1
|
Huang YH, Sun YF, Li H, Li HS, Pang H. PhyloAln: A Convenient Reference-Based Tool to Align Sequences and High-Throughput Reads for Phylogeny and Evolution in the Omic Era. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae150. [PMID: 39041199 PMCID: PMC11287380 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The current trend in phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses predominantly relies on omic data. However, prior to core analyses, traditional methods typically involve intricate and time-consuming procedures, including assembly from high-throughput reads, decontamination, gene prediction, homology search, orthology assignment, multiple sequence alignment, and matrix trimming. Such processes significantly impede the efficiency of research when dealing with extensive data sets. In this study, we develop PhyloAln, a convenient reference-based tool capable of directly aligning high-throughput reads or complete sequences with existing alignments as a reference for phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses. Through testing with simulated data sets of species spanning the tree of life, PhyloAln demonstrates consistently robust performance compared with other reference-based tools across different data types, sequencing technologies, coverages, and species, with percent completeness and identity at least 50 percentage points higher in the alignments. Additionally, we validate the efficacy of PhyloAln in removing a minimum of 90% foreign and 70% cross-contamination issues, which are prevalent in sequencing data but often overlooked by other tools. Moreover, we showcase the broad applicability of PhyloAln by generating alignments (completeness mostly larger than 80%, identity larger than 90%) and reconstructing robust phylogenies using real data sets of transcriptomes of ladybird beetles, plastid genes of peppers, or ultraconserved elements of turtles. With these advantages, PhyloAln is expected to facilitate phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses in the omic era. The tool is accessible at https://github.com/huangyh45/PhyloAln.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yi-Fei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Hao-Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Hong Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cornman RS. A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat ( Lasiurus cinereus). PeerJ 2024; 12:e17482. [PMID: 38832043 PMCID: PMC11146322 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous work found that numerous genes positively selected within the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage are physically clustered in regions of conserved synteny. Here I further validate and expand on those finding utilizing an updated L. cinereus genome assembly and additional bat species as well as other tetrapod outgroups. Methods A chromosome-level assembly was generated by chromatin-contact mapping and made available by DNAZoo (www.dnazoo.org). The genomic organization of orthologous genes was extracted from annotation data for multiple additional bat species as well as other tetrapod clades for which chromosome-level assemblies were available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Tests of branch-specific positive selection were performed for L. cinereus using PAML as well as with the HyPhy package for comparison. Results Twelve genes exhibiting significant diversifying selection in the L. cinereus lineage were clustered within a 12-Mb genomic window; one of these (Trpc4) also exhibited diversifying selection in bats generally. Ten of the 12 genes are landmarks of two distinct blocks of ancient synteny that are not linked in other tetrapod clades. Bats are further distinguished by frequent structural rearrangements within these synteny blocks, which are rarely observed in other Tetrapoda. Patterns of gene order and orientation among bat taxa are incompatible with phylogeny as presently understood, implying parallel evolution or subsequent reversals. Inferences of positive selection were found to be robust to alternative phylogenetic topologies as well as a strong shift in background nucleotide composition in some taxa. Discussion This study confirms and further localizes a genomic hotspot of protein-coding divergence in the hoary bat, one that also exhibits an increased tempo of structural change in bats compared with other mammals. Most genes in the two synteny blocks have elevated expression in brain tissue in humans and model organisms, and genetic studies implicate the selected genes in cranial and neurological development, among other functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Cornman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mena Canata DA, Benfato MS, Pereira FD, Ramos Pereira MJ, Hackenhaar FS, Mann MB, Frazzon APG, Rampelotto PH. Comparative Analysis of the Gut Microbiota of Bat Species with Different Feeding Habits. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:363. [PMID: 38927243 PMCID: PMC11200740 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Bats are a diverse and ecologically important group of mammals that exhibit remarkable diversity in their feeding habits. These diverse feeding habits are thought to be reflected in the composition and function of their gut microbiota, which plays important roles in nutrient acquisition, immune function, and overall health. Despite the rich biodiversity of bat species in South America, there is a lack of microbiome studies focusing on bats from this region. Such studies could offer major insights into conservation efforts and the preservation of biodiversity in South America. In this work, we aimed to compare the gut microbiota of four bat species with different feeding habits from Southern Brazil, including nectarivorous, frugivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous bats. Our findings demonstrate that feeding habits can have a significant impact on the diversity and composition of bat gut microbiotas, with each species exhibiting unique metabolic potentials related to their dietary niches. In addition, the identification of potentially pathogenic bacteria suggests that the carriage of microbial pathogens by bats may vary, depending on feeding habits and host-specific factors. These findings provide novel insights into the relationship between bat feeding habits and gut microbiota composition, highlighting the need to promote diverse habitats and food sources to support these ecologically important species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Antonio Mena Canata
- Biophysics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Mara Silveira Benfato
- Biophysics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Francielly Dias Pereira
- Biophysics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - María João Ramos Pereira
- Graduate Program in Animal Biology, Laboratory of Evolution, Systematics and Ecology of Birds and Mammals, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | | | - Michele Bertoni Mann
- Graduate Program in Agricole and Environmental Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Guedes Frazzon
- Graduate Program in Agricole and Environmental Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Pabulo Henrique Rampelotto
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core Facility, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barts N, Bhatt RH, Toner C, Meyer WK, Durrant JD, Kohl KD. Functional convergence in gastric lysozymes of foregut-fermenting rodents, ruminants, and primates is not attributed to convergent molecular evolution. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 271:110949. [PMID: 38341948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2024.110949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Convergent evolution is a widespread phenomenon. While there are many examples of convergent evolution at the phenotypic scale, convergence at the molecular level has been more difficult to identify. A classic example of convergent evolution across scales is that of the digestive lysozyme found in ruminants and Colobine monkeys. These herbivorous species rely on foregut fermentation, which has evolved to function more optimally under acidic conditions. Here, we explored if rodents with similar dietary strategies and digestive morphologies have convergently evolved a lysozyme with digestive functions. At the phenotypic level, we find that rodents with bilocular stomach morphologies exhibited a lysozyme that maintained higher relative activities at low pH values, similar to the lysozymes of ruminants and Colobine monkeys. Additionally, the lysozyme of Peromyscus leucopus shared a similar predicted protonation state as that observed in previously identified digestive lysozymes. However, we found limited evidence of positive selection acting on the lysozyme gene in foregut-fermenting species and did not identify patterns of convergent molecular evolution in this gene. This study emphasizes that phenotypic convergence need not be the result of convergent genetic modifications, and we encourage further exploration into the mechanisms regulating convergence across biological scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Barts
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Roshni H Bhatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. https://twitter.com/RoshniBhatt3
| | - Chelsea Toner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Wynn K Meyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA. https://twitter.com/sorrywm
| | - Jacob D Durrant
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin D Kohl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. https://twitter.com/KevinDKohl
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gordon WE, Baek S, Nguyen HP, Kuo YM, Bradley R, Fong SL, Kim N, Galazyuk A, Lee I, Ingala MR, Simmons NB, Schountz T, Cooper LN, Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Hemberg M, Ahituv N. Integrative single-cell characterization of a frugivorous and an insectivorous bat kidney and pancreas. Nat Commun 2024; 15:12. [PMID: 38195585 PMCID: PMC10776631 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Frugivory evolved multiple times in mammals, including bats. However, the cellular and molecular components driving it remain largely unknown. Here, we use integrative single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq) on insectivorous (Eptesicus fuscus; big brown bat) and frugivorous (Artibeus jamaicensis; Jamaican fruit bat) bat kidneys and pancreases and identify key cell population, gene expression and regulatory differences associated with the Jamaican fruit bat that also relate to human disease, particularly diabetes. We find a decrease in loop of Henle and an increase in collecting duct cells, and differentially active genes and regulatory elements involved in fluid and electrolyte balance in the Jamaican fruit bat kidney. The Jamaican fruit bat pancreas shows an increase in endocrine and a decrease in exocrine cells, and differences in genes and regulatory elements involved in insulin regulation. We also find that these frugivorous bats share several molecular characteristics with human diabetes. Combined, our work provides insights from a frugivorous mammal that could be leveraged for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei E Gordon
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Biology, Menlo College, 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA, 94027, USA
| | - Seungbyn Baek
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai P Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Yien-Ming Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Rachael Bradley
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Sarah L Fong
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Nayeon Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Alex Galazyuk
- Hearing Research Focus Area, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Insuk Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Melissa R Ingala
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ, 07940, USA
| | - Nancy B Simmons
- Division of Vertebrate Zoology, Department of Mammalogy, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| | - Tony Schountz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Lisa Noelle Cooper
- Musculoskeletal Research Focus Area, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA
| | - Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Martin Hemberg
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yohe LR, Krell NT. An updated synthesis of and outstanding questions in the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in bats: Genetics asks questions only anatomy can answer. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:2765-2780. [PMID: 37523493 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The extensive diversity observed in bat nasal chemosensory systems has been well-documented at the histological level. Understanding how this diversity evolved and developing hypotheses as to why particular patterns exist require a phylogenetic perspective, which was first outlined in the work of anatomist Kunwar Bhatnagar. With the onset of genetics and genomics, it might be assumed that the puzzling patterns observed in the morphological data have been clarified. However, there is still a widespread mismatch of genetic and morphological correlations among bat chemosensory systems. Novel genomic evidence has set up new avenues to explore that demand more evidence from anatomical structures. Here, we outline the progress that has been made in both morphological and molecular studies on the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in bats since the work of Bhatnagar. Genomic data of olfactory and vomeronasal receptors demonstrate the strong need for further morphological sampling, with a particular focus on receiving brain regions, glands, and ducts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurel R Yohe
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
- North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas T Krell
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hashimi M, Sebrell TA, Hedges JF, Snyder D, Lyon KN, Byrum SD, Mackintosh SG, Crowley D, Cherne MD, Skwarchuk D, Robison A, Sidar B, Kunze A, Loveday EK, Taylor MP, Chang CB, Wilking JN, Walk ST, Schountz T, Jutila MA, Bimczok D. Antiviral responses in a Jamaican fruit bat intestinal organoid model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6882. [PMID: 37898615 PMCID: PMC10613288 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42610-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats are natural reservoirs for several zoonotic viruses, potentially due to an enhanced capacity to control viral infection. However, the mechanisms of antiviral responses in bats are poorly defined. Here we established a Jamaican fruit bat (JFB, Artibeus jamaicensis) intestinal organoid model of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Upon infection with SARS-CoV-2, increased viral RNA and subgenomic RNA was detected, but no infectious virus was released, indicating that JFB organoids support only limited viral replication but not viral reproduction. SARS-CoV-2 replication was associated with significantly increased gene expression of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 also caused enhanced formation and growth of JFB organoids. Proteomics revealed an increase in inflammatory signaling, cell turnover, cell repair, and SARS-CoV-2 infection pathways. Collectively, our findings suggest that primary JFB intestinal epithelial cells mount successful antiviral interferon responses and that SARS-CoV-2 infection in JFB cells induces protective regenerative pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marziah Hashimi
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - T Andrew Sebrell
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Jodi F Hedges
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Deann Snyder
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Katrina N Lyon
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Samuel G Mackintosh
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Dan Crowley
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Public & Ecosystem Health, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Michelle D Cherne
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - David Skwarchuk
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Amanda Robison
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Barkan Sidar
- Montana State University, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Anja Kunze
- Montana State University, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Emma K Loveday
- Montana State University, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Matthew P Taylor
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Connie B Chang
- Montana State University, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James N Wilking
- Montana State University, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Seth T Walk
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Tony Schountz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology and Center of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Colorado State University, Fort, Collins, CO, USA
| | - Mark A Jutila
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Diane Bimczok
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Bozeman, MT, USA.
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Bozeman, MT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He H, Yang H, Foo R, Chan W, Zhu F, Liu Y, Zhou X, Ma L, Wang LF, Zhai W. Population genomic analysis reveals distinct demographics and recent adaptation in the black flying fox (Pteropus alecto). J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:554-562. [PMID: 37182682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As the only mammalian group capable of powered flight, bats have many unique biological traits. Previous comparative genomic studies in bats have focused on long-term evolution. However, the micro-evolutionary processes driving recent evolution are largely under-explored. Using resequencing data from 50 black flying foxes (Pteropus alecto), one of the model species for bats, we find that black flying fox has much higher genetic diversity and lower levels of linkage disequilibrium than most of the mammalian species. Demographic inference reveals strong population fluctuations (>100 fold) coinciding with multiple historical events including the last glacial change and Toba super eruption, suggesting that the black flying fox is a very resilient species with strong recovery abilities. While long-term adaptation in the black flying fox is enriched in metabolic genes, recent adaptation in the black flying fox has a unique landscape where recently selected genes are not strongly enriched in any functional category. The demographic history and mode of adaptation suggest that black flying fox might be a well-adapted species with strong evolutionary resilience. Taken together, this study unravels a vibrant landscape of recent evolution for the black flying fox and sheds light on several unique evolutionary processes for bats comparing to other mammalian groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haopeng He
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hechuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Randy Foo
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; Singhealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Wharton Chan
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; Singhealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Feng Zhu
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; Singhealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Yunsong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Lin-Fa Wang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; Singhealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
| | - Weiwei Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Garg KM, Lamba V, Sanyal A, Dovih P, Chattopadhyay B. Next Generation Sequencing Revolutionizes Organismal Biology Research in Bats. J Mol Evol 2023:10.1007/s00239-023-10107-2. [PMID: 37154841 PMCID: PMC10166039 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The advent of next generation sequencing technologies (NGS) has greatly accelerated our understanding of critical aspects of organismal biology from non-model organisms. Bats form a particularly interesting group in this regard, as genomic data have helped unearth a vast spectrum of idiosyncrasies in bat genomes associated with bat biology, physiology, and evolution. Bats are important bioindicators and are keystone species to many eco-systems. They often live in proximity to humans and are frequently associated with emerging infectious diseases, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly four dozen bat genomes have been published to date, ranging from drafts to chromosomal level assemblies. Genomic investigations in bats have also become critical towards our understanding of disease biology and host-pathogen coevolution. In addition to whole genome sequencing, low coverage genomic data like reduced representation libraries, resequencing data, etc. have contributed significantly towards our understanding of the evolution of natural populations, and their responses to climatic and anthropogenic perturbations. In this review, we discuss how genomic data have enhanced our understanding of physiological adaptations in bats (particularly related to ageing, immunity, diet, etc.), pathogen discovery, and host pathogen co-evolution. In comparison, the application of NGS towards population genomics, conservation, biodiversity assessment, and functional genomics has been appreciably slower. We reviewed the current areas of focus, identifying emerging topical research directions and providing a roadmap for future genomic studies in bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kritika M Garg
- Centre for Interdisciplinay Archaeological Research, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
- Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
- Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (3CS), Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
| | - Vinita Lamba
- Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
- J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR72701, USA
| | - Avirup Sanyal
- Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
- Ecology and Evolution, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Pilot Dovih
- Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (3CS), Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
- Ecology and Evolution, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, 560065, India
- School of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Sastra University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India
| | - Balaji Chattopadhyay
- Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (3CS), Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India.
- Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tian S, Zeng J, Jiao H, Zhang D, Zhang L, Lei CQ, Rossiter SJ, Zhao H. Comparative analyses of bat genomes identify distinct evolution of immunity in Old World fruit bats. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd0141. [PMID: 37146151 PMCID: PMC10162675 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Bats have been identified as natural reservoir hosts of several zoonotic viruses, prompting suggestions that they have unique immunological adaptations. Among bats, Old World fruit bats (Pteropodidae) have been linked to multiple spillovers. To test for lineage-specific molecular adaptations in these bats, we developed a new assembly pipeline to generate a reference-quality genome of the fruit bat Cynopterus sphinx and used this in comparative analyses of 12 bat species, including six pteropodids. Our results reveal that immunity-related genes have higher evolutionary rates in pteropodids than in other bats. Several lineage-specific genetic changes were shared across pteropodids, including the loss of NLRP1, duplications of PGLYRP1 and C5AR2, and amino acid replacements in MyD88. We introduced MyD88 transgenes containing Pteropodidae-specific residues into bat and human cell lines and found evidence of dampened inflammatory responses. By uncovering distinct immune adaptations, our results could help explain why pteropodids are frequently identified as viral hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jiaming Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hengwu Jiao
- College of Life Sciences, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Dejing Zhang
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Libiao Zhang
- Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Cao-Qi Lei
- College of Life Sciences, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Stephen J Rossiter
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Huabin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gordon WE, Baek S, Nguyen HP, Kuo YM, Bradley R, Galazyuk A, Lee I, Ingala MR, Simmons NB, Schountz T, Cooper LN, Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Hemberg M, Ahituv N. Integrative single-cell characterization of frugivory adaptations in the bat kidney and pancreas. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.12.528204. [PMID: 36824791 PMCID: PMC9949079 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.12.528204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Frugivory evolved multiple times in mammals, including bats. However, the cellular and molecular components driving it remain largely unknown. Here, we used integrative single-cell sequencing on insectivorous and frugivorous bat kidneys and pancreases and identified key cell population, gene expression and regulatory element differences associated with frugivorous adaptation that also relate to human disease, particularly diabetes. We found an increase in collecting duct cells and differentially active genes and regulatory elements involved in fluid and electrolyte balance in the frugivore kidney. In the frugivorous pancreas, we observed an increase in endocrine and a decrease in exocrine cells and differences in genes and regulatory elements involved in insulin regulation. Combined, our work provides novel insights into frugivorous adaptation that also could be leveraged for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hashimi M, Sebrell T, Hedges J, Snyder D, Lyon K, Byrum S, Mackintosh SG, Cherne M, Skwarchuk D, Crowley D, Robison A, Sidar B, Kunze A, Loveday E, Taylor M, Chang C, Wilking J, Walk S, Schountz T, Jutila M, Bimczok D. Antiviral response mechanisms in a Jamaican Fruit Bat intestinal organoid model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-2340919. [PMID: 36561186 PMCID: PMC9774215 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2340919/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bats are natural reservoirs for several zoonotic viruses, potentially due to an enhanced capacity to control viral infection. However, the mechanisms of antiviral responses in bats are poorly defined. Here we established a Jamaican fruit bat (JFB) intestinal organoid model of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. JFB organoids were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with increased viral RNA and subgenomic RNA detected in cell lysates and supernatants. Gene expression of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines was induced in response to SARS-CoV-2 but not in response to TLR agonists. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 did not lead to cytopathic effects in JFB organoids but caused enhanced organoid growth. Proteomic analyses revealed an increase in inflammatory signaling, cell turnover, cell repair, and SARS-CoV-2 infection pathways. Collectively, our findings suggest that primary JFB intestinal epithelial cells can mount a successful antiviral interferon response and that SARS-CoV-2 infection in JFB cells induces protective regenerative pathways.
Collapse
|
13
|
Wu J, Zhang L, Shen C, Sin SYW, Lei C, Zhao H. Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals molecular adaptations underlying distinct immunity and inverted resting posture in bats. Integr Zool 2022; 18:493-505. [PMID: 36049759 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how natural selection shapes unique traits in mammals is a central topic in evolutionary biology. The mammalian order Chiroptera (bats) is attractive for biologists as well as the general public due to their specific traits of extraordinary immunity and inverted resting posture. However, genomic resources for bats that occupy key phylogenetic positions are not sufficient, which hinders comprehensive investigation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the origin of specific traits in bats. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of five bats that are phylogenetically divergent and occupy key positions in the phylogenetic tree of bats. In combination with the available genomes of 19 bats and 21 other mammals, we built a database consisting of 10,918 one-to-one ortholog genes and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of these mammals. We found that genes related to immunity, bone remodeling and cardiovascular system are targets of natural selection along the ancestral branch of bats. Further analyses revealed that the T cell receptor signaling pathway involved in immune adaptation is specifically enriched in bats. Moreover, molecular adaptations of bone remodeling, cardiovascular system, and balance sensing may help to explain the reverted resting posture in bats. Our study provides valuable transcriptome resources, enabling us to tentatively identify genetic changes associated with bat-specific traits. This work is among the first to advance our understanding of molecular underpinnings of inverted resting posture in bats, which could provide insight into healthcare applications such as hypertension in humans. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Libiao Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Simon Yung Wa Sin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Caoqi Lei
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huabin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gorina SS, Iljina TM, Mukhtarova LS, Toporkova YY, Grechkin AN. Detection of Unprecedented CYP74 Enzyme in Mammal: Hydroperoxide Lyase CYP74C44 of the Bat Sturnira hondurensis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148009. [PMID: 35887355 PMCID: PMC9320521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome of the neotropical fruit bat Sturnira hondurensis was recently sequenced, revealing an unexpected gene encoding a plant-like protein, CYP74C44, which shares ca. 90% sequence identity with the putative CYP74C of Populus trichocarpa. The preparation and properties of the recombinant CYP74C44 are described in the present work. The CYP74C44 enzyme was found to be active against the 13- and 9-hydroperoxides of linoleic and α-linolenic acids (13-HPOD, 13-HPOT, 9-HPOD, and 9-HPOT, respectively), as well as the 15-hydroperoxide of eicosapentaenoic acid (15-HPEPE). All substrates studied were specifically transformed into chain cleavage products that are typical for hydroperoxide lyases (HPLs). The HPL chain cleavage reaction was validated by the identification of NaBH4-reduced products (Me/TMS) of 15-HPEPE and 13- and 9-hydroperoxides as (all-Z)-14-hydroxy-5,8,11-tetradecatrienoic, (9Z)-12-hydroxy-9-dodecenoic, and 9-hydroxynonanoic acids (Me/TMS), respectively. Thus, CYP74C44 possessed the HPL activity that is typical for the CYP74C subfamily proteins.
Collapse
|
15
|
Blumer M, Brown T, Freitas MB, Destro AL, Oliveira JA, Morales AE, Schell T, Greve C, Pippel M, Jebb D, Hecker N, Ahmed AW, Kirilenko BM, Foote M, Janke A, Lim BK, Hiller M. Gene losses in the common vampire bat illuminate molecular adaptations to blood feeding. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm6494. [PMID: 35333583 PMCID: PMC8956264 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm6494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Vampire bats are the only mammals that feed exclusively on blood. To uncover genomic changes associated with this dietary adaptation, we generated a haplotype-resolved genome of the common vampire bat and screened 27 bat species for genes that were specifically lost in the vampire bat lineage. We found previously unknown gene losses that relate to reduced insulin secretion (FFAR1 and SLC30A8), limited glycogen stores (PPP1R3E), and a unique gastric physiology (CTSE). Other gene losses likely reflect the biased nutrient composition (ERN2 and CTRL) and distinct pathogen diversity of blood (RNASE7) and predict the complete lack of cone-based vision in these strictly nocturnal bats (PDE6H and PDE6C). Notably, REP15 loss likely helped vampire bats adapt to high dietary iron levels by enhancing iron excretion, and the loss of CYP39A1 could have contributed to their exceptional cognitive abilities. These findings enhance our understanding of vampire bat biology and the genomic underpinnings of adaptations to blood feeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Blumer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tom Brown
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Ana Luiza Destro
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Juraci A. Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Ariadna E. Morales
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tilman Schell
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Carola Greve
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Pippel
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - David Jebb
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nikolai Hecker
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexis-Walid Ahmed
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bogdan M. Kirilenko
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maddy Foote
- Native Bat Conservation Program, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1B 5K7, Canada
| | - Axel Janke
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Burton K. Lim
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C6, Canada
| | - Michael Hiller
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Aizpurua O, Nyholm L, Morris E, Chaverri G, Herrera Montalvo LG, Flores-Martinez JJ, Lin A, Razgour O, Gilbert MTP, Alberdi A. The role of the gut microbiota in the dietary niche expansion of fishing bats. Anim Microbiome 2021; 3:76. [PMID: 34711286 PMCID: PMC8555116 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-021-00137-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to its central role in animal nutrition, the gut microbiota is likely a relevant factor shaping dietary niche shifts. We analysed both the impact and contribution of the gut microbiota to the dietary niche expansion of the only four bat species that have incorporated fish into their primarily arthropodophage diet. Results We first compared the taxonomic and functional features of the gut microbiota of the four piscivorous bats to that of 11 strictly arthropodophagous species using 16S rRNA targeted amplicon sequencing. Second, we increased the resolution of our analyses for one of the piscivorous bat species, namely Myotis capaccinii, and analysed multiple populations combining targeted approaches with shotgun sequencing. To better understand the origin of gut microorganisms, we also analysed the gut microbiota of their fish prey (Gambusia holbrooki). Our analyses showed that piscivorous bats carry a characteristic gut microbiota that differs from that of their strict arthropodophagous counterparts, in which the most relevant bacteria have been directly acquired from their fish prey. This characteristic microbiota exhibits enrichment of genes involved in vitamin biosynthesis, as well as complex carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, likely providing their hosts with an enhanced capacity to metabolise the glycosphingolipids and long-chain fatty acids that are particularly abundant in fish. Conclusions Our results depict the gut microbiota as a relevant element in facilitating the dietary transition from arthropodophagy to piscivory. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-021-00137-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ostaizka Aizpurua
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lasse Nyholm
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Evie Morris
- University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Biosciences, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
| | - Gloriana Chaverri
- Sede del Sur, Universidad de Costa Rica, #4000 Alamedas, Golfito, 60701, Costa Rica.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, República de Panamá
| | - L Gerardo Herrera Montalvo
- Estación de Biología Chamela, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 21, San Patricio, 48980, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Juan Flores-Martinez
- Laboratorio de Sistemas de Información Geográfica, Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aiqing Lin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Orly Razgour
- University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Biosciences, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.,University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Antton Alberdi
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nectar-feeding bats and birds show parallel molecular adaptations in sugar metabolism enzymes. Curr Biol 2021; 31:4667-4674.e6. [PMID: 34478643 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In most vertebrates, the demand for glucose as the primary substrate for cellular respiration is met by the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, or energy is obtained by protein and lipid catabolism. In contrast, a few bat and bird species have convergently evolved to subsist on nectar, a sugar-rich mixture of glucose, fructose, and sucrose.1-4 How these nectar-feeders have adapted to cope with life-long high sugar intake while avoiding the onset of metabolic syndrome and diabetes5-7 is not understood. We analyzed gene sequences obtained from 127 taxa, including 22 nectar-feeding bat and bird genera that collectively encompass four independent origins of nectarivory. We show these divergent taxa have undergone pervasive molecular adaptation in sugar catabolism pathways, including parallel selection in key glycolytic and fructolytic enzymes. We also uncover convergent amino acid substitutions in the otherwise evolutionarily conserved aldolase B (ALDOB), which catalyzes rate-limiting steps in fructolysis and glycolysis, and the mitochondrial gatekeeper pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), which links glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Metabolomic profile and enzyme functional assays are consistent with increased respiratory flux in nectar-feeding bats and help explain how these taxa can both sustain hovering flight and efficiently clear simple sugars. Taken together, our results indicate that nectar-feeding bats and birds have undergone metabolic adaptations that have enabled them to exploit a unique energy-rich dietary niche among vertebrates.
Collapse
|
18
|
Nesi N, Tsagkogeorga G, Tsang SM, Nicolas V, Lalis A, Scanlon AT, Riesle-Sbarbaro SA, Wiantoro S, Hitch AT, Juste J, Pinzari CA, Bonaccorso FJ, Todd CM, Lim BK, Simmons NB, McGowen MR, Rossiter SJ. Interrogating Phylogenetic Discordance Resolves Deep Splits in the Rapid Radiation of Old World Fruit Bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). Syst Biol 2021; 70:1077-1089. [PMID: 33693838 PMCID: PMC8513763 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The family Pteropodidae (Old World fruit bats) comprises $>$200 species distributed across the Old World tropics and subtropics. Most pteropodids feed on fruit, suggesting an early origin of frugivory, although several lineages have shifted to nectar-based diets. Pteropodids are of exceptional conservation concern with $>$50% of species considered threatened, yet the systematics of this group has long been debated, with uncertainty surrounding early splits attributed to an ancient rapid diversification. Resolving the relationships among the main pteropodid lineages is essential if we are to fully understand their evolutionary distinctiveness, and the extent to which these bats have transitioned to nectar-feeding. Here we generated orthologous sequences for $>$1400 nuclear protein-coding genes (2.8 million base pairs) across 114 species from 43 genera of Old World fruit bats (57% and 96% of extant species- and genus-level diversity, respectively), and combined phylogenomic inference with filtering by information content to resolve systematic relationships among the major lineages. Concatenation and coalescent-based methods recovered three distinct backbone topologies that were not able to be reconciled by filtering via phylogenetic information content. Concordance analysis and gene genealogy interrogation show that one topology is consistently the best supported, and that observed phylogenetic conflicts arise from both gene tree error and deep incomplete lineage sorting. In addition to resolving long-standing inconsistencies in the reported relationships among major lineages, we show that Old World fruit bats have likely undergone at least seven independent dietary transitions from frugivory to nectarivory. Finally, we use this phylogeny to identify and describe one new genus. [Chiroptera; coalescence; concordance; incomplete lineage sorting; nectar feeder; species tree; target enrichment.].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Nesi
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Georgia Tsagkogeorga
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Susan M Tsang
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
- Zoology Section, National Museum of Natural History, Manila, Philippines
| | - Violaine Nicolas
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Aude Lalis
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Annette T Scanlon
- School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | - Silke A Riesle-Sbarbaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sigit Wiantoro
- Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Alan T Hitch
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Javier Juste
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | - Christopher M Todd
- The Hawkesbury institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | - Burton K Lim
- Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
| | - Nancy B Simmons
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
| | - Michael R McGowen
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stephen J Rossiter
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pereira S, Henderson D, Hjelm M, Hård T, Hernandez Salazar LT, Laska M. Taste responsiveness of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) to eight substances tasting sweet to humans. Physiol Behav 2021; 238:113470. [PMID: 34048820 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Using a two-bottle choice test of short duration, we determined taste preference thresholds for eight substances tasting sweet to humans in three chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and four black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). We found that the chimpanzees significantly preferred concentrations as low as 100-500 mM galactose, 250 mM sorbitol, 0.5-2 mM acesulfame K, 0.5-2.5 mM alitame, 0.5 mM aspartame, 0.2-2 mM sodium saccharin, 0.001-0.2 mM thaumatin, and 0.0025-0.005 mM monellin over tap water. The spider monkeys displayed lower taste preference threshold values, and thus a higher sensitivity than the chimpanzees, with five of the eight substances (2-20 mM galactose, 20-50 mM sorbitol, 0.2-1 mM acesulfame K, 0.002-0.005 mM alitame, and 0.002-0.5 mM sodium saccharin), but were generally unable to perceive the sweetness of the remaining three substances (aspartame, thaumatin, and monellin). The ranking order of sweetening potency of the eight taste substances used here correlates significantly between chimpanzees and humans, but not between spider monkeys and humans. This is in line with genetic findings reporting a higher degree of sequence identity in the Tas1r2 and the Tas1r3 genes coding for the mammalian heterodimer sweet-taste receptor between chimpanzees and humans compared to spider monkeys and humans. Taken together, the findings of the present study support the notion that taste responsiveness for substances tasting sweet to humans may correlate positively with phylogenetic relatedness. At the same time, they are also consistent with the notion that co-evolution between fruit-bearing plants and the sense of taste in animals that serve as their seed dispersers may explain between-species differences in sweet-taste perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pereira
- IFM Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | - Matthias Laska
- IFM Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Potter JHT, Davies KTJ, Yohe LR, Sanchez MKR, Rengifo EM, Struebig M, Warren K, Tsagkogeorga G, Lim BK, dos Reis M, Dávalos LM, Rossiter SJ. Dietary Diversification and Specialization in Neotropical Bats Facilitated by Early Molecular Evolution. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:3864-3883. [PMID: 34426843 PMCID: PMC8382914 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary adaptation is a major feature of phenotypic and ecological diversification, yet the genetic basis of dietary shifts is poorly understood. Among mammals, Neotropical leaf-nosed bats (family Phyllostomidae) show unmatched diversity in diet; from a putative insectivorous ancestor, phyllostomids have radiated to specialize on diverse food sources including blood, nectar, and fruit. To assess whether dietary diversification in this group was accompanied by molecular adaptations for changing metabolic demands, we sequenced 89 transcriptomes across 58 species and combined these with published data to compare ∼13,000 protein coding genes across 66 species. We tested for positive selection on focal lineages, including those inferred to have undergone dietary shifts. Unexpectedly, we found a broad signature of positive selection in the ancestral phyllostomid branch, spanning genes implicated in the metabolism of all major macronutrients, yet few positively selected genes at the inferred switch to plantivory. Branches corresponding to blood- and nectar-based diets showed selection in loci underpinning nitrogenous waste excretion and glycolysis, respectively. Intriguingly, patterns of selection in metabolism genes were mirrored by those in loci implicated in craniofacial remodeling, a trait previously linked to phyllostomid dietary specialization. Finally, we show that the null model of the widely-used branch-site test is likely to be misspecified, with the implication that the test is too conservative and probably under-reports true cases of positive selection. Our findings point to a complex picture of adaptive radiation, in which the evolution of new dietary specializations has been facilitated by early adaptations combined with the generation of new genetic variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua H T Potter
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kalina T J Davies
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laurel R Yohe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Yale University, 210 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Miluska K R Sanchez
- Escuela Profesional de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Piura, Piura, Peru
| | - Edgardo M Rengifo
- Escola Superior de Agricultura ‘Luiz de Queiroz,’ Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
- Centro de Investigación Biodiversidad Sostenible (BioS), Lima, Peru
| | - Monika Struebig
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kim Warren
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgia Tsagkogeorga
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Burton K Lim
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mario dos Reis
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liliana M Dávalos
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Consortium for Inter-Disciplinary Environmental Research, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Stephen J Rossiter
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moreno Santillán DD, Lama TM, Gutierrez Guerrero YT, Brown AM, Donat P, Zhao H, Rossiter SJ, Yohe LR, Potter JH, Teeling EC, Vernes SC, Davies KTJ, Myers E, Hughes GM, Huang Z, Hoffmann F, Corthals AP, Ray DA, Dávalos LM. Large-scale genome sampling reveals unique immunity and metabolic adaptations in bats. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6449-6467. [PMID: 34146369 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Comprising more than 1,400 species, bats possess adaptations unique among mammals including powered flight, unexpected longevity, and extraordinary immunity. Some of the molecular mechanisms underlying these unique adaptations includes DNA repair, metabolism and immunity. However, analyses have been limited to a few divergent lineages, reducing the scope of inferences on gene family evolution across the Order Chiroptera. We conducted an exhaustive comparative genomic study of 37 bat species, one generated in this study, encompassing a large number of lineages, with a particular emphasis on multi-gene family evolution across immune and metabolic genes. In agreement with previous analyses, we found lineage-specific expansions of the APOBEC3 and MHC-I gene families, and loss of the proinflammatory PYHIN gene family. We inferred more than 1,000 gene losses unique to bats, including genes involved in the regulation of inflammasome pathways such as epithelial defence receptors, the natural killer gene complex and the interferon-gamma induced pathway. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed genes lost in bats are involved in defence response against pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns. Gene family evolution and selection analyses indicate bats have evolved fundamental functional differences compared to other mammals in both innate and adaptive immune system, with the potential to enhance antiviral immune response while dampening inflammatory signalling. In addition, metabolic genes have experienced repeated expansions related to convergent shifts to plant-based diets. Our analyses support the hypothesis that, in tandem with flight, ancestral bats had evolved a unique set of immune adaptations whose functional implications remain to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanya M Lama
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Yocelyn T Gutierrez Guerrero
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alexis M Brown
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Paul Donat
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Huabin Zhao
- Department of Ecology, Tibetan Centre for Ecology and Conservation at WHU-TU, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Stephen J Rossiter
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Laurel R Yohe
- Department of Earth & Planetary Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joshua H Potter
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,School of Biology, The University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Kalina T J Davies
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eugene Myers
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Graham M Hughes
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zixia Huang
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Federico Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Angelique P Corthals
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York, USA
| | - David A Ray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Liliana M Dávalos
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.,Consortium for Inter- Disciplinary Environmental Research, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lu Q, Jiao H, Wang Y, Norbu N, Zhao H. Molecular evolution and deorphanization of bitter taste receptors in a vampire bat. Integr Zool 2020; 16:659-669. [PMID: 33289344 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bats represent the largest dietary radiation in a single mammalian order, and have become an emerging model group for studying dietary evolution. Taste receptor genes have proven to be molecular signatures of dietary diversification in bats. For example, all 3 extant species of vampire bats have lost many bitter taste receptor genes (Tas2rs) in association with their dietary shift from insectivory to sanguivory. Indeed, only 8 full-length Tas2rs were identified from the high-quality genome of the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus). However, it is presently unknown whether these bitter receptors are functional, since the sense of taste is less important in vampire bats, which have an extremely narrow diet and rely on other senses for acquiring food. Here, we applied a molecular evolutionary analysis of Tas2rs in the common vampire bat compared with non-vampire bats. Furthermore, we provided the first attempt to deorphanize all bitter receptors of the vampire bat using a cell-based assay. We found that all Tas2r genes in the vampire bat have a level of selective pressure similar to that in non-vampire bats, suggesting that this species must have retained some bitter taste functions. We demonstrated that 5 of the 8 bitter receptors in the vampire bat can be activated by some bitter compounds, and observed that the vampire bat generally can not detect naturally occurring bitter compounds examined in this study. Our study demonstrates functional retention of bitter taste in vampire bats as suggested by cell-based functional assays, calling for an in-depth study of extra-oral functions of bitter taste receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Lu
- Department of Ecology, Tibetan Centre for Ecology and Conservation at WHU-TU, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hengwu Jiao
- Department of Ecology, Tibetan Centre for Ecology and Conservation at WHU-TU, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Ecology, Tibetan Centre for Ecology and Conservation at WHU-TU, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ngawang Norbu
- Research Center for Ecology, College of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
| | - Huabin Zhao
- Department of Ecology, Tibetan Centre for Ecology and Conservation at WHU-TU, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Center for Ecology, College of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
| |
Collapse
|