Research Articles (Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM))

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Wind direction and strength determine the genetic structure of an insect-pollinated plant across heterogeneous landscape
Deng, Jun-Yin; Fu, Rong-Hua; Compton, Stephen G.; Yuan, Chuan; Kling, Matthew M.; Chen, Xiao-Yong; Song, Yao-Bin; Jiang, Kai; Liu, Mei; Greeff, Jacobus Maree; Chen, Yan (Wiley, 2025-06)
AIM : Dispersal of plant propagules and their genes is crucial for plant responses to landscape heterogeneities, yet the mechanisms behind this dispersal remain unclear. Ficus species depend on wind-borne fig wasps for pollination, but research on airflow effects on Ficus genetic structure has produced conflicting results. Our study aims to clarify the role of wind in shaping the genetic structure of such plants with wind-borne insect pollinators by examining how geomorphological complexity interacts with air movements to influence genetic structures. LOCATION : Southwest China: Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou provinces. TAXON : Ficus tikoua Bur., Ficus, Moraceae. METHODS : We sampled 56 F. tikoua sites across southwest China, characterised by high geomorphologic complexity. River basins and predominant winds were visualised across the sampled regions. Wind connectivity between sampled sites during the main pollination season was modelled based on hourly daily wind data. The maternal and biparental genetic structure of sites were reconstructed using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and nuclear SSR (nuSSR) markers. Links between genetic structure, location, and wind parameters were estimated by Mantel or partial Mantel tests. RESULTS : The plant's maternal genetic structure was defined by river systems, with two distinct cpDNA groups located in the Yangtze and Pearl River basins, respectively. The boundaries for nuclear variation were less clearly delimited geographically. Sites with mixtures of nuSSR groups were concentrated where prevailing winds arrived from several directions. Stronger between-site air flows increased nuSSR geneflow and genetic similarities, while populations receiving more wind flow were also more genetically variable. MAIN CONCLUSIONS : Our study reveals how plant gene dispersal reflects air and water movements that in turn respond to geomorphologic complexity, thereby directly demonstrating the effects of wind on gene flow of plants with wind-borne insect pollinators. Wind data matching pollinator flight times and large sample sizes are crucial for testing wind effects.
In silico and in vitro evaluation of flavonoid derivatives for diabetes management : molecular dynamics, and enzyme kinetics for pancreatic alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase
McMillan, Jamie; Bester, Megan Jean; Apostolides, Zeno (Springer, 2025-11)
Please read abstract in the article.
Draft genome sequences of Rahnella perminowiae, R. aceris, and R. aquatilis isolated from onion bulbs (Allium cepa L.) displaying symptoms of bacterial rot
Mnguni, Fanele Cabangile; Shin, Gi Yoon; Aegerter, Brenna J.; Du Toit, Lindsey J.; Derie, Michael L.; Coutinho, Teresa A. (Springer, 2026-02)
Onions (Allium cepa L.) are among the most widely produced vegetables globally, and their cultivation plays an important role in food security (Schwartz et al. 2007). However, the emergence of opportunistic bacterial plant pathogens, such as Rahnella species, which are not fully understood yet, poses a threat to onion production (Asselin et al. 2019; Brady et al. 2022). Rahnella species are Gram-negative, facultative anaerobes within the Yersiniaceae family, part of the order Enterobacteriales (Adeolu et al. 2016). According to the List of Prokaryotic Names with Standing in Nomenclature (LPSN), the genus consists of 15 described species that are isolated from various environments and are considered validly characterised (Guo et al. 2012; Brady et al. 2014; Lee et al. 2019; Liang et al. 2020).
Launching the IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group as a global safeguard for microbial biodiversity
Gilbert, Jack A.; Peixoto, Raquel S.; Scholz, Amber Hartman; Dominguez Bello, Maria Gloria; Korsten, Lise; Berg, Gabriele; Singh, Brajesh; Boetius, Antje; Wang, Fengping; Greening, Chris; Wrighton, Kelly; Bordenstein, Seth; Jansson, Janet K.; Lennon, Jay T.; Souza, Valeria; Thomas, Torsten; Cowan, Don A.; Crowther, Thomas W.; Nguyen, Nguyen; Harper, Lucy; Haraoui, Louis-Patrick; Ishaq, Suzanne L.; Redford, Kent (Nature Research, 2025-10)
Despite its importance, microbial life is largely absent from global conservation frameworks. Launched in July 2025, the Microbial Conservation Specialist Group (MCSG) was established as a Species Survival Commission (SSC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN is the world’s leading authority in environmental science and policy, renowned for shaping conservation priorities across governments, non-governmental organizations and international treaties. The MCSG convenes a coalition of microbiologists, ecologists, traditional knowledge experts and conservation leaders to develop and advocate for conservation tools, strategies and policies that explicitly integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. Despite the importance of microorganisms for ecosystem function, their role has been seen as too abstract or complex to integrate into policy. Elevating microbial perspectives within global conservation has required overcoming a deep-rooted tendency to overlook the invisible.
Alleviation of adverse effects associated with α-glucosidase inhibitors by Ocimum basilicum L., Matricaria chamomilla L., and Salvia officinalis L. reveals novel selective inhibition of Bacillus α-glucosidase by acarbose
Van der Merwe, Lané; Bester, Megan Jean; Serem, June Cheptoo; Apostolides, Zeno (Elsevier, 2026-04)
Ocimum basilicum L., Matricaria chamomilla L., and Salvia officinalis L. have literature-supported ethnobotanical claims of reducing hyperglycaemia and gastrointestinal discomfort. Thus, they contain potent potential for reducing gastrointestinal adverse side effects associated with the use of the type 2 diabetes medication, acarbose. The adverse effects are predominantly theorised to be caused by excess carbohydrate fermentation by gut bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this study was to subject herbal extracts as well as compounds identified in the herbs to in silico and in vitro investigation for selective inhibition of a gut bacterial enzyme, Bacillus α-glucosidase, compared with human α-glucosidase. In silico molecular docking was employed to filter and select top performing compounds that exhibited the highest selective Bacillus α-glucosidase inhibition, followed by pharmacokinetic examination of the selected compounds. In vitro enzyme kinetics, hepatocellular carcinoma cell line cytotoxicity and the reduction of hepatic lipid accumulation in a hepatocellular carcinoma/oleic acid cellular model of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease was examined. A metabolomic study on the concentration of the selected compounds in the herbs as well as a comparative analysis on abundant metabolites between herbs were analysed through an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based study. Molecular docking revealed cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, epicatechin, hesperetin, linalool, menthol, octenol, terpineol, umbelliferone, and vanillic acid as the top predicted compounds with the highest predicted selective inhibition of Bacillus α-glucosidase. These findings were validated through in vitro assessment, in which the primary finding and the most unexpected result was obtained through enzyme kinetics, where compared with all compounds, acarbose exhibited the most potent inhibition and selectivity towards Bacillus α-glucosidase. Only umbelliferone significantly reduced cell viability and therefore validated its predicted toxicity that was obtained through pharmacokinetic studies. O. basilicum, M. chamomilla, and S. officinalis were evaluated against Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze for cytotoxic effects, where only M. chamomilla produced a significantly higher EC50, substantiating the herbs potent anti-cancerous abilities. Compounds and herb extracts were not found to reduce hepatic lipid accumulation. The novel finding was related to acarbose inhibition and specifically its potent selectivity of Bacillus α-glucosidase which discredits and disproves the theory that excess bacterial fermentation is the cause behind acarbose's reported adverse effects. Thus, this research study rather proves that acarbose negatively affects gut bacterial enzymes, promoting microbiome dysbiosis and therefore future research should at the forefront focus on the rehabilitation of diabetic patients' gut microbiome and intestinal health. HIGHLIGHTS • Type 2 diabetes (T2D) medication, acarbose, causes adverse gastrointestinal side effects. • It is theorised this is due to excess carbohydrate fermentation by gut bacteria. • However, acarbose proved potent selective inhibition towards Bacillus α-glucosidase. • Disproving the theory, showing acarbose negatively affect gut bacterial enzymes. • Leading to possible future pathogenic Bacillus α-glucosidase inhibition by acarbose.
Structural insights into WY domain SLiM-containing conserved RxLR effectors : a case study of five important Phytophthora species
Salasini, Brenda Chisanga; Chepsergon, Jane; Nxumalo, Celiwe Innocentia; Moleleki, Lucy Novungayo (American Phytopathological Society, 2026)
Pathogenicity in Phytophthora species is in part underpinned by a sophisticated arsenal of RxLR effectors, which function as molecular determinants of host immune manipulation. Among these, conserved RxLR effectors (CREs) represent an evolutionarily conserved subset that is indispensable for virulence. However, the structural basis of their function remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted in silico analysis of CREs across five agriculturally significant Phytophthora species, revealing a conserved subset that integrates WY domains with embedded short linear motifs (SLiMs), a previously recognized architectural feature with functional implications. Notably, our findings indicate that despite the canonical association of SLiMs with intrinsically disordered regions, their incorporation within the structured WY domain preserves domain integrity while potentially expanding the effector's interactome within host cells. To explore the functional relevance of this domain organization, we characterized Phytophthora nicotianae RxLR6 (PpRxLR6), a representative WY-SLiM CRE identified in this study. Using Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression assays, we demonstrate that PpRxLR6 activates key immune defense networks in Nicotiana and Solanum species, suggesting a role in modulating host immune signaling. Structural predictions further reveal that PpRxLR6 harbors its SLiM within a well-ordered WY-like helical core region, suggesting that SLiM-mediated interactions may occur within structured effector domains rather than being confined to intrinsically disordered regions. These findings enhance our understanding of the effector domain architecture of PpRxLR6, illustrating how structured domains in CREs may serve as scaffolds for SLiM-mediated interactions. This structural arrangement may represent an adaptive strategy in Phytophthora evolution, potentially enhancing effector versatility in host interactions and immune modulation.
Editorial overview : Fish, fishers and the future
Mann, B.Q.; Farthing, M.W.; Winkler, A.C.; Henriques, Romina (NISC (Pty) Ltd and Informa UK Limited (trading as Taylor and Francis Group), 2025-12-22)
Low genetic diversity and regional isolation of South Africa’s inshore Bryde’s whales
Paynee, Dominique Kelsi; Vermeulen, Els; Penry, Gwenith S.; Elwen, Simon; Matthee, Conrad; Andreotti, Sara; Bloomer, Paulette (Springer, 2026-02-03)
Effective conservation of cryptic marine species depends on a sound understanding of genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity. These data allow for the delineation of conservation units and assessment of extinction risk and are especially valuable for species with fragmented distributions or suspected regional endemism. The Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) exemplifies a challenge, being a poorly understood baleen whale species globally, with a complex of resident inshore and migratory offshore populations across temperate and sub-tropical waters. One such is the inshore population that inhabits South African coastal waters, where it is classified nationally as Vulnerable (D1) due to its small population size. This study uses a panel of 14 microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA control region sequences to advance our understanding of the genetic isolation and extinction risk of this population, informing the delineation of conservation units and guiding population-specific management actions. Results indicate that this population is characterized by moderate nuclear microsatellite and low mitochondrial DNA diversity and preliminarily indicate genetic differentiation between populations in the southern African region. On a global scale the findings show differentiation between broad ocean regions and the SAi while supporting the difference in evolutionary origin of SAi and SEA. These findings underscore the need for active conservation management for this isolated coastal population since they provide genetic evidence for the recognition of a discrete management unit. It is recommended that further refinement in understanding of the population’s evolutionary distinctiveness will strengthen conservation assessments, support listing decisions, and guide targeted management interventions.
Phenotypic profiling of carbon utilization of Pectobacterium brasiliense (Pbr1692)
Bokhale, Mamokete; Njage, Patrick M. K.; Wambui, Joseph; Moleleki, Lucy Novungayo (Oxford University Press, 2025-10-30)
Pectobacterium brasiliense 1692 (Pbr1692) is a necrotrophic pathogen that infects many crops such as potatoes and ornamental plants and derives nutrients from degraded plant tissue. Previous studies have identified Pbr1692 genes required for ecological fitness and virulence, however there is a lack of information on nutrient utilization in Pbr1692. Carbon source utilization profiling in Pbr1692 could provide a platform to decipher its metabolic flexibility and adaptation. This study assessed the nutrient utilization of Pbr1692 in different carbon sources, using Biolog Phenotypic Microarray (PM). An array of carbon sources utilized by Pbr1692 were identified, 32 carbohydrates and 8 carboxylic acids were among the preferred carbon nutrients utilized by Pbr1692. The PM results also revealed that the citric acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, and pentose phosphate metabolic pathways might be used to produce energy for Pbr1692. In addition, growth of Pbr1692 cells in minimal medium supplemented with citric acid, glucose, and aspartic acid retained the typical rod shape, suggesting that nutrient variation did not influence Pbr1692 cell morphology adaptation. This study provides an understanding on the adaptation of Pbr1692 and lays a foundation for understanding carbon metabolism of Pbr1692.
A novel class of orally bioavailable phenylglycine–benzoxaborole conjugates with antimalarial activity and potentially novel mechanism of action
Morake, Mokhitli; Taylor, Dale; Coertzen, Dina; Njoroge, Mathew; Krugmann, Liezl; Leshabane, Meta Kgaogelo; Da Rocha, Shante; Qahash, Tarrick; Girling, Gareth; Coyle, Rachael; Lee, Marcus C.S.; Wittlin, Sergio; Llinas, Manuel; Birkholtz, Lyn-Marie; Basarab, Gregory S.; Chibale, Kelly (American Chemical Society, 2026-01-08)
A new class of benzoxaboroles with a phenylglycine appendage was found to display in vitro blood stage activity against the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). Structure–activity relationship studies of the starting hit compound 3 resulted in compounds active against PfNF54 drug-sensitive and PfK1 drug-resistant strains with an in vitro antiplasmodium IC50 < 0.4 μM, selectivity over mammalian cell-lines (selectivity index > 47) and high aqueous solubility (160 to >200 μM). Selected compounds showed good in vitro metabolic stability when incubated with human, rat, and mouse liver microsomes and showed no cross-resistance against barcoded mutant lines. Two frontrunner compounds, 6 and 7, were dosed orally at 50 mg·kg–1 using a standard quadrupole dosing regimen in a P. berghei mouse infection model and showed encouraging in vivo efficacy. This work identifies a promising new class of phenylglycine-based benzoxaboroles, which warrants further medicinal chemistry optimization.
Decoding the genome of Brainea insignis reveals insights into fern evolution and conservation
Xia, Zengqiang; Duan, Lei; Fang, Yuhan; Jiang, Yan; Chen, Hongfeng; Yan, Yuehong; Wang, Aihua; Li, Zixiang; Liu, Ziyue; Zhao, Guohua; Shen, Hui; Van de Peer, Yves; Kang, Ming; Wang, Faguo (Nature Research, 2026-02-03)
Ferns are an ancient lineage of vascular plants, yet limited genomic resources constrain both evolutionary and conservation inference. Here, we generate a chromosome-level genome assembly for the endangered cycad fern Brainea insignis (8.62 Gb), the sole species in its genus within eupolypods II, and integrate comparative and population genomics to resolve its evolutionary history and vulnerability. The genome retains the ancient whole-genome duplication shared by leptosporangiate ferns; however, its exceptional size is driven primarily by recent repeat accumulation and further shaped by lineage-specific evolutionary signatures linked to functional specialization. Resequencing across the range identifies three geographically and environmentally structured lineages shaped by Quaternary refugia, limited postglacial expansion and localized admixture. Recently reduced populations show pronounced genomic erosion, including inbreeding and elevated genetic load, due to insufficient time for purging. We detect climate-associated local adaptation and project substantial future genetic offsets, with southwestern Indochina populations at highest risk. Our results expand fern genomics and support spatially tailored conservation strategies that maintains habitat connectivity and promotes adaptive gene flow.
Thermotolerance and post-fire growth in Rhizina undulata is associated with the expansion of heat stress-related protein families
Wilson, Andi M.; Wingfield, Michael J.; Duong, Tuan A.; Wingfield, Brenda D. (BioMed Central, 2025-11-13)
BACKGROUND : Rhizina undulata is an important tree pathogen, infecting a wide variety of conifer species, including those in the genus Pinus. The fungus relies on heat shock-mediated activation of its ascospores, which require high temperatures to initiate germination. Consequently, disease due to R. undulata often occurs after fire events in both natural and managed forests. The genetic mechanisms contributing to the pyrophilous nature of R. undulata have not been investigated. We sought to identify key genes that may be responsible for thermotolerance in the fungus. A comparative genomics approach was used, by sequencing the genome of R. undulata for the first time and comparing its predicted proteome to those from other Pezizomycetes, both with and without known associations with fire. RESULTS : Three protein families were shown to be expanded in R. undulata; heat shock protein 20 (HSP20), glutathione-S transferases (GST), and aromatic compound dioxygenases (ACD). While HSP20 was uniquely over-represented in R. undulata, the expansions of the GST and ACD families were also identified in other fire-associated species. CONCLUSION : HSP20s are known to protect cells against heat stress, GSTs are involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and ACDs play a role in the metabolism of recalcitrant compounds present in post-fire environments. The expansion of these families thus suggests that they may play an important role in protecting and stimulating R. undulata ascospores during and after fire-induced heat shock, activating the fungus, and enabling it to colonise the root systems of conifers.
Dematophora necatrix : from taxonomy to molecular advances
Carstens, Maryke; Pliego, Clara; Norval, Annabel; Van den Berg, Noelani (Elsevier, 2026-03)
Dematophora necatrix Hartig is a destructive soil-borne fungus responsible for White Root Rot (WRR), affecting more than 350 plant species across 51 countries, including many economically important crops. The pathogen's persistence in soil and broad host range makes it especially challenging to control. Over the past decade, molecular studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the pathogen's biology and its interactions with host plants. These developments underscore the need for a comprehensive review to consolidate recent scientific progress. First, we outline the taxonomy, biology, disease symptoms, hosts and global distribution, and current management strategies of D. necatrix. We then focus on recent molecular advances, highlighting how genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics studies have improved our understanding of the pathogen's virulence and pathogenicity. A high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly has enabled more precise annotation and gene prediction. Transcriptomic analyses have identified candidate pathogenicity-related genes and putative effectors, while secretome proteomic studies suggest the production of antimicrobial proteins which may facilitate infection by suppressing microbial competitors. Secondary metabolites, such as cytochalasin E, have been implicated in virulence, although their precise roles in pathogenicity remain unresolved. Improved transformation protocols now permit targeted gene manipulation, creating new opportunities for functional studies. Lastly, this review highlights key knowledge gaps and calls for integrated multi-omics approaches to better understand D. necatrix pathogenicity and virulence, long-term survival, and environmental adaptation. Such insights are critical for the development of durable, targeted strategies to manage WRR.
A pilot study of COVID-19 outcomes in people living with HIV in Tatarstan
Andreeva, Natalya; Moiseeva, Svetlana V.; Garipova, Alisa; Shakirova, Venera G.; Martynova, Ekaterina V.; Salafutdinov, Ilnur Ildusovich; Khaiboullina, Svetlana F.; Davidyuk, Y.N.; Khuzwayo, Sinothile S.; Gama, Ntombenhle Hlengiwe; Turdikulova, Shahlo U.; Dalimova, Dilbar A.; Yakubov, Mirakbar; Morzunov, Sergey P.; Rizvanov, Albert Anatolyevich; Khaertynova, Ilsiyar M.; Kabwe, Emmanuel (MDPI, 2026-01)
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains a significant public health threat globally with significant socio-economic impacts. People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) have a high risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19 due to immunosuppression. Clinical manifestation of COVID-19 in HIV patients largely remains unclear. We carried out a pilot study to investigate the clinical laboratory data and circulating cytokines in PLWH infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in Tatarstan, Russia. Serum samples were collected from three groups: PLWH with COVID-19 (PLWH/COVID-19), COVID-19-only, and uninfected controls. We found an increased risk of severe COVID-19 in PLWH/COVID-19 patients compared to COVID-19-only. Four fatal cases were in PLWH/COVID-19, while there was no fatality in COVID-19-only. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-15, were elevated in PLWH/COVID-19 compered to COVID-19-only. These preliminary findings highlight the potential for more severe COVID-19 in PLWH/COVID-19 where pro-inflammatory cytokines could play pathogenic role.
Taxonomy, distribution and dispersal of Calonectria species : important pathogens of forestry, agricultural and horticultural crops
Liu, QianLi; Wingfield, Michael J.; Duong, Tuan A.; Wingfield, Brenda D.; Crous, Pedro W.; Chen, ShuaiFei (Springer, 2026-01-19)
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW : Calonectria is a globally distributed genus of plant-pathogenic fungi causing destructive diseases across a wide range of woody and herbaceous hosts. This review synthesizes recent advances in the species delimitation, host range dynamics, reproductive strategies, and global dispersal patterns of Calonectria. Particular attention is given to the ecological adaptability, cryptic diversity, and climate-driven shifts in distribution of these important fungi. The review identifies key knowledge gaps and provides recent research regarding genome-based diagnostics, adaptive disease management, and forward-looking biosecurity measures. RECENT FINDINGS : Polyphasic taxonomic approaches and molecular systematics have substantially refined the classification of Calonectria, which now includes 136 species grouped into 11 species complexes. Some species, such as Ca. pseudonaviculata, exhibit strict host specificity; others like Ca. pauciramosa have wide host ranges and are globally invasive. Both sexual and asexual reproduction enhance persistence and facilitate dispersal, often via infected nursery stock and contaminated substrates. Climate change is projected to expand the distribution of multiple Calonectria species into new regions. Despite increasing reports of international spread, genomic surveillance remains limited, and diagnostic inconsistencies continue to hinder effective detection and containment. SUMMARY : The broad host range, complex reproductive biology, and environmental adaptability of Calonectria species enhances their growing threat to plant health worldwide. Their spread is accelerated by global trade and climate change, while unresolved taxonomic challenges and underdeveloped molecular tools constrain opportunities for their management. Integrated strategies that combine phylogenomics, risk modeling, and coordinated surveillance are urgently needed to mitigate its impact across agricultural, horticultural, and forest systems.
Cross-continental soil prokaryotic traits driven by precipitation regime and land cover
Donhauser, Jonathan; Han, Xingguo; Doménech-Pascual, Anna; Jordaan, Karen; Casas-Ruiz, Joan P.; Ramond, Jean-Baptiste; Romaní, Anna Maria; Frossard, Aline; Priemé, Anders (Nature Research, 2026-01)
Trade-offs among traits determine microbial community dynamics and affect soil carbon-cycling feedback to climate change. Here, we determined soil prokaryotic traits based on a novel marker gene-based workflow using cross-continental temperature and aridity gradients. Genome streamlining and high 16S rRNA gene copy numbers per genome (RRN) conferred high maximal growth rates, possibly by allowing for smaller cells with higher surface to volume ratio. Small genomes and high maximal growth rates were found under high precipitation seasonality and in barren soils. Large genomes and low maximal growth rates were found in forests, characterized by high water availability and by abundant and complex organic resources. Our findings suggest that large genomes confer versatility to cope with resource fluctuations and moderate climatic fluctuations while extreme climatic fluctuations and scarcity of resources promote genome streamlining. Seasonal fluctuations in water availability were associated with the ability to form spores and with rapid resuscitation, promoted by high RRN. Moreover, Prokaryotes were less dispersal limited compared to Fungi, presumably due to their smaller size, but within Prokaryotes, small taxa were not more ubiquitous. Our trait-based framework highlights that particularly changes in precipitation patterns and vegetation type will cause changes in microbial processes under future climate.
Did the WHO recognition of snakebite as a neglected tropical disease impact national NTD master plans in 15 African countries?
Stienstra, Ymkje; Clevering, Ymkje; Kokhuis, Sanne; Amuasi, John Humphrey; Padidar, Sara; Schurer, Janna M.; Mijumbi-Deve, Rhona M.; Thomson, Rachael; Oluoch, George O.; Mbonigaba, Jean Bosco; Lalloo, David G. (Elsevier, 2026-02)
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged Snakebite Envenoming (SBE) as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). The WHO set a target for 2030 to halve the number of snakebite victims and published a roadmap to assist affected countries with drafting national SBE policies. These national SBE policies define the course of action to reach country specific and global goals. In order to review the policy environment needed to reduce the burden, we studied if SBE policy was included in national NTD programmes and if it included the four WHO SBE policy aims and a vision for the integration of NTDs. National NTD masterplans were reviewed and combined with in-depth interviews focusing on stakeholders' experience with the integration of SBE in NTD programmes, and the influence of the inclusion of SBE on the NTD list. Only 18 % (2 out of 11) of 2015-2020 NTD masterplans mentioned SBE whereas all twelve countries who published masterplans for 2020-2025 included SBE and the need for an integrated approach between NTD programmes. Information on the type of activities allowing integration or the organizational aspects of an integrated approach was often missing. The extent to which the core policy aims of the WHO SBE roadmap has been elaborated differs considerably from country to country. In the interviews, several stakeholders raised the importance of improving the quality of epidemiological data to convince policy makers of its importance, to base antivenom distribution and to facilitate overall policy making. The path of improvement that has been taken since the recognition of SBE as an NTD must be continued and benefits from a closer collaboration between policymakers, researchers and healthcare workers to reduce the evidence gap and, ultimately, to improve care. HIGHLIGHTS • After the acknowledgment of SBE as NTD the national NTD masterplans more commonly included SBE. • The level of detail of SBE plans in the policy documents was low. • Stakeholders emphasized the lack of robust data on the SBE burden to lead to challenges in developing national policies.
Targeting Aurora kinases as essential cell-cycle regulators to deliver multi-stage antimalarials against Plasmodium falciparum
Langeveld, Henrico; Maree, Marche; Thibaud, Jessica L.; Salomane, Nicolaas; Bridgwater, Rosie; Famodimu, Mufuliat T.; Godoy, Luiz C.; Pasaje, Charisse Flerida A.; Boonyalai, Nonlawat; Laureano de Souza, Mariana; Fong, Justin; Rabie, Tayla Anne; Van der Watt, Mariette Elizabeth; Birkholtz, Lyn-Marie (Wiley, 2025-12)
Kinases play critical roles in the development and adaptation of Plasmodium falciparum and present novel opportunities for chemotherapeutic intervention. Mitotic kinases that regulate the proliferation of the parasites by controlling nuclear division, segregation, and cytokinesis. We evaluated the potential of human Aurora kinase (Aur) inhibitors to prevent P. falciparum development by targeting members of the Aurora-related kinase (Ark) family in this parasite. Several human AurB inhibitors exhibited multistage potency (< 250 nM) against all proliferative stages of parasite development, including asexual blood stages, liver schizonts, and male gametes. The most potent compounds, hesperadin, TAE684, and AT83, exhibited > 1000x selectivity towards the parasite. Importantly, we identified PfArk1 as the principal vulnerable Ark family member, with specific inhibition of PfArk1 as the primary target for hesperadin. Hesperadin’s wholecell and protein activity validates it as a unique PfArk1 tool compound. Inhibition of PfArk1 results in the parasite’s inability to complete mitotic processes, presenting with unsegregated, multi-lobed nuclei caused by aberrant microtubule organization. This suggests PfArk1 is the main Aur mitotic kinase in proliferative stages of Plasmodium, characterized by bifunctional AurA and B activity. This paves the way for drug-discovery campaigns based on hesperadin targeting PfArk1.
Influence of the Benguela Upwelling System on the genetic connectivity of blacktail seabream Diplodus capensis across southern Africa
Olivier, W.F.; Potts, W.M.; Childs, A.-R.; Santos, C.; Shaw, P.W.; Henriques, Romina (Taylor and Francis, 2025-12-22)
Oceanographic features such as upwelling cells and currents contribute to shaping the evolutionary history of marine fishes, including species that may be important socio-economic resources. However, the impacts of these barriers are often cryptic and may change, particularly in a rapidly changing climate. Hence, sustainable fisheries management strategies need to take into consideration the influence of oceanographic barriers to the genetic structure of populations. Here, we evaluated the influence of the Benguela Upwelling System, a known barrier for warm-temperate fishes, on the evolutionary history of the blacktail seabream Diplodus capensis (family Sparidae), using eight microsatellite loci in conjunction with DNA barcoding of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene. Diplodus capensis is an important recreational and small-scale fishery species, distributed across southern Africa. Overall, there was significant genetic differentiation across the region, but the level of divergence varied with the genetic marker. Our results identified two isolated populations—in the northern and southern subsystems of the Benguela Upwelling System—with limited contemporary gene flow, and no sub-structuring detected within the subsystems. Because the species is vulnerable to exploitation, with declines in South Africa, our results suggest that management policies should aim at regional levels for the northern population (off Angola and Namibia), whereas the southern population (off South Africa) was identified as an isolated and highly connected population.
Subgenome partitioning and polyploid genome evolution in the Loach Family Botiidae (order Cypriniformes)
Lv, Yunyun; Li, Jia; Li, Yanping; Huang, Yu; Lai, Qiang; Wen, Zhengyong; Wang, Jun; He, Yang; Shi, Jinrong; Huang, Zejin; Jiang, Ying; Van de Peer, Yves; Shi, Qiong; Xie, Biwen; Wang, Yongming (Wiley, 2025-09)
Vertebrates have undergone two rounds of whole-genome duplication (WGD), termed 1R and 2R, with a third, teleost-speciﬁc duplication (TSGD or 3R) occurring in ray-ﬁnned ﬁshes. In the order Cypriniformes, additional lineage-speciﬁc WGDs have further contributed to species diversiﬁcation. While polyploidy is well characterized in species like common carp and goldﬁsh, other polyploid taxa—particularly loaches—remain understudied. Here, high-quality, chromosome-level genome assemblies are presented fortwo loach species: Sinibotia superciliaris (Golden Chinese Loach) and Parabotia fasciatus (Yichang Sand Loach). By integrating these genomes into a comparative framework with 20 other cypriniform species, key phylogenetic relationships are reconstructed, and introduce a novel subgenome partitioning method (M3). Unlike previous approaches, M3 uses diﬀerential sequence divergence to accurately and rapidly assign subgenomes, completing partitioning within minutes and outperforming existing tools. Applying M3, a markedly reduced subgenome is uncovered in the Golden Chinese Loach, with lineage-speciﬁc molecular changes in several candidate genes, suggesting potential adaptive signiﬁcance. This study oﬀers a comprehensive view of polyploidy and subgenome evolution in loaches, highlighting the genomic complexity shaped by repeated WGDs in Cypriniformes and providing valuable resources for future research on vertebrate genome evolution and adaptation

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