Evolution by selection, recombination, and gene duplication in MHC class I genes of two Rhacophoridae species.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Comparison of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes across vertebrate species can reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of adaptive immunity-related proteins. As the first terrestrial tetrapods, amphibians deserve special attention because of their exposure to probably increased spectrum of microorganisms compared with ancestral aquatic fishes. Knowledge regarding the evolutionary patterns and mechanisms associated with amphibian MHC genes remains limited. The goal of the present study was to isolate MHC class I genes from two Rhacophoridae species (Rhacophorus omeimontis and Polypedates megacephalus) and examine their evolution.

Results

We identified 27 MHC class I alleles spanning the region from exon 2 to 4 in 38 tree frogs. The available

SUBMITTER: Zhao M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3684511 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature