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Attili L, Garofalo L, Puddu G, Tirone G, Pizzarelli A, Barbara N, Haring E, Lorenzini R. Genetic distinctiveness of an endangered falcon: Implications for conservation in Europe. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295424. [PMID: 38117737 PMCID: PMC10732417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295424] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Falconidae, the genus Falco comprises species of large birds of prey with wide distribution worldwide. However, the European lanner falcon Falco biarmicus feldeggii is rapidly heading for global extinction following a dramatic decline caused by anthropogenic interference. Conservation projects are currently underway with the main purpose of increasing its population size in the Mediterranean basin through captive breeding and release of birds into the wild. To support the projects, and strengthen the legitimacy of conservation efforts consistently with the Evolutionary Significant Unit concept, we explored the possibility of characterising the gene pool of the European lanner and reliably distinguishing it from other falcon taxa inhabiting the Mediterranean area, which show morphological and genetic similarities. To address the issue, we examined genetic variability at the nuclear level through the analysis of 12 neutral Short Tandem Repeat loci, and, for the first time in these taxa, two single-copy functional genes, coding for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor and the oocyte maturation factor, respectively. The second exon of the major histocompatibility complex class II B gene was also investigated. Additionally, to frame our data with previously published data, we assess variation at the mitochondrial level by sequencing portions of the cytochrome b, 12S rRNA gene, and the control region. Our results showed that the European lanner is highly distinct from other falcon taxa, as revealed by nuclear, but not by mitochondrial DNA. We discuss our findings focusing on their implications for the preservation of this highly endangered European bird, and highlighted the critical role of genetic information in planning and monitoring concrete interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Attili
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Medicina Forense Veterinaria, Grosseto, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Garofalo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Puddu
- Regione Lazio, Riserva Naturale Lago di Vico, Caprarola, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giampiero Tirone
- Regione Lazio, Riserva Naturale Lago di Vico, Caprarola, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Antonella Pizzarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Medicina Forense Veterinaria, Grosseto, Italy
| | | | | | - Rita Lorenzini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Medicina Forense Veterinaria, Grosseto, Italy
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Winternitz J, Chakarov N, Rinaud T, Ottensmann M, Krüger O. High functional allelic diversity and copy number in both MHC classes in the common buzzard. BMC Ecol Evol 2023; 23:24. [PMID: 37355591 PMCID: PMC10290333 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02135-9] [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: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which encodes molecules that recognize various pathogens and parasites and initiates the adaptive immune response in vertebrates, is renowned for its exceptional polymorphism and is a model of adaptive gene evolution. In birds, the number of MHC genes and sequence diversity varies greatly among taxa, believed due to evolutionary history and differential selection pressures. Earlier characterization studies and recent comparative studies suggest that non-passerine species have relatively few MHC gene copies compared to passerines. Additionally, comparative studies that have looked at partial MHC sequences have speculated that non-passerines have opposite patterns of selection on MHC class I (MHC-I) and class II (MHC-II) loci than passerines: namely, greater sequence diversity and signals of selection on MHC-II than MHC-I. However, new sequencing technology is revealing much greater MHC variation than previously expected while also facilitating full sequence variant detection directly from genomic data. Our study aims to take advantage of high-throughput sequencing methods to fully characterize both classes and domains of MHC of a non-passerine bird of prey, the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), to test predictions of MHC variation and differential selection on MHC classes. RESULTS Using genetic, genomic, and transcriptomic high-throughput sequencing data, we established common buzzards have at least three loci that produce functional alleles at both MHC classes. In total, we characterize 91 alleles from 113 common buzzard chicks for MHC-I exon 3 and 41 alleles from 125 chicks for MHC-IIB exon 2. Among these alleles, we found greater sequence polymorphism and stronger diversifying selection at MHC-IIB exon 2 than MHC-I exon 3, suggesting differential selection pressures on MHC classes. However, upon further investigation of the entire peptide-binding groove by including genomic data from MHC-I exon 2 and MHC-IIA exon 2, this turned out to be false. MHC-I exon 2 was as polymorphic as MHC-IIB exon 2 and MHC-IIA exon 2 was essentially invariant. Thus, comparisons between MHC-I and MHC-II that included both domains of the peptide-binding groove showed no differences in polymorphism nor diversifying selection between the classes. Nevertheless, selection analysis indicates balancing selection has been acting on common buzzard MHC and phylogenetic inference revealed that trans-species polymorphism is present between common buzzards and species separated for over 33 million years for class I and class II. CONCLUSIONS We characterize and confirm the functionality of unexpectedly high copy number and allelic diversity in both MHC classes of a bird of prey. While balancing selection is acting on both classes, there is no evidence of differential selection pressure on MHC classes in common buzzards and this result may hold more generally once more data for understudied MHC exons becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Winternitz
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tony Rinaud
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Meinolf Ottensmann
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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3
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Almeida T, Ohta Y, Gaigher A, Muñoz-Mérida A, Neves F, Castro LFC, Machado AM, Esteves PJ, Veríssimo A, Flajnik MF. A Highly Complex, MHC-Linked, 350 Million-Year-Old Shark Nonclassical Class I Lineage. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:824-836. [PMID: 34301841 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cartilaginous fish, or Chondrichthyes, are the oldest extant vertebrates to possess the MHC and the Ig superfamily-based Ag receptors, the defining genes of the gnathostome adaptive immune system. In this work, we have identified a novel MHC lineage, UEA, a complex multigene nonclassical class I family found in sharks (division Selachii) but not detected in chimaeras (subclass Holocephali) or rays (division Batoidea). This new lineage is distantly related to the previously reported nonclassical class I lineage UCA, which appears to be present only in dogfish sharks (order Squaliformes). UEA lacks conservation of the nine invariant residues in the peptide (ligand)-binding regions (PBR) that bind to the N and C termini of bound peptide in most vertebrate classical class I proteins, which are replaced by relatively hydrophobic residues compared with the classical UAA. In fact, UEA and UCA proteins have the most hydrophobic-predicted PBR of all identified chondrichthyan class I molecules. UEA genes detected in the whale shark and bamboo shark genome projects are MHC linked. Consistent with UEA comprising a very large gene family, we detected weak expression in different tissues of the nurse shark via Northern blotting and RNA sequencing. UEA genes fall into three sublineages with unique characteristics in the PBR. UEA shares structural and genetic features with certain nonclassical class I genes in other vertebrates, such as the highly complex XNC nonclassical class I genes in Xenopus, and we anticipate that each shark gene, or at least each sublineage, will have a unique function, perhaps in bacterial defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Almeida
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigacão em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD; and
| | - Yuko Ohta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD; and
| | - Arnaud Gaigher
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigacão em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Porto, Portugal
| | - Antonio Muñoz-Mérida
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigacão em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fabiana Neves
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigacão em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Porto, Portugal
| | - L Filipe C Castro
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - André M Machado
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Esteves
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigacão em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Veríssimo
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigacão em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Porto, Portugal
| | - Martin F Flajnik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD; and
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Naito‐Liederbach AM, Sato Y, Nakajima N, Maeda T, Inoue T, Yamazaki T, Ogden R, Inoue‐Murayama M. Genetic diversity of the endangered Japanese golden eagle at neutral and functional loci. Ecol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12246] [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]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Sato
- Wildlife Research Center Kyoto University Kyoto Japan
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute University of Edinburgh Roslin UK
| | - Nobuyoshi Nakajima
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies National Institute for Environmental Studies Tsukuba Japan
| | - Taku Maeda
- Iwate Prefectural Research Institute for Environmental Sciences and Public Health Morioka Japan
| | - Takehiko Inoue
- Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network Yasu Japan
| | - Toru Yamazaki
- Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network Yasu Japan
| | - Rob Ogden
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute University of Edinburgh Roslin UK
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Minias P, Janiszewska A, Pikus E, Zadworny T, Anderwald D. MHC Reflects Fine-Scale Habitat Structure in White-Tailed Eagles, Haliaeetus albicilla. J Hered 2021; 112:335-345. [PMID: 33942876 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes code for key immune receptors responsible for recognition of intra- and extracellular pathogens (MHC class I and class II, respectively). It was hypothesized that MHC polymorphism can be maintained via fluctuating selection resulting from between-habitat variation in pathogen regimes. We examined associations between MHC class I and class II genes and habitat structure in an apex avian predator, the white-tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla. We genotyped MHC class I and class II genes in ca. 150 white-tailed eagle chicks from nearly 100 nesting territories distributed across 3 distinct populations in Poland. Habitat structure was quantified at the level of foraging territories and directly at the nest sites. We found strong support for associations of habitat traits with diversity and allelic composition at the MHC class II. Forest area within territory and forest productivity were identified as the major habitat predictors of MHC class II polymorphism, whereas other habitat traits (distance to nearest open water, grassland, and water area within territory or understory presence) showed fewer associations with class II alleles. In contrast, there was little support for associations between MHC class I genes and habitat structure. All significant associations were apparent at the within-population level rather than between populations. Our results suggest that extracellular (rather than intracellular) pathogens may exert much stronger selective pressure on the white-tailed eagle. Associations of habitat structure with MHC class II may reflect fluctuating (balancing) selection, which maintains MHC diversity within populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha, Łódź, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Janiszewska
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha, Łódź, Poland
| | - Ewa Pikus
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha, Łódź, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zadworny
- Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection in Łódź, Traugutta, Łódź, Poland
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Gousy-Leblanc M, Yannic G, Therrien JF, Lecomte N. Mapping our knowledge on birds of prey population genetics. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Cruz-López M, Fernández G, Hipperson H, Palacios E, Cavitt J, Galindo-Espinosa D, Gómez Del Angel S, Pruner R, Gonzalez O, Burke T, Küpper C. Allelic diversity and patterns of selection at the major histocompatibility complex class I and II loci in a threatened shorebird, the Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus). BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:114. [PMID: 32912143 PMCID: PMC7488298 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01676-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the structure and variability of adaptive loci such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes is a primary research goal for evolutionary and conservation genetics. Typically, classical MHC genes show high polymorphism and are under strong balancing selection, as their products trigger the adaptive immune response in vertebrates. Here, we assess the allelic diversity and patterns of selection for MHC class I and class II loci in a threatened shorebird with highly flexible mating and parental care behaviour, the Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus) across its broad geographic range. Results We determined the allelic and nucleotide diversity for MHC class I and class II genes using samples of 250 individuals from eight breeding population of Snowy Plovers. We found 40 alleles at MHC class I and six alleles at MHC class II, with individuals carrying two to seven different alleles (mean 3.70) at MHC class I and up to two alleles (mean 1.45) at MHC class II. Diversity was higher in the peptide-binding region, which suggests balancing selection. The MHC class I locus showed stronger signatures of both positive and negative selection than the MHC class II locus. Most alleles were present in more than one population. If present, private alleles generally occurred at very low frequencies in each population, except for the private alleles of MHC class I in one island population (Puerto Rico, lineage tenuirostris). Conclusion Snowy Plovers exhibited an intermediate level of diversity at the MHC, similar to that reported in other Charadriiformes. The differences found in the patterns of selection between the class I and II loci are consistent with the hypothesis that different mechanisms shape the sequence evolution of MHC class I and class II genes. The rarity of private alleles across populations is consistent with high natal and breeding dispersal and the low genetic structure previously observed at neutral genetic markers in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medardo Cruz-López
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Cd. México, Mexico.
| | - Guillermo Fernández
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 811, 82040, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Helen Hipperson
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Eduardo Palacios
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Unidad La Paz, Miraflores 334, Col. Bellavista, 23050, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - John Cavitt
- Avian Ecology Laboratory Department of Zoology, Weber State University, Ogden, UT, 84408, USA
| | - Daniel Galindo-Espinosa
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Carretera al Sur km 5.5, A.P. 19-B, 23080, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Salvador Gómez Del Angel
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Cd. México, Mexico
| | - Raya Pruner
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Panama City, FL, USA
| | - Oscar Gonzalez
- Grupo Aves del Perú, Gómez del Carpio 135, Barrio Medico, 34, Lima, Peru.,Department of Natural Sciences, Emmanuel College, Franklin Springs, GA, 30369, USA
| | - Terry Burke
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Clemens Küpper
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Strasse, 82319, Seewiesen, Germany.
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Sawada A, Ando H, Takagi M. Evaluating the existence and benefit of major histocompatibility complex-based mate choice in an isolated owl population. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:762-772. [PMID: 32281698 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13629] [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: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
How mate preferences evolve in the first place has been a major conundrum for sexual selection. Some hypotheses explaining this assume fitness benefit derived from subsequent generations. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-based mate choice is a representative example of the mate choice that is associated with such trans-generational mechanisms. To provide evidences for fitness benefit of MHC-based mate choice, previous studies assessed the association between own MHC genotype and own fitness components. However, the association between MHC-based mate choice in the parental generation and fitness components in the resultant offspring generation has only rarely been measured in wild populations. Focusing on the isolated population of the monogamous Ryukyu Scops Owl (Otus elegans interpositus) on Minami-daito Island, Japan, we found evidence of MHC-based mate choice. However, we found no evidence of MHC-based mate choice increasing own reproductive success or offspring survival. This is a rare case study that directly examines the existence of the trans-generational indirect benefit of MHC-based mate choice for genetic compatibility from trans-generational data in a wild bird population. By investigating the fitness benefits of mate choice, this study serves to facilitate our understanding of the evolution of MHC-based mate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Sawada
- Department of Natural History Science, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Haruko Ando
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masaoki Takagi
- Department of Natural History Science, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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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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Jeon HB, Won H, Suk HY. Polymorphism of MHC class IIB in an acheilognathid species, Rhodeus sinensis shaped by historical selection and recombination. BMC Genet 2019; 20:74. [PMID: 31519169 PMCID: PMC6743125 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-019-0775-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhodeus sinensis is a bitterling species occurring throughout the numerous freshwater systems on the East Asia. Here, we analyzed the diversity of the MHC class IIB (DAB) genes from this species, which may offer meaningful insights into evolutionary processes in this species as well as other bitterlings. RESULTS Using cDNA and gDNA samples from 50 individuals, we discovered classical 140 allelic sequences that could be allocated into either DAB1 (Rhsi-DAB1) or DAB3 (Rhsi-DAB3). DAB sequences completely lacking the intron, but identical or similar to Rhsi-DAB1, were also discovered from our gDNA samples, and this intron loss likely originated from the retrotransposition events of processed mDNA. The β1 domain was the most polymorphic in both Rhsi-DAB1 and -DAB3. Putative peptide biding residues (PBRs) in Rhsi-DAB1, but not in Rhsi-DAB3, exhibited a significant dN/dS, presumably indicating that different selection pressures have acted on those two DABs. Recombination between different alleles seemed to have contributed to the increase of diversity in Rhsi-DABs. Upon phylogenetic analysis, Rhsi-DAB1 and -DAB3 formed independent clusters. Several alleles from other species of Cypriniformes were embedded in the clade of Rhsi-DAB1, whereas Rhsi-DAB3 clustered with alleles from the wider range of taxa (Cyprinodontiformes), indicating that these two Rhsi-DABs have taken different historical paths. CONCLUSIONS A great deal of MHC class IIB allelic diversity was found in R. sinensis, and gene duplication, selection and recombination may have contributed to this diversity. Based on our data, it is presumed that such historical processes have commonly or differently acted on the polymorphism of Rhsi-DAB1 and -DAB3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Bae Jeon
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38541 South Korea
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke W, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Hari Won
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38541 South Korea
| | - Ho Young Suk
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38541 South Korea
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11
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Minias P, Pikus E, Anderwald D. Allelic diversity and selection at the MHC class I and class II in a bottlenecked bird of prey, the White-tailed Eagle. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:2. [PMID: 30611206 PMCID: PMC6321662 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1338-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) are essential for adaptive immune response in vertebrates, as they encode receptors that recognize peptides derived from the processing of intracellular (MHC class I) and extracellular (MHC class II) pathogens. High MHC diversity in natural populations is primarily generated and maintained by pathogen-mediated diversifying and balancing selection. It is, however, debated whether selection at the MHC can counterbalance the effects of drift in bottlenecked populations. The aim of this study was to assess allelic diversity of MHC genes in a recently bottlenecked bird of prey, the White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, as well as to compare mechanisms that shaped the evolution of MHC class I and class II in this species. Results We showed that significant levels of MHC diversity were retained in the core Central European (Polish) population of White-tailed Eagles. Ten MHC class I and 17 MHC class II alleles were recovered in total and individual birds showed high average MHC diversity (3.80 and 6.48 MHC class I and class II alleles per individual, respectively). Distribution of alleles within individuals provided evidence for the presence of at least three class I and five class II loci the White-tailed Eagle, which suggests recent duplication events. MHC class II showed greater sequence polymorphism than MHC class I and there was much stronger signature of diversifying selection acting on MHC class II than class I. Phylogenetic analysis provided evidence for trans-species similarity of class II, but not class I, sequences, which is likely consistent with stronger balancing selection at MHC class II. Conclusions Relatively high MHC diversity retained in the White-tailed Eagles from northern Poland reinforces high conservation value of local eagle populations. At the same time, our study is the first to demonstrate contrasting patterns of allelic diversity and selection at MHC class I and class II in an accipitrid species, supporting the hypothesis that different mechanisms can shape evolutionary trajectories of MHC class I and class II genes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1338-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Ewa Pikus
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Dariusz Anderwald
- Eagle Conservation Committee, Niepodległości 53/55, 10-044, Olsztyn, Poland
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12
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Hoover B, Alcaide M, Jennings S, Sin SYW, Edwards SV, Nevitt GA. Ecology can inform genetics: Disassortative mating contributes to MHC polymorphism in Leach's storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). Mol Ecol 2018; 27:3371-3385. [PMID: 30010226 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Studies of MHC-based mate choice in wild populations often test hypotheses on species exhibiting female choice and male-male competition, which reflects the general prevalence of females as the choosy sex in natural systems. Here, we examined mutual mate-choice patterns in a small burrow-nesting seabird, the Leach's storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa), using the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The life history and ecology of this species are extreme: both partners work together to fledge a single chick during the breeding season, a task that requires regularly travelling hundreds of kilometres to and from foraging grounds over a 6- to 8-week provisioning period. Using a 5-year data set unprecedented for this species (n = 1078 adults and 925 chicks), we found a positive relationship between variation in the likelihood of female reproductive success and heterozygosity at Ocle-DAB2, a MHC class IIB locus. Contrary to previous reports rejecting disassortative mating as a mechanism for maintaining genetic polymorphism in this species, here we show that males make significant disassortative mate-choice decisions. Variability in female reproductive success suggests that the most common homozygous females (Ocle-DAB2*01/Ocle-DAB2*01) may be physiologically disadvantaged and, therefore, less preferred as lifelong partners for choosy males. The results from this study support the role of mate choice in maintaining high levels of MHC variability in a wild seabird species and highlight the need to incorporate a broader ecological framework and sufficient sample sizes into studies of MHC-based mating patterns in wild populations in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Hoover
- Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California, Davis, California
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Miguel Alcaide
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah Jennings
- Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California, Davis, California
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Simon Yung Wa Sin
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Gabrielle A Nevitt
- Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California, Davis, California
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California
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13
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Minias P, Pikus E, Whittingham LA, Dunn PO. A global analysis of selection at the avian MHC. Evolution 2018; 72:1278-1293. [PMID: 29665025 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent advancements in sequencing technology have resulted in rapid progress in the study of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in non-model avian species. Here, we analyze a global dataset of avian MHC class I and class II sequences (ca. 11,000 sequences from over 250 species) to gain insight into the processes that govern macroevolution of MHC genes in birds. Analysis of substitution rates revealed striking differences in the patterns of diversifying selection between passerine and non-passerine birds. Non-passerines showed stronger selection at MHC class II, which is primarily involved in recognition of extracellular pathogens, while passerines showed stronger selection at MHC class I, which is involved in recognition of intracellular pathogens. Positions of positively selected amino-acid residues showed marked discrepancies with peptide-binding residues (PBRs) of human MHC molecules, suggesting that using a human classification of PBRs to assess selection patterns at the avian MHC may be unjustified. Finally, our analysis provided evidence that indel mutations can make a substantial contribution to adaptive variation at the avian MHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, 90-237, Poland
| | - Ewa Pikus
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, 90-237, Poland
| | - Linda A Whittingham
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53211
| | - Peter O Dunn
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, 90-237, Poland.,Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53211
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14
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Goebel J, Promerová M, Bonadonna F, McCoy KD, Serbielle C, Strandh M, Yannic G, Burri R, Fumagalli L. 100 million years of multigene family evolution: origin and evolution of the avian MHC class IIB. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:460. [PMID: 28610613 PMCID: PMC5470263 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3839-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene duplication has led to a most remarkable adaptation involved in vertebrates' host-pathogen arms-race, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). However, MHC duplication history is as yet poorly understood in non-mammalian vertebrates, including birds. RESULTS Here, we provide evidence for the evolution of two ancient avian MHC class IIB (MHCIIB) lineages by a duplication event prior to the radiation of all extant birds >100 million years ago, and document the role of concerted evolution in eroding the footprints of the avian MHCIIB duplication history. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that eroded footprints of gene duplication histories may mimic birth-death evolution and that in the avian MHC the presence of the two lineages may have been masked by elevated rates of concerted evolution in several taxa. Through the presence of a range of intermediate evolutionary stages along the homogenizing process of concerted evolution, the avian MHCIIB provides a remarkable illustration of the erosion of multigene family duplication history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Goebel
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marta Promerová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kvetna 8, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic
- Present address: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Strasse 10, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Francesco Bonadonna
- CNRS, UMR 5175, Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, F-34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Karen D. McCoy
- MIVEGEC UMR 5290 CNRS-IRD University of Montpellier, Centre IRD, F-34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Céline Serbielle
- MIVEGEC UMR 5290 CNRS-IRD University of Montpellier, Centre IRD, F-34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Maria Strandh
- CNRS, UMR 5175, Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, F-34293 Montpellier, France
- Present address: Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Glenn Yannic
- LECA – Laboratoire d’Écologie Alpine, UMR CNRS 5553, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, F-73376 Le Bourget-du-Lac, France
| | - Reto Burri
- Department of Population Ecology, Institute of Ecology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Strasse 159, D-07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Luca Fumagalli
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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15
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Wang Z, Zhou X, Lin Q, Fang W, Chen X. Diversity and selection of MHC class I genes in the vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176671. [PMID: 28467494 PMCID: PMC5415105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The genes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are important to vertebrate immune system. In this study, two new MHC class I genes, designated as Egeu-UAA and Egeu-UBA, were discovered in the vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes). Using a full length DNA and cDNA produced by PCR and RACE methods, these two MHC class I loci were characterized in the genome of the Chinese egret and were also found to be expressed in liver and blood. Both new genes showed the expected eight exons and were similar to two copies of the minimal essential MHC complex of chicken. In genetic diversity, 14 alleles (8 for UAA and 6 for UBA) in the MHC class I gene exon 3 were found in 60 individuals using locus-specific primers and showed little polymorphism. Only three potential amino acid residues were detected under positive selection in potential peptide-binding regions (PBRs) by Bayesian analysis. These new results provide the fundamental basis for further studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and significance of MHC molecular adaptation in vulnerable Chinese egret and other ardeids, finding that have not been previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxian Lin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzhen Fang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (WF); (XC)
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (WF); (XC)
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16
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Minias P, Whittingham LA, Dunn PO. Coloniality and migration are related to selection on MHC genes in birds. Evolution 2016; 71:432-441. [PMID: 27921293 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a key role in pathogen recognition as a part of the vertebrate adaptive immune system. The great diversity of MHC genes in natural populations is maintained by different forms of balancing selection and its strength should correlate with the diversity of pathogens to which a population is exposed and the rate of exposure. Despite this prediction, little is known about how life-history characteristics affect selection at the MHC. Here, we examined whether the strength of balancing selection on MHC class II genes in birds (as measured with nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions, dN) was related to their social or migratory behavior, two life-history characteristics correlated with pathogen exposure. Our comparative analysis indicated that the rate of nonsynonymous substitutions was higher in colonial and migratory species than solitary and resident species, suggesting that the strength of balancing selection increases with coloniality and migratory status. These patterns could be attributed to: (1) elevated transmission rates of pathogens in species that breed in dense aggregations, or (2) exposure to a more diverse fauna of pathogens and parasites in migratory species. Our study suggests that differences in social structure and basic ecological traits influence MHC diversity in natural vertebrate populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Linda A Whittingham
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Peter O Dunn
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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17
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MHC class II β exon 2 variation in pardalotes (Pardalotidae) is shaped by selection, recombination and gene conversion. Immunogenetics 2016; 69:101-111. [PMID: 27717988 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-016-0953-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The high levels of polymorphism and allelic diversity which characterise genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are thought to be generated and maintained through the combined effects of different evolutionary processes. Here, we characterised exon 2 of the MHC class II β genes in two congeneric passerine species, the spotted (Pardalotus punctatus) and striated pardalote (Pardalotus striatus). We estimated the levels of allelic diversity and tested for signatures of recombination, gene conversion and balancing selection to determine if these processes have influenced MHC variation in the two species. Both species showed high levels of polymorphism and allelic diversity, as well as evidence of multiple gene loci and putative pseudogenes based on the presence of stop codons. We found higher levels of MHC diversity in the striated pardalote than the spotted pardalote, based on the levels of individual heterozygosity, sequence divergence and number of polymorphic sites. The observed differences may reflect variable selection pressure on the species, resulting from differences in patterns of movement among populations. We identified strong signatures of historical balancing selection, recombination and gene conversion at the sequence level, indicating that MHC variation in the two species has been shaped by a combination of processes.
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18
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Eimes JA, Lee SI, Townsend AK, Jablonski P, Nishiumi I, Satta Y. Early Duplication of a Single MHC IIB Locus Prior to the Passerine Radiations. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163456. [PMID: 27658204 PMCID: PMC5033386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A key characteristic of MHC genes is the persistence of allelic lineages over macroevolutionary periods, often through multiple speciation events. This phenomenon, known as trans-species polymorphism (TSP), is well documented in several major taxonomic groups, but has less frequently been observed in birds. The order Passeriformes is arguably the most successful terrestrial vertebrate order in terms of diversity of species and ecological range, but the reasons for this success remain unclear. Passerines exhibit the most highly duplicated MHC genes of any major vertebrate taxonomic group, which may generate increased immune response relative to other avian orders with fewer MHC loci. Here, we describe phylogenetic patterns of the MHC IIB in the passerine family Corvidae. Our results indicate wide-spread TSP within this family, with at least four supported MHC IIB allelic lineages that predate speciation by many millions of years. Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations indicate that divergence of these lineages occurred near the time of the divergence of the Passeriformes and other avian orders. We suggest that the current MHC diversity observed in passerines is due in part to the multiple duplication of a single MHC locus, DAB1, early in passerine evolution and that subsequent duplications of these paralogues have contributed to the enormous success of this order by increasing their ability to recognize and mount immune responses to novel pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Eimes
- Seoul National University, Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-im Lee
- Seoul National University, Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrea K. Townsend
- Hamilton College, Department of Biology, Clinton, NY, United States of America
| | - Piotr Jablonski
- Seoul National University, Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Isao Nishiumi
- National Museum of Nature and Science, Department of Zoology, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yoko Satta
- The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Hayama, Japan
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19
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Balasubramaniam S, Bray RD, Mulder RA, Sunnucks P, Pavlova A, Melville J. New data from basal Australian songbird lineages show that complex structure of MHC class II β genes has early evolutionary origins within passerines. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:112. [PMID: 27206579 PMCID: PMC4875725 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune system and has been extensively studied across vertebrate taxa. Although the function of MHC genes appears to be conserved across taxa, there is great variation in the number and organisation of these genes. Among avian species, for instance, there are notable differences in MHC structure between passerine and non-passerine lineages: passerines typically have a high number of highly polymorphic MHC paralogs whereas non-passerines have fewer loci and lower levels of polymorphism. Although the occurrence of highly polymorphic MHC paralogs in passerines is well documented, their evolutionary origins are relatively unexplored. The majority of studies have focussed on the more derived passerine lineages and there is very little empirical information on the diversity of the MHC in basal passerine lineages. We undertook a study of MHC diversity and evolutionary relationships across seven species from four families (Climacteridae, Maluridae, Pardalotidae, Meliphagidae) that comprise a prominent component of the basal passerine lineages. We aimed to determine if highly polymorphic MHC paralogs have an early evolutionary origin within passerines or are a more derived feature of the infraorder Passerida. Results We identified 177 alleles of the MHC class II β exon 2 in seven basal passerine species, with variation in numbers of alleles across individuals and species. Overall, we found evidence of multiple gene loci, pseudoalleles, trans-species polymorphism and high allelic diversity in these basal lineages. Phylogenetic reconstruction of avian lineages based on MHC class II β exon 2 sequences strongly supported the monophyletic grouping of basal and derived passerine species. Conclusions Our study provides evidence of a large number of highly polymorphic MHC paralogs in seven basal passerine species, with strong similarities to the MHC described in more derived passerine lineages rather than the simpler MHC in non-passerine lineages. These findings indicate an early evolutionary origin of highly polymorphic MHC paralogs in passerines and shed light on the evolutionary forces shaping the avian MHC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0681-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shandiya Balasubramaniam
- Department of Sciences, Museum Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia. .,School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Rebecca D Bray
- Terrestrial Vertebrates, Western Australian Museum, Perth, WA, 6986, Australia
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Sunnucks
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Alexandra Pavlova
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jane Melville
- Department of Sciences, Museum Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
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20
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Grogan KE, McGinnis GJ, Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, Drea CM. Next-generation genotyping of hypervariable loci in many individuals of a non-model species: technical and theoretical implications. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:204. [PMID: 26957424 PMCID: PMC4782575 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2503-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across species, diversity at the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is critical to disease resistance and population health; however, use of MHC diversity to quantify the genetic health of populations has been hampered by the extreme variation found in MHC genes. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology generates sufficient data to genotype even the most diverse species, but workflows for distinguishing artifacts from alleles are still under development. We used NGS to evaluate the MHC diversity of over 300 captive and wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta: Primates: Mammalia). We modified a published workflow to address errors that arise from deep sequencing individuals and tested for evidence of selection at the most diverse MHC genes. RESULTS In addition to evaluating the accuracy of 454 Titanium and Ion Torrent PGM for genotyping large populations at hypervariable genes, we suggested modifications to improve current methods of allele calling. Using these modifications, we genotyped 302 out of 319 individuals, obtaining an average sequencing depth of over 1000 reads per amplicon. We identified 55 MHC-DRB alleles, 51 of which were previously undescribed, and provide the first sequences of five additional MHC genes: DOA, DOB, DPA, DQA, and DRA. The additional five MHC genes had one or two alleles each with little sequence variation; however, the 55 MHC-DRB alleles showed a high dN/dS ratio and trans-species polymorphism, indicating a history of positive selection. Because each individual possessed 1-7 MHC-DRB alleles, we suggest that ring-tailed lemurs have four, putatively functional, MHC-DRB copies. CONCLUSIONS In the future, accurate genotyping methods for NGS data will be critical to assessing genetic variation in non-model species. We recommend that future NGS studies increase the proportion of replicated samples, both within and across platforms, particularly for hypervariable genes like the MHC. Quantifying MHC diversity within non-model species is the first step to assessing the relationship of genetic diversity at functional loci to individual fitness and population viability. Owing to MHC-DRB diversity and copy number, ring-tailed lemurs may serve as an ideal model for estimating the interaction between genetic diversity, fitness, and environment, especially regarding endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Grogan
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Emory University, Room 2006 O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | | | - Michelle L Sauther
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Frank P Cuozzo
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Christine M Drea
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, USA
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21
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Zeng QQ, He K, Sun DD, Ma MY, Ge YF, Fang SG, Wan QH. Balancing selection and recombination as evolutionary forces caused population genetic variations in golden pheasant MHC class I genes. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:42. [PMID: 26892934 PMCID: PMC4758006 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are vital partners in the acquired immune processes of vertebrates. MHC diversity may be directly associated with population resistance to infectious pathogens. Here, we screened for polymorphisms in exons 2 and 3 of the IA1 and IA2 genes in 12 golden pheasant populations across the Chinese mainland to characterize their genetic variation levels, to understand the effects of historical positive selection and recombination in shaping class I diversity, and to investigate the genetic structure of wild golden pheasant populations. RESULTS Among 339 individual pheasants, we identified 14 IA1 alleles in exon 2 (IA1-E2), 11 IA1-E3 alleles, 27 IA2-E2 alleles, and 28 IA2-E3 alleles. The non-synonymous substitution rate was significantly greater than the synonymous substitution rate at sequences in the IA2 gene encoding putative peptide-binding sites but not in the IA1 gene; we also found more positively selected sites in IA2 than in IA1. Frequent recombination events resulted in at least 9 recombinant IA2 alleles, in accordance with the intermingling pattern of the phylogenetic tree. Although some IA alleles are widely shared among studied populations, large variation occurs in the number of IA alleles across these populations. Allele frequency analysis across 2 IA loci showed low levels of genetic differentiation among populations on small geographic scales; however, significant genetic differentiation was observed between pheasants from the northern and southern regions of the Yangtze River. Both STRUCTURE analysis and F-statistic (F ST ) value comparison classified those populations into 2 major groups: the northern region of the Yangtze River (NYR) and the southern region of the Yangtze River (SYR). CONCLUSIONS More extensive polymorphisms in IA2 than IA1 indicate that IA2 has undergone much stronger positive-selection pressure during evolution. Moreover, the recombination events detected between the genes and the intermingled phylogenetic pattern indicate that interlocus recombination accounts for much of the allelic variation in IA2. Analysis of the population differentiation implied that homogenous balancing selection plays an important part in maintaining an even distribution of MHC variations. The natural barrier of the Yangtze River and heterogeneous balancing selection might help shape the NYR-SYR genetic structure in golden pheasants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Ke He
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Zhejiang, 311300, China.
| | - Dan-Dan Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Mei-Ying Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Yun-Fa Ge
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Sheng-Guo Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Qiu-Hong Wan
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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22
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Xu T, Liu J, Sun Y, Zhu Z, Liu T. Characterization of 40 full-length MHC class IIA functional alleles in miiuy croaker: Polymorphism and positive selection. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 55:138-143. [PMID: 26598111 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex is a highly polymorphic gene superfamily in vertebrates that plays an important role in adaptive immune response. In the present study, we identified 40 full-length miiuy croaker MHC class IIA (Mimi-DAA) functional alleles from 26 miiuy croaker individuals and found that the alleles encode 30 amino acid sequences. A high level of polymorphism in Mimi-DAA was detected in miiuy croaker. The rate of non-synonymous substitutions (d(N)) occurred at a significantly higher frequency than that of synonymous substitutions (d(S)) in the peptide-binding region (PBR) and non-PBR. This result suggests that balancing selection maintains polymorphisms at the Mimi-DAA locus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full-length sequences showed that the Mimi-DAA alleles clustered into three groups. However, the phylogenetic tree constructed using the exon 2 sequences indicated that the Mimi-DAA alleles clustered into two groups. A total of 22 positively selected sites were identified on the Mimi-DAA alleles after testing for positive selection, and five sites were predicted to be associated with the binding of peptide antigen, suggesting that a few selected residues may play a significant role in immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjun Xu
- Laboratory of Fish Biogenetics & Immune Evolution, College of Marine Science, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China.
| | - Jiang Liu
- Laboratory of Fish Biogenetics & Immune Evolution, College of Marine Science, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China
| | - Yueyan Sun
- Laboratory of Fish Biogenetics & Immune Evolution, College of Marine Science, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China
| | - Zhihuang Zhu
- Laboratory of Fish Biogenetics & Immune Evolution, College of Marine Science, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China
| | - Tianxing Liu
- Laboratory of Fish Biogenetics & Immune Evolution, College of Marine Science, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China
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Gillingham MAF, Courtiol A, Teixeira M, Galan M, Bechet A, Cezilly F. Evidence of gene orthology and trans-species polymorphism, but not of parallel evolution, despite high levels of concerted evolution in the major histocompatibility complex of flamingo species. J Evol Biol 2015; 29:438-54. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. F. Gillingham
- Equipe Ecologie Evolutive; UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
- Centre de Recherche de la Tour du Valat; Arles France
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics; University of Ulm; Ulm Germany
| | - A. Courtiol
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
| | - M. Teixeira
- Equipe Ecologie Evolutive; UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
| | - M. Galan
- UMR CBGP (INRA/IRD/Cirad/Montpellier SupAgro); INRA EFPA; Montferrier-sur-Lez Cedex France
| | - A. Bechet
- Centre de Recherche de la Tour du Valat; Arles France
| | - F. Cezilly
- Equipe Ecologie Evolutive; UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
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Newhouse DJ, Balakrishnan CN. High major histocompatibility complex class I polymorphism despite bottlenecks in wild and domesticated populations of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:265. [PMID: 26627847 PMCID: PMC4667478 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0546-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two subspecies of zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata castanotis and T. g. guttata are native to Australia and the Lesser Sunda Islands, respectively. The Australian subspecies has been domesticated and is now an important model system for research. Both the Lesser Sundan subspecies and domesticated Australian zebra finches have undergone population bottlenecks in their history, and previous analyses using neutral markers have reported reduced neutral genetic diversity in these populations. Here we characterize patterns of variation in the third exon of the highly variable major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I α chain. As a benchmark for neutral divergence, we also report the first mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) sequences in this important model system. RESULTS Despite natural and human-mediated population bottlenecks, we find that high MHC class I polymorphism persists across all populations. As expected, we find higher levels of nucleotide diversity in the MHC locus relative to neutral loci, and strong evidence of positive selection acting on important residues forming the peptide-binding region (PBR). Clear population differentiation of MHC allele frequencies is also evident, and this may be due to adaptation to new habitats and associated pathogens and/or genetic drift. Whereas the MHC Class I locus shows broad haplotype sharing across populations, ND2 is the first locus surveyed to date to show reciprocal monophyly of the two subspecies. CONCLUSIONS Despite genetic bottlenecks and genetic drift, all surveyed zebra finch populations have maintained high MHC Class I diversity. The diversity at the MHC Class I locus in the Lesser Sundan subspecies contrasts sharply with the lack of diversity in previously examined neutral loci, and may thus be a result of selection acting to maintain polymorphism. Given uncertainty in historical population demography, however, it is difficult to rule out neutral processes in maintaining the observed diversity. The surveyed populations also differ in MHC Class I allele frequencies, and future studies are needed to assess whether these changes result in functional immune differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Newhouse
- Howell Science Complex, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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25
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Kohyama TI, Akiyama T, Nishida C, Takami K, Onuma M, Momose K, Masuda R. Isolation and characterization of major histocompatibility complex class II B genes in cranes. Immunogenetics 2015; 67:705-10. [PMID: 26452363 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-015-0874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we isolated and characterized the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II B genes in cranes. Genomic sequences spanning exons 1 to 4 were amplified and determined in 13 crane species and three other species closely related to cranes. In all, 55 unique sequences were identified, and at least two polymorphic MHC class II B loci were found in most species. An analysis of sequence polymorphisms showed the signature of positive selection and recombination. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on exon 2 sequences indicated that trans-species polymorphism has persisted for at least 10 million years, whereas phylogenetic analyses of the sequences flanking exon 2 revealed a pattern of concerted evolution. These results suggest that both balancing selection and recombination play important roles in the crane MHC evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo I Kohyama
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, N10W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Takuya Akiyama
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, N10W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Chizuko Nishida
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, N10W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Takami
- Osaka Municipal Tennoji Zoological Gardens, 1-108, Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
| | - Manabu Onuma
- Ecological Genetics Analysis Section, Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Momose
- Red-crowned Crane Conservancy, Wakatake-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 085-0036, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Masuda
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, N10W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan.
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26
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Lei W, Fang W, Lin Q, Zhou X, Chen X. Characterization of a non-classical MHC class II gene in the vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes). Immunogenetics 2015; 67:463-72. [PMID: 26033691 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-015-0846-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are valuable makers of adaptive genetic variation in evolutionary ecology research, yet the non-classical MHC genes remain largely unstudied in wild vertebrates. In this study, we have characterized the non-classical MHC class II gene, Egeu-DAB4, in the vulnerable Chinese egret (Ciconiiformes, Ardeidae, Egretta eulophotes). Gene expression analyses showed that Egeu-DAB4 gene had a restricted tissue expression pattern, being expressed in seven examined tissues including the liver, heart, kidney, esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, and intestine, but not in muscle. With respect to polymorphism, only one allele of exon 2 was obtained from Egeu-DAB4 using asymmetric PCR, indicating that Egeu-DAB4 is genetically monomorphic in exon 2. Comparative analyses showed that Egeu-DAB4 had an unusual sequence, with amino acid differences suggesting that its function may differ from those of classical MHC genes. Egeu-DAB4 gene was only found in 30.56-36.56 % of examined Chinese egret individuals. Phylogenetic analysis showed a closer relationship between Egeu-DAB4 and the DAB2 genes in nine other ardeid species. These new findings provide a foundation for further studies to clarify the immunogenetics of non-classical MHC class II gene in the vulnerable Chinese egret and other ciconiiform birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lei
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, People's Republic of China,
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Kohyama TI, Omote K, Nishida C, Takenaka T, Saito K, Fujimoto S, Masuda R. Spatial and temporal variation at major histocompatibility complex class IIB genes in the endangered Blakiston's fish owl. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2015; 1:13. [PMID: 26605058 PMCID: PMC4657285 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-015-0013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quantifying intraspecific genetic variation in functionally important genes, such as those of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), is important in the establishment of conservation plans for endangered species. The MHC genes play a crucial role in the vertebrate immune system and generally show high levels of diversity, which is likely due to pathogen-driven balancing selection. The endangered Blakiston's fish owl (Bubo blakistoni) has suffered marked population declines on Hokkaido Island, Japan, during the past several decades due to human-induced habitat loss and fragmentation. We investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of genetic diversity in MHC class IIβ genes in Blakiston's fish owl, using massively parallel pyrosequencing. RESULTS We found that the Blakiston's fish owl genome contains at least eight MHC class IIβ loci, indicating recent gene duplications. An analysis of sequence polymorphism provided evidence that balancing selection acted in the past. The level of MHC variation, however, was low in the current fish owl populations in Hokkaido: only 19 alleles were identified from 174 individuals. We detected considerable spatial differences in MHC diversity among the geographically isolated populations. We also detected a decline of MHC diversity in some local populations during the past decades. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that the current spatial patterns of MHC variation in Blakiston's fish owl populations have been shaped by loss of variation due to the decline and fragmentation of populations, and that the short-term effects of genetic drift have counteracted the long-term effects of balancing selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo I Kohyama
- />Department of Natural History Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Keita Omote
- />Department of Natural History Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Chizuko Nishida
- />Department of Natural History Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Takeshi Takenaka
- />FILIN, Hachiken 2 Jo Nishi 2, Nishi-ku, Sapporo 063-0842 Japan
| | - Keisuke Saito
- />Institute for Raptor Biomedicine, Kushiro, 084-0922 Japan
| | | | - Ryuichi Masuda
- />Department of Natural History Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
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Eimes JA, Townsend AK, Sepil I, Nishiumi I, Satta Y. Patterns of evolution of MHC class II genes of crows (Corvus) suggest trans-species polymorphism. PeerJ 2015; 3:e853. [PMID: 25802816 PMCID: PMC4369332 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A distinguishing characteristic of genes that code for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is that alleles often share more similarity between, rather than within species. There are two likely mechanisms that can explain this pattern: convergent evolution and trans-species polymorphism (TSP), in which ancient allelic lineages are maintained by balancing selection and retained by descendant species. Distinguishing between these two mechanisms has major implications in how we view adaptation of immune genes. In this study we analyzed exon 2 of the MHC class IIB in three passerine bird species in the genus Corvus: jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis) American crows (C. brachyrhynchos) and carrion crows (C. corone orientalis). Carrion crows and American crows are recently diverged, but allopatric, sister species, whereas carrion crows and jungle crows are more distantly related but sympatric species, and possibly share pathogens linked to MHC IIB polymorphisms. These patterns of evolutionary divergence and current geographic ranges enabled us to test for trans-species polymorphism and convergent evolution of the MHC IIB in crows. Phylogenetic reconstructions of MHC IIB sequences revealed several well supported interspecific clusters containing all three species, and there was no biased clustering of variants among the sympatric carrion crows and jungle crows. The topologies of phylogenetic trees constructed from putatively selected sites were remarkably different than those constructed from putatively neutral sites. In addition, trees constructed using non-synonymous substitutions from a continuous fragment of exon 2 had more, and generally more inclusive, supported interspecific MHC IIB variant clusters than those constructed from the same fragment using synonymous substitutions. These phylogenetic patterns suggest that recombination, especially gene conversion, has partially erased the signal of allelic ancestry in these species. While clustering of positively selected amino acids by supertyping revealed a single supertype shared by only jungle and carrion crows, a pattern consistent with convergence, the overall phylogenetic patterns we observed suggest that TSP, rather than convergence, explains the interspecific allelic similarity of MHC IIB genes in these species of crows.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Eimes
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI) , Hayama , Japan
| | | | - Irem Sepil
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Isao Nishiumi
- Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science , Tsukuba , Japan
| | - Yoko Satta
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI) , Hayama , Japan
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Chen W, Bei Y, Li H. Genetic variation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC class II B gene) in the threatened Hume's pheasant, Syrmaticus humiae. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116499. [PMID: 25629763 PMCID: PMC4309451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are the most polymorphic genes in vertebrates and encode molecules that play a crucial role in pathogen resistance. As a result of their diversity, they have received much attention in the fields of evolutionary and conservation biology. Here, we described the genetic variation of MHC class II B (MHCIIB) exon 2 in a wild population of Hume's pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae), which has suffered a dramatic decline in population over the last three decades across its ranges in the face of heavy exploitation and habitat loss. Twenty-four distinct alleles were found in 73 S. humiae specimens. We found seven shared alleles among four geographical groups as well as six rare MHCIIB alleles. Most individuals displayed between one to five alleles, suggesting that there are at least three MHCIIB loci of the Hume's pheasant. The dN ⁄ dS ratio at putative antigen-binding sites (ABS) was significantly greater than one, indicating balancing selection is acting on MHCIIB exon 2. Additionally, recombination and gene conversion contributed to generating MHCIIB diversity in the Hume's pheasant. One to three recombination events and seventy-five significant gene conversion events were observed within the Hume's pheasant MHCIIB loci. The phylogenetic tree and network analysis revealed that the Hume's pheasant alleles do not cluster together, but are scattered through the tree or network indicating a trans-species evolutionary mode. These findings revealed the evolution of the Hume's pheasant MHC after suffering extreme habitat fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicai Chen
- Natural History Museum of Guangxi, Nanning 530012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongjian Bei
- College of Life Science and Technology, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanhua Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, College of Life Sciences Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, People’s Republic of China
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30
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Chen LC, Lan H, Sun L, Deng YL, Tang KY, Wan QH. Genomic organization of the crested ibis MHC provides new insight into ancestral avian MHC structure. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7963. [PMID: 25608659 PMCID: PMC4302302 DOI: 10.1038/srep07963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an important role in immune response. Avian MHCs are not well characterized, only reporting highly compact Galliformes MHCs and extensively fragmented zebra finch MHC. We report the first genomic structure of an endangered Pelecaniformes (crested ibis) MHC containing 54 genes in three regions spanning ~500 kb. In contrast to the loose BG (26 loci within 265 kb) and Class I (11 within 150) genomic structures, the Core Region is condensed (17 within 85). Furthermore, this Region exhibits a COL11A2 gene, followed by four tandem MHC class II αβ dyads retaining two suites of anciently duplicated “αβ” lineages. Thus, the crested ibis MHC structure is entirely different from the known avian MHC architectures but similar to that of mammalian MHCs, suggesting that the fundamental structure of ancestral avian class II MHCs should be “COL11A2-IIαβ1-IIαβ2.” The gene structures, residue characteristics, and expression levels of the five class I genes reveal inter-locus functional divergence. However, phylogenetic analysis indicates that these five genes generate a well-supported intra-species clade, showing evidence for recent duplications. Our analyses suggest dramatic structural variation among avian MHC lineages, help elucidate avian MHC evolution, and provide a foundation for future conservation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Cheng Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Hong Lan
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Li Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Li Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Yi Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Qiu-Hong Wan
- The Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife of the Ministry of Education, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
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Sutton JT, Robertson BC, Jamieson IG. MHC variation reflects the bottleneck histories of New Zealand passerines. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:362-73. [PMID: 25488544 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Most empirical evidence suggests that balancing selection does not counter the effects of genetic drift in shaping postbottleneck major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genetic diversity when population declines are severe or prolonged. However, few studies have been able to include data from historical specimens, or to compare populations/species with different bottleneck histories. In this study, we examined MHC class II B and microsatellite diversity in four New Zealand passerine (songbird) species that experienced moderate to very severe declines. We compared diversity from historical samples (collected c. 1884-1938) to present-day populations. Using a Bayesian framework, we found that the change in genetic diversity from historical to contemporary samples was affected by three main factors: (i) whether the data were based on MHC or microsatellite markers, (ii) species (as a surrogate for bottleneck severity) and (iii) whether the comparison between historical and contemporary samples was made using historical samples originating from the mainland, or using historical samples originating from islands. The greatest losses in genetic diversity occurred for the most severely bottlenecked species, particularly between historical mainland and contemporary samples. Additionally, where loss of diversity occurred, the change was greater for MHC genes compared to microsatellite loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolene T Sutton
- Department of Zoology, Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Edmondson Hall, 2538 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96822-2233, USA
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Dearborn DC, Gager AB, Gilmour ME, McArthur AG, Hinerfeld DA, Mauck RA. Non-neutral evolution and reciprocal monophyly of two expressed Mhc class II B genes in Leach’s storm-petrel. Immunogenetics 2014; 67:111-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0813-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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33
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Taniguchi Y, Matsumoto K, Matsuda H, Yamada T, Sugiyama T, Homma K, Kaneko Y, Yamagishi S, Iwaisaki H. Structure and polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex class II region in the Japanese Crested Ibis, Nipponia nippon. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108506. [PMID: 25247679 PMCID: PMC4172706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a highly polymorphic genomic region that plays a central role in the immune system. Despite its functional consistency, the genomic structure of the MHC differs substantially among organisms. In birds, the MHC-B structures of Galliformes, including chickens, have been well characterized, but information about other avian MHCs remains sparse. The Japanese Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon, Pelecaniformes) is an internationally conserved, critically threatened species. The current Japanese population of N. nippon originates from only five founders; thus, understanding the genetic diversity among these founders is critical for effective population management. Because of its high polymorphism and importance for disease resistance and other functions, the MHC has been an important focus in the conservation of endangered species. Here, we report the structure and polymorphism of the Japanese Crested Ibis MHC class II region. Screening of genomic libraries allowed the construction of three contigs representing different haplotypes of MHC class II regions. Characterization of genomic clones revealed that the MHC class II genomic structure of N. nippon was largely different from that of chicken. A pair of MHC-IIA and -IIB genes was arranged head-to-head between the COL11A2 and BRD2 genes. Gene order in N. nippon was more similar to that in humans than to that in chicken. The three haplotypes contained one to three copies of MHC-IIA/IIB gene pairs. Genotyping of the MHC class II region detected only three haplotypes among the five founders, suggesting that the genetic diversity of the current Japanese Crested Ibis population is extremely low. The structure of the MHC class II region presented here provides valuable insight for future studies on the evolution of the avian MHC and for conservation of the Japanese Crested Ibis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Taniguchi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Keisuke Matsumoto
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Matsuda
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahisa Yamada
- Department of Agrobiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toshie Sugiyama
- Department of Agrobiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kosuke Homma
- Field Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | | | | | - Hiroaki Iwaisaki
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Jones MR, Cheviron ZA, Carling MD. Variation in positively selected major histocompatibility complex class I loci in rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis). Immunogenetics 2014; 66:693-704. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Burri R, Promerová M, Goebel J, Fumagalli L. PCR-based isolation of multigene families: lessons from the avian MHC class IIB. Mol Ecol Resour 2014; 14:778-88. [PMID: 24479469 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The amount of sequence data available today highly facilitates the access to genes from many gene families. Primers amplifying the desired genes over a range of species are readily obtained by aligning conserved gene regions, and laborious gene isolation procedures can often be replaced by quicker PCR-based approaches. However, in the case of multigene families, PCR-based approaches bear the often ignored risk of incomplete isolation of family members. This problem is most prominent in gene families with highly variable and thus unpredictable number of gene copies among species, such as in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In this study, we (i) report new primers for the isolation of the MHC class IIB (MHCIIB) gene family in birds and (ii) share our experience with isolating MHCIIB genes from an unprecedented number of avian species from all over the avian phylogeny. We report important and usually underappreciated problems encountered during PCR-based multigene family isolation and provide a collection of measures to help significantly improving the chance of successfully isolating complete multigene families using PCR-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Burri
- Laboratory for Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Evolutionary Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, SE-75236, Uppsala, Sweden
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Alcaide M, Muñoz J, Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Extraordinary MHC class II B diversity in a non-passerine, wild bird: the Eurasian Coot Fulica atra (Aves: Rallidae). Ecol Evol 2014; 4:688-98. [PMID: 24683452 PMCID: PMC3967895 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) hosts the most polymorphic genes ever described in vertebrates. The MHC triggers the adaptive branch of the immune response, and its extraordinary variability is considered an evolutionary consequence of pathogen pressure. The last few years have witnessed the characterization of the MHC multigene family in a large diversity of bird species, unraveling important differences in its polymorphism, complexity, and evolution. Here, we characterize the first MHC class II B sequences isolated from a Rallidae species, the Eurasian Coot Fulica atra. A next-generation sequencing approach revealed up to 265 alleles that translated into 251 different amino acid sequences (β chain, exon 2) in 902 individuals. Bayesian inference identified up to 19 codons within the presumptive peptide-binding region showing pervasive evidence of positive, diversifying selection. Our analyses also detected a significant excess of high-frequency segregating sites (average Tajima's D = 2.36, P < 0.05), indicative of balancing selection. We found one to six different alleles per individual, consistent with the occurrence of at least three MHC class II B gene duplicates. However, the genotypes comprised of three alleles were by far the most abundant in the population investigated (49.4%), followed by those with two (29.6%) and four (17.5%) alleles. We suggest that these proportions are in agreement with the segregation of MHC haplotypes differing in gene copy number. The most widespread segregating haplotypes, according to our findings, would contain one single gene or two genes. The MHC class II of the Eurasian Coot is a valuable system to investigate the evolutionary implications of gene copy variation and extensive variability, the greatest ever found, to the best of our knowledge, in a wild population of a non-passerine bird.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alcaide
- Estación Biológica de Doñana – CSICAvda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Joaquin Muñoz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana – CSICAvda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
- The University of Oklahoma Biological Station15389 Station Road, Kingston, Oklahoma, 73439
| | | | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana – CSICAvda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana – CSICAvda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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Jaratlerdsiri W, Isberg SR, Higgins DP, Miles LG, Gongora J. Selection and trans-species polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex class II genes in the order Crocodylia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87534. [PMID: 24503938 PMCID: PMC3913596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II genes encode for molecules that aid in the presentation of antigens to helper T cells. MHC characterisation within and between major vertebrate taxa has shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms shaping the diversity within this genomic region, though little characterisation has been performed within the Order Crocodylia. Here we investigate the extent and effect of selective pressures and trans-species polymorphism on MHC class II α and β evolution among 20 extant species of Crocodylia. Selection detection analyses showed that diversifying selection influenced MHC class II β diversity, whilst diversity within MHC class II α is the result of strong purifying selection. Comparison of translated sequences between species revealed the presence of twelve trans-species polymorphisms, some of which appear to be specific to the genera Crocodylus and Caiman. Phylogenetic reconstruction clustered MHC class II α sequences into two major clades representing the families Crocodilidae and Alligatoridae. However, no further subdivision within these clades was evident and, based on the observation that most MHC class II α sequences shared the same trans-species polymorphisms, it is possible that they correspond to the same gene lineage across species. In contrast, phylogenetic analyses of MHC class II β sequences showed a mixture of subclades containing sequences from Crocodilidae and/or Alligatoridae, illustrating orthologous relationships among those genes. Interestingly, two of the subclades containing sequences from both Crocodilidae and Alligatoridae shared specific trans-species polymorphisms, suggesting that they may belong to ancient lineages pre-dating the divergence of these two families from the common ancestor 85-90 million years ago. The results presented herein provide an immunogenetic resource that may be used to further assess MHC diversity and functionality in Crocodylia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally R. Isberg
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Damien P. Higgins
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lee G. Miles
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaime Gongora
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Knafler GJ, Fidler A, Jamieson IG, Robertson BC. Evidence for multiple MHC class II β loci in New Zealand's critically endangered kakapo, Strigops habroptilus. Immunogenetics 2013; 66:115-21. [PMID: 24352694 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-013-0750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Immunologically important genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been characterized in a number of avian species with the general finding of considerable variation in size and structural organization among organisms. A range of nonpasserines which represent early-diverging Neoave lineages have been described as having only one MHC class II β locus potentially leading to the conclusion that this is the ancestral condition. Here, we examine the monotypic, early-diverging, critically endangered kakapo, Strigops habroptilus, for allelic variation at MHC class II β exon 2, as part of species' recovery efforts. We found two to four confirmed sequence variants per individual indicating the presence of more than one MHC class II β locus. Given the kakapo's basal evolutionary status, evidence for multiple MHC class II β loci seems to counter the proposed mono-locus history of modern birds. However, MHC gene duplication, maintenance, and loss among and within bird species may confound avian relationships making it difficult to elucidate the ancestral state. This study adds essential data for disentangling the course of MHC structural evolution in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle J Knafler
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Vásquez-Carrillo C, Friesen V, Hall L, Peery MZ. Variation in MHC class II B genes in marbled murrelets: implications for delineating conservation units. Anim Conserv 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Vásquez-Carrillo
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison WI USA
| | - V. Friesen
- Department of Biology; Queen's University; Kingston Ontario Canada
| | - L. Hall
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management; University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley CA USA
| | - M. Z. Peery
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison WI USA
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Wang Z, Zhou X, Lin Q, Fang W, Chen X. Characterization, polymorphism and selection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) DAB genes in vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes). PLoS One 2013; 8:e74185. [PMID: 24019955 PMCID: PMC3760844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an excellent molecular marker for the studies of evolutionary ecology and conservation genetics because it is a family of highly polymorphic genes that play a key role in vertebrate immune response. In this study, the functional genes of MHC Class II B (DAB) were isolated for the first time in a vulnerable species, the Chinese egret (Egrettaeulophotes). Using a full length DNA and cDNA produced by PCR and RACE methods, four potential MHC DAB loci were characterized in the genome of this egret and all four were expressed in liver and blood. At least four copies of the MHC gene complex were similar to two copies of the minimal essential MHC complex of chicken, but are less complex than the multiple copies expressed in passerine species. In MHC polymorphism, 19 alleles of exon 2 were isolated from 48 individuals using PCR. No stop codons or frameshift mutations were found in any of the coding regions. The signatures of positive selection detected in potential peptide-binding regions by Bayesian analysis, suggesting that all of these genes were functional. These data will provide the fundamental basis for further studies to elucidate the mechanisms and significance of MHC molecular adaptation in vulnerable Chinese egret and other ardeids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingxian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenzhen Fang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (WF); (XC)
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coast and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (WF); (XC)
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Alcaide M, Liu M, Edwards SV. Major histocompatibility complex class I evolution in songbirds: universal primers, rapid evolution and base compositional shifts in exon 3. PeerJ 2013; 1:e86. [PMID: 23781408 PMCID: PMC3685324 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) have become an important marker for the investigation of adaptive genetic variation in vertebrates because of their critical role in pathogen resistance. However, despite significant advances in the last few years the characterization of MHC variation in non-model species still remains a challenging task due to the redundancy and high variation of this gene complex. Here we report the utility of a single pair of primers for the cross-amplification of the third exon of MHC class I genes, which encodes the more polymorphic half of the peptide-binding region (PBR), in oscine passerines (songbirds; Aves: Passeriformes), a group especially challenging for MHC characterization due to the presence of large and complex MHC multigene families. In our survey, although the primers failed to amplify exon 3 from two suboscine passerine birds, they amplified exon 3 of multiple MHC class I genes in all 16 species of oscine songbirds tested, yielding a total of 120 sequences. The 16 songbird species belong to 14 different families, primarily within the Passerida, but also in the Corvida. Using a conservative approach based on the analysis of cloned amplicons (n = 16) from each species, we found between 3 and 10 MHC sequences per individual. Each allele repertoire was highly divergent, with the overall number of polymorphic sites per species ranging from 33 to 108 (out of 264 sites) and the average number of nucleotide differences between alleles ranging from 14.67 to 43.67. Our survey in songbirds allowed us to compare macroevolutionary dynamics of exon 3 between songbirds and non-passerine birds. We found compelling evidence of positive selection acting specifically upon peptide-binding codons across birds, and we estimate the strength of diversifying selection in songbirds to be about twice that in non-passerines. Analysis using comparative methods suggest weaker evidence for a higher GC content in the 3rd codon position of exon 3 in non-passerine birds, a pattern that contrasts with among-clade GC patterns found in other avian studies and may suggests different mutational mechanisms. Our primers represent a useful tool for the characterization of functional and evolutionarily relevant MHC variation across the hyperdiverse songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alcaide
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark Liu
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Scott V. Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Sutton JT, Robertson BC, Grueber CE, Stanton JAL, Jamieson IG. Characterization of MHC class II B polymorphism in bottlenecked New Zealand saddlebacks reveals low levels of genetic diversity. Immunogenetics 2013; 65:619-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-013-0708-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Lenz TL, Eizaguirre C, Kalbe M, Milinski M. EVALUATING PATTERNS OF CONVERGENT EVOLUTION AND TRANS-SPECIES POLYMORPHISM AT MHC IMMUNOGENES IN TWO SYMPATRIC STICKLEBACK SPECIES. Evolution 2013; 67:2400-12. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias L. Lenz
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; August-Thienemann-Str 2 24306 Plön Germany
| | - Christophe Eizaguirre
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; August-Thienemann-Str 2 24306 Plön Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology of Marine Fishes; GEOMAR
- Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research; Düsternbrooker Weg 20 24105 Kiel Germany
| | - Martin Kalbe
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; August-Thienemann-Str 2 24306 Plön Germany
| | - Manfred Milinski
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology; August-Thienemann-Str 2 24306 Plön Germany
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Strand T, Wang B, Meyer-Lucht Y, Höglund J. Evolutionary history of black grouse major histocompatibility complex class IIB genes revealed through single locus sequence-based genotyping. BMC Genet 2013; 14:29. [PMID: 23617616 PMCID: PMC3652749 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-14-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gene duplications are frequently observed in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of many species, and as a consequence loci belonging to the same MHC class are often too similar to tell apart. In birds, single locus genotyping of MHC genes has proven difficult due to concerted evolution homogenizing sequences at different loci. But studies on evolutionary history, mode of selection and heterozygosity correlations on the MHC cannot be performed before it is possible to analyse duplicated genes separately. In this study we investigate the architecture and evolution of the MHC class IIB genes in black grouse. We developed a sequence-based genotyping method for separate amplification of the two black grouse MHC class IIB genes BLB1 and BLB2. Based on this approach we are able to study differences in structure and selection between the two genes in black grouse and relate these results to the chicken MHC structure and organization. Results Sequences were obtained from 12 individuals and separated into alleles using the software PHASE. We compared nucleotide diversity measures and employed selection tests for BLB1 and BLB2 to explore their modes of selection. Both BLB1 and BLB2 are transcribed and display classic characteristics of balancing selection as predicted for expressed MHC class IIB genes. We found evidence for both intra- and interlocus recombination or gene conversion, as well as indication for positive but differential selection at both loci. Moreover, the two loci appear to be linked. Phylogenetic analyses revealed orthology of the black grouse MHC class IIB genes to the respective BLB loci in chicken. Conclusions The results indicate that the duplication of the BLB gene occurred before the species divergence into black grouse, chicken and pheasant. Further, we conclude that BLB1 and BLB2 in black grouse are subjected to homogenizing concerted evolution due to interlocus genetic exchange after species divergence. The loci are in linkage disequilibrium, which is in line with the theory of tightly coevolving genes within the MHC under the minimal essential MHC hypothesis. Our results support the conclusion that MHC form and function in birds derived from studies on the domesticated chicken are not artefacts of the domestication process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Strand
- Population Biology and Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, Uppsala, SE-752 36, Sweden
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Gohli J, Anmarkrud JA, Johnsen A, Kleven O, Borge T, Lifjeld JT. FEMALE PROMISCUITY IS POSITIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH NEUTRAL AND SELECTED GENETIC DIVERSITY IN PASSERINE BIRDS. Evolution 2013; 67:1406-19. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Male transmission ratio distortion supports MHC-linked cryptic female choice in the lesser kestrel (Aves: Falconidae). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-012-1401-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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47
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GANGOSO L, ALCAIDE M, GRANDE JM, MUÑOZ J, TALBOT SL, SONSTHAGEN SA, SAGE GK, FIGUEROLA J. Colonizing the world in spite of reduced MHC variation. J Evol Biol 2012; 25:1438-47. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2012.02529.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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48
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Li C, Chen L, Sun Y, Liang H, Yi K, Sun Y, Ma Y, Li X, Wu W, Zhou X. Molecular cloning, polymorphism and tissue distribution of the MHC class IIB gene in the Chinese goose (Anser cygnoides). Br Poult Sci 2011; 52:318-27. [PMID: 21732877 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2011.581270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
1. The goose major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class IIB cDNA (Ancy-MHCII) was cloned by homology cloning and rapid amplification of cDNA ends by polymerase chain reaction (RACE-PCR), and the genomic structure and tissue expression were investigated. 2. Three different 5'-RACE sequences (Ancy-MHC II5'-1, Ancy-MHC II5'-2, Ancy-MHC II5'-3), one 3'-RACE sequence (Ancy-MHC II-3') and two different full length Ancy-MHC IIB cDNA sequences (Ancy-CD01, Ancy-CD02), which came from different alleles at one locus or different loci, were determined. 3. The genomic organisation is composed of 6 exons and 5 introns, with a longer intron region than that of the chicken. The alleles encode 259 and 260 amino acids in the mature protein. 4. The number of non-synonymous substitutions (dN) in the peptide-binding region of exon 2 from 8 alleles was higher than that of the synonymous substitutions (dS). 5. Tissue-specific expression of Ancy-MHC II mRNA was detected in an adult goose using RT-PCR. These results showed that Ancy-MHC II mRNA was expressed in the lung, spleen, liver, intestine, heart, kidney, pancreas, brain, skin and muscle. This is consistent with the expression of MHC class IIB in various tissues from the chicken. 6. Sequences from goose, snipe and duck clustered together when compared with known MHC class IIB sequences from the other species, significantly differing from mammals and aquatic species, indicating a pattern consistent with accepted evolutionary pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine and Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Avenue, Changchun, P.R. China
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Ujvari B, Belov K. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) markers in conservation biology. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:5168-86. [PMID: 21954351 PMCID: PMC3179158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12085168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human impacts through habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species and climate change are increasing the number of species threatened with extinction. Decreases in population size simultaneously lead to reductions in genetic diversity, ultimately reducing the ability of populations to adapt to a changing environment. In this way, loss of genetic polymorphism is linked with extinction risk. Recent advances in sequencing technologies mean that obtaining measures of genetic diversity at functionally important genes is within reach for conservation programs. A key region of the genome that should be targeted for population genetic studies is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). MHC genes, found in all jawed vertebrates, are the most polymorphic genes in vertebrate genomes. They play key roles in immune function via immune-recognition and -surveillance and host-parasite interaction. Therefore, measuring levels of polymorphism at these genes can provide indirect measures of the immunological fitness of populations. The MHC has also been linked with mate-choice and pregnancy outcomes and has application for improving mating success in captive breeding programs. The recent discovery that genetic diversity at MHC genes may protect against the spread of contagious cancers provides an added impetus for managing and protecting MHC diversity in wild populations. Here we review the field and focus on the successful applications of MHC-typing for conservation management. We emphasize the importance of using MHC markers when planning and executing wildlife rescue and conservation programs but stress that this should not be done to the detriment of genome-wide diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Ujvari
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, RMC Gunn Bldg, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; E-Mail:
| | - Katherine Belov
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, RMC Gunn Bldg, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; E-Mail:
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Alcaide M, Rodríguez A, Negro JJ. Sampling strategies for accurate computational inferences of gametic phase across highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex loci. BMC Res Notes 2011; 4:151. [PMID: 21615903 PMCID: PMC3126723 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) are very popular genetic markers among evolutionary biologists because of their potential role in pathogen confrontation and sexual selection. However, MHC genotyping still remains challenging and time-consuming in spite of substantial methodological advances. Although computational haplotype inference has brought into focus interesting alternatives, high heterozygosity, extensive genetic variation and population admixture are known to cause inaccuracies. We have investigated the role of sample size, genetic polymorphism and genetic structuring on the performance of the popular Bayesian PHASE algorithm. To cover this aim, we took advantage of a large database of known genotypes (using traditional laboratory-based techniques) at single MHC class I (N = 56 individuals and 50 alleles) and MHC class II B (N = 103 individuals and 62 alleles) loci in the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni. Findings Analyses carried out over real MHC genotypes showed that the accuracy of gametic phase reconstruction improved with sample size as a result of the reduction in the allele to individual ratio. We then simulated different data sets introducing variations in this parameter to define an optimal ratio. Conclusions Our results demonstrate a critical influence of the allele to individual ratio on PHASE performance. We found that a minimum allele to individual ratio (1:2) yielded 100% accuracy for both MHC loci. Sampling effort is therefore a crucial step to obtain reliable MHC haplotype reconstructions and must be accomplished accordingly to the degree of MHC polymorphism. We expect our findings provide a foothold into the design of straightforward and cost-effective genotyping strategies of those MHC loci from which locus-specific primers are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alcaide
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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