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Napolitano C, Sacristán I, Acuña F, Aguilar E, García S, López-Jara MJ, Cabello J, Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Poulin E, Grueber CE. Assessing micro-macroparasite selective pressures and anthropogenic disturbance as drivers of immune gene diversity in a Neotropical wild cat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:166289. [PMID: 37591403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic environmental change is reducing available habitat for wild species, providing novel selection pressures such as infectious diseases and causing species to interact in new ways. The potential for emerging infectious diseases and zoonoses at the interface between humans, domestic animals, and wild species is a key global concern. In vertebrates, diversity at the major histocompatibility complex MHC is critical to disease resilience, and its study in wild populations provides insights into eco-evolutionary dynamics that human activities alter. In natural populations, variation at MHC loci is partly maintained by balancing selection, driven by pathogenic selective pressures. We hypothesize that MHC genetic diversity differs between guigna populations inhabiting human-dominated landscapes (higher pathogen pressures) versus more natural habitats (lower pathogen pressures). We predict that MHC diversity in guignas would be highest in human-dominated landscapes compared with continuous forest habitats. We also expected to find higher MHC diversity in guignas infected with micro and macro parasites (higher parasite load) versus non infected guignas. We characterized for the first time the genetic diversity at three MHC class I and II exons in 128 wild guignas (Leopardus guigna) across their distribution range in Chile (32-46° S) and Argentina, representing landscapes with varying levels of human disturbance. We integrated MHC sequence diversity with multiple measures of anthropogenic disturbance and both micro and macro parasite infection data. We also assessed signatures of positive selection acting on MHC genes. We found significantly higher MHC class I diversity in guignas inhabiting landscapes where houses were present, and with lower percentage of vegetation cover, and also in animals with more severe cardiorespiratory helminth infection (richness and intensity) and micro-macroparasite co-infection. This comprehensive, landscape-level assessment further enhances our knowledge on the evolutionary dynamics and adaptive potential of vertebrates in the face of emerging infectious disease threats and increasing anthropogenic impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Napolitano
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile; Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Concepción, Chile; Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile.
| | - Irene Sacristán
- Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Acuña
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emilio Aguilar
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián García
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María José López-Jara
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Cabello
- Chiloé Silvestre Center for the Conservation of Biodiversity, Ancud, Chile
| | | | - Elie Poulin
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Concepción, Chile; Millennium Institute of Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems and Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Jelinek AL, Futas J, Burger PA, Horin P. Comparative genomics of the Leukocyte Receptor Complex in carnivores. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197687. [PMID: 37234165 PMCID: PMC10206138 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197687] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The mammalian Leukocyte Receptor Complex (LRC) chromosomal region may contain gene families for the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and/or leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) collections as well as various framing genes. This complex region is well described in humans, mice, and some domestic animals. Although single KIR genes are known in some Carnivora, their complements of LILR genes remain largely unknown due to obstacles in the assembly of regions of high homology in short-read based genomes. Methods As part of the analysis of felid immunogenomes, this study focuses on the search for LRC genes in reference genomes and the annotation of LILR genes in Felidae. Chromosome-level genomes based on single-molecule long-read sequencing were preferentially sought and compared to representatives of the Carnivora. Results Seven putatively functional LILR genes were found across the Felidae and in the Californian sea lion, four to five genes in Canidae, and four to nine genes in Mustelidae. They form two lineages, as seen in the Bovidae. The ratio of functional genes for activating LILRs to inhibitory LILRs is slightly in favor of inhibitory genes in the Felidae and the Canidae; the reverse is seen in the Californian sea lion. This ratio is even in all of the Mustelidae except the Eurasian otter, which has a predominance of activating LILRs. Various numbers of LILR pseudogenes were identified. Conclusions The structure of the LRC is rather conservative in felids and the other Carnivora studied. The LILR sub-region is conserved within the Felidae and has slight differences in the Canidae, but it has taken various evolutionary paths in the Mustelidae. Overall, the process of pseudogenization of LILR genes seems to be more frequent for activating receptors. Phylogenetic analysis found no direct orthologues across the Carnivora which corroborate the rapid evolution of LILRs seen in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L. Jelinek
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (VETUNI), Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Futas
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (VETUNI), Brno, Czechia
- Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) VETUNI, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pamela A. Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (VETMEDUNI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Petr Horin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (VETUNI), Brno, Czechia
- Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) VETUNI, Brno, Czechia
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Plasil M, Futas J, Jelinek A, Burger PA, Horin P. Comparative Genomics of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of Felids. Front Genet 2022; 13:829891. [PMID: 35309138 PMCID: PMC8924298 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.829891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the current knowledge on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the family Felidae. This family comprises an important domestic species, the cat, as well as a variety of free-living felids, including several endangered species. As such, the Felidae have the potential to be an informative model for studying different aspects of the biological functions of MHC genes, such as their role in disease mechanisms and adaptation to different environments, as well as the importance of genetic diversity for conservation issues in free-ranging or captive populations. Despite this potential, the current knowledge on the MHC in the family as a whole is fragmentary and based mostly on studies of the domestic cat and selected species of big cats. The overall structure of the domestic cat MHC is similar to other mammalian MHCs following the general scheme "centromere-MHC class I-MHC class III-MHC class II" with some differences in the gene contents. An unambiguously defined orthologue of the non-classical class I HLA-E gene has not been identified so far and the class II DQ and DP genes are missing or pseudogenized, respectively. A comparison with available genomes of other felids showed a generally high level of structural and sequence conservation of the MHC region. Very little and fragmentary information on in vitro and/or in vivo biological functions of felid MHC genes is available. So far, no association studies have indicated effects of MHC genetic diversity on a particular disease. No information is available on the role of MHC class I molecules in interactions with Natural Killer (NK) cell receptors or on the putative evolutionary interactions (co-evolution) of the underlying genes. A comparison of complex genomic regions encoding NK cell receptors (the Leukocyte Receptor Complex, LRC and the Natural Killer Cell Complex, NKC) in the available felid genomes showed a higher variability in the NKC compared to the LRC and the MHC regions. Studies of the genetic diversity of domestic cat populations and/or specific breeds have focused mainly on DRB genes. Not surprisingly, higher levels of MHC diversity were observed in stray cats compared to pure breeds, as evaluated by DRB sequencing as well as by MHC-linked microsatellite typing. Immunogenetic analysis in wild felids has only been performed on MHC class I and II loci in tigers, Namibian leopards and cheetahs. This information is important as part of current conservation tasks to assess the adaptive potential of endangered wild species at the human-wildlife interface, which will be essential for preserving biodiversity in a functional ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Plasil
- Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, Ceitec Vetuni, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Futas
- Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, Ceitec Vetuni, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - April Jelinek
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pamela A. Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, VIA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petr Horin
- Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, Ceitec Vetuni, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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Ning Y, Roberts NJ, Qi J, Peng Z, Long Z, Zhou S, Gu J, Hou Z, Yang E, Ren Y, Lang J, Liang Z, Zhang M, Ma J, Jiang G. Inbreeding status and implications for Amur tigers. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Ning
- College of Life Science Jilin Agricultural University Changchun China
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - N. J. Roberts
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - J. Qi
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
- School of Forestry Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - Z. Peng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Z. Long
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - S. Zhou
- Heilongjiang Research Institute of Wildlife Harbin China
| | - J. Gu
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - Z. Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - E. Yang
- Wildlife Conservation Society Hunchun China
| | - Y. Ren
- Wildlife Conservation Society Hunchun China
| | - J. Lang
- Jilin Hunchun Amur Tiger National Nature Reserve Hunchun China
| | - Z. Liang
- Heilongjiang Laoyeling Amur Tiger National Nature Reserve Dongning China
| | - M. Zhang
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - J. Ma
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - G. Jiang
- Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
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Machuka EM, Muigai AWT, Amimo JO, Domelevo Entfellner JB, Lekolool I, Abworo EO, Pelle R. Comparative Analysis of SLA-1, SLA-2, and DQB1 Genetic Diversity in Locally-Adapted Kenyan Pigs and Their Wild Relatives, Warthogs. Vet Sci 2021; 8:180. [PMID: 34564574 PMCID: PMC8473215 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) plays a central role in controlling the immune response by discriminating self and foreign antigens and initiating an immune response. Studies on SLA polymorphism have demonstrated associations between SLA allelic variants, immune response, and disease resistance. The SLA polymorphism is due to host-pathogen co-evolution resulting in improved adaptation to diverse environments making SLA a crucial genomic region for comparative diversity studies. Although locally-adapted African pigs have small body sizes, they possess increased resilience under harsh environmental conditions and robust immune systems with reported tolerance to some diseases, including African swine fever. However, data on the SLA diversity in these pigs are not available. We characterized the SLA of unrelated locally-adapted domestic pigs from Homa Bay, Kenya, alongside exotic pigs and warthogs. We undertook SLA comparative diversity of the functionally expressed SLA class I (SLA-1, SLA-2) and II (DQB1) repertoires in these three suids using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) sequence-based typing (SBT) method. Our data revealed higher genetic diversity in the locally-adapted pigs and warthogs compared to the exotic pigs. The nucleotide substitution rates were higher in the peptide-binding regions of the SLA-1, SLA-2, and DQB1 loci, indicative of adaptive evolution. We obtained high allele frequencies in the three SLA loci, including some breed-specific private alleles, which could guide breeders to increase their frequency through selection if confirmed to be associated with enhanced resilience. Our study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on genetic diversity in free-ranging animal populations in their natural environment, availing the first DQB1 gene data from locally-adapted Kenyan pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Magoma Machuka
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa, International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
- Institute for Basic Sciences Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), Pan African University, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Anne W. Thairu Muigai
- Botany Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya;
| | - Joshua Oluoch Amimo
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, 1680 Madison Avenue, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA;
| | - Jean-Baka Domelevo Entfellner
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa, International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
| | - Isaac Lekolool
- Kenya Wildlife Services, Nairobi P.O. Box 40241-00100, Kenya;
| | - Edward Okoth Abworo
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
| | - Roger Pelle
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa, International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
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Zhao B, Zhang X, Li B, Du P, Shi L, Dong Y, Gao X, Sha W, Zhang H. Evolution of major histocompatibility complex class I genes in the sable Martes zibellina (Carnivora, Mustelidae). Ecol Evol 2020; 10:3439-3449. [PMID: 32274000 PMCID: PMC7141072 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecules encoded by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes play an essential role in the adaptive immune response among vertebrates. We investigated the molecular evolution of MHC class I genes in the sable Martes zibellina. We isolated 26 MHC class I sequences, including 12 putatively functional sequences and 14 pseudogene sequences, from 24 individuals from two geographic areas of northeast China. The number of putatively functional sequences found in a single individual ranged from one to five, which might be at least 1-3 loci. We found that both balancing selection and recombination contribute to evolution of MHC class I genes in M. zibellina. In addition, we identified a candidate nonclassical MHC class I lineage in Carnivora, which may have preceded the divergence (about 52-57 Mya) of Caniformia and Feliformia. This may contribute to further understanding of the origin and evolution of nonclassical MHC class I genes. Our study provides important immune information of MHC for M. zibellina, as well as other carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojun Zhao
- College of Life Science Qufu Normal University Qufu China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Life Science Qufu Normal University Qufu China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
| | - Pengfei Du
- College of Life Science Qufu Normal University Qufu China
| | - Lupeng Shi
- College of Life Science Qufu Normal University Qufu China
| | - Yuehuan Dong
- College of Life Science Qufu Normal University Qufu China
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- College of Life Science Qufu Normal University Qufu China
| | - Weilai Sha
- College of Life Science Qufu Normal University Qufu China
| | - Honghai Zhang
- College of Life Science Qufu Normal University Qufu China
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Abduriyim S, Nishita Y, Kosintsev PA, Raichev E, Väinölä R, Kryukov AP, Abramov AV, Kaneko Y, Masuda R. Evolution of MHC class I genes in Eurasian badgers, genus Meles (Carnivora, Mustelidae). Heredity (Edinb) 2019; 122:205-218. [PMID: 29959426 PMCID: PMC6327056 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0100-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of their role in immune defense against pathogens, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are useful in evolutionary studies on how wild vertebrates adapt to their environments. We investigated the molecular evolution of MHC class I (MHCI) genes in four closely related species of Eurasian badgers, genus Meles. All four species of badgers showed similarly high variation in MHCI sequences compared to other Carnivora. We identified 7-21 putatively functional MHCI sequences in each of the badger species, and 2-7 sequences per individual, indicating the existence of 1-4 loci. MHCI exon 2 and 3 sequences encoding domains α1 and α2 exhibited different clade topologies in phylogenetic networks. Non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions at codons for antigen-binding sites exceeded synonymous substitutions for domain α1 but not for domain α2, suggesting that the domains α1 and α2 likely had different evolutionary histories in these species. Positive selection and recombination seem to have shaped the variation in domain α2, whereas positive selection was dominant in shaping the variation in domain α1. In the separate phylogenetic analyses for exon 2, exon 3, and intron 2, each showed three clades of Meles alleles, with rampant trans-species polymorphism, indicative of the long-term maintenance of ancestral MHCI polymorphism by balancing selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamshidin Abduriyim
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Nishita
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Pavel A Kosintsev
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, 620144, Russia
| | - Evgeniy Raichev
- Agricultural Faculty, Trakia University, 6000, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Risto Väinölä
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 17, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexey P Kryukov
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Alexei V Abramov
- Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Yayoi Kaneko
- Carnivore Ecology and Conservation Research Group, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Masuda
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan.
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Schmidt-Küntzel A, Dalton DL, Menotti-Raymond M, Fabiano E, Charruau P, Johnson WE, Sommer S, Marker L, Kotzé A, O’Brien SJ. Conservation Genetics of the Cheetah: Genetic History and Implications for Conservation. CHEETAHS: BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 2018. [PMCID: PMC7149701 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-804088-1.00006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
From allozymes in 1983 to whole genomes in 2015, genetic studies of the cheetah have been extensive. In this chapter we provide an overview of the available literature. Overall, patterns of genetic variation provided evidence of low variability and suggest this loss occurred thousands of years ago. Differences between published subspecies were supported genetically. At a local scale, populations were generally considered panmictic with minor genetic structure. Although cheetahs have persisted despite low genetic variability, important questions arise from these findings: Does the cheetah have the ability to adapt to and evolve with future changes in environmental and infectious pressure? How would cheetahs cope with further loss of genetic diversity? Connectivity in the wild should be maintained via prevention of habitat loss, while management of small isolated populations may require reestablishing gene flow. Genetics could assist captive-breeding decisions and provide forensic evidence as to the geographical origin of illegally traded animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Desiré L. Dalton
- National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa,University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Warren E. Johnson
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, United States
| | | | | | - Antoinette Kotzé
- National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa,University of Free State South Africa, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Stephen J. O’Brien
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia,Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
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Characterization of major histocompatibility complex class I, and class II DRB loci of captive and wild Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca). Genetica 2017; 145:541-558. [DOI: 10.1007/s10709-017-9979-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Liu G, Zhang H, Sun G, Zhao C, Shang S, Gao X, Xia T, Yang X. Characterization of the peripheral blood transcriptome and adaptive evolution of the MHC I and TLR gene families in the wolf (Canis lupus). BMC Genomics 2017; 18:584. [PMID: 28784091 PMCID: PMC5545864 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3983-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The wolf (Canis lupus) is one of the most widely distributed terrestrial mammals, because it is well adapted to various ecological niches and their corresponding pathogen environments. Immunological competence is a crucial factor involved in adapting to a changing environment and fighting pathogen infection in animals. In this study, the peripheral blood transcriptome of wolves was generated via RNA-seq to advance understanding of the wolf immunome, with a special focus on the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) and toll-like receptor (TLR) gene families, which are involved in pathogen recognition and defense. Results The blood transcriptomic libraries of eight wolves originating from Tibet and Inner Mongolia were sequenced, and approximately 383 million reads were generated. Using a genome-guided assembly strategy, we obtained 123,851 unigenes, with a mean length of 845 bp and an N50 length of 1121 bp. On the basis of BLAST searches against the NCBI non-redundant protein database (Nr), a total of 36,192 (29.22%) unigenes were annotated. For functional classification, 24,663 unigenes were assigned to 13,016 Gene Ontology (GO) terms belonging to 51 sub-categories of the three main GO categories. Additionally, 7682 unigenes were classified into 6 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) categories, in which the most represented functional sub-categories were signal transduction and the immune system, and 16,238 unigenes were functionally classified into 25 Eukaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG) categories. We observed an overall higher ω (dN/dS) value at antigen-binding sites (ABSs) than at non-ABS regions as well as clear evidence of intergenic/intragenic recombination events at wolf MHC I loci. Additionally, our analysis revealed that carnivorous TLRs were dominated by purifying selection, with mean ω values at each TLR locus ranging from 0.173 to 0.527. However, we also found significant instances of positive selection that acted on several codons in pathogen recognition domains and were linked to species-specific differences in pathogen recognition. Conclusions This study represents the first attempt to characterize the blood transcriptome of the wolf and to highlight the value of investigating the immune system. Balancing selection and recombination have contributed to the historical evolution of wolf MHC I genes. Moreover, TLRs in carnivores have undergone adaptive evolution against the background of purifying selection, and a high level of adaptive evolution was detected in the wolf TLR system. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3983-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshuai Liu
- Qufu Normal University, Jingxuan Street No. 57, Qufu, Shandong province, China
| | - Honghai Zhang
- Qufu Normal University, Jingxuan Street No. 57, Qufu, Shandong province, China.
| | - Guolei Sun
- Qufu Normal University, Jingxuan Street No. 57, Qufu, Shandong province, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Qufu Normal University, Jingxuan Street No. 57, Qufu, Shandong province, China
| | - Shuai Shang
- Qufu Normal University, Jingxuan Street No. 57, Qufu, Shandong province, China
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- Qufu Normal University, Jingxuan Street No. 57, Qufu, Shandong province, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Qufu Normal University, Jingxuan Street No. 57, Qufu, Shandong province, China
| | - Xiufeng Yang
- Qufu Normal University, Jingxuan Street No. 57, Qufu, Shandong province, China
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Marmesat E, Schmidt K, Saveljev AP, Seryodkin IV, Godoy JA. Retention of functional variation despite extreme genomic erosion: MHC allelic repertoires in the Lynx genus. BMC Evol Biol 2017; 17:158. [PMID: 28676046 PMCID: PMC5496644 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-017-1006-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demographic bottlenecks erode genetic diversity and may increase endangered species' extinction risk via decreased fitness and adaptive potential. The genetic status of species is generally assessed using neutral markers, whose dynamic can differ from that of functional variation due to selection. The MHC is a multigene family described as the most important genetic component of the mammalian immune system, with broad implications in ecology and evolution. The genus Lynx includes four species differing immensely in demographic history and population size, which provides a suitable model to study the genetic consequences of demographic declines: the Iberian lynx being an extremely bottlenecked species and the three remaining ones representing common and widely distributed species. We compared variation in the most variable exon of the MHCI and MHCII-DRB loci among the four species of the Lynx genus. RESULTS The Iberian lynx was characterised by lower number of MHC alleles than its sister species (the Eurasian lynx). However, it maintained most of the functional genetic variation at MHC loci present in the remaining and genetically healthier lynx species at all nucleotide, amino acid, and supertype levels. CONCLUSIONS Species-wide functional genetic diversity can be maintained even in the face of severe population bottlenecks, which caused devastating whole genome genetic erosion. This could be the consequence of divergent alleles being retained across paralogous loci, an outcome that, in the face of frequent gene conversion, may have been favoured by balancing selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Marmesat
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Krzysztof Schmidt
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Alexander P Saveljev
- Department of Animal Ecology, Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming, 79 Preobrazhenskaya Str, Kirov, 610000, Russia
| | - Ivan V Seryodkin
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation of Animals, Pacific Institute of Geography of Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 7 Radio Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
- Far Eastern Federal University, 8 Sukhanova Street, Vladivostok, 690091, Russia
| | - José A Godoy
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
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12
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Egernia stokesii (gidgee skink) MHC I positively selected sites lack concordance with HLA peptide binding regions. Immunogenetics 2016; 69:49-61. [PMID: 27517292 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-016-0947-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play an important role in vertebrate disease resistance, kin recognition and mate choice. Mammalian MHC is the most widely characterised of all vertebrates, and attention is often given to the peptide binding regions of the MHC because they are presumed to be under stronger selection than non-peptide binding regions. For vertebrates where the MHC is less well understood, researchers commonly use the amino acid positions of the peptide binding regions of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) to infer the peptide binding regions within the MHC sequences of their taxon of interest. However, positively selected sites within MHC have been reported to lack correspondence with the HLA in fish, frogs, birds and reptiles including squamates. Despite squamate diversity, the MHC has been characterised in few snakes and lizards. The Egernia group of scincid lizards is appropriate for investigating mechanisms generating MHC variation, as their inclusion will add a new lineage (i.e. Scincidae) to studies of selection on the MHC. We aimed to identify positively selected sites within the MHC of Egernia stokesii and then determine if these sites corresponded with the peptide binding regions of the HLA. Six positively selected sites were identified within E. stokesii MHC I, only two were homologous with the HLA. E. stokesii positively selected sites corresponded more closely to non-lizard than other lizard taxa. The characterisation of the MHC of more intermediate taxa within the squamate order is necessary to understand the evolution of the MHC across all vertebrates.
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13
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Marmesat E, Soriano L, Mazzoni CJ, Sommer S, Godoy JA. PCR Strategies for Complete Allele Calling in Multigene Families Using High-Throughput Sequencing Approaches. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157402. [PMID: 27294261 PMCID: PMC4905633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The characterization of multigene families with high copy number variation is often approached through PCR amplification with highly degenerate primers to account for all expected variants flanking the region of interest. Such an approach often introduces PCR biases that result in an unbalanced representation of targets in high-throughput sequencing libraries that eventually results in incomplete detection of the targeted alleles. Here we confirm this result and propose two different amplification strategies to alleviate this problem. The first strategy (called pooled-PCRs) targets different subsets of alleles in multiple independent PCRs using different moderately degenerate primer pairs, whereas the second approach (called pooled-primers) uses a custom-made pool of non-degenerate primers in a single PCR. We compare their performance to the common use of a single PCR with highly degenerate primers using the MHC class I of the Iberian lynx as a model. We found both novel approaches to work similarly well and better than the conventional approach. They significantly scored more alleles per individual (11.33 ± 1.38 and 11.72 ± 0.89 vs 7.94 ± 1.95), yielded more complete allelic profiles (96.28 ± 8.46 and 99.50 ± 2.12 vs 63.76 ± 15.43), and revealed more alleles at a population level (13 vs 12). Finally, we could link each allele's amplification efficiency with the primer-mismatches in its flanking sequences and show that ultra-deep coverage offered by high-throughput technologies does not fully compensate for such biases, especially as real alleles may reach lower coverage than artefacts. Adopting either of the proposed amplification methods provides the opportunity to attain more complete allelic profiles at lower coverages, improving confidence over the downstream analyses and subsequent applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Marmesat
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Laura Soriano
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Camila J. Mazzoni
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research (BeGenDiv), Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Sommer
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - José A. Godoy
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- * E-mail:
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14
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Morris KM, Kirby K, Beatty JA, Barrs VR, Cattley S, David V, O'Brien SJ, Menotti-Raymond M, Belov K. Development of MHC-Linked Microsatellite Markers in the Domestic Cat and Their Use to Evaluate MHC Diversity in Domestic Cats, Cheetahs, and Gir Lions. J Hered 2014; 105:493-505. [PMID: 24620003 PMCID: PMC4048552 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esu017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diversity within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) reflects the immunological fitness of a population. MHC-linked microsatellite markers provide a simple and an inexpensive method for studying MHC diversity in large-scale studies. We have developed 6 MHC-linked microsatellite markers in the domestic cat and used these, in conjunction with 5 neutral microsatellites, to assess MHC diversity in domestic mixed breed (n = 129) and purebred Burmese (n = 61) cat populations in Australia. The MHC of outbred Australian cats is polymorphic (average allelic richness = 8.52), whereas the Burmese population has significantly lower MHC diversity (average allelic richness = 6.81; P < 0.01). The MHC-linked microsatellites along with MHC cloning and sequencing demonstrated moderate MHC diversity in cheetahs (n = 13) and extremely low diversity in Gir lions (n = 13). Our MHC-linked microsatellite markers have potential future use in diversity and disease studies in other populations and breeds of cats as well as in wild felid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Morris
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien)
| | - Katherine Kirby
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien)
| | - Julia A Beatty
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien)
| | - Vanessa R Barrs
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien)
| | - Sonia Cattley
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien)
| | - Victor David
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien)
| | - Stephen J O'Brien
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien)
| | - Marilyn Menotti-Raymond
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien)
| | - Katherine Belov
- From the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Morris, Kirby, Beatty, Barrs, and Belov); the ANGIS, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Cattley); the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 (David and Menotti-Raymond); the Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia (O'Brien); and the Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (O'Brien).
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Zhu Y, Wan QH, Yu B, Ge YF, Fang SG. Patterns of genetic differentiation at MHC class I genes and microsatellites identify conservation units in the giant panda. BMC Evol Biol 2013; 13:227. [PMID: 24144019 PMCID: PMC4015443 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-13-227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evaluating patterns of genetic variation is important to identify conservation units (i.e., evolutionarily significant units [ESUs], management units [MUs], and adaptive units [AUs]) in endangered species. While neutral markers could be used to infer population history, their application in the estimation of adaptive variation is limited. The capacity to adapt to various environments is vital for the long-term survival of endangered species. Hence, analysis of adaptive loci, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, is critical for conservation genetics studies. Here, we investigated 4 classical MHC class I genes (Aime-C, Aime-F, Aime-I, and Aime-L) and 8 microsatellites to infer patterns of genetic variation in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and to further define conservation units. Results Overall, we identified 24 haplotypes (9 for Aime-C, 1 for Aime-F, 7 for Aime-I, and 7 for Aime-L) from 218 individuals obtained from 6 populations of giant panda. We found that the Xiaoxiangling population had the highest genetic variation at microsatellites among the 6 giant panda populations and higher genetic variation at Aime-MHC class I genes than other larger populations (Qinling, Qionglai, and Minshan populations). Differentiation index (FST)-based phylogenetic and Bayesian clustering analyses for Aime-MHC-I and microsatellite loci both supported that most populations were highly differentiated. The Qinling population was the most genetically differentiated. Conclusions The giant panda showed a relatively higher level of genetic diversity at MHC class I genes compared with endangered felids. Using all of the loci, we found that the 6 giant panda populations fell into 2 ESUs: Qinling and non-Qinling populations. We defined 3 MUs based on microsatellites: Qinling, Minshan-Qionglai, and Daxiangling-Xiaoxiangling-Liangshan. We also recommended 3 possible AUs based on MHC loci: Qinling, Minshan-Qionglai, and Daxiangling-Xiaoxiangling-Liangshan. Furthermore, we recommend that a captive breeding program be considered for the Qinling panda population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sheng-Guo Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, No, 388 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
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16
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Holmes JC, Holmer SG, Ross P, Buntzman AS, Frelinger JA, Hess PR. Polymorphisms and tissue expression of the feline leukocyte antigen class I loci FLAI-E, FLAI-H, and FLAI-K. Immunogenetics 2013; 65:675-89. [PMID: 23812210 PMCID: PMC3777221 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-013-0711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell immunosurveillance for intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, is controlled by classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ia molecules, and ideally, these antiviral T-cell populations are defined by the specific peptide and restricting MHC allele. Surprisingly, despite the utility of the cat in modeling human viral immunity, little is known about the feline leukocyte antigen class I complex (FLAI). Only a few coding sequences with uncertain locus origin and expression patterns have been reported. Of 19 class I genes, three loci--FLAI-E, FLAI-H, and FLAI-K--are predicted to encode classical molecules, and our objective was to evaluate their status by analyzing polymorphisms and tissue expression. Using locus-specific, PCR-based genotyping, we amplified 33 FLAI-E, FLAI-H, and FLAI-K alleles from 12 cats of various breeds, identifying, for the first time, alleles across three distinct loci in a feline species. Alleles shared the expected polymorphic and invariant sites in the α1/α2 domains, and full-length cDNA clones possessed all characteristic class Ia exons. Alleles could be assigned to a specific locus with reasonable confidence, although there was evidence of potentially confounding interlocus recombination between FLAI-E and FLAI-K. Only FLAI-E, FLAI-H, and FLAI-K origin alleles were amplified from cDNAs of multiple tissue types. We also defined hypervariable regions across these genes, which permitted the assignment of names to both novel and established alleles. As predicted, FLAI-E, FLAI-H, and FLAI-K fulfill the major criteria of class Ia genes. These data represent a necessary prerequisite for studying epitope-specific antiviral CD8+ T-cell responses in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C. Holmes
- Immunology Program, and Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Savannah G. Holmer
- Immunology Program, and Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Peter Ross
- Immunology Program, and Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Adam S. Buntzman
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A. Frelinger
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Paul R. Hess
- Immunology Program, and Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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17
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Shu YL, Hong P, Yang YW, Wu HL. An endemic frog harbors multiple expression loci with different patterns of variation in the MHC class II B gene. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2013; 320:501-10. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Shu
- College of Life Sciences; Anhui Normal University; Wuhu People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province; Wuhu People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Hong
- College of Life Sciences; Anhui Normal University; Wuhu People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province; Wuhu People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Wen Yang
- College of Life Sciences; Anhui Normal University; Wuhu People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province; Wuhu People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Long Wu
- College of Life Sciences; Anhui Normal University; Wuhu People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province; Wuhu People's Republic of China
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18
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Stiebens VA, Merino SE, Roder C, Chain FJJ, Lee PLM, Eizaguirre C. Living on the edge: how philopatry maintains adaptive potential. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20130305. [PMID: 23720544 PMCID: PMC3774223 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Without genetic variation, species cannot cope with changing environments, and evolution does not proceed. In endangered species, adaptive potential may be eroded by decreased population sizes and processes that further reduce gene flow such as philopatry and local adaptations. Here, we focused on the philopatric and endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting in Cape Verde as a model system to investigate the link between adaptive potential and philopatry. We produced a dataset of three complementary genomic regions to investigate female philopatric behaviour (mitochondrial DNA), male-mediated gene flow (microsatellites) and adaptive potential (major histocompatibility complex, MHC). Results revealed genetically distinct nesting colonies, indicating remarkably small-scale philopatric behaviour of females. Furthermore, these colonies also harboured local pools of MHC alleles, especially at the margins of the population's distribution, which are therefore important reserves of additional diversity for the population. Meanwhile, directional male-mediated gene flow from the margins of distribution sustains the adaptive potential for the entire rookery. We therefore present the first evidence for a positive association between philopatry and locally adapted genomic regions. Contrary to expectation, we propose that philopatry conserves a high adaptive potential at the margins of a distribution, while asymmetric gene flow maintains genetic connectivity with the rest of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Stiebens
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology of Marine Fishes, GEOMAR
- Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel 24105, Germany.
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Domestication does not narrow MHC diversity in Sus scrofa. Immunogenetics 2012; 65:195-209. [PMID: 23239371 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-012-0671-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a multigene family of outstanding polymorphism. MHC molecules bind antigenic peptides in the peptide-binding region (PBR) that consists of five binding pockets (P). In this study, we compared the genetic diversity of domestic pigs to that of the modern representatives of their wild ancestors, the wild boar, in two MHC loci, the oligomorphic DQA and the polymorphic DRB1. MHC nucleotide polymorphism was compared with the actual functional polymorphism in the PBR and the binding pockets P1, P4, P6, P7, and P9. The analysis of approximately 200 wild boars collected throughout Europe and 120 domestic pigs from four breeds (three pureblood, Pietrain, Leicoma, and Landrace, and one mixed Danbred) revealed that wild boars and domestic pigs share the same levels of nucleotide and amino acid polymorphism, allelic richness, and heterozygosity. Domestication did not appear to act as a bottleneck that would narrow MHC diversity. Although the pattern of polymorphism was uniform between the two loci, the magnitude of polymorphism was different. For both loci, most of the polymorphism was located in the PBR region and the presence of positive selection was supported by a statistically significant excess of nonsynonymous substitutions over synonymous substitutions in the PBR. P4 and P6 were the most polymorphic binding pockets. Functional polymorphism, i.e., the number and the distribution of pocket variants within and among populations, was significantly narrower than genetic polymorphism, indicative of a hierarchical action of selection pressures on MHC loci.
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20
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Luo MF, Pan HJ, Liu ZJ, Li M. Balancing selection and genetic drift at major histocompatibility complex class II genes in isolated populations of golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana). BMC Evol Biol 2012; 12:207. [PMID: 23083308 PMCID: PMC3532231 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-12-207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small, isolated populations often experience loss of genetic variation due to random genetic drift. Unlike neutral or nearly neutral markers (such as mitochondrial genes or microsatellites), major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes in these populations may retain high levels of polymorphism due to balancing selection. The relative roles of balancing selection and genetic drift in either small isolated or bottlenecked populations remain controversial. In this study, we examined the mechanisms maintaining polymorphisms of MHC genes in small isolated populations of the endangered golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) by comparing genetic variation found in MHC and microsatellite loci. There are few studies of this kind conducted on highly endangered primate species. RESULTS Two MHC genes were sequenced and sixteen microsatellite loci were genotyped from samples representing three isolated populations. We isolated nine DQA1 alleles and sixteen DQB1 alleles and validated expression of the alleles. Lowest genetic variation for both MHC and microsatellites was found in the Shennongjia (SNJ) population. Historical balancing selection was revealed at both the DQA1 and DQB1 loci, as revealed by excess non-synonymous substitutions at antigen binding sites (ABS) and maximum-likelihood-based random-site models. Patterns of microsatellite variation revealed population structure. FST outlier analysis showed that population differentiation at the two MHC loci was similar to the microsatellite loci. CONCLUSIONS MHC genes and microsatellite loci showed the same allelic richness pattern with the lowest genetic variation occurring in SNJ, suggesting that genetic drift played a prominent role in these isolated populations. As MHC genes are subject to selective pressures, the maintenance of genetic variation is of particular interest in small, long-isolated populations. The results of this study may contribute to captive breeding and translocation programs for endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Fang Luo
- Key laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beixhenxi Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui-Juan Pan
- College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhi-Jin Liu
- Key laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beixhenxi Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ming Li
- Key laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beixhenxi Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100101, China
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21
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Ross P, Buntzman AS, Vincent BG, Grover EN, Gojanovich GS, Collins EJ, Frelinger JA, Hess PR. Allelic diversity at the DLA-88 locus in Golden Retriever and Boxer breeds is limited. TISSUE ANTIGENS 2012; 80:175-83. [PMID: 22571293 PMCID: PMC3407292 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2012.01889.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the dog, previous analyses of major histocompatibility complex class I genes suggest a single polymorphic locus, dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)-88. While 51 alleles have been reported, estimates of prevalence have not been made. We hypothesized that, within a breed, DLA-88 diversity would be restricted, and one or more dominant alleles could be identified. Accordingly, we determined allele usage in 47 Golden Retrievers and 39 Boxers. In each population, 10 alleles were found; 4 were shared. Seven novel alleles were identified. DLA-88*05101 and *50801 predominated in Golden Retrievers, while most Boxers carried *03401. In these breeds, DLA-88 polymorphisms are limited and largely non-overlapping. The finding of highly prevalent alleles fulfills an important prerequisite for studying canine CD8+ T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ross
- Department of Clinical Sciences, and Immunology Program, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Adam S. Buntzman
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Benjamin G. Vincent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elise N. Grover
- Department of Clinical Sciences, and Immunology Program, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Gregory S. Gojanovich
- Department of Clinical Sciences, and Immunology Program, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Edward J. Collins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Paul R. Hess
- Department of Clinical Sciences, and Immunology Program, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
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22
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Strand TM, Segelbacher G, Quintela M, Xiao L, Axelsson T, Höglund J. Can balancing selection on MHC loci counteract genetic drift in small fragmented populations of black grouse? Ecol Evol 2012; 2:341-53. [PMID: 22423328 PMCID: PMC3298947 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of natural populations to adapt to new environmental conditions is crucial for their survival and partly determined by the standing genetic variation in each population. Populations with higher genetic diversity are more likely to contain individuals that are better adapted to new circumstances than populations with lower genetic diversity. Here, we use both neutral and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) markers to test whether small and highly fragmented populations hold lower genetic diversity than large ones. We use black grouse as it is distributed across Europe and found in populations with varying degrees of isolation and size. We sampled 11 different populations; five continuous, three isolated, and three small and isolated. We tested patterns of genetic variation in these populations using three different types of genetic markers: nine microsatellites and 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which both were found to be neutral, and two functional MHC genes that are presumably under selection. The small isolated populations displayed significantly lower neutral genetic diversity compared to continuous populations. A similar trend, but not as pronounced, was found for genotypes at MHC class II loci. Populations were less divergent at MHC genes compared to neutral markers. Measures of genetic diversity and population genetic structure were positively correlated among microsatellites and SNPs, but none of them were correlated to MHC when comparing all populations. Our results suggest that balancing selection at MHC loci does not counteract the power of genetic drift when populations get small and fragmented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja M Strand
- Population Biology and Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala UniversityNorbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gernot Segelbacher
- Population Biology and Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala UniversityNorbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department Wildlife Ecology and Management, University FreiburgTennenbacher Str. 4, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - María Quintela
- Population Biology and Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala UniversityNorbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
- Faculty of Science, Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology, University of A CoruñaCampus da Zapateira, E-15171 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Lingyun Xiao
- Population Biology and Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala UniversityNorbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas Axelsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine, Uppsala UniversityAkademiska sjukhuset ing. 70, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacob Höglund
- Population Biology and Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala UniversityNorbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
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23
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Castro-Prieto A, Wachter B, Melzheimer J, Thalwitzer S, Sommer S. Diversity and evolutionary patterns of immune genes in free-ranging Namibian leopards (Panthera pardus pardus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 102:653-65. [PMID: 21914667 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esr097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are a key component of the mammalian immune system and have become important molecular markers for fitness-related genetic variation in wildlife populations. Currently, no information about the MHC sequence variation and constitution in African leopards exists. In this study, we isolated and characterized genetic variation at the adaptively most important region of MHC class I and MHC class II-DRB genes in 25 free-ranging African leopards from Namibia and investigated the mechanisms that generate and maintain MHC polymorphism in the species. Using single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing, we detected 6 MHC class I and 6 MHC class II-DRB sequences, which likely correspond to at least 3 MHC class I and 3 MHC class II-DRB loci. Amino acid sequence variation in both MHC classes was higher or similar in comparison to other reported felids. We found signatures of positive selection shaping the diversity of MHC class I and MHC class II-DRB loci during the evolutionary history of the species. A comparison of MHC class I and MHC class II-DRB sequences of the leopard to those of other felids revealed a trans-species mode of evolution. In addition, the evolutionary relationships of MHC class II-DRB sequences between African and Asian leopard subspecies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aines Castro-Prieto
- Evolutionary Genetics, Research Groups at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
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24
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Ujvari B, Belov K. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) markers in conservation biology. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:5168-86. [PMID: 21954351 PMCID: PMC3179158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12085168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human impacts through habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species and climate change are increasing the number of species threatened with extinction. Decreases in population size simultaneously lead to reductions in genetic diversity, ultimately reducing the ability of populations to adapt to a changing environment. In this way, loss of genetic polymorphism is linked with extinction risk. Recent advances in sequencing technologies mean that obtaining measures of genetic diversity at functionally important genes is within reach for conservation programs. A key region of the genome that should be targeted for population genetic studies is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). MHC genes, found in all jawed vertebrates, are the most polymorphic genes in vertebrate genomes. They play key roles in immune function via immune-recognition and -surveillance and host-parasite interaction. Therefore, measuring levels of polymorphism at these genes can provide indirect measures of the immunological fitness of populations. The MHC has also been linked with mate-choice and pregnancy outcomes and has application for improving mating success in captive breeding programs. The recent discovery that genetic diversity at MHC genes may protect against the spread of contagious cancers provides an added impetus for managing and protecting MHC diversity in wild populations. Here we review the field and focus on the successful applications of MHC-typing for conservation management. We emphasize the importance of using MHC markers when planning and executing wildlife rescue and conservation programs but stress that this should not be done to the detriment of genome-wide diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Ujvari
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, RMC Gunn Bldg, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; E-Mail:
| | - Katherine Belov
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, RMC Gunn Bldg, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; E-Mail:
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25
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Castro-Prieto A, Wachter B, Sommer S. Cheetah paradigm revisited: MHC diversity in the world's largest free-ranging population. Mol Biol Evol 2011; 28:1455-68. [PMID: 21183613 PMCID: PMC7187558 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msq330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For more than two decades, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has been considered a paradigm of disease vulnerability associated with low genetic diversity, particularly at the immune genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Cheetahs have been used as a classic example in numerous conservation genetics textbooks as well as in many related scientific publications. However, earlier studies used methods with low resolution to quantify MHC diversity and/or small sample sizes. Furthermore, high disease susceptibility was reported only for captive cheetahs, whereas free-ranging cheetahs show no signs of infectious diseases and a good general health status. We examined whether the diversity at MHC class I and class II-DRB loci in 149 Namibian cheetahs was higher than previously reported using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, cloning, and sequencing. MHC genes were examined at the genomic and transcriptomic levels. We detected ten MHC class I and four class II-DRB alleles, of which nine MHC class I and all class II-DRB alleles were expressed. Phylogenetic analyses and individual genotypes suggested that the alleles belong to four MHC class I and three class II-DRB putative loci. Evidence of positive selection was detected in both MHC loci. Our study indicated that the low number of MHC class I alleles previously observed in cheetahs was due to a smaller sample size examined. On the other hand, the low number of MHC class II-DRB alleles previously observed in cheetahs was further confirmed. Compared with other mammalian species including felids, cheetahs showed low levels of MHC diversity, but this does not seem to influence the immunocompetence of free-ranging cheetahs in Namibia and contradicts the previous conclusion that the cheetah is a paradigm species of disease vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Sommer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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