We are honored to announce that Dr. Juan Manuel Vazquez will present his exciting research on the “Extensive structural variation and longevity-associated adaptations in Nearctic Myotis bat” at our next WildCan webinar.

When:

June 12^th, 2025 at 9am MDT / 3 pm CEST (French time)

How:

https://cnrs.zoom.us/j/99784448663?pwd=WIIDsGXaIef6sq8Abp8J0L2bQvbCqq.1

Meeting ID: 997 8444 8663

Password: zfPq9U

Whom:

Dr. Juan Manuel Vazquez

Website: https://vazquez.bio/

Subject:

Extensive structural variation and longevity-associated adaptations in Nearctic Myotis bat.

Abstract:

The 100-fold difference in lifespans across mammalian species provides a rich trove of novel pathways and mechanisms underlying exceptional differences in longevity-associated traits such as DNA damage repair. Among mammals, bats of the genus Myotis exhibit some of the most extreme variations seen in lifespans. To study the evolution of longevity-associated traits, we generated primary cell lines for over 28 species of bats, and assembled near-complete diploid genome assemblies for 8 Myotis species. Using genome-wide screens of positive selection, analyses of structural variation, and functional experiments in primary cell lines, we identify new patterns of adaptation contributing to longevity, cancer resistance, and viral interactions in bats. We find that Myotis bats have some of the most significant variation in cancer risk across mammals and demonstrate a unique DNA damage response in primary cells of the long-lived M. lucifugus. We also find evidence of extensive structural variation both within and between species, including in genes central to stress response and viral immunity. Together, our results demonstrate how genomics and primary cells derived from diverse taxa uncover the molecular bases of extreme adaptations in non-model organisms.