromones in others, or a mixture of both. Queen mandibular pheromone (QMP) is produced by honeybee (Apis mellifera) queens and has been characterised chemically. How QMP acts to repress worker reproduction, and how it has evolved this activity, remains less well understood. Surprisingly, QMP is capable of repressing reproduction in non-target arthropods which have not co-evolved with QMP, are never exposed to QMP in nature, and are up to 530 million years diverged from the honeybee. Here we show that, in Drosophila melanogaster, QMP treatment mimics nutrient limiting conditions, leading to disrupted reproduction. Exposure to QMP induces an increase in food consumption, consistent with that observed in D. melanogaster in response to starvation conditions. This response induces the activation of two checkpoints within the ovary that inhibit oogenesis. The first is the 2a/b ovarian checkpoint in the germarium, which reduces the flow of presumptive oocytes. A stage 9 ovarian checkpoint is also activated, causing degradation of oocytes. The magnitude of activation of both checkpoints is indistinguishable between QMP treated and starved individuals. As QMP seems to trigger a starvation response in an insect highly diverged from honeybees, we propose that QMP originally evolved by co-opting nutrition signalling pathways to regulate reproduction, a key step in the evolution of eusociality.
- Published
- 2021
44. Nasoniasegmentation is regulated by an ancestral insect segmentation regulatory network also present in flies
- Author
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Peter K. Dearden and Taylor Se
- Subjects
Nasonia vitripennis ,Parasteatoda tepidariorum ,biology ,Evolutionary biology ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Gene regulatory network ,Segmentation ,Insect ,Drosophila melanogaster ,Nasonia ,biology.organism_classification ,Drosophila ,media_common - Abstract
Insect segmentation is a well-studied and tractable system with which to investigate the genetic regulation of development. Though insects segment their germband using a variety of methods, modelling work implies that a single gene regulatory network can underpin the two main types of insect segmentation. This means limited genetic changes are required to explain significant differences in segmentation mode between different insects. Evidence for this idea is limited toDrosophila melanogaster, Tribolium castaneum, and the spiderParasteatoda tepidariorum, and the nature of the gene regulatory network (GRN) underlying this model has not been tested. Some insects, for exampleNasonia vitripennisandApis melliferasegment progressively, a pattern not examined in studies of this segmentation model, producing stripes at different times throughout the embryo, but not from a segment addition zone.Here we aim to understand the GRNs patterningNasoniausing a simulation-based approach. We found that an existing model ofDrosophilasegmentation (Clark, 2017) can be used to recapitulateNasonia’s progressive segmentation, if provided with altered inputs in the form of expression of the timer genesNν-caudalandNν-odd paired. We also predict limited topological changes to the pair rule network. Together this implies that very limited changes to theDrosophilanetwork are required to simulateNasoniasegmentation, despite the differences in segmentation modes, implying thatNasoniause a very similar version of an ancestral GRN also used byDrosophila.
- Published
- 2021
45. Evolution and genomic organization of the sHSP gene cluster in Arthropods
- Author
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Elizabeth J. Duncan, Megan Leask, Peter K. Dearden, Mackenzie Lovegrove, and Abigail Walker
- Subjects
fungi ,Gene cluster ,Computational biology ,Biology ,Genomic organization - Abstract
Background Conserved syntenic gene complexes are rare in Arthropods and likely only retained due to functional constraint. Numerous sHSPs have been identified in the genomes of insects, some of which are located clustered in close proximity. Previous phylogenetic analyses of these clustered sHSP have been limited to a small number of holometabolous insect species and have not determined the pattern of evolution of the clustered sHSP genes (sHSP-C) in insect or Arthropod lineages. Results Using eight genomes from representative insect orders and three non-insect arthropod genomes we have identified that a syntenic cluster of sHSPs (sHSP-C) is a hallmark of most Arthropod genomes. Using 11 genomes from Hymenopteran species our phylogenetic analyses have refined the evolution of the sHSP-C in Hymenoptera and found that the sHSP-C is order-specific with evidence of birth-and-death evolution in the hymenopteran lineage. Finally we have shown that the honeybee sHSP-C is co-ordinately expressed and is marked by genomic features, including H3K27me3 histone marks consistent with coordinate regulation, during honeybee ovary activation. Conclusions The syntenic sHSP-C is present in most insect genomes, and its conserved coordinate expression and regulation implies that it is an integral genomic component of environmental response in arthropods.
- Published
- 2021
46. Gene drive and RNAi technologies: a bio-cultural review of next-generation tools for pest wasp management in New Zealand
- Author
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Peter K. Dearden, Alan King-Hunt, Phillip J Lester, Ocean Mercier, and Symon Palmer
- Subjects
Integrated pest management ,Engineering ,Multidisciplinary ,Work (electrical) ,business.industry ,RNA interference ,Environmental resource management ,CRISPR ,Gene drive ,PEST analysis ,business ,Uncategorized - Abstract
There is a global need for novel, next-generation technologies and techniques to manage pest species. We review work on potential step-changing technologies for large landscape (>1000 hectares) pest management of social Vespula wasps. We also review Māori perspectives on these controls to gauge social and cultural acceptability to research, test and use of novel controls. Approaches discussed are the use of gene silencing (RNAi) and gene drives (CRISPR-Cas 9) involving genetic modification, which has potential for pest control but vary in feasibility, cost, benefits and off-target risks. RNAi may be better suited for wasp control in high-value cropping systems due to scaling inefficiencies. Gene drives offer potential for large-scale control but would require legislative and wide social deliberation due to their status as genetic modification. Both RNAi and gene drives will require consultation with tangata whenua. Māori interest groups agreed that exotic wasps must be controlled and expressed aversion to non-targeted traditional control methods. We present a diversity of opinions in parallel with scientific research underscoring the need for continued dialogue with Māori. Novel biotechnological controls must satisfy a broad range of social and cultural criteria, receive regulatory approval, along with being demonstrated as safe, selective, and cost-effective.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. The potential for a CRISPR gene drive to eradicate or suppress globally invasive social wasps
- Author
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James W. Baty, Joseph Guhlin, Mariana Bulgarella, John M. Kean, Peter K. Dearden, and Philip J. Lester
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,Internationality ,Sterility ,Population Dynamics ,Wasps ,Vespula vulgaris ,lcsh:Medicine ,Hymenoptera ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Vespula ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,60499 Genetics not elsewhere classified ,CRISPR ,Animals ,Genetic variation ,Pest Control, Biological ,lcsh:Science ,Uncategorized ,Multidisciplinary ,biology ,Ecology ,Gene Drive Technology ,lcsh:R ,Ecological genetics ,Gene drive ,biology.organism_classification ,030104 developmental biology ,Evolutionary biology ,FOS: Biological sciences ,Haplodiploidy ,lcsh:Q ,CRISPR-Cas Systems ,Introduced Species - Abstract
CRISPR gene drives have potential for widespread and cost-efficient pest control, but are highly controversial. We examined a potential gene drive targeting spermatogenesis to control the invasive common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) in New Zealand. Vespula wasps are haplodiploid. Their life cycle makes gene drive production challenging, as nests are initiated by single fertilized queens in spring followed by several cohorts of sterile female workers and the production of reproductives in autumn. We show that different spermatogenesis genes have different levels of variation between introduced and native ranges, enabling a potential ‘precision drive’ that could target the reduced genetic diversity and genotypes within the invaded range. In vitro testing showed guide-RNA target specificity and efficacy that was dependent on the gene target within Vespula, but no cross-reactivity in other Hymenoptera. Mathematical modelling incorporating the genetic and life history traits of Vespula wasps identified characteristics for a male sterility drive to achieve population control. There was a trade-off between drive infiltration and impact: a drive causing complete male sterility would not spread, while partial sterility could be effective in limiting population size if the homing rate is high. Our results indicate that gene drives may offer viable suppression for wasps and other haplodiploid pests.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Evo-Devo Lessons Learned from Honeybees
- Author
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Peter K. Dearden
- Subjects
Biology - Published
- 2021
49. The Developmental Hourglass in the Evolution of Embryogenesis
- Author
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Andrew G. Cridge, Lynette Brownfield, and Peter K. Dearden
- Subjects
law ,Embryogenesis ,Hourglass ,Biology ,Cell biology ,law.invention - Published
- 2021
50. Drosophila melanogaster and worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) do not require olfaction to be susceptible to honeybee queen mandibular pheromone
- Author
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Peter K. Dearden, Elizabeth J. Duncan, Rosemary A. Knapp, and Mackenzie Lovegrove
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,Queen mandibular pheromone ,Physiology ,Zoology ,Olfaction ,Biology ,01 natural sciences ,Pheromones ,03 medical and health sciences ,Melanogaster ,Animals ,Bees ,biology.organism_classification ,Olfactory Perception ,Eusociality ,Smell ,010602 entomology ,030104 developmental biology ,Drosophila melanogaster ,Insect Science ,Sex pheromone ,Pheromone ,Female ,Trophallaxis - Abstract
Eusociality is characterised by the reproductive division of labour; a dominant female (queen) or females are responsible for the majority of reproduction, and subordinate females are reproductively constrained. Reproductive constraint can be due to behavioural aggression and/or chemical cues, so-called queen pheromones, produced by the dominant females. In the honeybee, Apis mellifera, this repressive queen pheromone is queen mandibular pheromone (QMP). The mechanism by which honeybee workers are susceptible to QMP is not yet completely understood, however it is thought to be through olfaction via the antennae and/or gustation via trophallaxis. We have investigated whether olfaction is key to sensing of QMP, using both Drosophila melanogaster- a tractable non-eusocial insect which is also reproductively repressed by QMP- and the target species, A. mellifera worker honeybees. D. melanogaster are still capable of sensing and responding to QMP without their antenna and maxillary palps, and therefore without olfactory receptors. When worker honeybees were exposed to QMP but unable to physically interact with it, therefore required to use olfaction, they were similarly not reproductively repressed. Combined, these findings support either a non-olfactory based mechanism for the repression of reproduction via QMP, or redundancy via non-olfactory mechanisms in both D. melanogaster and A. mellifera. This study furthers our understanding of how species are susceptible to QMP, and provides insight into the mechanisms governing QMP responsiveness in these diverse species.
- Published
- 2020
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