Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) and rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) (Galliformes: Phasianidae: Tetraoninae)

The complete mitochondrial genome sequences of the two sister species, Scandinavian willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus and Icelandic rock ptarmigan Lagopus muta, were characterized using next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome for willow ptarmigan was 16,677 bp long, with base composition of 30.3% A, 30.8% C, 13.3% G and 25.6% T, with a GC content of 44.1%, while for rock ptarmigan mitogenome was 16,687 bp long, with base composition of 30.2% A, 30.6% C, 13.4% G and 25.8% T, and a GC content of 44.0%. Like other Galliformes species, the mitogenomes comprised of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA and 2 non-coding regions; and control region (D-loop). All genes except ND6 and 8 tRNA were encoded on the þ strand. All protein-coding genes started with ATG, except for COX1, where a GTG codon was present in both willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan. Phylogenetic analysis of the two novel mitogenomes with other Galliformes species demonstrates close relationship within the Tetraoninae subfamily.Pálmi Jónsson Nature Conservation Fund and University of Akureyri Research FundPeer Reviewe

Isolation, characterization and biotechnological potentials of Thraustochytrids from Icelandic waters

The following study reports on the first thraustochytrid isolates identified from Iceland. They were collected from three different locations off the northern coast of the country (Location A, Skagaströnd; Location B, Hveravík; and Location C, Eyjafjörður). Using 18S rDNA sequence analysis, isolates from Locations A and B were identified within the Thraustochytrium kinnei species while other isolates within the Sicyoidochytrium minutum species when compared to other known strains. Cells isolated from Locations A ( 2.10±0.70 g/L) and B ( 1.54±0.17 g/L) produced more biomass than the ones isolated from Location C ( 0.43±0.02 g/L). This study offers the first-time examination of the utility of byproducts from fisheries as a nitrogen source in media formulation for thraustochytrids. Experiments showed that isolates produced more biomass (per unit of substrate) when cultured on nitrogen of marine ( 2.55±0.74 g/L) as compared to of commercial origin ( 1.06±0.57 g/L). Glycerol ( 2.43±0.56 g/L) was a better carbon source than glucose ( 1.84±0.57 g/L) in growth studies. Fatty acid (FA) profiles showed that the isolates from Location C (S. minutum) had low ratios of monounsaturated ( 4.21±2.96% ) and omega-6 ( 0.68±0.59% ) FAs. However, the isolates also had high ratios of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 35.65±1.73% ) and total omega-3 FAs ( 40.39±2.39% ), indicating that they could serve as a source of marine oils for human consumption and in aquaculture feeds. The T. kinnei isolates from Location A could be used in biodiesel production due to their high ratios of monounsaturated ( 18.38±6.27% ) long chain ( 57.43±8.27% ) FAs.The research reported here was partly funded by the AVS R&D Fund of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture in Iceland, grant number AVS: R 047-10.Peer Reviewe

Gas seepage pockmark microbiomes suggest the presence of sedimentary coal seams in the Oxarfjordur graben of NE-Iceland

Natural gas seepage pockmarks are found off- and onshore in the Öxarfjörður graben, Iceland. The bacterial communities of two onshore seepage sites were analysed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing; the geochemical characteristics, hydrocarbon content, and the carbon isotope composition of the sites were also determined. While one site was found to be characterised by biogenic origin of methane gas, with a carbon isotope ratio (δ13C (‰)) of −63.2, high contents of organic matter and complex hydrocarbons, the other site showed a mixed origin of the methane gas (δ13C (‰) = −26.6) with geothermal characteristics and lower organic matter content. While both sites harboured Proteobacteria as the most abundant bacterial phyla, the Deltaproteobacteria were more abundant at the geothermal site and the Alphaproteobacteria at the biogenic site. The Dehalococcoidia class of phylum Chloroflexi was abundant at the geothermal site while the Anaerolineae class was more abundant at the biogenic site. Bacterial strains from the seepage pockmarks were isolated on a variety of selective media targeting bacteria with bioremediation potential. A total of 106 strains were isolated and characterised, including representatives from the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. This article describes the first microbial study on gas seepage pockmarks in Iceland.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

European Reference Genome Atlas Community - Phase 1 Members - 2020-2023

This dataset presents a comprehensive list of members registered as part of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA, erga-biodiversity.eu) Community during ERGA Phase 1, which spanned from 2020 to 2023. The dataset includes information on the various roles undertaken by these members, particularly those who played a key role in establishing ERGA. Founding members are individuals who joined ERGA prior to the first leadership elections in February 2021, and they were instrumental in building the initial structure of ERGA. Some of these founding members were also involved in the establishment of different ERGA Committees. The dataset further includes details about the current and former core members and chairs of the ERGA committees. Additionally, it provides a list of the current (2023) and former Council members, along with the countries they represent. The dataset is organised in alphabetical order for ease of reference. The co-authors of this dataset encompass both current and former ERGA Council members, listed in alphabetical order, and the current ERGA chair, as the last author