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Hays M. Genetic conflicts in budding yeast: The 2μ plasmid as a model selfish element. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 161-162:31-41. [PMID: 38598944 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Antagonistic coevolution, arising from genetic conflict, can drive rapid evolution and biological innovation. Conflict can arise both between organisms and within genomes. This review focuses on budding yeasts as a model system for exploring intra- and inter-genomic genetic conflict, highlighting in particular the 2-micron (2μ) plasmid as a model selfish element. The 2μ is found widely in laboratory strains and industrial isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and has long been known to cause host fitness defects. Nevertheless, the plasmid is frequently ignored in the context of genetic, fitness, and evolution studies. Here, I make a case for further exploring the evolutionary impact of the 2μ plasmid as well as other selfish elements of budding yeasts, discuss recent advances, and, finally, future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Hays
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
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2
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Yusuf LH, Lemus YS, Thorpe P, Garcia CM, Ritchie MG. Evidence for gene flow and trait reversal during radiation of Mexican Goodeid fish. Heredity (Edinb) 2024; 133:78-87. [PMID: 38858547 PMCID: PMC11286751 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-024-00694-1] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the phylogeographic history of a group and identifying the factors contributing to speciation is an important challenge in evolutionary biology. The Goodeinae are a group of live-bearing fishes endemic to Mexico. Here, we develop genomic resources for species within the Goodeinae and use phylogenomic approaches to characterise their evolutionary history. We sequenced, assembled and annotated the genomes of four Goodeinae species, including Ataeniobius toweri, the only matrotrophic live-bearing fish without a trophotaenia in the group. We estimated timings of species divergence and examined the extent and timing of introgression between the species to assess if this may have occurred during an early radiation, or in more recent episodes of secondary contact. We used branch-site models to detect genome-wide positive selection across Goodeinae, and we specifically asked whether this differs in A. toweri, where loss of placental viviparity has recently occurred. We found evidence of gene flow between geographically isolated species, suggesting vicariant speciation was supplemented by limited post-speciation gene flow, and gene flow may explain previous uncertainties about Goodeid phylogeny. Genes under positive selection in the group are likely to be associated with the switch to live-bearing. Overall, our studies suggest that both volcanism-driven vicariance and changes in reproductive mode influenced radiation in the Goodeinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeban H Yusuf
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK.
| | - Yolitzi Saldívar Lemus
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Peter Thorpe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Constantino Macías Garcia
- Instituto de Ecologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Circuito exterior s/n anexo al Jardín Botánico C. P. 04510, Mexico City CdMx, Mexico
| | - Michael G Ritchie
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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Dubovik T, Lukačišin M, Starosvetsky E, LeRoy B, Normand R, Admon Y, Alpert A, Ofran Y, G'Sell M, Shen-Orr SS. Interactions between immune cell types facilitate the evolution of immune traits. Nature 2024; 632:350-356. [PMID: 38866051 PMCID: PMC11306095 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07661-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
An essential prerequisite for evolution by natural selection is variation among individuals in traits that affect fitness1. The ability of a system to produce selectable variation, known as evolvability2, thus markedly affects the rate of evolution. Although the immune system is among the fastest-evolving components in mammals3, the sources of variation in immune traits remain largely unknown4,5. Here we show that an important determinant of the immune system's evolvability is its organization into interacting modules represented by different immune cell types. By profiling immune cell variation in bone marrow of 54 genetically diverse mouse strains from the Collaborative Cross6, we found that variation in immune cell frequencies is polygenic and that many associated genes are involved in homeostatic balance through cell-intrinsic functions of proliferation, migration and cell death. However, we also found genes associated with the frequency of a particular cell type that are expressed in a different cell type, exerting their effect in what we term cyto-trans. The vertebrate evolutionary record shows that genes associated in cyto-trans have faced weaker negative selection, thus increasing the robustness and hence evolvability2,7,8 of the immune system. This phenomenon is similarly observable in human blood. Our findings suggest that interactions between different components of the immune system provide a phenotypic space in which mutations can produce variation with little detriment, underscoring the role of modularity in the evolution of complex systems9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Dubovik
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- CytoReason, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Martin Lukačišin
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Elina Starosvetsky
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- CytoReason, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Benjamin LeRoy
- Department of Statistics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Nike, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Rachelly Normand
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yasmin Admon
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- CytoReason, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ayelet Alpert
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yishai Ofran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department and the Eisenberg R&D Authority, Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Max G'Sell
- Department of Statistics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shai S Shen-Orr
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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4
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Dziuba MK, McIntire KM, Seto K, Davenport ES, Rogalski MA, Gowler CD, Baird E, Vaandrager M, Huerta C, Jaye R, Corcoran FE, Withrow A, Ahrendt S, Salamov A, Nolan M, Tejomurthula S, Barry K, Grigoriev IV, James TY, Duffy MA. Phylogeny, morphology, virulence, ecology, and host range of Ordospora pajunii (Ordosporidae), a microsporidian symbiont of Daphnia spp. mBio 2024; 15:e0058224. [PMID: 38651867 PMCID: PMC11237803 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00582-24] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The impacts of microsporidia on host individuals are frequently subtle and can be context dependent. A key example of the latter comes from a recently discovered microsporidian symbiont of Daphnia, the net impact of which was found to shift from negative to positive based on environmental context. Given this, we hypothesized low baseline virulence of the microsporidian; here, we investigated the impact of infection on hosts in controlled conditions and the absence of other stressors. We also investigated its phylogenetic position, ecology, and host range. The genetic data indicate that the symbiont is Ordospora pajunii, a newly described microsporidian parasite of Daphnia. We show that O. pajunii infection damages the gut, causing infected epithelial cells to lose microvilli and then rupture. The prevalence of this microsporidian could be high (up to 100% in the lab and 77% of adults in the field). Its overall virulence was low in most cases, but some genotypes suffered reduced survival and/or reproduction. Susceptibility and virulence were strongly host-genotype dependent. We found that North American O. pajunii were able to infect multiple Daphnia species, including the European species Daphnia longispina, as well as Ceriodaphnia spp. Given the low, often undetectable virulence of this microsporidian and potentially far-reaching consequences of infections for the host when interacting with other pathogens or food, this Daphnia-O. pajunii symbiosis emerges as a valuable system for studying the mechanisms of context-dependent shifts between mutualism and parasitism, as well as for understanding how symbionts might alter host interactions with resources. IMPORTANCE The net outcome of symbiosis depends on the costs and benefits to each partner. Those can be context dependent, driving the potential for an interaction to change between parasitism and mutualism. Understanding the baseline fitness impact in an interaction can help us understand those shifts; for an organism that is generally parasitic, it should be easier for it to become a mutualist if its baseline virulence is relatively low. Recently, a microsporidian was found to become beneficial to its Daphnia hosts in certain ecological contexts, but little was known about the symbiont (including its species identity). Here, we identify it as the microsporidium Ordospora pajunii. Despite the parasitic nature of microsporidia, we found O. pajunii to be, at most, mildly virulent; this helps explain why it can shift toward mutualism in certain ecological contexts and helps establish O. pajunii is a valuable model for investigating shifts along the mutualism-parasitism continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin K. Dziuba
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kristina M. McIntire
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kensuke Seto
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Elizabeth S. Davenport
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mary A. Rogalski
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, USA
| | - Camden D. Gowler
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Emma Baird
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan Vaandrager
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Cristian Huerta
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Riley Jaye
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fiona E. Corcoran
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alicia Withrow
- Center for Advanced Microscopy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Steven Ahrendt
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Asaf Salamov
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Matt Nolan
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Sravanthi Tejomurthula
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kerrie Barry
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Igor V. Grigoriev
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Timothy Y. James
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Meghan A. Duffy
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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5
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Pennance T, Calvelo J, Tennessen JA, Burd R, Cayton J, Bollmann SR, Blouin MS, Spaan JM, Hoffmann FG, Ogara G, Rawago F, Andiego K, Mulonga B, Odhiambo M, Loker ES, Laidemitt MR, Lu L, Iriarte A, Odiere MR, Steinauer ML. The genome and transcriptome of the snail Biomphalaria sudanica s.l.: immune gene diversification and highly polymorphic genomic regions in an important African vector of Schistosoma mansoni. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:192. [PMID: 38373909 PMCID: PMC10875847 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10103-w] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control and elimination of schistosomiasis is an arduous task, with current strategies proving inadequate to break transmission. Exploration of genetic approaches to interrupt Schistosoma mansoni transmission, the causative agent for human intestinal schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa and South America, has led to genomic research of the snail vector hosts of the genus Biomphalaria. Few complete genomic resources exist, with African Biomphalaria species being particularly underrepresented despite this being where the majority of S. mansoni infections occur. Here we generate and annotate the first genome assembly of Biomphalaria sudanica sensu lato, a species responsible for S. mansoni transmission in lake and marsh habitats of the African Rift Valley. Supported by whole-genome diversity data among five inbred lines, we describe orthologs of immune-relevant gene regions in the South American vector B. glabrata and present a bioinformatic pipeline to identify candidate novel pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). RESULTS De novo genome and transcriptome assembly of inbred B. sudanica originating from the shoreline of Lake Victoria (Kisumu, Kenya) resulted in a haploid genome size of ~ 944.2 Mb (6,728 fragments, N50 = 1.067 Mb), comprising 23,598 genes (BUSCO = 93.6% complete). The B. sudanica genome contains orthologues to all described immune genes/regions tied to protection against S. mansoni in B. glabrata, including the polymorphic transmembrane clusters (PTC1 and PTC2), RADres, and other loci. The B. sudanica PTC2 candidate immune genomic region contained many PRR-like genes across a much wider genomic region than has been shown in B. glabrata, as well as a large inversion between species. High levels of intra-species nucleotide diversity were seen in PTC2, as well as in regions linked to PTC1 and RADres orthologues. Immune related and putative PRR gene families were significantly over-represented in the sub-set of B. sudanica genes determined as hyperdiverse, including high extracellular diversity in transmembrane genes, which could be under pathogen-mediated balancing selection. However, no overall expansion in immunity related genes was seen in African compared to South American lineages. CONCLUSIONS The B. sudanica genome and analyses presented here will facilitate future research in vector immune defense mechanisms against pathogens. This genomic/transcriptomic resource provides necessary data for the future development of molecular snail vector control/surveillance tools, facilitating schistosome transmission interruption mechanisms in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Pennance
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA.
| | - Javier Calvelo
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Higiene, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | | | - Ryan Burd
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA
| | - Jared Cayton
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Johannie M Spaan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA
| | - Federico G Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - George Ogara
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Rawago
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kennedy Andiego
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Boaz Mulonga
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meredith Odhiambo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eric S Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Martina R Laidemitt
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Lijun Lu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Andrés Iriarte
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Higiene, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
| | - Maurice R Odiere
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Michelle L Steinauer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USA.
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Langebrake C, Manthey G, Frederiksen A, Lugo Ramos JS, Dutheil JY, Chetverikova R, Solov'yov IA, Mouritsen H, Liedvogel M. Adaptive evolution and loss of a putative magnetoreceptor in passerines. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232308. [PMID: 38320616 PMCID: PMC10846946 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds possess remarkable accuracy in orientation and navigation, which involves various compass systems including the magnetic compass. Identifying the primary magnetosensor remains a fundamental open question. Cryptochromes (Cry) have been shown to be magnetically sensitive, and Cry4a from a migratory songbird seems to show enhanced magnetic sensitivity in vitro compared to Cry4a from resident species. We investigate Cry and their potential involvement in magnetoreception in a phylogenetic framework, integrating molecular evolutionary analyses with protein dynamics modelling. Our analysis is based on 363 bird genomes and identifies different selection regimes in passerines. We show that Cry4a is characterized by strong positive selection and high variability, typical characteristics of sensor proteins. We identify key sites that are likely to have facilitated the evolution of an optimized sensory protein for night-time orientation in songbirds. Additionally, we show that Cry4 was lost in hummingbirds, parrots and Tyranni (Suboscines), and thus identified a gene deletion, which might facilitate testing the function of Cry4a in birds. In contrast, the other avian Cry (Cry1 and Cry2) were highly conserved across all species, indicating basal, non-sensory functions. Our results support a specialization or functional differentiation of Cry4 in songbirds which could be magnetosensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Langebrake
- Institute of Avian Research ‘Vogelwarte Helgoland’, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
- MPRG Behavioural Genomics, MPI Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Georg Manthey
- Institute of Avian Research ‘Vogelwarte Helgoland’, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
| | - Anders Frederiksen
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
| | - Juan S. Lugo Ramos
- MPRG Behavioural Genomics, MPI Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Julien Y. Dutheil
- Research Group Molecular Systems Evolution, MPI Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Raisa Chetverikova
- Biology and Environmental Sciences Department, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
| | - Ilia A. Solov'yov
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
- Center for Nanoscale Dynamics (CENAD), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- Biology and Environmental Sciences Department, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
| | - Miriam Liedvogel
- Institute of Avian Research ‘Vogelwarte Helgoland’, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
- MPRG Behavioural Genomics, MPI Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
- Biology and Environmental Sciences Department, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg
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Stricker M, Zhang W, Cheng WY, Gazal S, Dendrou C, Nahkuri S, Palamara PF. Genome-wide classification of epigenetic activity reveals regions of enriched heritability in immune-related traits. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100469. [PMID: 38190103 PMCID: PMC10794845 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics underpins the regulation of genes known to play a key role in the adaptive and innate immune system (AIIS). We developed a method, EpiNN, that leverages epigenetic data to detect AIIS-relevant genomic regions and used it to detect 2,765 putative AIIS loci. Experimental validation of one of these loci, DNMT1, provided evidence for a novel AIIS-specific transcription start site. We built a genome-wide AIIS annotation and used linkage disequilibrium (LD) score regression to test whether it predicts regional heritability using association statistics for 176 traits. We detected significant heritability effects (average |τ∗|=1.65) for 20 out of 26 immune-relevant traits. In a meta-analysis, immune-relevant traits and diseases were 4.45× more enriched for heritability than other traits. The EpiNN annotation was also depleted of trans-ancestry genetic correlation, indicating ancestry-specific effects. These results underscore the effectiveness of leveraging supervised learning algorithms and epigenetic data to detect loci implicated in specific classes of traits and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weijiao Zhang
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wei-Yi Cheng
- Data & Analytics, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center New York, Little Falls, NJ, USA
| | - Steven Gazal
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Calliope Dendrou
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Satu Nahkuri
- Data & Analytics, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Pier Francesco Palamara
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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8
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Pennance T, Calvelo J, Tennessen JA, Burd R, Cayton J, Bollmann SR, Blouin MS, Spaan JM, Hoffmann FG, Ogara G, Rawago F, Andiego K, Mulonga B, Odhiambo M, Loker ES, Laidemitt MR, Lu L, Iriarte A, Odiere M, Steinauer ML. The genome and transcriptome of the snail Biomphalaria sudanica s.l.: Immune gene diversification and highly polymorphic genomic regions in an important African vector of Schistosoma mansoni. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.565203. [PMID: 37961413 PMCID: PMC10635097 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Control and elimination of schistosomiasis is an arduous task, with current strategies proving inadequate to break transmission. Exploration of genetic approaches to interrupt Schistosoma mansoni transmission, the causative agent for human intestinal schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa and South America, has led to genomic research of the snail vector hosts of the genus Biomphalaria. Few complete genomic resources exist, with African Biomphalaria species being particularly underrepresented despite this being where the majority of S. mansoni infections occur. Here we generate and annotate the first genome assembly of Biomphalaria sudanica sensu lato, a species responsible for S. mansoni transmission in lake and marsh habitats of the African Rift Valley. Supported by whole-genome diversity data among five inbred lines, we describe orthologs of immune-relevant gene regions in the South American vector B. glabrata and present a bioinformatic pipeline to identify candidate novel pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). Results De novo genome and transcriptome assembly of inbred B. sudanica originating from the shoreline of Lake Victoria (Kisumu, Kenya) resulted in a haploid genome size of ~944.2 Mb (6732 fragments, N50=1.067 Mb), comprising 23,598 genes (BUSCO=93.6% complete). The B. sudanica genome contains orthologues to all described immune genes/regions tied to protection against S. mansoni in B. glabrata. The B. sudanica PTC2 candidate immune genomic region contained many PRR-like genes across a much wider genomic region than has been shown in B. glabrata, as well as a large inversion between species. High levels of intra-species nucleotide diversity were seen in PTC2, as well as in regions linked to PTC1 and RADres orthologues. Immune related and putative PRR gene families were significantly over-represented in the sub-set of B. sudanica genes determined as hyperdiverse, including high extracellular diversity in transmembrane genes, which could be under pathogen-mediated balancing selection. However, no overall expansion in immunity related genes were seen in African compared to South American lineages. Conclusions The B. sudanica genome and analyses presented here will facilitate future research in vector immune defense mechanisms against pathogens. This genomic/transcriptomic resource provides necessary data for the future development of molecular snail vector control/surveillance tools, facilitating schistosome transmission interruption mechanisms in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Pennance
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
| | - Javier Calvelo
- Laboratorio Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | | | - Ryan Burd
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
| | - Jared Cayton
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
| | | | | | - Johannie M Spaan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
| | - Federico G Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS USA
| | - George Ogara
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Rawago
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kennedy Andiego
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Boaz Mulonga
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meredith Odhiambo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P. O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eric S Loker
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, U.S.A
| | - Martina R Laidemitt
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, U.S.A
| | - Lijun Lu
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasite Division Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, U.S.A
| | - Andrés Iriarte
- Laboratorio Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Maurice Odiere
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS USA
| | - Michelle L Steinauer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon OR, USA
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9
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Minias P, Podlaszczuk P, Indykiewicz P, Ledwoń M, Nowakowski J, Chyb A, Janiszewski T. Genetic variation at innate and adaptive immune genes - contrasting patterns of differentiation and local adaptation in a wild gull. Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 131:282-291. [PMID: 37553491 PMCID: PMC10539538 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-023-00645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogenetic variation in natural vertebrate populations is expected to respond to spatial and temporal fluctuations in pathogen assemblages. While spatial heterogeneity in pathogen-driven selection enhances local immunogenetic adaptations and population divergence, different immune genes may yield contrasting responses to the environment. Here, we investigated population differentiation at the key pathogen recognition genes of the innate and adaptive immune system in a colonial bird species, the black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus. We assessed genetic variation at three toll-like receptor (TLR) genes (innate immunity) and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II genes (adaptive immunity) in gulls from seven colonies scattered across Poland. As expected, we found much greater polymorphism at the MHC than TLRs. Population differentiation at the MHC class II, but not MHC-I, was significantly stronger than at neutral microsatellite loci, suggesting local adaptation. This could reflect spatial variation in the composition of extracellular parasite communities (e.g., helminths), possibly driven by sharp differences in habitat structure between colonies. Despite contrasting patterns of population differentiation, both MHC classes showed similar regimes of diversifying selection. Some significant population differentiation was also observed at TLRs, suggesting that innate immune receptors may respond to fine-scale spatial variation in pathogen pressure, although this pattern could have been enhanced by drift. Our results suggested that local adaptation at the pathogen recognition immune genes can be maintained at relatively small or moderate spatial scales in species with high dispersal potential and they highlighted the complexity of immunogenetic responses of animals to heterogeneous environments.
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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.
| | - Patrycja Podlaszczuk
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Piotr Indykiewicz
- Department of Biology and Animal Environment, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Ledwoń
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17, 31-016, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Nowakowski
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 3, 10-727, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Amelia Chyb
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Tomasz Janiszewski
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
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10
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Zhang X, Wolinska J, Blair D, Hu W, Yin M. Responses to predation pressure involve similar sets of genes in two divergent species of Daphnia. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:1743-1758. [PMID: 37337454 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Species that are not closely related can express similar inducible traits, but molecular mechanisms underlying the observed responses are often unknown, nor is it known if these mechanisms are shared between such species. Here, we compared transcriptional profiles of two Daphnia species (D. mitsukuri and D. sinensis) from different subgenera, at both juvenile and adult developmental stages. Both species were exposed to the same predation threat (fish kairomones), and both showed similar induced morphological changes (reduced body length). At the early developmental stage, response to predation risk resulted in similar changes in expression levels of 23 orthologues in both species. These orthologues, involved in 107 GO categories, changed in the same direction in both species (over- or underexpressed), in comparison to non-exposed controls. Several of these orthologues were associated with DNA replication, structural constituents of cuticle or innate immune response. In both species, the differentially expressed (DE) genes on average had higher ω (dN /dS ) values than non-DE genes, suggesting that these genes had experienced greater positive selection or lower purifying selection than non-DE genes. Overall, our results suggest that similar suites of genes, responding in similar ways to predation pressure, have been retained in Daphnia for many millions of years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Justyna Wolinska
- Department of Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Blair
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wei Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Microbiology and Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Mingbo Yin
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Włodarczyk R, Těšický M, Vinkler M, Novotný M, Remisiewicz M, Janiszewski T, Minias P. Divergent evolution drives high diversity of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in passerine birds: Buntings and finches. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 144:104704. [PMID: 37019350 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) form a key component of animal innate immunity, being responsible for recognition of conserved microbial structures. As such, TLRs may be subject to diversifying and balancing selection, which maintains allelic variation both within and between populations. However, most research on TLRs in non-model avian species is focused on bottlenecked populations with depleted genetic variation. Here, we assessed variation at the extracellular domains of three TLR genes (TLR1LA, TLR3, TLR4) across eleven species from two passerine families of buntings (Emberizidae) and finches (Fringillidae), all having large breeding population sizes (millions of individuals). We found extraordinary TLR polymorphism in our study taxa, with >100 alleles detected at TLR1LA and TLR4 across species and high haplotype diversity (>0.75) in several species. Despite recent species divergence, no nucleotide allelic variants were shared between species, suggesting rapid TLR evolution. Higher variation at TLR1LA and TLR4 than TLR3 was associated with a stronger signal of diversifying selection, as measured with nucleotide substitutions rates and the number of positively selected sites (PSS). Structural protein modelling of TLRs showed that some PSS detected within TLR1LA and TLR4 were previously recognized as functionally important sites or were located in their proximity, possibly affecting ligand recognition. Furthermore, we identified PSS responsible for major surface electrostatic charge clustering, which may indicate their adaptive importance. Our study provides compelling evidence for the divergent evolution of TLR genes in buntings and finches and indicates that high TLR variation may be adaptively maintained via diversifying selection acting on functional ligand binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław Włodarczyk
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Martin Těšický
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Vinkler
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Novotný
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Cell Biology, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Remisiewicz
- Bird Migration Research Station, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Janiszewski
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 1/3, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.
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12
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Zhou J, Liu A, He F, Zhang Y, Shen L, Yu J, Zhang X. Draft Genome of White-blotched River Stingray Provides Novel Clues for Niche Adaptation and Skeleton Formation. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:501-514. [PMID: 36470576 PMCID: PMC10787021 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The white-blotched river stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi) is a cartilaginous fish native to the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon River system. As a rare freshwater-dwelling cartilaginous fish in the Potamotrygonidae family in which no member has the genome sequencing information available, P. leopoldi provides the evolutionary details in fish phylogeny, niche adaptation, and skeleton formation. In this study, we present its draft genome of 4.11 Gb comprising 16,227 contigs and 13,238 scaffolds, with contig N50 of 3937 kb and scaffold N50 of 5675 kb in size. Our analysis shows that P. leopoldi is a slow-evolving fish that diverged from elephant sharks about 96 million years ago. Moreover, two gene families related to the immune system (immunoglobulin heavy constant delta genes and T-cell receptor alpha/delta variable genes) exhibit expansion in P. leopoldi only. We also identified the Hox gene clusters in P. leopoldi and discovered that seven Hox genes shared by five representative fish species are missing in P. leopoldi. The RNA sequencing data from P. leopoldi and other three fish species demonstrate that fishes have a more diversified tissue expression spectrum when compared to mammals. Our functional studies suggest that lack of the gc gene encoding vitamin D-binding protein in cartilaginous fishes (both P. leopoldi and Callorhinchus milii) could partly explain the absence of hard bone in their endoskeleton. Overall, this genome resource provides new insights into the niche adaptation, body plan, and skeleton formation of P. leopoldi, as well as the genome evolution in cartilaginous fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqi Zhou
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ake Liu
- Department of Life Sciences, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China
| | - Funan He
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yunbin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Libing Shen
- International Human Phenome Institutes (Shanghai), Shanghai 200433, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Shanghai Nanmulin Biotechnology Company Limited, Shanghai 200031, China.
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13
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Vinkler M, Fiddaman SR, Těšický M, O'Connor EA, Savage AE, Lenz TL, Smith AL, Kaufman J, Bolnick DI, Davies CS, Dedić N, Flies AS, Samblás MMG, Henschen AE, Novák K, Palomar G, Raven N, Samaké K, Slade J, Veetil NK, Voukali E, Höglund J, Richardson DS, Westerdahl H. Understanding the evolution of immune genes in jawed vertebrates. J Evol Biol 2023; 36:847-873. [PMID: 37255207 PMCID: PMC10247546 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Driven by co-evolution with pathogens, host immunity continuously adapts to optimize defence against pathogens within a given environment. Recent advances in genetics, genomics and transcriptomics have enabled a more detailed investigation into how immunogenetic variation shapes the diversity of immune responses seen across domestic and wild animal species. However, a deeper understanding of the diverse molecular mechanisms that shape immunity within and among species is still needed to gain insight into-and generate evolutionary hypotheses on-the ultimate drivers of immunological differences. Here, we discuss current advances in our understanding of molecular evolution underpinning jawed vertebrate immunity. First, we introduce the immunome concept, a framework for characterizing genes involved in immune defence from a comparative perspective, then we outline how immune genes of interest can be identified. Second, we focus on how different selection modes are observed acting across groups of immune genes and propose hypotheses to explain these differences. We then provide an overview of the approaches used so far to study the evolutionary heterogeneity of immune genes on macro and microevolutionary scales. Finally, we discuss some of the current evidence as to how specific pathogens affect the evolution of different groups of immune genes. This review results from the collective discussion on the current key challenges in evolutionary immunology conducted at the ESEB 2021 Online Satellite Symposium: Molecular evolution of the vertebrate immune system, from the lab to natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Vinkler
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | | | - Martin Těšický
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | | | - Anna E. Savage
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Central FloridaFloridaOrlandoUSA
| | - Tobias L. Lenz
- Research Unit for Evolutionary ImmunogenomicsDepartment of BiologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | | | - Jim Kaufman
- Institute for Immunology and Infection ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Daniel I. Bolnick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
| | | | - Neira Dedić
- Department of Botany and ZoologyMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Andrew S. Flies
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - M. Mercedes Gómez Samblás
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
- Department of ParasitologyUniversity of GranadaGranadaSpain
| | | | - Karel Novák
- Department of Genetics and BreedingInstitute of Animal SciencePragueUhříněvesCzech Republic
| | - Gemma Palomar
- Faculty of BiologyInstitute of Environmental SciencesJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
| | - Nynke Raven
- Department of ScienceEngineering and Build EnvironmentDeakin UniversityVictoriaWaurn PondsAustralia
| | - Kalifa Samaké
- Department of Genetics and MicrobiologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Joel Slade
- Department of BiologyCalifornia State UniversityFresnoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Eleni Voukali
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jacob Höglund
- Department of Ecology and GeneticsUppsala UniversitetUppsalaSweden
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14
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Moreira LR, Smith BT. Convergent genomic signatures of local adaptation across a continental-scale environmental gradient. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd0560. [PMID: 37205757 PMCID: PMC10198635 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Convergent local adaptation offers a glimpse into the role of constraint and stochasticity in adaptive evolution, in particular the extent to which similar genetic mechanisms drive adaptation to common selective forces. Here, we investigated the genomics of local adaptation in two nonsister woodpeckers that are codistributed across an entire continent and exhibit remarkably convergent patterns of geographic variation. We sequenced the genomes of 140 individuals of Downy (Dryobates pubescens) and Hairy (Dryobates villosus) woodpeckers and used a suite of genomic approaches to identify loci under selection. We showed evidence that convergent genes have been targeted by selection in response to shared environmental pressures, such as temperature and precipitation. Among candidates, we found multiple genes putatively linked to key phenotypic adaptations to climate, including differences in body size (e.g., IGFPB) and plumage (e.g., MREG). These results are consistent with genetic constraints limiting the pathways of adaptation to broad climatic gradients, even after genetic backgrounds diverge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R. Moreira
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, NY, USA
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brian Tilston Smith
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY, USA
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15
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Viehweger A. Faltwerk: a library for spatial exploratory data analysis of protein structures. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2023; 3:vbad007. [PMID: 36908399 PMCID: PMC9998081 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Summary Proteins are fundamental building blocks of life and are investigated in a broad range of scientific fields, especially in the context of recent progress using in silico structure prediction models and the surge of resulting protein structures in public databases. However, exploratory data analysis of these proteins can be slow because of the need for several methods, ranging from geometric and spatial analysis to visualization. The Python library faltwerk provides an integrated toolkit to perform explorative work with rapid feedback. This toolkit includes support for protein complexes, spatial analysis (point density or spatial autocorrelation), ligand binding site prediction and an intuitive visualization interface based on the grammar of graphics. Availability and implementation faltwerk is distributed under the permissive BSD-3 open source license. Source code and documentation, including an extensive common-use case tutorial, can be found at github.com/phiweger/faltwerk; binaries are available from the pypi repository.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Viehweger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig 04103, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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16
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Konopiński MK, Fijarczyk AM, Biedrzycka A. Complex patterns shape immune genes diversity during invasion of common raccoon in Europe - Selection in action despite genetic drift. Evol Appl 2023; 16:134-151. [PMID: 36699132 PMCID: PMC9850017 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid adaptation is common in invasive populations and is crucial to their long-term success. The primary target of selection in the invasive species' new range is standing genetic variation. Therefore, genetic drift and natural selection acting on existing variation are key evolutionary processes through which invaders will evolve over a short timescale. In this study, we used the case of the raccoon Procyon lotor invasion in Europe to identify the forces shaping the diversity of immune genes during invasion. The genes involved in the defence against infection should be under intense selection pressure in the invasive range where novel pathogens are expected to occur. To disentangle the selective and demographic processes shaping the adaptive immune diversity of its invasive and expanding populations, we have developed species-specific single-nucleotide polymorphism markers located in the coding regions of targeted immune-related genes. We characterised the genetic diversity of 110 functionally important immune genes in two invasive and one native raccoon genetic clusters, each presenting a different demographic history. Despite the strong effect of demographic processes in the invasive clusters, we detected a subset of genes exhibiting the diversity pattern suggestive of selection. The most likely process shaping the variation in those genes was balancing selection. The selected genes belong to toll-like receptors and cytokine-related genes. Our results suggest that the prevalence of selection depends on the level of diversity, that is - less genetically diverse invasive population from the Czech Republic displayed fewer signs of selection. Our results highlight the role of standing genetic variation in adapting to new environment. Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms behind invasion success would enable predicting how populations may respond to environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna M. Fijarczyk
- Laval University Département de BiologieUniversité LavalQuébecQuébecCanada
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17
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Power ML, Foley NM, Jones G, Teeling EC. Taking flight: An ecological, evolutionary and genomic perspective on bat telomeres. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6053-6068. [PMID: 34387012 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Over 20% of all living mammals are bats (order Chiroptera). Bats possess extraordinary adaptations including powered flight, laryngeal echolocation and a unique immune system that enables them to tolerate a diversity of viral infections without presenting clinical disease symptoms. They occupy multiple trophic niches and environments globally. Significant physiological and ecological diversity occurs across the order. Bats also exhibit extreme longevity given their body size with many species showing few signs of ageing. The molecular basis of this extended longevity has recently attracted attention. Telomere maintenance potentially underpins bats' extended healthspan, although functional studies are still required to validate the causative mechanisms. In this review, we detail the current knowledge on bat telomeres, telomerase expression, and how these relate to ecology, longevity and life-history strategies. Patterns of telomere shortening and telomerase expression vary across species, and comparative genomic analyses suggest that alternative telomere maintenance mechanisms evolved in the longest-lived bats. We discuss the unique challenges faced when working with populations of wild bats and highlight ways to advance the field including expanding long-term monitoring across species that display contrasting life-histories and occupy different environmental niches. We further review how new high quality, chromosome-level genome assemblies can enable us to uncover the molecular mechanisms governing telomere dynamics and how phylogenomic analyses can reveal the adaptive significance of telomere maintenance and variation in bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Power
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Nicole M Foley
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
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18
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Möllmann JS, Colgan TJ. Genomic architecture and sexually dimorphic expression underlying immunity in the red mason bee, Osmia bicornis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:686-700. [PMID: 35716016 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Insect pollinators provide crucial ecosystem services yet face increasing environmental pressures. The challenges posed by novel and reemerging pathogens on bee health means we need to improve our understanding of the immune system, an important barrier to infections and disease. Despite the importance of solitary bees, which are ecologically relevant, our understanding of the genomic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying their immune potential, and how intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence it is limited. To improve our understanding of the genomic architecture underlying immunity of a key solitary bee pollinator, we characterized putative immune genes of the red mason bee, Osmia bicornis. In addition, we used publicly available RNA-seq datasets to determine how sexes differ in immune gene expression and splicing but also how pesticide exposure may affect immune gene expression in females. Through comparative genomics, we reveal an evolutionarily conserved set of more than 500 putative immune-related genes. We found genome-wide patterns of sex-biased gene expression, with greater enrichment of immune-related processes among genes with higher constitutive expression in males than females. Our results also suggest an up-regulation of immune-related genes in response to exposure to two common neonicotinoids, thiacloprid and imidacloprid. Collectively, our study provides important insights into the gene repertoire, regulation and expression differences in the sexes of O. bicornis, as well as providing additional support for how neonicotinoids can affect immune gene expression, which may affect the capacity of solitary bees to respond to pathogenic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik S Möllmann
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas J Colgan
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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19
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Could aging evolve as a pathogen control strategy? Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:1046-1057. [PMID: 36096982 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Aging is often attributed to the detrimental side effects of beneficial traits but not a programmed adaptive process. Alternatively, the pathogen control hypothesis posits that defense against infectious diseases may provide a strong selection force for restriction of lifespan. Aging might have evolved to remove older individuals who carry chronic diseases that may transmit to their younger kin. Thus, selection for shorter lifespans may benefit kin's fitness. The pathogen control hypothesis addresses arguments typically raised against adaptive aging concepts: it explains the benefit of shorter lifespan and the absence of mutant variants that do not age. We discuss the consistency and explanatory power of this hypothesis and compare it with classic hypotheses of aging.
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20
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Positive selection-driven fixation of a hominin-specific amino acid mutation related to dephosphorylation in IRF9. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:132. [PMID: 36357830 PMCID: PMC9650800 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-02088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The arms race between humans and pathogens drives the evolution of the human genome. It is thus expected that genes from the interferon-regulatory factors family (IRFs), a critical family for anti-viral immune response, should be undergoing episodes of positive selection. Herein, we tested this hypothesis and found multiple lines of evidence for positive selection on the amino acid site Val129 (NP_006075.3:p.Ser129Val) of human IRF9. Interestingly, the ancestral reconstruction and population distribution analyses revealed that the ancestral state (Ser129) is conserved among mammals, while the derived positively selected state (Val129) was fixed before the “out-of-Africa” event ~ 500,000 years ago. The motif analysis revealed that this young amino acid (Val129) may serve as a dephosphorylation site of IRF9. Structural parallelism between homologous genes further suggested the functional effects underlying the dephosphorylation that may affect the immune activity of IRF9. This study provides a model in which a strong positive Darwinian selection drives a recent fixation of a hominin-specific amino acid leading to molecular adaptation involving dephosphorylation in an immune-responsive gene.
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Eliason CM, Hains T, McCullough J, Andersen MJ, Hackett SJ. Genomic novelty within a "great speciator" revealed by a high-quality reference genome of the collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris collaris). G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac260. [PMID: 36156134 PMCID: PMC9635628 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Islands are natural laboratories for studying patterns and processes of evolution. Research on island endemic birds has revealed elevated speciation rates and rapid phenotypic evolution in several groups (e.g. white-eyes, Darwin's finches). However, understanding the evolutionary processes behind these patterns requires an understanding of how genotypes map to novel phenotypes. To date, there are few high-quality reference genomes for species found on islands. Here, we sequence the genome of one of Ernst Mayr's "great speciators," the collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris collaris). Utilizing high molecular weight DNA and linked-read sequencing technology, we assembled a draft high-quality genome with highly contiguous scaffolds (scaffold N50 = 19 Mb). Based on universal single-copy orthologs, we estimated a gene space completeness of 96.6% for the draft genome assembly. The population demographic history analyses reveal a distinct pattern of contraction and expansion in population size throughout the Pleistocene. Comparative genomic analysis of gene family evolution revealed that species-specific and rapidly expanding gene families in the collared kingfisher (relative to other Coraciiformes) are mainly involved in the ErbB signaling pathway and focal adhesion. Todiramphus kingfishers are a species-rich group that has become a focus of speciation research. This draft genome will be a platform for future taxonomic, phylogeographic, and speciation research in the group. For example, target genes will enable testing of changes in sensory structures associated with changes in vision and taste genes across kingfishers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M Eliason
- Grainger Bioinformatics Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Taylor Hains
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jenna McCullough
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Michael J Andersen
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Shannon J Hackett
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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22
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Teekas L, Sharma S, Vijay N. Lineage-specific protein repeat expansions and contractions reveal malleable regions of immune genes. Genes Immun 2022; 23:218-234. [PMID: 36203090 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-022-00186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Functional diversification, a higher evolutionary rate, and intense positive selection help a limited number of immune genes interact with many pathogens. Repeats in protein-coding regions are a well-known source of functional diversification, adaptive variation, and evolutionary novelty in a short time. Repeats play a crucial role in biochemical functions like functional diversification of transcription regulation, protein kinases, cell adhesion, signaling pathways, morphogenesis, DNA repair, recombination, and RNA processing. Repeat length variation can change the associated protein's interaction, efficacy, and overall protein network. Repeats have an intrinsic unstable nature and can potentially evolve rapidly and expedite the acquisition of complex phenotypic traits and functions. Because of their ability to generate rapid, adaptive variations over short evolutionary distances, repeats are considered "tuning knobs." Repeat length variation in specific genes, like RUNX2 and ALX4, is associated with morphological and physiological changes across vertebrates. Here we study repeat length variation as a potent source of species-specific immune diversification across several clades of tetrapods. Moreover, we provide a clade-wise comprehensive list of immune genes with repeat types for future studies of morphological/evolutionary changes within species groups. We observe significant repeat length variation of FASLG and C1QC in Rodentia and Primates' contrasting species groups, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokdeep Teekas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Computational Evolutionary Genomics Lab, IISER Bhopal, Bhauri, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sandhya Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Computational Evolutionary Genomics Lab, IISER Bhopal, Bhauri, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Nagarjun Vijay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Computational Evolutionary Genomics Lab, IISER Bhopal, Bhauri, Madhya Pradesh, India.
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Dubois‐Mignon T, Monget P. Gene essentiality and variability: What is the link? A within‐ and between‐species perspective. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200132. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Dubois‐Mignon
- Institut de Biologie de l’École Normale Supérieure Université PSL 46 rue d'Ulm Paris 75005 France
| | - Philippe Monget
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Centre Val de Loire – UMR INRAE, CNRS, IFCE Université de Tours Nouzilly France
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Whole genome assembly of the armored loricariid catfish Ancistrus triradiatus highlights herbivory signatures. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:1627-1642. [PMID: 36006456 PMCID: PMC9596584 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01947-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The catfish Ancistrus triradiatus belongs to the species-rich family Loricariidae. Loricariids display remarkable traits such as herbivory, a benthic lifestyle, the absence of scales but the presence of dermal bony plates. They are exported as ornamental fish worldwide, with escaped fishes becoming a threat locally. Although genetic and phylogenetic studies are continuously increasing and developmental genetic investigations are underway, no genome assembly has been formally proposed for Loricariidae yet. We report a high-quality genome assembly of Ancistrus triradiatus using long and short reads, and a newly assembled transcriptome. The genome assembly is composed of 9530 scaffolds, including 85.6% of ray-finned fish BUSCOs, and 26,885 predicted protein-coding genes. The genomic GC content is higher than in other catfishes, reflecting the higher metabolism associated with herbivory. The examination of the SCPP gene family indicates that the genes presumably triggering scale loss when absent, are present in the scaleless A. triradiatus, questioning their explanatory role. The analysis of the opsin gene repertoire revealed that gene losses associated to the nocturnal lifestyle of catfishes were not entirely found in A. triradiatus, as the UV-sensitive opsin 5 is present. Finally, most gene family expansions were related to immunity except the gamma crystallin gene family which controls pupil shape and sub-aquatic vision. Thus, the genome of A. triradiatus reveals that fish herbivory may be related to the photic zone habitat, conditions metabolism, photoreception and visual functions. This genome is the first for the catfish suborder Loricarioidei and will serve as backbone for future genetic, developmental and conservation studies.
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Mitchell E, Graham AL, Úbeda F, Wild G. On maternity and the stronger immune response in women. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4858. [PMID: 35982048 PMCID: PMC9386672 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32569-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical research reports that women often exhibit stronger immune responses than men, while pathogens tend to be more virulent in men. Current explanations cannot account for this pattern, creating an obstacle for our understanding of infectious-disease outcomes and the incidence of autoimmune diseases. We offer an alternative explanation that relies on a fundamental difference between the sexes: maternity and the opportunities it creates for transmission of pathogens from mother to child (vertical transmission). Our explanation relies on a mathematical model of the co-evolution of host immunocompetence and pathogen virulence. Here, we show that when there is sufficient vertical transmission co-evolution leads women to defend strongly against temperate pathogens and men to defend weakly against aggressive pathogens, in keeping with medical observations. From a more applied perspective, we argue that limiting vertical transmission of infections would alleviate the disproportionate incidence of autoimmune diseases in women over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Mitchell
- Department of Mathematics, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Andrea L Graham
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Francisco Úbeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, United Kingdom.
| | - Geoff Wild
- Department of Mathematics, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada.
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Jax E, Franchini P, Sekar V, Ottenburghs J, Monné Parera D, Kellenberger RT, Magor KE, Müller I, Wikelski M, Kraus RHS. Comparative genomics of the waterfowl innate immune system. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6649919. [PMID: 35880574 PMCID: PMC9356732 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal species differ considerably in their ability to fight off infections. Finding the genetic basis of these differences is not easy, as the immune response is comprised of a complex network of proteins that interact with one another to defend the body against infection. Here, we used population- and comparative genomics to study the evolutionary forces acting on the innate immune system in natural hosts of the avian influenza virus (AIV). For this purpose, we used a combination of hybrid capture, next- generation sequencing and published genomes to examine genetic diversity, divergence, and signatures of selection in 127 innate immune genes at a micro- and macroevolutionary time scale in 26 species of waterfowl. We show across multiple immune pathways (AIV-, toll-like-, and RIG-I -like receptors signalling pathways) that genes involved genes in pathogen detection (i.e., toll-like receptors) and direct pathogen inhibition (i.e., antimicrobial peptides and interferon-stimulated genes), as well as host proteins targeted by viral antagonist proteins (i.e., mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein, [MAVS]) are more likely to be polymorphic, genetically divergent, and under positive selection than other innate immune genes. Our results demonstrate that selective forces vary across innate immune signaling signalling pathways in waterfowl, and we present candidate genes that may contribute to differences in susceptibility and resistance to infectious diseases in wild birds, and that may be manipulated by viruses. Our findings improve our understanding of the interplay between host genetics and pathogens, and offer the opportunity for new insights into pathogenesis and potential drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinor Jax
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Franchini
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Vaishnovi Sekar
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Jente Ottenburghs
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Roman T Kellenberger
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine E Magor
- Department of Biological Sciences and Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Inge Müller
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Robert H S Kraus
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Yoshioka Y, Suzuki G, Zayasu Y, Yamashita H, Shinzato C. Comparative genomics highlight the importance of lineage-specific gene families in evolutionary divergence of the coral genus, Montipora. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:71. [PMID: 35624412 PMCID: PMC9145168 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-02023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scleractinian corals of the genus Montipora (Anthozoa, Cnidaria) possess some unusual biological traits, such as vertical transmission of algal symbionts; however, the genetic bases for those traits remain unknown. We performed extensive comparative genomic analyses among members of the family Acroporidae (Montipora, Acropora, and Astreopora) to explore genomic novelties that might explain unique biological traits of Montipora using improved genome assemblies and gene predictions for M. cactus, M. efflorescens and Astreopora myriophthalma. Results We obtained genomic data for the three species of comparable high quality to other published coral genomes. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that the gene families restricted to Montipora are significantly more numerous than those of Acropora and Astreopora, but their functions are largely unknown. The number of gene families specifically expanded in Montipora was much lower than the number specifically expanded in Acropora. In addition, we found that evolutionary rates of the Montipora-specific gene families were significantly higher than other gene families shared with Acropora and/or Astreopora. Of 40 gene families under positive selection (Ka/Ks ratio > 1) in Montipora, 30 were specifically detected in Montipora-specific gene families. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of early life stages of Montipora, which possesses maternally inherited symbionts, and Acropora, which lacks them, revealed that most gene families continuously expressed in Montipora, but not expressed in Acropora do not have orthologs in Acropora. Among the 30 Montipora-specific gene families under positive selection, 27 are expressed in early life stages. Conclusions Lineage-specific gene families were important to establish the genus Montipora, particularly genes expressed throughout early life stages, which under positive selection, gave rise to biological traits unique to Montipora. Our findings highlight evolutionarily acquired genomic bases that may support symbiosis in these stony corals and provide novel insights into mechanisms of coral-algal symbiosis, the physiological foundation of coral reefs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-022-02023-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yoshioka
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Go Suzuki
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yuna Zayasu
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamashita
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan.
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28
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Minias P, Vinkler M. Selection balancing at innate immune genes: adaptive polymorphism maintenance in Toll-like receptors. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6586215. [PMID: 35574644 PMCID: PMC9132207 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Balancing selection is a classic mechanism for maintaining variability in immune genes involved in host–pathogen interactions. However, it remains unclear how widespread the mechanism is across immune genes other than the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Although occasional reports suggest that balancing selection (heterozygote advantage, negative frequency-dependent selection, and fluctuating selection) may act on other immune genes, the current understanding of the phenomenon in non-MHC immune genes is far from solid. In this review, we focus on Toll-like receptors (TLRs), innate immune genes directly involved in pathogen recognition and immune response activation, as there is a growing body of research testing the assumptions of balancing selection in these genes. After reviewing infection- and fitness-based evidence, along with evidence based on population allelic frequencies and heterozygosity levels, we conclude that balancing selection maintains variation in TLRs, though it tends to occur under specific conditions in certain evolutionary lineages rather than being universal and ubiquitous. Our review also identifies key gaps in current knowledge and proposes promising areas for future research. Improving our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and balancing selection in innate immune genes are increasingly important, particularly regarding threats from emerging zoonotic diseases.
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The Two Domains of the Avian Double-β-Defensin AvBD11 Have Different Ancestors, Common with Potential Monodomain Crocodile and Turtle Defensins. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050690. [PMID: 35625418 PMCID: PMC9138766 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Vertebrate defensins are a multigene family of antimicrobial peptides that evolved following a series of gene duplication and divergence events during the expansion of vertebrates. In birds, the repertoire of avian defensins contains an atypical defensin, namely AvBD11 (avian beta-defensin 11), which consists of two repeated but divergent defensin units (or domains) while most vertebrate defensins only possess one unit. In this study, we investigated the evolutionary scenario leading to the formation of this double defensin in birds by comparing each defensin unit of AvBD11 with other defensins from birds and closely related reptiles (crocodile, turtles) predicted to have a single defensin unit. Our most outstanding results suggest that the double defensin AvBD11 probably appeared following a fusion of two ancestral genes or from an ancestral double defensin, but not from a recent internal duplication as it can be observed in other types of proteins with domain repeats. Abstract Beta-defensins are an essential group of cysteine-rich host-defence peptides involved in vertebrate innate immunity and are generally monodomain. Among bird defensins, the avian β-defensin 11 (AvBD11) is unique because of its peculiar structure composed of two β-defensin domains. The reasons for the appearance of such ‘polydefensins’ during the evolution of several, but not all branches of vertebrates, still remain an open question. In this study, we aimed at exploring the origin and evolution of the bird AvBD11 using a phylogenetic approach. Although they are homologous, the N- and C-terminal domains of AvBD11 share low protein sequence similarity and possess different cysteine spacing patterns. Interestingly, strong variations in charge properties can be observed on the C-terminal domain depending on bird species but, despite this feature, no positive selection was detected on the AvBD11 gene (neither on site nor on branches). The comparison of AvBD11 protein sequences in different bird species, however, suggests that some amino acid residues may have undergone convergent evolution. The phylogenetic tree of avian defensins revealed that each domain of AvBD11 is distant from ovodefensins (OvoDs) and may have arisen from different ancestral defensins. Strikingly, our phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that each domain of AvBD11 has common ancestors with different putative monodomain β-defensins from crocodiles and turtles and are even more closely related with these reptilian defensins than with their avian paralogs. Our findings support that AvBD11′s domains, which differ in their cysteine spacing and charge distribution, do not result from a recent internal duplication but most likely originate from a fusion of two different ancestral genes or from an ancestral double-defensin arisen before the Testudines-Archosauria split.
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30
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Immunity and lifespan: answering long-standing questions with comparative genomics. Trends Genet 2022; 38:650-661. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Comparison between short-term stress and long-term adaptive responses reveal common paths to molecular adaptation. iScience 2022; 25:103899. [PMID: 35243257 PMCID: PMC8873613 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic plasticity in responses to short-term stress can provide clues for understanding the adaptive fixation mechanism of genetic variation during long-term exposure to extreme environments. However, few studies have compared short-term stress responses with long-term evolutionary patterns; in particular, no interactions between the two processes have been evaluated in high-altitude environment. We performed RNA sequencing in embryo fibroblasts derived from great tits and mice to explore transcriptional responses after exposure to simulated high-altitude environmental stresses. Transcriptional changes of genes associated with metabolic pathways were identified in both bird and mice cells after short-term stress responses. Genomic comparisons among long-term highland tits and mammals and their lowland relatives revealed similar pathways (e.g., metabolic pathways) with that initiated under short-term stress transcriptional responses in vitro. These findings highlight the indicative roles of short-term stress in the long-term adaptation, and adopt common paths to molecular adaptation in mouse and bird cells. Short-term stress and long-term adaptations share the common metabolic pathways Phenotypic plasticity can promote adaptive evolution Adopt common paths to molecular adaptation in mouse and bird cells
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Baril T, Hayward A. Migrators within migrators: exploring transposable element dynamics in the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus. Mob DNA 2022; 13:5. [PMID: 35172896 PMCID: PMC8848866 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-022-00263-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are an important model system in ecology and evolution. A high-quality chromosomal genome assembly is available for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), but it lacks an in-depth transposable element (TE) annotation, presenting an opportunity to explore monarch TE dynamics and the impact of TEs on shaping the monarch genome. RESULTS We find 6.21% of the monarch genome is comprised of TEs, a reduction of 6.85% compared to the original TE annotation performed on the draft genome assembly. Monarch TE content is low compared to two closely related species with available genomes, Danaus chrysippus (33.97% TE) and Danaus melanippus (11.87% TE). The biggest TE contributions to genome size in the monarch are LINEs and Penelope-like elements, and three newly identified families, r2-hero_dPle (LINE), penelope-1_dPle (Penelope-like), and hase2-1_dPle (SINE), collectively contribute 34.92% of total TE content. We find evidence of recent TE activity, with two novel Tc1 families rapidly expanding over recent timescales (tc1-1_dPle, tc1-2_dPle). LINE fragments show signatures of genomic deletions indicating a high rate of TE turnover. We investigate associations between TEs and wing colouration and immune genes and identify a three-fold increase in TE content around immune genes compared to other host genes. CONCLUSIONS We provide a detailed TE annotation and analysis for the monarch genome, revealing a considerably smaller TE contribution to genome content compared to two closely related Danaus species with available genome assemblies. We identify highly successful novel DNA TE families rapidly expanding over recent timescales, and ongoing signatures of both TE expansion and removal highlight the dynamic nature of repeat content in the monarch genome. Our findings also suggest that insect immune genes are promising candidates for future interrogation of TE-mediated host adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Baril
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Alexander Hayward
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK.
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33
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Mueller JC, Botero-Delgadillo E, Espíndola-Hernández P, Gilsenan C, Ewels P, Gruselius J, Kempenaers B. Local selection signals in the genome of Blue tits emphasize regulatory and neuronal evolution. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:1504-1514. [PMID: 34995389 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the genomic landscape of adaptation is central to the understanding of microevolution in wild populations. Genomic targets of selection and the underlying genomic mechanisms of adaptation can be elucidated by genome-wide scans for past selective sweeps or by scans for direct fitness associations. We sequenced and assembled 150 haplotypes of 75 Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) of a single central-European population by a linked-read technology. We used these genome data in combination with coalescent simulations (1) to estimate an historical effective population size of ~250,000, which recently declined to ~10,000, and (2) to identify genome-wide distributed selective sweeps of beneficial variants most likely originating from standing genetic variation (soft sweeps). The genes linked to these soft sweeps, but also the ones linked to hard sweeps based on new beneficial mutants, showed a significant enrichment for functions associated with gene expression and transcription regulation. This emphasizes the importance of regulatory evolution in the population's adaptive history. Soft sweeps were further enriched for genes related to axon and synapse development, indicating the significance of neuronal connectivity changes in the brain potentially linked to behavioural adaptations. A previous scan of heterozygosity-fitness correlations revealed a consistent negative effect on arrival date at the breeding site for a single microsatellite in the MDGA2 gene. Here, we used the haplotype structure around this microsatellite to explain the effect as a local and direct outbreeding effect of a gene involved in synapse development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob C Mueller
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Esteban Botero-Delgadillo
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Pamela Espíndola-Hernández
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Carol Gilsenan
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Phil Ewels
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joel Gruselius
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,current address: Vanadis Diagnostics, PerkinElmer, Sollentuna, Sweden
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
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Fiddaman SR, Vinkler M, Spiro SG, Levy H, Emerling CA, Boyd AC, Dimopoulos EA, Vianna JA, Cole TL, Pan H, Fang M, Zhang G, Hart T, Frantz LAF, Smith AL. Adaptation and cryptic pseudogenization in penguin Toll-like Receptors. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 39:6460345. [PMID: 34897511 PMCID: PMC8788240 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Penguins (Sphenisciformes) are an iconic order of flightless, diving seabirds distributed across a large latitudinal range in the Southern Hemisphere. The extensive area over which penguins are endemic is likely to have fostered variation in pathogen pressure, which in turn will have imposed differential selective pressures on the penguin immune system. At the front line of pathogen detection and response, the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) provide insight into host evolution in the face of microbial challenge. TLRs respond to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns and are frequently found to be under positive selection, despite retaining specificity for defined agonist classes. We undertook a comparative immunogenetics analysis of TLRs for all penguin species and found evidence of adaptive evolution that was largely restricted to the cell surface-expressed TLRs, with evidence of positive selection at, or near, key agonist-binding sites in TLR1B, TLR4, and TLR5. Intriguingly, TLR15, which is activated by fungal products, appeared to have been pseudogenized multiple times in the Eudyptes spp., but a full-length form was present as a rare haplotype at the population level. However, in vitro analysis revealed that even the full-length form of Eudyptes TLR15 was nonfunctional, indicating an ancestral cryptic pseudogenization prior to its eventual disruption multiple times in the Eudyptes lineage. This unusual pseudogenization event could provide an insight into immune adaptation to fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus, which is responsible for significant mortality in wild and captive bird populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Fiddaman
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Michal Vinkler
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Simon G Spiro
- Wildlife Health Services, Zoological Society of London Regent's Park, London, UK
| | - Hila Levy
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | | | - Amy C Boyd
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Evangelos A Dimopoulos
- The Palaeogenomics and Bio-Archaeology Research Network, Research Laboratory for Archaeology and History of Art, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Juliana A Vianna
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Theresa L Cole
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen DK2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hailin Pan
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Miaoquan Fang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Guojie Zhang
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen DK2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District Shenzhen 518083, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Tom Hart
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Laurent A F Frantz
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Fogg Building, Queen Mary University of London Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London E1 4DQ, UK.,Institute of Palaeoanatomy, Domestication Research and the History of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
| | - Adrian L Smith
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
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35
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Lawal RA, Arora UP, Dumont BL. Selection shapes the landscape of functional variation in wild house mice. BMC Biol 2021; 19:239. [PMID: 34794440 PMCID: PMC8603481 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01165-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through human-aided dispersal over the last ~ 10,000 years, house mice (Mus musculus) have recently colonized diverse habitats across the globe, promoting the emergence of new traits that confer adaptive advantages in distinct environments. Despite their status as the premier mammalian model system, the impact of this demographic and selective history on the global patterning of disease-relevant trait variation in wild mouse populations is poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we leveraged 154 whole-genome sequences from diverse wild house mouse populations to survey the geographic organization of functional variation and systematically identify signals of positive selection. We show that a significant proportion of wild mouse variation is private to single populations, including numerous predicted functional alleles. In addition, we report strong signals of positive selection at many genes associated with both complex and Mendelian diseases in humans. Notably, we detect a significant excess of selection signals at disease-associated genes relative to null expectations, pointing to the important role of adaptation in shaping the landscape of functional variation in wild mouse populations. We also uncover strong signals of selection at multiple genes involved in starch digestion, including Mgam and Amy1. We speculate that the successful emergence of the human-mouse commensalism may have been facilitated, in part, by dietary adaptations at these loci. Finally, our work uncovers multiple cryptic structural variants that manifest as putative signals of positive selection, highlighting an important and under-appreciated source of false-positive signals in genome-wide selection scans. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings highlight the role of adaptation in shaping wild mouse genetic variation at human disease-associated genes. Our work also highlights the biomedical relevance of wild mouse genetic diversity and underscores the potential for targeted sampling of mice from specific populations as a strategy for developing effective new mouse models of both rare and common human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uma P Arora
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Beth L Dumont
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609, USA.
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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36
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Tsu BV, Fay EJ, Nguyen KT, Corley MR, Hosuru B, Dominguez VA, Daugherty MD. Running With Scissors: Evolutionary Conflicts Between Viral Proteases and the Host Immune System. Front Immunol 2021; 12:769543. [PMID: 34790204 PMCID: PMC8591160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.769543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogens encode proteases that serve to antagonize the host immune system. In particular, viruses with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome [(+)ssRNA], including picornaviruses, flaviviruses, and coronaviruses, encode proteases that are not only required for processing viral polyproteins into functional units but also manipulate crucial host cellular processes through their proteolytic activity. Because these proteases must cleave numerous polyprotein sites as well as diverse host targets, evolution of these viral proteases is expected to be highly constrained. However, despite this strong evolutionary constraint, mounting evidence suggests that viral proteases such as picornavirus 3C, flavivirus NS3, and coronavirus 3CL, are engaged in molecular 'arms races' with their targeted host factors, resulting in host- and virus-specific determinants of protease cleavage. In cases where protease-mediated cleavage results in host immune inactivation, recurrent host gene evolution can result in avoidance of cleavage by viral proteases. In other cases, such as recently described examples in NLRP1 and CARD8, hosts have evolved 'tripwire' sequences that mimic protease cleavage sites and activate an immune response upon cleavage. In both cases, host evolution may be responsible for driving viral protease evolution, helping explain why viral proteases and polyprotein sites are divergent among related viruses despite such strong evolutionary constraint. Importantly, these evolutionary conflicts result in diverse protease-host interactions even within closely related host and viral species, thereby contributing to host range, zoonotic potential, and pathogenicity of viral infection. Such examples highlight the importance of examining viral protease-host interactions through an evolutionary lens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Matthew D. Daugherty
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
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37
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Analysis of whole exome sequencing in severe mental illness hints at selection of brain development and immune related genes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21088. [PMID: 34702870 PMCID: PMC8548332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00123-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary trends may underlie some aspects of the risk for common, non-communicable disorders, including psychiatric disease. We analyzed whole exome sequencing data from 80 unique individuals from India coming from families with two or more individuals with severe mental illness. We used Population Branch Statistics (PBS) to identify variants and genes under positive selection and identified 74 genes as candidates for positive selection. Of these, 20 were previously associated with Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive abilities in genome wide association studies. We then checked whether any of these 74 genes were involved in common biological pathways or related to specific cellular or molecular functions. We found that immune related pathways and functions related to innate immunity such as antigen binding were over-represented. We also evaluated for the presence of Neanderthal introgressed segments in these genes and found Neanderthal introgression in a single gene out of the 74 candidate genes. However, the introgression pattern indicates the region is unlikely to be the source for selection. Our findings hint at how selection pressures in individuals from families with a history of severe mental illness may diverge from the general population. Further, it also provides insights into the genetic architecture of severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia and its link to immune factors.
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38
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Boyd RJ, Denommé MR, Grieves LA, MacDougall-Shackleton EA. Stronger population differentiation at infection-sensing than infection-clearing innate immune loci in songbirds: Different selective regimes for different defenses. Evolution 2021; 75:2736-2746. [PMID: 34596241 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasite-mediated selection is widespread at loci involved in immune defense, but different defenses may experience different selective regimes. For defenses involved in clearing infections, purifying selection favoring a single most efficacious allele likely predominates. However, for defenses involved in sensing and recognizing infections, evolutionary arms races may make positive selection particularly important. This could manifest primarily within populations (e.g., balancing selection maintaining variation) or among them (e.g., spatially varying selection enhancing population differences in allele frequencies). We genotyped three toll-like receptors (TLR; involved in sensing infections) and three avian beta-defensins (involved in clearing infections) in 96 song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) from three breeding populations that differ in disease resistance. Variation-based indicators of selection (proportion of variable sites, proportion of nonsynonymous SNPs, proportion of sites bearing signatures of positive or purifying selection, rare allele frequencies) did not differ appreciably between the two locus types. However, differentiation was generally higher at infection-sensing than infection-clearing loci. Allele frequencies differed markedly at TLR3, driven by a variant predicted to alter protein function. Geographically structured variants at infection-sensing loci may reflect local adaptation to spatially heterogeneous parasite communities. Selective regimes experienced by infection-sensing versus infection-clearing loci may differ primarily due to parasite-mediated population differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Boyd
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.,McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205
| | - Melanie R Denommé
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University Faculty of Mathematics & Science, St. Catherines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Leanne A Grieves
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M4, Canada
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39
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Eskew EA, Fraser D, Vonhof MJ, Pinsky ML, Maslo B. Host gene expression in wildlife disease: making sense of species-level responses. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6517-6530. [PMID: 34516689 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are significant threats to wildlife conservation, yet the impacts of pathogen exposure and infection can vary widely among host species. As such, conservation biologists and disease ecologists have increasingly aimed to understand species-specific host susceptibility using molecular methods. In particular, comparative gene expression assays have been used to contrast the transcriptomic responses of disease-resistant and disease-susceptible hosts to pathogen exposure. This work usually assumes that the gene expression responses of disease-resistant species will reveal the activation of molecular pathways contributing to host defence. However, results often show that disease-resistant hosts undergo little gene expression change following pathogen challenge. Here, we discuss the mechanistic implications of these "null" findings and offer methodological suggestions for future molecular studies of wildlife disease. First, we highlight that muted transcriptomic responses with minimal immune system recruitment may indeed be protective for nonsusceptible hosts if they limit immunopathology and promote pathogen tolerance in systems where susceptible hosts suffer from genetic dysregulation. Second, we argue that overly narrow investigation of responses to pathogen exposure may overlook important, constitutively active molecular pathways that underlie species-specific defences. Finally, we outline alternative study designs and approaches that complement interspecific transcriptomic comparisons, including intraspecific gene expression studies and genomic methods to detect signatures of selection. Collectively, these insights will help ecologists extract maximal information from conservation-relevant transcriptomic data sets, leading to a deeper understanding of host defences and, ultimately, the implementation of successful conservation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan A Eskew
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Biology, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Devaughn Fraser
- Wildlife Genetics Research Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Maarten J Vonhof
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Malin L Pinsky
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Brooke Maslo
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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40
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Derbyshire MC, Harper LA, Lopez-Ruiz FJ. Positive Selection of Transcription Factors Is a Prominent Feature of the Evolution of a Plant Pathogenic Genus Originating in the Miocene. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6325025. [PMID: 34289036 PMCID: PMC8379374 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tests based on the dN/dS statistic are used to identify positive selection of nonsynonymous polymorphisms. Using these tests on alignments of all orthologs from related species can provide insights into which gene categories have been most frequently positively selected. However, longer alignments have more power to detect positive selection, creating a detection bias that could create misleading results from functional enrichment tests. Most studies of positive selection in plant pathogens focus on genes with specific virulence functions, with little emphasis on broader molecular processes. Furthermore, no studies in plant pathogens have accounted for detection bias due to alignment length when performing functional enrichment tests. To address these research gaps, we analyze 12 genomes of the phytopathogenic fungal genus Botrytis, including two sequenced in this study. To establish a temporal context, we estimated fossil-calibrated divergence times for the genus. We find that Botrytis likely originated 16–18 Ma in the Miocene and underwent continuous radiation ending in the Pliocene. An untargeted scan of Botrytis single-copy orthologs for positive selection with three different statistical tests uncovered evidence for positive selection among proteases, signaling proteins, CAZymes, and secreted proteins. There was also a strong overrepresentation of transcription factors among positively selected genes. This overrepresentation was still apparent after two complementary controls for detection bias due to sequence length. Positively selected sites were depleted within DNA-binding domains, suggesting changes in transcriptional responses to internal and external cues or protein–protein interactions have undergone positive selection more frequently than changes in promoter fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Derbyshire
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lincoln A Harper
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Francisco J Lopez-Ruiz
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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41
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Challenges and Opportunities in Understanding Genetics of Fungal Diseases: Towards a Functional Genomics Approach. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0000521. [PMID: 34031131 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00005-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and human pathogens have long been recognized as one of the main sources of evolutionary pressure, resulting in a high variable genetic background in immune-related genes. The study of the genetic contribution to infectious diseases has undergone tremendous advances over the last decades. Here, focusing on genetic predisposition to fungal diseases, we provide an overview of the available approaches for studying human genetic susceptibility to infections, reviewing current methodological and practical limitations. We describe how the classical methods available, such as family-based studies and candidate gene studies, have contributed to the discovery of crucial susceptibility factors for fungal infections. We will also discuss the contribution of novel unbiased approaches to the field, highlighting their success but also their limitations for the fungal immunology field. Finally, we show how a systems genomics approach can overcome those limitations and can lead to efficient prioritization and identification of genes and pathways with a critical role in susceptibility to fungal diseases. This knowledge will help to stratify at-risk patient groups and, subsequently, develop early appropriate prophylactic and treatment strategies.
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42
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Towards a more healthy conservation paradigm: integrating disease and molecular ecology to aid biological conservation †. J Genet 2021. [PMID: 33622992 PMCID: PMC7371965 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-020-01225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parasites, and the diseases they cause, are important from an ecological and evolutionary perspective because they can negatively affect host fitness and can regulate host populations. Consequently, conservation biology has long recognized the vital role that parasites can play in the process of species endangerment and recovery. However, we are only beginning to understand how deeply parasites are embedded in ecological systems, and there is a growing recognition of the important ways in which parasites affect ecosystem structure and function. Thus, there is an urgent need to revisit how parasites are viewed from a conservation perspective and broaden the role that disease ecology plays in conservation-related research and outcomes. This review broadly focusses on the role that disease ecology can play in biological conservation. Our review specifically emphasizes on how the integration of tools and analytical approaches associated with both disease and molecular ecology can be leveraged to aid conservation biology. Our review first concentrates on disease-mediated extinctions and wildlife epidemics. We then focus on elucidating how host–parasite interactions has improved our understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics affecting hosts at the individual, population, community and ecosystem scales. We believe that the role of parasites as drivers and indicators of ecosystem health is especially an exciting area of research that has the potential to fundamentally alter our view of parasites and their role in biological conservation. The review concludes with a broad overview of the current and potential applications of modern genomic tools in disease ecology to aid biological conservation.
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43
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Moreno Santillán DD, Lama TM, Gutierrez Guerrero YT, Brown AM, Donat P, Zhao H, Rossiter SJ, Yohe LR, Potter JH, Teeling EC, Vernes SC, Davies KTJ, Myers E, Hughes GM, Huang Z, Hoffmann F, Corthals AP, Ray DA, Dávalos LM. Large-scale genome sampling reveals unique immunity and metabolic adaptations in bats. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6449-6467. [PMID: 34146369 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Comprising more than 1,400 species, bats possess adaptations unique among mammals including powered flight, unexpected longevity, and extraordinary immunity. Some of the molecular mechanisms underlying these unique adaptations includes DNA repair, metabolism and immunity. However, analyses have been limited to a few divergent lineages, reducing the scope of inferences on gene family evolution across the Order Chiroptera. We conducted an exhaustive comparative genomic study of 37 bat species, one generated in this study, encompassing a large number of lineages, with a particular emphasis on multi-gene family evolution across immune and metabolic genes. In agreement with previous analyses, we found lineage-specific expansions of the APOBEC3 and MHC-I gene families, and loss of the proinflammatory PYHIN gene family. We inferred more than 1,000 gene losses unique to bats, including genes involved in the regulation of inflammasome pathways such as epithelial defence receptors, the natural killer gene complex and the interferon-gamma induced pathway. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed genes lost in bats are involved in defence response against pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns. Gene family evolution and selection analyses indicate bats have evolved fundamental functional differences compared to other mammals in both innate and adaptive immune system, with the potential to enhance antiviral immune response while dampening inflammatory signalling. In addition, metabolic genes have experienced repeated expansions related to convergent shifts to plant-based diets. Our analyses support the hypothesis that, in tandem with flight, ancestral bats had evolved a unique set of immune adaptations whose functional implications remain to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanya M Lama
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Yocelyn T Gutierrez Guerrero
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alexis M Brown
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Paul Donat
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Huabin Zhao
- Department of Ecology, Tibetan Centre for Ecology and Conservation at WHU-TU, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Stephen J Rossiter
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Laurel R Yohe
- Department of Earth & Planetary Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joshua H Potter
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,School of Biology, The University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Kalina T J Davies
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eugene Myers
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Graham M Hughes
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zixia Huang
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Federico Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Angelique P Corthals
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York, USA
| | - David A Ray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Liliana M Dávalos
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.,Consortium for Inter- Disciplinary Environmental Research, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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44
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Stahlke AR, Epstein B, Barbosa S, Margres MJ, Patton AH, Hendricks SA, Veillet A, Fraik AK, Schönfeld B, McCallum HI, Hamede R, Jones ME, Storfer A, Hohenlohe PA. Contemporary and historical selection in Tasmanian devils ( Sarcophilus harrisii) support novel, polygenic response to transmissible cancer. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210577. [PMID: 34034517 PMCID: PMC8150010 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are evolving in response to a unique transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), first described in 1996. Persistence of wild populations and the recent emergence of a second independently evolved transmissible cancer suggest that transmissible cancers may be a recurrent feature in devils. Here, we compared signatures of selection across temporal scales to determine whether genes or gene pathways under contemporary selection (six to eight generations) have also been subject to historical selection (65-85 Myr). First, we used targeted sequencing, RAD-capture, in approximately 2500 devils in six populations to identify genomic regions subject to rapid evolution. We documented genome-wide contemporary evolution, including 186 candidate genes related to cell cycling and immune response. Then we used a molecular evolution approach to identify historical positive selection in devils compared to other marsupials and found evidence of selection in 1773 genes. However, we found limited overlap across time scales, with only 16 shared candidate genes, and no overlap in enriched functional gene sets. Our results are consistent with a novel, multi-locus evolutionary response of devils to DFTD. Our results can inform conservation by identifying high priority targets for genetic monitoring and guiding maintenance of adaptive potential in managed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R. Stahlke
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST), University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Brendan Epstein
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Soraia Barbosa
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST), University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Mark J. Margres
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Austin H. Patton
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hendricks
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST), University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Anne Veillet
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST), University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Alexandra K. Fraik
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Barbara Schönfeld
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Hamish I. McCallum
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Hamede
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Andrew Storfer
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Paul A. Hohenlohe
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST), University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
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45
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Jovanovic VM, Sarfert M, Reyna-Blanco CS, Indrischek H, Valdivia DI, Shelest E, Nowick K. Positive Selection in Gene Regulatory Factors Suggests Adaptive Pleiotropic Changes During Human Evolution. Front Genet 2021; 12:662239. [PMID: 34079582 PMCID: PMC8166252 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.662239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene regulatory factors (GRFs), such as transcription factors, co-factors and histone-modifying enzymes, play many important roles in modifying gene expression in biological processes. They have also been proposed to underlie speciation and adaptation. To investigate potential contributions of GRFs to primate evolution, we analyzed GRF genes in 27 publicly available primate genomes. Genes coding for zinc finger (ZNF) proteins, especially ZNFs with a Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain were the most abundant TFs in all genomes. Gene numbers per TF family differed between all species. To detect signs of positive selection in GRF genes we investigated more than 3,000 human GRFs with their more than 70,000 orthologs in 26 non-human primates. We implemented two independent tests for positive selection, the branch-site-model of the PAML suite and aBSREL of the HyPhy suite, focusing on the human and great ape branch. Our workflow included rigorous procedures to reduce the number of false positives: excluding distantly similar orthologs, manual corrections of alignments, and considering only genes and sites detected by both tests for positive selection. Furthermore, we verified the candidate sites for selection by investigating their variation within human and non-human great ape population data. In order to approximately assign a date to positively selected sites in the human lineage, we analyzed archaic human genomes. Our work revealed with high confidence five GRFs that have been positively selected on the human lineage and one GRF that has been positively selected on the great ape lineage. These GRFs are scattered on different chromosomes and have been previously linked to diverse functions. For some of them a role in speciation and/or adaptation can be proposed based on the expression pattern or association with human diseases, but it seems that they all contributed independently to human evolution. Four of the positively selected GRFs are KRAB-ZNF proteins, that induce changes in target genes co-expression and/or through arms race with transposable elements. Since each positively selected GRF contains several sites with evidence for positive selection, we suggest that these GRFs participated pleiotropically to phenotypic adaptations in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir M Jovanovic
- Human Biology and Primate Evolution, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Bioinformatics Solution Center, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Sarfert
- Human Biology and Primate Evolution, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos S Reyna-Blanco
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Henrike Indrischek
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dulce I Valdivia
- Evolutionary Genomics Laboratory and Genome Topology and Regulation Laboratory, Genetic Engineering Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-Irapuato), Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Ekaterina Shelest
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Katja Nowick
- Human Biology and Primate Evolution, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Roycroft E, Achmadi A, Callahan CM, Esselstyn JA, Good JM, Moussalli A, Rowe KC. Molecular Evolution of Ecological Specialisation: Genomic Insights from the Diversification of Murine Rodents. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6275684. [PMID: 33988699 PMCID: PMC8258016 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive radiations are characterized by the diversification and ecological differentiation of species, and replicated cases of this process provide natural experiments for understanding the repeatability and pace of molecular evolution. During adaptive radiation, genes related to ecological specialization may be subject to recurrent positive directional selection. However, it is not clear to what extent patterns of lineage-specific ecological specialization (including phenotypic convergence) are correlated with shared signatures of molecular evolution. To test this, we sequenced whole exomes from a phylogenetically dispersed sample of 38 murine rodent species, a group characterized by multiple, nested adaptive radiations comprising extensive ecological and phenotypic diversity. We found that genes associated with immunity, reproduction, diet, digestion, and taste have been subject to pervasive positive selection during the diversification of murine rodents. We also found a significant correlation between genome-wide positive selection and dietary specialization, with a higher proportion of positively selected codon sites in derived dietary forms (i.e., carnivores and herbivores) than in ancestral forms (i.e., omnivores). Despite striking convergent evolution of skull morphology and dentition in two distantly related worm-eating specialists, we did not detect more genes with shared signatures of positive or relaxed selection than in a nonconvergent species comparison. Although a small number of the genes we detected can be incidentally linked to craniofacial morphology or diet, protein-coding regions are unlikely to be the primary genetic basis of this complex convergent phenotype. Our results suggest a link between positive selection and derived ecological phenotypes, and highlight specific genes and general functional categories that may have played an integral role in the extensive and rapid diversification of murine rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Roycroft
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Sciences Department, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anang Achmadi
- Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, Research Center for Biology, Cibinong, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Colin M Callahan
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Jacob A Esselstyn
- Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA.,Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Adnan Moussalli
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Sciences Department, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin C Rowe
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Sciences Department, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Salzman S, Crook D, Calonje M, Stevenson DW, Pierce NE, Hopkins R. Cycad-Weevil Pollination Symbiosis Is Characterized by Rapidly Evolving and Highly Specific Plant-Insect Chemical Communication. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:639368. [PMID: 33995438 PMCID: PMC8121082 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.639368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coevolution between plants and insects is thought to be responsible for generating biodiversity. Extensive research has focused largely on antagonistic herbivorous relationships, but mutualistic pollination systems also likely contribute to diversification. Here we describe an example of chemically-mediated mutualistic species interactions affecting trait evolution and lineage diversification. We show that volatile compounds produced by closely related species of Zamia cycads are more strikingly different from each other than are other phenotypic characters, and that two distantly related pollinating weevil species have specialized responses only to volatiles from their specific host Zamia species. Plant transcriptomes show that approximately a fifth of genes related to volatile production are evolving under positive selection, but we find no differences in the relative proportion of genes under positive selection in different categories. The importance of phenotypic divergence coupled with chemical communication for the maintenance of this obligate mutualism highlights chemical signaling as a key mechanism of coevolution between cycads and their weevil pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayla Salzman
- Plant Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Damon Crook
- Otis Laboratory, USDA-APHIS-PPQ CPHST, Otis ANGB, MA, United States
| | - Michael Calonje
- Montgomery Botanical Center, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | | | - Naomi E. Pierce
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Robin Hopkins
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Intraspecific variation in immune gene expression and heritable symbiont density. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009552. [PMID: 33901257 PMCID: PMC8102006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Host genetic variation plays an important role in the structure and function of heritable microbial communities. Recent studies have shown that insects use immune mechanisms to regulate heritable symbionts. Here we test the hypothesis that variation in symbiont density among hosts is linked to intraspecific differences in the immune response to harboring symbionts. We show that pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) harboring the bacterial endosymbiont Regiella insecticola (but not all other species of symbionts) downregulate expression of key immune genes. We then functionally link immune expression with symbiont density using RNAi. The pea aphid species complex is comprised of multiple reproductively-isolated host plant-adapted populations. These ‘biotypes’ have distinct patterns of symbiont infections: for example, aphids from the Trifolium biotype are strongly associated with Regiella. Using RNAseq, we compare patterns of gene expression in response to Regiella in aphid genotypes from multiple biotypes, and we show that Trifolium aphids experience no downregulation of immune gene expression while hosting Regiella and harbor symbionts at lower densities. Using F1 hybrids between two biotypes, we find that symbiont density and immune gene expression are both intermediate in hybrids. We propose that in this system, Regiella symbionts are suppressing aphid immune mechanisms to increase their density, but that some hosts have adapted to prevent immune suppression in order to control symbiont numbers. This work therefore suggests that antagonistic coevolution can play a role in host-microbe interactions even when symbionts are transmitted vertically and provide a clear benefit to their hosts. The specific immune mechanisms that we find are downregulated in the presence of Regiella have been previously shown to combat pathogens in aphids, and thus this work also highlights the immune system’s complex dual role in interacting with both beneficial and harmful microbes. Insects frequently form beneficial partnerships with heritable microbes that are passed from mothers to offspring. Natural populations exhibit a great deal of variation in the frequency of heritable microbes and in the within-host density of these infections. Uncovering the mechanisms underlying variation in host-microbe interactions is key to understanding how they evolve. We study a model host-microbe interaction: the pea aphid and a heritable bacterium that makes aphids resistant to fungal pathogens. We show that aphids harboring bacteria show sharply reduced expression of innate immune system genes, and that this leads to increased densities of symbionts. We further show that populations of aphids that live on different species of plants vary in differential immune gene expression and in the density of their symbiont infections. This study contributes to our mechanistic understanding of an important model of host-microbe symbiosis and suggests that hosts and heritable microbes are evolving antagonistically. This work also sheds light on how invertebrate immune systems evolve to manage the complex task of combatting harmful pathogens while accommodating potentially beneficial microbes.
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Hill T, Rosales-Stephens HL, Unckless RL. Rapid divergence of the male reproductive proteins in the Drosophila dunni group and implications for postmating incompatibilities between species. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab050. [PMID: 33599779 PMCID: PMC8759818 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Proteins involved in post-copulatory interactions between males and females are among the fastest evolving genes in many species, usually attributed to their involvement in reproductive conflict. As a result, these proteins are thought to often be involved in the formation of postmating-prezygotic incompatibilities between species. The Drosophila dunni subgroup consists of a dozen recently diverged species found across the Caribbean islands with varying levels of hybrid incompatibility. We performed experimental crosses between species in the dunni group and see some evidence of hybrid incompatibilities. We also find evidence of reduced survival following hybrid mating, likely due to postmating-prezygotic incompatibilities. We assessed rates of evolution between these species genomes and find evidence of rapid evolution and divergence of some reproductive proteins, specifically the seminal fluid proteins. This work suggests the rapid evolution of seminal fluid proteins may be associated with postmating-prezygotic isolation, which acts as a barrier for gene flow between even the most closely related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hill
- The Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | | | - Robert L Unckless
- The Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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50
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Abstract
Age is a common risk factor in many diseases, but the molecular basis for this relationship is elusive. In this study we identified 4 disease clusters from 116 diseases in the UK Biobank data, defined by their age-of-onset profiles, and found that diseases with the same onset profile are genetically more similar, suggesting a common etiology. This similarity was not explained by disease categories, co-occurrences or disease cause-effect relationships. Two of the four disease clusters had an increased risk of occurrence from age 20 and 40 years respectively. They both showed an association with known aging-related genes, yet differed in functional enrichment and evolutionary profiles. Moreover, they both had age-related expression and methylation changes. We also tested mutation accumulation and antagonistic pleiotropy theories of aging and found support for both.
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