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Murphy WJ, Harris AJ. Toward telomere-to-telomere cat genomes for precision medicine and conservation biology. Genome Res 2024; 34:655-664. [PMID: 38849156 PMCID: PMC11216403 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278546.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Genomic data from species of the cat family Felidae promise to stimulate veterinary and human medical advances, and clarify the coherence of genome organization. We describe how interspecies hybrids have been instrumental in the genetic analysis of cats, from the first genetic maps to propelling cat genomes toward the T2T standard set by the human genome project. Genotype-to-phenotype mapping in cat models has revealed dozens of health-related genetic variants, the molecular basis for mammalian pigmentation and patterning, and species-specific adaptations. Improved genomic surveillance of natural and captive populations across the cat family tree will increase our understanding of the genetic architecture of traits, population dynamics, and guide a future of genome-enabled biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Murphy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA;
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA
| | - Andrew J Harris
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA
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2
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Peng W, Zhang Y, Gao L, Shi W, Liu Z, Guo X, Zhang Y, Li B, Li G, Cao J, Yang M. Selection signatures and landscape genomics analysis to reveal climate adaptation of goat breeds. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:420. [PMID: 38684985 PMCID: PMC11057119 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Goats have achieved global prominence as essential livestock since their initial domestication, primarily owing to their remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental and production systems. Differential selection pressures influenced by climate have led to variations in their physical attributes, leaving genetic imprints within the genomes of goat breeds raised in diverse agroecological settings. In light of this, our study pursued a comprehensive analysis, merging environmental data with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations, to unearth indications of selection shaped by climate-mediated forces in goats. Through the examination of 43,300 SNPs from 51 indigenous goat breeds adapting to different climatic conditions using four analytical methods: latent factor mixed models (LFMM), F-statistics (Fst), Extended haplotype homozygosity across populations (XPEHH), and spatial analysis method (SAM), A total of 74 genes were revealed to display clear signs of selection, which are believed to be influenced by climatic conditions. Among these genes, 32 were consistently identified by at least two of the applied methods, and three genes (DENND1A, PLCB1, and ITPR2) were confirmed by all four approaches. Moreover, our investigation yielded 148 Gene Ontology (GO) terms based on these 74 genes, underlining pivotal biological pathways crucial for environmental adaptation. These pathways encompass functions like vascular smooth muscle contraction, cellular response to heat, GTPase regulator activity, rhythmic processes, and responses to temperature stimuli. Of significance, GO terms about endocrine regulation and energy metabolic responses, key for local adaptation were also uncovered, including biological processes, such as cell differentiation, regulation of peptide hormone secretion, and lipid metabolism. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the genetic structure of climate-triggered adaptation across the goat genome and have practical implications for marker-assisted breeding in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Peng
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China.
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Lei Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Wanlu Shi
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
| | - Zi Liu
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
| | - Yunxia Zhang
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
| | - Bing Li
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
| | - Guoyin Li
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
| | - Jingya Cao
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
| | - Mingsheng Yang
- College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China.
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3
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Tensen L, Fischer K. Heterozygosity is low where rare color variants in wild carnivores prevail. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10881. [PMID: 38327687 PMCID: PMC10847885 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Coat color and pattern are a distinguished feature in mammalian carnivores, shaped by climatic cycles and habitat type. It can be expressed in various ways, such as gradients, polymorphisms, and rare color variants. Although natural selection explains much of the phenotypic variation found in the wild, genetic drift and heterozygote deficiency, as prominent in small and fragmented populations, may also affect phenotypic variability through the fixation of recessive alleles. The aim of this study was to test whether rare color variants in the wild could relate to a deficiency of heterozygotes, resulting from habitat fragmentation and small population size. We present an overview of all rare color variants in the order Carnivora, and compiled demographic and genetic data of the populations where they did and did not occur, to test for significant correlations. We also tested how phylogeny and body weight influenced the presence of color variants with phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models (PGLMMs). We found 40 color-variable species and 59 rare color variants. In 17 variable phenotypic populations for which genetic diversity was available, the average A R was 4.18, H O = 0.59, and H E = 0.66, and F IS = 0.086. We found that variable populations displayed a significant reduction in heterozygosity and allelic richness compared to non-variable populations across species. We also found a significant negative correlation between population size and inbreeding coefficients. Therefore, it is possible that small effective size had phenotypic consequences on the extant populations. The high frequency of the rare color variants (averaging 20%) also implies that genetic drift is locally overruling natural selection in small effective populations. As such, rare color variants could be added to the list of phenotypic consequences of inbreeding in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tensen
- Zoology, Institute for Integrated Natural SciencesKoblenz UniversityKoblenzGermany
- Department of Zoology, Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife ConservationUniversity of JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Klaus Fischer
- Zoology, Institute for Integrated Natural SciencesKoblenz UniversityKoblenzGermany
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Sooriyabandara MGC, Bandaranayake AU, Hathurusinghe HABM, Jayasundara SM, Marasinghe MSRRP, Prasad GAT, Abeywardana VPMK, Pinidiya MA, Nilanthi RMR, Bandaranayake PCG. A unique single nucleotide polymorphism in Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) gene changes coat colour of Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) to dark black. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0269967. [PMID: 37440497 PMCID: PMC10343082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is an endangered subspecies restricted to isolated and fragmented populations in Sri Lanka. Among them, melanistic leopards have been recorded on a few occasions. Literature suggests the evolution of melanism several times in the Felidae family, with three species having distinct mutations. Nevertheless, the mutations or other variations in the remaining species, including Sri Lankan melanistic leopard, are unknown. We used reference-based assembled nuclear genomes of Sri Lankan wild type and melanistic leopards and de novo assembled mitogenomes of the same to investigate the genetic basis, adaptive significance, and evolutionary history of the Sri Lankan melanistic leopard. Interestingly, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in exon-4 Sri Lankan melanistic leopard, which may completely ablate Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) function. The wild type leopards in Sri Lanka did not carry this mutation, suggesting the cause for the occurrence of melanistic leopords in the population. Comparative analysis of existing genomic data in the literature suggests it as a P. p. kotiya specific mutation and a novel mutation in the ASIP-gene of the Felidae family, contributing to naturally occurring colour polymorphism. Our data suggested the coalescence time of Sri Lankan leopards at ~0.5 million years, sisters to the Panthera pardus lineage. The genetic diversity was low in Sri Lankan leopards. Further, the P. p. kotiya melanistic leopard is a different morphotype of the P. p. kotiya wildtype leopard resulting from the mutation in the ASIP-gene. The ability of black leopards to camouflage, along with the likelihood of recurrence and transfer to future generations, suggests that this rare mutation could be environment-adaptable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. U. Bandaranayake
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - H. A. B. M. Hathurusinghe
- Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - S. M. Jayasundara
- Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | - G. A. T. Prasad
- Department of Wildlife Conservation, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
| | | | - M. A. Pinidiya
- Department of Wildlife Conservation, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
| | | | - P. C. G. Bandaranayake
- Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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5
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Brandon AA, Michael C, Carmona Baez A, Moore EC, Ciccotto PJ, Roberts NB, Roberts RB, Powder KE. Distinct genetic origins of eumelanin intensity and barring patterns in cichlid fishes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.02.547430. [PMID: 37461734 PMCID: PMC10349982 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.02.547430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Pigment patterns are incredibly diverse across vertebrates and are shaped by multiple selective pressures from predator avoidance to mate choice. A common pattern across fishes, but for which we know little about the underlying mechanisms, is repeated melanic vertical bars. In order to understand genetic factors that modify the level or pattern of vertical barring, we generated a genetic cross of 322 F2 hybrids between two cichlid species with distinct barring patterns, Aulonocara koningsi and Metriaclima mbenjii. We identify 48 significant quantitative trait loci that underlie a series of seven phenotypes related to the relative pigmentation intensity, and four traits related to patterning of the vertical bars. We find that genomic regions that generate variation in the level of eumelanin produced are largely independent of those that control the spacing of vertical bars. Candidate genes within these intervals include novel genes and those newly-associated with vertical bars, which could affect melanophore survival, fate decisions, pigment biosynthesis, and pigment distribution. Together, this work provides insights into the regulation of pigment diversity, with direct implications for an animal's fitness and the speciation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Allyson Brandon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Cassia Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Aldo Carmona Baez
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Emily C. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | | | - Natalie B. Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Reade B. Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Kara E. Powder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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6
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Hu Y, Wang X, Xu Y, Yang H, Tong Z, Tian R, Xu S, Yu L, Guo Y, Shi P, Huang S, Yang G, Shi S, Wei F. Molecular mechanisms of adaptive evolution in wild animals and plants. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:453-495. [PMID: 36648611 PMCID: PMC9843154 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2233-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Wild animals and plants have developed a variety of adaptive traits driven by adaptive evolution, an important strategy for species survival and persistence. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of adaptive evolution is the key to understanding species diversification, phenotypic convergence, and inter-species interaction. As the genome sequences of more and more non-model organisms are becoming available, the focus of studies on molecular mechanisms of adaptive evolution has shifted from the candidate gene method to genetic mapping based on genome-wide scanning. In this study, we reviewed the latest research advances in wild animals and plants, focusing on adaptive traits, convergent evolution, and coevolution. Firstly, we focused on the adaptive evolution of morphological, behavioral, and physiological traits. Secondly, we reviewed the phenotypic convergences of life history traits and responding to environmental pressures, and the underlying molecular convergence mechanisms. Thirdly, we summarized the advances of coevolution, including the four main types: mutualism, parasitism, predation and competition. Overall, these latest advances greatly increase our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms for diverse adaptive traits and species interaction, demonstrating that the development of evolutionary biology has been greatly accelerated by multi-omics technologies. Finally, we highlighted the emerging trends and future prospects around the above three aspects of adaptive evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Yongchao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Zeyu Tong
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Ran Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shaohua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Lab of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
| | - Yalong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China.
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Shuangquan Huang
- Institute of Evolution and Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Suhua Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Lab of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Fuwen Wei
- CAS Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
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7
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Wang Y, Zhang C, Peng Y, Cai X, Hu X, Bosse M, Zhao Y. Whole‐genome analysis reveals the hybrid formation of Chinese indigenous DHB pigs following human migration. Evol Appl 2022; 15:501-514. [PMID: 35386394 PMCID: PMC8965386 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization is widespread in nature and is a valuable tool in domestic breeding. The DHB (DaHuaBai) pig in South China is the product of such a breeding strategy, resulting in increased body weight compared with other pigs in the surrounding area. We analyzed genomic data from 20 Chinese pig breeds and investigated the genomic architecture after breed formation of DHB. The breed showed inconsistency in genotype and body weight phenotype, in line with selection after hybridization. By quantifying introgression with a haplotype‐based approach, we proposed a two‐step introgression from large‐sized pigs into small‐sized pigs to produce DHB, consistent with the human migration events in Chinese history. Combining with gene prioritization and allele frequency analysis, we identify candidate genes that showed selection after introgression and that may affect body weight, such as IGF1R, SRC, and PCM1. Our research provides an example of a hybrid formation of domestic breeds along with human migration patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology College of Biological Sciences China Agricultural University Beijing 100193 China
| | - Chunyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology College of Biological Sciences China Agricultural University Beijing 100193 China
| | - Yebo Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology College of Biological Sciences China Agricultural University Beijing 100193 China
| | - Xinyu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology College of Biological Sciences China Agricultural University Beijing 100193 China
| | - Xiaoxiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology College of Biological Sciences China Agricultural University Beijing 100193 China
| | - Mirte Bosse
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre Wageningen University Wageningen 6708 WD The Netherlands
| | - Yiqiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology College of Biological Sciences China Agricultural University Beijing 100193 China
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8
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Ge D, Feijó A, Wen Z, Lissovsky A, Zhang D, Cheng J, Yan C, Mu D, Wu X, Xia L, Yang Q. Ancient introgression underlying the unusual mito‐nuclear discordance and coat phenotypic variation in the Moupin pika. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Anderson Feijó
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Zhixin Wen
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | | | - Dezhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jilong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Chaochao Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan China
| | - Danping Mu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology Xinjiang University Urumqi China
| | - Xinlai Wu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, School of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development Hebei University Baoding China
| | - Lin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Qisen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
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9
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Broad tiger stripes in a small habitat patch. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2114685118. [PMID: 34620715 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114685118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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10
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Sagar V, Kaelin CB, Natesh M, Reddy PA, Mohapatra RK, Chhattani H, Thatte P, Vaidyanathan S, Biswas S, Bhatt S, Paul S, Jhala YV, Verma MM, Pandav B, Mondol S, Barsh GS, Swain D, Ramakrishnan U. High frequency of an otherwise rare phenotype in a small and isolated tiger population. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2025273118. [PMID: 34518374 PMCID: PMC8488692 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025273118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most endangered species exist today in small populations, many of which are isolated. Evolution in such populations is largely governed by genetic drift. Empirical evidence for drift affecting striking phenotypes based on substantial genetic data are rare. Approximately 37% of tigers (Panthera tigris) in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (in eastern India) are pseudomelanistic, characterized by wide, merged stripes. Camera trap data across the tiger range revealed the presence of pseudomelanistic tigers only in Similipal. We investigated the genetic basis for pseudomelanism and examined the role of drift in driving this phenotype's frequency. Whole-genome data and pedigree-based association analyses from captive tigers revealed that pseudomelanism cosegregates with a conserved and functionally important coding alteration in Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep), a gene responsible for similar traits in other felid species. Noninvasive sampling of tigers revealed a high frequency of the Taqpep p.H454Y mutation in Similipal (12 individuals, allele frequency = 0.58) and absence from all other tiger populations (395 individuals). Population genetic analyses confirmed few (minimal number) tigers in Similipal, and its genetic isolation, with poor geneflow. Pairwise FST (0.33) at the mutation site was high but not an outlier. Similipal tigers had low diversity at 81 single nucleotide polymorphisms (mean heterozygosity = 0.28, SD = 0.27). Simulations were consistent with founding events and drift as possible drivers for the observed stark difference of allele frequency. Our results highlight the role of stochastic processes in the evolution of rare phenotypes. We highlight an unusual evolutionary trajectory in a small and isolated population of an endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Sagar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India;
| | - Christopher B Kaelin
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94309
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806
| | - Meghana Natesh
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India
- Biology Department, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati 411008, India
| | - P Anuradha Reddy
- Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species, Center for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500048, India
| | | | - Himanshu Chhattani
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Prachi Thatte
- World Wide Fund for Nature - India, New Delhi 110003 India
| | - Srinivas Vaidyanathan
- Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning, Auroville Post, Tamil Nadu 605101 India
| | | | | | - Shashi Paul
- Odisha Forest Department, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Yadavendradev V Jhala
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248001, India
- National Tiger Conservation Authority, Wildlife Institute of India Tiger Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248001, India
| | | | | | | | - Gregory S Barsh
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94309
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806
| | - Debabrata Swain
- Former Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority, New Delhi 110003, India
- Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force, Indian Forest Service, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Uma Ramakrishnan
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India;
- DBT - Wellcome Trust India Alliance, Hyderabad 500034, India
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11
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vonHoldt BM, Bailey E, Eizirik E. Animal Pigmentation Genetics in Ecology, Evolution, and Domestication. J Hered 2021; 112:393-394. [PMID: 36883600 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernest Bailey
- MH Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Eduardo Eizirik
- School of Health and Life Sciences, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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