Persistent Biofluid Small-Molecule Alterations Induced by Infection Are Not Restored by Parasite Elimination.

Chagas disease (CD), caused by () protozoa, is a complicated parasitic illness with inadequate medical measures for diagnosing infection and monitoring treatment success. To address this gap, we analyzed changes in the metabolome of -infected mice via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of clinically accessible biofluids: saliva, urine, and plasma. Urine was the most indicative of infection status across mouse and parasite genotypes.

Molecular networking in infectious disease models.

Small molecule metabolites are the product of many enzymatic reactions. Metabolomics thus opens a window into enzyme activity and function, integrating effects at the post-translational, proteome, transcriptome and genome level. In addition, small molecules can themselves regulate enzyme activity, expression and function both via substrate availability mechanisms and through allosteric regulation.

Interspecific competition influences fitness benefits of assortative mating for territorial aggression in eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis).

Territorial aggression influences fitness and, in monogamous pairs, the behavior of both individuals could impact reproductive success. Moreover, territorial aggression is particularly important in the context of interspecific competition. Tree swallows and eastern bluebirds are highly aggressive, secondary cavity-nesting birds that compete for limited nesting sites.