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Updated: May 24, 2025
06:19
In situ Protocol for Butterfly Pupal Wings Using Riboprobes
Published on: May 28, 2007
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Incomplete recombination suppression fuels extensive haplotype diversity in a butterfly colour pattern supergene
Rishi De-Kayne1, Ian J Gordon2, Reinier F Terblanche3
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America.
Plos Biology
|February 28, 2025
Summary
Supergenes evolve through suppressed recombination, but gene flux creates new variations. This study reveals dynamic evolution in the BC supergene of Danaus chrysippus butterflies, driven by incomplete recombination suppression.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary genetics
- Genomics
- Population genetics
Background:
- Supergenes arise from suppressed recombination, linking alleles for complex traits.
- Balancing selection or local adaptation can favor supergenes, despite recombination costs.
- Gene flux between haplotypes can offset recombination costs and lead to varied outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the evolutionary dynamics of the BC supergene in Danaus chrysippus.
- Understand the genetic architecture underlying wing colour morphs.
- Characterize haplotype diversity and recombination patterns within the supergene.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome resequencing of 174 individuals.
- Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy-number variation.
- Haplotype reconstruction and phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Confirmed BC supergene's role in wing colour variation (melanism and forewing pattern).
- Identified at least six highly divergent haplotype groups with suppressed recombination.
- Discovered extensive haplotype diversity and numerous natural recombinant haplotypes, including new groups formed by recombination events.
Conclusions:
- The BC supergene exhibits dynamic evolution driven by incomplete recombination suppression.
- Gene flux and recombination between haplotypes contribute significantly to supergene diversity.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for explaining adaptation and speciation.
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