Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the H5N8/H5N5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus strains detected in the Czech Republic during an outbreak in 2017. Network analysis of the H5 Hemagglutinin (HA) from 99% of the outbreak localities suggested that the diversity of the Czech H5N8/H5N5 viruses was influenced by two basic forces: local microevolution and independent incursions. The geographical occurrence of the central node H5 HA sequences revealed three eco-regions, which apparently played an important role in the origin and further spread of the local H5N8/HPAI variants across the country. A plausible explanation for the observed pattern of diversity is also provided.

• MeSH
• epidemický výskyt choroby MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• genetická variace MeSH
• hemaglutininové glykoproteiny viru chřipky genetika   MeSH
• molekulární evoluce * MeSH
• ptačí chřipka u ptáků epidemiologie   virologie   MeSH
• ptáci klasifikace   virologie   MeSH
• virulence MeSH
• virus chřipky A, podtyp H5N8 klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• virus chřipky A klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH
• Názvy látek
• hemagglutinin, avian influenza A virus MeSH Prohlížeč
• hemaglutininové glykoproteiny viru chřipky MeSH

We used the mitochondrial control region and nuclear microsatellites to assess the distribution patterns, population structure, demography and landscape genetics for the hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus and Erinaceus roumanicus in a transect of the mid-European zone of sympatry. E. roumanicus was less frequent and restricted to regions with lower altitudes. Demographic analyses suggested recent population growth in this species. A comparison of patterns in the spatial variability of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA indicated less sex-biased dispersal and higher levels of gene flow in E. roumanicus. No evidence of recent hybridisation or introgression was detected. We interpreted these results by comparing with phylogeographic and palaeontological studies as well as with the occurrence of hybridisation in the Russian contact zone. We propose that Central Europe was colonised by E. roumanicus by the beginning of the Neolithic period and that there was a subsequent reinforcement stage as well as the formation of a zone of sympatry after the complete reproductive isolation of both species.

• MeSH
• demografie MeSH
• fylogeografie MeSH
• genetická variace MeSH
• haplotypy MeSH
• ježkovití genetika   MeSH
• mikrosatelitní repetice MeSH
• mitochondriální DNA MeSH
• populační genetika * MeSH
• reprodukční izolace MeSH
• sympatrie * MeSH
• tok genů MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH
• Názvy látek
• mitochondriální DNA MeSH

Neisseria meningitidis is a highly variable bacterium. Indeed, N. meningitidis is naturally competent for transformation, and horizontal DNA exchange between strains may lead to mosaic genetic loci in N. meningitidis. We studied such an exchange in nature during an epidemic provoked by N. meningitidis. This epidemic started in the Czech Republic in 1993 and the original epidemic clone was shown to have the antigenic formula (serogroup:serotype:serosubtype) C:2a:P1.2,5. We analysed 145 meningococcal strains isolated in the Czech Republic between 1993 and 1997 using serological and genetic typing methods (multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and polymorphism of pilA and pilD genes). This analysis showed that genetic exchange between epidemic and endemic strains had occurred. Exchanges involved mostly surface-exposed structures such as the capsule, giving rise to new meningococcal variants. The expansion of these variants should be kept under close surveillance.

• MeSH
• alely MeSH
• DNA bakterií chemie   MeSH
• epidemický výskyt choroby MeSH
• genetická variace MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• meningokoková meningitida genetika   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• molekulární evoluce MeSH
• Neisseria meningitidis genetika   MeSH
• polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA bakterií MeSH

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Archipelagos provide a valuable framework for investigating phenotypic evolution under different levels of geographical isolation. Here, we analysed two co-distributed, widespread plant lineages to examine if incipient island differentiation follows parallel patterns of variation in traits related to dispersal and colonization. METHODS: Twenty-one populations of two anemochorous Canarian endemics, Kleinia neriifolia and Periploca laevigata, were sampled to represent mainland congeners and two contrasting exposures across all the main islands. Leaf size, seed size and dispersability (estimated as diaspore terminal velocity) were characterized in each population. For comparison, dispersability was also measured in four additional anemochorous island species. Plastid DNA data were used to infer genetic structure and to reconstruct the phylogeographical pattern of our focal species. KEY RESULTS: In both lineages, mainland-island phenotypic divergence probably started within a similar time frame (i.e. Plio-Pleistocene). Island colonization implied parallel increases in leaf size and dispersability, but seed size showed opposite patterns of variation between Kleinia and Periploca species pairs. Furthermore, dispersability in our focal species was low when compared with other island plants, mostly due to large diaspore sizes. At the archipelago scale, island exposure explained a significant variation in leaf size across islands, but not in dispersability or seed size. Combined analyses of genetic and phenotypic data revealed two consistent patterns: (1) extensive within-island but very limited among-island dispersal, and (2) recurrent phenotypic differentiation between older (central) and younger (peripheral) island populations. CONCLUSIONS: Leaf size follows a more predictable pattern than dispersability, which is affected by stochastic shifts in seed size. Increased dispersability is associated with high population connectivity at the island scale, but does not preclude allopatric divergence among islands. In sum, phenotypic convergent patterns between species suggest a major role of selection, but deviating traits also indicate the potential contribution of random processes, particularly on peripheral islands.

• Klíčová slova
• Kleinia neriifolia, Periploca laevigata, Allopatric differentiation, Canary Islands, genetic drift, island phylogeography, leaf size, seed size, wind-dispersal traits,
• MeSH
• Asteraceae * MeSH
• biologická evoluce * MeSH
• distribuce rostlin * MeSH
• fylogeografie MeSH
• ostrovy MeSH
• Periploca * MeSH
• zvláštnosti životní historie * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• ostrovy MeSH
• Španělsko MeSH

The structure of ecological networks reflects the evolutionary history of their biotic components, and their dynamics are strongly driven by ecoevolutionary processes. Here, we present an appraisal of recent relevant research, in which the pervasive role of evolution within ecological networks is manifest. Although evolutionary processes are most evident at macroevolutionary scales, they are also important drivers of local network structure and dynamics. We propose components of a blueprint for further research, emphasising process-based models, experimental evolution, and phenotypic variation, across a range of distinct spatial and temporal scales. Evolutionary dimensions are required to advance our understanding of foundational properties of community assembly and to enhance our capability of predicting how networks will respond to impending changes.

• Klíčová slova
• adaptive network, ecoevolution, ecophylogenetics, metacommunity, microevolution, phylogeny,
• MeSH
• biologická evoluce * MeSH
• ekosystém * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Chlorophylls (Chls) are essential cofactors for photosynthesis. One of the least understood steps of Chl biosynthesis is formation of the fifth (E) ring, where the red substrate, magnesium protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester, is converted to the green product, 3,8-divinyl protochlorophyllide a In oxygenic phototrophs, this reaction is catalyzed by an oxygen-dependent cyclase, consisting of a catalytic subunit (AcsF/CycI) and an auxiliary protein, Ycf54. Deletion of Ycf54 impairs cyclase activity and results in severe Chl deficiency, but its exact role is not clear. Here, we used a Δycf54 mutant of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to generate suppressor mutations that restore normal levels of Chl. Sequencing Δycf54 revertants identified a single D219G amino acid substitution in CycI and frameshifts in slr1916, which encodes a putative esterase. Introduction of these mutations to the original Δycf54 mutant validated the suppressor effect, especially in combination. However, comprehensive analysis of the Δycf54 suppressor strains revealed that the D219G-substituted CycI is only partially active and its accumulation is misregulated, suggesting that Ycf54 controls both the level and activity of CycI. We also show that Slr1916 has Chl dephytylase activity in vitro and its inactivation up-regulates the entire Chl biosynthetic pathway, resulting in improved cyclase activity. Finally, large-scale bioinformatic analysis indicates that our laboratory evolution of Ycf54-independent CycI mimics natural evolution of AcsF in low-light-adapted ecotypes of the oceanic cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus, which lack Ycf54, providing insight into the evolutionary history of the cyclase enzyme.

• Klíčová slova
• chlorophyll, cyanobacteria, cyclase, microevolution, photosynthesis,
• MeSH
• bakteriální proteiny genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• bakteriochlorofyly biosyntéza   genetika   MeSH
• delece genu * MeSH
• oxygenasy genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Prochlorococcus genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Synechocystis genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• bakteriální proteiny MeSH
• bakteriochlorofyly MeSH
• oxygenasy MeSH

In Thailand, Anopheles (Cellia) epiroticus Linton et Harbach (Diptera: Culicidae) is the secondary vector of human malaria along coastal regions. While there are some studies of phenotypic variability and population structure of A. epiroticus, more information on morphological variation would enhance epidemiological understanding of medically important mosquito vectors. This research examined morphological variation at three different distances from coastlines of Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand, using landmark-based geometric morphometrics. Wing shape of A. epiroticus was significantly different in the area 0.2 km away from the sea compared to areas 2 and 4 km away from the sea (p < 0.05). Phenotypic variability in wing shape is associated with distance from the sea. Morphological variations in the area closest to the sea were most pronounced, showing a relationship between A. epiroticus and the ecosystem that affects wing geometry. These results provide important information to understand morphological variation of A. epiroticus in coastal areas.

• Klíčová slova
• Mosquito, coastal environment, geometric morphometrics., microevolution, morphological variability,
• MeSH
• Anopheles anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• déšť MeSH
• komáří přenašeči anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• křídla zvířecí anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• malárie MeSH
• Plasmodium MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Thajsko MeSH

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rubus subgenus Rubus is a group of mostly apomictic and polyploid species with a complicated taxonomy and history of ongoing hybridization. The only polyploid series with prevailing sexuality is the series Glandulosi , although the apomictic series Discolores and Radula also retain a high degree of sexuality, which is influenced by environmental conditions and/or pollen donors. The aim of this study is to detect sources of genetic variability, determine the origin of apomictic taxa and validate microsatellite markers by cloning and sequencing. METHODS: A total of 206 individuals from two central European regions were genotyped for 11 nuclear microsatellite loci and the chloroplast trn L- trn F region. Microsatellite alleles were further sequenced in order to determine the exact repeat number and to detect size homoplasy due to insertions/deletions in flanking regions. KEY RESULTS: The results confirm that apomictic microspecies of ser. Radula are derived from crosses between sexual series Glandulosi and apomictic series Discolores , whereby the apomict acts as pollen donor. Each apomictic microspecies is derived from a single distinct genotype differing from the parental taxa, suggesting stabilized clonal reproduction. Intraspecific variation within apomicts is considerably low compared with sexual series Glandulosi , and reflects somatic mutation accumulation. While facultative apomicts produce clonal offspring, sexual species are the conduits of origin for new genetically different apomictic lineages. CONCLUSIONS: One of the main driving forces of evolution and speciation in the highly apomictic subgenus Rubus in central Europe is sexuality in the series Glandulosi . Palaeovegetation data suggest that initial hybridizations took place over different time periods in the two studied regions, and that the successful origin and spread of apomictic microspecies of the series Radula took place over several millennia. Additionally, the cloning and sequencing show that standard evaluations of microsatellite repeat numbers underestimate genetic variability considering homoplasy in allele size.

• Klíčová slova
• Apomixis, Rubus subgenus Rubus, hybridization, microevolution, microsatellites, polyploidy,
• MeSH
• apomixie * MeSH
• DNA chloroplastová genetika   MeSH
• hybridizace genetická * MeSH
• mikrosatelitní repetice * MeSH
• mutace INDEL MeSH
• polyploidie MeSH
• Rubus klasifikace   genetika   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA chloroplastová MeSH

Explaining broad molecular, phenotypic and species biodiversity patterns necessitates a unifying framework spanning multiple evolutionary scales. Here we argue that although substantial effort has been made to reconcile microevolution and macroevolution, much work remains to identify the links between biological processes at play. We highlight four major questions of evolutionary biology whose solutions require conceptual bridges between micro and macroevolution. We review potential avenues for future research to establish how mechanisms at one scale (drift, mutation, migration, selection) translate to processes at the other scale (speciation, extinction, biogeographic dispersal) and vice versa. We propose ways in which current comparative methods to infer molecular evolution, phenotypic evolution and species diversification could be improved to specifically address these questions. We conclude that researchers are in a better position than ever before to build a synthesis to understand how microevolutionary dynamics unfold over millions of years.

• MeSH
• biodiverzita MeSH
• biologická evoluce * MeSH
• molekulární evoluce * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH

Sexual selection is considered one of the key processes that contribute to the emergence of new species. While the connection between sexual selection and speciation has been supported by comparative studies, the mechanisms that mediate this connection remain unresolved, especially in plants. Similarly, it is not clear how speciation processes within plant populations translate into large-scale speciation dynamics. Here, we review the mechanisms through which sexual selection, pollination, and mate choice unfold and interact, and how they may ultimately produce reproductive isolation in plants. We also overview reproductive strategies that might influence sexual selection in plants and illustrate how functional traits might connect speciation at the population level (population differentiation, evolution of reproductive barriers; i.e. microevolution) with evolution above the species level (macroevolution). We also identify outstanding questions in the field, and suitable data and tools for their resolution. Altogether, this effort motivates further research focused on plants, which might potentially broaden our general understanding of speciation by sexual selection, a major concept in evolutionary biology.

• Klíčová slova
• macroevolution, plant speciation, reproductive isolation, reproductive strategies, sexual selection,
• MeSH
• opylení MeSH
• pohlavní výběr * MeSH
• rostliny genetika   MeSH
• rozmnožování MeSH
• selekce (genetika) MeSH
• vznik druhů (genetika) * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH