1
|
Liu C, Lei H, Ran X, Wang J. Genetic variation and selection in the major histocompatibility complex Class II gene in the Guizhou pony. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9889. [PMID: 32999762 PMCID: PMC7505079 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Guizhou pony (GZP) is an indigenous species of equid found in the mountains of the Guizhou province in southwest China. We selected four regions of the equine leukocyte antigen (ELA), including DQA, DRA, DQB, and DRB, and used them to assess the diversity of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II gene using direct sequencing technology. DRA had the lowest dN/dS ratio (0.560) compared with the other three loci, indicating that DRA was conserved and could be conserved after undergoing selective processes. Nine DQA, five DQB, nine DRA, and seven DRB codons were under significant positive selection at the antigen binding sites (ABS), suggesting that the selected residues in ABS may play a significant role in the innate immune system of the GZP. Two GZP alleles were shared with Przewalski’s horse, and six older GZP haplotypes had a better relationship with other horse species by one or two mutational steps, indicating that the GZP may be a natural ancient variety of equid. The specific diversity of ABS and the numbers of unique haplotypes in the evolutionary process affords this species a better genetic fitness and ability to adapt to the native environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Hongmei Lei
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xueqin Ran
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiafu Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Tongren University, Tongren, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Montero BK, Refaly E, Ramanamanjato J, Randriatafika F, Rakotondranary SJ, Wilhelm K, Ganzhorn JU, Sommer S. Challenges of next-generation sequencing in conservation management: Insights from long-term monitoring of corridor effects on the genetic diversity of mouse lemurs in a fragmented landscape. Evol Appl 2019; 12:425-442. [PMID: 30828365 PMCID: PMC6383737 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term genetic monitoring of populations is essential for efforts aimed at preserving genetic diversity of endangered species. Here, we employ a framework of long-term genetic monitoring to evaluate the effects of fragmentation and the effectiveness of the establishment of corridors in restoring population connectivity and genetic diversity of mouse lemurs Microcebus ganzhorni. To this end, we supplement estimates of neutral genetic diversity with the assessment of adaptive genetic variability of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In addition, we address the challenges of long-term genetic monitoring of functional diversity by comparing the genotyping performance and estimates of MHC variability generated by single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP)/Sanger sequencing with those obtained by high-throughput sequencing (next-generation sequencing [NGS], Illumina), an issue that is particularly relevant when previous work serves as a baseline for planning management strategies that aim to ensure the viability of a population. We report that SSCP greatly underestimates individual diversity and that discrepancies in estimates of MHC diversity attributable to the comparisons of traditional and NGS genotyping techniques can influence the conclusions drawn from conservation management scenarios. Evidence of migration among fragments in Mandena suggests that mouse lemurs are robust to the process of fragmentation and that the effect of corridors is masked by ongoing gene flow. Nonetheless, results based on a larger number of shared private alleles at neutral loci between fragment pairs found after the establishment of corridors in Mandena suggest that gene flow is augmented as a result of enhanced connectivity. Our data point out that despite low effective population size, M. ganzhorni maintains high individual heterozygosity at neutral loci and at MHC II DRB gene and that selection plays a predominant role in maintaining MHC diversity. These findings highlight the importance of long-term genetic monitoring in order to disentangle between the processes of drift and selection maintaining adaptive genetic diversity in small populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B. Karina Montero
- Animal Ecology and ConservationHamburg UniversityHamburgGermany
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation GenomicsUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
| | | | | | | | | | - Kerstin Wilhelm
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation GenomicsUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
| | | | - Simone Sommer
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation GenomicsUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jones W, Kulma K, Bensch S, Cichoń M, Kerimov A, Krist M, Laaksonen T, Moreno J, Munclinger P, Slater FM, Szöllősi E, Visser ME, Qvarnström A. Interspecific transfer of parasites following a range-shift in Ficedula flycatchers. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:12183-12192. [PMID: 30598810 PMCID: PMC6303764 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-induced climate change is expected to cause major biotic changes in species distributions and thereby including escalation of novel host-parasite associations. Closely related host species that come into secondary contact are especially likely to exchange parasites and pathogens. Both the Enemy Release Hypothesis (where invading hosts escape their original parasites) and the Novel Weapon Hypothesis (where invading hosts bring new parasites that have detrimental effects on native hosts) predict that the local host will be most likely to experience a disadvantage. However, few studies evaluate the occurrence of interspecific parasite transfer by performing wide-scale geographic sampling of pathogen lineages, both within and far from host contact zones. In this study, we investigate how haemosporidian (avian malaria) prevalence and lineage diversity vary in two, closely related species of passerine birds; the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca and the collared flycatcher F. albicollis in both allopatry and sympatry. We find that host species is generally a better predictor of parasite diversity than location, but both prevalence and diversity of parasites vary widely among populations of the same bird species. We also find a limited and unidirectional transfer of parasites from pied flycatchers to collared flycatchers in a recent contact zone. This study therefore rejects both the Enemy Release Hypothesis and the Novel Weapon Hypothesis and highlights the complexity and importance of studying host-parasite relationships in an era of global climate change and species range shifts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Jones
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology CentreUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Katarzyna Kulma
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology CentreUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Staffan Bensch
- MEMEG, Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group, Department of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Mariusz Cichoń
- Institute of Environmental SciencesJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
| | - Anvar Kerimov
- Faculty of BiologyM.V. Lomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Miloš Krist
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Faculty of SciencePalacky UniversityOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Toni Laaksonen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)TurkuFinland
- Section of Ecology, Department of BiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Juan Moreno
- Departamento de Ecologia EvolutivaMuseo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Pavel Munclinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | | | - Eszter Szöllősi
- Department of Systematic Zoology and EcologyEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Marcel E. Visser
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)WageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Anna Qvarnström
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology CentreUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Metabarcoding Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sympatric Endemic and Nonendemic Species in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. INT J PRIMATOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-017-0010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
5
|
Kaesler E, Kappeler PM, Brameier M, Demeler J, Kraus C, Rakotoniaina JH, Hämäläinen AM, Huchard E. Shared evolutionary origin of major histocompatibility complex polymorphism in sympatric lemurs. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:5629-5645. [PMID: 28833696 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a central role in adaptive immune responses of vertebrates. They exhibit remarkable polymorphism, often crossing species boundaries with similar alleles or allelic motifs shared across species. This pattern may reflect parallel parasite-mediated selective pressures, either favouring the long maintenance of ancestral MHC allelic lineages across successive speciation events by balancing selection ("trans-species polymorphism"), or alternatively favouring the independent emergence of functionally similar alleles post-speciation via convergent evolution. Here, we investigate the origins of MHC similarity across several species of dwarf and mouse lemurs (Cheirogaleidae). We examined MHC class II variation in two highly polymorphic loci (DRB, DQB) and evaluated the overlap of gut-parasite communities in four sympatric lemurs. We tested for parasite-MHC associations across species to determine whether similar parasite pressures may select for similar MHC alleles in different species. Next, we integrated our MHC data with those previously obtained from other Cheirogaleidae to investigate the relative contribution of convergent evolution and co-ancestry to shared MHC polymorphism by contrasting patterns of codon usage at functional vs. neutral sites. Our results indicate that parasites shared across species may select for functionally similar MHC alleles, implying that the dynamics of MHC-parasite co-evolution should be envisaged at the community level. We further show that balancing selection maintaining trans-species polymorphism, rather than convergent evolution, is the primary mechanism explaining shared MHC sequence motifs between species that diverged up to 30 million years ago.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kaesler
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Verhaltensökologie & Soziobiologie, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter M Kappeler
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Verhaltensökologie & Soziobiologie, Göttingen, Germany.,Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institut für Zoologie & Anthropologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Brameier
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Janina Demeler
- Institut für Parasitologie und Tropenveterinärmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kraus
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Verhaltensökologie & Soziobiologie, Göttingen, Germany.,Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institut für Zoologie & Anthropologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Josué H Rakotoniaina
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institut für Zoologie & Anthropologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anni M Hämäläinen
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institut für Zoologie & Anthropologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elise Huchard
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Montpellier (ISEM, UMR 5554), CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Springer A, Kappeler PM. Intestinal parasite communities of six sympatric lemur species at Kirindy Forest, Madagascar. Primate Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.5194/pb-3-51-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. Intestinal parasites impact host health, survival and reproductive success and therefore exert selective pressures on hosts' ecology and behavior. Thus, characterizing and comparing the parasitic fauna of different wildlife hosts sharing the same habitat can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying variation in parasitism, as well as the role of parasites as possible conservation threats. Several host traits have been proposed to generate differences in parasite diversity among different host species, including phylogeny, host body mass, host longevity, diet, and differences in ranging and social behavior. Here, we provide an overview of intestinal helminths and protozoa detected by fecal microscopy in six sympatric lemur species in Kirindy Forest, western Madagascar. The described patterns indicate that host phylogeny and diet may play an important role in shaping intestinal parasite assemblages in this system, as the closely related, omnivorous cheirogaleids showed the strongest overlap in parasite communities. No indication was found for an effect of body mass or longevity on parasite species richness. Regarding the effect of sociality, the two group-living lemur species, Propithecus verreauxi and Eulemur rufifrons, harbored directly transmitted parasites at higher prevalence than solitary foragers, but not at higher diversity. Effects of season and sex on parasite prevalence confirm the results of previous studies, with higher prevalence in the energetically demanding dry season and a male bias in parasitism. We highlight the opportunities of exploring the parasitic fauna of wildlife from a community ecology and evolutionary perspective, and identify prospects for future research on lemur parasitism.
Collapse
|
7
|
Grogan KE, McGinnis GJ, Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, Drea CM. Next-generation genotyping of hypervariable loci in many individuals of a non-model species: technical and theoretical implications. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:204. [PMID: 26957424 PMCID: PMC4782575 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2503-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across species, diversity at the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is critical to disease resistance and population health; however, use of MHC diversity to quantify the genetic health of populations has been hampered by the extreme variation found in MHC genes. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology generates sufficient data to genotype even the most diverse species, but workflows for distinguishing artifacts from alleles are still under development. We used NGS to evaluate the MHC diversity of over 300 captive and wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta: Primates: Mammalia). We modified a published workflow to address errors that arise from deep sequencing individuals and tested for evidence of selection at the most diverse MHC genes. RESULTS In addition to evaluating the accuracy of 454 Titanium and Ion Torrent PGM for genotyping large populations at hypervariable genes, we suggested modifications to improve current methods of allele calling. Using these modifications, we genotyped 302 out of 319 individuals, obtaining an average sequencing depth of over 1000 reads per amplicon. We identified 55 MHC-DRB alleles, 51 of which were previously undescribed, and provide the first sequences of five additional MHC genes: DOA, DOB, DPA, DQA, and DRA. The additional five MHC genes had one or two alleles each with little sequence variation; however, the 55 MHC-DRB alleles showed a high dN/dS ratio and trans-species polymorphism, indicating a history of positive selection. Because each individual possessed 1-7 MHC-DRB alleles, we suggest that ring-tailed lemurs have four, putatively functional, MHC-DRB copies. CONCLUSIONS In the future, accurate genotyping methods for NGS data will be critical to assessing genetic variation in non-model species. We recommend that future NGS studies increase the proportion of replicated samples, both within and across platforms, particularly for hypervariable genes like the MHC. Quantifying MHC diversity within non-model species is the first step to assessing the relationship of genetic diversity at functional loci to individual fitness and population viability. Owing to MHC-DRB diversity and copy number, ring-tailed lemurs may serve as an ideal model for estimating the interaction between genetic diversity, fitness, and environment, especially regarding endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Grogan
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Emory University, Room 2006 O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | | | - Michelle L Sauther
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Frank P Cuozzo
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Christine M Drea
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gillingham MAF, Courtiol A, Teixeira M, Galan M, Bechet A, Cezilly F. Evidence of gene orthology and trans-species polymorphism, but not of parallel evolution, despite high levels of concerted evolution in the major histocompatibility complex of flamingo species. J Evol Biol 2015; 29:438-54. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. F. Gillingham
- Equipe Ecologie Evolutive; UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
- Centre de Recherche de la Tour du Valat; Arles France
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics; University of Ulm; Ulm Germany
| | - A. Courtiol
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
| | - M. Teixeira
- Equipe Ecologie Evolutive; UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
| | - M. Galan
- UMR CBGP (INRA/IRD/Cirad/Montpellier SupAgro); INRA EFPA; Montferrier-sur-Lez Cedex France
| | - A. Bechet
- Centre de Recherche de la Tour du Valat; Arles France
| | - F. Cezilly
- Equipe Ecologie Evolutive; UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wroblewski EE, Norman PJ, Guethlein LA, Rudicell RS, Ramirez MA, Li Y, Hahn BH, Pusey AE, Parham P. Signature Patterns of MHC Diversity in Three Gombe Communities of Wild Chimpanzees Reflect Fitness in Reproduction and Immune Defense against SIVcpz. PLoS Biol 2015; 13:e1002144. [PMID: 26020813 PMCID: PMC4447270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules determine immune responses to viral infections. These polymorphic cell-surface glycoproteins bind peptide antigens, forming ligands for cytotoxic T and natural killer cell receptors. Under pressure from rapidly evolving viruses, hominoid MHC class I molecules also evolve rapidly, becoming diverse and species-specific. Little is known of the impact of infectious disease epidemics on MHC class I variant distributions in human populations, a context in which the chimpanzee is the superior animal model. Population dynamics of the chimpanzees inhabiting Gombe National Park, Tanzania have been studied for over 50 years. This population is infected with SIVcpz, the precursor of human HIV-1. Because HLA-B is the most polymorphic human MHC class I molecule and correlates strongly with HIV-1 progression, we determined sequences for its ortholog, Patr-B, in 125 Gombe chimpanzees. Eleven Patr-B variants were defined, as were their frequencies in Gombe's three communities, changes in frequency with time, and effect of SIVcpz infection. The growing populations of the northern and central communities, where SIVcpz is less prevalent, have stable distributions comprising a majority of low-frequency Patr-B variants and a few high-frequency variants. Driving the latter to high frequency has been the fecundity of immigrants to the northern community, whereas in the central community, it has been the fecundity of socially dominant individuals. In the declining population of the southern community, where greater SIVcpz prevalence is associated with mortality and emigration, Patr-B variant distributions have been changing. Enriched in this community are Patr-B variants that engage with natural killer cell receptors. Elevated among SIVcpz-infected chimpanzees, the Patr-B*06:03 variant has striking structural and functional similarities to HLA-B*57, the human allotype most strongly associated with delayed HIV-1 progression. Like HLA-B*57, Patr-B*06:03 correlates with reduced viral load, as assessed by detection of SIVcpz RNA in feces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Wroblewski
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EEW); (PP)
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Lisbeth A. Guethlein
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Rebecca S. Rudicell
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Sanofi, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Miguel A. Ramirez
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yingying Li
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Beatrice H. Hahn
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Anne E. Pusey
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EEW); (PP)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pechouskova E, Dammhahn M, Brameier M, Fichtel C, Kappeler PM, Huchard E. MHC class II variation in a rare and ecological specialist mouse lemur reveals lower allelic richness and contrasting selection patterns compared to a generalist and widespread sympatric congener. Immunogenetics 2015; 67:229-45. [PMID: 25687337 PMCID: PMC4357647 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-015-0827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The polymorphism of immunogenes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is thought to influence the functional plasticity of immune responses and, consequently, the fitness of populations facing heterogeneous pathogenic pressures. Here, we evaluated MHC variation (allelic richness and divergence) and patterns of selection acting on the two highly polymorphic MHC class II loci (DRB and DQB) in the endangered primate Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur (Microcebus berthae). Using 454 pyrosequencing, we examined MHC variation in a total of 100 individuals sampled over 9 years in Kirindy Forest, Western Madagascar, and compared our findings with data obtained previously for its sympatric congener, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). These species exhibit a contrasting ecology and demography that were expected to affect MHC variation and molecular signatures of selection. We found a lower allelic richness concordant with its low population density, but a similar level of allelic divergence and signals of historical selection in the rare feeding specialist M. berthae compared to the widespread generalist M. murinus. These findings suggest that demographic factors may exert a stronger influence than pathogen-driven selection on current levels of allelic richness in M. berthae. Despite a high sequence similarity between the two congeners, contrasting selection patterns detected at DQB suggest its potential functional divergence. This study represents a first step toward unravelling factors influencing the adaptive divergence of MHC genes between closely related but ecologically differentiated sympatric lemurs and opens new questions regarding potential functional discrepancy that would explain contrasting selection patterns detected at DQB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pechouskova
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Radespiel U, Schaber K, Kessler SE, Schaarschmidt F, Strube C. Variations in the excretion patterns of helminth eggs in two sympatric mouse lemur species (Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis) in northwestern Madagascar. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:941-54. [PMID: 25563604 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Many factors can influence the parasite load of animal hosts, but integrative studies that simultaneously investigate several factors are still rare in many taxonomic groups. This study investigates the influence of host species, host population density, parasite transmission mode, sex, and two temporal (month, year) factors on gastrointestinal parasite prevalence and fecal egg counts of two endemic primate species from Madagascar, Microcebus ravelobensis and Microcebus murinus. A total of 646 fecal samples were available and analyzed from three dry seasons. Six different helminth egg morphotypes were found, and these were Subulura sp. (14.51 % prevalence), strongyle eggs (12.95 %), Ascaris sp. (7.94 %), Lemuricola sp. (0.17 %), and two forms of tapeworms (Hymenolepis spp.) (1.73 and 0.69 %). Coinfection with more than one egg type was observed in 21.22 % of the samples containing eggs. Multivariate analyses revealed that host species and sex did neither explain significant variation in the prevalence and fecal egg counts of parasites with direct life cycles (Ascaris sp., strongyle egg type, Lemuricola sp.) nor of arthropod-transmitted parasites (Subulura sp.). However, fecal egg counts of Subulura sp. differed significantly between study sites, and the prevalence of Subulura sp. and of parasites with direct life cycles was influenced by temporal parameters, mainly by differences between study years and partly between months. When comparing the findings with the yearly and seasonal rainfall patterns in the area, most results are in accordance with the hypothesis of an increased vulnerability of the host toward infection under some sort of environmental challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Grow NB, Nekaris KAI. Does toxic defence in Nycticebus spp. relate to ectoparasites? The lethal effects of slow loris venom on arthropods. Toxicon 2014; 95:1-5. [PMID: 25528386 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The venom produced by slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) is toxic both intra- and inter-specifically. In this study we assessed the ecoparasite repellent properties of their venom. We tested venom from two Indonesian slow loris species: Nycticebus javanicus and Nycticebus coucang. Arthropods directly exposed to brachial gland secretions mixed with saliva from both species were immediately impaired or exhibited reduced activity (76%), and often died as a result (61%). We found no significant difference in the result of 60-min trials between N. coucang and N. javanicus [X(2)(1, n = 140) = 2.110, p = 0.3482]. We found evidence that the degree of lethality of the venom varies according to the arthropod taxa to which it is exposed. While most maggots (84%) were initially impaired from the venom after 10 min, maggots died after a 1 h trial 42% of the time. In contrast, at the end of 1 h trial, spiders died 78% of the time. For all arthropods, the average time to death from exposure was less than 25 min (M = 24.40, SD = 22.60). Ectoparasites including ticks, members of the arachnid order, are known to transmit pathogens to hosts and may be an intended target of the toxic secretions. Our results suggest that one function of slow loris venom is to repel parasites that affect their fitness, and that their topical anointing behaviour may be an adaptive response to ectoparasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanda B Grow
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Gibbs Building, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, United Kingdom.
| | - K A I Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Gibbs Building, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sommer S, Rakotondranary SJ, Ganzhorn JU. Maintaining microendemic primate species along an environmental gradient - parasites as drivers for species differentiation. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:4751-65. [PMID: 25558366 PMCID: PMC4278824 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the drivers of species adaptations to changing environments on the one hand and the limits for hybridization on the other hand is among the hottest questions in evolutionary biology. Parasites represent one of the major selective forces driving host evolution and at least those with free-living stages are at the same time dependent on the ecological conditions of their host's habitat. Local immunological adaptations of host species to varying parasite pressure are therefore expected and might represent the genetic basis for ecological speciation and the maintenance of recently diverged species. Madagascar provides one of the rare examples where two partially sympatric primate species (Microcebus griseorufus, M. murinus) and their hybrids, as well as an allopatric species (M. cf rufus) live in close proximity along a very steep environmental gradient ranging from southern dry spiny bush to gallery forest to evergreen eastern humid rain forest, thus mimicking the situation encountered during extensions and retreats of vegetation formations under changing climatic conditions. This system was used to study parasite infection and immune gene (MHC) adaptations to varying parasite pressure that might provide selective advantages to pure species over hybrids. Parasite burdens increased with increasing humidity. M. griseorufus, M. murinus, and their hybrids but not M. rufus shared the same MHC alleles, indicating either retention of ancestral polymorphism or recent gene flow. The hybrids had much higher prevalence of intestinal parasites than either of the parent species living under identical environmental conditions. The different representation of parasites can indicate a handicap for hybrids that maintains species identities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sommer
- Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo- and Wildlife ResearchAlfred-Kowalke-Strasse 10, Berlin, 10315, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Ecology, University of UlmAlbert-Einstein Allee 11, Ulm, 89069, Germany
| | - Solofomalla Jacques Rakotondranary
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, University of Hamburg, Biozentrum GrindelMartin-Luther-King Platz 3, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
| | - Jörg U Ganzhorn
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, University of Hamburg, Biozentrum GrindelMartin-Luther-King Platz 3, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lenz TL, Eizaguirre C, Kalbe M, Milinski M. EVALUATING PATTERNS OF CONVERGENT EVOLUTION AND TRANS-SPECIES POLYMORPHISM AT MHC IMMUNOGENES IN TWO SYMPATRIC STICKLEBACK SPECIES. Evolution 2013; 67:2400-12. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias L. Lenz
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; August-Thienemann-Str 2 24306 Plön Germany
| | - Christophe Eizaguirre
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; August-Thienemann-Str 2 24306 Plön Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology of Marine Fishes; GEOMAR
- Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research; Düsternbrooker Weg 20 24105 Kiel Germany
| | - Martin Kalbe
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; August-Thienemann-Str 2 24306 Plön Germany
| | - Manfred Milinski
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; August-Thienemann-Str 2 24306 Plön Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Califf KJ, Ratzloff EK, Wagner AP, Holekamp KE, Williams BL. Forces shaping major histocompatibility complex evolution in two hyena species. J Mammal 2013. [DOI: 10.1644/12-mamm-a-054.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
16
|
Axtner J, Sommer S. The functional importance of sequence versus expression variability of MHC alleles in parasite resistance. Genetica 2012. [PMID: 23180005 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-012-9689-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding selection processes driving the pronounced allelic polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and its functional associations to parasite load have been the focus of many recent wildlife studies. Two main selection scenarios are currently debated which explain the susceptibility or resistance to parasite infections either by the effects of (1) specific MHC alleles which are selected frequency-dependent in space and time or (2) a heterozygote or divergent allele advantage. So far, most studies have focused only on structural variance in co-evolutionary processes although this might not be the only trait subject to natural selection. In the present study, we analysed structural variance stretching from exon1 through exon3 of MHC class II DRB genes as well as genotypic expression variance in relation to the gastrointestinal helminth prevalence and infection intensity in wild yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis). We found support for the functional importance of specific alleles both on the sequence and expression level. By resampling a previously investigated study population we identified specific MHC alleles affected by temporal shifts in parasite pressure and recorded associated changes in allele frequencies. The allele Apfl-DRB*23 was associated with resistance to infections by the oxyurid nematode Syphacia stroma and at the same time with susceptibility to cestode infection intensity. In line with our expectation, MHC mRNA transcript levels tended to be higher in cestode-infected animals carrying the allele Apfl-DRB*23. However, no support for a heterozygote or divergent allele advantage on the sequence or expression level was detected. The individual amino acid distance of genotypes did not explain individual differences in parasite loads and the genetic distance had no effect on MHC genotype expression. For ongoing studies on the functional importance of expression variance in parasite resistance, allele-specific expression data would be preferable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Axtner
- Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 15, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
References. Mol Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470979365.refs] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
18
|
Detection of a quantitative trait locus associated with resistance to Ascaris suum infection in pigs. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:383-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
19
|
Froeschke G, Sommer S. Insights into the complex associations between MHC class II DRB polymorphism and multiple gastrointestinal parasite infestations in the striped mouse. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31820. [PMID: 22389675 PMCID: PMC3289624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in host susceptibility to different parasite types are largely based on the degree of matching between immune genes and parasite antigens. Specifically the variable genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a major role in the defence of parasites. However, underlying genetic mechanisms in wild populations are still not well understood because there is a lack of studies which deal with multiple parasite infections and their competition within. To gain insights into these complex associations, we implemented the full record of gastrointestinal nematodes from 439 genotyped individuals of the striped mouse, Rhabdomys pumilio. We used two different multivariate approaches to test for associations between MHC class II DRB genotype and multiple nematodes with regard to the main pathogen-driven selection hypotheses maintaining MHC diversity and parasite species-specific co-evolutionary effects. The former includes investigations of a 'heterozygote advantage', or its specific form a 'divergent-allele advantage' caused by highly dissimilar alleles as well as possible effects of specific MHC-alleles selected by a 'rare allele advantage' (= negative 'frequency-dependent selection'). A combination of generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and co-inertia (COIA) analyses made it possible to consider multiple parasite species despite the risk of type I errors on the population and on the individual level. We could not find any evidence for a 'heterozygote' advantage but support for 'divergent-allele' advantage and infection intensity. In addition, both approaches demonstrated high concordance of positive as well as negative associations between specific MHC alleles and certain parasite species. Furthermore, certain MHC alleles were associated with more than one parasite species, suggesting a many-to-many gene-parasite co-evolution. The most frequent allele Rhpu-DRB*38 revealed a pleiotropic effect, involving three nematode species. Our study demonstrates the co-existence of specialist and generalist MHC alleles in terms of parasite detection which may be an important feature in the maintenance of MHC polymorphism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Sommer
- Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nadachowska-Brzyska K, Zieliński P, Radwan J, Babik W. Interspecific hybridization increases MHC class II diversity in two sister species of newts. Mol Ecol 2011; 21:887-906. [PMID: 22066802 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2011.05347.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms generating variation within the highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes remains incomplete. Assessing MHC variation across multiple populations, of recent and ancient divergence, may facilitate understanding of geographical and temporal aspects of variation. Here, we applied 454 sequencing to perform a large-scale, comprehensive analysis of MHC class II in the closely related, hybridizing newts, Lissotriton vulgaris (Lv) and Lissotriton montandoni (Lm). Our study revealed an extensive (299 alleles) geographically structured polymorphism. Populations at the southern margin of the Lv distribution, inhabited by old and distinct lineages (southern Lv), exhibited moderate MHC variation and strong population structure, indicating little gene flow or extensive local adaptation. Lissotriton vulgaris in central Europe and the northern Balkans (northern Lv) and almost all Lm populations had a high MHC variation. A much higher proportion of MHC alleles was shared between Lm and northern Lv than between Lm and southern Lv. Strikingly, the average pairwise F(ST) between northern Lv and Lm was significantly lower than between northern and southern Lv for MHC, but not for microsatellites. Thus, high MHC variation in Lm and northern Lv may result from gene flow between species. We hypothesize that the interspecific exchange of MHC genes may be facilitated by frequency-dependent selection. A marginally significant correlation between the MHC and microsatellite allelic richness indicates that demographic factors may have contributed to the present-day pattern of MHC variation, but unequivocal signatures of adaptive evolution in MHC class II sequences emphasize the role of selection on a longer timescale.
Collapse
|
21
|
Bordes F, Morand S. The impact of multiple infections on wild animal hosts: a review. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2011; 1:IEE-1-7346. [PMID: 22957114 PMCID: PMC3426331 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v1i0.7346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Revised: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Field parasitological studies consistently demonstrate the reality of polyparasitism in natural systems. However, only recently, studies from ecological and evolutionary fields have emphasised a broad spectrum of potential multiple infections-related impacts. The main goal of our review is to reunify the different approaches on the impacts of polyparasitism, not only from laboratory or human medical studies but also from field or theoretical studies. We put forward that ecological and epidemiological determinants to explain the level of polyparasitism, which regularly affects not only host body condition, survival or reproduction but also host metabolism, genetics or immune investment. Despite inherent limitations of all these studies, multiple infections should be considered more systematically in wildlife to better appreciate the importance of parasite diversity in wildlife, cumulative effects of parasitism on the ecology and evolution of their hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Bordes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, CNRS-UM2, CC65, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Morand
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, CNRS-UM2, CC65, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- UR22 AGIRs, CIRAD, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cutrera AP, Zenuto RR, Lacey EA. MHC variation, multiple simultaneous infections and physiological condition in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 11:1023-36. [PMID: 21497205 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Parasites and pathogens can play a significant role in shaping the genetic diversity of host populations, particularly at genes associated with host immune response. To explore this relationship in a natural population of vertebrates, we characterized Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) variation in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum (the talas tuco-tuco) as a function of parasite load and ability to mount an adaptive immune response against a novel antigen. Specifically, we quantified genotypic diversity at the MHC class II DRB locus in relation to (1) natural variation in infection by multiple genera of parasites (potential agents of selection on MHC genes) and (2) antibody production in response to injection with sheep red blood cells (a measure of immunocompetence). Data were analyzed using co-inertia multivariate statistics, with epidemiological proxies for individual condition (hematocrit, leukocyte profile, body weight) and risk of parasite exposure (season of capture, sex). A significant excess of DRB heterozygotes was evident in the study population. Co-inertia analyses revealed significant associations between specific DRB alleles and both parasite load and intensity of humoral immune response against sheep red blood cells. The presence of specific DRB aminoacid sequences appeared to be more strongly associated with parasite load and response to a novel antigen than was heterozygosity at the DRB locus. These data suggest a role for parasite-driven balancing selection in maintaining MHC variation in natural populations of C. talarum. At the same time, these findings underscore the importance of using diverse parameters to study interactions among physiological conditions, immunocompetence, and MHC diversity in free-living animals that are confronted with multiple simultaneous immune challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Cutrera
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, CC 1245, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|