Catto, M. A. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2025

Comparative genomics and interactions of vector thysanopterans and transmitted viruses

We analyzed the genomes of nine thysanopteran (thrips) species, with one newly generated, and examined their relationships with 23 representative orthotospoviruses from the family Tospoviridae (order Bunyavirales). Thrips can be agricultural pests, contributing to measurable yield reductions in economically valuable crops and ornamentals. Some thrips species are confirmed orthotospovirus vectors, while most of the [~]7,000 identified species are unknown in their vector status. We conducted in silico protein-protein interaction predictions for several thrips proteins, including an endocuticle protein previously reported to bind to orthotospovirus glycoproteins. In most ecologically observed vector-virus pairs, the predicted protein-protein interactions were confirmed, and additional plausible vector-virus transmission interactions emerged from our analyses. These results expand our understanding of vector-virus co-evolution and highlight candidate molecular interfaces that could be targeted to disrupt virus transmission in agricultural systems.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2025

The fire ant social chromosome exerts a major influence on genome regulation

Supergenes underlying complex trait polymorphisms ensure sets of coadapted alleles remain genetically linked. Despite their prevalence in nature, the mechanisms of supergene effects on genome regulation are poorly understood. In the fire ant Solenopsis invicta, a supergene containing over 500 individual genes influences trait variation in multiple castes to collectively underpin a colony level social polymorphism. Here, we present results of an integrative investigation of supergene effects on gene regulation. We present analyses of ATAC-seq data to investigate variation in chromatin accessibility by supergene genotype and STARR-seq data to characterize enhancer activity by supergene haplotype. Integration with gene coexpression analyses, newly mapped intact TEs, and previously identified CNVs, collectively reveal widespread effects of the supergene on chromatin structure, gene transcription, and regulatory element activity, with a genome-wide bias for open chromatin and increased expression in the presence of the derived supergene haplotype, particularly in regions that harbor intact TEs. Integrated consideration of CNVs and regulatory element divergence suggests each evolved in concert to shape the expression of supergene encoded factors, including several transcription factors that may directly contribute to the trans-regulatory footprint of a heteromorphic social chromosome. Overall, we show how genome structure in the form of a supergene has wide-reaching effects on gene regulation and gene expression.

genomics↗