Butterfly Genomics: Insights from the Genome of<i>Melitaea cinxia</i>

Ahola, Virpi; Wahlberg, Niklas; Frilander, Mikko J.

doi:10.5735/086.054.0123

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…The sequenced species primarily cover taxonomic groups that show little karyotypic variation, and have karyotypes that evolved mainly through chromosomal fusions from the putative ancestral karyotype. The few genomic studies suggest genusspecific mechanisms and genomic features that could underlie chromosomal rearrangements [16,18,91]. However, the genomic features responsible for increased rates of chromosomal fission, as e.g.…”

Section: Knowledge Gaps and Future Directionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Speciation through chromosomal fusion and fission in Lepidoptera

Vos

Augustijnen

Bätscher

et al. 2020

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B

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Changes in chromosome numbers may strongly affect reproductive barriers, because individuals heterozygous for distinct karyotypes are typically expected to be at least partially sterile or to show reduced recombination. Therefore, several classic speciation models are based on chromosomal changes. One import mechanism generating variation in chromosome numbers is fusion and fission of existing chromosomes, which is particularly likely in species with holocentric chromosomes, i.e. chromosomes that lack a single centromere. Holocentric chromosomes evolved repeatedly across the tree of life, including in Lepidoptera . Although changes in chromosome numbers are hypothesized to be an important driver of the spectacular diversification of Lepidoptera, comparative studies across the order are lacking. We performed the first comprehensive literature survey of karyotypes for Lepidoptera species since the 1970s and tested if, and how, chromosomal variation might affect speciation. Even though a meta-analysis of karyological differences between closely related taxa did not reveal an effect on the degree of reproductive isolation, phylogenetic diversification rate analyses across the 16 best-covered genera indicated a strong, positive association of rates of chromosome number evolution and speciation. These findings suggest a macroevolutionary impact of varying chromosome numbers in Lepidoptera and likely apply to other taxonomic groups, especially to those with holocentric chromosomes. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards the completion of speciation: the evolution of reproductive isolation beyond the first barriers’.

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Section: Knowledge Gaps and Future Directionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Speciation through chromosomal fusion and fission in Lepidoptera

Vos

Augustijnen

Bätscher

et al. 2020

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B

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“…For instance, allele variants in the phosphoglucose isomerase gene have been inferred to be responsive to thermal gradients in Colias butterflies, which might provide a good proxy for local adaptation (reviewed in Wheat, 2010;Wheat & Hill, 2014). annotations and gene expression studies, some of them with potential conservation outcomes (e.g., Ahola et al, 2017). For example, genomic analyses have identified local differences in insect immunity (Keehnen et al, 2021), in loci related to metabolism and immune responses selected by temperature along altitudinal gradients (Trense et al, 2021), or in genes responsible for circadian rhythm and variability in voltinism (Lindestad et al, 2022).…”

Section: Estimating Local Adaptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…If temperature increases, the northern population restricted to colder climates would likely be threatened. The adaptive markers under selection might be identified by functional genome annotations and gene expression studies, some of them with potential conservation outcomes (e.g., Ahola et al, 2017). For example, genomic analyses have identified local differences in insect immunity (Keehnen et al, 2021), in loci related to metabolism and immune responses selected by temperature along altitudinal gradients (Trense et al, 2021), or in genes responsible for circadian rhythm and variability in voltinism (Lindestad et al, 2022).…”

Section: Estimating Local Adaptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studying local adaptations in insects, compared to vertebrates, still needs to answer the following questions to successfully develop standardised methodologies that translate research into applied conservation initiatives: (1) Have insect populations had enough time to locally adapt to abrupt human‐induced changes in their environment (Angert et al, 2020; González‐Tokman et al, 2020), or have they responded mainly by shifting geographical ranges and by epigenetic variation (i.e., reversible chemical changes in the DNA not involving nucleotide modifications; Rey et al, 2020)? (2) Which genes and traits expressed in locally adapted populations among species are associated with climate change or altered landscape structures (Ahola et al, 2017)? Such adaptive alleles, if found, will be valuable for characterising insect populations (sources and recipients) and for applying genomic frameworks informing assisted translocations (e.g., Chen et al, 2022).…”

Section: Estimating Local Adaptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Incorporating genomics into insect conservation: Butterflies as a model group

Bartoňová

Linke

Klečková

et al. 2023

Insect Conserv Diversity

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1. Genomic data are not yet widely used in insect conservation practice. Here, with a focus on butterflies, we aim to identify the strengths, limitations and remaining gaps between the fields of population genomics and insect conservation management.Based on a literature search complemented with expert opinion, we discuss avenues for translating research into practice.2. We found that current genomic methodologies available for insect management enhance the assessment of cryptic diversity and facilitate the inference of historical population trends (temporal monitoring) by using even degraded material from historical collections.3. Discovering and tracking adaptive genetic variation linked to increased survival and fitness is a relatively young research field, but we highlight it as a promising tool in future insect management actions.4. We highlight recent case studies where population genomics have guided butterfly conservation. One conclusion from our advice from our non-exhaustive survey of expert opinion is to establish meaningful partnerships between researchers and practitioners, starting at the stage of project planning. Genomics is an informative tool for securing legal protection of unique populations and may offer guidance in future conservation translocations and captive breeding programmes. 5. Although insect conservation usually targets habitats, genomic guidance focusing on populations of flagship and umbrella taxa is a straightforward path to connect species-specific and habitat conservation initiatives. We conclude that there is urgency in reporting insect conservation actions guided by genomic data, both successful and unsuccessful. This will lead to constructive feedback between fields and the establishment of standardised methodologies.

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