Biology subjects

Young, N. D.

Publications and source records attributed to Young, N. D..

10 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

m6A positions polyadenylation in Plasmodium falciparum

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNA and can influence gene expression, but the molecular mechanisms by which it does this at an individual gene level are poorly understood. The eukaryote with the highest known percentage of adenosine in its RNA is P. falciparum, causative agent of the deadliest form of malaria. P. falciparum has a high genomic AT content (>80% A+T) and a particular A-bias in mRNA - coding strands have an average adenosine content of 44%. Plasmodium parasites employ extensive transcriptional and post-transcriptional control over gene expression to differentiate within and between sexual and asexual stages in response to changing environments and hosts. We used direct Nanopore RNA sequencing and GLORI-seq to interrogate m6A methylation of the asexual Plasmodium falciparum transcriptome, revealing m6A depletion in protein coding regions relative to the 3UTR, where m6A is deposited in precise patterns approximately 50 nt upstream of the polyadenylation site. We used an inducible protein mislocalisation system to disrupt the methyltransferase, which writes m6A to mRNA, and observed m6A depletion associated with transcriptional readthrough and chimeric transcripts. We show that m6A in transcript 3UTRs is required for faithful positioning of polyadenylation and transcription termination. This work highlights the importance of m6A to mRNA processing in P. falciparum, and potentially a wider role in post-transcriptional regulation.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Mimics of the chordate gut-brain hormone neurotensin in parasitic intestinal hookworms

Hookworms of the family Ancylostomatidae are intestinal parasites that infect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, contributing to malnutrition, anemia, and impaired development. While hookworms are known to secrete immunomodulatory molecules to evade host defenses, it has been unclear whether they also exploit host hormonal signaling. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized family of hookworm peptides, which we term ancylotensins. Ancylotensins share strong sequence similarity with the chordate hormone neurotensin, a key regulator of metabolism, gut-brain communication, and intestinal function. In vitro pharmacological assays, ex vivo gut contractility studies, and cryo-electron microscopy demonstrate that ancylotensins closely replicate both the structural and functional properties of mammalian neurotensin to modulate gut function. Furthermore, ancylotensins do not share common ancestry with chordate neurotensin and instead evolved independently via convergent evolution. These findings reveal the existence of gut peptide mimicry as a mechanism by which intestinal parasites can manipulate host physiology.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2025

New genomic resources for an invasive mite pest help guide the development of KASP markers for pesticide resistance screening

The redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, is an invasive pest of grain and pasture crops in Australia. Australian populations are increasingly developing resistance to broad-spectrum pesticides. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome for H. destructor, comprising nine chromosomes and totalling approximately 46 Mb. We also generated a genomic dataset from 190 populations collected across thousands of kilometres of its invasive Australian range and across four years (2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023), and used this dataset to develop KASP (Kompetitive allele-specific PCR) markers for identifying resistance mutations. We combined pooled whole-genome sequencing with resistance testing for organophosphate pesticides, chlorpyrifos and omethoate, and the pyrethroid pesticide bifenthrin. Target-site resistance to chlorpyrifos was strongly associated with the common ace G119S mutation. A second mutation, ace A201S, was also common, although its association with chlorpyrifos or omethoate resistance was less clear. Target-site resistance to bifenthrin was strongly associated with the common para L1024F mutation. We also detected several rare target-site mutations that likely contribute to resistance in specific populations, including F331Y in ace, and M918T, M918V, L925I, F1020S, and F1538I in para. Copy number variation in ace showed mixed associations with resistance, potentially reflecting the co-occurrence of variable gene copies and target-site mutations segregating within and among populations. Finally, we observed putative compositional and structural differences in genomic regions containing carboxylesterases with high ace-like homology, a group of genes that might be involved in organophosphate metabolism. This study advances the genomic and molecular resources available for H. destructor, and represents the most comprehensive investigation to date of resistance mechanisms and their spatiotemporal distribution in this invasive pest. Our data showed that pesticide resistance in H. destructor likely involves many genes. Nevertheless, target-site mutations are likely to remain key markers for rapid resistance diagnostics, for which our KASP markers will provide valuable tools.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2025

From Neuropeptides to Toxins: Illuminating the Origins of Venom Complexity in Cone Snails

New genes and gene functions are key drivers of evolutionary innovation. Venomous animals, such as cone snails, provide striking examples of gene innovation, yet the mechanisms by which toxins arise remain poorly understood. Using the Conus textile genome, we uncover how neuropeptide genes were recruited into the venom and neofunctionalized as doppelganger toxins. We identify over 20 independent recruitment events that evolved dynamically across the Conus lineage. Rather than arising from ohnologs of a whole-genome duplication event [~]100 mya, these toxins evolved through diverse mechanisms, including exon shuffling, alternative splicing, and ectopic recombination, often facilitated by lineage-specific transposable elements. Our findings reveal a dynamic interplay between genome architecture and molecular innovation, offering broad insight into the evolution of complex gene repertoires in venoms and beyond. One-Sentence SummaryDoppelganger toxins reveal how modular gene architecture, including 5UTR reuse and TE-driven recombination, fuels gene innovation in cone snails.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2024

In multi-strain inoculations, mutation of Medicago symbiosis genes creates a complex selective landscape for naturally-occurring genetic variation in rhizobia

In the mutualism between leguminous plants and rhizobia bacteria, rhizobia live inside root nodules, creating potential for host genes to shape the rhizobial selective environment. Many host genes that affect symbiosis have been identified; however, the extent to which these genes affect selection acting on rhizobia is unknown. In this study, we inoculated 18 Medicago truncatula symbiotic mutants (including mutants that alter Nodule Cysteine-Rich (NCR) peptide production, plant defense, and nodule number regulation) with a mixture of 86 Sinorhizobium meliloti strains. Most mutations resulted in reduced host benefits, but the effects on rhizobial benefit (i.e., relative strain fitness) varied widely, revealing widespread host-by-strain fitness interactions. Genome-wide association analyses identified variants on rhizobial replicons pSymA and pSymB as important in mediating strain fitness responses to host mutations. Whereas most top variants affected rhizobial fitness with one host mutant (limited effect variants), nine affected fitness across six or more host mutations. These pervasive variants occurred primarily on pSymA, the symbiotic replicon, and include fixL and some metabolic genes. In contrast to the limited effect variants, variants with pervasive positive effects on strain fitness when host genes were mutated tended to adversely affect fitness in wild-type hosts. Competition assays across Medicago genotypes confirmed a pervasive role for one candidate (malonyl-CoA synthase), and AlphaFold multimer modelling suggests that many rhizobial top candidates could interact with host NCR peptides. Our results reveal how host genetic variation affects rhizobial fitness, setting the stage for improving rhizobial inoculants and breeding legume hosts better adapted to multi-strain environments.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Comparative analysis of amphibian genomes: an emerging resource for basic and applied research

Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates and are in dire need of conservation intervention to ensure their continued survival. They exhibit unique features including a high diversity of reproductive strategies, permeable and specialized skin capable of producing toxins and antimicrobial compounds, multiple genetic mechanisms of sex determination, and in some lineages, the ability to regenerate limbs and organs. Although genomics approaches would shed light on these unique traits and aid conservation, sequencing and assembly of amphibian genomes has lagged behind other taxa due to their comparatively large genome sizes. Fortunately, the development of long-read sequencing technologies and initiatives has led to a recent burst of new amphibian genome assemblies. Although growing, the field of amphibian genomics suffers from the lack of annotation resources, tools for working with challenging genomes, and lack of high-quality assemblies in multiple clades of amphibians. Here we analyze 51 publicly available amphibian genomes to evaluate their usefulness for functional genomics research. We report considerable variation in genome assembly quality and completeness, and report some of the highest transposable element and repeat contents of any vertebrate. Additionally, we detected an association between transposable element content and climatic variables. Our analysis provides evidence of conserved genome synteny despite the long divergence times of this group, but we also highlight inconsistencies in chromosome naming and orientation across genome assemblies. We discuss sequencing gaps in the phylogeny and suggest key targets for future sequencing endeavors. Finally, we propose increased investment in amphibian genomics research to promote their conservation.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2022

The redlegged earth mite draft genome provides new insights into pesticide resistance evolution and demography in its invasive Australian range

Genomic data provide valuable insights into pest management issues such as resistance evolution, historical patterns of pest invasions and ongoing population dynamics. We assembled the first reference genome for the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker, 1925), to investigate adaptation to pesticide pressures and demography in its invasive Australian range using whole-genome pool-seq data from regionally distributed populations. Our reference genome comprises 132 autosomal contigs, with a total length of 48.90 Mb. We observed a large complex of ace genes, which has presumably evolved from a long history of organophosphate selection in H. destructor and may contribute toward organophosphate resistance through copy number variation, target-site mutations, and structural variants. In the putative ancestral H. destructor ace gene, we identified three target-site mutations (G119S, A201S, and F331Y) segregating in organophosphate resistant populations. Additionally, we identified two new para sodium channel gene mutations (L925I and F1020Y) that may contribute to pyrethroid resistance. Regional structuring observed in population genomic analyses indicates that gene flow in H. destructor does not homogenise populations across large geographic distances. However, our demographic analyses were equivocal on the magnitude of gene flow; the short invasion history of H. destructor makes it difficult to distinguish scenarios of complete isolation vs. ongoing migration. Nonetheless, we identified clear signatures of reduced genetic diversity and smaller inferred effective population sizes in eastern vs. western populations, which is consistent with the stepping-stone invasion pathway of this pest in Australia. These new insights will inform development of diagnostic genetic markers of resistance, further investigation into the multifaceted organophosphate resistance mechanism, and predictive modelling of resistance evolution and spread.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2019

Comparative genome analysis indicates rapid evolution of pathogenicity genes in Colletotrichum tanaceti

Colletotrichum tanaceti is an emerging foliar fungal pathogen of pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), posing a threat to the global pyrethrum industry. Despite being reported consistently from field surveys in Australia, the molecular basis of pathogenicity of C. tanaceti on pyrethrum is unknown. Herein, the genome of C. tanaceti (isolate BRIP57314) was assembled de novo and annotated using transcriptomic evidence. The inferred pathogenicity gene suite of C. tanaceti comprised a large array of genes encoding secreted effectors, proteases, CAZymes and secondary metabolites. Comparative analysis of its CAZyme pathogenicity profiles with those of closely related species suggested that C. tanaceti had additional hosts to pyrethrum. The genome of C. tanaceti had a high repeat content and repetitive elements were located significantly closer to genes inferred to influence pathogenicity than other genes. These repeats are likely to have accelerated mutational and transposition rates in the genome, resulting in a rapid evolution of certain CAZyme families in this species. The C. tanaceti genome consisted of a gene-sparse, A-T rich region facilitating a "two-speed" genome. Pathogenicity genes within this region were likely to have a higher evolutionary rate than the core genome. This "two-speed" genome phenomenon in certain Colletotrichum spp. was hypothesized to have caused the clustering of species based on the pathogenicity genes, to deviate from taxonomy. With the large repertoire of pathogenicity factors that can potentially evolve rapidly in response to control measures, C. tanaceti may pose a high-risk to global pyrethrum production. Knowledge of the pathogenicity genes will facilitate future research in disease management of C. tanaceti and other Colletotrichum spp..

genomics↗

bioRxiv2018

Programmed mutation of liver fluke granulin using CRISPR/Cas9 attenuates virulence of infection-induced hepatobiliary morbidity

Infections with several flatworm parasites represent group 1 biological carcinogens, i.e. definite causes of cancer. Infection with the food-borne liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini causes cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Whereas the causative agent for most cancers, including CCA in the West, remains obscure, the principal risk factor for CCA in Thailand is opisthorchiasis. We exploited this established link to explore the role of the secreted parasite growth factor termed liver fluke granulin (Ov-GRN-1) in pre-malignant lesions of the biliary tract. We targeted the Ov-grn-1 gene for programmed knockout and investigated gene-edited parasites in vitro and in experimentally infected hamsters. Both adult and juvenile stages of the liver fluke were transfected with a plasmid encoding a guide RNA sequence specific for exon 1 of Ov-grn-1 and the Cas9 nuclease. Deep sequencing of amplicon libraries from genomic DNA from gene-edited parasites exhibited programmed, Cas9-catalyzed mutations within the Ov-grn-1 locus, and tandem analyses by RT-PCR and western blot revealed rapid depletion of Ov-grn-1 transcripts and protein. Newly excysted juvenile flukes that had undergone editing of Ov-grn-1 colonized the biliary tract, grew and developed over a period of 60 days, were active and motile, and induced a clinically relevant pathophysiological tissue phenotype of attenuated biliary hyperplasia and fibrosis in comparison to infection with wild type flukes. This is the first report of gene knock-out using CRISPR/Cas9 in a parasitic flatworm, demonstrating the activity and utility of the process for functional genomics in these pathogens. The striking clinical phenotype highlights the role in virulence that liver fluke growth factors play in biliary tract morbidity during chronic opisthorchiasis.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2017

Best Practice Data Life Cycle Approaches for the Life Sciences

Throughout history, the life sciences have been revolutionised by technological advances; in our era this is manifested by advances in instrumentation for data generation, and consequently researchers now routinely handle large amounts of heterogeneous data in digital formats. The simultaneous transitions towards biology as a data science and towards a life cycle view of research data pose new challenges. Researchers face a bewildering landscape of data management requirements, recommendations and regulations, without necessarily being able to access data management training or possessing a clear understanding of practical approaches that can assist in data management in their particular research domain.\n\nHere we provide an overview of best practice data life cycle approaches for researchers in the life sciences/bioinformatics space with a particular focus on omics datasets and computer-based data processing and analysis. We discuss the different stages of the data life cycle and provide practical suggestions for useful tools and resources to improve data management practices.

bioinformatics↗