1
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Brown AJ, White J, Shaw L, Gross J, Slabodkin A, Kushner E, Greiff V, Matsuda J, Gapin L, Scott-Browne J, Kappler J, Marrack P. MHC heterozygosity limits T cell receptor variability in CD4 T cells. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eado5295. [PMID: 38996008 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.ado5295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
αβ T cell receptor (TCR) V(D)J genes code for billions of TCR combinations. However, only some appear on peripheral T cells in any individual because, to mature, thymocytes must react with low affinity but not high affinity with thymus expressed major histocompatibility (MHC)/peptides. MHC proteins are very polymorphic. Different alleles bind different peptides. Therefore, any individual might express many different MHC alleles to ensure that some peptides from an invader are bound to MHC and activate T cells. However, most individuals express limited numbers of MHC alleles. To explore this, we compared the TCR repertoires of naïve CD4 T cells in mice expressing one or two MHC alleles. Unexpectedly, the TCRs in heterozygotes were less diverse that those in the sum of their MHC homozygous relatives. Our results suggest that thymus negative selection cancels out the advantages of increased thymic positive selection in the MHC heterozygotes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Heterozygote
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Major Histocompatibility Complex/immunology
- Major Histocompatibility Complex/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Thymus Gland/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Mice, Transgenic
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Brown
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Janice White
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Laura Shaw
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Jimmy Gross
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Andrei Slabodkin
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen OUS HF Rikshospitalet, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ella Kushner
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen OUS HF Rikshospitalet, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jennifer Matsuda
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - James Scott-Browne
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - John Kappler
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1775 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Philippa Marrack
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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2
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Ando A, Matsubara T, Suzuki S, Imaeda N, Takasu M, Shigenari A, Miyamoto A, Ohshima S, Kametani Y, Shiina T, Kulski JK, Kitagawa H. Genetic Links between Reproductive Traits and Amino Acid Pairwise Distances of Swine Leukocyte Antigen Alleles among Mating Partners in Microminipigs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7362. [PMID: 39000468 PMCID: PMC11242825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that a greater dissimilarity in swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I and class II alleles between mating partners resulted in increased farrowing rates in a highly inbred population of Microminipigs (MMPs). In this follow-up study, we have analyzed the effects of dissimilarity in SLA alleles between mating partners for seven different reproductive traits, including litter size and the number of stillborn and live or dead weaned piglets. We determined the relationships among reproductive traits within each mating event and the amino acid distances of SLA alleles as markers of diversity between mating partners. Our results indicate that mating partners with greater amino acid pairwise genetic distances in the SLA-1 class I gene or DQB1 class II gene alleles were associated with significantly larger litter sizes and higher numbers of live piglets at birth and weaning. Also, partners with greater pairwise distances in the SLA-2 class I gene alleles exhibited fewer pre-weaning deaths. These findings suggest that the dissimilarity in SLA class I and class II alleles between mating partners may affect not only farrowing rates but also other key reproductive traits such as litter size and improved piglet survival rates. Consequently, SLA alleles could serve as valuable genetic markers for selecting mating partners in breeding programs and for conducting epistatic studies on various reproductive traits in MMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Ando
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (S.S.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.); (T.S.); or (J.K.K.)
| | - Tatsuya Matsubara
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; (T.M.); (N.I.)
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (S.S.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.); (T.S.); or (J.K.K.)
| | - Noriaki Imaeda
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; (T.M.); (N.I.)
| | - Masaki Takasu
- Gifu University Institute for Advanced Study, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan;
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Atsuko Shigenari
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (S.S.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.); (T.S.); or (J.K.K.)
| | - Asuka Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (S.S.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.); (T.S.); or (J.K.K.)
| | - Shino Ohshima
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (S.S.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.); (T.S.); or (J.K.K.)
| | - Yoshie Kametani
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (S.S.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.); (T.S.); or (J.K.K.)
| | - Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (S.S.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.); (T.S.); or (J.K.K.)
| | - Jerzy K. Kulski
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan; (S.S.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.); (T.S.); or (J.K.K.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biomedical Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hitoshi Kitagawa
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; (T.M.); (N.I.)
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoino-oka, Imabari, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
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3
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Roved J. MHCtools 1.5: Analysis of MHC Sequencing Data in R. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2809:275-295. [PMID: 38907904 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3874-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a vital role in the vertebrate immune system and have attracted considerable interest in evolutionary biology. While the MHC has been characterized in detail in humans (human leukocyte antigen, HLA) and in model organisms such as the mouse, studies in non-model organisms often lack prior knowledge about structure, genetic variability, and evolutionary properties of this locus. MHC genotyping in non-model species commonly relies on PCR-based amplicon sequencing, and while several published protocols facilitate generation of MHC sequence data, there is a lack of transparent and standardized tools for downstream data analysis.Here, I present the R package MHCtools version 1.5, which contains 15 tools that (i) assist accurate MHC genotyping from high-throughput amplicon sequencing data, and provide standardized methods to analyze (ii) MHC diversity, (iii) MHC supertypes, and (iv) MHC haplotypes.I hope that MHCtools will be helpful in future studies of the MHC in non-model species and that it may help to advance our understanding of the important roles of the MHC in ecology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Roved
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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4
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Madsen T, Ujvari B, Bauwens D, Gruber B, Georges A, Klaassen M. Polyandry and non-random fertilisation maintain long-term genetic diversity in an isolated island population of adders (Vipera berus). Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 130:64-72. [PMID: 36474024 PMCID: PMC9905584 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-022-00578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation genetic theory suggests that small and isolated populations should be subject to reduced genetic diversity i.e., heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Our 34 years study of an isolated island population of adders (Vipera berus) in southern Sweden challenges this notion. Despite a lack of gene flow and a yearly mean estimated reproductive adult population size of only 65 adult adders (range 12-171), the population maintains high levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity similar to that observed in two mainland populations. Even a 14-year major "bottleneck" i.e., a reduction in adult adder numbers, encompassing at least four adder generations, did not result in any reduction in the island adders' heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Female adders are polyandrous, and fertilisation is non-random, which our empirical data and modelling suggest are underpinning the maintenance of the population's high level of heterozygosity. Our empirical results and subsequent modelling suggest that the positive genetic effects of polyandry in combination with non-random fertilisation, often overlooked in conservation genetic analyses, deserve greater consideration when predicting long-term survival of small and isolated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Madsen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217, Australia.
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217, Australia
| | - Dirk Bauwens
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Functional Morphology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bernd Gruber
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3217, Australia
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5
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Amo L, Amo de Paz G, Kabbert J, Machordom A. House sparrows do not exhibit a preference for the scent of potential partners with different MHC-I diversity and genetic distances. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278892. [PMID: 36542616 PMCID: PMC9770374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MHC genes play a fundamental role in immune recognition of pathogens and parasites. Therefore, females may increase offspring heterozygosity and genetic diversity by selecting males with genetically compatible or heterozygous MHC. In birds, several studies suggest that MHC genes play a role in mate choice, and recent evidence suggests that olfaction may play a role in the MHC-II discrimination. However, whether olfaction is involved in MHC-I discrimination in birds remains unknown. Previous studies indicate that house sparrow females with low allelic diversity prefer males with higher diversity in MHC-I alleles. Here, we directly explored whether female and male house sparrows (Passer domesticus) could estimate by scent MHC-I diversity and/or dissimilarity of potential partners. Our results show that neither females nor males exhibit a preference related to MHC-I diversity or dissimilarity of potential partners, suggesting that MHC-I is not detected through olfaction. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms responsible for mate discrimination based on MHC-I in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Amo
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Area of Biodiversity and Conservation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Guillermo Amo de Paz
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Johanna Kabbert
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Annie Machordom
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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6
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Card DC, Van Camp AG, Santonastaso T, Jensen-Seaman MI, Anthony NM, Edwards SV. Structure and evolution of the squamate major histocompatibility complex as revealed by two Anolis lizard genomes. Front Genet 2022; 13:979746. [PMID: 36425073 PMCID: PMC9679377 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.979746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important genomic region for adaptive immunity and has long been studied in ecological and evolutionary contexts, such as disease resistance and mate and kin selection. The MHC has been investigated extensively in mammals and birds but far less so in squamate reptiles, the third major radiation of amniotes. We localized the core MHC genomic region in two squamate species, the green anole (Anolis carolinensis) and brown anole (A. sagrei), and provide the first detailed characterization of the squamate MHC, including the presence and ordering of known MHC genes in these species and comparative assessments of genomic structure and composition in MHC regions. We find that the Anolis MHC, located on chromosome 2 in both species, contains homologs of many previously-identified mammalian MHC genes in a single core MHC region. The repetitive element composition in anole MHC regions was similar to those observed in mammals but had important distinctions, such as higher proportions of DNA transposons. Moreover, longer introns and intergenic regions result in a much larger squamate MHC region (11.7 Mb and 24.6 Mb in the green and brown anole, respectively). Evolutionary analyses of MHC homologs of anoles and other representative amniotes uncovered generally monophyletic relationships between species-specific homologs and a loss of the peptide-binding domain exon 2 in one of two mhc2β gene homologs of each anole species. Signals of diversifying selection in each anole species was evident across codons of mhc1, many of which appear functionally relevant given known structures of this protein from the green anole, chicken, and human. Altogether, our investigation fills a major gap in understanding of amniote MHC diversity and evolution and provides an important foundation for future squamate-specific or vertebrate-wide investigations of the MHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daren C. Card
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Daren C. Card,
| | - Andrew G. Van Camp
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Trenten Santonastaso
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | | | - Nicola M. Anthony
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Scott V. Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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7
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Ando A, Matsubara T, Suzuki S, Imaeda N, Takasu M, Shigenari A, Miyamoto A, Ohshima S, Kametani Y, Shiina T, Kulski JK, Kitagawa H. Genetic Association between Farrowing Rates and Swine Leukocyte Antigen Alleles or Haplotypes in Microminipigs. Cells 2022; 11:3138. [PMID: 36231100 PMCID: PMC9563624 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported specific swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) haplotype associations with significant effects on several reproduction performance traits in a highly inbred miniature pig population of Microminipigs (MMPs). In this study, to clarify the effects on farrowing rates of SLA similarity between mating partners in the MMP population, we compared the farrowing rates as a measure of reproductive success after 1063-cumulative matings among the following three groups of mating partners: (1) completely sharing SLA class I or class II haplotypes or alleles between partners (CS), (2) only one sharing the haplotypes or alleles (OS), and (3) non-sharing the haplotypes or alleles (NS). Average farrowing rates in CS groups consisting of completely sharing SLA class II haplotypes or DRBI and DQB1 alleles were lowest in the three groups. Moreover, lower farrowing rates were indicated in mating pairs with smaller amino acid pairwise genetic distances of SLA-1, SLA-3, DRB1 and DQB1 alleles between the pairs. These results suggested that the dissimilarity of SLA class I and class II alleles between mating partners markedly improved reproductive performance; therefore, SLA alleles or haplotypes are potentially useful genetic markers for the selection of mating pairs in breeding programs and epistatic studies of reproductive traits of MMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Ando
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Matsubara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Noriaki Imaeda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Masaki Takasu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Atsuko Shigenari
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Asuka Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Shino Ohshima
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Yoshie Kametani
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Jerzy K. Kulski
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kitagawa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoino-oka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
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8
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A Review of Suggested Mechanisms of MHC Odor Signaling. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081187. [PMID: 36009814 PMCID: PMC9405088 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune genes of the vertebrate MHC vary among individuals. Each individual collection is optimally diverse to provide resistance against some infectious diseases but not too diverse to cause autoimmune diseases. MHC-dependent mate choice aims for optimally complementary MHC alleles. Each potential partner signals through body odor his/her MHC alleles. Identifying the signal molecules was a long-lasting puzzle solved only recently after many deviations as described. Commensal microbiota which are controlled by the individual MHC genes differ among individuals. They were suspected repeatedly to provide the signal, though mice raised germ-free could still smell MHC genes. Carrier hypotheses came in various versions, centered around the specificity of each MHC molecule for binding peptides from diseases, shown to T lymphocytes to induce the immune response. Volatiles of various origins were suggested to fill the place of the peptide and thus reflect the identity of the MHC molecule. Finally, the bound peptides themselves were identified as the sought info-chemicals. Synthesized peptides affect mate choice as predicted. Specific olfactory neurons were shown to react to these peptides but only to the anchors that define the binding specificity. Even eggs choose sperm to produce offspring with optimal MHC, though the signaling pathway needs further research. Abstract Although an individual’s mix of MHC immune genes determines its resistance, finding MHC-dependent mate choice occurred by accident in inbred mice. Inbred mice prefer MHC dissimilar mates, even when the choice was restricted to urine. It took decades to find the info-chemicals, which have to be as polymorphic as the MHC. Microbiota were suggested repeatedly as the origin of the odor signal though germ-free mice maintained normal preference. Different versions of the ‘carrier hypothesis’ suggested MHC molecules carry volatiles after the bound peptide is released. Theory predicted an optimal individual MHC diversity to maximize resistance. The optimally complementary mate should be and is preferred as several studies show. Thus, the odor signal needs to transmit the exact information of the sender’s MHC alleles, as do MHC ligand peptides but not microbiota. The ‘MHC peptide hypothesis’ assumes that olfactory perception of the peptide ligand provides information about the MHC protein in a key-lock fashion. Olfactory neurons react only to the anchors of synthesized MHC peptides, which reflect the binding MHC molecule’s identity. Synthesized peptides supplemented to a male’s signal affect choice in the predicted way, however, not when anchors are mutated. Also, the human brain detects smelled synthesized self-peptides as such. After mate choice, the lottery of meiosis of randomly paired oocyte and sperm haplotypes would often produce MHC non-optimal offspring. In sticklebacks, eggs select MHC-compatible sperm, thus prefer the best combination close to the population optimum.
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9
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Undin M, Castro I. Predicting breeding systems to guide conservation strategies: A kiwi example. Ethology 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Undin
- Department of Natural Sciences Mid Sweden University Sundsvall Sweden
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Isabel Castro
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
- Wildbase Research Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
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10
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Undin M, Lockhart PJ, Hills SFK, Armstrong DP, Castro I. Mixed Mating in a Multi-Origin Population Suggests High Potential for Genetic Rescue in North Island Brown Kiwi, Apteryx mantelli. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.702128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reinforcement translocations are increasingly utilised in conservation with the goal of achieving genetic rescue. However, concerns regarding undesirable results, such as genetic homogenisation or replacement, are widespread. One factor influencing translocation outcomes is the rate at which the resident and the introduced individuals interbreed. Consequently, post-release mate choice is a key behaviour to consider in conservation planning. Here we studied mating, and its consequences for genomic admixture, in the North Island brown kiwi Apteryx mantelli population on Ponui Island which was founded by two translocation events over 50 years ago. The two source populations used are now recognised as belonging to two separate management units between which birds differ in size and are genetically differentiated. We examined the correlation between male and female morphometrics for 17 known pairs and quantified the relatedness of 20 pairs from this admixed population. In addition, we compared the genetic similarity and makeup of 106 Ponui Island birds, including 23 known pairs, to birds representing the source populations for the original translocations. We found no evidence for size-assortative mating. On the contrary, genomic SNP data suggested that kiwi of one feather did not flock together, meaning that mate choice resulted in pairing between individuals that were less related than expected by random chance. Furthermore, the birds in the current Ponui Island population were found to fall along a gradient of genomic composition consistent with non-clustered representation of the two parental genomes. These findings indicate potential for successful genetic rescue in future Apteryx reinforcement translocations, a potential that is currently under utilised due to restrictive translocation policies. In light of our findings, we suggest that reconsideration of these policies could render great benefits for the future diversity of this iconic genus in New Zealand.
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11
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Huang W, Pilkington JG, Pemberton JM. Patterns of MHC-dependent sexual selection in a free-living population of sheep. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6733-6742. [PMID: 33960549 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The MHC is one of the most polymorphic gene clusters in vertebrates and play an essential role in adaptive immunity. Apart from pathogen-mediated selection, sexual selection can also contribute to the maintenance of MHC diversity. MHC-dependent sexual selection could occur via several mechanisms but at present there is no consensus as to which of these mechanisms are involved and their importance. Previous studies have often suffered from limited genetic and behavioural data and small sample size, and were rarely able to examine all the mechanisms together, determine whether signatures of MHC-based non-random mating are independent of genomic effects or differentiate whether MHC-dependent sexual selection takes place at the pre- or post-copulatory stage. In this study, we use Monte Carlo simulation to investigate evidence for non-random MHC-dependent mating patterns by all three mechanisms in a free-living population of Soay sheep. Using 1710 sheep diplotyped at the MHC class IIa region and genome-wide SNPs, together with field observations of consorts, we found sexual selection against a particular haplotype in males at the pre-copulatory stage and sexual selection against female MHC heterozygosity during the rut. We also found MHC-dependent disassortative mating at the post-copulatory stage, along with strong evidence of inbreeding avoidance at both stages. However, results from generalized linear mixed models suggest that the pattern of MHC-dependent disassortative mating could be a by-product of inbreeding avoidance. Our results therefore suggest that while multiple apparent mechanisms of non-random mating with respect to the MHC may occur, some of them have alternative explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology,School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jill G Pilkington
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology,School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Josephine M Pemberton
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology,School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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12
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Huang W, Pemberton JM. Within-trio tests provide little support for post-copulatory selection on major histocompatibility complex haplotypes in a free-living population. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202862. [PMID: 33622127 PMCID: PMC7934901 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection has been proposed as a force that could help maintain the diversity of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes in vertebrates. Potential selective mechanisms can be divided into pre-copulatory and post-copulatory, and in both cases, the evidence for occurrence is mixed, especially in natural populations. In this study, we used a large number of parent-offspring trios that were diplotyped for MHC class II genes in a wild population of Soay sheep (Ovis aries) to examine whether there was within-trio post-copulatory selection on MHC class II genes at both the haplotype and diplotype levels. We found there was transmission ratio distortion of one of the eight MHC class II haplotypes (E) which was transmitted less than expected by fathers, and transmission ratio distortion of another haplotype (A) which was transmitted more than expected by chance to male offspring. However, in both cases, these deviations were not significant after correction for multiple tests. In addition, we did not find any evidence of post-copulatory selection at the diplotype level. These results imply that, given known parents, there is no strong post-copulatory selection on MHC class II genes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Huang
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - J. M. Pemberton
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
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13
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Rabdeau J, Badenhausser I, Gaffard A, Mangelinck C, Moreau J, Bretagnolle V, Monceau K. Assortative pairing for boldness and consequences for reproductive success in Montagu’s harrier. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Behavioural combination within pairs depending on personality and plasticity might influence reproductive success. However, studies testing this hypothesis are rare, especially in the case of monogamous species with bi-parental care in which the sexes exhibit different behavioural roles. In this study, we investigated the pairing patterns for both boldness and boldness plasticity in Montagu’s harriers (Circus pygargus), a species with sex-specific care, and the consequences for their reproductive success. We measured individual boldness and plasticity for both sexes, and we assessed the pairing pattern in the Montagu’s harrier population for these two traits. We calculated four indices to characterize the behavioural association within pairs: pair boldness, boldness similarity within pairs, pair plasticity and plasticity similarity within pairs. The relationship between the behaviour of the parents and the reproductive success was then tested through these four indices. We found a pattern of assortative pairing based on both boldness and plasticity in the Montagu’s harrier population. Within-pair similarity of plasticity had a significant effect on the reproductive success, which was higher for less similar pairs than for more similar pairs. Our results question the origin of this pairing pattern and suggest that ecological constraint and not sexual selection could be the major driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Rabdeau
- UMR 7372, Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université & CNRS, Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Isabelle Badenhausser
- INRAE, Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Prairies Plantes Fourragères, Lusignan, France
| | - Agathe Gaffard
- UMR 7372, Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université & CNRS, Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Camille Mangelinck
- UMR 7372, Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université & CNRS, Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Jérôme Moreau
- UMR 7372, Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université & CNRS, Villiers en Bois, France
- UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences, Équipe Écologie Évolutive, Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Vincent Bretagnolle
- UMR 7372, Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université & CNRS, Villiers en Bois, France
- LTSER ‘Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre’, CNRS, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Karine Monceau
- UMR 7372, Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université & CNRS, Villiers en Bois, France
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14
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Abstract
AbstractKin recognition plays an important role in social behavior and evolution, but the proximate mechanisms by which individuals recognize kin remain poorly understood. In many species, individuals form a "kin template" that they compare with conspecifics' phenotypes to assess phenotypic similarity-and, by association, relatedness. Individuals may form a kin template through self-inspection (i.e., self-referencing) and/or by observing their rearing associates (i.e., family referencing). However, despite much interest, few empirical studies have successfully disentangled self-referencing and family referencing. Here, we employ a novel set of breeding crosses using the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) to disentangle referencing systems by manipulating exposure to kin from conception onward. We show that guppies discriminate among their full and maternal half siblings, which can be explained only by self-referencing. Additional behavioral experiments revealed no evidence that guppies incorporate the phenotypes of their broodmates or mother into the kin template. Finally, by manipulating the format of our behavioral tests, we show that olfactory communication is both necessary and sufficient for kin discrimination. These results provide robust evidence that individuals recognize kin by comparing the olfactory phenotypes of conspecifics with their own. This study resolves key questions about the proximate mechanisms underpinning kin recognition, with implications for the ontogeny and evolution of social behavior.
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15
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Zhang BY, Hu HY, Song CM, Huang K, Dunn DW, Yang X, Wang XW, Zhao HT, Wang CL, Zhang P, Li BG. MHC-Based Mate Choice in Wild Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys. Front Genet 2020; 11:609414. [PMID: 33408742 PMCID: PMC7779673 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.609414] [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: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are an important component of the vertebrate immune system and play a significant role in mate choice in many species. However, it remains unclear whether female mate choice in non-human primates is based on specific functional genes and/or genome-wide genes. The golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) lives in a multilevel society, which consists of several polygynous one-male-several-female units. Although adult females tend to mainly socialize with one adult male, females often initiate extra-pair copulations with other males resulting in a high proportion of offspring being fathered by extra-pair males. We investigated the effects of adaptive MHC genes and neutral microsatellites on female mate choice in a wild R. roxellana population. We sequenced 54 parent-offspring triads using two MHC class II loci (Rhro-DQA1 and Rhro-DQB1) and 20 microsatellites from 3 years of data. We found that the paternities of offspring were non-randomly associated with male MHC compositions not microsatellite genotypes. Our study showed that the fathers of all infants had significantly less variance for several estimates of genetic similarity to the mothers compared with random males at both MHC loci. Additionally, the MHC diversity of these fathers was significantly higher than random males. We also found support for choice based on specific alleles; compared with random males, Rhro-DQA1∗ 05 and Rhro-DQB1∗ 08 were more common in both the OMU (one-male unit) males and the genetic fathers of offspring. This study provides new evidence for female mate choice for MHC-intermediate dissimilarity (rather than maximal MHC dissimilarity) and highlights the importance of incorporating multiple MHC loci and social structure into studies of MHC-based mate choice in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Yi Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Han-Yu Hu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chun-Mei Song
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kang Huang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Derek W Dunn
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Hai-Tao Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bao-Guo Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Xi'an Branch of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, China
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16
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Whittaker DJ, Hagelin JC. Female-Based Patterns and Social Function in Avian Chemical Communication. J Chem Ecol 2020; 47:43-62. [PMID: 33103230 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-020-01230-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Much of the growing interest in avian chemical signals has focused on the role of kin recognition or mate attraction, often with an emphasis on males, with uropygial gland secretions perhaps providing information about an individual's identity and quality. Yet, data collected to date suggest sexual dimorphism in uropygial glands and secretions are often emphasized in female, rather than in male birds. That is, when a sexual difference occurs (often during the breeding season only), it is the female that typically exhibits one of three patterns: (1) a larger uropygial gland, (2) a greater abundance of volatile or semi-volatile preen oil compounds and/or (3) greater diversity of preen oil compounds or associated microbes. These patterns fit a majority of birds studied to date (23 of 30 chemically dimorphic species exhibit a female emphasis). Multiple species that do not fit are confounded by a lack of data for seasonal effects or proper quantitative measures of chemical compounds. We propose several social functions for these secretions in female-based patterns, similar to those reported in mammals, but which are largely unstudied in birds. These include: (1) intersexual advertisement of female receptivity or quality, including priming effects on male physiology, (2) intrasexual competition, including scent marking and reproductive suppression or (3) parental behaviors, such as parent-offspring recognition and chemical protection of eggs and nestlings. Revisiting the gaps of chemical studies to quantify the existence of female social chemosignals and any fitness benefit(s) during breeding are potentially fruitful but overlooked areas of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Whittaker
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Julie C Hagelin
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
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17
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Individual Chemical Profiles in the Leach's Storm-Petrel. J Chem Ecol 2020; 46:845-864. [PMID: 32856136 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-020-01207-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Avian chemical communication, once largely overlooked, is a growing field that has revealed the important role that olfaction plays in the social lives of some birds. Leach's storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) have a remarkable sense of smell and a strong, musky scent. This long-lived, monogamous seabird relies on olfaction for nest relocation and foraging, but whether they use scent for communication is less well studied. They are nocturnally active at the breeding colony and yet successfully reunite with their mate despite poor night-vision, indicating an important role for non-visual communication. We investigated the chemical profiles of Leach's storm-petrels to determine whether there is socially relevant information encoded in their plumage odor. To capture the compounds comprising their strong scent, we developed a method to study the compounds present in the air surrounding their feathers using headspace stir bar sorptive extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We collected feathers from Leach's storm-petrels breeding on Bon Portage Island in Nova Scotia, Canada in both 2015 and 2016. Our method detected 142 commonly occurring compounds. We found interannual differences in chemical profiles between the two sampling years. Males and females had similar chemical profiles, while individuals had distinct chemical signatures across the two years. These findings suggest that the scent of the Leach's storm-petrel provides sociochemical information that could facilitate olfactory recognition of individuals and may inform mate choice decisions.
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18
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Gagnon M, Yannic G, Boyer F, Côté SD. Adult survival in migratory caribou is negatively associated with MHC functional diversity. Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 125:290-303. [PMID: 32728043 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-0347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are involved in acquired immunity in vertebrates. Only a few studies have investigated the fitness consequences of MHC gene diversity in wild populations. Here, we looked at the association between annual survival and body mass and MHC-DRB exon 2 (MHC-DRB) genetic diversity, obtained from high-throughput sequencing, in two declining migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) herds. To disentangle the potential direct and general effects of MHC-DRB genetic diversity, we compared different indices of diversity that were either based on DNA-sequence variation or on physicochemical divergence of the translated peptides, thereby covering a gradient of allelic-to-functional diversity. We found that (1) body mass was not related to MHC-DRB diversity or genotype, and (2) adult survival probability was negatively associated with point accepted mutation distance, a corrected distance that considers the likelihood of each amino acid substitution to be accepted by natural selection. In addition, we found no evidence of fluctuating selection over time on MHC-DRB diversity. We concluded that direct effects were involved in the negative relationship between MHC functional diversity and survival, although the mechanism underlying this result remains unclear. A possible explanation could be that individuals with higher MHC diversity suffer higher costs of immunity (immunopathology). Our results suggest that genetic diversity is not always beneficial even in genes that are likely to be strongly shaped by balancing selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Gagnon
- Département de Biologie, Caribou Ungava and Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Glenn Yannic
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Frédéric Boyer
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Steeve D Côté
- Département de Biologie, Caribou Ungava and Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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19
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Jaworska J, Jaworski Z, Tobolski D, Siemieniuch M, Janowski T, Górecka-Bruzda A. Selection of reproductive partners in semi-feral horses (Equus caballus) is not influenced by major histocompatibility complex (MHC): A field study. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.104973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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20
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Songbirds show odour-based discrimination of similarity and diversity at the major histocompatibility complex. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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21
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Rekdal SL, Anmarkrud JA, Lifjeld JT, Johnsen A. Extra‐pair mating in a passerine bird with highly duplicated major histocompatibility complex class II: Preference for the golden mean. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:5133-5144. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arild Johnsen
- Natural History Museum University of Oslo Oslo Norway
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22
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O'Connor EA, Westerdahl H, Burri R, Edwards SV. Avian MHC Evolution in the Era of Genomics: Phase 1.0. Cells 2019; 8:E1152. [PMID: 31561531 PMCID: PMC6829271 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds are a wonderfully diverse and accessible clade with an exceptional range of ecologies and behaviors, making the study of the avian major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of great interest. In the last 20 years, particularly with the advent of high-throughput sequencing, the avian MHC has been explored in great depth in several dimensions: its ability to explain ecological patterns in nature, such as mating preferences; its correlation with parasite resistance; and its structural evolution across the avian tree of life. Here, we review the latest pulse of avian MHC studies spurred by high-throughput sequencing. Despite high-throughput approaches to MHC studies, substantial areas remain in need of improvement with regard to our understanding of MHC structure, diversity, and evolution. Recent studies of the avian MHC have nonetheless revealed intriguing connections between MHC structure and life history traits, and highlight the advantages of long-term ecological studies for understanding the patterns of MHC variation in the wild. Given the exceptional diversity of birds, their accessibility, and the ease of sequencing their genomes, studies of avian MHC promise to improve our understanding of the many dimensions and consequences of MHC variation in nature. However, significant improvements in assembling complete MHC regions with long-read sequencing will be required for truly transformative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reto Burri
- Department of Population Ecology, Institute of Ecology & Evolution, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07737 Jena, Germany.
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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23
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Slade JWG, Watson MJ, MacDougall‐Shackleton EA. "Balancing" balancing selection? Assortative mating at the major histocompatibility complex despite molecular signatures of balancing selection. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:5146-5157. [PMID: 31110668 PMCID: PMC6509439 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrate animals, genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) determine the set of pathogens to which an individual's adaptive immune system can respond. MHC genes are extraordinarily polymorphic, often showing elevated nonsynonymous relative to synonymous sequence variation and sharing presumably ancient polymorphisms between lineages. These patterns likely reflect pathogen-mediated balancing selection, for example, rare-allele or heterozygote advantage. Such selection is often reinforced by disassortative mating at MHC. We characterized exon 2 of MHC class II, corresponding to the hypervariable peptide-binding region, in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). We compared nonsynonymous to synonymous sequence variation in order to identify positively selected sites; assessed evidence for trans-species polymorphisms indicating ancient balancing selection; and compared MHC similarity of socially mated pairs to expectations under random mating. Six codons showed elevated ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous variation, consistent with balancing selection, and we characterized several alleles similar to those occurring in at least four other avian families. Despite this evidence for historical balancing selection, mated pairs were significantly more similar at MHC than were randomly generated pairings. Nonrandom mating at MHC thus appears to partially counteract, not reinforce, pathogen-mediated balancing selection in this system. We suggest that in systems where individual fitness does not increase monotonically with MHC diversity, assortative mating may help to avoid excessive offspring heterozygosity that could otherwise arise from long-standing balancing selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel W. G. Slade
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Matthew J. Watson
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Western OntarioLondonOntarioCanada
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24
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Whittaker DJ, Kuzel M, Burrell MJ, Soini HA, Novotny MV, DuVal EH. Chemical profiles reflect heterozygosity and seasonality in a tropical lekking passerine bird. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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25
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Brandies PA, Grueber CE, Ivy JA, Hogg CJ, Belov K. Disentangling the mechanisms of mate choice in a captive koala population. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5438. [PMID: 30155356 PMCID: PMC6108315 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful captive breeding programs are crucial to the long-term survival of many threatened species. However, pair incompatibility (breeding failure) limits sustainability of many captive populations. Understanding whether the drivers of this incompatibility are behavioral, genetic, or a combination of both, is crucial to improving breeding programs. We used 28 years of pairing data from the San Diego Zoo koala colony, plus genetic analyses using both major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked and non-MHC-linked microsatellite markers, to show that both genetic and non-genetic factors can influence mating success. Male age was reconfirmed to be a contributing factor to the likelihood of a koala pair copulating. This trend could also be related to a pair's age difference, which was highly correlated with male age in our dataset. Familiarity was reconfirmed to increase the probability of a successful copulation. Our data provided evidence that females select mates based on MHC and genome-wide similarity. Male heterozygosity at MHC class II loci was associated with both pre- and post-copulatory female choice. Genome-wide similarity, and similarity at the MHC class II DAB locus, were also associated with female choice at the post-copulatory level. Finally, certain MHC-linked alleles were associated with either increased or decreased mating success. We predict that utilizing a variety of behavioral and MHC-dependent mate choice mechanisms improves female fitness through increased reproductive success. This study highlights the complexity of mate choice mechanisms in a species, and the importance of ascertaining mate choice mechanisms to improve the success of captive breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parice A. Brandies
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Carolyn J. Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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26
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Morgado-Santos M, Magalhães MF, Vicente L, Collares-Pereira MJ. Mate choice driven by genome in an allopolyploid fish complex. Behav Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Morgado-Santos
- Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Climáticas (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M F Magalhães
- Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Climáticas (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L Vicente
- Centro de Filosofia das Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa (CFCUL), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M J Collares-Pereira
- Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Climáticas (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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27
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Abstract
Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a highly contagious cancer, has decimated Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) numbers in the wild. To ensure its long-term survival, a captive breeding program was implemented but has not been as successful as envisaged at its launch in 2005. We therefore investigated the reproductive success of 65 captive devil pair combinations, of which 35 produced offspring (successful pairs) whereas the remaining 30 pairs, despite being observed mating, produced no offspring (unsuccessful pairs). The devils were screened at six MHC Class I-linked microsatellite loci. Our analyses revealed that younger females had a higher probability of being successful than older females. In the successful pairs we also observed a higher difference in total number of heterozygous loci, i.e. when one devil had a high total number of heterozygous loci, its partner had low numbers. Our results therefore suggest that devil reproductive success is subject to disruptive MHC selection, which to our knowledge has never been recorded in any vertebrate. In order to enhance the success of the captive breeding program the results from the present study show the importance of using young (2-year old) females as well as subjecting the devils to MHC genotyping.
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28
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Fracasso G, Tuliozi B, Hoi H, Griggio M. Can house sparrows recognize familiar or kin-related individuals by scent? Curr Zool 2018; 65:53-59. [PMID: 30697238 PMCID: PMC6347097 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, higher attention has been paid to olfactory perception in birds. As a consequence, a handful of avian species have been discovered to use olfaction in different contexts. Nevertheless, we still have a very limited knowledge about the use of odor cues in avian social life, particularly, in the case of songbirds. Here, we investigate if female house sparrows Passer domesticus show any preference for the odor of kin and nonkin conspecifics and we also test a possible role of familiarity based on male scent in female choice. We performed the experiment with captive birds twice, during the nonbreeding and breeding seasons. Our results show that female house sparrows strongly avoided the odor of unrelated familiar (UF) males, both in the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Our results suggest recognition for olfactory stimuli related to familiarity and kinship. We suggest that avoidance for UF males is associated with previous experience in this species. Also, we provided further evidence to the use of olfaction in passerine species by using a new experimental setup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Fracasso
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Biology Department, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, Padova, Italy, and
| | - Beniamino Tuliozi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, Padova, Italy, and
| | - Herbert Hoi
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1/A, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matteo Griggio
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, Padova, Italy, and
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29
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Hartnett CM, Parrott ML, Mulder RA, Coulson G, Magrath MJ. Opportunity for female mate choice improves reproductive outcomes in the conservation breeding program of the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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30
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Qiao Z, Powell JE, Evans DM. MHC-Dependent Mate Selection within 872 Spousal Pairs of European Ancestry from the Health and Retirement Study. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E53. [PMID: 29361785 PMCID: PMC5793204 DOI: 10.3390/genes9010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Disassortative mating refers to the phenomenon in which individuals with dissimilar genotypes and/or phenotypes mate with one another more frequently than would be expected by chance. Although the existence of disassortative mating is well established in plant and animal species, the only documented example of negative assortment in humans involves dissimilarity at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus. Previous studies investigating mating patterns at the MHC have been hampered by limited sample size and contradictory findings. Inspired by the sparse and conflicting evidence, we investigated the role that the MHC region played in human mate selection using genome-wide association data from 872 European American spouses from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). First, we treated the MHC region as a whole, and investigated genomic similarity between spouses using three levels of genomic variation: single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles (both four-digit and two-digit classifications), and amino acid polymorphisms. The extent of MHC dissimilarity between spouses was assessed using a permutation approach. Second, we investigated fine scale mating patterns by testing for deviations from random mating at individual SNPs, HLA genes, and amino acids in HLA molecules. Third, we assessed how extreme the spousal relatedness at the MHC region was compared to the rest of the genome, to distinguish the MHC-specific effects from genome-wide effects. We show that neither the MHC region, nor any single SNPs, classic HLA alleles, or amino acid polymorphisms within the MHC region, were significantly dissimilar between spouses relative to non-spouse pairs. However, dissimilarity in the MHC region was extreme relative to the rest of genome for both spousal and non-spouse pairs. Despite the long-standing controversy, our analyses did not support a significant role of MHC dissimilarity in human mate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qiao
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Joseph E Powell
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - David M Evans
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK.
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31
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Krause ET, Bischof HJ, Engel K, Golüke S, Maraci Ö, Mayer U, Sauer J, Caspers BA. Olfaction in the Zebra Finch ( Taeniopygia guttata ): What Is Known and Further Perspectives. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.asb.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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32
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Bowers EK, Sakaluk SK, Thompson CF. Interactive effects of parental age on offspring fitness and age-assortative mating in a wild bird. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2017; 327:302-310. [PMID: 29218330 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Variation in parental age can have important consequences for offspring fitness and the structure of populations and disease transmission. However, our understanding of the effects of parental age on offspring in natural populations is limited. Here, we investigate consequences of parental age for offspring fitness and test for age-assortative mating in a short-lived bird, the house wren (Troglodytes aedon). Offspring immunoresponsiveness increased with maternal age and decreased with paternal age, but the strength of these effects varied with the age of one's mate. Offspring immunoresponsiveness was augmented most with older mothers and younger fathers. Thus, we expected this combination of ages to yield the highest offspring fitness. However, offspring recruitment, longevity, and lifetime reproductive success were greatest when both parents were of above-average age. Consistent with the interactive effects of parental age on offspring fitness, we detected positive age-assortative mating among breeding pairs. Our results suggest that selection favors age-assortative mating, but in different ways depending on how parental ages affect offspring. We suggest that, in this short-lived species, selection for combinations of parental ages that maximize offspring immune responses is likely weaker than selection to produce breeding adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson Keith Bowers
- Department of Biological Sciences and Edward J. Meeman Biological Station, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Scott K Sakaluk
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
| | - Charles F Thompson
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
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33
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Zandberg L, Gort G, van Oers K, Hinde CA. Direct fitness benefits explain mate preference, but not choice, for similarity in heterozygosity levels. Ecol Lett 2017; 20:1306-1314. [PMID: 28868784 PMCID: PMC5639373 DOI: 10.1111/ele.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Under sexual selection, mate preferences can evolve for traits advertising fitness benefits. Observed mating patterns (mate choice) are often assumed to represent preference, even though they result from the interaction between preference, sampling strategy and environmental factors. Correlating fitness with mate choice instead of preference will therefore lead to confounded conclusions about the role of preference in sexual selection. Here we show that direct fitness benefits underlie mate preferences for genetic characteristics in a unique experiment on wild great tits. In repeated mate preference tests, both sexes preferred mates that had similar heterozygosity levels to themselves, and not those with which they would optimise offspring heterozygosity. In a subsequent field experiment where we cross fostered offspring, foster parents with more similar heterozygosity levels had higher reproductive success, despite the absence of assortative mating patterns. These results support the idea that selection for preference persists despite constraints on mate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies Zandberg
- Behavioural Ecology GroupWageningen University and ResearchDe Elst 16708 WDWageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)Droevendaalsesteeg 106708 PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Gort
- Department of BiometrisWageningen University and ResearchDroevendaalsesteeg 16708 PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)Droevendaalsesteeg 106708 PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Camilla A. Hinde
- Behavioural Ecology GroupWageningen University and ResearchDe Elst 16708 WDWageningenThe Netherlands
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34
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Andreou D, Eizaguirre C, Boehm T, Milinski M. Mate choice in sticklebacks reveals that immunogenes can drive ecological speciation. Behav Ecol 2017; 28:953-961. [PMID: 29622924 PMCID: PMC5873247 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arx074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to ecologically contrasting niches can lead to the formation of new species. Theoretically, this process of ecological speciation can be driven by pleiotropic "magic traits" that genetically link natural and sexual selection. To qualify as a true magic trait, the pleiotropic function of a gene must be reflected in biologically relevant mechanisms underlying both local adaptation and mate choice. The immune genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) contribute to parasite resistance and also play a major role in sexual selection. Hence, the MHC may encode a candidate magic trait. Using diverging 3-spined stickleback populations from a connected lake-river habitat, we show with mate choice experiments in a flow channel that polymorphic MHC genes probably underlie assortative mating with respect to particular habitat-adapted ecotypes, potentially resulting in reproductive isolation. By manipulating olfactory cues in controlled experiments, we show that female sticklebacks employ MHC-dependent male olfactory signals to select mates with which they can achieve a habitat-specific MHC gene structure that optimally protects their offspring against local parasites. By using MHC-based olfactory signals, females thus select individuals of their own population as mates. Our results demonstrate how mate choice and parasite resistance may be functionally linked. These findings suggest that MHC genes are pleiotropic and encode a true magic trait of biologically significant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra Andreou
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, August- Thienemann- Str. 2, D-24306, Ploen, Germany
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Talbot Campus, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Christophe Eizaguirre
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, August- Thienemann- Str. 2, D-24306, Ploen, Germany
- GEOMAR| Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Department of Evolutionary Ecology of Marine Fishes, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
- Present address: School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK, and
| | - Thomas Boehm
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Department of Developmental Immunology, Stuebeweg 51, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Milinski
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, August- Thienemann- Str. 2, D-24306, Ploen, Germany
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35
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Rymešová D, Králová T, Promerová M, Bryja J, Tomášek O, Svobodová J, Šmilauer P, Šálek M, Albrecht T. Mate choice for major histocompatibility complex complementarity in a strictly monogamous bird, the grey partridge ( Perdix perdix). Front Zool 2017; 14:9. [PMID: 28239400 PMCID: PMC5312559 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual selection has been hypothesised as favouring mate choice resulting in production of viable offspring with genotypes providing high pathogen resistance. Specific pathogen recognition is mediated by genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoding proteins fundamental for adaptive immune response in jawed vertebrates. MHC genes may also play a role in odour-based individual recognition and mate choice, aimed at avoiding inbreeding. MHC genes are known to be involved in mate choice in a number of species, with ‘good genes’ (absolute criteria) and ‘complementary genes’ (self-referential criteria) being used to explain MHC-based mating. Here, we focus on the effect of morphological traits and variation and genetic similarity between individuals in MHC class IIB (MHCIIB) exon 2 on mating in a free-living population of a monogamous bird, the grey partridge. Results We found no evidence for absolute mate choice criteria as regards grey partridge MHCIIB genotypes, i.e., number and occurrence of amino acid variants, though red chroma of the spot behind eyes was positively associated with male pairing success. On the other hand, mate choice at MHCIIB was based on relative criteria as females preferentially paired with more dissimilar males having a lower number of shared amino acid variants. This observation supports the ‘inbreeding avoidance’ and ‘complementary genes’ hypotheses. Conclusions Our study provides one of the first pieces of evidence for MHC-based mate choice for genetic complementarity in a strictly monogamous bird. The statistical approach employed can be recommended for testing mating preferences in cases where availability of potential mates (recorded with an appropriate method such as radio-tracking) shows considerable temporal variation. Additional genetic analyses using neutral markers may detect whether MHC-based mate choice for complementarity emerges as a by-product of general inbreeding avoidance in grey partridges. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12983-017-0194-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rymešová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Králová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Promerová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josef Bryja
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Tomášek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Svobodová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Šmilauer
- Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Šálek
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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36
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Birnbaum S, Birnbaum GE, Ein-Dor T. Can Contraceptive Pill Affect Future Offspring’s Health? The Implications of Using Hormonal Birth Control for Human Evolution. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-016-0074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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37
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Vlček J, Hoeck PEA, Keller LF, Wayhart JP, Dolinová I, Štefka J. Balancing selection and genetic drift create unusual patterns of MHCIIβ variation in Galápagos mockingbirds. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:4757-72. [PMID: 27545344 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular subunit of the major histocompatibility complex MHCIIβ plays an important role in the recognition of pathogens and the initiation of the adaptive immune response of vertebrates. It is widely accepted that pathogen-mediated selection in combination with neutral micro-evolutionary forces (e.g. genetic drift) shape the diversity of MHCIIβ, but it has proved difficult to determine the relative effects of these forces. We evaluated the effect of genetic drift and balancing selection on MHCIIβ diversity in 12 small populations of Galápagos mockingbirds belonging to four different species, and one larger population of the Northern mockingbird from the continental USA. After genotyping MHCIIβ loci by high-throughput sequencing, we applied a correlational approach to explore the relationships between MHCIIβ diversity and population size by proxy of island size. As expected when drift predominates, we found a positive effect of population size on the number of MHCIIβ alleles present in a population. However, the number of MHCIIβ alleles per individual and number of supertypes were not correlated with population size. This discrepancy points to an interesting feature of MHCIIβ diversity dynamics: some levels of diversity might be shaped by genetic drift while others are independent and possibly maintained by balancing selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Vlček
- Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1670, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Paquita E A Hoeck
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA
| | - Lukas F Keller
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica P Wayhart
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA
| | - Iva Dolinová
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec, Bendlova 7, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Štefka
- Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1670, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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38
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Jacob G, Prévot AC, Baudry E. Feral Pigeons (Columba livia) Prefer Genetically Similar Mates despite Inbreeding Depression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162451. [PMID: 27588754 PMCID: PMC5010204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Avoidance of mating between related individuals is usually considered adaptive because it decreases the probability of inbreeding depression in offspring. However, mating between related partners can be adaptive if outbreeding depression is stronger than inbreeding depression or if females gain inclusive fitness benefits by mating with close kin. In the present study, we used microsatellite data to infer the parentage of juveniles born in a French colony of feral pigeons, which allowed us to deduce parent pairs. Despite detectable inbreeding depression, we found that pairwise relatedness between mates was significantly higher than between nonmates, with a mean coefficient of relatedness between mates of 0.065, approximately half the theoretical value for first cousins. This higher relatedness between mates cannot be explained by spatial genetic structure in this colonial bird; it therefore probably results from an active choice. As inbreeding but not outbreeding depression is observed in the study population, this finding accords with the idea that mating with genetically similar mates can confer a benefit in terms of inclusive fitness. Our results and published evidence suggest that preference for related individuals as mates might be relatively frequent in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenaël Jacob
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Caroline Prévot
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
- UMR7204, CNRS-MNHN-UPMC, Centre des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CP 51, 55 rue Buffon, Paris 5, France
| | - Emmanuelle Baudry
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
- * E-mail:
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Malmstrøm M, Matschiner M, Tørresen OK, Star B, Snipen LG, Hansen TF, Baalsrud HT, Nederbragt AJ, Hanel R, Salzburger W, Stenseth NC, Jakobsen KS, Jentoft S. Evolution of the immune system influences speciation rates in teleost fishes. Nat Genet 2016; 48:1204-10. [PMID: 27548311 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Teleost fishes constitute the most species-rich vertebrate clade and exhibit extensive genetic and phenotypic variation, including diverse immune defense strategies. The genomic basis of a particularly aberrant strategy is exemplified by Atlantic cod, in which a loss of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II functionality coincides with a marked expansion of MHC I genes. Through low-coverage genome sequencing (9-39×), assembly and comparative analyses for 66 teleost species, we show here that MHC II is missing in the entire Gadiformes lineage and thus was lost once in their common ancestor. In contrast, we find that MHC I gene expansions have occurred multiple times, both inside and outside this clade. Moreover, we identify an association between high MHC I copy number and elevated speciation rates using trait-dependent diversification models. Our results extend current understanding of the plasticity of the adaptive immune system and suggest an important role for immune-related genes in animal diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ole K Tørresen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bastiaan Star
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars G Snipen
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Reinhold Hanel
- Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Walter Salzburger
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nils C Stenseth
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen Marine Research Station, His, Norway.,Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Sissel Jentoft
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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40
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Hoover B, Nevitt G. Modeling the Importance of Sample Size in Relation to Error in MHC-Based Mate-Choice Studies on Natural Populations. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 56:925-933. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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41
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Setchell JM, Richards SA, Abbott KM, Knapp LA. Mate-guarding by male mandrills ( Mandrillus sphinx) is associated with female MHC genotype. Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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42
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Mills JA, Teplitsky C, Arroyo B, Charmantier A, Becker PH, Birkhead TR, Bize P, Blumstein DT, Bonenfant C, Boutin S, Bushuev A, Cam E, Cockburn A, Côté SD, Coulson JC, Daunt F, Dingemanse NJ, Doligez B, Drummond H, Espie RHM, Festa-Bianchet M, Frentiu F, Fitzpatrick JW, Furness RW, Garant D, Gauthier G, Grant PR, Griesser M, Gustafsson L, Hansson B, Harris MP, Jiguet F, Kjellander P, Korpimäki E, Krebs CJ, Lens L, Linnell JDC, Low M, McAdam A, Margalida A, Merilä J, Møller AP, Nakagawa S, Nilsson JÅ, Nisbet ICT, van Noordwijk AJ, Oro D, Pärt T, Pelletier F, Potti J, Pujol B, Réale D, Rockwell RF, Ropert-Coudert Y, Roulin A, Sedinger JS, Swenson JE, Thébaud C, Visser ME, Wanless S, Westneat DF, Wilson AJ, Zedrosser A. Archiving Primary Data: Solutions for Long-Term Studies. Trends Ecol Evol 2016; 30:581-589. [PMID: 26411615 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The recent trend for journals to require open access to primary data included in publications has been embraced by many biologists, but has caused apprehension amongst researchers engaged in long-term ecological and evolutionary studies. A worldwide survey of 73 principal investigators (Pls) with long-term studies revealed positive attitudes towards sharing data with the agreement or involvement of the PI, and 93% of PIs have historically shared data. Only 8% were in favor of uncontrolled, open access to primary data while 63% expressed serious concern. We present here their viewpoint on an issue that can have non-trivial scientific consequences. We discuss potential costs of public data archiving and provide possible solutions to meet the needs of journals and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Céline Teplitsky
- Département Ecologie et Gestion de la Biodiversité, UMR 7204 CNRS/MNHN/UPMC, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France.
| | - Beatriz Arroyo
- Instituto de Investigacion en Recursos Cinegeticos (IREC) (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad, Real, Spain
| | - Anne Charmantier
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive UMR 5175, Campus CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
| | - Peter H Becker
- Institute of Avian Research, 'Vogelwarte Helgoland', An der Vogelwarte 21 D26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Tim R Birkhead
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pierre Bize
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Daniel T Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 621 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
| | - Christophe Bonenfant
- CNRS,Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, UMR 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 43 boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne CEDEX, France
| | - Stan Boutin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Andrey Bushuev
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/12, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Emmanuelle Cam
- UMR 5174 EDB Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique, CNRS, ENFA, Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse CEDEX 9, France
| | - Andrew Cockburn
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Steeve D Côté
- Département de Biologie and Centre d'Etudes Nordiques, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la Médecine, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Francis Daunt
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB UK
| | - Niels J Dingemanse
- Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Evolutionary Ecology of Variation Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Blandine Doligez
- CNRS,Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, UMR 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 43 boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne CEDEX, France
| | - Hugh Drummond
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70-275, México DF 04510, México
| | - Richard H M Espie
- Technical Resource Branch, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, 3211 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 5W6, Canada
| | - Marco Festa-Bianchet
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Francesca Frentiu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059 Australia
| | - John W Fitzpatrick
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Robert W Furness
- Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Dany Garant
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Gilles Gauthier
- Département de Biologie and Centre d'Etudes Nordiques, Université Laval, 1045 avenue de la Médecine, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Peter R Grant
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544-1003, USA
| | - Michael Griesser
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Gustafsson
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bengt Hansson
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michael P Harris
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB UK
| | - Frédéric Jiguet
- CESCO, UMR7204 Sorbonne Universités-MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, CP51, 55 Rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Petter Kjellander
- Grimso Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) 73091, Riddarhyttan, Sweden
| | - Erkki Korpimäki
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Charles J Krebs
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Luc Lens
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - John D C Linnell
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, PO Box 5685 Sluppen, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Matthew Low
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrew McAdam
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Juha Merilä
- Ecological Genetics Research Unit, Department of Biosciences, PO Box 65 (Biocenter 3, Viikinkaari 1), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helskinki, Finland
| | - Anders P Møller
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, Equipe Diversité, Ecologie et Evolution Microbiennes, Bâtiment 362, 91405 Orsay CEDEX, France
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jan-Åke Nilsson
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ian C T Nisbet
- I.C.T. Nisbet and Company, 150 Alder Lane, North Falmouth, MA 02556, USA
| | - Arie J van Noordwijk
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), PO Box 50, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Oro
- Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miquel Marques 21, 07190 Esporles, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Tomas Pärt
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fanie Pelletier
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Jaime Potti
- Departamento de Ecologia Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC, Av. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Benoit Pujol
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Denis Réale
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec A Montréal, CP 8888 Cuccursale Centre Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Robert F Rockwell
- Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024 USA
| | - Yan Ropert-Coudert
- Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, CNRS UMR7178, 23 rue Becquerel 67087 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - James S Sedinger
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada Reno, Reno NV 89512, USA
| | - Jon E Swenson
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, 1432 Ås, and Norway and Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, PO Box 5685 Sluppen, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christophe Thébaud
- UMR 5174 EDB Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique, CNRS, ENFA, Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse CEDEX 9, France
| | - Marcel E Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), PO Box 50, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Wanless
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB UK
| | - David F Westneat
- Department of Biology, Center for Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alastair J Wilson
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Andreas Zedrosser
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Environmental and Health Studies, Telemark University College, 3800 Bø i Telemark, Norway
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Brunner FS, Eizaguirre C. Can environmental change affect host/parasite-mediated speciation? ZOOLOGY 2016; 119:384-94. [PMID: 27210289 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parasitism can be a driver of species divergence and thereby significantly alter species formation processes. While we still need to better understand how parasite-mediated speciation functions, it is even less clear how this process is affected by environmental change. Both rapid and gradual changes of the environment can modify host immune responses, parasite virulence and the specificity of their interactions. They will thereby change host-parasite evolutionary trajectories and the potential for speciation in both hosts and parasites. Here, we summarise mechanisms of host-parasite interactions affecting speciation and subsequently consider their susceptibility to environmental changes. We mainly focus on the effects of temperature change and nutrient input to ecosystems as they are major environmental stressors. There is evidence for both disruptive and accelerating effects of those pressures on speciation that seem to be context-dependent. A prerequisite for parasite-driven host speciation is that parasites significantly alter the host's Darwinian fitness. This can rapidly lead to divergent selection and genetic adaptation; however, it is likely preceded by more short-term plastic and transgenerational effects. Here, we also consider how these first responses and their susceptibility to environmental changes could lead to alterations of the species formation process and may provide alternative pathways to speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska S Brunner
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.
| | - Christophe Eizaguirre
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
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44
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Huo GN, Liu L, He HB, Attwood SW. An investigation into the potential effects of infrapopulation structure and other sources of sampling error, on population genetic studies of the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum (Trematoda: Digenea). Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:165. [PMID: 27000844 PMCID: PMC4802887 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1454-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma japonicum remains a major challenge to human and animal health. Earlier microsatellite-based studies reported possible definitive-host-specific private alleles within S. japonicum, opening the possibility that different definitive hosts might harbour different parasite strains. Previous investigations have also detected near-identical multilocus genotypes in populations of adult worms - possibly the result of mutations occurring during the asexual (intramolluscan) phase of clonal expansion. Research has also revealed extensive deviations from Hardy-Weinberg Proportions (HWP) and conflicting results among studies. The present study was performed to examine some of the potential effects of infrapopulation structure on microsatellite-based studies of the transmission ecology of S. japonicum. Potential sources of bias considered included organotropic distribution of worms, non-random mating and corrections for clonal expansion. Results Stool samples from naturally infected hosts were used to infect snails in the laboratory and thereby expose mice. 274 individual worms were typed at seven microsatellite loci. Removal of individuals bearing duplicate MLGs (as a correction for presumed clonal expansion) had an impact on both HWP and organotropic genetic differentiation. The study found no evidence that heterozygote deficiencies were caused by a Wahlund effect. Female-male pairings appeared to be random and there was no evidence for mate choice by heterozygosity. There was some indication that excess heterozygosity, induced by clonal expansion, can offset heterozygote deficiencies caused by small population size or populations fragmented by parasite control efforts. Conclusions The view is supported that miracidia are preferable to adult worms in investigations into host-specific parasite lineages. Where adults must be used, extreme care should be taken with regard to sampling if infrapopulations of small animals are compared with those of larger animals; this is because of organotropic patterns in genetic variation and the tendency to sample from different organs in differently sized hosts. As corrections for clones may accentuate signals of population subdivision, corrections should only be made if tests for clonal expansion prove positive. Finally, evidence for heterozygote deficiency caused by small sample size, calls for carefully designed random and comprehensive sampling strategies for S. japonicum in China, where control efforts have greatly fragmented parasite populations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1454-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Nan Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Bin He
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Stephen W Attwood
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, UK.
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45
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Galaverni M, Caniglia R, Milanesi P, Lapalombella S, Fabbri E, Randi E. Choosy Wolves? Heterozygote Advantage But No Evidence of MHC-Based Disassortative Mating. J Hered 2015; 107:134-42. [PMID: 26610365 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esv090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of nonrandom mate choice strategies, including disassortative mating, are used by vertebrate species to avoid inbreeding, maintain heterozygosity and increase fitness. Disassortative mating may be mediated by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), an important gene cluster controlling immune responses to pathogens. We investigated the patterns of mate choice in 26 wild-living breeding pairs of gray wolf (Canis lupus) that were identified through noninvasive genetic methods and genotyped at 3 MHC class II and 12 autosomal microsatellite (STR) loci. We tested for deviations from random mating and evaluated the covariance of genetic variables at functional and STR markers with fitness proxies deduced from pedigree reconstructions. Results did not show evidences of MHC-based disassortative mating. Rather we found a higher peptide similarity between mates at MHC loci as compared with random expectations. Fitness values were positively correlated with heterozygosity of the breeders at both MHC and STR loci, whereas they decreased with relatedness at STRs. These findings may indicate fitness advantages for breeders that, while avoiding highly related mates, are more similar at the MHC and have high levels of heterozygosity overall. Such a pattern of MHC-assortative mating may reflect local coadaptation of the breeders, while a reduction in genetic diversity may be balanced by heterozygote advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Galaverni
- From the Laboratorio di genetica, ISPRA, via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy (Galaverni, Caniglia, Milanesi, Fabbri, and Randi); Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy (Lapalombella); and Department 18/Section of Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark (Randi).
| | - Romolo Caniglia
- From the Laboratorio di genetica, ISPRA, via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy (Galaverni, Caniglia, Milanesi, Fabbri, and Randi); Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy (Lapalombella); and Department 18/Section of Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark (Randi)
| | - Pietro Milanesi
- From the Laboratorio di genetica, ISPRA, via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy (Galaverni, Caniglia, Milanesi, Fabbri, and Randi); Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy (Lapalombella); and Department 18/Section of Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark (Randi)
| | - Silvana Lapalombella
- From the Laboratorio di genetica, ISPRA, via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy (Galaverni, Caniglia, Milanesi, Fabbri, and Randi); Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy (Lapalombella); and Department 18/Section of Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark (Randi)
| | - Elena Fabbri
- From the Laboratorio di genetica, ISPRA, via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy (Galaverni, Caniglia, Milanesi, Fabbri, and Randi); Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy (Lapalombella); and Department 18/Section of Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark (Randi)
| | - Ettore Randi
- From the Laboratorio di genetica, ISPRA, via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy (Galaverni, Caniglia, Milanesi, Fabbri, and Randi); Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy (Lapalombella); and Department 18/Section of Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark (Randi)
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46
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Wright DJ, Brouwer L, Mannarelli ME, Burke T, Komdeur J, Richardson DS. Social pairing of Seychelles warblers under reduced constraints: MHC, neutral heterozygosity, and age. Behav Ecol 2015; 27:295-303. [PMID: 26792973 PMCID: PMC4718175 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and significance of precopulatory mate choice remains keenly debated. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a key role in vertebrate adaptive immunity, and variation at the MHC influences individual survival. Although MHC-dependent mate choice has been documented in certain species, many other studies find no such pattern. This may be, at least in part, because in natural systems constraints may reduce the choices available to individuals and prevent full expression of underlying preferences. We used translocations to previously unoccupied islands to experimentally reduce constraints on female social mate choice in the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), a species in which patterns of MHC-dependent extrapair paternity (EPP), but not social mate choice, have been observed. We find no evidence of MHC-dependent social mate choice in the new populations. Instead, we find that older males and males with more microsatellite heterozygosity are more likely to have successfully paired. Our data cannot resolve whether these patterns in pairing were due to male-male competition or female choice. However, our research does suggest that female Seychelles warblers do not choose social mates using MHC class I to increase fitness. It may also indicate that the MHC-dependent EPP observed in the source population is probably due to mechanisms other than female precopulatory mate choice based on MHC cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Wright
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK,; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Lyanne Brouwer
- Evolution, Ecology & Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University , Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200 , Australia
| | - Maria-Elena Mannarelli
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, University of Sheffield , Sheffield S10 2TN , UK
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, University of Sheffield , Sheffield S10 2TN , UK
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural Ecology and Self-organization Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen , PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen , The Netherlands , and
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK,; Nature Seychelles, Centre for Environment and Education, The Sanctuary, PO Box 1310, Roche Caiman, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
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47
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Sin YW, Annavi G, Newman C, Buesching C, Burke T, Macdonald DW, Dugdale HL. MHC class II-assortative mate choice in European badgers (Meles meles). Mol Ecol 2015; 24:3138-50. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yung Wa Sin
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU); Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House Abingdon Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences; University of Sheffield; Western Bank; Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 2TN UK
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology; Museum of Comparative Zoology; Harvard University; 26 Oxford Street Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - Geetha Annavi
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU); Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House Abingdon Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences; University of Sheffield; Western Bank; Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 2TN UK
- Biology Department; Faculty of Science; Universiti Putra Malaysia; 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
| | - Chris Newman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU); Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House Abingdon Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| | - Christina Buesching
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU); Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House Abingdon Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| | - Terry Burke
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences; University of Sheffield; Western Bank; Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 2TN UK
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU); Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House Abingdon Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| | - Hannah L. Dugdale
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences; University of Sheffield; Western Bank; Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 2TN UK
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences; University of Groningen; PO Box 11103 9700CC Groningen the Netherlands
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48
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Caro SP, Balthazart J, Bonadonna F. The perfume of reproduction in birds: chemosignaling in avian social life. Horm Behav 2015; 68:25-42. [PMID: 24928570 PMCID: PMC4263688 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Chemosignals and Reproduction". Chemical cues were probably the first cues ever used to communicate and are still ubiquitous among living organisms. Birds have long been considered an exception: it was believed that birds were anosmic and relied on their acute visual and acoustic capabilities. Birds are however excellent smellers and use odors in various contexts including food searching, orientation, and also breeding. Successful reproduction in most vertebrates involves the exchange of complex social signals between partners. The first evidence for a role of olfaction in reproductive contexts in birds only dates back to the seventies, when ducks were shown to require a functional sense of smell to express normal sexual behaviors. Nowadays, even if the interest for olfaction in birds has largely increased, the role that bodily odors play in reproduction still remains largely understudied. The few available studies suggest that olfaction is involved in many reproductive stages. Odors have been shown to influence the choice and synchronization of partners, the choice of nest-building material or the care for the eggs and offspring. How this chemical information is translated at the physiological level mostly remains to be described, although available evidence suggests that, as in mammals, key reproductive brain areas like the medial preoptic nucleus are activated by relevant olfactory signals. Olfaction in birds receives increasing attention and novel findings are continuously published, but many exciting discoveries are still ahead of us, and could make birds one of the animal classes with the largest panel of developed senses ever described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel P Caro
- Research Group in Behavioural Ecology, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, CEFE-CNRS (UMR 5175), Montpellier, France; Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Center for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Francesco Bonadonna
- Research Group in Behavioural Ecology, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, CEFE-CNRS (UMR 5175), Montpellier, France
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49
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Kuduk K, Babik W, Bellemain E, Valentini A, Zedrosser A, Taberlet P, Kindberg J, Swenson JE, Radwan J. No evidence for the effect of MHC on male mating success in the brown bear. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113414. [PMID: 25470381 PMCID: PMC4254848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mate choice is thought to contribute to the maintenance of the spectacularly high polymorphism of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes, along with balancing selection from parasites, but the relative contribution of the former mechanism is debated. Here, we investigated the association between male MHC genotype and mating success in the brown bear. We analysed fragments of sequences coding for the peptide-binding region of the highly polymorphic MHC class I and class II DRB genes, while controlling for genome-wide effects using a panel of 18 microsatellite markers. Male mating success did not depend on the number of alleles shared with the female or amino-acid distance between potential mates at either locus. Furthermore, we found no indication of female mating preferences for MHC similarity being contingent on the number of alleles the females carried. Finally, we found no significant association between the number of MHC alleles a male carried and his mating success. Thus, our results provided no support for the role of mate choice in shaping MHC polymorphism in the brown bear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kuduk
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Wieslaw Babik
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Eva Bellemain
- SPYGEN, Savoie Technolac - Bât. Koala 17, rue du Lac Saint-André - BP 274, 73375, Le Bourget-du-Lac Cedex, France
| | - Alice Valentini
- SPYGEN, Savoie Technolac - Bât. Koala 17, rue du Lac Saint-André - BP 274, 73375, Le Bourget-du-Lac Cedex, France
| | - Andreas Zedrosser
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432, Ås, Norway
- Institute for Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, AT-1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pierre Taberlet
- CNRS, LECA, F-38000, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, LECA, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jonas Kindberg
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jon E. Swenson
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432, Ås, Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NO-7485, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jacek Radwan
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
- * E-mail:
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A contact-based social network of lizards is defined by low genetic relatedness among strongly connected individuals. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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