A5028417430- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
- Phytoplasmas and Hemiptera pathogens
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
- Plant and animal studies
- Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
- Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
- Evolution and Paleontology Studies
- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Higher Education Research Studies
- Molecular Biology Techniques and Applications
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Plant and Fungal Interactions Research
- Innovative Teaching Methods
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Genomic variations and chromosomal abnormalities
- Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy
- Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Career Development and Diversity
- Insect behavior and control techniques
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
2018-2024
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
2023
University of Hawaii System
2018-2023
The University of Texas at Austin
2016-2019
Colorado State University
2011-2017
Among vertebrates, most of the largest genomes are found within salamanders, a clade amphibians that includes 613 species. Salamander genome sizes range from ∼14 to ∼120 Gb. Because size is correlated with nucleus and cell sizes, as well other traits, morphological evolution in salamanders has been profoundly affected by genomic gigantism. However, molecular mechanisms driving expansion this remain largely unknown. Here, we present first comparative analysis transposable element (TE) content...
Abstract An evolutionary consequence of uniparentally transmitted symbiosis is degradation symbiont genomes. We use the system aphids and their maternally inherited obligate endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, to explore process genome degradation. compared complete sequences for 39 strains, including 23 newly sequenced genomes from diverse aphid hosts. reconstructed most recent shared ancestor, which contained 616 protein-coding genes, RNA genes. The extent subsequent gene loss varied across...
The disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has dramatic amphibian population declines and extinctions in Australia, Central North America, Europe. Bd is associated with >200 species of amphibians, but not all that become infected are susceptible to disease. Specifically, rapidly emerged some areas world, such as USA, throughout South causing collapse. mechanism behind rapid global emergence poorly understood, part due an incomplete picture...
Significance Symbiosis between animals and bacteria enables the exploitation of new ecological niches promotes diversification. Many insects have obligate heritable that provision nutrients enabling lifestyles, such as sap-feeding. A model system for symbiosis is pea aphid its bacterial symbiont Buchnera aphidicola . Using this system, we address extent variation in host regulation populations find aphids extensive genetic ability to regulate numbers. In addition, higher abundance associated...
The use of large genomic data sets in phylogenetics has highlighted extensive topological variation across genes. Much this discordance is assumed to result from biological processes. However, among gene trees can also be a consequence systematic error driven by poor model fit, and the relative importance vs. methodological factors explaining tree major unresolved question. Using mitochondrial genomes control for causes variation, we estimate extent employ posterior prediction highlight role...
Abstract The biota of Sulawesi is noted for its high degree endemism and substantial levels in situ biological diversification. While the island’s long period isolation dynamic tectonic history have been implicated as drivers regional diversification, this has rarely tested context an explicit geological framework. Here, we provide a tectonically informed biogeographical framework that use to explore diversification flying lizards (the Draco lineatus Group), radiation endemic surrounding...
Mitochondria are the site for citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), final steps of ATP synthesis via cellular respiration. Each mitochondrion contains its own genome; in vertebrates, this is a small, circular DNA molecule that encodes 13 subunits multiprotein OXPHOS electron transport complexes. Vertebrate lineages vary dramatically metabolic rates; thus, functional constraints on mitochondrial-encoded proteins likely differ, potentially impacting mitochondrial genome...
Abstract Mitochondrial genomes can provide valuable information on the biology and evolutionary histories of their host organisms. Here, we present characterize complete coding regions 107 mitochondrial (mitogenomes) cicadas (Insecta: Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadoidea), representing 31 genera, 61 species, 83 populations. We show that all cicada mitogenomes retain organization gene contents thought to be ancestral in insects, with some variability among clades length a region between...
Abstract Planthoppers in the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha) harbor a diverse set of obligate bacterial endosymbionts that provision essential amino acids and vitamins are missing from their plant-sap diet. “Candidatus Sulcia muelleri” “Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea” have been associated with cixiid planthoppers since origin within Auchenorrhyncha, whereas Purcelliella pentastirinorum” is more recent endosymbiotic acquisition. Hawaiian occupy habitats including lava...
Bacteria in the Arthrobacter genus belong to phylum Actinobacteria and are primarily soil-dwelling. Over 600 bacteriophages infecting hosts have been isolated sequenced, genomic analyses show these phages be highly diverse with mosaic genome architectures. We describe here a group of 32 grouped Cluster AZ, on four different strains all siphoviral morphologies. The AZ exhibit spectrum diversity can subdivided into subclusters. intracluster was analyzed in-depth at whole level through...
Synopsis Genome size varies ∼100,000-fold across eukaryotes and has long been hypothesized to be influenced by metamorphosis in animals. Transposable element accumulation identified as a major driver of increase, but the nature constraints limiting genomes remained unclear, even traits such cell rate development co-vary strongly with genome size. Salamanders, which possess diverse metamorphic non-metamorphic life histories, join lungfish having largest vertebrate genomes—3 40 times that...
Mitochondria are intracellular organelles where oxidative phosphorylation is carried out to complete ATP synthesis. have their own genome; in metazoans, this a small, circular molecule encoding 13 electron transport proteins, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. In invertebrates, mitochondrial gene rearrangement common, it correlated with increased substitution rates. vertebrates, rare, its relationship rate remains unexplored. Mitochondrial genes can also show spatial variation rates around the genome...
Abstract There have been many population-based genomic studies on human-managed honeybees (Apis mellifera and Apis cerana), but there has a notable lack of analysis with regard to wild honeybees, particularly in relation their evolutionary history. Nevertheless, giant found occupy distinct habitats display remarkable characteristics, which are attracting an increased amount attention. In this study, we de novo sequenced then assembled the draft genome sequence Himalayan honeybee, laboriosa....
Abstract The Hawaiian Islands are known to harbour a rich and diverse fauna of troglobionts (obligate subterranean species). To date, 74 obligate cavernicolous arthropod species have been documented from across the main islands, majority which were Hawaiʻi Island, mostly lava tubes Kilauea volcano, youngest volcano on island. A recent bioinventory Kipuka Kanohina tube system south-western side Mauna Loa revealed existence previously unknown cave-adapted species. Among them is first...
We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of two bat fly species within Nycteribiidae (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea) - Dipseliopoda setosa (Cyclopodiinae) and Basilia ansifera (Nycteribiinae). Both mitogenomes were contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, rRNAs. Relative to inferred ancestral gene order dipteran genomes, no rearrangements identified in either species. There large differences size between with D. having a larger genome (19,164 bp) than B. (16,964 bp); both had previously...
The agricultural pest known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) or Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) harbors two bacterial symbionts, "Candidatus Sulcia muelleri" and "Ca Baumannia cicadellinicola," which provide 10 essential amino acids (EAAs) that are limited in host plant-sap diet. Although they differ origin symbiotic age, both bacteria have experienced extensive genome degradation resulting from their ancient restriction to specialized organs (bacteriomes) cellular...
Mitochondria are the site of citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In metazoans, mitochondrial genome is a small, circular molecule averaging 16.5 kb in length. Despite evolutionarily conserved gene content, metazoan genomes show diversity orders most commonly explained by duplication-random loss (DRL) model. DRL model, (1) sequence genes duplicated tandem, (2) one paralog sustains loss-of-function mutation, resulting selection to retain other copy, (3) non-functional...
Course-based research pedagogy involves positioning students as contributors to authentic projects part of an engaging educational experience that promotes their learning and persistence in science. To develop a model for assessing grading engaged this type experience, the assessment aims practices community experienced course-based instructors were collected analyzed. This approach defines four assessment—(1) Assessing Laboratory Work Scientific Thinking; (2) Evaluating Mastery Concepts,...
Abstract Genome size varies ~ 100,000-fold across eukaryotes and has long been hypothesized to be influenced by metamorphosis in animals. Transposable element accumulation identified as a major driver of increase, but the nature constraints limiting genomes remained unclear, even traits such cell rate development co-vary strongly with genome size. Salamanders, which possess diverse metamorphic non-metamorphic life histories, have largest vertebrate — 3 40 times that humans well range...
ABSTRACT The use of large genomic datasets in phylogenetics has highlighted extensive topological variation across genes. Much this discordance is assumed to result from biological processes. However, among gene trees can also be a consequence systematic error driven by poor model fit, and the relative importance these versus methodological factors explaining tree major unresolved question phylogenetics. Using mitochondrial genomes control for causes variation, we estimate extent employ...
Over the last two decades, there have been numerous initiatives to improve undergraduate student outcomes in STEM. One model for scalable reform is inclusive Research Education Community (iREC). In an iREC, STEM faculty from colleges and universities across nation are supported adopt sustainably implement course-based research – a form of science pedagogy that enhances learning persistence science. this study, we used pathway modeling develop qualitative description explicates HHMI Science...