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Genetic structure and putative selective sweep in the pioneer tree, Zanthoxylum ailanthoides
Takanori Yoshida1, Hisako Nagai, Tetsukazu Yahara
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581, Japan.
Journal of Plant Research
|December 26, 2009
Summary
Genetic analysis of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides across Japan reveals strong population differentiation and suggests a selective sweep at the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase large subunit (agpL) locus. The southernmost population showed highest genetic diversity, possibly indicating a glacial refugium.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Population Genetics
- Forestry
Background:
- Zanthoxylum ailanthoides is a common pioneer tree in Japanese warm-temperate forests.
- Previous research indicated significant population differentiation and natural selection in Z. ailanthoides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic structure of 10 Zanthoxylum ailanthoides populations across Japan.
- To analyze nucleotide variation at the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase large subunit (agpL) locus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 9 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci to assess genetic structure.
- Conducted population genetic analyses, including Mantel tests.
- Examined nucleotide variation at the agpL locus.
Main Results:
- The southernmost population (Kagoshima) exhibited the highest genetic diversity, suggesting a potential glacial refugium.
- Strong genetic differentiation was observed among populations, correlating positively with geographic distance.
- The agpL locus was largely monomorphic across populations, despite significant differentiation indicated by SSRs.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a selective sweep event at or near the agpL locus.
- Zanthoxylum ailanthoides populations display significant genetic structure across Japan.
- The study highlights the importance of considering glacial refugia in population genetic diversity.
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