The American Genetic Association

Registration will open soon! Our current president, Michael Nachman (www.nachmanlab.org), has put together a great line up of speakers covering various topics in polygenic adaptation.
Full list of speakers can be found on our homepage: https://theaga.org
#AGA2026

These findings highlight its unique evolutionary status and emphasize the importance of conservation efforts in the Mt. Lassen region.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: potterlab.ucdavis.edu
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Genomic analysis confirms the root-parasitic plant Castilleja lassenensis as a distinct species from C. lemmonii, revealing differences in gene content, functional enrichment, and key proteins involved in plant signaling.
Photo: Eric Hunt
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Comparative analysis shows conserved genomes with notable inversions, providing a foundation for understanding phylogeography and hybridization impacts.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
www.ccgproject.org
Corresponding authors: scholar.google.com/c... & rennisonlab.com/people/
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Here are genome assemblies for two important native fishes of the western US: the tui chub (Siphateles bicolor) and arroyo chub (Gila orcuttii). These high-quality genomes—first for their genera—offer crucial insights into their evolution, conservation, and hybridization dynamics.
Photo: USDA
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These triploids may offer insights into hybrid vigor, chromosome dynamics, and long-term evolutionary processes. Understanding hybrid classes enhances our knowledge of speciation and adaptation.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
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Research on hybridization between salamanders Triturus cristatus and T. marmoratus in France reveals a rare but notable presence of triploid (CMM) hybrids, with frequencies up to 18% in some samples.
Photo: Rainer Theuer
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Corresponding authors: orbit.dtu.dk/en/pers... & www.patrickmeirmans.com
#JHered
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Study design & scale influence detection of isolation-by-distance (IBD) and isolation-by environment (IBE). Understanding these processes aids in predicting species responses to environmental change.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...

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A global meta-analysis of mammalian SNP data reveals that landscape resistance—driven by habitat suitability and human impact—primarily shapes spatial genetic differentiation, with isolation-by-resistance (IBR) being most influential.
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This enhances biological inference and comparative studies.
Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
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Introducing S′, an unbiased estimator for the number of segregating sites in SNP data that adjusts for unequal sample sizes & deviations from Hardy–Weinberg proportions. S′ provides more accurate & less variable estimates of genetic diversity across populations.

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Isolated on mountaintops since the Holocene, its restricted habitat makes the summit rat vulnerable to climate change and human impacts.
Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: consevol.org/members... & miguelcamachosanchez...
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Check this out: A third, genetically distinct population of the summit rat (Rattus baluensis) has been discovered on Mt. Trusmadi, Sabah, Borneo.
(Photo from doi.org/10.1371/jour...)
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Paper here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: https://parchmanlab.com & scholar.google.com/c...
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Recent work using hybrid zones in Juniper species show diverse ancestry and increased chemical diversity. Hybrids also occupy intermediate environments and produce unique phytochemicals. This genetic and chemical variation impacts ecology and adaptation.
Photo: Kevin Stanchfield
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These findings improve understanding of hyena and feliform chromosome evolution and aid future genome projects.
Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
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This recently accepted study reveals extensive chromosome conservation between aardwolf and hyenas, sharing a 2n=40 karyotype with high similarity in chromosome structure. Differences like heterochromatic additions distinguish the aardwolf.
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This study of 54,439 loci across 413 canids shows how assortative mating preserves endangered genes, suggesting targeted breeding strategies to boost Red Wolf survival.
More here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: vonholdt.princeton.edu
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This recently accepted study discusses how admixed canids along the Gulf Coast retain high Red Wolf ancestry and unique "ghost" genetic variation, offering innovative conservation opportunities.
(Figure from the article)
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It also supports phylogenetic studies within the genus. This is among the most complete genomes for the tribe Loteae, aiding conservation and evolutionary research. Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
www.ccgproject.org
Corresponding author: ltorresmartinez.com
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A plant genome from the CCGP: a chromosome-level genome assembly of Acmispon strigosus, a native California legume. This resource enhances understanding of nitrogen-fixing adaptations, symbiosis with rhizobia, and impacts of pollution.
Photo: http://www.nps.gov
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The authors propose a framework to better integrate genomic metrics into conservation planning, supporting more sustainable species recovery efforts. Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding authors: www.researchgate.net... & scholar.google.com/c...
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Genomic erosion can persist even after population numbers recover, which tools like the IUCN Red List and Green Status often overlook. Simulations show how effective population size & bottleneck history influence the rate of genomic erosion, affecting genetic load and evolutionary potential.
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This recently-accepted study highlights the critical need to incorporate genomic erosion—the loss of genetic diversity, accumulation of harmful mutations, maladaptation, and introgression—into conservation assessments.
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Read more here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Corresponding author: www.researchgate.net...
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It is important to clearly distinguishing between discreteness and evolutionary significance and avoid over-interpreting adaptive loci. Standardized approaches & clear criteria are essential for reliable ESU identification to inform effective conservation strategies.
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This recently-accepted review highlights the growing use of genomic data to define evolutionary significant units (ESUs) in conservation. While more studies suggest increased ESU numbers, inconsistencies in definitions & analysis methods—such as relying solely on PCA or Fst—pose challenges.
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This genome will support studies on its genetic structure, range shifts, and responses to environmental changes, aiding conservation and management efforts. More info here: doi.org/10.1093/jher...
Lab website: jacobslab.weebly.com
www.ccgproject.org
#JHered
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Another genome from the CCGP: the first chromosome-level genome assembly of California grunion (Leuresthes tenuis)! 🧬 This iconic beach-spawning fish, vital to local culture and fisheries, has seen its range expand significantly in recent decades.
Photo: marinespecies.wildli...
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