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Mai-Britt Mosbech

Publications and source records attributed to Mai-Britt Mosbech.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

ERGA-BGE chromosome-level genome assembly of the giant stream lacewing  Osmylus fulvicephalus (Scopoli, 1763).

The giant stream lacewing, Osmylus fulvicephalus (Scopoli, 1763), is a widespread European species belonging to the insect order Neuroptera. Its cryptic larvae are predators found at the banks of streams and smaller rivers where they use their piercing, lance-shaped stylets to inject venom into their arthropod prey. Here, we present the reference genome of the giant stream lacewing as a crucial resource for uncovering the genetic basis of venom evolution in Neuroptera. The chromosome-level genome encompasses 674.7 Mb and is composed of 60 contigs and 24 scaffolds where 99.2% of the assembly is distributed among the 6 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules and two sex chromosomes (X and Y). Contig and scaffold N50 have a value of 51.5 Mb and 116.2 Mb, respectively. This reference genome is the first genomic resource from the family of lance lacewings, providing valuable data for clarifying the phylogenetic placement of the family Osmylidae within Neuroptera.

Biodiversity Genomics Europe↗
PubMed2026

ERGA-BGE reference genome of the Mediterranean monk seal ( Monachus monachus), an IUCN Vulnerable species.

The Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus, is the only pinniped that lives in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. The species was recently classified as "vulnerable" by the IUCN, considering an improvement in its overall status. However, the species' populations have undergone severe bottlenecks due to systematic persecution by humans over the past centuries. Today, the global population of M. monachus is estimated to be no more than 1,000 individuals. The Mediterranean monk seal is mainly using marine caves as resting and pupping sites. It is an opportunistic apex predator and as a result its role is considered important for maintaining the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Nowadays, the species is threatened mainly by the destruction of its habitat (due to coastal development, mass tourism, and pollution) and by the depletion of its prey due to overfishing. The Mediterranean monk seal is an emblematic species; its ecological importance and its vulnerable status render its protection and effective management necessary. The entirety of the genome sequence of a female specimen was assembled into 16 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules, one sex chromosome (X), and one mitochondrial genome. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 2.4 Gb, composed of 316 contigs and 275 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 90.9 Mb and 157 Mb, respectively.

Biodiversity Genomics Europe↗
PubMed2025

Genetic Adaptation to Brackish Water and Spawning Season in European Cisco.

How species adapt to diverse environmental conditions is essential for understanding evolution and the maintenance of biodiversity. The European cisco (Coregonus albula) is a salmonid that occurs in both fresh and brackish water, and this together with the presence of sympatric spring- and autumn-spawning lacustrine populations provides an opportunity for studying the genetics of adaptation in relation to salinity and timing of reproduction. Here, we present a high-quality reference genome of the European cisco based on PacBio HiFi long read sequencing and HiC-directed scaffolding. We generated low-coverage whole-genome sequencing data from 336 individuals across 12 population samples to explore population structure and genetics of ecological adaptation. We found a major subdivision between two groups of populations most likely reflecting colonisation from different glacial refugia. Within the two major groups, we detected further genetic differentiation between spring- and autumn-spawning populations and between populations from freshwater lakes, rivers and brackish water (Bothnian Bay). A genome-wide screen for genetic differentiation among populations identified a set of outlier SNPs strongly correlated with spawning timing and salinity. Several of the genes associated with spawning time, including BHLHE40, TIMELESS and CPT1A, have previously been shown to have a role in circadian rhythm biology. As many as 17 loci were associated with genetic differentiation between populations reproducing in fresh and brackish water. This study provides insights into the genomic basis of ecological adaptation in European cisco with implications for sustainable fishery management.

Animals↗