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Cancer- and behavior-related genes are targeted by selection in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

Jean-Noël Hubert1, Tatiana Zerjal1, Frédéric Hospital1

  • 1GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

Plos One
|August 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) has significantly impacted Tasmanian devils, shaping their genome through extensive evolutionary selection. This study identified 97 genetic signatures linked to DFTD, revealing its broad influence on devil evolution and behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary genetics
  • Cancer biology
  • Wildlife conservation

Background:

  • Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is a transmissible cancer severely impacting Tasmanian devil populations.
  • Previous research identified limited genomic regions showing evolutionary adaptation to DFTD.
  • The full extent of DFTD's genomic influence on Tasmanian devils remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the comprehensive genomic signatures of selection in Tasmanian devils in response to Devil Facial Tumor Disease.
  • To identify specific genes and biological pathways affected by DFTD-driven evolution.
  • To assess the impact of DFTD on the social behavior and overall ecology of the species.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic time-series analysis comparing pre- and post-DFTD arrival populations.
  • Identification of signatures of selection across the Tasmanian devil genome.
  • Analysis of protein-coding genes and their human orthologues to infer functional roles.
  • Investigating associations between candidate genes and cancer progression or social behavior.

Main Results:

  • Detected 97 distinct signatures of selection associated with DFTD.
  • Identified 148 protein-coding genes with human orthologues linked to DFTD.
  • A significant number of candidate genes are involved in cancer progression pathways.
  • A notable subset of genes also influences social behavior, indicating a link between cancer and behavioral ecology.
  • Demonstrated the feasibility of detecting polygenic footprints of short-term selection in small populations.

Conclusions:

  • DFTD has exerted a more extensive evolutionary pressure on the Tasmanian devil genome than previously understood.
  • The genetic response to DFTD involves genes critical for cancer suppression and regulation, as well as those influencing social behavior.
  • This study highlights the profound impact of infectious cancers on host evolution, behavior, and ecology.
  • The findings underscore the power of genomic analysis to detect rapid, polygenic adaptation in endangered species.

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