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The Evolution of Polymorphic Hybrid Incompatibilities in House Mice
Erica L Larson1,2, Dan Vanderpool1, Brice A J Sarver1
1Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812.
Genetics
|April 26, 2018
Summary
Hybrid male sterility varies between mouse subspecies due to complex genetics. Selection unexpectedly drives introgression at incompatibility loci, highlighting the need for broad natural variation studies in speciation research.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Speciation research
Background:
- Understanding reproductive barriers is key to speciation.
- Hybrid incompatibilities can vary between populations, but causes are unclear.
- House mice subspecies (Mus musculus domesticus and Mus musculus musculus) offer a model for studying variable hybrid male sterility (HMS).
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the genetic basis of variable HMS between Mus musculus domesticus and Mus musculus musculus.
- Determine the role of genetic variation and introgression in reproductive isolation.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed genetic basis of HMS using crosses between wild-derived Mus musculus musculus strains.
- Mapped HMS-linked loci and examined introgression in laboratory strains.
- Utilized whole genome sequencing of sperm pools to investigate transmission ratio distortion (TRD).
Main Results:
- Polymorphic HMS has a complex genetic basis involving at least five autosomal loci.
- An HMS-linked region on chromosome 4 showed introgression and TRD in hybrid crosses.
- TRD was specific to hybrid crosses and likely indicates reduced hybrid embryonic viability.
Conclusions:
- Variable HMS in mice is genetically complex, influenced by introgression and selection.
- TRD suggests underlying incompatibilities affecting hybrid viability.
- Studying speciation requires broader sampling of natural genetic variation.
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