Response to divergent selection on meiotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Meiotic recombination is a key driver of evolution in sexually reproducing species, reshaping genetic diversity by generating novel allelic combinations. The rate of recombination varies substantially across living organisms depending on cis- or trans-acting genetic elements, as seen in many species, including the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we report on an experimental evolution-based study to better understand the factors shaping this natural variation. Starting with a genetically diverse population of S. cerevisiae, we have carried out recurrent divergent selection on recombination rate using a fluorescence-based sorting approach in four independent lineages. After ten generations, we observed an average response of recombination rate of +28% after positive selection and -24% after negative selection, within the interval used for selection. In the adjacent region, however, we observed a weaker response in the opposite direction, and no response in four other unlinked genomic regions. Whole-genome sequencing of individuals selected for high recombination revealed mixed outcomes in the four independently evolved lineages for high genome-wide recombination rates. However, all four lineages showed selection for high recombination locally, with particular haplotypes heavily favored and sequence- or structural variation-based heterozygosity selected against within the selection interval. Overall, this experimental evolution approach provides original and useful insights into the evolvability of the meiotic recombination rate and the associated genetic determinants.