Interactions between pili affect the outcome of bacterial competition driven by the type VI secretion system.

The bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread, kin-discriminatory weapon capable of shaping microbial communities. Due to the system's dependency on contact, cellular interactions can lead to either competition or kin protection. Cell-to-cell contact is often accomplished via surface-exposed type IV pili (T4Ps).

Genome sequences of strains isolated in the DRC between 2009 and 2012.

has caused seven cholera pandemics in the past two centuries. The seventh and ongoing pandemic has been particularly severe on the African continent. Here, we report long read-based genome sequences of six strains isolated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 2009 and 2012.

DNA modifications impact natural transformation of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a dangerous nosocomial pathogen, especially due to its ability to rapidly acquire new genetic traits, including antibiotic resistance genes (ARG). In A. baumannii, natural competence for transformation, one of the primary modes of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), is thought to contribute to ARG acquisition and has therefore been intensively studied.

Whole genome assembly of the armored loricariid catfish Ancistrus triradiatus highlights herbivory signatures.

The catfish Ancistrus triradiatus belongs to the species-rich family Loricariidae. Loricariids display remarkable traits such as herbivory, a benthic lifestyle, the absence of scales but the presence of dermal bony plates. They are exported as ornamental fish worldwide, with escaped fishes becoming a threat locally.

From scales to armor: Scale losses and trunk bony plate gains in ray-finned fishes.

Actinopterygians (ray-finned fishes) are the most diversified group of vertebrates and are characterized by a variety of protective structures covering their integument, the evolution of which has intrigued biologists for decades. Paleontological records showed that the first mineralized vertebrate skeleton was composed of dermal bony plates covering the body, including odontogenic and skeletogenic components. Later in evolution, the exoskeleton of actinopterygian's trunk was composed of scale structures.

Does parental angling selection affect the behavior or metabolism of brown trout parr?

The behavior of organisms can be subject to human-induced selection such as that arising from fishing. Angling is expected to induce mortality on fish with bold and explorative behavior, which are behaviors commonly linked to a high standard metabolic rate. We studied the transgenerational response of brown trout () to angling-induced selection by examining the behavior and metabolism of 1-year-old parr between parents that were or were not captured by experimental fly fishing.

Association Mapping Based on a Common-Garden Migration Experiment Reveals Candidate Genes for Migration Tendency in Brown Trout.

A better understanding of the environmental and genetic contribution to migratory behavior and the evolution of traits linked to migration is crucial for fish conservation and fisheries management. Up to date, a few genes with unequivocal influence on the adoption of alternative migration strategies have been identified in salmonids. Here, we used a common garden set-up to measure individual migration distances of generally highly polymorphic brown trout from two populations.

Comparing RADseq and microsatellites for estimating genetic diversity and relatedness - Implications for brown trout conservation.

The conservation and management of endangered species requires information on their genetic diversity, relatedness and population structure. The main genetic markers applied for these questions are microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the latter of which remain the more resource demanding approach in most cases. Here, we compare the performance of two approaches, SNPs obtained by restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and 16 DNA microsatellite loci, for estimating genetic diversity, relatedness and genetic differentiation of three, small, geographically close wild brown trout () populations and a regionally used hatchery strain.

Biogeography of the freshwater fishes of the Guianas using a partitioned parsimony analysis of endemicity with reappraisal of ecoregional boundaries.

The Guianas are one of the most diverse regions of the Neotropics, hosting a particularly high rate of freshwater fish endemism. The present distributional patterns of freshwater fish species in the major catchments of the Guianas (comprising Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana) were analysed to reveal the faunal relationships between rivers, evaluate different hypotheses concerning biogeographical units, and redefine the boundaries of the Guianese freshwater ecoregions. A parsimony analysis of endemicity was performed using a data partitioning strategy to alleviate some drawbacks inherent to the method (e.

Comparison of Migratory and Resident Populations of Brown Trout Reveals Candidate Genes for Migration Tendency.

Candidate genes associated with migration have been identified in multiple taxa: including salmonids, many of whom perform migrations requiring a series of physiological changes associated with the freshwater-saltwater transition. We screened over 5,500 SNPs for signatures of selection related to migratory behavior of brown trout Salmo trutta by focusing on ten differentially migrating freshwater populations from two watersheds (the Koutajoki and the Oulujoki). We found eight outlier SNPs potentially associated with migratory versus resident life history using multiple (≥3) outlier detection approaches.