1
|
Lyn Fortier A, Pritchard JK. The Primate Major Histocompatibility Complex: An Illustrative Example of Gene Family Evolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.16.613318. [PMID: 39345418 PMCID: PMC11429698 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.16.613318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Gene families are groups of evolutionarily-related genes. One large gene family that has experienced rapid evolution is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), whose proteins serve critical roles in innate and adaptive immunity. Across the ~60 million year history of the primates, some MHC genes have turned over completely, some have changed function, some have converged in function, and others have remained essentially unchanged. Past work has typically focused on identifying MHC alleles within particular species or comparing gene content, but more work is needed to understand the overall evolution of the gene family across species. Thus, despite the immunologic importance of the MHC and its peculiar evolutionary history, we lack a complete picture of MHC evolution in the primates. We readdress this question using sequences from dozens of MHC genes and pseudogenes spanning the entire primate order, building a comprehensive set of gene and allele trees with modern methods. Overall, we find that the Class I gene subfamily is evolving much more quickly than the Class II gene subfamily, with the exception of the Class II MHC-DRB genes. We also pay special attention to the often-ignored pseudogenes, which we use to reconstruct different events in the evolution of the Class I region. We find that despite the shared function of the MHC across species, different species employ different genes, haplotypes, and patterns of variation to achieve a successful immune response. Our trees and extensive literature review represent the most comprehensive look into MHC evolution to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Lyn Fortier
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Jonathan K. Pritchard
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Buckner JC, Jack KM, Melin AD, Schoof VAM, Gutiérrez-Espeleta GA, Lima MGM, Lynch JW. Major histocompatibility complex class II DR and DQ evolution and variation in wild capuchin monkey species (Cebinae). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254604. [PMID: 34383779 PMCID: PMC8360539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important gene complex contributing to adaptive immunity. Studies of platyrrhine MHC have focused on identifying experimental models of immune system function in the equivalent Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). These genes have thus been explored primarily in captive platyrrhine individuals from research colonies. However, investigations of standing MHC variation and evolution in wild populations are essential to understanding its role in immunity, sociality and ecology. Capuchins are a promising model group exhibiting the greatest habitat diversity, widest diet breadth and arguably the most social complexity among platyrrhines, together likely resulting in varied immunological challenges. We use high-throughput sequencing to characterize polymorphism in four Class II DR and DQ exons for the first time in seven capuchin species. We find evidence for at least three copies for DQ genes and at least five for DRB, with possible additional unrecovered diversity. Our data also reveal common genotypes that are inherited across our most widely sampled population, Cebus imitator in Sector Santa Rosa, Costa Rica. Notably, phylogenetic analyses reveal that platyrrhine DQA sequences form a monophyletic group to the exclusion of all Catarrhini sequences examined. This result is inconsistent with the trans-species hypothesis for MHC evolution across infraorders in Primates and provides further evidence for the independent origin of current MHC genetic diversity in Platyrrhini. Identical allele sharing across cebid species, and more rarely genera, however, does underscore the complexity of MHC gene evolution and the need for more comprehensive assessments of allelic diversity and genome structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet C. Buckner
- Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JCB); (JWL)
| | - Katharine M. Jack
- Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Amanda D. Melin
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology and Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Valérie A. M. Schoof
- Bilingual Biology Program, Glendon College, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Marcela G. M. Lima
- Laboratory of Conservation Biogeography and Macroecology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jessica W. Lynch
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JCB); (JWL)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lawson DM, Williams CK, Lavretsky P, Howell DL, Fuller JC. Mallard–Black Duck Hybridization and Population Genetic Structure in North Carolina. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Lawson
- University of Delaware, 531 South College Avenue Newark DE 19716 USA
| | | | - Philip Lavretsky
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue El Paso TX 79968 USA
| | - Douglas L. Howell
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 132 Marine Drive Edenton NC 27699 USA
| | - Joseph C. Fuller
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 132 Marine Drive Edenton NC 27699 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vangenot C, Nunes JM, Doxiadis GM, Poloni ES, Bontrop RE, de Groot NG, Sanchez-Mazas A. Similar patterns of genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium in Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) and humans indicate highly conserved mechanisms of MHC molecular evolution. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:119. [PMID: 32933484 PMCID: PMC7491122 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01669-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many species are threatened with extinction as their population sizes decrease with changing environments or face novel pathogenic threats. A reduction of genetic diversity at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes may have dramatic effects on populations' survival, as these genes play a key role in adaptive immunity. This might be the case for chimpanzees, the MHC genes of which reveal signatures of an ancient selective sweep likely due to a viral epidemic that reduced their population size a few million years ago. To better assess how this past event affected MHC variation in chimpanzees compared to humans, we analysed several indexes of genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium across seven MHC genes on four cohorts of chimpanzees and we compared them to those estimated at orthologous HLA genes in a large set of human populations. RESULTS Interestingly, the analyses uncovered similar patterns of both molecular diversity and linkage disequilibrium across the seven MHC genes in chimpanzees and humans. Indeed, in both species the greatest allelic richness and heterozygosity were found at loci A, B, C and DRB1, the greatest nucleotide diversity at loci DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1, and both significant global linkage disequilibrium and the greatest proportions of haplotypes in linkage disequilibrium were observed at pairs DQA1 ~ DQB1, DQA1 ~ DRB1, DQB1 ~ DRB1 and B ~ C. Our results also showed that, despite some differences among loci, the levels of genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium observed in contemporary chimpanzees were globally similar to those estimated in small isolated human populations, in contrast to significant differences compared to large populations. CONCLUSIONS We conclude, first, that highly conserved mechanisms shaped the diversity of orthologous MHC genes in chimpanzees and humans. Furthermore, our findings support the hypothesis that an ancient demographic decline affecting the chimpanzee populations - like that ascribed to a viral epidemic - exerted a substantial effect on the molecular diversity of their MHC genes, albeit not more pronounced than that experienced by HLA genes in human populations that underwent rapid genetic drift during humans' peopling history. We thus propose a model where chimpanzees' MHC genes regenerated molecular variation through recombination/gene conversion and/or balancing selection after the selective sweep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Vangenot
- Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetics and Peopling History, Department of Genetics and Evolution, Anthropology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - José Manuel Nunes
- Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetics and Peopling History, Department of Genetics and Evolution, Anthropology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gaby M Doxiadis
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288, GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Estella S Poloni
- Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetics and Peopling History, Department of Genetics and Evolution, Anthropology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ronald E Bontrop
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288, GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja G de Groot
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288, GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Alicia Sanchez-Mazas
- Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetics and Peopling History, Department of Genetics and Evolution, Anthropology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ballare KM, Pope NS, Castilla AR, Cusser S, Metz RP, Jha S. Utilizing field collected insects for next generation sequencing: Effects of sampling, storage, and DNA extraction methods. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:13690-13705. [PMID: 31938475 PMCID: PMC6953651 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA sequencing technologies continue to advance the biological sciences, expanding opportunities for genomic studies of non-model organisms for basic and applied questions. Despite these opportunities, many next generation sequencing protocols have been developed assuming a substantial quantity of high molecular weight DNA (>100 ng), which can be difficult to obtain for many study systems. In particular, the ability to sequence field-collected specimens that exhibit varying levels of DNA degradation remains largely unexplored. In this study we investigate the influence of five traditional insect capture and curation methods on Double-Digest Restriction Enzyme Associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing success for three wild bee species. We sequenced a total of 105 specimens (between 7-13 specimens per species and treatment). We additionally investigated how different DNA quality metrics (including pre-sequence concentration and contamination) predicted downstream sequencing success, and also compared two DNA extraction methods. We report successful library preparation for all specimens, with all treatments and extraction methods producing enough highly reliable loci for population genetic analyses. Although results varied between species, we found that specimens collected by net sampling directly into 100% EtOH, or by passive trapping followed by 100% EtOH storage before pinning tended to produce higher quality ddRAD assemblies, likely as a result of rapid specimen desiccation. Surprisingly, we found that specimens preserved in propylene glycol during field sampling exhibited lower-quality assemblies. We provide recommendations for each treatment, extraction method, and DNA quality assessment, and further encourage researchers to consider utilizing a wider variety of specimens for genomic analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M. Ballare
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTXUSA
- Present address:
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of California Santa CruzSanta CruzCAUSA
| | - Nathaniel S. Pope
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTXUSA
- Present address:
Department of EntomologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Antonio R. Castilla
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTXUSA
- Present address:
Centre for Applied Ecology “Prof. Baeta Neves”/INBIOInstitutoSuperior of AgronomyUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Sarah Cusser
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTXUSA
- Present address:
Kellogg Biological StationMichigan State UniversityHickory CornersMIUSA
| | - Richard P. Metz
- Genomics and Bioinformatics ServiceTexas A&M AgriLife ResearchCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Shalene Jha
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTXUSA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carroll EL, Bruford MW, DeWoody JA, Leroy G, Strand A, Waits L, Wang J. Genetic and genomic monitoring with minimally invasive sampling methods. Evol Appl 2018; 11:1094-1119. [PMID: 30026800 PMCID: PMC6050181 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The decreasing cost and increasing scope and power of emerging genomic technologies are reshaping the field of molecular ecology. However, many modern genomic approaches (e.g., RAD-seq) require large amounts of high-quality template DNA. This poses a problem for an active branch of conservation biology: genetic monitoring using minimally invasive sampling (MIS) methods. Without handling or even observing an animal, MIS methods (e.g., collection of hair, skin, faeces) can provide genetic information on individuals or populations. Such samples typically yield low-quality and/or quantities of DNA, restricting the type of molecular methods that can be used. Despite this limitation, genetic monitoring using MIS is an effective tool for estimating population demographic parameters and monitoring genetic diversity in natural populations. Genetic monitoring is likely to become more important in the future as many natural populations are undergoing anthropogenically driven declines, which are unlikely to abate without intensive adaptive management efforts that often include MIS approaches. Here, we profile the expanding suite of genomic methods and platforms compatible with producing genotypes from MIS, considering factors such as development costs and error rates. We evaluate how powerful new approaches will enhance our ability to investigate questions typically answered using genetic monitoring, such as estimating abundance, genetic structure and relatedness. As the field is in a period of unusually rapid transition, we also highlight the importance of legacy data sets and recommend how to address the challenges of moving between traditional and next-generation genetic monitoring platforms. Finally, we consider how genetic monitoring could move beyond genotypes in the future. For example, assessing microbiomes or epigenetic markers could provide a greater understanding of the relationship between individuals and their environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Carroll
- Scottish Oceans Institute and Sea Mammal Research UnitUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Mike W. Bruford
- Cardiff School of Biosciences and Sustainable Places Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiff, WalesUK
| | - J. Andrew DeWoody
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and Department of Biological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
| | - Gregoire Leroy
- Animal Production and Health DivisionFood and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsRomeItaly
| | - Alan Strand
- Grice Marine LaboratoryDepartment of BiologyCollege of CharlestonCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Lisette Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIDUSA
| | - Jinliang Wang
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of LondonLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hernandez-Rodriguez J, Arandjelovic M, Lester J, de Filippo C, Weihmann A, Meyer M, Angedakin S, Casals F, Navarro A, Vigilant L, Kühl HS, Langergraber K, Boesch C, Hughes D, Marques-Bonet T. The impact of endogenous content, replicates and pooling on genome capture from faecal samples. Mol Ecol Resour 2017; 18:319-333. [PMID: 29058768 PMCID: PMC5900898 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Target-capture approach has improved over the past years, proving to be very efficient tool for selectively sequencing genetic regions of interest. These methods have also allowed the use of noninvasive samples such as faeces (characterized by their low quantity and quality of endogenous DNA) to be used in conservation genomic, evolution and population genetic studies. Here we aim to test different protocols and strategies for exome capture using the Roche SeqCap EZ Developer kit (57.5 Mb). First, we captured a complex pool of DNA libraries. Second, we assessed the influence of using more than one faecal sample, extract and/or library from the same individual, to evaluate its effect on the molecular complexity of the experiment. We validated our experiments with 18 chimpanzee faecal samples collected from two field sites as a part of the Pan African Programme: The Cultured Chimpanzee. Those two field sites are in Kibale National Park, Uganda (N = 9) and Loango National Park, Gabon (N = 9). We demonstrate that at least 16 libraries can be pooled, target enriched through hybridization, and sequenced allowing for the genotyping of 951,949 exome markers for population genetic analyses. Further, we observe that molecule richness, and thus, data acquisition, increase when using multiple libraries from the same extract or multiple extracts from the same sample. Finally, repeated captures significantly decrease the proportion of off-target reads from 34.15% after one capture round to 7.83% after two capture rounds, supporting our conclusion that two rounds of target enrichment are advisable when using complex faecal samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hernandez-Rodriguez
- Departament de Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (Universitat Pompeu Fabra/CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jack Lester
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cesare de Filippo
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Weihmann
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Meyer
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Samuel Angedakin
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ferran Casals
- Genomics Core Facility, Departament de Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arcadi Navarro
- Departament de Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (Universitat Pompeu Fabra/CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG), Barcelona, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hjalmar S Kühl
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Leipzig-Jena, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kevin Langergraber
- School of Human Evolution & Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Christophe Boesch
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - David Hughes
- Departament de Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (Universitat Pompeu Fabra/CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.,MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Departament de Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (Universitat Pompeu Fabra/CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG), Barcelona, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gorilla MHC class I gene and sequence variation in a comparative context. Immunogenetics 2017; 69:303-323. [PMID: 28332079 PMCID: PMC5400801 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-017-0974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Comparisons of MHC gene content and diversity among closely related species can provide insights into the evolutionary mechanisms shaping immune system variation. After chimpanzees and bonobos, gorillas are humans’ closest living relatives; but in contrast, relatively little is known about the structure and variation of gorilla MHC class I genes (Gogo). Here, we combined long-range amplifications and long-read sequencing technology to analyze full-length MHC class I genes in 35 gorillas. We obtained 50 full-length genomic sequences corresponding to 15 Gogo-A alleles, 4 Gogo-Oko alleles, 21 Gogo-B alleles, and 10 Gogo-C alleles including 19 novel coding region sequences. We identified two previously undetected MHC class I genes related to Gogo-A and Gogo-B, respectively, thereby illustrating the potential of this approach for efficient and highly accurate MHC genotyping. Consistent with their phylogenetic position within the hominid family, individual gorilla MHC haplotypes share characteristics with humans and chimpanzees as well as orangutans suggesting a complex history of the MHC class I genes in humans and the great apes. However, the overall MHC class I diversity appears to be low further supporting the hypothesis that gorillas might have experienced a reduction of their MHC repertoire.
Collapse
|
9
|
de Groot N, Stanbury K, de Vos-Rouweler AJM, de Groot NG, Poirier N, Blancho G, de Luna C, Doxiadis GGM, Bontrop RE. A quick and robust MHC typing method for free-ranging and captive primate species. Immunogenetics 2017; 69:231-240. [PMID: 28084496 PMCID: PMC5350218 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-016-0968-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of human and non-human primates play a crucial role in adaptive immunity, and most of the relevant genes not only show a high degree of variability (polymorphism) but also copy number variation (CNV) is observed. Due to this diversity, MHC proteins influence the capability of individuals to cope with various pathogens. MHC and/or MHC-linked gene products such as odorant receptor genes are thought to influence mate choice and reproductive success. Therefore, MHC typing of wild and captive primate populations is considered to be useful in conservation biology, which is, however, often hampered by the need of invasive and time-consuming methods. All intact Mhc-DRB genes in primates appear to possess a complex and highly divergent microsatellite, DRB-STR. A panel of 154 pedigreed olive baboons (Papio anubis) was examined for their DRB content by DRB-STR analysis of genomic DNA. Using the same methodology on DNA of feces samples, DRB variability of a silvery gibbon population (Hylobates moloch) (N = 24), an endangered species, could successfully be studied. In both species, length determination of the DRB-STR resulted in the definition of unique genotyping patterns that appeared to be specific for a certain chromosome. Moreover, the different STR lengths were shown to segregate with the allelic variation of the respective gene. The results obtained expand data gained previously on DRB-STR typing in macaques, great apes, and humans and strengthen the conclusion that this protocol is applicable in molecular ecology, conservation biology, and colony management, especially of endangered primate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N de Groot
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Department of Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - K Stanbury
- Writtle College, Essex University, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3RR, UK
| | - A J M de Vos-Rouweler
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Department of Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - N G de Groot
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Department of Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - N Poirier
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM) UMR1064, Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Nephrologie (ITUN), 30 Bd Jean Monnet, 44093, Nantes, France
| | - G Blancho
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM) UMR1064, Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Nephrologie (ITUN), 30 Bd Jean Monnet, 44093, Nantes, France
| | - C de Luna
- Writtle College, Essex University, Lordship Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3RR, UK
| | - G G M Doxiadis
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Department of Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
| | - R E Bontrop
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Department of Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2288 GJ, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.,Department of Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Integrating Genomic Data Sets for Knowledge Discovery: An Informed Approach to Management of Captive Endangered Species. Int J Genomics 2016; 2016:2374610. [PMID: 27376076 PMCID: PMC4916311 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2374610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many endangered captive populations exhibit reduced genetic diversity resulting in health issues that impact reproductive fitness and quality of life. Numerous cost effective genomic sequencing and genotyping technologies provide unparalleled opportunity for incorporating genomics knowledge in management of endangered species. Genomic data, such as sequence data, transcriptome data, and genotyping data, provide critical information about a captive population that, when leveraged correctly, can be utilized to maximize population genetic variation while simultaneously reducing unintended introduction or propagation of undesirable phenotypes. Current approaches aimed at managing endangered captive populations utilize species survival plans (SSPs) that rely upon mean kinship estimates to maximize genetic diversity while simultaneously avoiding artificial selection in the breeding program. However, as genomic resources increase for each endangered species, the potential knowledge available for management also increases. Unlike model organisms in which considerable scientific resources are used to experimentally validate genotype-phenotype relationships, endangered species typically lack the necessary sample sizes and economic resources required for such studies. Even so, in the absence of experimentally verified genetic discoveries, genomics data still provides value. In fact, bioinformatics and comparative genomics approaches offer mechanisms for translating these raw genomics data sets into integrated knowledge that enable an informed approach to endangered species management.
Collapse
|
11
|
Grogan KE, McGinnis GJ, Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, Drea CM. Next-generation genotyping of hypervariable loci in many individuals of a non-model species: technical and theoretical implications. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:204. [PMID: 26957424 PMCID: PMC4782575 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2503-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across species, diversity at the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is critical to disease resistance and population health; however, use of MHC diversity to quantify the genetic health of populations has been hampered by the extreme variation found in MHC genes. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology generates sufficient data to genotype even the most diverse species, but workflows for distinguishing artifacts from alleles are still under development. We used NGS to evaluate the MHC diversity of over 300 captive and wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta: Primates: Mammalia). We modified a published workflow to address errors that arise from deep sequencing individuals and tested for evidence of selection at the most diverse MHC genes. RESULTS In addition to evaluating the accuracy of 454 Titanium and Ion Torrent PGM for genotyping large populations at hypervariable genes, we suggested modifications to improve current methods of allele calling. Using these modifications, we genotyped 302 out of 319 individuals, obtaining an average sequencing depth of over 1000 reads per amplicon. We identified 55 MHC-DRB alleles, 51 of which were previously undescribed, and provide the first sequences of five additional MHC genes: DOA, DOB, DPA, DQA, and DRA. The additional five MHC genes had one or two alleles each with little sequence variation; however, the 55 MHC-DRB alleles showed a high dN/dS ratio and trans-species polymorphism, indicating a history of positive selection. Because each individual possessed 1-7 MHC-DRB alleles, we suggest that ring-tailed lemurs have four, putatively functional, MHC-DRB copies. CONCLUSIONS In the future, accurate genotyping methods for NGS data will be critical to assessing genetic variation in non-model species. We recommend that future NGS studies increase the proportion of replicated samples, both within and across platforms, particularly for hypervariable genes like the MHC. Quantifying MHC diversity within non-model species is the first step to assessing the relationship of genetic diversity at functional loci to individual fitness and population viability. Owing to MHC-DRB diversity and copy number, ring-tailed lemurs may serve as an ideal model for estimating the interaction between genetic diversity, fitness, and environment, especially regarding endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Grogan
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Emory University, Room 2006 O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | | | - Michelle L Sauther
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Frank P Cuozzo
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Christine M Drea
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, USA
| |
Collapse
|