Molecular Biology and Evolution
@molbioevol.bsky.social
MBE publishes fresh insights into the patterns and processes that impact the evolution of life at molecular levels.
🔗 academic.oup.com/mbe
🏠 @official-smbe.bsky.social
🤝 @genomebiolevol.bsky.social
#evobio #molbio #science #biology #societyjournal
🔗 academic.oup.com/mbe
🏠 @official-smbe.bsky.social
🤝 @genomebiolevol.bsky.social
#evobio #molbio #science #biology #societyjournal
Pinned
The February cover of Molecular Biology and Evolution features the work of Ward et al. on the evolution of SERPINA snake venom inhibitors in rodents.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
🖌️ Rajani Arora
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
🖌️ Rajani Arora
#evobio #molbio
Łabędzka-Dmoch et al. investigated the evolution of transcription factors Rtg1 and Rtg3 in Candida albicans, showing that this pathway mediates adaptation to cellular stresses related to respiratory dysfunction.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag005
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag005
#evobio #molbio
February 5, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Łabędzka-Dmoch et al. investigated the evolution of transcription factors Rtg1 and Rtg3 in Candida albicans, showing that this pathway mediates adaptation to cellular stresses related to respiratory dysfunction.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag005
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag005
#evobio #molbio
Zhang et al. compared the genomes of six hibernating mammals, identifying an ancient amino acid substitution in POMT2 exhibiting signals of both convergent and positive selection. Functional studies demonstrated a role in hypoxia adaptation.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag001
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag001
#evobio #molbio
A POMT2 missense substitution contributes to hypoxia adaptation in hibernating mammals
Abstract. Hibernation is an adaptive survival strategy used by animals to cope with extreme environmental conditions. Although this physiological process i
doi.org
February 4, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Zhang et al. compared the genomes of six hibernating mammals, identifying an ancient amino acid substitution in POMT2 exhibiting signals of both convergent and positive selection. Functional studies demonstrated a role in hypoxia adaptation.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag001
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag001
#evobio #molbio
@marcosramos99.bsky.social @franromerocampero.bsky.social et al. present PharaohFUN, a web application designed for evolutionary and functional analysis of protein sequences in photosynthetic eukaryotes, leveraging orthology relationships.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag011
#evobio #molbio #compbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag011
#evobio #molbio #compbio
February 4, 2026 at 9:05 AM
@marcosramos99.bsky.social @franromerocampero.bsky.social et al. present PharaohFUN, a web application designed for evolutionary and functional analysis of protein sequences in photosynthetic eukaryotes, leveraging orthology relationships.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag011
#evobio #molbio #compbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag011
#evobio #molbio #compbio
Bai et al. performed developmental profiling of transcriptomic and chromatin dynamics in a bivalve mollusc to uncover gene regulatory networks underlying biomineralized skeletons in the Bilateria.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag019
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag019
#evobio #molbio
February 3, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Bai et al. performed developmental profiling of transcriptomic and chromatin dynamics in a bivalve mollusc to uncover gene regulatory networks underlying biomineralized skeletons in the Bilateria.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag019
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag019
#evobio #molbio
Xue et al. sequenced a two-generation pedigree of the amphioxus, a chordate with exceptionally high genomic heterozygosity, finding that elevated heterozygosity mainly results from a large effective population size.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molb...
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molb...
#evobio #molbio
February 2, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Xue et al. sequenced a two-generation pedigree of the amphioxus, a chordate with exceptionally high genomic heterozygosity, finding that elevated heterozygosity mainly results from a large effective population size.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molb...
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molb...
#evobio #molbio
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
SMBE is calling for nominations for Best Graduate Student Papers of 2025, recognizing outstanding papers in @molbioevol.bsky.social and @genomebiolevol.bsky.social
🗓️ Deadline Feb 27
Articles published in 2025 are eligible. The nominated student must be first author; anyone can nominate authors.
🗓️ Deadline Feb 27
Articles published in 2025 are eligible. The nominated student must be first author; anyone can nominate authors.
February 2, 2026 at 8:43 AM
SMBE is calling for nominations for Best Graduate Student Papers of 2025, recognizing outstanding papers in @molbioevol.bsky.social and @genomebiolevol.bsky.social
🗓️ Deadline Feb 27
Articles published in 2025 are eligible. The nominated student must be first author; anyone can nominate authors.
🗓️ Deadline Feb 27
Articles published in 2025 are eligible. The nominated student must be first author; anyone can nominate authors.
The February cover of Molecular Biology and Evolution features the work of Ward et al. on the evolution of SERPINA snake venom inhibitors in rodents.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
🖌️ Rajani Arora
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
🖌️ Rajani Arora
#evobio #molbio
February 2, 2026 at 11:22 AM
The February cover of Molecular Biology and Evolution features the work of Ward et al. on the evolution of SERPINA snake venom inhibitors in rodents.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
🖌️ Rajani Arora
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf290
🖌️ Rajani Arora
#evobio #molbio
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
Notably, the first four authors were all postdocs at @uconn.bsky.social @uconneeb.bsky.social . This is a great example of among-postdoc collaboration. Milan Vrtilek did the initial experiment, with Andrea Roth-Mozon on fish care. Lauren Fuess did the reference transcriptomes. Ben did all the rest
January 29, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Notably, the first four authors were all postdocs at @uconn.bsky.social @uconneeb.bsky.social . This is a great example of among-postdoc collaboration. Milan Vrtilek did the initial experiment, with Andrea Roth-Mozon on fish care. Lauren Fuess did the reference transcriptomes. Ben did all the rest
Flanagan et al. test the macroevolutionary stability of the transcriptomic response to a standardized immune challenge in 14 ray-finned fish; conserved phenotypic responses are associated with highly flexible gene regulatory architecture.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf323
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf323
#evobio #molbio
January 29, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Flanagan et al. test the macroevolutionary stability of the transcriptomic response to a standardized immune challenge in 14 ray-finned fish; conserved phenotypic responses are associated with highly flexible gene regulatory architecture.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf323
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf323
#evobio #molbio
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
Our project on molecular convergence in teleosts is published in MBE. This study involved analysing over 2 million genes, and combining multiple data modalities to uncover some surprising insights behind the evolution of adaptations in teleosts. Thank you @hfspo.bsky.social for the funding!
Barua, @marcrr.ecoevo.social.ap.brid.gy et al. searched for convergent substitutions in teleost fishes, detecting convergence in 89 protein-coding gene families across 143 genomes. Functional experiments support functional roles of convergent genes.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag015
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag015
#evobio #molbio
Estimates of molecular convergence reveal multiple genes with adaptive variation across teleost fish
Abstract. Molecular convergence, where specific nonsynonymous changes in protein-coding genes lead to identical amino acid substitutions across multiple li
doi.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Our project on molecular convergence in teleosts is published in MBE. This study involved analysing over 2 million genes, and combining multiple data modalities to uncover some surprising insights behind the evolution of adaptations in teleosts. Thank you @hfspo.bsky.social for the funding!
The recent MBE Review on the evolution of dark skin in humans is the focus of January's Highlight.
Highlight: Dark skin and cancer suppression in humans—an evolutionary spandrel?
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag012
#evobio #molbio
Highlight: Dark skin and cancer suppression in humans—an evolutionary spandrel?
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag012
#evobio #molbio
January 29, 2026 at 9:16 AM
The recent MBE Review on the evolution of dark skin in humans is the focus of January's Highlight.
Highlight: Dark skin and cancer suppression in humans—an evolutionary spandrel?
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag012
#evobio #molbio
Highlight: Dark skin and cancer suppression in humans—an evolutionary spandrel?
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag012
#evobio #molbio
Barua, @marcrr.ecoevo.social.ap.brid.gy et al. searched for convergent substitutions in teleost fishes, detecting convergence in 89 protein-coding gene families across 143 genomes. Functional experiments support functional roles of convergent genes.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag015
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag015
#evobio #molbio
Estimates of molecular convergence reveal multiple genes with adaptive variation across teleost fish
Abstract. Molecular convergence, where specific nonsynonymous changes in protein-coding genes lead to identical amino acid substitutions across multiple li
doi.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Barua, @marcrr.ecoevo.social.ap.brid.gy et al. searched for convergent substitutions in teleost fishes, detecting convergence in 89 protein-coding gene families across 143 genomes. Functional experiments support functional roles of convergent genes.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag015
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag015
#evobio #molbio
Shimmura et al. combined population genomics, transcriptomics, and neurobiology to study the molecular basis of fighting strategies in gamecocks, finding that neurodevelopment-related genes underlie differences in fighting strategies.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag007
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag007
#evobio #molbio
Genomic and neurobiological bases of variation in fighting strategies in gamecocks
Abstract. Aggression is an essential animal behavior for survival, particularly in situations where fighting cannot be avoided. In such situations, the cho
doi.org
January 27, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Shimmura et al. combined population genomics, transcriptomics, and neurobiology to study the molecular basis of fighting strategies in gamecocks, finding that neurodevelopment-related genes underlie differences in fighting strategies.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag007
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag007
#evobio #molbio
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
Phylogeny of waterfowl: academic.oup.com/mbe/advance-... 🪶🧪 (📷Wang et al.)
January 22, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Phylogeny of waterfowl: academic.oup.com/mbe/advance-... 🪶🧪 (📷Wang et al.)
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
"Sugerimos que la prevalencia excepcionalmente alta del autismo en humanos podría ser un resultado directo de selección natural para una menor expresión de un conjunto de genes que conferían un beneficio de fitness a nuestros ancestros."
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
A General Principle of Neuronal Evolution Reveals a Human-Accelerated Neuron Type Potentially Underlying the High Prevalence of Autism in Humans
Abstract. The remarkable ability of a single genome sequence to encode a diverse collection of distinct cell types, including the thousands of cell types f
academic.oup.com
January 25, 2026 at 4:48 PM
"Sugerimos que la prevalencia excepcionalmente alta del autismo en humanos podría ser un resultado directo de selección natural para una menor expresión de un conjunto de genes que conferían un beneficio de fitness a nuestros ancestros."
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
Reposted by Molecular Biology and Evolution
New publication provide new insights into the #evolution of #venom in insects.
With Marius Maurstad @mariusmaur.bsky.social, Bea Ramiro, Jan Philip Oeyen, Pedro Nachtigall, Kjetill Jakobsen, Eivind Undheim from @biovitenskap.bsky.social & @unioslo-cees.bsky.social
Published @molbioevol.bsky.social
With Marius Maurstad @mariusmaur.bsky.social, Bea Ramiro, Jan Philip Oeyen, Pedro Nachtigall, Kjetill Jakobsen, Eivind Undheim from @biovitenskap.bsky.social & @unioslo-cees.bsky.social
Published @molbioevol.bsky.social
The green lacewing venom system and the complex mechanisms underlying its evolution
Abstract. Venom has independently evolved across many lineages, yet relatively few have been studied in detail, particularly among insects. Of these, Neuro
academic.oup.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:55 PM
New publication provide new insights into the #evolution of #venom in insects.
With Marius Maurstad @mariusmaur.bsky.social, Bea Ramiro, Jan Philip Oeyen, Pedro Nachtigall, Kjetill Jakobsen, Eivind Undheim from @biovitenskap.bsky.social & @unioslo-cees.bsky.social
Published @molbioevol.bsky.social
With Marius Maurstad @mariusmaur.bsky.social, Bea Ramiro, Jan Philip Oeyen, Pedro Nachtigall, Kjetill Jakobsen, Eivind Undheim from @biovitenskap.bsky.social & @unioslo-cees.bsky.social
Published @molbioevol.bsky.social
Bitsue, Tang & Yang review prehistoric demographic events and the genomic profiles of modern Africans and highlight the importance of integrated international cooperation to strengthen African genomics research.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf329
#evobio #molbio #humanevolution
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf329
#evobio #molbio #humanevolution
January 23, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Bitsue, Tang & Yang review prehistoric demographic events and the genomic profiles of modern Africans and highlight the importance of integrated international cooperation to strengthen African genomics research.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf329
#evobio #molbio #humanevolution
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf329
#evobio #molbio #humanevolution
Hale et al. analysed >500 grass genomes to support a “stable motifs, variable binding sites” model of cis-regulatory evolution that involves turnover of thousands of individual binding sites while preserving TF binding preferences.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf324
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf324
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
Widespread turnover of a conserved cis-regulatory code across 589 grass species
Abstract. The growing availability of genomes from non-model organisms offers new opportunities to identify functional loci underlying trait variation thro
doi.org
January 23, 2026 at 10:11 AM
Hale et al. analysed >500 grass genomes to support a “stable motifs, variable binding sites” model of cis-regulatory evolution that involves turnover of thousands of individual binding sites while preserving TF binding preferences.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf324
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf324
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
Shankar et al. present the updated MicrobeTrace 2.0 as a next-generation, interoperable tool for genomic epidemiology and data-driven public health response.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf334
#evobio #molbio #compbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf334
#evobio #molbio #compbio
January 23, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Shankar et al. present the updated MicrobeTrace 2.0 as a next-generation, interoperable tool for genomic epidemiology and data-driven public health response.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf334
#evobio #molbio #compbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf334
#evobio #molbio #compbio
Zhou et al. generated genome-wide data for 46 Qing Dynasty human individuals from the Sanzhiyuan cemetery (China), demonstrating stability of the genetic profile of the Central Plains population for millenia.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf335
#evobio #molbio #humanevolution
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf335
#evobio #molbio #humanevolution
Ancient genomes from the Qing Dynasty reveal unbroken genetic continuity in China's Central Plains
Abstract. The Central Plain of China, the cradle of Chinese civilization, experienced major demographic upheavals during the Qing era (1644–1912 AD), yet i
doi.org
January 23, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Zhou et al. generated genome-wide data for 46 Qing Dynasty human individuals from the Sanzhiyuan cemetery (China), demonstrating stability of the genetic profile of the Central Plains population for millenia.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf335
#evobio #molbio #humanevolution
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf335
#evobio #molbio #humanevolution
Zdral et al. study the expression of the LIM homeobox gene Lmx1b, demonstrating that the dorsoventral axis of paired appendages arose from the integration of ancestral midline fin and flank determinants with novel regulatory inputs.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf331
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf331
#evobio #molbio
Dorsoventral limb patterning in paired appendages emerged via regulatory repurposing of an ancestral posterior fin module
Abstract. Limbs exhibit adaptive differentiation along their dorsal-ventral (DV) axis, determined by the dorsal expression of the LIM homeobox gene Lmx1b.
doi.org
January 20, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Zdral et al. study the expression of the LIM homeobox gene Lmx1b, demonstrating that the dorsoventral axis of paired appendages arose from the integration of ancestral midline fin and flank determinants with novel regulatory inputs.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf331
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf331
#evobio #molbio
Song et al. discover and characterize three co-opted/captured ERV envelope gene clades, revealing that each plays a distinct and critical role in neural regulation, reproductive maturation, and viviparity in vertebrates.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf333
#evobio #molbio #devbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf333
#evobio #molbio #devbio
Viviparity and beyond: captured endogenous retroviral envelope genes drive teleost physiological innovations
Abstract. Endogenous retroviral envelope (ERV env) genes, notably syncytins, are known for driving placental development in mammals and lizards. However, t
doi.org
January 20, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Song et al. discover and characterize three co-opted/captured ERV envelope gene clades, revealing that each plays a distinct and critical role in neural regulation, reproductive maturation, and viviparity in vertebrates.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf333
#evobio #molbio #devbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf333
#evobio #molbio #devbio
De Filippo et al. investigated the evolution of recombination suppression in dung fungi, revealing multiple, likely independent evolutionary strata, associated with an extended diploid-like stage in Schizothecium fungi.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf325
#evobio #molbio #fungi
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf325
#evobio #molbio #fungi
Stepwise recombination suppression around the mating-type locus associated with a diploid-like life cycle in Schizothecium fungi
Abstract. Recombination suppression often evolves around sex-determining loci and extends stepwise, resulting in adjacent regions with different levels of
doi.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:20 PM
De Filippo et al. investigated the evolution of recombination suppression in dung fungi, revealing multiple, likely independent evolutionary strata, associated with an extended diploid-like stage in Schizothecium fungi.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf325
#evobio #molbio #fungi
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf325
#evobio #molbio #fungi
From Nanyang Technological University, in Singapore, Hie Lim Kim brings her expertise on population genomics, environmental genomics, and human evolution to the MBE editorial board.
#societyjournal
#societyjournal
January 14, 2026 at 5:32 PM
From Nanyang Technological University, in Singapore, Hie Lim Kim brings her expertise on population genomics, environmental genomics, and human evolution to the MBE editorial board.
#societyjournal
#societyjournal
Suhua Shi (Sun Yat-sen University, China), researcher on speciation, adaptive evolution, plants, population genetics, joins the MBE editorial board as an Associate Editor.
#societyjournal
#societyjournal
January 14, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Suhua Shi (Sun Yat-sen University, China), researcher on speciation, adaptive evolution, plants, population genetics, joins the MBE editorial board as an Associate Editor.
#societyjournal
#societyjournal