Biology subjects

Labate, C. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Labate, C. A..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

First chromosome scale genome of Acrocomia aculeata

The Arecaceae family comprises economically, and ecologically significant palm species widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Among them, Acrocomia aculeata, commonly known as Macauba, has gained attention due to its high oil yield, environmental adaptability, and potential applications in sustainable agriculture and bioenergy production. This study presents the first chromosome scale genome assembly of A. aculeata and the first reference genome of the genus, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing, PacBio HiFi and Hi-C proximity ligation data. The genome covers 1.94 Gbp in the 15 pseudochromosomes, with N50 of 143.43 Mbp, achieving a base quality (QV) of 76.4 and a k-mer completeness of 90.58% of PacBio HiFi data, with k=21. Interspersed repetitive regions represent 77.36% of the total genome, with long terminal repeat (LTRs) accounting for 54.98%. A total of 28.215 protein-coding genes were predicted. The genome was validated with BUSCO, achieving a completeness of 98.9% for predicted proteins. The first chromosome scale genome of Macauba provide new insights and breakthroughs for studies of conservation genomics and plant breeding programs.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2022

NON-TARGETED METABOLOMICS REVEAL DIFFERENCES IN THE METABOLIC PROFILE OF THE FALL ARMYWORM STRAINS WHEN FEEDING DIFFERENT FOOD SOURCES

Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm (FAW), is an important polyphagous agricultural pest feeding on nearly 350 host plants. FAW is undergoing incipient speciation with two well-characterized host-adapted strains, the "corn" (CS) and "rice" (RS) strains, which are morphologically identical but carry several genes under positive selection for host adaptation. We used non-targeted metabolomics based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify differences in metabolite profiles of the larval gut of CS and RS feeding on different host plants. Larvae were fed on artificial diet, maize, rice, or cotton leaves from eclosion to the sixth instar, when they had their midgut dissected for the analysis. This study revealed that the midgut metabolome of FAW varied due to larval diet and differed between the FAW host-adapted strains. Additionally, we identified several candidate metabolites that may be involved in the adaptation of CS and RS to their host plants. Our findings provide clues toward the gut metabolic activities of the FAW strains.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2021

The ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under a phenomics perspective

Ethanol (EtOH) is a substantial stressor for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Data integration from strains with different phenotypes, including EtOH stress-responsive lncRNAs, are still not available. We covered these issues seeking systems modifications that drive the divergences between higher (HT) and lower (LT) EtOH tolerant strains under their highest stress conditions. We showed that these phenotypes are neither related to high viability nor faster population rebound after stress relief. LncRNAs work on many stress-responsive systems in a strain-specific manner promoting the EtOH tolerance. Cells use membraneless RNA/protein storage and degradation systems to endure the stress harming, and lncRNAs jointly promote EtOH tolerance. CTA1 and longevity are primer systems promoting phenotype-specific gene expression. The lower cell viability and growth under stress is a byproduct of sphingolipids and inositol phosphorylceramide dampening, acerbated in HTs by sphinganine, ERG9, and squalene overloads; LTs diminish this harm by accumulating inositol 1-phosphate. The diauxic shift drives an EtOH buffering by promoting an energy burst under stress, mainly in HTs. Analysis of mutants showed genes and lncRNAs in three strains critical for their EtOH tolerance. Finally, longevity, peroxisome, energy and lipid metabolisms, RNA/protein degradation and storage systems are the main pathways driving the EtOH tolerance phenotypes.

systems biology↗