NewtCap: an efficient target capture approach to boost genomic studies in Salamandridae (True Salamanders and Newts)

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 25, 2024

Abstract Salamanders have large and complex genomes, hampering whole genome sequencing, but reduced representation sequencing provides a feasible alternative. We present NewtCap: sequence capture bait set that targets c.7k coding regions across the genomes of all True Newts (the family Salamandridae, also known as ‘salamandrids’). test efficacy NewtCap, originally designed for Eurasian Triturus newts, in 30 species, belonging to 17 different genera, cover main Salamandridae lineages. NewtCap two other salamander families. discover performs well lineages (but not families Ambystomatidae Hynobiidae). As expected, amount genetic divergence from genus correlates negatively mapping success. However, this does impede our downstream analyses. showcase potential contexts of; 1) phylogenomics, by reconstructing phylogeny 2) phylogeography, four closely related species comprising Taricha , 3) hybrid zone analysis, genotyping Lissotriton classes interspecific hybrids, 4) conservation genetics, comparing ivanbureschi samples several wild populations one captive-bred population. Overall, has boost straightforward, reproducible, affordable genomic studies, tackling both fundamental applied research questions salamandrids.

Language: Английский

Chemical signal diversity in male sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) along an urbanization gradient

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Feb. 26, 2025

Abstract Urban areas have globally expanded recently and will likely continue to do so in the near future. Although impact of urbanization on acoustic visual sexual signals has received considerable attention, other aspects, such as its influence chemical signaling, remain poorly studied. Many lizard species possess femoral glands, i.e. prominent epidermal glands underside thighs producing a wide variety compounds used signaling. Here we assessed effect urban, suburban rural habitats individual body condition variation signal composition sand ( Lacerta agilis ). By using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, characterized present secretions glands. We found that lizards from urban had highest diversity chemicals, while showed significantly lower compound diversity. Lizards high amounts several compounds, including α-tocopherol, an antioxidant molecule may counterbalance damaging effects irradiation pheromones. Chemical not only depend habitat characteristics but traits, condition, also affect Body did differ across habitats, find association between gland secretions. argue environmental differences (more extreme cities) well factors increased stress shape semiochemicals lizards. Our study provides insight how conditions imposed by urban–rural gradients modulate communication vertebrates.

Language: Английский

Recent habitat modification of a tropical dry forest hotspot drives population genetic divergence in the Mexican leaf frog: a landscape genetics approach

Heredity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 19, 2025

Language: Английский