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Deka, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Deka, J..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Regions of genome plasticity are systematically organized into recurrent integration spots that shape accessory-genome functional architecture: insights from a complete genome of strain F1C1 and pangenomic analysis of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex

1The Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) is a highly diverse plant pathogen whose evolution is shaped by horizontal gene transfer. We generated a complete, gap-free hybrid genome assembly of F1C1, a South Asian Phylotype I strain classified as R. pseudosolanacearum. The closed assembly resolves a bipartite genome (3.73 Mb chromosome; 2.03 Mb megaplasmid), enabling precise localization of mobile genetic elements. Using F1C1 together with 142 complete RSSC genomes, we implemented a lineage-stratified pangenome framework that reveals a hierarchically structured gene repertoire and shows that accessory gene content can discriminate host-associated lineages beyond core-genome. Pangenome-informed mapping of genome plasticity identified 651 conserved integration spots that concentrate accessory turnover and are enriched for adaptive functions, including type III secretion system effectors and antiviral defense systems (e.g., Wadjet and CRISPR-Cas). Genes within these spots display elevated Ka/Ks relative to housekeeping functions, consistent with conflict-driven diversification and/or relaxed constraint. Together, these results link RSSC genome architecture to adaptive potential and provide a spot-based framework for genomic surveillance and resistance breeding in bacterial wilt pathosystems.

genomics↗

Cognitive effects of early life exposure to PCBs: Sex-specific behavioral, hormonal and neuromolecular mechanisms involving the brain dopamine system.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental toxicants that disrupt hormonal and neurodevelopmental processes. Among these chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are particularly concerning due to their resistance to biodegradation and tendency to bioaccumulate. PCBs affect neurodevelopmental function and disrupt the brains dopamine (DA) system, which is crucial for attentional, affective, and reward processing. These disruptions may contribute to the rising prevalence of DA-mediated neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, depression, and substance use disorders. Notably, these behaviors are sexually dimorphic, in part due to differences in sex hormones and their receptors, which are targets of estrogenic PCBs. Therefore, this study determined effects of early life PCB exposure on behaviors and neurochemistry related to potential disruption of dopaminergic signaling. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to PCBs or vehicle perinatally and then underwent a series of behavioral tests, including the sucrose preference test to measure affect, conditioned orienting to assess incentive-motivational phenotype, and attentional set-shifting to evaluate cognitive flexibility and response latency. Following these tests, rats were euthanized, and we measured serum estradiol (E2), midbrain DA cells, and gene expression in the midbrain. Female rats exposed perinatally to A1221 exhibited decreased sucrose preference, and both male and female A1221 rats had reduced response latency in the attentional set-shifting task compared to vehicle counterparts. Conditioned orienting, serum estradiol (E2), and midbrain DA cell numbers were not affected in either sex; however, A1221-exposed male rats displayed higher expression of estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) in the midbrain and non-significant effects on other DA-signaling genes. Additionally, E2 uniquely predicted behavioral outcomes and DAergic cell numbers in A1221-exposed female rats, whereas DA signaling genes were predictive of behavioral outcomes in males. These data highlight sex-specific effects of A1221 on neuromolecular and behavioral phenotypes.

animal behavior and cognition↗