Integrating Computational Biology and Forward Genetics in Drosophila

Genetic screens are powerful methods for the discovery of gene–phenotype associations. However, a systems biology approach to genetics must leverage the massive amount of “omics” data to enhance the power and speed of functional gene discovery in vivo. Thus far, few computational methods for gene function prediction have been rigorously tested for their performance on a genome-wide scale in vivo. In this work, we demonstrate that integrating genome-wide computational gene prioritization with large-scale genetic screening is a powerful tool for functional gene discovery. To discover genes involved in neural development in Drosophila, we extend our strategy for the prioritization of human candidate disease genes to functional prioritization in Drosophila. We then integrate this prioritization strategy with a large-scale genetic screen for interactors of the proneural transcription factor Atonal using genomic deficiencies and mutant and RNAi collections. Using the prioritized genes validated in our genetic screen, we describe a novel genetic interaction network for Atonal. Lastly, we prioritize the whole Drosophila genome and identify candidate gene associations for ten receptor-signaling pathways. This novel database of prioritized pathway candidates, as well as a web application for functional prioritization in Drosophila, called Endeavour-HighFly, and the Atonal network, are publicly available resources. A systems genetics approach that combines the power of computational predictions with in vivo genetic screens strongly enhances the process of gene function and gene–gene association discovery

Gender Roles among Cassava Processors in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study was carried out in Anambra and Aguata zones of Anambra State. A Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 farm families who engage in cassava processing. Data were analysed by the use of descriptive statistics (means, frequencies and percentages).The results showed that cassava processing in the study area was mainly dominated by females. The roles of males were seen to be complementary especially where strength is needed. Most of the respondents were still in their productive years with large household sizes. Non-availability of capital, lack of improved processing equipment and inadequate transportation to the processing site were the most important constraints in the study area. The study therefore calls for policies aimed at making credit accessible and available for processors, provision of closer processing clusters to reduce costs of transportation. Agricultural extension agencies should intensify efforts in disseminating improved processing technologies to processors especially women so as to reduce problems faced during the processing

Human health risk and food safety implications of microplastic consumption by fish from coastal waters of the eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean

Data availability: Data will be made available on request.We examined the gastro-intestinal tracts (guts) of 160 fish species obtained from Nigerian coastal waters for microplastics and estimated annual microplastic intake by adult human population in the region from the fish species. A total of 5744 microplastics were recovered from the fish species analyzed with an average of 39.65 ± 5.67 items/individual. Microbeads (43%) occurred in all guts assessed, followed by fragments (27%), burnt film (14%), thread (9%), fibers (4%), and pellets (3%). Most microplastics recovered were below 1000 μm with the least size being 85 μm. Based on the size classes estimated for this study, we argue based on literature that close to 15% (i.e., >100 μm) of the microplastics in the guts studied have the potential to translocate gut barriers of the fish species into muscles, where they get ingested by humans, and thereon get translocated to other human organ tissues. The estimated annual intake of microplastics from the consumption of whole fish by the adult population followed the trend; M. cephalus (178,220) > I. Africana (131,670) > P. senegalensis (115,710) > P. jubelini (109,060) > S. maderensis (101,080) > G. decadactylus (101,346) > S. melanotheron (65,170). Estimated annual intakes were generally higher for fish species with broad habitat and feeding preferences.Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), U

Genetic studies in intellectual disability and related disorders

Genetic factors play a major part in intellectual disability (ID), but genetic studies have been complicated for a long time by the extreme clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, progress has been made using different next-generation sequencing approaches in combination with new functional readout systems. This approach has provided novel insights into the biological pathways underlying ID, improved the diagnostic process and offered new targets for therapy. In this Review, we highlight the insights obtained from recent studies on the role of genetics in ID and its impact on diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. We also discuss the future directions of genetics research for ID and related neurodevelopmental disorders