Integrative Zoology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Hidden Diversity in the Sands: Genomic Footprints of Pleistocene Refugia and Fragile Futures of the Turkestan Ground-Jay (Podoces panderi) in Central Asia.
Dekhkonov SI, Gulomova DI, Fundukchiyev SE … +7 more , Chen L, Hao Y, Wang S, Song G, Kholmatov BR, Jashenko RV, Lei F
Integr Zool · 2026 Feb · PMID 41641733 · Publisher ↗
The Turkestan ground-jay (Podoces panderi), a corvid endemic to Central Asia's deserts and steppes, exemplifies how extreme environments drive speciation. Our study provides the first comprehensive high-resolution genomi...
The Turkestan ground-jay (Podoces panderi), a corvid endemic to Central Asia's deserts and steppes, exemplifies how extreme environments drive speciation. Our study provides the first comprehensive high-resolution genomic analysis of this species, using complete mitochondrial genomes (49 individuals) to decode its population structure and demographic past. Our analyses revealed three highly divergent genetic clusters with strong geographic structure. The P. p. iliensis population (Cluster_3) showed particularly pronounced genetic distinctiveness, with significant differentiation from P. p. panderi (Cluster_2 and Cluster_1) populations. This clear genetic separation supports the taxonomic validity of P. p. iliensis as a distinct evolutionary lineage. Demographic reconstruction indicated that Cluster_2 likely represents the ancestral group, with subsequent southward expansion into the Karakum region. The isolated P. p. iliensis population exhibited signatures of long-term isolation, including reduced genetic diversity and absence of recent gene flow with other clusters. These results provide strong evidence that P. p. iliensis represents a distinct evolutionary unit. The genetic structuring into three clusters reflects historical isolation in desert refugia during Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. Notably, we detected asymmetric gene flow among three clusters. These findings redefine P. panderi as a model for desert adaptation, where climatic extremes forged genetic fragmentation amid limited dispersal. Beyond taxonomy, our work highlights how aridification sculpted biodiversity in Asia's interior, urging conservation attention for these evolutionarily distinct lineages.
Pinewood Nematodes Manipulate Locomotion of the Vector Beetle Through ATP1-Driven Energy Metabolism.
Li Y, Tang X, Fan Q … +3 more , Sun J, Ma L, Zhang B
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41618609 · Publisher ↗
The transmission of many pathogens depends on insect vectors, and these pathogens tend to manipulate vector behaviors after acquisition to enhance their spread. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely...
The transmission of many pathogens depends on insect vectors, and these pathogens tend to manipulate vector behaviors after acquisition to enhance their spread. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The pinewood nematode (PWN), the causative agent of pine wilt disease, primarily relies on Monochamus alternatus beetles for dispersal in Asia. The behavior of the beetle plays a crucial role in the spread of the pinewood nematode among host pine trees. Here, we investigated the behavioral and molecular effects of PWN loading on M. alternatus. Behavioral assay demonstrated that PWN loading significantly reduced beetle locomotion, with decreases in movement distance, speed, and activity duration. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the muscle of beetles with and without PWN highlighted the disruptions in key energy metabolism pathways and pathways related to aging responses and neurodegenerative diseases. Gene co-expression network showed ATP synthase subunit alpha (ATP1), which was notably down-regulated by PWN loading, is central in energy metabolism and the aging process. The reduced ATP production in the muscles of beetles with PWN suggested ATP1 as a candidate gene required for locomotion control. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting ATP1 led to a decline in beetle locomotion, confirming its role as a key mediator of these locomotion changes. Overall, our findings revealed that the pinewood nematode manipulates vector behavior through energy metabolic genes such as ATP1 and provides potential cues for vector manipulation by the pathogen on aging and longevity.
Decoding Dual Regulatory Layers: Integrating Differential Expression and Alternative Splicing Dynamics in the Evolution of Laryngeal Echolocation Across Chiropteran Lineages.
Wu J, Hu D, Chen M … +1 more , Mao X
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41618606 · Publisher ↗
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic novelties is fundamental to deciphering the evolution of biodiversity. As a pivotal driver of phenotypic divergence, gene regulation operates through multiple...
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic novelties is fundamental to deciphering the evolution of biodiversity. As a pivotal driver of phenotypic divergence, gene regulation operates through multiple layers, including transcriptional dynamics and post-transcriptional modifications. Laryngeal echolocation, an evolutionary breakthrough enabling bats to occupy specialized nocturnal niches, has been instrumental in their global adaptive radiation. Here, we leverage a comparative framework of two laryngeal echolocating (Rhinolophus sinicus and Myotis pilosus) and two non-laryngeal echolocating bats (Cynopterus sphinx and Rousettus leschenaultii) to dissect the contributions of differential expression (DE) and alternative splicing (AS) in shaping this sophisticated sensory system. Integrating short-read RNA sequencing with long-read isoform-resolution data from cochlear tissues, we systematically identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and alternatively spliced genes (ASGs). Our multi-method validation revealed distinct regulatory signatures: Upregulated DEGs in laryngeal echolocating bats showed significant enrichment for neural function (synapse organization and neuron development), while ASGs are predominantly associated with epigenetic regulation (protein methylation, histone modification, and chromosome organization). Notably, cross-comparative analyses demonstrated a higher-than-expected overlap between DEGs and ASGs, with two key regulators (SRRM4 and MAP1B) consistently identified across all four interspecies comparisons. These conserved candidates exhibited dual regulatory modalities, suggesting their pleiotropic roles in coordinating transcriptional and post-transcriptional programs. Intriguingly, we detected varying levels of selection pressure acting on DEGs and ASGs, implying different evolutionary constraints on these regulatory layers. Overall, our findings establish that both DE and AS contribute to the molecular architecture of laryngeal echolocation, though their interplay-whether synergistic or independent-requires further mechanistic interrogation.
Temporal Responses to Warming: Do Wild Herbivores Trade Off Heat, Predators, and Humans?
Pallari N, Fattorini N, Calosi M … +4 more , Lazzeri L, Tettamanti G, Lovari S, Ferretti F
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41618605 · Publisher ↗
Ongoing environmental changes are affecting behavioral responses of animal populations. Both warming temperatures and increased human disturbance may trigger adjustments in mammal activity patterns, for example, favoring...
Ongoing environmental changes are affecting behavioral responses of animal populations. Both warming temperatures and increased human disturbance may trigger adjustments in mammal activity patterns, for example, favoring activity switch to nighttime despite a greater risk of encountering nocturnal predators. Disentangling the relative roles of these stressors is critical for predicting the population-level consequences of environmental changes, yet the joint effect of multiple stressors is poorly understood. Here we investigated how ambient summer temperature, predators, and human presence influenced temporal responses in two herbivorous mammals (the roe deer Capreolus capreolus and the fallow deer Dama dama) across Mediterranean protected areas. By conducting intensive camera trapping (∼12,400 trapping days; 196 sites), we evaluated changes in daily activity level and nocturnality of deer species. Both herbivores reduced their daily activity with warmer temperatures, emphasizing the need to minimize thermoregulatory costs, yet only roe deer increased nocturnality following diel warming. Conversely, nocturnality of the more heat-tolerant fallow deer was only affected by wolf (Canis lupus) visitation rate, although weakly, suggesting that fallow deer traded off heat avoidance with predator avoidance. We found neither reductions in daily activity levels nor an increase in nocturnality in response to higher human visitation rate, possibly depending on our relatively undisturbed protected areas (i.e., areas with low human population density and sustainable levels of outdoor recreational activities) or the stronger effect of heat avoidance. Under the anticipated warming, species-specific consequences of these behavioral responses on population viability may be expected.
On the Origin and Evolution of Sweet Taste Mediated by Tas1r2-Tas1r3 in Vertebrates.
Feng HH, Li Y, Shen T … +1 more , Zhao H
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41618601 · Publisher ↗
Sweet taste is a crucial chemosensory modality for detecting natural sugar compounds, which are primarily derived from angiosperms. In vertebrates, excluding birds, sweet taste is typically mediated by the Tas1r2-Tas1r3...
Sweet taste is a crucial chemosensory modality for detecting natural sugar compounds, which are primarily derived from angiosperms. In vertebrates, excluding birds, sweet taste is typically mediated by the Tas1r2-Tas1r3 heterodimer, and the receptor function often reflects dietary adaptations to sugar-rich diets. To gain insight into early vertebrate dietary transitions, we identified Tas1r genes in 58 vertebrate species and one outgroup and conducted functional assays in 10 representative species spanning six major clades, including one coelacanth, two amphibians, one squamate, two turtles, two crocodilians, and one mammal. Cell-based assays showed that only the desert tortoise and American alligator exhibited detectable responses to natural sugars via Tas1r2-Tas1r3, while all other tested species showed no response. To trace the evolutionary origin of sweet taste perception, we reconstructed ancestral Tas1r2 and Tas1r3 receptors for tetrapods, amniotes, and sauropsids. Functional assays of these ancestral receptors revealed no sugar sensitivity. Integrating our results with previously published data, we conclude that Tas1r2-Tas1r3-mediated sweet taste likely originated in amniotes and did not exist in earlier-diverging vertebrates such as cartilaginous fishes, bony fishes, and amphibians. These findings suggest that sweet taste arose independently in vertebrate lineages after the origin of angiosperms, and likely represents lineage-specific adaptations to angiosperm-derived dietary resources.
Molecular Mechanism of Sterilization by Quinestrol, a Rodent Sterility Control Agent.
Deng Y, Kang Y, An K … +6 more , Yao B, Tan Y, Ou K, Liu M, Ji W, Su J
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41603211 · Publisher ↗
Sterility control is one of the key tools for regulating pest rodent population density. An in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanism of sterility caused by control agents is of great significance for further explorat...
Sterility control is one of the key tools for regulating pest rodent population density. An in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanism of sterility caused by control agents is of great significance for further exploration of novel sterility controls and the development of alternative drugs. In this study, male plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi) in the breeding period were tested to explore the molecular mechanism of quinestrol-induced sterility. We used RNA-seq technology to investigate key genes and signaling pathways associated with the inhibition of testicular development and spermatogenesis, and validated these findings through qPCR. The findings indicated that in plateau zokors treated with quinestrol, 420 genes were down-regulated and 127 genes were up-regulated. Notch3, Ppp2r3c, Lipe, Il1b, and Tlr2 are the potential new targets for quinestrol to affect testicular development in plateau zokors. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in the inflammatory response, positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascades, and positive regulation of MAPK cascades. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in pathways such as metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450. GSEA analysis revealed that treatment with quinestrol induced pathway changes related to the positive regulation of the ERK1 and ERK2 cascades and the positive regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling in plateau zokors. Quinestrol influences the ERK1/2 signaling pathway within the MAPK cascade in spermatogonia of plateau zokor testes via the GPER1 receptor, inducing oxidative stress and resulting in male infertility.
Energy Constraints and Ecological Adaptation Drive Divergent Evolution of Sensory and Cognitive Brain Regions in Bats.
Zhong M, Wang J, Feng J … +1 more , Lin A
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41603136 · Publisher ↗
Brain evolution is influenced by energy constraints and ecological adaptation for bats, but the specific factors driving specialization in sensory versus cognitive brain regions remain poorly understood. By integrating m...
Brain evolution is influenced by energy constraints and ecological adaptation for bats, but the specific factors driving specialization in sensory versus cognitive brain regions remain poorly understood. By integrating morphological traits, ecological information, and neuroanatomical traits from 145 bat species, we reveal the driving mechanisms of differentiation: sensory regions (auditory nuclei and inferior colliculus) were constrained by body-size allometry, while cognitive regions (neocortex and hippocampus) were directly shaped by ecological selection. Auditory nuclei decrease in size with increasing echolocation peak frequency, suggesting functional specialization through optimized neural efficiency under energy constraints. Ground-foraging behavior drives neocortical expansion to meet the cognitive demands of complex spatial navigation. Similarly, the dietary diversity was linked to hippocampal enlargement, convergent with the adaptive evolution linking hippocampal expansion to spatial memory in birds. The total brain mass shows dual regulation-dietary diversity drives the enlargement, while the higher wing loading associated with aerial foraging suppresses expansion through metabolic constraints. These findings extend the expensive tissue hypothesis by revealing intra-brain energy trade-offs and demonstrate that ecological and behavioral selection serve as the key driver for cognitive brain region evolution. Our study has highlighted the critical need for multi-scale frameworks that integrate developmental constraints, ecological adaptation, and metabolic trade-offs to unravel brain evolution.
A Tale of Appendages: Investigating Limb and Tail Variation in Salamanders.
Rosa G, Costa A, Bozzo M … +2 more , Salvidio S, Ferrando S
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41538309 · Publisher ↗
The evolution of limbs and tails in tetrapods has been widely studied as key traits for locomotion, balance, and evolutionary biology, but only under a "life-history" perspective, which may not explain all the morphologi...
The evolution of limbs and tails in tetrapods has been widely studied as key traits for locomotion, balance, and evolutionary biology, but only under a "life-history" perspective, which may not explain all the morphological differences observed within this group. In this context, leveraging a dataset covering 44% of salamander species, we compared appendage proportions across families, ecological groups, and sexes within a phylogenetic framework. Plethodontidae showed shorter limbs compared to other families, while aquatic species had the opposite trend. Basal families had the shortest tails, while terrestrial species had the widest ones. Furthermore, some families showed divergence in limb proportions: Ambystomatidae had shorter forelimbs than hindlimbs, while Salamandridae had longer forelimbs than hindlimbs. Phylogeny explained most variation, but ecological adaptation and convergence also played roles. Our study confirms that animal body form is probably driven by a combination of evolutionary history and ecological drivers. We think that expanding this multi-disciplinary phylogenetic perspective to other elements of interest, such as caudal vertebral number and foot shape, may help to better understand the evolution and adaptation of appendages in Caudata.
Genomic Content in Avian Haemosporidian Parasites Suggests Co-Regulation of Apicoplast and Mitochondrial Nucleoids.
Porporato G, Pibaque P, Flores AC … +2 more , Cescutti S, Chakarov N
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41538308 · Publisher ↗
Precise quantification of the parasitic load during infections is necessary for a deep understanding of parasite-host interactions. Haemosporidians, an order of intracellular blood parasites, including agents of avian ma...
Precise quantification of the parasitic load during infections is necessary for a deep understanding of parasite-host interactions. Haemosporidians, an order of intracellular blood parasites, including agents of avian malaria and their closer relatives, have two organelles, remnants of endosymbiosis: the mitochondrion and the apicoplast, which have their own extranuclear genomes (nucleoids). While the number of organelles per parasitic cell appears to be stable, the number of their nucleoids is not, but the dynamics and factors affecting them still remain to be elucidated. We used a set of 71 blood samples of migratory birds infected by haemosporidian parasites to quantify relative DNA quantities of these two organelles through real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). We investigated the congruence of these two parameters with the microscopically detected number of parasites, for all samples measured and for the subset of those with moderate to high parasitemia. We found that apicoplast DNA content was a better predictor for intermediate infection intensities, while mitochondrial DNA content was a better predictor for acute infections. This difference may result from the regulation of parasite intra- and inter-organellar genomic content throughout the infection stages in vertebrate hosts. Our work contributes to the methods for quantification of blood parasites in wildlife and to the understanding of their development and conservation-relevant consequences for the avian hosts.
Echolocators Are Smaller Than Their Non-Echolocating Relatives: Agility Counts in Dark, Three-Dimensional Habitats.
Guo J, Wang J, Newman C … +6 more , Li J, Xiang H, Buesching CD, Macdonald DW, Zhou Y, Wu N
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41524668 · Publisher ↗
Evolutionary and behavioral adaptations are frequently linked to animal sensory perception. Echolocators have evolved instantaneous and highly adaptive control over their sensory and motor actions enabling them to detect...
Evolutionary and behavioral adaptations are frequently linked to animal sensory perception. Echolocators have evolved instantaneous and highly adaptive control over their sensory and motor actions enabling them to detect and capture rapidly moving, evasive prey in three-dimensional space. Specifically, among volant bats, maneuverability decreases with increasing mass, while toothed whales and dolphins have evolved tight turning rates and radii to enable them to capture small and elusive fish. We thus hypothesize that selection pressures should have driven the evolution of relatively smaller body size among echolocators to enhance their agility. To test this, we conducted PGLS and GLMM model analyses comparing the body mass of 1327 echolocating species with 4878 non-echolocating species. In support of our body size filtering hypothesis, echolocating species tended to be significantly smaller than their non-echolocating relatives across the entire body mass range, both generally and at the order and family levels. Furthermore, our findings transcended the concurrent effects of habitat type and dietary preferences on modulating body size distributions, as well as ecogeographical rules relating to the evolution of body size. This shows that the echolocator-body size relationship has evolved independently across vertebrate taxa that diverged millions of years ago. Nevertheless, the resultant diversity of extant, relatively small echolocating species and the key functional roles they play in ecosystems may be vulnerable to contemporary anthropogenic disturbances.
Domination Versus Sisterhoods in the Blood Microbiota of Migrating Birds: Patterns of Within- and Between-Individual Blood Parasite Diversity Revealed Through Metabarcoding.
Pibaque P, Porporato G, Cescutti S … +7 more , Cruz-Flores A, Busche T, Winker A, Rapp TM, Bergkamp P, Doneva A, Chakarov N
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41524665 · Publisher ↗
Avian blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon are typically identified through Sanger sequencing of a partial cytochrome b fragment, the MalAvi barcoding region. This approach limits the...
Avian blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon are typically identified through Sanger sequencing of a partial cytochrome b fragment, the MalAvi barcoding region. This approach limits the detection of mixed infections and the relative frequencies of co-infecting parasites. In contrast, next-generation sequencing (NGS) can resolve these problems but has been underused for haemosporidian lineage identification in samples from the wild. We used an improved PCR protocol and sequencing with Illumina MiSeq to determine haemosporidian assemblages in wild birds captured at a migration stopover site in Bulgaria, Europe. From 406 samples obtained from 52 bird species, we detected 81 haemosporidian lineages in 131 infected samples from 32 species (32% prevalence). On average, individuals were infected with 2.4 lineages, with 59 birds infected by a single lineage, and 21 birds infected with 5-9 lineages. A subset of samples was Illumina- and Sanger-sequenced in parallel, finding mixed infections in 72 samples and 8× higher detection rate of mixed and co-infections through high-throughput sequencing. Both methods identified the same dominant (co-infecting) lineage (91%). Metabarcoding identified common mixed infections of sister lineage groups ("sisterhoods") known for prevalent lineages and morphospecies, including Plasmodium relictum p_SGS1, Haemoproteus motacillae h_YWT2, and Haemoproteus parabelopolskyi h_SYAT01. Some other lineages appeared consistently more dominant. Our study shows that in some host communities, metabarcoding can reveal a great diversity of mixed infections. This opens new horizons to the study of assemblages of haemosporidian parasites, their interactions within individual hosts, and co-evolution with other members of the blood microbiome and the hosts.
Hemoparasites of the Four-Eyed Frog (Pleurodema thaul) from Chile.
Sanhueza-Caba R, Doussang D, Azat C
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41524647 · Publisher ↗
Amphibians host a diverse array of macro and microparasites, and these relationships can provide relevant information for assessing and monitoring population and ecosystem health. The dynamics and outcomes of these host-...
Amphibians host a diverse array of macro and microparasites, and these relationships can provide relevant information for assessing and monitoring population and ecosystem health. The dynamics and outcomes of these host-parasite interactions are influenced by several biotic and abiotic factors, as well as by the characteristics of both the parasite and the host. This study aims to identify hemoparasites in Pleurodema thaul (four-eyed frog) (Leptodactylidae) across its extensive distribution in Chile and to explore potential relationships between parasite occurrence, host traits, and habitat variables. To achieve this, we surveyed P. thaul populations from 40 localities between the extreme north and south of Chile (22-43°S), in a latitudinal gradient of 2500 km. In each locality, individuals were actively searched along the margin of water bodies, manually captured, sexed, and measured using standard morphometric and biosecurity protocols. Blood samples were collected via facial vein puncture using needles and heparinized capillary tubes. Smears were prepared on-site, fixed with methanol, and stained with 10% Giemsa for subsequent microscopic analysis at 40× and 100× magnification. Hemoparasites were detected in 61% (221/363) of individuals, with three genera identified: the hemogregarines Hepatozoon sp. and Dactylosoma sp. (Adeleorina), with a prevalence of 7% and 39%, respectively, and the hemococcidium Lankesterella sp. (Eimeriorina), with 22%. The study describes the key characteristics of these parasites in both intra- and extracellular developmental stages. These findings contribute to the understanding of anuran hemoparasites by expanding knowledge on their distribution, morphological traits, and local and regional host-parasite interactions.
The Climate Niche Pressure on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau Predominates the Diversification of Advertisement Calls in Frogs (Leptobrachella).
Shen T, Li S, Liu J … +5 more , Mu L, Yang G, Diao Y, Su H, Wang B
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 41486953 · Publisher ↗
The diversification of advertisement calls is largely driven by climatic niche differentiation. Our results provide acoustic evidence for studies on ecological speciation in anurans.
The diversification of advertisement calls is largely driven by climatic niche differentiation. Our results provide acoustic evidence for studies on ecological speciation in anurans.
Phytochemistry as a Multidimensional Interface in Insect-Plant Interactions.
Jiang Z, Mohamed A, Kandegama WMWW … +1 more , Zhang W
Integr Zool · 2025 Dec · PMID 41472629 · Publisher ↗
Plant-insect interactions form a dynamic, co-evolutionary interface where plant secondary metabolites (SMs) act as central mediators. Shaped by both biotic and abiotic factors, these metabolites function beyond mere toxi...
Plant-insect interactions form a dynamic, co-evolutionary interface where plant secondary metabolites (SMs) act as central mediators. Shaped by both biotic and abiotic factors, these metabolites function beyond mere toxicity, modulating insect behavior, enabling multitrophic communication, and integrating environmental cues across ecological dimensions.
Effect of Social Rank on Gut Microbes and Their Metabolites of Greater Long-Tailed Hamsters (Tscherskia triton).
Zhang D, Xu X, Zhang Z
Integr Zool · 2025 Dec · PMID 41472620 · Publisher ↗
Although the effects of social rank on behavior and physiology are well established, their relationship with gut microbiota is not yet fully understood. We investigated how social rank affects physiological responses, gu...
Although the effects of social rank on behavior and physiology are well established, their relationship with gut microbiota is not yet fully understood. We investigated how social rank affects physiological responses, gut microbiota, and metabolites in the greater long-tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton), a naturally solitary rodent. Dominant male hamsters displayed a "high-vigilance, metabolically activated" phenotype, characterized by increased aggression, elevated serum corticosterone (CORT) and serotonin (5-HT) levels, and activation of the paraventricular nucleus, a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In contrast, subordinates exhibited lower CORT and 5-HT levels, with increased activation of the arcuate nucleus (ARC), suggesting a more energy-conserving and stress-resilient phenotype. Social rank strongly shaped gut microbiota and metabolic output: dominants were enriched in energy-harvesting taxa (e.g., Limosilactobacillus and Alistipes) and had higher fecal queuine levels, a metabolite derived from gut microbiota. Conversely, subordinates were enriched in immunomodulatory taxa (e.g., Faecalibacterium and Butyrivibrio). These findings suggest that dominance in solitary species may be supported by coordinated host-microbiome interactions, which meet high energetic demands while maintaining stress resilience. This provides a novel framework for understanding the gut-brain-microbiome axis in social dominance.
Zoonotic Parasite Nanovaccines: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.
Wang Q, Hu B, Wang Y … +10 more , Feng X, Zhang N, Zhao P, Zhang S, Wang R, Wang Q, Han Y, Aleem MT, Wang S, He H
Integr Zool · 2025 Dec · PMID 41437862 · Publisher ↗
Parasitic infections remain major global health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although traditional vaccines have made significant progress against parasites, limited success has been obtai...
Parasitic infections remain major global health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although traditional vaccines have made significant progress against parasites, limited success has been obtained due to the parasites' complex life cycles and immune evasion. Nanoparticle-based vaccines, including mRNA-lipid particles, polymeric particles, and virus-like particles (VLPs), offer a promising alternative, showing improved immunogenicity in trials. In this study, the recent advancements in nanoparticle-based vaccines for parasitic infections and the roles of various types of nanoparticles are summarized in detail. Furthermore, the existing challenges regarding the parasite nanovaccines, such as clinical, ethical, and regulatory hurdles, are analyzed, and the constructive perspectives for future studies are provided simultaneously. This review will contribute to the understanding of functions and the current status of parasite nanovaccines, prompting the development of next-generation parasite nanovaccines.
Tracing the Two Decades Evolution of Integrative Zoology.
Wan X, Xiong W
Integr Zool · 2025 Dec · PMID 41437838 · Publisher ↗
In the inaugural editorial of Integrative Zoology (INZ), the founding vision was clear: represent and re-unite our various sub-disciplines and provide a basis for a comprehensive understanding of zoological phenomena at...
In the inaugural editorial of Integrative Zoology (INZ), the founding vision was clear: represent and re-unite our various sub-disciplines and provide a basis for a comprehensive understanding of zoological phenomena at all levels.
Impact of Fire and Other Environmental Characteristics on Medium-Sized Fauna in a Protected Palm Savanna of Central Argentina.
Calfayan LM, Rospide M, Thornton L … +1 more , Gómez Villafañe IE
Integr Zool · 2025 Dec · PMID 41437816 · Publisher ↗
Prescribed burning programs are implemented in some protected areas to reintroduce fire as a disturbance and to control the lignification of palm savannas. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fire...
Prescribed burning programs are implemented in some protected areas to reintroduce fire as a disturbance and to control the lignification of palm savannas. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fires and other environmental factors on medium and large animal species in a protected palm savanna in Central Argentina. Eight seasonal samplings were conducted across 58 sites, including burned and non-burned areas. At each site, a band transect of 400 × 6 m was surveyed to record footprints and feces. Also, for each site, 19 environmental variables were recorded. The association between habitat use by different species and fire and environmental factors was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. Signs belonging to five species, Rhea americana, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, Subulo gouazoubira, Axis axis, and Sus scrofa, and two families, foxes and small felines, were found. Some of the native species, such as R. americana, H. hydrochaeris and foxes were indeed affected in the short term (2-12 months) by the fire. In contrast, the two exotic species, A. axis and S. scrofa, showed no direct relationship with any fire variable. In general terms, fires had evident effects on native fauna, while they are likely to affect exotic species more indirectly by limiting the expansion of shrubland areas, which are most commonly used by these species.
The Genetic Basis of Elongated Tails in Birds: Evidence for Sexual Selection as a Driver of Convergent Evolution.
Wang H, Liu Y, Lyu N … +3 more , Zhang Z, Chen D, Liu Q
Integr Zool · 2025 Dec · PMID 41358847 · Publisher ↗
Elongated tails are exaggerated ornaments observed in various bird species, and their functional and evolutionary dynamics have attracted considerable attention. Empirical studies consistently show that sexual selection...
Elongated tails are exaggerated ornaments observed in various bird species, and their functional and evolutionary dynamics have attracted considerable attention. Empirical studies consistently show that sexual selection is a major drive of tail elongation. However, the genetic basis of this trait remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we performed comparative genomic analyses of 23 bird species, including 7 with extremely long tails and 16 with relative short tails. Genes related to feather development exhibited amino acid convergence replacement (e.g., APC) or displayed faster evolutionary rates (e.g., LEF1, WISP3) in the long-tailed species. Importantly, we identified convergence replacements of amino acids and rapid evolution in genes related to reproductive functions (e.g., PAQR7) and immunity (e.g., ADA), suggesting that elongated tails may serve as honest signals of genetic quality. In conclusion, this study provides genomic evidence supporting the role of sexual selection in the evolution of elongated tails, revealing an intricate interplay between sexually selected traits, fitness, and immune competence.
Host Phylogeny and Feeding Habit Jointly Govern Mammalian Gut Microbiota Composition.
Cheng C, Zhai H, Feng J … +1 more , Zhang Z
Integr Zool · 2025 Dec · PMID 41358840 · Publisher ↗
Host phylogeny and feeding habits constitute two fundamental determinants of gut microbiota composition. However, the differential impacts and interrelationships between these factors in shaping gut microbial communities...
Host phylogeny and feeding habits constitute two fundamental determinants of gut microbiota composition. However, the differential impacts and interrelationships between these factors in shaping gut microbial communities across multispecies systems remain poorly understood. We systematically reviewed 10 974 published studies and identified 4987 qualified gut microbiota 16S rRNA sequencing samples from 60 wild mammal species, constructing an integrative multispecies database for analysis. Using this dataset, we analyzed the effects of host feeding habits and phylogeny on mammalian gut microbiota composition, and explored the relationship between phylogenetic distances among host species and the similarity in their gut microbiota composition. We found that herbivores exhibited significantly higher alpha diversity compared to carnivores and omnivores, while omnivores displayed the highest beta diversity; host phylogeny exerted stronger effects on gut microbiota composition in herbivores and omnivores compared to carnivores, as phylogenetic distance between animal species was positively correlated with microbial dissimilarity. These findings demonstrate that host phylogeny and feeding habits jointly determine mammalian gut microbiota composition. Our study highlights the synergistic effects of host phylogenetic relationships and feeding habits on the composition of gut microbial communities.
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