Diversity of MHC IIB genes and parasitism in hybrids of evolutionarily divergent cyprinoid species indicate heterosis advantage

0545181 - ÚBO 2022 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Šimková, A. - Gettová, L. - Civáňová, K. - Seifertová, M. - Janáč, Michal - Vetešník, Lukáš
Diversity of MHC IIB genes and parasitism in hybrids of evolutionarily divergent cyprinoid species indicate heterosis advantage.
Scientific Reports. Roč. 11, č. 1 (2021), č. článku 16860. ISSN 2045-2322. E-ISSN 2045-2322
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : roach * bream * transspecies polymorphism * hybridization * selection * resistance
OECD category: Genetics and heredity (medical genetics to be 3)
Impact factor: 4.997, year: 2021
Method of publishing: Open access
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-96205-x.pdf

The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are an essential component of the vertebrate immune system and MHC genotypes may determine individual susceptibility to parasite infection. In the wild, selection that favors MHC variability can create situations in which interspecies hybrids experience a survival advantage. In a wild system of two naturally hybridizing leuciscid fish, we assessed MHC IIB genetic variability and its potential relationships to hosts’ ectoparasite communities. High proportions of MHC alleles and parasites were species-specific. Strong positive selection at specific MHC codons was detected in both species and hybrids. MHC allele expression in hybrids was slightly biased towards the maternal species. Controlling for a strong seasonal effect on parasite communities, we found no clear associations between host-specific parasites and MHC alleles or MHC supertypes. Hybrids shared more MHC alleles with the more MHC-diverse parental species, but expressed intermediate numbers of MHC alleles and positively selected sites. Hybrids carried significantly fewer ectoparasites than either parent species, suggesting a hybrid advantage via potential heterosis.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0321923