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Inference on microsatellite mutation processes in the invasive mite, Varroa destructor, using reversible jump Markov
J M Cornuet1, M A Beaumont, A Estoup
1Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Campus International de Baillarguet, CS 30016 Montferrier-sur-Lez, 34988 Saint-Gély-du-Fesc, Cedex, France. jmcornuet@ensam.inra.fr
Theoretical Population Biology
|November 1, 2005
Summary
This study analyzed Varroa destructor mite populations, revealing new mutation models and estimating the divergence time of invasive lineages. The generalized stepwise mutation model (GSM) showed consistent support across microsatellite loci.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Parasitology
- Genetics
Background:
- Varroa destructor is a significant parasite of honeybees.
- Two distinct lineages of V. destructor invaded Western honeybees (Apis mellifera) approximately 50 years ago.
- The parasite's reproductive system favors the fixation of new mutations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare three microsatellite mutation models (SMM, GSM, ESM) using a worldwide sample of V. destructor.
- To estimate mutation parameters and the divergence time of the two invasive lineages.
- To assess the suitability of different mutation models for microsatellite analysis in this species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 225 V. destructor individuals from 21 locations using 19 microsatellite loci.
- Application of reversible jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) to estimate posterior probabilities of three mutation models.
- Utilizing historical invasion data to inform mutation model comparisons.
Main Results:
- The generalized stepwise mutation model (GSM) consistently received significant support across all analyzed loci.
- Significant variation in model support was observed among different microsatellite loci.
- Robust estimates for mutation parameters and a divergence time of 67,000 generations (90% CI: 35,000-174,000) for the invasive lineages were obtained.
Conclusions:
- The GSM is a reliable model for analyzing microsatellite variation in V. destructor.
- The estimated divergence time aligns with geological events, such as the post-glacial land separation between Korea and Japan.
- This study provides valuable insights into the population genetics and evolutionary history of a major honeybee parasite.