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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Isolation and Expansion of Adult Canine Hippocampal Neural Precursors

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Published on: November 29, 2016

Potential Adaptive Introgression From Dogs in Iberian Grey Wolves (Canis lupus).

Carlos Sarabia¹, Isabel Salado², Alberto Fernández-Gil²

¹Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Molecular Ecology

|January 10, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Adaptive introgression from domestic dogs to Iberian grey wolves is rare but documented. Positively selected dog genes in wolves impact immunity and brain function, potentially explaining unique behaviors.

Keywords:

Canis lupus signatus Canis lupus signatus admixture behavioural genes genes de comportamiento hibridación de cánidos hybridization immune system introgression mezcla genética sistema inmunitario

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Area of Science:

Genetics
Evolutionary Biology
Conservation Biology

Background:

Hybridization between wild species and domesticates can introduce alleles, often assumed detrimental.
Adaptive introgression, where introgressed genes benefit wild populations, is rare but possible.
Grey wolves (Canis lupus) and domestic dogs (C. familiaris) coexist, presenting opportunities for hybridization.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the extent and impact of dog introgression in the isolated Iberian grey wolf population.
To identify instances of adaptive introgression and positively selected genes in Iberian wolves.
To understand the evolutionary consequences of ancient dog ancestry in wild wolf populations.

Main Methods:

Whole-genome sequencing of 150 Iberian and Eurasian grey wolves, alongside European and Siberian dogs.
Analysis using single scan statistics and ancestry enrichment estimates to detect introgression.
Identification of positively selected genes within introgressed regions.

Main Results:

Minimal recent introgression and low overall ancient dog ancestry (<5%) found in Iberian wolves.
Positive selection identified on six genes (DAPP1, NSMCE4A, MPPED2, PCDH9, MBTPS1, CDH13) with introgressed dog alleles.
Selected genes are involved in immune response and brain functions, potentially influencing wolf behavior.

Conclusions:

Adaptive introgression from dogs to Iberian wolves has occurred, contrary to the general assumption of negative effects.
Introgressed alleles in genes related to immunity and brain function may contribute to unique Iberian wolf phenotypes, such as reduced dispersal.
This study highlights the complex evolutionary dynamics between wild canids and domestic dogs in human-modified landscapes.