Neutral and Selective Processes Shape MHC Diversity in Roe Deer in Slovenia.

ABSTRACT: Disease control and containment in free-ranging populations is one of the greatest challenges in wildlife management. Despite the importance of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes for immune response, an assessment of the diversity and occurrence of these genes is still rare in European roe deer, the most abundant and widespread large mammal in Europe. Therefore, we examined immunogenetic variation in roe deer in Slovenia to identify species adaptation by comparing the genetic diversity of the MHC genes with the data on neutral microsatellites. We found ten MHC DRB alleles, three of which are novel. Evidence for historical positive selection on the MHC was found using the maximum likelihood codon method. Patterns of MHC allelic distribution were not congruent with neutral populati

SUBMITTER: Buzan E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8944837 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature