Molecular Biology and Evolution
@molbioevol.bsky.social
MBE publishes fresh insights into the patterns and processes that impact the evolution of life at molecular levels.
🔗 academic.oup.com/mbe
🏠 @official-smbe.bsky.social
🤝 @genomebiolevol.bsky.social
#evobio #molbio #science #biology #societyjournal
🔗 academic.oup.com/mbe
🏠 @official-smbe.bsky.social
🤝 @genomebiolevol.bsky.social
#evobio #molbio #science #biology #societyjournal
Pinned
The November cover of Molecular Biology and Evolution features the work of Povilus et al., who examined DNA methylation and genetic imprinting in water lily endosperm.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky #epigenetics
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky #epigenetics
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
#Connectivity in the #deepsea! EXCELLENT study on the key sponge ground species ‘Geodia hentscheli’, shows strong genetic and microbiome structures segregated by depth. 👇
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
November 27, 2025 at 7:48 AM
#Connectivity in the #deepsea! EXCELLENT study on the key sponge ground species ‘Geodia hentscheli’, shows strong genetic and microbiome structures segregated by depth. 👇
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
Reynolds, Koufopanou & Burt developed methods focused on doubletons, the rarest of rare variants that can be informative about relatedness between individuals, and used them to analyze published data of mosquitoes.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf283
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf283
#evobio #molbio
Identifying Single-Origin Rare Variants in Population Genomic Data
Abstract. Genomic analyses have shown that some mutations in large population genomic datasets may be the result of repeated, independent events at the sam
doi.org
November 27, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Reynolds, Koufopanou & Burt developed methods focused on doubletons, the rarest of rare variants that can be informative about relatedness between individuals, and used them to analyze published data of mosquitoes.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf283
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf283
#evobio #molbio
Ward et al. characterized duplications in the SERPINA gene subfamily, finding evidence of diversifying selection on rodent genes, with experimental evidence suggesting an adaptive role in snake venom inhibition.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
#evobio #molbio #venome #adaptation
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
#evobio #molbio #venome #adaptation
Tandem Duplication of Serpin Genes Yields Functional Variation and Snake Venom Inhibitors
Abstract. Tandem duplication of genes can play a critical role in the evolution of functional novelty, yet our understanding is limited concerning the role
doi.org
November 27, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Ward et al. characterized duplications in the SERPINA gene subfamily, finding evidence of diversifying selection on rodent genes, with experimental evidence suggesting an adaptive role in snake venom inhibition.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
#evobio #molbio #venome #adaptation
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
#evobio #molbio #venome #adaptation
Thia et al. investigated insecticide resistance in the invasive blue-green aphid in Australia, combining genomics and transcriptomics to demonstrate the spread of a resistant “superclone” lineage that is distinct from susceptible strains.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf246
#evobio #molbio #pest
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf246
#evobio #molbio #pest
Spread of a Single Superclone Drives Insecticide Resistance in Acyrthosiphon kondoi Across an Invasive Range
Abstract. Populations under similar selection pressures may adapt via parallel evolution or dispersal of advantageous alleles. Here, we investigated insect
doi.org
November 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Thia et al. investigated insecticide resistance in the invasive blue-green aphid in Australia, combining genomics and transcriptomics to demonstrate the spread of a resistant “superclone” lineage that is distinct from susceptible strains.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf246
#evobio #molbio #pest
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf246
#evobio #molbio #pest
Chiu et al. used assayed cells expressing New World monkey ACE2 to show that later-evolving strains of SARS-CoV-2 acquired infectivity. Human-driven evolution of viral cells enhanced the potential for human-to-non-human transmission.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf281
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf281
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
SARS-CoV-2 Evolution in Humans Enables Its Transmission to Nonhuman Primates
Abstract. Zoonotic viruses frequently cross-species barriers, but the molecular processes enabling reverse zoonosis remain poorly defined. The COVID-19 pan
doi.org
November 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Chiu et al. used assayed cells expressing New World monkey ACE2 to show that later-evolving strains of SARS-CoV-2 acquired infectivity. Human-driven evolution of viral cells enhanced the potential for human-to-non-human transmission.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf281
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf281
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
De Maio et al. processed >2 million genomes to show that certain multinucleotide mutations are highly recurrent in SARS-CoV-2, including some that have independently occurred hundreds of times across all SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf272
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf272
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
Highly Recurrent Multinucleotide Mutations in SARS-CoV-2
Abstract. Multinucleotide mutations simultaneously replace multiple nucleotides. They are a significant contributor to evolution and disease, as well as to
doi.org
November 27, 2025 at 9:54 AM
De Maio et al. processed >2 million genomes to show that certain multinucleotide mutations are highly recurrent in SARS-CoV-2, including some that have independently occurred hundreds of times across all SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf272
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf272
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
Zhang et al. passaged SARS-CoV-2 virus in seven cell lines derived from four tissues across five mammalian species, uncovering host-specific selective forces in shaping SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf274
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf274
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
Convergent Evolution and Host-Limiting Impacts of SARS-CoV-2 Revealed by Cellular Experiments
Abstract. The ongoing pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the virus's remarkable ability to evo
doi.org
November 27, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Zhang et al. passaged SARS-CoV-2 virus in seven cell lines derived from four tissues across five mammalian species, uncovering host-specific selective forces in shaping SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf274
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf274
#evobio #molbio #sarscov2
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
Findings support the hypothesis that gene duplications, particularly in reproduction and development, contributed to termite eusociality academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
Genomic Features Underlying the Origin of Sociality and the Diversification of Caste Systems in Termites
Abstract. Termite colonies consist of distinct castes whose developmental pathways fall into 2 types and vary among lineages. Understanding caste evolution
academic.oup.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Findings support the hypothesis that gene duplications, particularly in reproduction and development, contributed to termite eusociality academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
@amikura.bsky.social et al. analyzed >30,000 bacterial genomes, suggesting that ribosomal biogenesis is more flexible than recognized, and small cell and genome sizes of Candidate Phyla Radiation bacteria influence ribosome biogenesis factors.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf288
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf288
#evobio #molbio
Evolutionary Flexibility of Ribosome Biogenesis in Bacteria
Abstract. Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis and require ribosome biogenesis factors for assembly. To uncover the evolutionary diversity of ribo
doi.org
November 26, 2025 at 5:47 PM
@amikura.bsky.social et al. analyzed >30,000 bacterial genomes, suggesting that ribosomal biogenesis is more flexible than recognized, and small cell and genome sizes of Candidate Phyla Radiation bacteria influence ribosome biogenesis factors.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf288
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf288
#evobio #molbio
Kwun et al. test whether transformation is an efficient mechanism for deleting prophage despite sensitivity to the ssDNA imported by competence machinery, identifying key interfaces in the evolutionary arms race between prophage and their hosts.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf259
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf259
#evobio #molbio
Chromosomal Curing Drives an Arms Race Between Bacterial Transformation and Prophage
Abstract. Transformation occurs when bacteria import exogenous DNA via the competence machinery and integrate it into their genome through homologous recom
doi.org
November 26, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Kwun et al. test whether transformation is an efficient mechanism for deleting prophage despite sensitivity to the ssDNA imported by competence machinery, identifying key interfaces in the evolutionary arms race between prophage and their hosts.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf259
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf259
#evobio #molbio
Fujiwara et al. performed WGS and RNAseq of the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis, finding that gene duplications contributed to eusociality, and that lineage-specific Doublesex-related expression underlies caste diversification pathways.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf284
#evobio #molbio #eusociality
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf284
#evobio #molbio #eusociality
November 25, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Fujiwara et al. performed WGS and RNAseq of the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis, finding that gene duplications contributed to eusociality, and that lineage-specific Doublesex-related expression underlies caste diversification pathways.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf284
#evobio #molbio #eusociality
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf284
#evobio #molbio #eusociality
Popova et al. studied the evolution of M. tuberculosum under drug pressure using a unified phylogeny-based approach to reveal both drug-dependent evolution and epistatic interactions between sites.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf264
#evobio #molbio #epistasis
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf264
#evobio #molbio #epistasis
Unraveling Epistatic Interactions Between Sites Under Drug-Dependent Selection in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Genome
Abstract. Many Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome sites experience different selective forces depending on whether a patient is treated with antibiotics. He
doi.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Popova et al. studied the evolution of M. tuberculosum under drug pressure using a unified phylogeny-based approach to reveal both drug-dependent evolution and epistatic interactions between sites.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf264
#evobio #molbio #epistasis
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf264
#evobio #molbio #epistasis
Sheikh et al. show that Mic60 - responsible for forming the cristae that enclose mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes - has been replaced in euglenozoans by two cryptic mitofilin domain-containing MICOS subunits.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf289
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf289
#evobio #molbio
The Core MICOS Complex Subunit mic60 has Been Substituted by Two Cryptic Mitofilin-containing Proteins in Euglenozoa
Abstract. Cristae enclose respiratory chain complexes, making them the bioenergetic subcompartments of mitochondria. The Mitochondrial contact site and Cri
doi.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Sheikh et al. show that Mic60 - responsible for forming the cristae that enclose mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes - has been replaced in euglenozoans by two cryptic mitofilin domain-containing MICOS subunits.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf289
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf289
#evobio #molbio
Schmidlin, @kgslab.bsky.social et al. analyzed ~1,000 mutant antifungal-resistant yeast strains to investigate environment-by-environment-by-genotype interactions.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf287
#evobio #molbio #yeast
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf287
#evobio #molbio #yeast
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Schmidlin, @kgslab.bsky.social et al. analyzed ~1,000 mutant antifungal-resistant yeast strains to investigate environment-by-environment-by-genotype interactions.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf287
#evobio #molbio #yeast
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf287
#evobio #molbio #yeast
Gonçalves, @rokaslab.bsky.social @hittingerlab.bsky.social et al. surveyed 1,154 yeast genomes to examine gene repertoires linked to genome stability and elevated evolutionary rates, showing hypermutators persist across macroevolutionary timescales.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf285
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf285
#evobio #molbio
Stable Hypermutators Revealed by the Genomic Landscape of Genes Involved in Genome Stability Among Yeast Species
Abstract. Mutator phenotypes are short-lived due to the rapid accumulation of deleterious mutations. Yet, recent observations reveal that certain fungi can
doi.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Gonçalves, @rokaslab.bsky.social @hittingerlab.bsky.social et al. surveyed 1,154 yeast genomes to examine gene repertoires linked to genome stability and elevated evolutionary rates, showing hypermutators persist across macroevolutionary timescales.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf285
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf285
#evobio #molbio
Pei et al. used SNP and linked read data from 20 wild and 7 captive zebra finches to characterize large segregating inversions. These findings highlight how inversions are maintained by weak heterosis with small fitness effects.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf262
#evobio #molbio #inversions
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf262
#evobio #molbio #inversions
Evolution of Large Polymorphic Inversions in a Panmictic Songbird
Abstract. Chromosomal inversions have long been appreciated as an important source of genetic diversity, local adaptation, and speciation. However, selecti
doi.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Pei et al. used SNP and linked read data from 20 wild and 7 captive zebra finches to characterize large segregating inversions. These findings highlight how inversions are maintained by weak heterosis with small fitness effects.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf262
#evobio #molbio #inversions
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf262
#evobio #molbio #inversions
Kłodawska, @fishevo.bsky.social et al. examine visual opsin genes sequences and expression in Bermin crater lake cichlids, recovering little coding sequence divergence but high variation in expression profile.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf286
#evobio #molbio #cichlids #opsins
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf286
#evobio #molbio #cichlids #opsins
Seeing in the Deep: Evolution of the Opsin Gene Expression in Bermin Crater Lake Cichlids
Abstract. Cichlid visual systems can evolve rapidly during adaptive radiations. The Bermin crater lake species flock in Cameroon, comprising 13 (nine valid
doi.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Kłodawska, @fishevo.bsky.social et al. examine visual opsin genes sequences and expression in Bermin crater lake cichlids, recovering little coding sequence divergence but high variation in expression profile.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf286
#evobio #molbio #cichlids #opsins
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf286
#evobio #molbio #cichlids #opsins
Povilus et al. examined DNA methylation and genetic imprinting in water lily species, finding that maternal gene expression and parent-specific DNA methylation in the endosperm likely represent the ancestral condition of seed development.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
November 24, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Povilus et al. examined DNA methylation and genetic imprinting in water lily species, finding that maternal gene expression and parent-specific DNA methylation in the endosperm likely represent the ancestral condition of seed development.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
Investigating #genome-wide signatures of selection in response to a broad climatic gradient and a geographic mosaic of coevolution between a social parasite and its host academic.oup.com/mbe/advance-...
Genomic Signatures of Selection Across Climate Gradients and a Geographic Mosaic of Coevolution in an Ant Social Parasite-Host System
Abstract. Coevolutionary dynamics in host-parasite systems are shaped by reciprocal selection and environmental context. When hosts and parasites share anc
academic.oup.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Investigating #genome-wide signatures of selection in response to a broad climatic gradient and a geographic mosaic of coevolution between a social parasite and its host academic.oup.com/mbe/advance-...
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
New (to me) pop gen tool: GONE (genetic optimization for Ne estimation)—finds very recent population size changes using linkage disequilibrium
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
4 ways to install: compiled/to-compile on Mac/Linux. I tried all 4 and all failed. But worked on a different Linux server.
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
4 ways to install: compiled/to-compile on Mac/Linux. I tried all 4 and all failed. But worked on a different Linux server.
Validate User
academic.oup.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:12 PM
New (to me) pop gen tool: GONE (genetic optimization for Ne estimation)—finds very recent population size changes using linkage disequilibrium
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
4 ways to install: compiled/to-compile on Mac/Linux. I tried all 4 and all failed. But worked on a different Linux server.
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
4 ways to install: compiled/to-compile on Mac/Linux. I tried all 4 and all failed. But worked on a different Linux server.
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
#microsky #phagesky #phage
Anyone who’s tried deleting prophages in the lab by HR knows the difficulties of the task. Here we have an example of how HR-mediated natural transformation might hit the same hurdle in a more native context.
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
Anyone who’s tried deleting prophages in the lab by HR knows the difficulties of the task. Here we have an example of how HR-mediated natural transformation might hit the same hurdle in a more native context.
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
Chromosomal Curing Drives an Arms Race Between Bacterial Transformation and Prophage
Abstract. Transformation occurs when bacteria import exogenous DNA via the competence machinery and integrate it into their genome through homologous recom
academic.oup.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:39 PM
#microsky #phagesky #phage
Anyone who’s tried deleting prophages in the lab by HR knows the difficulties of the task. Here we have an example of how HR-mediated natural transformation might hit the same hurdle in a more native context.
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
Anyone who’s tried deleting prophages in the lab by HR knows the difficulties of the task. Here we have an example of how HR-mediated natural transformation might hit the same hurdle in a more native context.
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
Howell et al. used WGS of wild-caught deer mice from two islands and one mainland location in British Columbia to investigate chromosomal inversions and non-equilibrium demographic history of this species.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf254
#evobio #molbio #peromyscus
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf254
#evobio #molbio #peromyscus
The Genomic Imprint of Chromosomal Inversions and Demographic History in Island Populations of Deer Mice
Abstract. Populations that colonize islands experience novel selective pressures, fluctuations in size, and changes to their connectivity. Owing to their u
doi.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Howell et al. used WGS of wild-caught deer mice from two islands and one mainland location in British Columbia to investigate chromosomal inversions and non-equilibrium demographic history of this species.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf254
#evobio #molbio #peromyscus
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf254
#evobio #molbio #peromyscus
Maclary & Shapiro used comparative genomics to examine coding variation in EDNRB2, a candidate gene for loss of plumage melanin across birds, finding widespread coding variation in EDNRB2 and other pigmentation genes with limited pleiotropy.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf267
#evobio #molbio #color
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf267
#evobio #molbio #color
Widespread Variation in EDNRB2 Is Associated With Diverse Melanin Loss Phenotypes Across Avian Species
Abstract. Plumage pigmentation plays critical roles in survival and reproductive success in birds, from providing camouflage and thermoregulation to mediat
doi.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Maclary & Shapiro used comparative genomics to examine coding variation in EDNRB2, a candidate gene for loss of plumage melanin across birds, finding widespread coding variation in EDNRB2 and other pigmentation genes with limited pleiotropy.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf267
#evobio #molbio #color
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf267
#evobio #molbio #color
Price et al. characterized germline and somatic intercellular bridges in the cnidarian Hydra vulgaris, revealing that the molecular and structural features of intercellular bridges in Hydra are conserved across lineages.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf248
#evobio #molbio #hydra
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf248
#evobio #molbio #hydra
November 21, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Price et al. characterized germline and somatic intercellular bridges in the cnidarian Hydra vulgaris, revealing that the molecular and structural features of intercellular bridges in Hydra are conserved across lineages.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf248
#evobio #molbio #hydra
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf248
#evobio #molbio #hydra
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
Very pleased to see this one out. Unexpected and fascinating finding. I look forward to follow-up on this story 😁
Roussel, Suh, @fjruizruano.bsky.social & @amdioncote.bsky.social characterized TE content in naturally occurring killifish hybrids, finding higher TE load and accumulation of Neptune subfamilies in hybrids.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf266
#evobio #molbio #TEsky
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf266
#evobio #molbio #TEsky
Accumulation of a Biparentally Inherited Neptune Transposable Element in Natural Killifish Hybrids (Fundulus diaphanus × F. heteroclitus)
Abstract. Transposable elements (TEs) are abundant selfish genetic elements that can mobilize in their host genome, causing DNA damage, mutations, and chro
doi.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Very pleased to see this one out. Unexpected and fascinating finding. I look forward to follow-up on this story 😁