Evolution of MHC class I genes in the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) revealed by 454 amplicon sequencing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In evolutionary and conservation biology, parasitism is often highlighted as a major selective pressure. To fight against parasites and pathogens, genetic diversity of the immune genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are particularly important. However, the extensive degree of polymorphism observed in these genes makes it difficult to conduct thorough population screenings.

Methods

We utilized a genotyping protocol that uses 454 amplicon sequencing to characterize the MHC class I in the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and to investigate their evolution at multiple relevant levels of organization.

Results

MHC class I genes revealed signatures of trans-species polymorphism across several reptile species. In the studied loggerh

SUBMITTER: Stiebens VA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3655109 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature