R. Kajitani

A chromosome-level genome sequence of a model chrysanthemum: evolution and 1 reference for hexaploid cultivated chrysanthemum

The paper presents a chromosome-level genome sequence of a diploid chrysanthemum, identifies recent retrotransposon activity, and demonstrates its utility for positional cloning and breeding.

Integrated population genomic analysis and numerical simulation to estimate larval dispersal of Acanthaster cf. solaris between Ogasawara and other Japanese regions

This study estimates larval dispersal of Acanthaster cf. solaris between Ogasawara and Kuroshio regions using genomic analysis and oceanographic simulations, finding limited short-term dispersal but gradual long-term connectivity.

A universal subcuticular bacterial symbiont of a coral predator, the crown-of-thorns starfish, in the Indo-Pacific

This study identifies a universal bacterial symbiont, COTS27, found in the subcuticular space of crown-of-thorns starfish across the Indo-Pacific, suggesting an ancient symbiotic relationship.

Repeated inversions at the pannier intron drive diversification of intraspecific colour patterns of ladybird beetles

The paper identifies pannier as a key regulatory gene for color pattern variation in ladybird beetles and shows that inversions and cis-regulatory changes at this gene drive intraspecific diversity.