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Genome-wide diversity and MHC characterisation in a critically endangered freshwater turtle susceptible to diseaseNARA Subscribed
Small, isolated populations are often vulnerable to increased inbreeding and genetic drift, both of which elevate the risk of extinction. The Bellinger River turtle ( Myuchelys georgesi ) is a critically endangered species endemic to a single river catchment in New South Wales, Australia. The only extant wild population, along with the breeding program, face significant threats from viral outbreaks, most notably a nidovirus ou...
AMPed up immunity: 418 whole genomes reveal intraspecific diversity of koala antimicrobial peptidesNARA Subscribed
Characterising functional diversity is a vital element to understanding a species’ immune function, yet many immunogenetic studies in non-model organisms tend to focus on only one or two gene families such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or toll-like receptors (TLR). Another interesting component of the eukaryotic innate immune system is the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The two major groups of mammalian AMPs ar...
Spatial variation in toll-like receptor diversity in koala populations across their geographic distributionNARA Subscribed
The koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus ) is an iconic Australian species that is listed as endangered in the northern parts of its range due to loss of habitat, disease, and road deaths. Diseases contribute significantly to the decline of koala populations, primarily Chlamydia and koala retrovirus. The distribution of these diseases across the species’ range, however, is not even. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in...
Boost or Bust? The Impact of Supplementation on Functional Genetic Diversity and Selective Processes in Tasmanian DevilsNARA Subscribed
Translocating individuals into existing populations of conspecifics can support threatened species by increasing population size, maintaining genetic diversity and reducing the risk of inbreeding. However, for species whose adaptive potential is compromised due to ongoing threats, like disease, the outcome of such management interventions becomes more complex. The Tasmanian devil ( Sarcophilus harrisii ) is a prime example, wh...
Loss of genetic diversity threatens a species' adaptive potential and long‐term resilience. Predicted to be extinct by 2038, the orange‐bellied parrot ( Neophema chrysogaster ) is a critically endangered migratory bird threatened by numerous viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. The species has undergone multiple population crashes, reaching a low of three wild‐born females and 13 males in 2016, and is now represented by only...
Using bioinformatics to investigate functional diversity: a case study of MHC diversity in koalasNARA Subscribed
Conservation genomics can greatly improve conservation outcomes of threatened populations, including those impacted by disease. Understanding diversity within immune gene families, including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and toll-like receptors (TLR), is important due to the role they play in disease resilience and susceptibility. With recent advancements in sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools, the cos...
Prolonging survival in good health is a fundamental societal goal. However, the leading determinants of disability-free survival in healthy older people have not been well established. Data from ASPREE, a bi-national placebo-controlled trial of aspirin with 4.7 years median follow-up, was analysed. At enrolment, participants were healthy and without prior cardiovascular events, dementia or persistent physical disability. Disab...
Disease is a contributing factor to the decline of wildlife populations across the globe. Koalas, iconic yet declining Australian marsupials, are predominantly impacted by two pathogens, Chlamydia and koala retrovirus. Chlamydia is an obligate intracellular bacterium and one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in humans worldwide. In koalas, Chlamydia infections can present as asymptomatic or can cause a ran...
Global patterns in fine root decomposition: climate, chemistry, mycorrhizal association and woodinessNARA Subscribed
Fine root decomposition constitutes a critical yet poorly understood flux of carbon and nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we present the first large‐scale synthesis of species trait effects on the early stages of fine root decomposition at both global and local scales. Based on decomposition rates for 279 plant species across 105 studies and 176 sites, we found that mycorrhizal association and woodiness are the best c...
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