Nasal responses to elevated temperature and Francisella noatunensis infection in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).

We report the histological and transcriptomic changes in the olfactory organ of Atlantic cod exposed to Francisella noatunensis. Experimental infection was performed at either 12 °C or 17 °C. Infected fish presented the classic gross pathologies of francisellosis.

Comparative basal transcriptome profiles of the olfactory rosette and gills of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) unveil shared and distinct immunological features.

The molecular repertoire of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in the olfactory rosette in most teleost fish is unknown. Here we present the basal transcriptome of the olfactory rosette of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). To investigate its mucosal immune features, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis with the gills, one of the most studied organs possessing MALT.

Immunologic Profiling of the Atlantic Salmon Gill by Single Nuclei Transcriptomics.

Anadromous salmonids begin life adapted to the freshwater environments of their natal streams before a developmental transition, known as smoltification, transforms them into marine-adapted fish. In the wild, smoltification is a photoperiod-regulated process, involving radical remodeling of gill function to cope with the profound osmotic and immunological challenges of seawater (SW) migration. While prior work has highlighted the role of specialized "mitochondrion-rich" cells (MRCs) and accessory cells (ACs) in delivering this phenotype, recent RNA profiling experiments suggest that remodeling is far more extensive than previously appreciated.

Photoperiod-dependent developmental reprogramming of the transcriptional response to seawater entry in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

The developmental transition of juvenile salmon from a freshwater resident morph (parr) to a seawater (SW) migratory morph (smolt), known as smoltification, entails a reorganization of gill function to cope with the altered water environment. Recently, we used RNAseq to characterize the breadth of transcriptional change which takes place in the gill in the FW phase of smoltification. This highlighted the importance of extended exposure to short, winter-like photoperiods (SP) followed by a subsequent increase in photoperiod for completion of transcriptional reprogramming in FW and efficient growth following transfer to SW.

Correction: RNA profiling identifies novel, photoperiod-history dependent markers associated with enhanced saltwater performance in juvenile Atlantic salmon.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

RNA profiling identifies novel, photoperiod-history dependent markers associated with enhanced saltwater performance in juvenile Atlantic salmon.

Atlantic salmon migrate to sea following completion of a developmental process known as smolting, which establishes a seawater (SW) tolerant phenotype. Smolting is stimulated by exposure to long photoperiod or continuous light (LL) following a period of exposure to short photoperiod (SP), and this leads to major changes in gill ion exchange and osmoregulatory function. Here, we performed an RNAseq experiment to discover novel genes involved in photoperiod-dependent remodeling of the gill.

Detection of transgenes in local maize varieties of small-scale farmers in eastern cape, South Africa.

Small-scale subsistence farmers in South Africa have been introduced to genetically modified (GM) crops for more than a decade. Little is known about i) the extent of transgene introgression into locally recycled seed, ii) what short and long-term ecological and socioeconomic impacts such mixing of seeds might have, iii) how the farmers perceive GM crops, and iv) to what degree approval conditions are followed and controlled. This study conducted in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, aims primarily at addressing the first of these issues.

Phenology and cover of plant growth forms predict herbivore habitat selection in a high latitude ecosystem.

The spatial and temporal distribution of forage quality is among the most central factors affecting herbivore habitat selection. Yet, for high latitude areas, forage quantity has been found to be more important than quality. Studies on large ungulate foraging patterns are faced with methodological challenges in both assessing animal movements at the scale of forage distribution, and in assessing forage quality with relevant metrics.