Biology subjects

Elmeros, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Elmeros, M..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Detection of merbecoviruses in Danish bats using a novel broad-range RT-qPCR assay

Bat-associated merbecoviruses comprise a genetically diverse group of coronaviruses with variable receptor usage and host range, highlighting the need for efficient tools for their surveillance. Here, we developed and optimized a broad-range reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay for the detection of bat-associated merbecoviruses, including the lineage previously identified in brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus) in Denmark. In silico analysis predicted detection of 898 of 941 (95.4%) merbecovirus sequences, and the assay detected all bat-associated merbecoviruses included in the experimental panel. The assay was applied to 33 bats sampled through the Danish national bat surveillance program in 2025. Merbecovirus RNA was detected in two samples, one from a P. auritus and one from a Nathusius' pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii), representing the first detection of a merbecovirus in P. nathusii in Denmark. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing recovered a complete merbecovirus genome from the P. nathusii sample. Phylogenetic analysis assigned the virus to the MOW clade and showed that it was closely related to the Russian MOW15-22 virus, sharing 98.67% nucleotide identity across the complete genome and 99.85% amino acid identity in the spike protein. Limited sequence data obtained from the P. auritus sample was consistent with the merbecovirus lineage previously identified in this species in Denmark. Together, these findings demonstrate the utility of broad-range RT-qPCR combined with metagenomic sequencing for surveillance and genomic characterization of bat-associated merbecoviruses.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

Targeted metagenomic recovery of coronaviruses from wildlife samples

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are diverse RNA viruses infecting a wide range of hosts, with significant implications for public health, animal production and welfare. Bats are key reservoirs of mammalian CoVs and have contributed to the emergence and circulation of several zoonotic viruses in a wildlife context, while mustelids represent important hosts at the human-animal interface, as highlighted by SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in farmed mink. Using metagenomic next-generation sequencing, we screened bats and wild mustelids and recovered and characterized full-length CoV genomes. Building on previous findings in Danish wildlife, including alpha-CoVs and a MERS-related beta-CoV in bats, this study expands current knowledge of coronavirus diversity and evolution in wildlife, emphasizing their relevance for zoonotic emergence.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

BatSpot: a retrainable neural network for automatic detection and classification of bat echolocation and detection of buzzes and social calls

O_LIBats are a diverse taxonomic group that display a wide range of interesting behaviours. Many bats are keystone species for their ecosystem, are IUCN Red-listed as vulnerable to critically endangered, and subject to human-wildlife conflicts arising from anthropogenic expansion. Yet bats remain understudied both with respect to behaviour, population ecology and conservation status. One of the major challenges when studying bats is obtaining data. Their nocturnal lifestyle and use of ultrasonic echolocation makes them difficult to track and record using traditional methods. Recent advances in passive acoustic monitoring have allowed researchers to record large amounts of data, but the detection and classification of vocalisations remain a challenge. Most available tools are either for profit or are limited to a narrow geographic range, and mostly focus on echolocation search phase calls. C_LIO_LIHere we present BatSpot, a convolutional neural network trained to detect search phase calls, buzzes and social calls. It also offers the option to classify the search phase calls to species(-complex) level. We provide a GUI that allows researchers to retrain or transfer-train the models for their specific needs and validate the performance. C_LIO_LIWe test the performance of all models and show that they perform better than both commercial and open-source solutions (search phase file level F1: 0.97 vs 0.96, buzz detector F1: 0.95 vs 0.11). We furthermore show that retraining the search phase call detector for a new country with examples from just 59 recordings massively improves the performance (F1: 0.48 to 0.79). C_LIO_LIBatSpot will enable bat researchers globally to automate detection and classification with minimal effort and includes novel options for social call and buzz detection, typically not featured in other automated tools for bat monitoring. C_LI

ecology↗

bioRxiv2025

Ancient balanced polymorphism underlies long-standing adaptation for seasonal camouflage in the least weasel

Unraveling how adaptive traits originate and evolve is key to understanding the mechanisms shaping species diversity and their adaptive potential. Seasonal color molts, from summer-brown to winter-white, evolved in at least 21 mammals and birds to maintain camouflage in environments with seasonal snow, but the occurrence of winter-brown morphs reflects seemingly convergent local adaptation to distinct snow conditions. In the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), alternative winter morphs map to the pigmentation gene MC1R, but the evolutionary history and functional basis of this variation remain unknown. Using in vitro cellular assays, we show that winter-brown coats are caused by a derived protein-coding amino acid substitution that reduces MC1R affinity to its ligands, ASIP and -MSH. Using targeted enrichment and sequencing, we find that this mutation arose de novo within the species, around one million years ago, and was maintained across the geographically structured populations generated during its evolution in Europe. Using simulations, we show that genetic drift cannot explain the long-term maintenance of this variant, which is likely driven by spatially varying selection acting on the phenotypic polymorphism, anchoring local adaptive responses. Our results underscore how long-standing adaptive variation can fuel recurrent adaptation to heterogeneous environments through time.

evolutionary biology↗