November 1, 2025

PLOS Genetics

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10/30/2025

research article

High-throughput conjugation reveals strain specific recombination patterns enabling precise trait mapping in Escherichia coli

In this article, the authors develop a high-throughput conjugation method in E. coli and, using whole-genome sequencing, reveal strain-specific recombination patterns with fragment sizes from under 10 kb to over 1 Mb. This diversity enables kilobase-scale trait mapping and challenges the view that conjugation only transfers large DNA segments.

Image credit: pgen.1011636

High-throughput conjugation reveals strain specific recombination patterns enabling precise trait mapping in Escherichia coli

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Current Issue October 2025

10/27/2025

research article

TERT translocation to mitochondria: Exploring its role in mitochondrial homeostasis

Here, the authors show that TERT localizes within mitochondria under physiological conditions, independent of TERC. TERT binds mitochondrial DNA, influencing replication and transcription, and induces mitochondrial network fragmentation. These findings suggest that TERT regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics to maintain homeostasis and link its non-canonical functions to cellular states and disease.

Image credit: pgen.1011923

TERT translocation to mitochondria: Exploring its role in mitochondrial homeostasis

10/27/2025

research article

The epigenetic factor Zrf1 regulates intestinal stem cell proliferation during midgut regeneration

Through an RNAi screen in the Drosophila midgut, the authors identify the epigenetic factor Zrf1 as a key regulator of intestinal stem cell proliferation. Functional analyses show that Zrf1 integrates signals from multiple pathways and interacts with components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), suggesting it acts as a chromatin regulator essential for maintaining stem cell proliferation.

Image credit: pgen.1011910

The epigenetic factor Zrf1 regulates intestinal stem cell proliferation during midgut regeneration

10/31/2025

research article

The tRNA epitranscriptomic landscape and RNA modification enzymes in Vibrio cholerae

Here, the authors present an isodecoder-level map of tRNA modifications in Vibrio cholerae, generated using chemical sequencing of wild-type and deletion strains. This first validated genome-wide map of tRNA modifications in V. cholerae provides a reference for studying RNA modification and translation in this pathogen.

Image credit: pgen.1011937

10/31/2025

research article

METTL3 facilitates the translation of CircSIK2 during chicken myogenesis in an m⁶A dependent manner

Using sequencing, ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry, the authors identify circular RNAs translated during chicken myogenesis. They show that circSIK2 is methylated by METTL3 and translated into SIK2-176aa, promoting myoblast growth and muscle hypertrophy, revealing an m⁶A-dependent circRNA translation mechanism in poultry.

METTL3 facilitates the translation of CircSIK2 during chicken myogenesis in an m6A dependent manner

Image credit: pgen.1011934

10/24/2025

research article

TSSKL is essential for sperm mitochondrial morphogenesis and male fertility in moths

Using CRISPR/Cas9 in silk and diamondback moths, the authors show that the testis-specific kinase-like gene TSSKL is essential for male fertility. Loss of TSSKL disrupts mitochondrial structure and metabolism in both sperm types, causing complete male sterility and identifying TSSKL as a potential pest control target.

Image credit: pgen.1011914

10/13/2025

research article

Twitching motility suppressors reveal a role for FimX in type IV pilus extension dynamics

The authors show that FimX controls type IV pilus extension in Pseudomonas aeruginosa via the ATPase PilB. Deleting fimX shortens pili and impairs twitching, rescued by mutations that enhance PilB activity.

Image credit: pgen.1011802

10/22/2025

research article

C. elegans SAS-1 ensures centriole integrity and ciliary function, and operates with SSNA-1

In this study, the authors show that SAS-1 maintains centriole integrity and ciliary function in C. elegans, acting with SSNA-1 to recruit it to centrioles and microtubules and ensure organelle stability.

Image credit: pgen.1011912

10/15/2025

research article

The intracellular symbiont Wolbachia alters Drosophila development and metabolism to buffer against nutritional stress

Using Drosophila melanogaster and its native Wolbachia strain wMel, the authors show that infection supports development and buffers against nutritional stress.

Image credit: pgen.1011905

10/23/2025

research article

Paf1C regulates the Neurospora circadian clock by promoting the transcription elongation of frequency

In this study, the authors show that Paf1C sustains the Neurospora circadian rhythm by promoting elongation of the clock gene frq through histone modification and H2B ubiquitination.

Image credit: pgen.1011926

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Discover Our Updated Editorial Board Webpage!

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Easily find and explore board members with our improved layout and seamless navigation.
PLOS Genetics welcomes new Section Editors in 2024

We've been thrilled to welcome:

Marnie Blewitt, Giovanni Bosco, Gregory M. Cooper, Paula Cohen, Monica Colaiacovo, Danielle Garsin, Kent Hunter, Hongbin Ji, Zoltan Kutalik, Anne O'Donnell-Luria, Giorgio Sirugo, Pablo Wappner, and Fengwei Yu!
Harmit Malik receives Novitski Prize

Congratulations to Associate Editor Harmit Malik, who was awarded the Edward Novitski Prize by the Genetics Society of America for his work on genetic conflict. Harmit has also been elected as a new member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

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