Project description:Contrasting whole-genome and reduced representation sequencing pipelines for population demographic inference - high coverage genomes
Project description:Our hypothesis was that the ant holobiont may contribute enzymes, in particular proteases, that modify the yogurt texture. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an untargeted proteomics analysis based on a self-curated database that contained proteases from Formica ants, ant-yogurt bacteria, conventional yogurt bacteria, and milk proteins.
Project description:Caffeine, a widely occurring plant alkaloid, has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties and influence insect behaviour. This study investigates the potential of caffeine to mitigate the effects of the fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana in colonies of the ant Formica fusca. Using field-collected colonies, we examined the impact of a naturally relevant caffeine concentration (100 ppm) on ant survival, foraging behaviour, and gene expression under fungal exposure. Caffeine consumption delayed peak mortality and altered foraging dynamics in exposed ants, although it did not prevent fungal spore germination at the tested concentration. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant upregulation of immune- and metabolism-related genes in exposed ants, alongside changes in genes linked to feeding behaviour and symbiotic interactions. While caffeine was a deterrent to sham-treated ants, exposed ants did not exhibit avoidance/preference. Additionally, caffeine demonstrated antifungal activity at higher concentrations, suggesting potential disruption of fungal development. These findings highlight the complex interplay between dietary compounds, pathogen defence, and ant behaviour, emphasizing the role of plant secondary metabolites in shaping insect-pathogen interactions.
2026-06-26 | GSE317441 | GEO
Project description:Contrasting whole-genome and reduced representation sequencing pipelines for population demographic inference
Project description:In order to validate of CNV detection from low-coverage whole-genome sequencing in the blood samples from recurrent miscarriage couples, we employed a customized array Comparative Genomics Hybridization (aCGH, Agilent) approach as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in present study for a cohort of 78 DNA samples from blood. CMA results were compared with low-coverage whole-genome sequencing detection results. 100% consistency was obtained in pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNVs detection.