1
|
Le Clercq LS, Phetla V, Osinubi ST, Kotzé A, Grobler JP, Dalton DL. Phenotypic correlates between clock genes and phenology among populations of Diederik cuckoo, Chrysococcyx caprius. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70117. [PMID: 39091329 PMCID: PMC11291300 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Diederik cuckoo, Chrysococcyx caprius, is a small Afrotropical bird in the family Cuculidae. It is taxonomically related to 13 other species within the genus Chrysococcyx and is migratory in sub-Saharan Africa. It has a unique breeding behaviour of being a brood parasite: Breeding pairs lay their eggs in the nests of a host species and hatchlings expel the eggs of the host species. The aim of the present study was to investigate diversity in two circadian clock genes, Clock and Adcyap1, to probe for a relationship between genetic polymorphisms and their role in circannual timing and habitat selection (phenology) in intra-African migrants. DNA extracted from blood was used for the PCR amplification and sequencing of clock genes in 30 Diederik cuckoos. Three alleles were detected for Clock with similar genotypes between individuals from the Northern and Southern breeding ranges while 10 alleles were detected for Adcyap1, having shorter alleles in the North and longer alleles in the South. Population genetic analyses, including allele frequency and zygosity analysis, showed distinctly higher frequencies for the most abundant Clock allele, containing 10 polyglutamine repeats, as well as a high degree of homozygosity. In contrast, all individuals were heterozygous for Adcyap1 and alleles from both regions showed distinct differences in abundance. Comparisons between both clock genes and phenology found several phenotypic correlations. This included evidence of a relationship between the shorter alleles and habitat selection as well as a relationship between longer alleles and timing. In both instances, evidence is provided that these effects may be sex-specific. Given that these genes drive some of the synchronicity between environments and the life cycles of birds, they provide valuable insight into the fitness of species facing global challenges including climate change, urbanisation and expanding agricultural practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L. S. Le Clercq
- South African National Biodiversity InstitutePretoriaSouth Africa
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of the Free StateBloemfonteinSouth Africa
| | - V. Phetla
- South African National Biodiversity InstitutePretoriaSouth Africa
| | - S. T. Osinubi
- FitzPatrick Institute of African OrnithologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - A. Kotzé
- South African National Biodiversity InstitutePretoriaSouth Africa
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of the Free StateBloemfonteinSouth Africa
| | - J. P. Grobler
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of the Free StateBloemfonteinSouth Africa
| | - D. L. Dalton
- School of Health and Life SciencesTeesside UniversityMiddlesbroughUK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gu Z, Dixon A, Zhan X. Genetics and Evolution of Bird Migration. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:21-43. [PMID: 37906839 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021122-092239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Bird migration has long been a subject of fascination for humankind and is a behavior that is both intricate and multifaceted. In recent years, advances in technology, particularly in the fields of genomics and animal tracking, have enabled significant progress in our understanding of this phenomenon. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest advancements in the genetics of bird migration, with a particular focus on genomics, and examine various factors that contribute to the evolution of this behavior, including climate change. Integration of research from the fields of genomics, ecology, and evolution can enhance our comprehension of the complex mechanisms involved in bird migration and inform conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongru Gu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
- Cardiff University-Institute of Zoology Joint Laboratory for Biocomplexity Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew Dixon
- Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Xiangjiang Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
- Cardiff University-Institute of Zoology Joint Laboratory for Biocomplexity Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Le Clercq LS, Bazzi G, Ferrer Obiol J, Cecere JG, Gianfranceschi L, Grobler JP, Kotzé A, Riutort León M, González-Solís J, Rubolini D, Liedvogel M, Dalton DL. Birds of a feather flock together: a dataset for Clock and Adcyap1 genes from migration genetics studies. Sci Data 2023; 10:787. [PMID: 37945571 PMCID: PMC10636037 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02717-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds in seasonal habitats rely on intricate strategies for optimal timing of migrations. This is governed by environmental cues, including photoperiod. Genetic factors affecting intrinsic timekeeping mechanisms, such as circadian clock genes, have been explored, yielding inconsistent findings with potential lineage-dependency. To clarify this evidence, a systematic review and phylogenetic reanalysis was done. This descriptor outlines the methodology for sourcing, screening, and processing relevant literature and data. PRISMA guidelines were followed, ultimately including 66 studies, with 34 focusing on candidate genes at the genotype-phenotype interface. Studies were clustered using bibliographic coupling and citation network analysis, alongside scientometric analyses by publication year and location. Data was retrieved for allele data from databases, article supplements, and direct author communications. The dataset, version 1.0.2, encompasses data from 52 species, with 46 species for the Clock gene and 43 for the Adcyap1 gene. This dataset, featuring data from over 8000 birds, constitutes the most extensive cross-species collection for these candidate genes, used in studies investigating gene polymorphisms and seasonal bird migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Stéphane Le Clercq
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa.
| | - Gaia Bazzi
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Ca' Fornacetta 9, I-40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Joan Ferrer Obiol
- Departament de Genètica, Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Ca' Fornacetta 9, I-40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Luca Gianfranceschi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy
| | - J Paul Grobler
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Antoinette Kotzé
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Marta Riutort León
- Departament de Genètica, Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jacob González-Solís
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque, IRSA-CNR, Via del Mulino 19, I-20861, Brugherio, (MB), Italy
| | - Miriam Liedvogel
- Max Planck Research Group Behavioural Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306, Plön, Germany
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Desiré Lee Dalton
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Le Clercq LS, Bazzi G, Cecere JG, Gianfranceschi L, Grobler JP, Kotzé A, Rubolini D, Liedvogel M, Dalton DL. Time trees and clock genes: a systematic review and comparative analysis of contemporary avian migration genetics. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1051-1080. [PMID: 36879518 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Timing is a crucial aspect for survival and reproduction in seasonal environments leading to carefully scheduled annual programs of migration in many species. But what are the exact mechanisms through which birds (class: Aves) can keep track of time, anticipate seasonal changes, and adapt their behaviour? One proposed mechanism regulating annual behaviour is the circadian clock, controlled by a highly conserved set of genes, collectively called 'clock genes' which are well established in controlling the daily rhythmicity of physiology and behaviour. Due to diverse migration patterns observed within and among species, in a seemingly endogenously programmed manner, the field of migration genetics has sought and tested several candidate genes within the clock circuitry that may underlie the observed differences in breeding and migration behaviour. Among others, length polymorphisms within genes such as Clock and Adcyap1 have been hypothesised to play a putative role, although association and fitness studies in various species have yielded mixed results. To contextualise the existing body of data, here we conducted a systematic review of all published studies relating polymorphisms in clock genes to seasonality in a phylogenetically and taxonomically informed manner. This was complemented by a standardised comparative re-analysis of candidate gene polymorphisms of 76 bird species, of which 58 are migrants and 18 are residents, along with population genetics analyses for 40 species with available allele data. We tested genetic diversity estimates, used Mantel tests for spatial genetic analyses, and evaluated relationships between candidate gene allele length and population averages for geographic range (breeding- and non-breeding latitude), migration distance, timing of migration, taxonomic relationships, and divergence times. Our combined analysis provided evidence (i) of a putative association between Clock gene variation and autumn migration as well as a putative association between Adcyap1 gene variation and spring migration in migratory species; (ii) that these candidate genes are not diagnostic markers to distinguish migratory from sedentary birds; and (iii) of correlated variability in both genes with divergence time, potentially reflecting ancestrally inherited genotypes rather than contemporary changes driven by selection. These findings highlight a tentative association between these candidate genes and migration attributes as well as genetic constraints on evolutionary adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Stéphane Le Clercq
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Gaia Bazzi
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Ca' Fornacetta 9, Ozzano Emilia (BO), I-40064, Italy
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Ca' Fornacetta 9, Ozzano Emilia (BO), I-40064, Italy
| | - Luca Gianfranceschi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy
| | - Johannes Paul Grobler
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Antoinette Kotzé
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan, I-20133, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque, IRSA-CNR, Via del Mulino 19, Brugherio (MB), I-20861, Italy
| | - Miriam Liedvogel
- Max Planck Research Group Behavioral Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, 24306, Germany
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven, 26386, Germany
| | - Desiré Lee Dalton
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bonar M, Anderson SJ, Anderson CR, Wittemyer G, Northrup JM, Shafer ABA. Genomic correlates for migratory direction in a free-ranging cervid. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221969. [PMID: 36475444 PMCID: PMC9727677 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal migrations are some of the most ubiquitous and one of the most threatened ecological processes globally. A wide range of migratory behaviours occur in nature, and this behaviour is not uniform among and within species, where even individuals in the same population can exhibit differences. While the environment largely drives migratory behaviour, it is necessary to understand the genetic mechanisms influencing migration to elucidate the potential of migratory species to cope with novel conditions and adapt to environmental change. In this study, we identified genes associated with a migratory trait by undertaking pooled genome-wide scans on a natural population of migrating mule deer. We identified genomic regions associated with variation in migratory direction, including FITM1, a gene linked to the formation of lipids, and DPPA3, a gene linked to epigenetic modifications of the maternal line. Such a genetic basis for a migratory trait contributes to the adaptive potential of the species and might affect the flexibility of individuals to change their behaviour in the face of changes in their environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maegwin Bonar
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
| | - Spencer J. Anderson
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
| | - Charles R. Anderson
- Mammals Research Section, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - George Wittemyer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Joseph M. Northrup
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2,Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9J 3C7
| | - Aaron B. A. Shafer
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Almeida Miranda D, Araripe J, de Morais Magalhães NG, de Siqueira LS, de Abreu CC, Pereira PDC, Henrique EP, da Silva Chira PAC, de Melo MAD, do Rêgo PS, Diniz DG, Sherry DF, Diniz CWP, Guerreiro-Diniz C. Shorebirds' Longer Migratory Distances Are Associated With Larger ADCYAP1 Microsatellites and Greater Morphological Complexity of Hippocampal Astrocytes. Front Psychol 2022; 12:784372. [PMID: 35185684 PMCID: PMC8855117 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.784372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For the epic journey of autumn migration, long-distance migratory birds use innate and learned information and follow strict schedules imposed by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, the details of which remain largely unknown. In addition, bird migration requires integrated action of different multisensory systems for learning and memory, and the hippocampus appears to be the integration center for this task. In previous studies we found that contrasting long-distance migratory flights differentially affected the morphological complexity of two types of hippocampus astrocytes. Recently, a significant association was found between the latitude of the reproductive site and the size of the ADCYAP1 allele in long distance migratory birds. We tested for correlations between astrocyte morphological complexity, migratory distances, and size of the ADCYAP1 allele in three long-distance migrant species of shorebird and one non-migrant. Significant differences among species were found in the number and morphological complexity of the astrocytes, as well as in the size of the microsatellites of the ADCYAP1 gene. We found significant associations between the size of the ADCYAP1 microsatellites, the migratory distances, and the degree of morphological complexity of the astrocytes. We suggest that associations between astrocyte number and morphological complexity, ADCYAP1 microsatellite size, and migratory behavior may be part of the adaptive response to the migratory process of shorebirds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego de Almeida Miranda
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil.,Laboratório de Genética e Conservação, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros (IECOS), Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Juliana Araripe
- Laboratório de Genética e Conservação, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros (IECOS), Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Nara G de Morais Magalhães
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Lucas Silva de Siqueira
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Cintya Castro de Abreu
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Patrick Douglas Corrêa Pereira
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Ediely Pereira Henrique
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Pedro Arthur Campos da Silva Chira
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Mauro A D de Melo
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Péricles Sena do Rêgo
- Laboratório de Genética e Conservação, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros (IECOS), Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guerreiro Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Belém, Brazil.,Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Brazil
| | - David Francis Sherry
- Department of Psychology, Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cristovam W P Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Belém, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Guerreiro-Diniz
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Bragança, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Bragança, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Parody-Merino ÁM, Battley PF, Conklin JR, Fidler AE. No evidence for an association between Clock gene allelic variation and migration timing in a long-distance migratory shorebird (Limosa lapponica baueri). Oecologia 2019; 191:843-859. [PMID: 31659437 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-019-04524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The gene Clock is a key part of the Core Circadian Oscillator, and the length of the polyglutamine (poly-Q) repeat sequence in Clock (ClkpolyQcds) has been proposed to be associated with the timing of annual cycle events in birds. We tested whether variation in ClkpolyQcds corresponds to variation in migration timing in the bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri), a species in which individuals show strong annual consistency in their migration timing despite the New Zealand population migrating across a 5-week period. We describe allelic variation of the ClkpolyQcds in 135 godwits over-wintering in New Zealand (N.Z.) and investigate whether polymorphism in this region is associated with northward migration timing (chronophenotype) from N.Z. or (for 32 birds tracked by geolocator) after the primary stopover in Asia. Six Clock alleles were detected (Q7‒Q12) and there was substantial variation between individuals (heterozygosity of 0.79). There was no association between ClkpolyQcds polymorphism and migration timing from N.Z. The length of the shorter Clock allele was related to migration timing from Asia, though this relationship arose largely from just a few northern-breeding birds with longer alleles. Other studies show no consistent associations between ClkpolyQcds and migration timing in birds, although Clock may be associated with breeding latitude in some species (as an adaptation to photoperiodic regime). Apparent relationships with migration timing could reflect latitude-related variation in migration timing, rather than Clock directly affecting migration timing. On current evidence, ClkpolyQcds is not a strong candidate for driving migration timing in migratory birds generally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángela M Parody-Merino
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Phil F Battley
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Jesse R Conklin
- Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, 9700 AB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew E Fidler
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ralston J, Lorenc L, Montes M, DeLuca WV, Kirchman JJ, Woodworth BK, Mackenzie SA, Newman A, Cooke HA, Freeman NE, Sutton AO, Tauzer L, Norris DR. Length polymorphisms at two candidate genes explain variation of migratory behaviors in blackpoll warblers ( Setophaga striata). Ecol Evol 2019; 9:8840-8855. [PMID: 31410284 PMCID: PMC6686290 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory behaviors such as the timing and duration of migration are genetically inherited and can be under strong natural selection, yet we still know very little about the specific genes or molecular pathways that control these behaviors. Studies in candidate genes Clock and Adcyap1 have revealed that both of these loci can be significantly correlated with migratory behaviors in birds, though observed relationships appear to vary across species. We investigated geographic genetic structure of Clock and Adcyap1 in four populations of blackpoll warblers (Setophaga striata), a Neotropical-Nearctic migrant that exhibits geographic variation in migratory timing and duration across its boreal breeding distribution. Further, we used data on migratory timing and duration, obtained from light-level geolocator trackers to investigate candidate genotype-phenotype relationships at the individual level. While we found no geographic structure in either candidate gene, we did find evidence that candidate gene lengths are correlated with five of the six migratory traits. Maximum Clock allele length was significantly and negatively associated with spring arrival date. Minimum Adcyap1 allele length was significantly and negatively associated with spring departure date and positively associated with fall arrival date at the wintering grounds. Additionally, we found a significant interaction between Clock and Adcyap1 allele lengths on both spring and fall migratory duration. Adcyap1 heterozygotes also had significantly shorter migration duration in both spring and fall compared to homozygotes. Our results support the growing body of evidence that Clock and Adcyap1 allele lengths are correlated with migratory behaviors in birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Ralston
- Department of BiologySaint Mary's CollegeNotre DameINUSA
| | - Lydia Lorenc
- Department of BiologySaint Mary's CollegeNotre DameINUSA
| | - Melissa Montes
- Department of BiologySaint Mary's CollegeNotre DameINUSA
| | - William V. DeLuca
- Department of Environmental ConservationUniversity of MassachusettsAmherstMAUSA
| | | | - Bradley K. Woodworth
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - Amy Newman
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
| | | | | | - Alex O. Sutton
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
| | - Lila Tauzer
- Wildlife Conservation Society CanadaWhitehorseYTCanada
| | - D. Ryan Norris
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Romano A, Possenti CD, Caprioli M, Gatti E, Gianfranceschi L, Rubolini D, Saino N, Parolini M. Circadian genes polymorphism and breeding phenology in a resident bird, the yellow‐legged gull. J Zool (1987) 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Romano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - C. D. Possenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - M. Caprioli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - E. Gatti
- Department of Biosciences University of Milan Milan Italy
| | | | - D. Rubolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - N. Saino
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - M. Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of Milan Milan Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bazzi G, Cecere JG, Caprioli M, Gatti E, Gianfranceschi L, Podofillini S, Possenti CD, Ambrosini R, Saino N, Spina F, Rubolini D. Clock gene polymorphism, migratory behaviour and geographic distribution: a comparative study of trans-Saharan migratory birds. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:6077-6091. [PMID: 27862517 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Migratory behaviour is controlled by endogenous circannual rhythms that are synchronized by external cues, such as photoperiod. Investigations on the genetic basis of circannual rhythmicity in vertebrates have highlighted that variation at candidate 'circadian clock' genes may play a major role in regulating photoperiodic responses and timing of life cycle events, such as reproduction and migration. In this comparative study of 23 trans-Saharan migratory bird species, we investigated the relationships between species-level genetic variation at two candidate genes, Clock and Adcyap1, and species' traits related to migration and geographic distribution, including timing of spring migration across the Mediterranean Sea, migration distance and breeding latitude. Consistently with previous evidence showing latitudinal clines in 'circadian clock' genotype frequencies, Clock allele size increased with breeding latitude across species. However, early- and late-migrating species had similar Clock allele size. Species migrating over longer distances, showing delayed spring migration and smaller phenotypic variance in spring migration timing, had significantly reduced Clock (but not Adcyap1) gene diversity. Phylogenetic confirmatory path analysis suggested that migration date and distance were the most important variables directly affecting Clock gene diversity. Hence, our study supports the hypothesis that Clock allele size increases poleward as a consequence of adaptation to the photoperiodic regime of the breeding areas. Moreover, we show that long-distance migration is associated with lower Clock diversity, coherently with strong stabilizing selection acting on timing of life cycle events in long-distance migratory species, likely resulting from the time constraints imposed by late spring migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Bazzi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- ISPRA - Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Cà Fornacetta 9, I-40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gatti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Gianfranceschi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Podofillini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina D Possenti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Terra (DISAT), Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, I-20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Fernando Spina
- ISPRA - Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Cà Fornacetta 9, I-40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Johnston RA, Paxton KL, Moore FR, Wayne RK, Smith TB. Seasonal gene expression in a migratory songbird. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:5680-5691. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Johnston
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles 610 Charles E Young Dr. South Rm. 4162 Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Kristina L. Paxton
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
- Department of Biology University of Hawaii Hilo Hilo HI 96720 USA
| | - Frank R. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
| | - Robert K. Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles 610 Charles E Young Dr. South Rm. 4162 Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Thomas B. Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles 610 Charles E Young Dr. South Rm. 4162 Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
- Center for Tropical Research Institute of the Environment and Sustainability University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bazzi G, Podofillini S, Gatti E, Gianfranceschi L, Cecere JG, Spina F, Saino N, Rubolini D. Candidate genes have sex-specific effects on timing of spring migration and moult speed in a long-distance migratory bird. Curr Zool 2016; 63:479-486. [PMID: 29492007 PMCID: PMC5804205 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The timing of major life-history events, such as migration and moult, is set by endogenous circadian and circannual clocks, that have been well characterized at the molecular level. Conversely, the genetic sources of variation in phenology and in other behavioral traits have been sparsely addressed. It has been proposed that inter-individual variability in the timing of seasonal events may arise from allelic polymorphism at phenological candidate genes involved in the signaling cascade of the endogenous clocks. In this study of a long-distance migratory passerine bird, the willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, we investigated whether allelic variation at 5 polymorphic loci of 4 candidate genes (Adcyap1, Clock, Creb1, and Npas2), predicted 2 major components of the annual schedule, namely timing of spring migration across the central Mediterranean sea and moult speed, the latter gauged from ptilochronological analyses of tail feathers moulted in the African winter quarters. We identified a novel Clock gene locus (Clock region 3) showing polyQ polymorphism, which was however not significantly associated with any phenotypic trait. Npas2 allele size predicted male (but not female) spring migration date, with males bearing longer alleles migrating significantly earlier than those bearing shorter alleles. Creb1 allele size significantly predicted male (but not female) moult speed, longer alleles being associated with faster moult. All other genotype-phenotype associations were statistically non-significant. These findings provide new evidence for a role of candidate genes in modulating the phenology of different circannual activities in long-distance migratory birds, and for the occurrence of sex-specific candidate gene effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Bazzi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Podofillini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gatti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Luca Gianfranceschi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- ISPRA-Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Cà Fornacetta 9, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO I-40064, Italy
| | - Fernando Spina
- ISPRA-Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, via Cà Fornacetta 9, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO I-40064, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| |
Collapse
|