Depleted genetic variation of the European ground squirrel in Central Europe in both microsatellites and the major histocompatibility complex gene: implications for conservation

0360029 - ÚBO 2012 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Říčanová, Štěpánka - Bryja, Josef - Cosson, J.-F. - Gedeon, C. - Choleva, Lukáš - Ambros, M. - Sedláček, F.
Depleted genetic variation of the European ground squirrel in Central Europe in both microsatellites and the major histocompatibility complex gene: implications for conservation.
Conservation Genetics. Roč. 12, č. 4 (2011), s. 1115-1129. ISSN 1566-0621. E-ISSN 1572-9737
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT LC06073
Grant - others:European Science Foundation(XE) ConGen EX/1141
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519; CEZ:AV0Z50450515
Keywords : Souslik * Endangered species * Habitat fragmentation * DRB * MHC Class II
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 1.610, year: 2011

In total 382 individuals of the European ground squirrel were analysed from 16 populations in Central Europe by using selectively neutral (12 microsatellites) and non-neutral (MHC class II DRB gene) loci. Spatial genetic analyses defined two groups of populations, ‘‘western’’ and ‘‘eastern’’. The western populations had significantly lower genetic diversity in both markers and they face to higher level of fragmentation. One allele of the DRB gene predominated in the western group, four alleles were found in the eastern one. Population differentiation was high, but similar in both groups. Comparison of genetic variability and structure on microsatellites and MHC gene does not provide any evidence for contemporary selection on MHC gene. Genetic drift in small bottlenecked and fragmented populations may overact the role of balancing selection. Crossbreeding between the western and eastern populations should be done to reduce the risk of inbreeding depression in the western populations.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0197680