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Biology subjects

Benson, S. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Benson, S. R..

2 recordsLinked to original sources
bioRxiv2026

A GENOMIC BASIS FOR TRANS-OCEANIC SEA TURTLE MIGRATION

Long-distance migration has evolved repeatedly across the animal kingdom, yet the underlying processes giving rise to and maintaining these complex eco-behavioral phenotypes remain poorly understood. Here, we present the first evidence of genomic determinants of migratory phenotypes in sea turtles, using whole genome resequencing to demonstrate that complex genomic architecture underlies divergent migratory destinations and reproductive timing in the critically endangered western Pacific leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Individuals from this admixed population that navigate to foraging grounds on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean have a putative inversion on chromosome 2 encompassing one gene, potentially conferring pleiotropic physiological effects and supporting magnetoreception. Genomic architecture underlying divergent reproductive timing is more dispersed, aligned with reduced gene flow, and is associated with genes that may influence reproductive success. Genes underlying both traits suggest a role for neurodevelopment and memory. Our study adds to the increasing evidence of at least partial genomic control of migratory traits in wild populations, with important potential implications for conservation measures such as translocation and genetic rescue. Our results align with a growing body of work describing complex genomic architecture and structural variants underlying key eco-behavioral traits, advancing the understanding of evolution of long-distance migration across taxa.

ecology↗
bioRxiv2017

Both Lipopolysaccharide And Lipoteichoic Acids Potently Induce Anomalous Fibrin Amyloid Formation: Assessment With Novel Amytracker™ Stains

In recent work, we discovered that the presence of highly substoichiometric amounts (10-8 molar ratio) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria caused fibrinogen clotting to lead to the formation of an amyloid form of fibrin. We here show that the broadly equivalent lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) from two species of Gram-positive bacteria have similarly (if not more) potent effects. Using thioflavin T fluorescence to detect amyloid as before, the addition of low concentrations of free ferric ion is found to have similar effects. Luminescent conjugated oligothiophene dyes (LCOs), marketed under the trade name AmytrackerTM, also stain classical amyloid structures. We here show that they too give very large fluorescence enhancements when clotting is initiated in the presence of the four amyloidogens (LPS, ferric ions and two LTA types). The staining patterns differ significantly as a function of both the amyloidogens and the dyes used to assess them, indicating clearly that the nature of the clots formed is different. This is also the case when clotting is measured viscometrically using thromboelastography. Overall, the data provide further evidence for an important role of bacterial cell wall products in the various coagulopathies that are observable in chronic, inflammatory diseases. The assays may have potential in both diagnostics and therapeutics.

biophysics↗