Ancient hybridization and mtDNA introgression behind current paternal leakage and heteroplasmy in hybrid zones.

ABSTRACT: Hybridization between heterospecific individuals has been documented as playing a direct role in promoting paternal leakage and mitochondrial heteroplasmy in both natural populations and laboratory conditions, by relaxing the egg-sperm recognition mechanisms. Here, we tested the hypothesis that hybridization can lead to mtDNA heteroplasmy also indirectly via mtDNA introgression. By using a phylogenetic approach, we showed in two reproductively isolated beetle species, Ochthebius quadricollis and O. urbanelliae, that past mtDNA introgression occurred between them in sympatric populations. Then, by developing a multiplex allele-specific PCR assay, we showed the presence of heteroplasmic individuals and argue that their origin was through paternal leakage following mating between mtDNA-introg

SUBMITTER: Mastrantonio V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6914795 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature