Genetic variation and selection in the major histocompatibility complex Class II gene in the Guizhou pony.
Abstract: The Guizhou pony (GZP) is an indigenous species of equid found in the mountains of the Guizhou province in southwest China. We selected four regions of the equine leukocyte antigen (ELA), including , , and and used them to assess the diversity of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II gene using direct sequencing technology. had the lowest / ratio (0.560) compared with the other three loci, indicating that was conserved and could be conserved after undergoing selective processes. Nine , five , nine and seven codons were under significant positive selection at the antigen binding sites (ABS), suggesting that the selected residues in ABS may play a significant role in the innate immune system of the GZP. Two GZP alleles were shared with Przewalski's horse, and six older GZP haplotypes had a better relationship with other horse species by one or two mutational steps, indicating that the GZP may be a natural ancient variety of equid. The specific diversity of ABS and the numbers of unique haplotypes in the evolutionary process affords this species a better genetic fitness and ability to adapt to the native environment.
©2020 Liu et al.
Publication Date: 2020-09-18 PubMed ID: 32999762PubMed Central: PMC7505079DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9889Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research analyzes the genetic variation and selection in the major histocompatibility complex Class II gene in the Guizhou pony, a native horse species in southwest China. The study found indicators of significant positive selection, shared alleles with Przewalski’s horse, and specific diversity that could enhance the species’ adaptability.
Research Methodology
- The researchers chose the Guizhou pony, an indigenous equine species of the Guizhou province, for their genetic analysis. The focus was on its major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II gene.
- Four regions of the equine leukocyte antigen (ELA) were selected: Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, and Region 4.
- The diversity of these regions in the MHC class II gene was assessed using direct sequencing technology.
Major Findings
- The study found that Region 2 had the lowest diversity rate among all, implying that it is conserved and could remain so after selective processes. Conserved regions in genetics are sequences of DNA that have remained relatively unchanged throughout evolution and hence may play crucial roles.
- Nine codons in Region 1, five codons in Region 2, nine in Region 3, and seven in Region 4 were under significant positive selection at the antigen binding sites (ABS) – protein portions where antibodies attach to. This suggests that these select residues in the ABS could play key roles in the Guizhou pony’s immune system.
- Two Guizhou pony alleles were shared with Przewalski’s horse, implying a form of evolutionary relationship between these two species.
- Six older Guizhou pony haplotypes showed close connections with other horse species, hinting that this breed may be an ancient variant of equid with a deep-rooted lineage.
Conclusions and Implications
- The specific diversity of ABS and the unique haplotypes observed through the research indicate this species’ abilities to adapt to their native environments better. Diversity in ABS could affect the immune response and add to the species’ genetic fitness.
- The investigations into the Guizhou pony’s genetic make-up contribute to the understanding of its evolutionary history and potential for survival, particularly in relation to its immune system’s function and adaptation to its environment.
- This study provides evidence of the rich genetic diversity within native horse species and underlines the importance of conserving such indigenous populations.
Cite This Article
APA
Liu C, Lei H, Ran X, Wang J.
(2020).
Genetic variation and selection in the major histocompatibility complex Class II gene in the Guizhou pony.
PeerJ, 8, e9889.
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9889 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China.
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.
- Tongren University, Tongren, China.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare there are no competing interests.
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Citations
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