Parasite-mediated selection of major histocompatibility complex variability in wild brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) from Inner Mongolia, China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) exhibit high levels of variability, which is believed to have arisen through pathogen-mediated selection. We investigated the relationship between parasite load and genetic diversity at selectively neutral, non-coding markers (microsatellites) and adaptive genetic variation at a functionally important part of the MHC in six independent natural populations of Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) from two regions of the Xilingol Grassland area of Inner Mongolia.

Results

Two-hundred and fifty-two voles were screened for gastrointestinal parasites, and were assessed for genetic variation. Parasite screening was done through non-invasive fecal egg counts, while allelic diversity was determined via single-stranded co

SUBMITTER: Zhang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3720540 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature