Duplication and population dynamics shape historic patterns of selection and genetic variation at the major histocompatibility complex in rodents.

ABSTRACT: Genetic variation at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is vitally important for wildlife populations to respond to pathogen threats. As natural populations can fluctuate greatly in size, a key issue concerns how population cycles and bottlenecks that could reduce genetic diversity will influence MHC genes. Using 454 sequencing, we characterized genetic diversity at the DRB Class II locus in montane voles (Microtus montanus), a North American rodent that regularly undergoes high-amplitude fluctuations in population size. We tested for evidence of historic balancing selection, recombination, and gene duplication to identify mechanisms maintaining allelic diversity. Counter to our expectations, we found strong evidence of purifying selection acting on the DRB locus in montane voles.

SUBMITTER: Winternitz JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3686191 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature