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Related Experiment Videos

Lineage-specific differences in evolutionary mode in a salamander courtship pheromone.

Catherine A Palmer1, Richard A Watts, Ron G Gregg

  • 1Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, USA. palmerc@science.oregonstate.edu

Molecular Biology and Evolution
|July 22, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Male salamander pheromones (Plethodontid receptivity factor) evolve rapidly due to sexual selection. This chemical signal and female receptors coevolve, creating diverse gene alleles and highlighting sexual selection

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular evolution
  • Sexual selection

Background:

  • Functionally similar genes can evolve differently across species due to unique selective pressures.
  • Reproductive proteins, especially those involved in postcopulatory events, often show rapid evolution driven by sexual selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate lineage-specific evolutionary patterns of the Plethodontid receptivity factor (PRF) gene in eastern Plethodon salamanders.
  • To compare gene diversification, evolutionary rates, selection modes, and amino acid substitutions in PRF across different lineages.

Main Methods:

  • Extensive sampling of PRF genes across 27 species and 34 populations of eastern Plethodon.
  • Comparative phylogenetic analysis to assess gene diversification and evolutionary rates.

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  • Analysis of selection modes and types of amino acid substitutions.

    • Main Results:

    • PRF gene evolution shows significant heterogeneity across different Plethodon lineages.
    • Two distinct evolutionary modes were identified: one with neutral divergence and purifying selection, and another with continuous positive selection.
    • Positive selection drives cyclical evolution at specific sites, leading to numerous unique PRF alleles, some involved in receptor binding.

    Conclusions:

    • PRF exhibits lineage-specific evolutionary dynamics, influenced by sexual selection.
    • A "molecular tango" between male PRF signals and female receptors drives coevolution and diversification of PRF alleles.
    • This study underscores the role of sexual selection in shaping the evolution of chemical signals used in courtship.