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Julia A. Clarke - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • An Exceptionally Preserved Specimen From the Green River Formation Elucidates Complex Phenotypic Evolution in Gruiformes and Charadriiformes
    Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2020
    Co-Authors: Grace M. Musser, Julia A. Clarke
    Abstract:

    The stem lineage relationships and early phenotypic evolution of Charadriiformes (shorebirds) and Gruiformes (rails, cranes and allies) remain unresolved. It is still debated whether these clades are sister-taxa. New phylogenetic analyses incorporating Paleogene fossils have the potential to reveal the evolutionary connections of these two speciose and evolutionarily critical neoavian subclades. Although Gruiformes have a rich Paleogene fossil record, most of these fossils have not been robustly placed. The Paleogene fossil record of Charadriiformes is scarce and largely consists of fragmentary single elements. Only one proposed Eocene charadriiform-like taxon, Scandiavis mikkelseni of Denmark, is represented by a partial skeleton. Here, we describe a new species from the early Eocene Green River Formation of North America comprising a partial skeleton and feather remains. Because the skeleton lacks the pectoral girdle and forelimbs as in S. mikkelseni, only features of the skull, axial skeleton, and hind limb are available to resolve the phylogenetic placement of this taxon. These anatomical subregions initially showed features seen in Charadriiformes and Gruiformes. To assess placement of this taxon, we use a matrix consisting of 693 morphological characters and 60 taxa, including S. mikkelseni and the oldest known charadriiform taxa represented by single elements. These more fragmentary records comprise two distal humeri from the earliest Eocene Naranbulag Formation of Mongolia and the early Eocene Nanjemoy Formation of Virginia. Our phylogenetic analyses recover the new taxon and S. mikkelseni alternatively as a charadriiform or as a stem-gruiform; placement is contingent upon enforced relationships for major neoavian subclades recovered by recent molecular-based phylogenies. Specifically, when constraint trees based on results that do not recover Charadriiformes and Gruiformes as sister-taxa are used, the new taxon and S. mikkelseni are recovered within stem Gruiformes. Both Paleogene fossil humeri are consistently recovered within crown Charadriiformes. If placement of these humeri or the new taxon as charadriiforms are correct, this may indicate that recent divergence time analyses have underestimated the crown age of another major crown avian subclade; however, more complete sampling of these taxa is necessary, especially of more complete specimens with pectoral elements.

  • Systematics and evolution of the Pan-Alcidae (Aves, Charadriiformes)
    Journal of Avian Biology, 2014
    Co-Authors: N. Adam Smith, Julia A. Clarke
    Abstract:

    Puffins, auks and their allies in the wing-propelled diving seabird clade Pan-Alcidae (Charadriiformes) have been proposed to be key pelagic indicators of faunal shifts in Northern Hemisphere oceans. However, most previous phylogenetic analyses of the clade have focused only on the 23 extant alcid species. Here we undertake a combined phylogenetic analysis of all previously published molecular sequence data (∼ 12 kb) and morphological data (n  353 characters) with dense species level sampling that also includes 28 extinct taxa. We present a new estimate of the patterns of diversification in the clade based on divergence time estimates that include a previously vetted set of twelve fossil calibrations. The resultant time trees are also used in the evaluation of previously hypothesized paleoclimatic drivers of pan-alcid evolution. Our divergence dating results estimate the split of Alcidae from its sister taxon Stercorariidae during the late Eocene (∼ 35 Ma), an evolutionary hypothesis for clade origination that agrees with the fossil record and that does not require the inference of extensive ghost lineages. The extant dovekie Alle alle is identified as the sole extant member of a clade including four extinct Miocene species. Furthermore, whereas an Uria  Alle clade has been previously recovered from molecular analyses, the extinct diversity of closely related Miocepphus species yields morphological support for this clade. Our results suggest that extant alcid diversity is a function of Miocene diversification and differential extinction at the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary. The relative timing of the Middle Miocene climatic optimum and the Pliocene–Pleistocene climatic transition and major diversification and extinction events in Pan-Alcidae, respectively, are consistent with a potential link between major paleoclimatic events and pan-alcid cladogenesis. Collectively known as the Pan-Alcidae [crown clade Alcidae  stem lineage Mancallinae sensu Smith (2011a, b)], true auks (Alca and †Pinguinus), dovekies (Alle and †Miocepphus), murres (Uria), murrelets (Brachyramphus and Synthliboramphus), guillemots (Cepphus), auklets (Aethia and Ptychoramphus), puffins (Fratercula and Cerorhinca) and mancalline or Lucas auks (†Miomancalla and †Mancalla) are pelagic charadriiform seabirds characterized by wingpropelled pursuit diving and anatomical modifications associated with this derived method of foraging. Extant

  • osteological histology of the pan alcidae aves Charadriiformes correlates of wing propelled diving and flightlessness
    Anatomical Record-advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Adam N Smith, Julia A. Clarke
    Abstract:

    Although studies of osteological morphology, gross myology, myological histology, neuroanatomy, and wing-scaling have all documented anatomical modifications associated with wing-propelled diving, the osteohistological study of this highly derived method of locomotion has been limited to penguins. Herein we present the first osteohistological study of the derived forelimbs and hind limbs of wing-propelled diving Pan-Alcidae (Aves, Charadriiformes). In addition to detailing differences between wing-propelled diving charadriiforms and nondiving charadriiforms, microstructural modifications to the humeri, ulnae and femora of extinct flightless pan-alcids are contrasted with those of volant alcids. Histological thin-sections of four species of pan-alcids (Alca torda, †Alca grandis, †Pinguinus impennis, †Mancalla cedrosensis) and one outgroup charadriiform (Stercorarius longicaudus) were compared. The forelimb bones of wing-propelled diving charadriiforms were found to have significantly thicker (∼22%) cortical bone walls. Additionally, as in penguins, the forelimbs of flightless pan-alcids are found to be osteosclerotic. However, unlike the pattern documented in penguins that display thickened cortices in both forelimbs and hind limbs, the forelimb and hind limb elements of pan-alcids display contrasting microstructural morphologies with thickened forelimb cortices and relatively thinner femoral cortices. Additionally, the identification of medullary bone in the sampled †Pinguinus impennis specimen suggests that further osteohistological investigation could provide an answer to longstanding questions regarding sexual dimorphism of Great Auks. Finally, these results suggest that it is possible to discern volant from flightless wing-propelled divers from fragmentary fossil remains.

  • Endocranial Anatomy of the Charadriiformes: Sensory System Variation and the Evolution of Wing-Propelled Diving
    PloS one, 2012
    Co-Authors: N. Adam Smith, Julia A. Clarke
    Abstract:

    Just as skeletal characteristics provide clues regarding behavior of extinct vertebrates, phylogenetically-informed evaluation of endocranial morphology facilitates comparisons among extinct taxa and extant taxa with known behavioral characteristics. Previous research has established that endocranial morphology varies across Aves; however, variation of those systems among closely related species remains largely unexplored. The Charadriiformes (shorebirds and allies) are an ecologically diverse clade with a comparatively rich fossil record, and therefore, are well suited for investigating interspecies variation, and potential links between endocranial morphology, phylogeny, ecology and other life history attributes. Endocranial endocasts were rendered from high resolution X-ray computed tomography data for 17 charadriiforms (15 extant and two flightless extinct species). Evaluation of endocranial character state changes on a phylogeny for Charadriiformes resulted in identification of characters that vary in taxa with distinct feeding and locomotor ecologies. In comparison with all other charadriiforms, stem and crown clade wing-propelled diving Pan-Alcidae displayed compressed semicircular canals, and indistinct occipital sinuses and cerebellar fissures. Flightless wing-propelled divers have relatively smaller brains for their body mass and smaller optic lobes than volant pan-alcids. Observed differences between volant and flightless wing-propelled sister taxa are striking given that flightless pan-alcids continue to rely on the flight stroke for underwater propulsion. Additionally, the brain of the Black Skimmer Rynchops niger, a taxon with a unique feeding ecology that involves continuous forward aerial motion and touch-based prey detection used both at day and night, is discovered to be unlike that of any other sampled charadriiform in having an extremely large wulst as well as a small optic lobe and distinct occipital sinus. Notably, the differences between the Black Skimmer and other charadriiforms are more pronounced than between wing-propelled divers and other charadriiforms. Finally, aspects of endosseous labyrinth morphology are remarkably similar between divers and non-divers, and may deserve further evaluation.

N. Adam Smith - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Sixteen vetted fossil calibrations for divergence dating of Charadriiformes (Aves, Neognathae)
    Palaeontologia Electronica, 2015
    Co-Authors: N. Adam Smith
    Abstract:

    The Charadriiformes (shorebirds and allies) are an ecologically and morphologically diverse clade with a global geographic distribution. The perceived antiquity of this lineage and the cryptic plumage and morphology of some charadriiforms have made them a frequent focus of study by ornithologists. Likewise, with the relatively recent advent of molecular sequence based divergence estimation methods, no less than seven studies have estimated the timing of cladogenetic events in Charadriiformes. Unfortunately, all of those studies have suffered from poor choice and characterization (i.e., age and taxonomic assignment) of fossil calibrations used for divergence time analysis. Given that studies of both real and simulated data have demonstrated the potential for calibration choice to bias node age estimates, the results of previously published analyses of divergence times for Charadriiformes must, accordingly, be viewed with caution. To alleviate introduction of fossil calibration bias with respect to future analyses of divergence times including Charadriiformes, 16 rigorously evaluated charadriiform fossil calibrations are reported herein. N. Adam Smith. The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, 2024 W. Main St., Suite A200, Durham, NC, 27705, U.S.A., adam_smith@utexas.edu

  • Systematics and evolution of the Pan-Alcidae (Aves, Charadriiformes)
    Journal of Avian Biology, 2014
    Co-Authors: N. Adam Smith, Julia A. Clarke
    Abstract:

    Puffins, auks and their allies in the wing-propelled diving seabird clade Pan-Alcidae (Charadriiformes) have been proposed to be key pelagic indicators of faunal shifts in Northern Hemisphere oceans. However, most previous phylogenetic analyses of the clade have focused only on the 23 extant alcid species. Here we undertake a combined phylogenetic analysis of all previously published molecular sequence data (∼ 12 kb) and morphological data (n  353 characters) with dense species level sampling that also includes 28 extinct taxa. We present a new estimate of the patterns of diversification in the clade based on divergence time estimates that include a previously vetted set of twelve fossil calibrations. The resultant time trees are also used in the evaluation of previously hypothesized paleoclimatic drivers of pan-alcid evolution. Our divergence dating results estimate the split of Alcidae from its sister taxon Stercorariidae during the late Eocene (∼ 35 Ma), an evolutionary hypothesis for clade origination that agrees with the fossil record and that does not require the inference of extensive ghost lineages. The extant dovekie Alle alle is identified as the sole extant member of a clade including four extinct Miocene species. Furthermore, whereas an Uria  Alle clade has been previously recovered from molecular analyses, the extinct diversity of closely related Miocepphus species yields morphological support for this clade. Our results suggest that extant alcid diversity is a function of Miocene diversification and differential extinction at the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary. The relative timing of the Middle Miocene climatic optimum and the Pliocene–Pleistocene climatic transition and major diversification and extinction events in Pan-Alcidae, respectively, are consistent with a potential link between major paleoclimatic events and pan-alcid cladogenesis. Collectively known as the Pan-Alcidae [crown clade Alcidae  stem lineage Mancallinae sensu Smith (2011a, b)], true auks (Alca and †Pinguinus), dovekies (Alle and †Miocepphus), murres (Uria), murrelets (Brachyramphus and Synthliboramphus), guillemots (Cepphus), auklets (Aethia and Ptychoramphus), puffins (Fratercula and Cerorhinca) and mancalline or Lucas auks (†Miomancalla and †Mancalla) are pelagic charadriiform seabirds characterized by wingpropelled pursuit diving and anatomical modifications associated with this derived method of foraging. Extant

  • Endocranial Anatomy of the Charadriiformes: Sensory System Variation and the Evolution of Wing-Propelled Diving
    PloS one, 2012
    Co-Authors: N. Adam Smith, Julia A. Clarke
    Abstract:

    Just as skeletal characteristics provide clues regarding behavior of extinct vertebrates, phylogenetically-informed evaluation of endocranial morphology facilitates comparisons among extinct taxa and extant taxa with known behavioral characteristics. Previous research has established that endocranial morphology varies across Aves; however, variation of those systems among closely related species remains largely unexplored. The Charadriiformes (shorebirds and allies) are an ecologically diverse clade with a comparatively rich fossil record, and therefore, are well suited for investigating interspecies variation, and potential links between endocranial morphology, phylogeny, ecology and other life history attributes. Endocranial endocasts were rendered from high resolution X-ray computed tomography data for 17 charadriiforms (15 extant and two flightless extinct species). Evaluation of endocranial character state changes on a phylogeny for Charadriiformes resulted in identification of characters that vary in taxa with distinct feeding and locomotor ecologies. In comparison with all other charadriiforms, stem and crown clade wing-propelled diving Pan-Alcidae displayed compressed semicircular canals, and indistinct occipital sinuses and cerebellar fissures. Flightless wing-propelled divers have relatively smaller brains for their body mass and smaller optic lobes than volant pan-alcids. Observed differences between volant and flightless wing-propelled sister taxa are striking given that flightless pan-alcids continue to rely on the flight stroke for underwater propulsion. Additionally, the brain of the Black Skimmer Rynchops niger, a taxon with a unique feeding ecology that involves continuous forward aerial motion and touch-based prey detection used both at day and night, is discovered to be unlike that of any other sampled charadriiform in having an extremely large wulst as well as a small optic lobe and distinct occipital sinus. Notably, the differences between the Black Skimmer and other charadriiforms are more pronounced than between wing-propelled divers and other charadriiforms. Finally, aspects of endosseous labyrinth morphology are remarkably similar between divers and non-divers, and may deserve further evaluation.

Patrik Ellström - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • attachment patterns of human and avian influenza viruses to trachea and colon of 26 bird species support for the community concept
    Frontiers in Microbiology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Per Eriksson, Cecilia Lindskog, Jonas Waldenström, Åke Lundkvist, Björn Olsen, Elsa Jourdain, Victor Lorenteleal, Daniel Gonzalezacuna, Josef D Jarhult, Patrik Ellström
    Abstract:

    Avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) have a broad host range, but are most intimately associated with waterfowl (Anseriformes) and, in the case of the H13 and H16 subtypes, gulls (Charadriiformes). Hos ...

  • Table_1_Attachment Patterns of Human and Avian Influenza Viruses to Trachea and Colon of 26 Bird Species – Support for the Community Concept.pdf
    2019
    Co-Authors: Per Eriksson, Cecilia Lindskog, Jonas Waldenström, Åke Lundkvist, Björn Olsen, Elsa Jourdain, Josef D Jarhult, Victor Lorente-leal, Daniel González-acuna, Patrik Ellström
    Abstract:

    Avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) have a broad host range, but are most intimately associated with waterfowl (Anseriformes) and, in the case of the H13 and H16 subtypes, gulls (Charadriiformes). Host associations are multifactorial, but a key factor is the ability of the virus to bind host cell receptors and thereby initiate infection. The current study aims at investigating the tissue attachment pattern of a panel of AIVs, comprising H3N2, H6N1, H12N5, and H16N3, to avian trachea and colon tissue samples obtained from host species of different orders. Virus attachment was not restricted to the bird species or order from which the virus was isolated. Instead, extensive virus attachment was observed to several distantly related avian species. In general, more virus attachment and receptor expression were observed in trachea than in colon samples. Additionally, a human seasonal H3N2 virus was studied. Unlike the studied AIVs, this virus mainly attached to tracheae from Charadriiformes and a very limited set of avian cola. In conclusion, the reported results highlight the importance of AIV attachment to trachea in many avian species. Finally, the importance of chickens and mallards in AIVs dynamics was illustrated by the abundant AIV attachment observed.

  • Attachment Patterns of Human and Avian Influenza Viruses to Trachea and Colon of 26 Bird Species – Support for the Community Concept
    Frontiers Media S.A., 2019
    Co-Authors: Per Eriksson, Cecilia Lindskog, Jonas Waldenström, Åke Lundkvist, Björn Olsen, Elsa Jourdain, Josef D Jarhult, Victor Lorente-leal, Daniel González-acuna, Patrik Ellström
    Abstract:

    Avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) have a broad host range, but are most intimately associated with waterfowl (Anseriformes) and, in the case of the H13 and H16 subtypes, gulls (Charadriiformes). Host associations are multifactorial, but a key factor is the ability of the virus to bind host cell receptors and thereby initiate infection. The current study aims at investigating the tissue attachment pattern of a panel of AIVs, comprising H3N2, H6N1, H12N5, and H16N3, to avian trachea and colon tissue samples obtained from host species of different orders. Virus attachment was not restricted to the bird species or order from which the virus was isolated. Instead, extensive virus attachment was observed to several distantly related avian species. In general, more virus attachment and receptor expression were observed in trachea than in colon samples. Additionally, a human seasonal H3N2 virus was studied. Unlike the studied AIVs, this virus mainly attached to tracheae from Charadriiformes and a very limited set of avian cola. In conclusion, the reported results highlight the importance of AIV attachment to trachea in many avian species. Finally, the importance of chickens and mallards in AIVs dynamics was illustrated by the abundant AIV attachment observed

Qing Chang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The mitochondrial genome of pin-tailed snipe Gallinago stenura, and its implications for the phylogeny of Charadriiformes.
    PloS one, 2017
    Co-Authors: Chenling Zhang, Lei Sun, Yi Zhang, Wenli Xie, Baowei Zhang, Qing Chang
    Abstract:

    The Charadriiformes, among the most diverse orders of bird, is a good source to research on evolution. The mitochondrial genome sequencing database has rapidly increased in recent years, while Charadriiformes mitogenome has not been well studied. In this research, we determined the complete mitogenome sequence of Gallinago stenura, and comparatively analysed 20 mitogenomes of Charadriiformes. The mitogenomes display moderate size variation, and most of variation due to mutations in the control region. In 13 protein-coding genes, we found: 1. The GC skews are always negative, while the negative AT skews are found in 5 genes, 2. The average uncorrected pairwise distances reveal heterogeneity of evolutionary rate for each gene, 3. The ATG and TAA, respectively, are observed the most commonly start and stop codon. The highest dN/dS is detected for ATP8 (0.16) among Charadriiformes, while the lowest for COI (0.01), indicating that 13 protein-coding genes are evolving under the purifying selection. Predicted secondary structures of tRNAs indicate that the sequences and structures of anticodon, amino acceptor, and TψC arms are highly conserved, and most nucleotide variation is restricted to dihydrouridine arms with obvious indel polymorphisms. A total of 15 conserved sequence boxes were recognized in the control regions, and the 4 bp (5’-AAAC-3’) and 7 bp (5’- AAACAAC -3’) repeat sequences occurred frequently. Phylogenomic analysis based on the nearly complete mitochondrial genomes strongly supported the monophyly of the order, and the suborder Charadrii is at the basal of Charadriiformes. Moreover, our results well resolved the complexity family-level relationships and clearly depicted the evolutionary processes of Charadriiformes, based on 12 mitochondrial protein-coding genes from 18 families. This study improves our understanding of mitogenomic structure and evolution, which can provide further insights into our understanding of phylogeny and taxonomy in Charadriiformes.

  • Nucleotide composition of mitochondrial genomes in Charadriiformes.
    2017
    Co-Authors: Chenling Zhang, Lei Sun, Yi Zhang, Wenli Xie, Baowei Zhang, Qing Chang
    Abstract:

    Nucleotide composition of mitochondrial genomes in Charadriiformes.

  • the complete mitochondrial genome of tringa ochropus Charadriiformes scolopacidae
    Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 2016
    Co-Authors: Wan Chen, Qing Chang
    Abstract:

    The green sandpiper Tringa ochropus (Charadriiformes, Scolopacidae) is completely migratory with an extremely large distribution range. However, its habitat ecology, and disease spreading are relatively understudied, and the molecular genetics is relatively unclear. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of T. ochropus, which is a circular molecule of 16,906 bp in length and the A + T content of overall base of the composition of H-strand is 54.88% (A: 31.62%, T: 25.53%, C: 29.47%, G: 13.38%). This study strongly supports the monophyly of Charadriiformes, and division of the order into three major clades, including Lari, Scolopaci, and Charadrii.

  • The complete mitochondrial genome of Eurynorhynchus pygmeus (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae).
    Mitochondrial DNA. Part A DNA mapping sequencing and analysis, 2015
    Co-Authors: Fangzheng Zhao, Baowei Zhang, Qing Chang
    Abstract:

    The complete mitochondrial DNA genome of spoon-billed sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus was determined by using the polymerase chain reaction method and the phylogenetic tree including 15 species of Charadriiformes were reconstructed to validate our samples in this study. The circular mitogenome (16,707 bp in length) contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The content of four kinds of bases of the complete mitochondrial DNA is 31.29% for A, 24.85% for T, 13.84% for G and 30.02% for C, respectively.

  • The complete mitochondrial genome of Scolopax rusticola (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae).
    Mitochondrial DNA. Part A DNA mapping sequencing and analysis, 2014
    Co-Authors: Qing Chang, Ruiying Yang, Wanwei Dong, Wenli Xie
    Abstract:

    AbstractIn this paper, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of Scolopax rusticola (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae), which is a circular DNA with 16,984 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a control region. The overall base composition of the complete mitochondrial DNA is 31.79% A, 25.02% T, 13.34% G and 29.85% C. The control region is 1413 bp in length which located between tRNAPhe and tRNAGlu.

Per Eriksson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • attachment patterns of human and avian influenza viruses to trachea and colon of 26 bird species support for the community concept
    Frontiers in Microbiology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Per Eriksson, Cecilia Lindskog, Jonas Waldenström, Åke Lundkvist, Björn Olsen, Elsa Jourdain, Victor Lorenteleal, Daniel Gonzalezacuna, Josef D Jarhult, Patrik Ellström
    Abstract:

    Avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) have a broad host range, but are most intimately associated with waterfowl (Anseriformes) and, in the case of the H13 and H16 subtypes, gulls (Charadriiformes). Hos ...

  • Table_1_Attachment Patterns of Human and Avian Influenza Viruses to Trachea and Colon of 26 Bird Species – Support for the Community Concept.pdf
    2019
    Co-Authors: Per Eriksson, Cecilia Lindskog, Jonas Waldenström, Åke Lundkvist, Björn Olsen, Elsa Jourdain, Josef D Jarhult, Victor Lorente-leal, Daniel González-acuna, Patrik Ellström
    Abstract:

    Avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) have a broad host range, but are most intimately associated with waterfowl (Anseriformes) and, in the case of the H13 and H16 subtypes, gulls (Charadriiformes). Host associations are multifactorial, but a key factor is the ability of the virus to bind host cell receptors and thereby initiate infection. The current study aims at investigating the tissue attachment pattern of a panel of AIVs, comprising H3N2, H6N1, H12N5, and H16N3, to avian trachea and colon tissue samples obtained from host species of different orders. Virus attachment was not restricted to the bird species or order from which the virus was isolated. Instead, extensive virus attachment was observed to several distantly related avian species. In general, more virus attachment and receptor expression were observed in trachea than in colon samples. Additionally, a human seasonal H3N2 virus was studied. Unlike the studied AIVs, this virus mainly attached to tracheae from Charadriiformes and a very limited set of avian cola. In conclusion, the reported results highlight the importance of AIV attachment to trachea in many avian species. Finally, the importance of chickens and mallards in AIVs dynamics was illustrated by the abundant AIV attachment observed.

  • Attachment Patterns of Human and Avian Influenza Viruses to Trachea and Colon of 26 Bird Species – Support for the Community Concept
    Frontiers Media S.A., 2019
    Co-Authors: Per Eriksson, Cecilia Lindskog, Jonas Waldenström, Åke Lundkvist, Björn Olsen, Elsa Jourdain, Josef D Jarhult, Victor Lorente-leal, Daniel González-acuna, Patrik Ellström
    Abstract:

    Avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) have a broad host range, but are most intimately associated with waterfowl (Anseriformes) and, in the case of the H13 and H16 subtypes, gulls (Charadriiformes). Host associations are multifactorial, but a key factor is the ability of the virus to bind host cell receptors and thereby initiate infection. The current study aims at investigating the tissue attachment pattern of a panel of AIVs, comprising H3N2, H6N1, H12N5, and H16N3, to avian trachea and colon tissue samples obtained from host species of different orders. Virus attachment was not restricted to the bird species or order from which the virus was isolated. Instead, extensive virus attachment was observed to several distantly related avian species. In general, more virus attachment and receptor expression were observed in trachea than in colon samples. Additionally, a human seasonal H3N2 virus was studied. Unlike the studied AIVs, this virus mainly attached to tracheae from Charadriiformes and a very limited set of avian cola. In conclusion, the reported results highlight the importance of AIV attachment to trachea in many avian species. Finally, the importance of chickens and mallards in AIVs dynamics was illustrated by the abundant AIV attachment observed