Scott Nichols

Co-option of Lysosomal Machinery for Sponge Biosilicification

This paper identifies lysosomal genes involved in sponge biosilicification and suggests their co-option for biomineralization across species.

The discovery of an external bacterial niche reconciles sequencing-based microbiomes in a freshwater sponge

This paper uses confocal imaging to show that freshwater sponge-associated bacteria reside in an external host-secreted matrix rather than the mesohyl, challenging previous sequencing-based conclusions about sponge microbiomes.

The fossil record of siliceous sponge spicules can be taken at face value

The paper shows that siliceous sponge spicules first appear in the fossil record during the Cambrian, not the Ediacaran, and that this reflects their actual evolutionary timing rather than taphonomic bias.

Genomic connectivity and adaptation signals of the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri across its distribution

This study examines genetic connectivity and adaptation in Ephydatia muelleri across its range using ddRADseq data, finding low connectivity and polygenic adaptation to environmental factors.

Proteomic analysis of the Aggregation Factor from the sponge Clathria (Microciona) prolifera suggests an ancient protein domain toolkit for allorecognition in animals

The paper uses proteomics to identify AF components in sponges and finds conserved domains suggesting an ancient toolkit for cell adhesion and allorecognition.