Biology subjects

Meerson, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Meerson, A..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

High thoughput fluorometric nucleic acid quantification using qPCR instruments

To explore adapting qPCR systems for end-point nucleic acid quantification using dyes such as SYTO-9, we quantified serial dilutions of DNA and RNA standards in the range of 0.75 - 200 ng/{micro}l on 384-well qPCR devices. SYTO-9 fluorescence was successfully measured using standard SYBR Green settings. Blank-subtracted relative SYTO-9 signal showed a logarithmic dependence on DNA/RNA concentration (R2 > 0.95). Measurements were highly stable with different incubation times, temperatures of up to 95{degrees}C, and photobleaching. The described approach is a valuable QC option for high-throughput DNA/RNA isolations and could be adapted to additional fluorometric assays beyond nucleic acids.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Faunal and Floral Assemblages of the Zavitan (Zvitan) Stream near Katzrin (Central Golan Heights, Israel) and Their Influence on Amphibians

The Zvitan (Zavitan) Stream is one of the major basaltic drainage systems of the Levant Region in Israel. The present short communication focuses specifically on the sector adjacent to Katzrin, integrating geomorphological, hydrological, ecological, and amphibian distribution data within the broader watershed context. The stream originates in the central Golan plateau and flows westward into the Yehudiya Reserve before joining the Meshushim Stream and ultimately draining into Lake Kinneret. In the Katzrin sector, the stream is characterized by deeply incised basalt canyons, winter spring discharge and semi-permanent pools sustained by springs and seepage. Seasonal hydrological fluctuations strongly influence aquatic habitats and amphibian breeding success. Amphibian species documented in the Golan Heights include Salamandra salamandra infraimmaculata, Triturus vittatus (currently Ommatotriton vittatus), Hyla savignyi, Bufotes viridis, Pelophylax bedriagae (formerly Rana ridibunda), and Pelobates syriacus. Their distribution is closely associated with water availability, elevation, temperature, and hydroperiod, as demonstrated in northern Israel habitats. The Katzrin sector of Zvitan represents an intermediate ecological zone where Mediterranean and steppe elements converge, creating heterogeneous amphibian assemblages. This observation, carried out at a specific site in the Zavitan Stream, aimed to examine the ecological conditions and identify which amphibian species inhabit this pool, where environmental conditions may differ from those in the main stream channel.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

Inversely regulated immune-related processes mediate anxiety-obesity links in zebrafish

Anxiety disorders often associate with metabolic impairments, but the underlying developmental and molecular mechanisms are yet unknown. To seek RNAs that may link anxiety and obesity, we subjected RNA from zebrafish larvae of a caffeine-induced anxiety model and a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to RNA-sequencing. We found differentially expressed genes in the larval anxiety and obesity models, including long noncoding RNAs and transfer fragment RNAs. Surprisingly, they were inversely regulated and comprised overrepresentation of immune system pathways, e.g., interleukin signaling and inflammation. Similarly, inverse regulation persisted in adulthood, but with different overrepresented immune system processes, e.g., T cell activation, leukocyte cell-cell adhesion and antigen processing and presentation. Furthermore, unlike the known link in adult zebrafish, obesity in zebrafish larvae was not accompanied by anxiety-like behavior. These results may reflect an antagonistic pleiotropic phenomenon involving re-adjusted modulation of the anxiety-metabolic links with the immune system. Furthermore, the HFD potential to normalize the anxiety-upregulated immune-related genes may explain previously reported protective roles of high fat diet in rodent anxiety and Alzheimers disease models.

neuroscience↗