Biology subjects

Guo, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Guo, R..

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

bioRxiv2020

Nanopore-based long-read transcriptome data of Nosema ceranae-infected and un-infected western honeybee workers' midguts

Apis mellifera ligustica is a subspecies of western honeybee, Apis mellifera. Nosema ceranae is known to cause bee microspodiosis, which seriously affects bee survival and colony productivity. In this article, Nanopore long-read sequencing was used to sequence N. ceranae-infected and un-infected midguts of A. m. ligustica workers at 7 d and 10 d post inoculation (dpi). In total, 5942745, 6664923, 7100161 and 6506665 raw reads were respectively yielded from AmT1, AmT2, AmCK1 and AmCK2, with average lengths of 1148, 1196, 1178 and 1201 bp, and N50 of 1328, 1394, 1347 and 1388 bp. The length distribution of raw reads from AmT1, AmT2, AmCK1 and AmCK2 was ranged from 1 kb to more than 10 kb. Additionally, the distribution of quality score of raw reads from AmT1 and AmT2 was among Q6[~]Q12, while that from AmCK1 and AmCK2 was among Q6[~]Q16. Further, 5745048, 6416987, 6928170, 6353066 clean reads were respectively gained from AmT1, AmT2, AmCK1 and AmCK2, and among them 4172542, 4638289, 5068270 and 4857960 were identified as being full-length. After removing redundant reads, the length distribution of remaining full-length transcripts was among 1 kb[~]8 kb, with the most abundant length of 2 kb. The long-read transcriptome data reported here contributes to a deeper understanding of the molecular regulating N. ceranae-response of A. m. ligustica and host-fungal parasite interaction during microsporidiosis.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2020

A full-length transcriptome dataset of normal and Nosema ceranae-challenged midgut tissues of eastern honeybee workers

Apis cerana cerana is a subspecies of eastern honeybee, Apis cerana, and it plays a vital role in ecological maintenance in China. However, A. c. cerana is threatened by many pathogenic microorganisms including Nosema ceranae, a widespread fungal parasite that infected worldwide colonies. In this article, un-challenged (AcCK1, AcCK2) and N. ceranae-challenged midguts of A. c. cerana workers (AcT1, AcT2) were sequenced utilizing Nanopore long-read sequencing technology. Totally, 11,727,628, 6,996,395, 14,383,735 and 11,580,154 raw reads were yielded from AcCK1, AcCK2, AcT1 and AcT2; the average lengths were 1147 bp, 908 bp, 992 bp and 1077 bp, and the average N50 were 1308 bp, 911 bp, 1079 bp and 1192 bp. The length distribution of was ranged 1 kb to more than 10 kb. Additionally, the quality (Q) score distribution of raw reads was among Q7~Q17. Further, 11,617,144, 6,940,895, 14,277,240 and 11,501,562 clean reads were respectively obtained from AcCK1, AcCK2, AcT1 and AcT2, and among them 78.40%, 82.50%, 79.05% and 80.20% were identified as full-length clean reads. In addition, full-length clean reads from AcCK1, AcT1, AcT2 and AcCK2 were ranged from 1 kb to more than 10 kb in length. Finally, the length distribution of redundant reads-removed full-length transcripts was among 1 kb~5 kb. Value of the data{diamondsuit} This dataset enables better understanding the complexity of A. c. cerana transcriptome. {diamondsuit}Current dataset contributes to identification of genes and transcripts engaged in response of eastern honeybee to N. ceranae stress. {diamondsuit}The data provides a valuable genetic resource for deciphering alternative splicing and polyadenylation of A. c. cerana mRNAs involved in host response to N. ceranae challenge. {diamondsuit}The reported data is beneficial for uncovering the molecular mechanism regulating interaction between eastern honeybee and microsporidian.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2020

PacBio SMRT-based full-length transcriptome data of Ascosphaera apis mycelium and spore

Ascosphaera apis is an entomopathogenic fungus that exclusively infects honeybee larvae, resulting in chalkbrood disease, a widespread fungal disease damaging the beekeeping industry all over the world. In this article, purified mycelia (Aam) and spores (Aas) of A. apis pure culture under lab condition were sequenced using PacBio Sequel platform. In total, 13,302,489 and 9,911,345 subreads were yielded from Aam and Aas, respectively; 394,142 and 274,928 circular consensus sequence (CCS) reads were identified as being full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads, with a mean length of 2820 bp and 2602 bp, respectively. Furthermore, 174,095 and 103,845 corrected isoforms were identified, with a N50 length of 3543 bp and 3262 bp, respectively. The reported full-length transcriptome data of A. apis mycelium and spore will provide a valuable resource for improvement of genome and transcriptome annotations as well as better understanding of transcript structure such as alternative splicing and polyadenylation. Value of the dataO_LICurrent dataset offers a set of high-quality full-length transcripts of A. apis. C_LIO_LIThe data can facilitate the improvement of A. apis genome and transcriptome annotations. C_LIO_LIThis dataset benefits further exploration of alternative splicing and polyadenylation of A. apis mRNAs. C_LI

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2020

MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq data of mycelium and spore of Ascosphaera apis, a widespread bee fungal pathogen

Ascosphaera apis is widespread fungal pathogen of honeybee larvae, causing chalkbrood, a chronic disease that weakens bee health and colony productivity. In this article, mecylia and spores of A. apis were respectively purified followed by RNA isolation, cDNA library construction, MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq. A total of 62,551,172, 41,773,158, 49,535,092 and 61,569,610 raw reads were produced from Aam_IP, Aas_IP, Aam_input and Aas_input groups, respectively. After quality control, 58,484,368, 37,381,432, 44,655,434 and 58,739,742 clean reads were obtained. Furthermore, 47,706,205, 31,356,690, 35,259,810 and 44,319,061 clean reads were mapped to the reference genome of A. apis, including 39,337,036, 26,731,957, 31,987,396 and 40,017,855 unique mapped reads, and 8,369,169, 4,624,733, 3,272,414 and 4,301,206 multiple mapped reads. Among them, 96.31%, 96.51%, 96.82% and 97.11% of clean reads were mapped to exons; 2.09%, 2.31%,1.83% and 1.81% to introns; 1.60%, 1.18%, 1.35% and 1.08% to intergenic regions. Value of the dataO_LIThe data can be used to investigate the relationship between the m6A modification extent and the transcript level in the A. apis transcriptome. C_LIO_LIThis dataset contributes to transcriptome-wide characterization of the m6A distributing patterns in mRNAs and non-coding RNAs in A. apis mycelium and spore. C_LIO_LICurrent data benefits new functions of m6A modification in the transcripts extensively modified by m6A in A. apis mycelium and spore. C_LIO_LIOur data could be used to characterize differential patterns of the m6A methylation between mycelium and spore of A. apis. C_LI

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Inhibitory effect of the TSG-6 on the BMP-4/Smad signaling pathway and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells

This study aimed to observe the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of tumor necrosis factor-inducible protein 6 (TSG-6) on the bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4)/drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein(Smad) signaling pathway and mineralization of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in inflammatory environment. Normal and TSG-6 gene-modified DPSCs were cultured in a mineralization-inducing fluid containing 0 and 50 ng/mL TNF- separately. The real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of TSG-6 and odonto/osteogenic differentiation makers at the mRNA level. Western blot analysis and cellular immunofluorescence were used to observe the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs and the variation of BMP-4/Smad signaling pathway at the protein level. Moreover, normal and modified DPSCs combined with hydrogel were used for subcutaneous implantation in nude mice. The expression of odonto/osteogenic markers and BMP-4/Smad-related proteins was lower in Ad-TSG-6 DPSCs than in normal DPSCs after mineralization induction, and was higher in TSG-6-RNAi DPSCs than in normal DPSCs after culturing with mineralization-inducing fluid containing 50 ng/mL TNF-. The subcutaneous transplantation of normal and modified DPSCs combined with hydrogel in nude mice demonstrated that normal DPSCs were formed in the tissue containing collagen. The tissue formed by Ad-TSG-6 DPSCs was highly variable, and the cells were very dense. The expression of odonto/osteogenic markers of Ad-TSG-6 DPSCs were lower in Ad-TSG-6 DPSCs than in normal DPSCs. We can know that TNF- regulates the expression of TSG-6, thereby inhibiting the BMP-4/Smad signaling pathway and the odonto/osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Whole transcriptome data of uninfected and Nosema ceranae-infected midguts of eastern honeybee workers

Apis cerana cerana is a subspecies of eastern honeybee, Apis cerana. Nosema ceranae is a widespread fungal parasite of honeybee, causing heavy losses for beekeeping industry all over the world. In this article, total RNA of normal midguts (AcCK1, AcCK2) and N. ceranae-infected midguts of A. c. cerana workers at 7 d and 10 d post inoculation (AcT1, AcT2) were respectively isolated followed by strand-specific cDNA library construction and next-generation RNA sequencing. In tolal, 56270223688, 44860946964, 78991623806, and 92712308296 raw reads were derived from AcCK1, AcCK2, AcT1 and AcT2, respectively. Following strict quality control, 54495191388, 43570608753, 76708161525, and 89467858351 clean reads were obtained, with Q30 value of 95.80%, 95.99%, 96.07% and 96.04%, and GC content of 44.20%, 43.44%, 44.83% and 43.63%, respectively. The raw data were submitted to the NCBI Sequence Read Archive database and connected to BioProject PRJNA562784. These data offers a valuable resource for deep investigation of mechanisms underlying eastern honeybee responding to N. ceranae infection and host-fungal parasite interaction during microsporidiosis. Value of the DataO_LICurrent dataset offers a valuable resource for exploring mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs involved in response of A. c. cerana worker to N. ceranae infection. C_LIO_LIThe accessible data can be used to investigate differential expression pattern and regulatory network of non-coding RNAs in A. c. cerana workers midguts responding to N. ceranae challenge. C_LIO_LIThis data will enable a better understanding of the molecular mechanism regulating eastern honeybee-N. ceranae interaction. C_LI

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2020

Nanopore long-read transcriptome data of fungal pathogen of chalkbrood disease, Ascosphaera apis

Ascosphaera apis is a fungal pathogen that exclusively infects honeybee larvae, leading to chalkbrood disease, which damages the number of adult honeybees and colony productivity. In this article, A. apis mecylia and spores were respectively purified followed by Oxford Nanopore sequencing via PromethION platform. In total, 6,321,704 and 6,259,727 raw reads were generated from Aam and Aas, with a length distribution among 1 kb~10 kb. The quality (Q) scores of majority of raw reads were Q9 (Aam) and Q11 (Aas). Additionally, 5,669,436 and 6,233,159 clean reads were gained, among them 79.32% and 79.62% were identified as being full-length. The lengths of redundant reads-removed full-length transcripts were among 1 kb~8 kb and 1 kb~9 kb, and most abundant length for both was 1 kb. Furthermore, the length of redundant transcripts-removed clean reads was ranged from 1 kb~7 kb, with the largest group of 1 kb. The data reported here provides a beneficial genetic resource for improving genome and transcriptome annotations of A. apis and for exploring alternative splicing and polyadenylation of A. apis mRNAs. Value of the resultO_LICurrent dataset enables better understanding of the complexity of A. apis transcriptome. C_LIO_LIThe long-read transcriptome data can be used to identify of genes and transcripts associated with A. apis infection mechanism. C_LIO_LIThe accessible data provides full-length transcripts for improving gene structure and functional annotation of A. apis transcriptome. C_LIO_LIThis dataset could be utilized for investigation of alternative splicing and polyadenylation of A. apis mRNAs. C_LI

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Long-read transcriptome data of bee fungal parasite, Nosema ceranae

Nosema ceranae, a widespread fungal parasite that infects honeybee and many other bee species, can seriously affect bee health and colony productivity. In this article, N. ceranae spores were purified followed by third-generation sequencing using Nanopore PromethION platform. Totally, 6988795 raw reads were yielded from purified spores, with a length distribution among 1 kb~10 kb and a quality (Q) score distribution among Q6~Q12. A total of 6953469 clean reads were obtained, and among them 73.98% were identified as being full-length. The length of redundant reads-removed full-length transcripts was ranged from 1 kb to 5 kb, with the most abundant length of 1 kb. These data will improve transcriptome quality of N. ceranae significantly.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2020

Novel Functional metabolites that affect biofilm formation are regulated by bioavailable iron with siderophore-dependent pathway

Biofilms are broadly formed by diverse microorganisms under stressful environments and are basically surrounded by an EPS matrix, enabling bacterial cells to confer more resistance to biocides, antibiotics and other invasions than their planktonic counterparts. However, biofilm formation causes problems in various fields, including clinical infections, environmental pollution, agricultural production and industrial contamination. Unfortunately, the mechanism of biofilm formation has not been completely elucidated, and currently, we lack an efficient strategy to tackle these tough problems and destroy biofilms. In the present study, we sought to decipher the mechanism of biofilm formation through the regulation of functional metabolites regulated by iron. By exposing bacterial cells to various concentrations of iron, we found that iron can regulate biofilm formation, and phenotypic changes were obviously dependent on iron concentration. A functional metabolome assay was further implemented to investigate the regulatory mechanism of iron on biofilm formation; we verified that siderophores (linear enterobactin, yersiniabactin, di-glucosylated-salmochelin and HPTT-COOH) mostly account for the transportation of iron into bacterial cells. Then, bioavailable iron was recruited by bacterial cells to direct the biosynthesis and expression of five functional metabolites (L-tryptophan, 5-MTA, spermidine, CMP and L-leucine), which were identified as new effectors that directly regulate biofilm formation. Taken together, this study is the first to identify five new metabolic effectors to efficiently regulate biofilm formation, the biosynthesis and expression of these functional metabolites can be targeted to tackle the challenging problems associated with biofilm formation in different fields.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Genomic Prediction with Genotype by Environment Interaction Analysis for Kernel Zinc Concentration in Tropical Maize Germplasm

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major risk factor for human health, affecting about 30% of the worlds population. To study the potential of genomic selection (GS) for maize with increased Zn concentration, an association panel and two doubled haploid (DH) populations were evaluated in three environments. Three genomic prediction models, M (M1: Environment + Line, M2: Environment + Line + Genomic, and M3: Environment + Line + Genomic + Genomic x Environment) incorporating main effects (lines and genomic) and the interaction between genomic and environment (G x E) were assessed to estimate the prediction ability (rMP) for each model. Two distinct cross-validation (CV) schemes simulating two genomic prediction breeding scenarios were used. CV1 predicts the performance of newly developed lines, whereas CV2 predicts the performance of lines tested in sparse multi-location trials. Predictions for Zn in CV1 ranged from -0.01 to 0.56 for DH1, 0.04 to 0.50 for DH2 and -0.001 to 0.47 for the association panel. For CV2, rMP values ranged from 0.67 to 0.71 for DH1, 0.40 to 0.56 for DH2 and 0.64 to 0.72 for the association panel. The genomic prediction model which included G x E had the highest average rMP for both CV1 (0.39 and 0.44) and CV2 (0.71 and 0.51) for the association panel and DH2 population, respectively. These results suggest that GS has potential to accelerate breeding for enhanced kernel Zn concentration by facilitating selection of superior genotypes.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2020

Cryo-EM structures of HKU2 and SADS-CoV spike glycoproteins and insights into coronavirus evolution

A new porcine coronavirus SADS-CoV was recently identified from suckling piglets with severe diarrhea in southern China and its genome sequence is most identical (~95% identity) to that of bat -coronavirus HKU2. It again indicates bats are the natural reservoir of many coronaviruses that have great potential for cross-species transmission to animals and humans by recombination and/or mutation. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of HKU2 and SADS-CoV spike glycoprotein trimers at 2.38 [A] and 2.83 [A] resolution, respectively. HKU2 and SADS-CoV spikes exhibit very high structural similarity, with subtle differences mainly distributed in the NTD and CTD of the S1 subunit responsible for cell attachment and receptor binding. We systematically analyzed and compared the NTD, CTD, SD1 and SD2 domains of the S1 subunit and the S2 subunit of HKU2 spike with those of -, {beta}-, {gamma}-, and {delta}-coronavirus spikes. The results show that the NTD and CTD of HKU2/SADS-CoV are probably the most ancestral in the evolution of spike. Although the S2 subunit mediating membrane fusion is highly conserved, the connecting region after fusion peptide in HKU2/SADS-CoV S2 subunit also adopts a conformation distinct from other coronaviruses. These results structurally demonstrate a close evolutionary relationship between HKU2 /SADS-CoV and {beta}-coronavirus spikes and provide new insights into the evolution and cross-species transmission of coronaviruses.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2020

Genome wide sequencing provides evidence of adaptation to heterogeneous environments for the ancient relictual Circaeaster agrestis (Circaeasteraceae, Ranunculales)

O_LIInvestigating the interaction between environmental heterogeneity and local adaptation is critical to understand the evolutionary history of a species, providing the premise for studying the response of organisms to rapid climate change. However, for most species how exactly the spatial heterogeneity promotes population divergence and how genomic variations contribute to adaptive evolution remain poorly understood. C_LIO_LIWe examine the contributions of geographical and environmental variables to population divergence of the relictual, alpine herb Circaeaster agrestis, as well as genetic basis of local adaptation using RAD-seq and plastome data. C_LIO_LIWe detected significant genetic structure with an extraordinary disequilibrium of genetic diversity among regions, and signals of isolation-by-distance along with isolation-by-resistance. The populations were estimated to begin diverging in the late Miocene, along with a possible ancestral distribution of the Hengduan Mountains and adjacent regions. Both environmental gradient and redundancy analyses revealed significant association between genetic variation and temperature variables. Genome-environment association analyses identified 16 putatively adaptive loci related to biotic and abiotic stress resistance. C_LIO_LIOur genome wide data provide new insights into the important role of environmental heterogeneity in shaping genetic structure, and access the footprints of local adaptation in an ancient relictual species, informing conservation efforts. C_LI

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Moxifloxacin efficacy against Mycobacterium abscessus in vivo using zebrafish model

Moxifloxacin (MFX) showed good activity in vitro against Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) and was suggested as one of the antibiotic regimens for adults with M. abscessus disease. However, some other studies showed that MFX showed less or none activity against M. abscessus. In our study we aim to evaluate MFX activity against M. abscessus using zebrafish (ZF) model in vivo. MIC of each drugs were determined by broth microdilution method. M. abscessus labeled by CM-DiI, were micro-injected into ZF. Survival curves were determined by recording dead ZF every day. After 4 days of incubation ZF were lysed. Colony-forming unit (CFU) were enumerated and results are expressed as mean log10 CFU per ZF. Bacteria dissemination and fluorescence intensity in ZF were observed and analyzed. Inhibition rate was also calculated. In our study MFX showed good activity in vitro. But in vivo MFX showed limited restriction to M. abscessus. The association between increased survival and high dose of MFX is not significant. Same results were observed in bacterial fluorescence intensity and inhibition rates, with no significant difference when compared with no drug group (P > 0.05). However, significant difference was observed in azithromycin (AZM) group. MFX showed limited efficacy on Mycobacterium abscessus in vivo using ZF model. MFXs activity in vivo need to be confirmed.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Single-cell transcriptome profiling reveals neutrophil heterogeneity and orchestrated maturation during homeostasis and bacterial infection

The full neutrophil heterogeneity and differentiation landscape remains incompletely characterized. Here we profiled >25,000 differentiating and mature mouse neutrophils using single-cell RNA sequencing to provide a comprehensive transcriptional landscape of neutrophil maturation, function, and fate decision in their steady state and during bacterial infection. Eight neutrophil populations were defined by distinct molecular signatures. The three mature peripheral blood neutrophil subsets arise from distinct maturing bone marrow neutrophil subsets. Driven by both known and uncharacterized transcription factors, neutrophils gradually acquire microbicidal capability as they traverse the transcriptional landscape, representing an evolved mechanism for fine-tuned regulation of an effective but balanced neutrophil response. Bacterial infection reprograms the genetic architecture of neutrophil populations, alters dynamic transition between each subpopulation, and primes neutrophils for augmented functionality without affecting overall heterogeneity. In summary, these data establish a reference model and general framework for studying neutrophil-related disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets at single-cell resolution.\n\nGraphical Abstract\n\nO_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=119 SRC=\"FIGDIR/small/792200v1_ufig1.gif\" ALT=\"Figure 1\">\nView larger version (28K):\norg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@18fed35org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e68b7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@6cfbc8org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1061a26_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HighlightsO_LIA comprehensive single-cell resolution transcriptional landscape of mouse neutrophil maturation and fate decision under steady-state and bacterial infection conditions.\nC_LIO_LIThe pathogen clearance machinery in neutrophils is continuously and gradually built during neutrophil differentiation, maturation, and aging, driven by both known and uncharacterized transcription factors.\nC_LIO_LIThe three mature neutrophil subsets in peripheral blood, including a novel ISG-expressing subset, are derived from distinct bone marrow neutrophil precursors.\nC_LIO_LIBacterial infection reprograms the genetic architecture of neutrophil populations, alters dynamic transition between each subpopulation, and primes neutrophils for augmented functionality without affecting overall neutrophil heterogeneity.\nC_LIO_LIBacterial infection-induced emergency granulopoiesis is mediated by augmented proliferation of early stage neutrophil progenitors and accelerated post-mitotic maturation.\nC_LI

immunology↗

bioRxiv2019

Identification of gut microbiome markers for schizophrenia delineates a potential role of Streptococcus

Emerging evidence has linked the gut microbiota to schizophrenia. However, the functional changes in the gut microbiota and the biological role of individual bacterial species in schizophrenia have not been explored systematically. Here, we characterized the gut microbiota in schizophrenia using shotgun metagenomic sequencing of feces from a discovery cohort of 90 drug-free patients and 81 controls, as well as a validation cohort of 45 patients taking antipsychotics and 45 controls. We screened 83 schizophrenia-associated bacterial species and constructed a classifier comprising 26 microbial biomarkers that distinguished patients from controls with a 0.896 area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) in the discovery cohort and 0.765 AUC in the validation cohort. Our analysis of fecal metagenomes revealed that schizophrenia-associated gut-brain modules included short-chain fatty acids synthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and synthesis/degradation of neurotransmitters including glutamate, {gamma}-aminobutyric acid, and nitric oxide. The schizophrenia-enriched gut bacterial species include several oral cavity-resident microbes, such as Streptococcus vestibularis. We transplanted Streptococcus vestibularis into the gut of the mice with antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion to explore its functional role. We observed that this microbe transiently inhabited the mouse gut and this was followed by hyperactivity and deficit in social behaviors, accompanied with altered neurotransmitter levels in peripheral tissues. In conclusion, our study identified 26 schizophrenia-associated bacterial species representing potential microbial targets for future treatment, as well as gut-brain modules, some of which may give rise to new microbial metabolites involved in the development of schizophrenia.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Reconstruction and functional annotation of Ascosphaera apis full-length transcriptome via PacBio single-molecule long-read sequencing

Ascosphaera apis is a widespread fungal pathogen of honeybee larvae that results in chalkbrood disease, leading to heavy losses for the beekeeping industry in China and many other countries. This work was aimed at generating a full-length transcriptome of A. apis using PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. Here, more than 23.97 Gb of clean reads was generated from long-read sequencing of A. apis mecylia, including 464,043 circular consensus sequences (CCS) and 394,142 full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads. In total, we identified 174,095 high-confidence transcripts covering 5141 known genes with an average length of 2728 bp. We also discovered 2405 genic loci and 11,623 isoforms that have not been annotated yet within the current reference genome. Additionally, 16,049, 10,682, 4520 and 7253 of the discovered transcripts have annotations in the Non-redundant protein (Nr), Clusters of Eukaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Moreover, 1205 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified, which have less exons, shorter exon and intron lengths, shorter transcript lengths, lower GC percent, lower expression levels, and fewer alternative splicing (AS) evens, compared with protein-coding transcripts. A total of 253 members from 17 transcription factor (TF) families were identified from our transcript datasets. Finally, the expression of A. apis isoforms was validated using a molecular approach. Overall, this is the first report of a full-length transcriptome of entomogenous fungi including A. apis. Our data offer a comprehensive set of reference transcripts and hence contributes to improving the genome annotation and transcriptomic study of A. apis.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2019

M-GWAS for the gut microbiome in Chinese adults illuminates on complex diseases

The gut microbiome has been established as a key environmental factor to health. Genetic influences on the gut microbiome have been reported, yet, doubts remain as to the significance of genetic associations. Here, we provide shotgun data for whole genome and whole metagenome from a Chinese cohort, identifying no less than 20% genetic contribution to the gut microbiota. Using common variants-, rare variants- and copy number variations (CNVs)-based association analyses, we identified abundant signals associated with the gut microbiome especially in metabolic, neurological and immunological functions. The controversial concept of enterotypes may have a genetic attribute, with the top 2 loci explaining 11% of the Prevotella-Bacteroides variances. Stratification according to gender led to the identification of differential associations in males and females. Genetically encoded responses to ectopic presence of oral bacteria in the gut appear to be a common theme in a number of diseases investigated by MWAS (Metagenome-wide association studies). Our two-stage M-GWAS (Microbiome genome-wide association studies) on a total of 1295 individuals unequivocally illustrates that neither microbiome nor GWAS studies could overlook one another in our quest for a better understanding of human health and diseases.\n\nHighlightsM-GWAS using high-depth whole genome identifies contributions from rare variants and CNVs.\n\nGut microbial modules such as butyrate, amino acids, mucin degradation show genetic associations.\n\nGender differential M-GWAS underscores differences in metabolic and psychological predispositions.\n\nSome of the MWAS markers for colorectal cancer and cardiometabolic diseases show genetic associations.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2019

Mining the human tonsillar microbiota as autoimmune modulator

Palatine tonsils are important lymphoid organs featuring constant cross-talks between the commensal microorganisms and immune system, and have been implicated as critical autoimmunity origins for immune-related diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a common autoimmune disorder. However, there was no evidence to show link between tonsillar microbiota and RA. Here, we identified a significant dysbiosis of RA tonsillar microbiota, with loss of Streptococcus salivarius and its functional molecules salivaricins (a type of antibacterial peptides). Consistent with the niche-preference, S. salivarius and salivaricins administrated intranasally or intraorally conferred prophylactic and therapeutic efficacies against experimental arthritis. Moreover, we demonstrated, for the first time, that S. salivarius and salivaricins exerted immunosuppressive capacities via inhibiting CD4+effector T cell subsets and autoantibody production in mice and human. These results uncover a communication between tonsillar microbiota and host autoimmunity, and identify the active components from tonsillar microbes in modulating immune homeostasis.\n\nOne sentence summaryTonsillar microbiota regulate host autoimmunity via antibacterial peptides

microbiology↗