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Massive Genomic and Transcriptomic Changes Within a Young Inversion Polymorphism in the Absence of Degeneration.

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Chromosomal inversions in white-throated sparrows drive evolution. A new study characterizes the ZAL3 inversion, revealing reduced diversity and altered gene expression, impacting body condition in homozygotes.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Animal behavior

Background:

  • Chromosomal inversion polymorphisms are key drivers of evolutionary processes, including adaptation and speciation.
  • The white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) genome harbors two large chromosomal polymorphisms, ZAL2 and ZAL3.
  • The ZAL2 inversion is well-studied and linked to plumage and reproductive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To molecularly characterize the ZAL3 chromosomal inversion polymorphism in the white-throated sparrow.
  • To investigate the evolutionary history, genetic diversity, and functional consequences of the ZAL3 polymorphism.
  • To assess the impact of ZAL3 homozygosity on individual fitness.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized extensive genomic and transcriptomic resources for molecular characterization.
  • Estimated sequence divergence and gene capture within the ZAL3 inversion.
  • Developed a PCR-based genotyping assay to analyze ZAL3 polymorphism in 972 archived samples.

Main Results:

  • The ZAL3 polymorphism is larger than ZAL2, encompassing nearly 1000 genes.
  • Sequence divergence suggests ZAL3 evolved alongside ZAL2.
  • Evidence of reduced genetic diversity, gene expression differences, and balancing selection within ZAL3 was found, with rare homozygotes exhibiting poorer body condition.

Conclusions:

  • The ZAL3 inversion is a young polymorphism demonstrating reduced genetic diversity and selection efficacy.
  • Balancing selection may operate within this non-recombining inversion.
  • These findings highlight how early-stage inversions can facilitate allele accumulation before significant genetic degeneration.