Evolution of the germline mutation rate across vertebrates.

The germline mutation rate determines the pace of genome evolution and is an evolving parameter itself. However, little is known about what determines its evolution, as most studies of mutation rates have focused on single species with different methodologies. Here we quantify germline mutation rates across vertebrates by sequencing and comparing the high-coverage genomes of 151 parent-offspring trios from 68 species of mammals, fishes, birds and reptiles.

The germline mutational process in rhesus macaque and its implications for phylogenetic dating.

Background: Understanding the rate and pattern of germline mutations is of fundamental importance for understanding evolutionary processes.

Results: Here we analyzed 19 parent-offspring trios of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at high sequencing coverage of ∼76× per individual and estimated a mean rate of 0.77 × 10-8de novo mutations per site per generation (95% CI: 0.

Chromatin accessibility and transcriptome landscapes of Monomorium pharaonis brain.

The emergence of social organization (eusociality) is a major event in insect evolution. Although previous studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying caste differentiation and social behavior of eusocial insects including ants and honeybees, the molecular circuits governing sociality in these insects remain obscure. In this study, we profiled the transcriptome and chromatin accessibility of brain tissues in three Monomorium pharaonis ant castes: queens (including mature and un-mated queens), males and workers.