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Gene conversion rapidly generates major histocompatibility complex diversity in recently founded bird populations
Lewis G Spurgin1, Cock van Oosterhout, Juan Carlos Illera
1School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Molecular Ecology
|November 24, 2011
Summary
Gene conversion, not mutation, primarily generates new major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes in island bird populations after bottlenecks. This process enhances adaptive variation for pathogen resistance in genetically depauperate populations.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Population genetics
Background:
- Population bottlenecks reduce genetic variation, hindering adaptation.
- Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are crucial for pathogen recognition and adaptive variation.
- Gene conversion is a mechanism for generating new MHC haplotypes, but its role in wild populations is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of gene conversion in generating MHC variation in the Berthelot's pipit.
- To compare the rates of gene conversion and point mutation in MHC haplotype generation.
- To assess the impact of gene conversion on functionally important MHC sites.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 454 sequencing protocol to analyze MHC class I exon 3 variation.
- Screened MHC variation across 13 island populations of Berthelot's pipit (Anthus berthelotii).
- Quantified MHC haplotype diversity and identified mechanisms of haplotype generation.
Main Results:
- Only 11-15 MHC haplotypes were retained after island colonization.
- At least 26 new MHC haplotypes have been generated in situ since colonization.
- Gene conversion was the predominant mechanism, exceeding point mutation rates by tenfold.
- Gene conversion preferentially generated changes at pathogen recognition sites.
Conclusions:
- Gene conversion is the primary driver of new MHC variation in genetically depauperate populations like the Berthelot's pipit.
- This mechanism facilitates adaptation to pathogen challenges.
- Gene conversion is a key evolutionary process for maintaining adaptive potential in bottlenecked populations.
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