Dissertation Research: Maintenance of Genetic Variation in an Island System

论文研究：岛屿系统遗传变异的维持

• 批准号: 0206760
• 负责人: Robert Wayne
• 金额: $ 0.7万
• 依托单位: University of California-Los Angeles
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2002
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2002-07-01 至 2003-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0206760&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Dissertation; Research; Maintenance; Genetic; Variation

The investigators will conduct a survey of genetic variation for a set of fitness related genes (the Major Histocompatability Complex or Mhc) in a locally threatened endemic canid, the Island fox (Urocyon littoralis). The goal is to understand the role that natural selection has played in maintaining variation in small populations. This understanding will also allow for a more effective management of the endangered Island fox and other species that are declining or threatened. An initial survey of polymorphism at the Mhc has revealed an unprecedented level of genetic variation in Island foxes. The investigators will survey molecular variation of four Mhc genes in Island foxes using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) based techniques, and compare this to the null model of neutral genetic variation. Mhc genes are integral to vertebrate immune function, and variation in the Mhc affects individual fitness (e.g. resistance or susceptibility to pathogens). This study will attempt to illuminate, though direct observation and computer simulation, the strength of natural selection necessary to maintain genetic variation in a species with limited genetic variation. These results will have direct implications for conservation and management of the Island fox, as well as provide a greater understanding of the extent of natural selection operating upon an immunologically important set of genes.

研究人员将对当地濒危的特有犬科动物岛狐（Urocyon littoralis）的一组适应性相关基因（主要组织相容性复合体或Mhc）的遗传变异进行调查。目的是了解自然选择在小种群中维持变异所起的作用。这种认识也将有助于更有效地管理濒临灭绝的岛狐和其他正在减少或受到威胁的物种。对Mhc多态性的初步调查显示，岛狐的遗传变异水平前所未有。研究人员将利用基于聚合酶链反应（PCR）的技术调查岛狐4种Mhc基因的分子变异，并将其与中性遗传变异的零模型进行比较。Mhc基因是脊椎动物免疫功能的组成部分，Mhc的变异会影响个体的适应性（例如对病原体的抵抗力或易感性）。本研究将试图通过直接观察和计算机模拟，阐明在遗传变异有限的物种中维持遗传变异所必需的自然选择的强度。这些结果将对岛狐的保护和管理产生直接影响，并对自然选择对一组重要免疫基因的影响程度提供更深入的了解。