Rodrigo Torres - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Rodrigo Torres
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2020
In this study, to better our understanding of the current state of conservation of Cardisoma guan... more In this study, to better our understanding of the current state of conservation of Cardisoma guanhumi and its habitats, we evaluated the potential spatio-temporal genomic damage of this species across five estuaries in Brazil. The experiment was performed over two consecutive years, and the sampling was performed in the winter and summer seasons. Two genetic testsmicronucleus test and comet assaywere used to quantify the DNA damage. Unlike in the summers and in the winter of 2013, in the winter of 2012 a significant increase was noted in the frequency of micronucleated cells and genomic damage index. The occurrence of genomic damage coincided with the arrival of the harsh winter of 2012 as the water sourced from the coastal rivers significantly affected the estuarine species under study. Our results confirmed that this species was resilient to the atypical climatic conditions, which facilitated the generation of excessive waste.
Livro de Resumos do X Congresso Brasileiro sobre Crustáceos, 2018
The yellow land crab Johngarthia lagostoma (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) is of paramount ecological im... more The yellow land crab Johngarthia lagostoma (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) is of paramount ecological importance since it lives on the top of the terrestrial food webs in the islands that it inhabits. The species is endangered and endemic into oceanic islands from Tropical Atlantic. In this study, 84 specimens of J. lagostoma were sampled from Fernando de Noronha (FN), Rocas Atoll (AR), Trindade (TR) and Ascension (AS). Fragments of 651 base pairs from the control region of mtDNA were sequenced. High levels of haplotype diversity (0.99) and nucleotide diversity (0.04) were recorded. A high gene flow scenario was detected among specimens from FN, RA, and AS by several evolutionary and population genetics methods. Conversely, a geographic isolation phenomenon was detected in the sample from TR (ΦST and FST > 0.30). Zonal currents and sea level changes during glacial cycles may explain the connectivity between the equatorial islands (FN, RA and AS) and the extreme geographic isolation of TR. In spite of the high degrees of genetic variation and gene flow among populations of J. lagostoma at equatorial islands, its current conservation status (endangered) must be maintained given their endemism in tropical Atlantic islands as in FN and RA. Indeed the TR population must be treated as a separate conservation unit and it requires an intense monitoring. This study provides new insights for the conservation of this species, providing subsidies for the challenges faced in the context of the management of oceanic MPAs.
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2024
Several species of Cichla successfully colonized lakes and reservoirs of Brazil, since the 1960’s... more Several species of Cichla successfully colonized lakes and reservoirs of Brazil, since the 1960’s, causing serious damage to local wildlife. In this study, 135 peacock bass were collected in a reservoir complex in order to identify if they represented a single dominant species or multiple ones, as several Cichla species have been reported in the basin. Specimens were identified by color pattern, morphometric and meristic data, and using mitochondrial markers COI, 16S rDNA and Control Region (CR). Overlapping morphological data and similar coloration patterns prevented their identification using the taxonomic keys to species identification available in the literature. However, Bayesian and maximum likelihood from sequencing data demonstrated the occurrence of a single species, Cichla kelberi. A single haplotype was observed for the 16S and CR, while three were detected for COI, with a dominant haplotype present in 98.5% of the samples. The extreme low diversity of the transplanted C....
![Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to “Assessment of genome damage in bird and mammal species as a tool for improvements in ex-situ conservation at zoos” [Natureza & Conservação 11(1):59–64, July 2013]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/103835238/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Natureza & Conservação, 2015
CYTOLOGIA, 1998
The karyotypic study of 33 specimens of geographic isolated populations of Trichomycterus paolenc... more The karyotypic study of 33 specimens of geographic isolated populations of Trichomycterus paolence (Eigenmann 1918) collected from three brook streams revealed a modal diploid number of 54 and three different chromosomal formula: 44 metacentrics (M)+8 submetacentrics (SM)+2 subtelocentrics (ST), 40 metacentrics (M)+ 14 submetacentrics (SM), and 46 metacentrics (M) + 6 submetacentrics (SM) +2 subtelocentrics (ST). The nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were interstitially located on the long arms of the same largest submetacentric chromosome pair in the karyotypes in two of three samples analyzed; in the third sample, the NORs were also interstitially located on the long arm as well, but in the largest metacentric pair of chromosomes. C-banding analysis showed centromeric and pericentromeric patterns of DNA heterochromatinization only in a few chromosome pairs in all three populations analysed. Differences in chromosome and karyotype organization among the individuals can constitute interesting markers for specific populations and play its role in the process of diversification within this group.
Revista Acadêmica: Ciência Animal, 2006
A caracterização da variabilidade genética em populações de peixes é de fundamental importância p... more A caracterização da variabilidade genética em populações de peixes é de fundamental importância para o entendimento de como tal variação se encontra distribuída em uma espécie. O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a variabilidade genética de jundiás Rhamdia quelen, criados em cativeiros, por análises de PCR-RAPD. DNA genômico de quinze exemplares adultos, que foi amplificado na presença de 8 primers, selecionados com base na quantidade e na nitidez das bandas amplificadas. O número de fragmentos gerados por primer variou de 12 (primer OPX04) a 38 (primer A20) e seus tamanhos estavam compreendidos entre 500 pb (primer A20, ERIC II e OPW5) e 4.300 pb (primer A20). O número total de fragmentos obtidos a partir dessas reações de amplificação compreendeu 165 caracteres, sendo 155 (93,9%) bandas polimórficas e 10 (6,1%) monomórficas. O fenograma gerado permitiu a separação dos acessos em um agrupamento maior, ordenando 14 indivíduos com coeficiente de similaridade variando de 37 a 56...
Revista Brasileira de Biociências, 2016
More sensitive methodologies for detecting alterations in organisms due to the action of pollutan... more More sensitive methodologies for detecting alterations in organisms due to the action of pollutants have been largely used. Among them, studies of genotoxicity with analyses of genomic, such as the frequency of micronuclei, damaging have been very useful. The present research aimed on using the frequency of micronuclei (MN) for diagnosing and predicting the environmental conditions from upper Iguacu river with influences from Southern Brazil megacity (Curitiba, PR). Peripheral blood smear specimens of the native Rhamdia quelen from 10 sites were analyzed and it was computed their frequency of MN cells. The results were compared with a control group with the (zero MNs) in the absence of any altered circumstances. One-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 5%, in both tests) was computed in order to verify the statistical robustness of the variation observed. Three of the 10 evaluated localities showed a high average number of MN cells, as well as, a high frequency of MN cells. Tukey test (...
Acta Botanica Brasilica, 2018
Th e taxonomy of Cyperaceae is complex, with genera like Cyperus harboring species complexes. We ... more Th e taxonomy of Cyperaceae is complex, with genera like Cyperus harboring species complexes. We analyzed the genetic similarity between Cyperus ligularis L. and C. odoratus L. based on DNA fi ngerprinting and cytogenetics. Signifi cative genetic diff erentiation (G ST = 0.363) and low gene fl ow (N m = 0.877) indicated a clear genetic distinction between the two species. Moreover, the clustering analysis showed two distinct genetic groups, suggesting a lack of evidence for hybridization. Th e phenogram revealed two diff erent lineages, and although all individuals of C. odoratus were collected from plots close to each other, they possessed greater genetic diversity than that observed among individuals of C. ligularis, which were sampled over a wider geographic range. Variation in chromosome number within the two species exhibited the opposite pattern, indicating greater karyotype stability in C. odoratus with 2n = 72 and 2n = 76, while the diploid number for C. ligularis varied from 2n = 66 to 88. Th e lower genetic variation in C. ligularis may be a result of the founder eff ect associated with seed dispersion and clonal reproduction. Field observations and analysis of reproductive biology should enrich the understanding of the genetic structure of the investigated populations and their role in successional processes.
Frontiers in Genetics, 2019
Visão Acadêmica, 2018
O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o polimorfismo genético de populações nativas de lambaris Ast... more O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o polimorfismo genético de populações nativas de lambaris Astyanax sp. B oriundos de quatro localidades do Rio Iguaçu (Estado do Paraná, Brasil): areal Água Azul (AA: 25º47´34´´S/50º11´34´´W), Rio Piraquara (PIR: 25º30´10´´S/49º01´25´´W), Rio Passaúna (PAS: 25015’20´´S/49025’15´´W) e Zoológico Municipal de Curitiba (ZOO: 25º33´12´´S/49º13´58´´N). Polimorfismos genéticos foram estimados a partir do DNA genômico extraído de espécimes de cada localidade na presença de primers universais em reações de amplificação aleatória PCR-RAPD. Com o auxílio do programa NTSYS versão 2.02 foram construídas matrizes de similaridade a partir do coeficiente de Jaccard (J), além da construção de um fenograma empregando o algoritmo de agrupamento UPGMA. A caracterização molecular das populações de lambaris de diferentes localizações do Rio Iguaçu demonstrou um padrão eletroforético altamente polimórfico nas análises de PCR-RAPD, totalizando 165 caracteres, sendo 157 p...
Mastozoología Neotropical, 2018
Genetica, 2018
We assessed the presence of independent evolving lineages of the trahira, Hoplias malabaricus, on... more We assessed the presence of independent evolving lineages of the trahira, Hoplias malabaricus, one of the few freshwater fish species having wide distribution in the Neotropics which is the region with the highest global diversity of freshwater fish. To achieve that goal, 58 mitochondrial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI; DNA barcoding) were generated from collected samples and 85 obtained from public databases, which were analyzed in comparison to chromosomal and geological data. The magnitude of genetic diversity found among different sampling sites was greater than 2%. Molecular species delimitation methods indicated the existence of a least four distinct lineages. The recognised cytotypes did not form monophyletic groups, suggesting that the karyotypic macrostructure could be a homoplastic character. The haplotype relationships suggested secondary contacts between the ecoregions of Northern and Northeastern Brazil that were shaped by coastal routes between adjacent watersheds during the Pleistocene epoch and probable exchanges of their ichthyofaunas. Our results indicated that multiple factors have driven the diversification of H. malabaricus, from ancient geological events linked to the reactivation of tectonic faults to more recent occurrences related to eustatic changes in ocean levels. Ultimately, the magnitude of its genetic diversity suggests the necessity of revising its taxonomic status.
Acta Chiropterologica, 2016
Blood-feeding is one of the most specialized foraging habits, as it demands extreme morphological... more Blood-feeding is one of the most specialized foraging habits, as it demands extreme morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations. Three species of vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus, Diaemus youngi, and Diphylla ecaudata) rely on blood as their only food. The first two are considered less specialized, whereas D. ecaudata is frequently pointed out as a bird-specialist. We assessed what prey D. ecaudata consumes in the Caatinga dry forests of northeastern Brazil, a highly modified biome. How the species would behave in a situation of scarcity of wild birds and increase in the availability of domestic animals? Could Diphylla have been induced to include also mammals in its diet? Using PCR-amplification of DNA fragments in the feces of D. ecaudata, we detected the regular consumption of chicken blood and human blood-a novel prey for this species. Our results suggest that the diet of D. ecaudata is more flexible than expected. The record of humans as prey and the absence of blood from native species may reflect a low availability of wild birds in the study site, reinforcing the impact of human activities on local ecological processes. This also opens a range of research possibilities on vampire bats in the Caatinga, both on the species' biology and the consequences for public health, considering the potential increase in the transmission of rabies in the region.
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2016
Paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) is the second largest rodent found in Brazil. The quality of... more Paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) is the second largest rodent found in Brazil. The quality of the meat and a long tradition of hunting have contributed to the decline of the natural populations of this species. Hunting of paca is strictly prohibited in Brazil, but in spite of this restriction, no forensic tools are available for the identification of the meat. We describe an efficient method, based on single nucleotide polymorphisms of the cytochrome b gene, that can be used to differentiate biological material derived from paca from those of domestic species commonly used as sources of meat. The identification of the presence of C. paca in the samples was 100% reliable.
Conservation Genetics Resources, 2014
In the present study we designed a pair of primers to amplify the exon 2 of the MHC II beta chain... more In the present study we designed a pair of primers to amplify the exon 2 of the MHC II beta chain of the Atlantic goliath grouper, which is responsible for the recognition of pathogenic molecules and the regulation of the immune system. Future analyses of this region may provide an important database to understand the evolutionary processes affecting the populations of the goliath grouper, and to predict the conservation perspectives in the species.
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2016
Popularly known as blue land crab,Cardisoma guanhumiis heavily exploited as food and considered a... more Popularly known as blue land crab,Cardisoma guanhumiis heavily exploited as food and considered as an important economic resource in Brazil. In recent decades, the species has experienced a sharp population decline by the loss and/or degradation of its natural habitat and overfishing. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic variation and connectivity among 154 specimens ofC. guanhumisampled along the coast of Pernambuco in five different levels of tropical mangroves conservation. Nine ISSR primers were used for assessing the genetic variation of the species. The genetic diversity observed inC. guanhumiwas high reinforcing the condition of a resilient species, indicating a good conservation status of this resource in Pernambuco. The hypothesis of panmixia was rejected in favour of a heterogeneous distribution of the genotypes ofC. guanhumi(ФST= 0.19) despite the high gene flow observed in the study region. Such difference could be attributed to the candidate loci being und...
Zoologia (Curitiba), 2011
Endangered Species Research, 2009
The goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Epinephelidae) is an exceptionally large marine fish tha... more The goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Epinephelidae) is an exceptionally large marine fish that inhabits subtropical and tropical waters of the Americas and western Africa. Due to a lack of readily observable morphological variation in specimens across its range, the goliath grouper has been regarded as a single species. We tested the hypothesis that Pacific and West Atlantic populations constitute a single species by analyzing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. We found numerous fixed genetic differences for mitochondrial loci between Pacific and West Atlantic goliath grouper (genetic distance D ≈ 3.5% at 16S and D ≈ 6% at cytochrome b; ϕ st = 0.98 [p < 0.001] for 16S and ϕ st = 0.98 [p < 0.001] for cytochrome b). The nuclear S7 intron showed 3 fixed nucleotide differences between Pacific and West Atlantic populations. Within the West Atlantic, we found few absolute genetic differences (D < 0.01 at 16S and D < 0.02 at cytochrome b), but statistically significant population structure based on haplotype frequency data (ϕ st = 0.04 [p = 0.05] at 16S; ϕ st = 0.14 [p < 0.001] at cytochrome b). These data indicate that (1) goliath grouper in the West Atlantic are subdivided into discrete populations, (2) goliath grouper populations in the Pacific and western Atlantic represent 2 (or more) distinct species, and (3) these distinct populations/species require separate management and conservation strategies. We resurrect the species Epinephelus quinquefasciatus (Bocourt 1868) for Pacific goliath grouper.
Scientia Marina, 2013
Fishing strategies are constantly changing to meet the needs for new or alternative food sources.... more Fishing strategies are constantly changing to meet the needs for new or alternative food sources. Consequently, management of fishing activities regarding rates of exploitation is essential, as a number of resources have reached situations of overexploitation. The aim of the present study was to use DNA barcoding from the goliath grouper and other exploited epinephelids in order to provide procedures for DNA authentication to be used as evidence for combating putative illegal fishing. The species studied were Epinephelus adscensionis, Mycteroperca bonaci, Mycteroperca interstitialis, Epinephelus itajara, Mycteroperca venenosa, Epinephelus mystacinus, Dermatolepis inermis, Alphestes afer, Cephalopholis fulva, Mycteroperca acutirostris, Rypticus saponaceus, Mycteroperca marginata and Epinephelus morio. Four of these species are the main epinephelids fished in the Atlantic Ocean. Differential patterns of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism were obtained from the species and additional single nucleotide polymorphisms were also detected among the four main epinephelids studied. The procedures proved very efficient and we suggest their applicability to the other fish groups as a way to control illegal capture and retail around the world, especially in cases in which filleting and other forms of de-characterization cause a lack of morpho-anatomical key characters.
Cancer genomics & proteomics
Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is among the main etiologies of cervical cancer. The expr... more Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is among the main etiologies of cervical cancer. The expression of oncogenic viral proteins enables the onset of the virus, which can trigger the carcinogenic process. One of the main characteristics of this process is the loss of genome stability, including chromosome stability. The micronucleus test is a cytogenetic method for the detection of genetic alterations that change chromosome behavior during cell division resulting in the formation of micronuclei. This method has been applied for the early detection of DNA damage in individuals with a greater likelihood of developing cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between micronucleus expression and the degree of cytological lesions and viral load in patients with HPV. The micronucleus analysis revealed differences in the number micronuclei found in the groups, which ranged from 0.00067 to 0.00133 in the control group and 0.00267 to 0.02433 among patients with HP...
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2020
In this study, to better our understanding of the current state of conservation of Cardisoma guan... more In this study, to better our understanding of the current state of conservation of Cardisoma guanhumi and its habitats, we evaluated the potential spatio-temporal genomic damage of this species across five estuaries in Brazil. The experiment was performed over two consecutive years, and the sampling was performed in the winter and summer seasons. Two genetic testsmicronucleus test and comet assaywere used to quantify the DNA damage. Unlike in the summers and in the winter of 2013, in the winter of 2012 a significant increase was noted in the frequency of micronucleated cells and genomic damage index. The occurrence of genomic damage coincided with the arrival of the harsh winter of 2012 as the water sourced from the coastal rivers significantly affected the estuarine species under study. Our results confirmed that this species was resilient to the atypical climatic conditions, which facilitated the generation of excessive waste.
Livro de Resumos do X Congresso Brasileiro sobre Crustáceos, 2018
The yellow land crab Johngarthia lagostoma (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) is of paramount ecological im... more The yellow land crab Johngarthia lagostoma (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) is of paramount ecological importance since it lives on the top of the terrestrial food webs in the islands that it inhabits. The species is endangered and endemic into oceanic islands from Tropical Atlantic. In this study, 84 specimens of J. lagostoma were sampled from Fernando de Noronha (FN), Rocas Atoll (AR), Trindade (TR) and Ascension (AS). Fragments of 651 base pairs from the control region of mtDNA were sequenced. High levels of haplotype diversity (0.99) and nucleotide diversity (0.04) were recorded. A high gene flow scenario was detected among specimens from FN, RA, and AS by several evolutionary and population genetics methods. Conversely, a geographic isolation phenomenon was detected in the sample from TR (ΦST and FST > 0.30). Zonal currents and sea level changes during glacial cycles may explain the connectivity between the equatorial islands (FN, RA and AS) and the extreme geographic isolation of TR. In spite of the high degrees of genetic variation and gene flow among populations of J. lagostoma at equatorial islands, its current conservation status (endangered) must be maintained given their endemism in tropical Atlantic islands as in FN and RA. Indeed the TR population must be treated as a separate conservation unit and it requires an intense monitoring. This study provides new insights for the conservation of this species, providing subsidies for the challenges faced in the context of the management of oceanic MPAs.
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2024
Several species of Cichla successfully colonized lakes and reservoirs of Brazil, since the 1960’s... more Several species of Cichla successfully colonized lakes and reservoirs of Brazil, since the 1960’s, causing serious damage to local wildlife. In this study, 135 peacock bass were collected in a reservoir complex in order to identify if they represented a single dominant species or multiple ones, as several Cichla species have been reported in the basin. Specimens were identified by color pattern, morphometric and meristic data, and using mitochondrial markers COI, 16S rDNA and Control Region (CR). Overlapping morphological data and similar coloration patterns prevented their identification using the taxonomic keys to species identification available in the literature. However, Bayesian and maximum likelihood from sequencing data demonstrated the occurrence of a single species, Cichla kelberi. A single haplotype was observed for the 16S and CR, while three were detected for COI, with a dominant haplotype present in 98.5% of the samples. The extreme low diversity of the transplanted C....
Natureza & Conservação, 2015
CYTOLOGIA, 1998
The karyotypic study of 33 specimens of geographic isolated populations of Trichomycterus paolenc... more The karyotypic study of 33 specimens of geographic isolated populations of Trichomycterus paolence (Eigenmann 1918) collected from three brook streams revealed a modal diploid number of 54 and three different chromosomal formula: 44 metacentrics (M)+8 submetacentrics (SM)+2 subtelocentrics (ST), 40 metacentrics (M)+ 14 submetacentrics (SM), and 46 metacentrics (M) + 6 submetacentrics (SM) +2 subtelocentrics (ST). The nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were interstitially located on the long arms of the same largest submetacentric chromosome pair in the karyotypes in two of three samples analyzed; in the third sample, the NORs were also interstitially located on the long arm as well, but in the largest metacentric pair of chromosomes. C-banding analysis showed centromeric and pericentromeric patterns of DNA heterochromatinization only in a few chromosome pairs in all three populations analysed. Differences in chromosome and karyotype organization among the individuals can constitute interesting markers for specific populations and play its role in the process of diversification within this group.
Revista Acadêmica: Ciência Animal, 2006
A caracterização da variabilidade genética em populações de peixes é de fundamental importância p... more A caracterização da variabilidade genética em populações de peixes é de fundamental importância para o entendimento de como tal variação se encontra distribuída em uma espécie. O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a variabilidade genética de jundiás Rhamdia quelen, criados em cativeiros, por análises de PCR-RAPD. DNA genômico de quinze exemplares adultos, que foi amplificado na presença de 8 primers, selecionados com base na quantidade e na nitidez das bandas amplificadas. O número de fragmentos gerados por primer variou de 12 (primer OPX04) a 38 (primer A20) e seus tamanhos estavam compreendidos entre 500 pb (primer A20, ERIC II e OPW5) e 4.300 pb (primer A20). O número total de fragmentos obtidos a partir dessas reações de amplificação compreendeu 165 caracteres, sendo 155 (93,9%) bandas polimórficas e 10 (6,1%) monomórficas. O fenograma gerado permitiu a separação dos acessos em um agrupamento maior, ordenando 14 indivíduos com coeficiente de similaridade variando de 37 a 56...
Revista Brasileira de Biociências, 2016
More sensitive methodologies for detecting alterations in organisms due to the action of pollutan... more More sensitive methodologies for detecting alterations in organisms due to the action of pollutants have been largely used. Among them, studies of genotoxicity with analyses of genomic, such as the frequency of micronuclei, damaging have been very useful. The present research aimed on using the frequency of micronuclei (MN) for diagnosing and predicting the environmental conditions from upper Iguacu river with influences from Southern Brazil megacity (Curitiba, PR). Peripheral blood smear specimens of the native Rhamdia quelen from 10 sites were analyzed and it was computed their frequency of MN cells. The results were compared with a control group with the (zero MNs) in the absence of any altered circumstances. One-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 5%, in both tests) was computed in order to verify the statistical robustness of the variation observed. Three of the 10 evaluated localities showed a high average number of MN cells, as well as, a high frequency of MN cells. Tukey test (...
Acta Botanica Brasilica, 2018
Th e taxonomy of Cyperaceae is complex, with genera like Cyperus harboring species complexes. We ... more Th e taxonomy of Cyperaceae is complex, with genera like Cyperus harboring species complexes. We analyzed the genetic similarity between Cyperus ligularis L. and C. odoratus L. based on DNA fi ngerprinting and cytogenetics. Signifi cative genetic diff erentiation (G ST = 0.363) and low gene fl ow (N m = 0.877) indicated a clear genetic distinction between the two species. Moreover, the clustering analysis showed two distinct genetic groups, suggesting a lack of evidence for hybridization. Th e phenogram revealed two diff erent lineages, and although all individuals of C. odoratus were collected from plots close to each other, they possessed greater genetic diversity than that observed among individuals of C. ligularis, which were sampled over a wider geographic range. Variation in chromosome number within the two species exhibited the opposite pattern, indicating greater karyotype stability in C. odoratus with 2n = 72 and 2n = 76, while the diploid number for C. ligularis varied from 2n = 66 to 88. Th e lower genetic variation in C. ligularis may be a result of the founder eff ect associated with seed dispersion and clonal reproduction. Field observations and analysis of reproductive biology should enrich the understanding of the genetic structure of the investigated populations and their role in successional processes.
Frontiers in Genetics, 2019
Visão Acadêmica, 2018
O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o polimorfismo genético de populações nativas de lambaris Ast... more O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o polimorfismo genético de populações nativas de lambaris Astyanax sp. B oriundos de quatro localidades do Rio Iguaçu (Estado do Paraná, Brasil): areal Água Azul (AA: 25º47´34´´S/50º11´34´´W), Rio Piraquara (PIR: 25º30´10´´S/49º01´25´´W), Rio Passaúna (PAS: 25015’20´´S/49025’15´´W) e Zoológico Municipal de Curitiba (ZOO: 25º33´12´´S/49º13´58´´N). Polimorfismos genéticos foram estimados a partir do DNA genômico extraído de espécimes de cada localidade na presença de primers universais em reações de amplificação aleatória PCR-RAPD. Com o auxílio do programa NTSYS versão 2.02 foram construídas matrizes de similaridade a partir do coeficiente de Jaccard (J), além da construção de um fenograma empregando o algoritmo de agrupamento UPGMA. A caracterização molecular das populações de lambaris de diferentes localizações do Rio Iguaçu demonstrou um padrão eletroforético altamente polimórfico nas análises de PCR-RAPD, totalizando 165 caracteres, sendo 157 p...
Mastozoología Neotropical, 2018
Genetica, 2018
We assessed the presence of independent evolving lineages of the trahira, Hoplias malabaricus, on... more We assessed the presence of independent evolving lineages of the trahira, Hoplias malabaricus, one of the few freshwater fish species having wide distribution in the Neotropics which is the region with the highest global diversity of freshwater fish. To achieve that goal, 58 mitochondrial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI; DNA barcoding) were generated from collected samples and 85 obtained from public databases, which were analyzed in comparison to chromosomal and geological data. The magnitude of genetic diversity found among different sampling sites was greater than 2%. Molecular species delimitation methods indicated the existence of a least four distinct lineages. The recognised cytotypes did not form monophyletic groups, suggesting that the karyotypic macrostructure could be a homoplastic character. The haplotype relationships suggested secondary contacts between the ecoregions of Northern and Northeastern Brazil that were shaped by coastal routes between adjacent watersheds during the Pleistocene epoch and probable exchanges of their ichthyofaunas. Our results indicated that multiple factors have driven the diversification of H. malabaricus, from ancient geological events linked to the reactivation of tectonic faults to more recent occurrences related to eustatic changes in ocean levels. Ultimately, the magnitude of its genetic diversity suggests the necessity of revising its taxonomic status.
Acta Chiropterologica, 2016
Blood-feeding is one of the most specialized foraging habits, as it demands extreme morphological... more Blood-feeding is one of the most specialized foraging habits, as it demands extreme morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations. Three species of vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus, Diaemus youngi, and Diphylla ecaudata) rely on blood as their only food. The first two are considered less specialized, whereas D. ecaudata is frequently pointed out as a bird-specialist. We assessed what prey D. ecaudata consumes in the Caatinga dry forests of northeastern Brazil, a highly modified biome. How the species would behave in a situation of scarcity of wild birds and increase in the availability of domestic animals? Could Diphylla have been induced to include also mammals in its diet? Using PCR-amplification of DNA fragments in the feces of D. ecaudata, we detected the regular consumption of chicken blood and human blood-a novel prey for this species. Our results suggest that the diet of D. ecaudata is more flexible than expected. The record of humans as prey and the absence of blood from native species may reflect a low availability of wild birds in the study site, reinforcing the impact of human activities on local ecological processes. This also opens a range of research possibilities on vampire bats in the Caatinga, both on the species' biology and the consequences for public health, considering the potential increase in the transmission of rabies in the region.
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2016
Paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) is the second largest rodent found in Brazil. The quality of... more Paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) is the second largest rodent found in Brazil. The quality of the meat and a long tradition of hunting have contributed to the decline of the natural populations of this species. Hunting of paca is strictly prohibited in Brazil, but in spite of this restriction, no forensic tools are available for the identification of the meat. We describe an efficient method, based on single nucleotide polymorphisms of the cytochrome b gene, that can be used to differentiate biological material derived from paca from those of domestic species commonly used as sources of meat. The identification of the presence of C. paca in the samples was 100% reliable.
Conservation Genetics Resources, 2014
In the present study we designed a pair of primers to amplify the exon 2 of the MHC II beta chain... more In the present study we designed a pair of primers to amplify the exon 2 of the MHC II beta chain of the Atlantic goliath grouper, which is responsible for the recognition of pathogenic molecules and the regulation of the immune system. Future analyses of this region may provide an important database to understand the evolutionary processes affecting the populations of the goliath grouper, and to predict the conservation perspectives in the species.
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2016
Popularly known as blue land crab,Cardisoma guanhumiis heavily exploited as food and considered a... more Popularly known as blue land crab,Cardisoma guanhumiis heavily exploited as food and considered as an important economic resource in Brazil. In recent decades, the species has experienced a sharp population decline by the loss and/or degradation of its natural habitat and overfishing. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic variation and connectivity among 154 specimens ofC. guanhumisampled along the coast of Pernambuco in five different levels of tropical mangroves conservation. Nine ISSR primers were used for assessing the genetic variation of the species. The genetic diversity observed inC. guanhumiwas high reinforcing the condition of a resilient species, indicating a good conservation status of this resource in Pernambuco. The hypothesis of panmixia was rejected in favour of a heterogeneous distribution of the genotypes ofC. guanhumi(ФST= 0.19) despite the high gene flow observed in the study region. Such difference could be attributed to the candidate loci being und...
Zoologia (Curitiba), 2011
Endangered Species Research, 2009
The goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Epinephelidae) is an exceptionally large marine fish tha... more The goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Epinephelidae) is an exceptionally large marine fish that inhabits subtropical and tropical waters of the Americas and western Africa. Due to a lack of readily observable morphological variation in specimens across its range, the goliath grouper has been regarded as a single species. We tested the hypothesis that Pacific and West Atlantic populations constitute a single species by analyzing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. We found numerous fixed genetic differences for mitochondrial loci between Pacific and West Atlantic goliath grouper (genetic distance D ≈ 3.5% at 16S and D ≈ 6% at cytochrome b; ϕ st = 0.98 [p < 0.001] for 16S and ϕ st = 0.98 [p < 0.001] for cytochrome b). The nuclear S7 intron showed 3 fixed nucleotide differences between Pacific and West Atlantic populations. Within the West Atlantic, we found few absolute genetic differences (D < 0.01 at 16S and D < 0.02 at cytochrome b), but statistically significant population structure based on haplotype frequency data (ϕ st = 0.04 [p = 0.05] at 16S; ϕ st = 0.14 [p < 0.001] at cytochrome b). These data indicate that (1) goliath grouper in the West Atlantic are subdivided into discrete populations, (2) goliath grouper populations in the Pacific and western Atlantic represent 2 (or more) distinct species, and (3) these distinct populations/species require separate management and conservation strategies. We resurrect the species Epinephelus quinquefasciatus (Bocourt 1868) for Pacific goliath grouper.
Scientia Marina, 2013
Fishing strategies are constantly changing to meet the needs for new or alternative food sources.... more Fishing strategies are constantly changing to meet the needs for new or alternative food sources. Consequently, management of fishing activities regarding rates of exploitation is essential, as a number of resources have reached situations of overexploitation. The aim of the present study was to use DNA barcoding from the goliath grouper and other exploited epinephelids in order to provide procedures for DNA authentication to be used as evidence for combating putative illegal fishing. The species studied were Epinephelus adscensionis, Mycteroperca bonaci, Mycteroperca interstitialis, Epinephelus itajara, Mycteroperca venenosa, Epinephelus mystacinus, Dermatolepis inermis, Alphestes afer, Cephalopholis fulva, Mycteroperca acutirostris, Rypticus saponaceus, Mycteroperca marginata and Epinephelus morio. Four of these species are the main epinephelids fished in the Atlantic Ocean. Differential patterns of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism were obtained from the species and additional single nucleotide polymorphisms were also detected among the four main epinephelids studied. The procedures proved very efficient and we suggest their applicability to the other fish groups as a way to control illegal capture and retail around the world, especially in cases in which filleting and other forms of de-characterization cause a lack of morpho-anatomical key characters.
Cancer genomics & proteomics
Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is among the main etiologies of cervical cancer. The expr... more Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is among the main etiologies of cervical cancer. The expression of oncogenic viral proteins enables the onset of the virus, which can trigger the carcinogenic process. One of the main characteristics of this process is the loss of genome stability, including chromosome stability. The micronucleus test is a cytogenetic method for the detection of genetic alterations that change chromosome behavior during cell division resulting in the formation of micronuclei. This method has been applied for the early detection of DNA damage in individuals with a greater likelihood of developing cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between micronucleus expression and the degree of cytological lesions and viral load in patients with HPV. The micronucleus analysis revealed differences in the number micronuclei found in the groups, which ranged from 0.00067 to 0.00133 in the control group and 0.00267 to 0.02433 among patients with HP...