Biology subjects

Jenner, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Jenner, R..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Divergent venoms among two closely related co-distributed centipede species, Scolopendra morsitans and S. hardwickei in tropical Asia

Venom is an important functional trait that helps predatory animals capture prey. Centipede predatory venoms are complex cocktails of multiple proteins, such as neurotoxins (scoloptoxins), cytotoxins, {beta}-pore-forming toxins, and enzymes. We examined venom phenotypes in two closely related and co-occurring centipede species, Scolopendra morsitans (n=28) and S. hardwickei (n=11), in peninsular India to determine whether their venoms are similar or dissimilar. An integrated proteo-transcriptomic approach was used to characterise the venom phenotypes of the two species across multiple individuals in peninsular India. We used species occurrence records and species distribution models to assess the distributional overlap among these species within the peninsular Indian region. The species showed significant overlap in their current and projected geographical ranges, corresponding with their co-occurrence. We characterised the venom profiles of both species and found that the venoms were cocktails of enzymes, {beta}-pore-forming toxins, and neurotoxins comprising 110 and 84 proteins in S. morsitans and S. hardwickei, respectively. However, the venom composition of both species differed significantly in toxin abundance and species-specific protein repertoires. This indicates trait divergence in venom phenotypes, suggesting that distinct venom compositions may facilitate coexistence among ecologically similar predatory centipedes. The observed variation in venom phenotypes among co-distributed species opens up important avenues for future research into their ecological roles and functional significance. In this study, we provided a detailed account of venom composition across multiple individuals from the species geographic range and highlighted the importance of investigating the role of venom as a trait that could influence species interactions and shape communities in these diverse tropical forests.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2025

Antimicrobial stewardship in animal health: experience-based co-design framework to capture progress and accelerate improvement

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is essential for mitigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal health but implementing national initiatives is challenging due to diverse influencing factors and the need for context-specific approaches. An Animal AMS Practice Group, comprised of individuals with lived experience overseeing AMS in various animal health contexts was engaged, and through an experience-based co-design approach created a comprehensive AMS Framework that captures progress and supports tangible improvements in AMS practices in each context. The Framework supported a cross-sectoral pilot assessment that helped users identify progress, areas for improvement, and contextualise antimicrobial usage and AMR data, while also motivating further AMS efforts. Despite common barriers to sharing sensitive data, participants willingly shared AMS results for benchmarking and publication. The process demonstrated that co-design coupled with peer learning and expert support are essential to ensuring AMS tools are utilised in practice. Several participants incorporated the Framework into routine practice, with some using it to drive sector-level AMS action. The resulting Framework offers an adaptable, scalable entry point for AMS efforts and a platform for setting meaningful improvement goals. It supports broader opportunities for national-level AMS assessments and strategy development. Impact StatementThis research offers a practical, scalable approach to improving AMS in animal health. By embedding behaviour change into the project through an experience-based co-design process, rather than expecting it to occur afterward, veterinarians, animal managers, and other frontline professionals defined what good AMS looks like in their context and identified achievable actions to improve daily practices that aligned across diverse animal health settings. The resulting AMS Framework provides a clear, accessible starting point for those overseeing daily AMS activities to benchmark practices, set meaningful goals, and track progress, while also informing national-level prioritisation and decision-making. This user-led model demonstrates that when AMS tools are co-developed with those who will use them and users are empowered to shape the projects design and outputs, the resulting tools are more likely to be adopted, shared, and sustained.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

T-bet fate mapping identifies a novel ILC1-ILC2 subset in vivo

Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) play a critical role in regulating immune responses at mucosal surfaces. Various subsets exist resembling T cell lineages defined by the expression of specific transcription factors. Thus, T-bet is expressed in ILC1 and Th1 cells. In order to further understand the functional roles of T-bet in ILC, we generated a fate-mapping mouse model that permanently marks cells and their progeny that are expressing, or have ever expressed T-bet. Here we have identified and characterised a novel ILC with characteristics of ILC1 and ILC2 that are "fate-mapped" for T-bet expression and arise early in neonatal life prior to establishment of a mature microbiome. These ILC1-ILC2 cells are critically dependent on T-bet and are able to express type 1 and type 2 cytokines at steady state, but not in the context of inflammation. These findings refine our understanding of ILC lineage regulation and stability and have important implications for the understanding of ILC biology at mucosal surfaces. SUMMARYInnate lymphoid cells (ILC) play a critical role in regulating immune responses at mucosal surfaces. Three distinct ILC groups have been described according to expression of subset defining transcription factors and other markers. In this study we characterize a novel ILC subset with characteristics of group 1 and group 2 ILC in vivo.

immunology↗