Project description:To comprehend the drivers underlying venom variation in ants, we selected 15 Neotropical species and recorded a range of traits, including ecology, morphology, and venom bioactivity. Principal component analysis of both morphological and venom bioactivity traits revealed that stinging ants display two functional strategies. Additionally, phylogenetic comparative analysis indicated that venom function (predatory, defensive, or both) and mandible morphology significantly correlate with venom bioactivity and amount, while pain-inducing activity trades off with insect paralysis. Further analysis of the venom biochemistry of the 15 species revealed switches between cytotoxic and neurotoxic venom compositions in some species. This study highlights the fact that ant venoms are not homogenous, and for some species, there are major shifts in venom composition associated with the diversification of venom ecological functions.
Project description:Global amphibian declines and extinction events are currently occurring at an unprecedented rate. While various factors are influencing these declines, one factor that is readily identifiable is disease. Specifically, the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is thought to play a major role in amphibian declines in tropical and neotropical regions of the globe. While the effects of this chytrid fungus have been shown to be devastating, certain individuals and relict populations have shown resistance. This resistance has been attributed in part to the cutaneous microbiome. Many identified bacterial species that make up the microbiome have shown anti-B. dendrobatidis activity in vitro. One bacteria that is commonly associated as being a member of the amphibian microbiome across amphibian species and shows such anti-B. dendrobatidis activity is Serratia marcescens. Here, we look at transcriptomic shifts in gene expression of S. marcescens (high homology to strain WW4) in response to both live and heat-killed B. dendrobatidis.
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the following subset Series: GSE31344: smRNA sequencing of queen and virgin queen of two ants: Camponotus floridanus and Harpegnathos saltator GSE31346: Transcriptome sequencing of queen and virgin queen of two ants: Camponotus floridanus and Harpegnathos saltator GSE31576: Single base resolution methylome of two ants: Camponotus floridanus and Harpegnathos saltator Refer to individual Series
Project description:The goal of this study was to assay the extent of variation in chromatin organization between 3 ant castes (major and minor female workers and males) in one colony of Camponotus floridanus carpenter ant using ChIPseq. 45 samples total: 30 ChIP samples and 3 inputs for total histone H3, 7 histone H3 PTMs and RNA Pol II in major, minor, and male ants; CBP in major and minor ants; the major H3K27ac sample was replicated. 4 ChIP samples for H3 and H3K27ac in brains of majors and minors, and 2 inputs. 2 RNAseq samples for major and minor ants head+thorax; 4 RNAseq samples for brain (majors and minors with 2 replicates each).
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the following subset Series: GSE22678: Transcriptome sequencing and analysis of two ants: Camponotus floridanus and Harpegnathos saltator GSE22679: Small RNA sequencing and analysis of two ants: Camponotus floridanus and Harpegnathos saltator Refer to individual Series