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Next-generation sequencing and the collection of genome-wide data allow identifying adaptive variation and footprints of directional selection. Using a large SNP data set from 259 RAD-sequenced European eel individuals (glass eels) from eight locations between 34 and 64oN, we examined the patterns of genome-wide genetic diversity across locations. We tested for local selection by searching for increased population differentiation using FST-based outlier tests and by testing for significant associations between allele frequencies and environmental variables. The overall low genetic differentiation found (FST = 0.0007) indicates that most of the genome is homogenized by gene flow, providing further evidence for genomic panmixia in the European eel. The lack of genetic substructuring was consistent at both nuclear and mitochondrial SNPs. Using an extensive number of diagnostic SNPs, results showed a low occurrence of hybrids between European and American eel, mainly limited to Iceland (5.9%), although individuals with signatures of introgression several generations back in time were found in mainland Europe. Despite panmixia, a small set of SNPs showed high genetic differentiation consistent with single-generation signatures of spatially varying selection acting on glass eels. After screening 50 354 SNPs, a total of 754 potentially locally selected SNPs were identified. Candidate genes for local selection constituted a wide array of functions, including calcium signalling, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction and circadian rhythm. Remarkably, one of the candidate genes identified is PERIOD, possibly related to differences in local photoperiod associated with the >30° difference in latitude between locations. Genes under selection were spread across the genome, and there were no large regions of increased differentiation as expected when selection occurs within just a single generation due to panmixia. This supports the conclusion that most of the genome is homogenized by gene flow that removes any effects of diversifying selection from each new generation.

The human cytokine growth-regulated oncogene (GRO)-alpha is a small glycoprotein secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells, glycoprotein secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, synovial cells, and some tumor cells such as melanoma cells. It is structurally related to IL-8 and can activate neutrophils, whereas it induces chemotaxis, exocytosis, and a respiratory burst in neutrophils. To date, its functions on T lymphocytes have not been well established. We report here that recombinant human (rh)GRO-alpha is a potent chemoattractant for freshly isolated T lymphocytes, but not for anti-CD3 mAb-activated T lymphocytes. It attracts CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets to an equal extent. The migrating T lymphocytes toward rhGRO-alpha are predominantly CD45RO+ memory CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. The chemotactic migration of T lymphocytes toward rhGRO-alpha is stimulated via the IL-8 receptors on the cells. This process can be augmented by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, and inhibited by IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. In addition, we also document that on T lymphocytes there exist IL-8 receptors that can be up-regulated by IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-2. Our results demonstrate that rhGRO-alpha gene encodes for an inflammatory mediator that stimulates the directional migration of T lymphocytes. It may thus be another important mediator in the diseases in which T lymphocytes form the major constituent of the cellular infiltration.

The ITS regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA were sequenced in 37 species of the genus Aeonium. A phylogeny obtained through the use of parsimony agrees to some extent with the sectional division of the genus and confirms the position of two newly described species. It also suggests the potential importance of reticulate evolution in the genus. Based on the geographic distribution of this particular island group and the growth forms of its species, dispersal across similar ecological zones of different islands followed by adaptive radiation and isolation are suggested to be the prominent routes in speciation. As is typical of island genera, large polytomies at the distal nodes in the phylogeny indicate a recent rapid radiation.

Udgivelsesdato: November Queens of leafcutter ants exhibit the highest known levels of multiple mating (up to 10 mates per queen) among ants. Multiple mating may have been selected to increase genetic diversity among nestmate workers, which is hypothesized to be critical in social systems with large, long-lived colonies under severe pressure of pathogens. Advanced fungus-growing (leafcutter) ants have large numbers (104-106 workers) and long-lived colonies, whereas basal genera in the attine tribe have small (Myrmicocrypta ednaella, Apterostigma collare and Cyphomyrmex longiscapus. Microsatellite marker analyses revealed that queens in all three species were single mated, and that worker-to-worker relatedness in these basal attine species is very close to 0.75, the value expected under exclusively single mating. Fungus growing per se has therefore not selected for multiple queen mating. Instead, the advanced and highly productive social structure of the higher attine ants, which is fully dependent on the rearing of an ancient clonal fungus, may have necessitated high genetic diversity among nestmate workers. This is not the case in the lower attines, which rear fungi that were more recently derived from free-living fungal populations

Herbarium collections are a valuable source of genetic information. Even though the DNA obtained from the specimens is often highly fragmented and present in small quantities, it has been successfully used particularly for DNA sequencing and microsatellite analysis. The present study shows that the quality is often sufficient for use also for AFLPs. With this technique, a considerable number of DNA fragments with unknown sequence from the entire genome of the plant are amplified, often with the purpose of phylogeographic studies or analyses of interrelationships of closely related species. In order to avoid the effects of potential artefacts resulting from DNA degradation, such as "false polymorphisms", it is suggested that fresh samples should always be included for comparison, and that AFLP chromatograms based on herbarium specimens should be included in analyses only when they contain AFLP fragments monomorphic among the fresh samples, and when signal quality is comparable to that of fresh samples. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.

Genetic diversity, population structure and interrelationships were investigated in eight populations of the common reed, Phragmites australis, in the Po Plain, Italy, by means of amplified fragments length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). Patterns of genetic diversity were analysed in relation to size, age and degree of human impact in the wetlands and compared with that of a distant population in Romania. Genetic distances between Po Plain clones and geographically distant clones were measured to determine the geographical extent of the gene pool. Nearly all populations studied are polyclonal and little correlation was found between genetic diversity and size, age and degree of human impact on the wetlands. One large (86 ha) monoclonal stand occurred in an old wetland with rather stable environmental conditions over a long time period, whereas polyclonal stands were younger and characterized by disturbance. On the interpopulation level it was not possible to differentiate between Po Plain populations and the Romanian population, indicating that a very extensive gene pool exists in Europe, to which both Po Plain and Romanian populations belong. There is however a certain degree of genetic structure among the populations that is not correlated with geographic distance, but is most likely related to P. australis colonization dynamics. A significant "stepwise" increase in average genetic distances was observed between clones >500 and >1500 km distant suggesting some kind of genetic pattern on a very large scale. Based on these results, P. australis populations in Europe could be considered members of a single meta-population. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.