Parallel evolution of domesticated Caenorhabditis species targets pheromone receptor genes.

ABSTRACT: Evolution can follow predictable genetic trajectories, indicating that discrete environmental shifts can select for reproducible genetic changes. Conspecific individuals are an important feature of an animal's environment, and a potential source of selective pressures. Here we show that adaptation of two Caenorhabditis species to growth at high density, a feature common to domestic environments, occurs by reproducible genetic changes to pheromone receptor genes. Chemical communication through pheromones that accumulate during high-density growth causes young nematode larvae to enter the long-lived but non-reproductive dauer stage. Two strains of Caenorhabditis elegans grown at high density have independently acquired multigenic resistance to pheromone-induced dauer formation. In each strai

SUBMITTER: McGrath PT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3257054 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature