Evidence that disease-induced population decline changes genetic structure and alters dispersal patterns in the Tasmanian devil

Lachish, Shelly; Miller, Karen J.; Storfer, Andrew; Goldizen, Anne W.; Jones, Menna Lloyd

doi:10.1038/hdy.2010.17

Cited by 65 publications

(77 citation statements)

References 73 publications

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“…We found low genetic diversity throughout the devil geographic range, based on our estimate of Watterson’s θ , consistent with previous results (Jones et al 2004; Lachish et al 2010; Siddle et al 2010; Miller et al 2011; Brüniche-Olsen et al 2014; Morris et al 2015). Major periods of loss of genetic diversity resulting from population declines occurred at the last glacial maximum (~20 k years before present (YBP)) and during El Niño-Southern Oscillation climate cycles during the mid-Holocene (3–5 k YBP).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Conservation implications of limited genetic diversity and population structure in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)

et al. 2017

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Tasmanian devils face a combination of threats to persistence, including Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), an epidemic transmissible cancer. We used RAD sequencing to investigate genome-wide patterns of genetic diversity and geographic population structure. Consistent with previous results, we found very low genetic diversity in the species as a whole, and we detected two broad genetic clusters occupying the northwestern portion of the range, and the central and eastern portions. However, these two groups overlap across a broad geographic area, and differentiation between them is modest (FST = 0.1081). Our results refine the geographic extent of the zone of mixed ancestry and substructure within it, potentially informing management of genetic variation that existed in pre-diseased populations of the species. DFTD has spread across both genetic clusters, but recent evidence points to a genomic response to selection imposed by DFTD. Any allelic variation for resistance to DFTD may be able to spread across the devil population under selection by DFTD, and/or be present as standing variation in both genetic regions.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Conservation implications of limited genetic diversity and population structure in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)

et al. 2017

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“…According to the 2010/11 Annual Report of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (available at http://www.tassiedevil.com.au), DFTD has resulted in an 84 % decline in population size, which was estimated to range up to 150,000 prior to 1996 (Hawkins et al 2006). The severe population decline has led to significant changes in genetic structure and dispersal patterns of the species, and it is predicted that the disease may eventually cause extinction of the devil in the wild (McCallum et al 2009;Lachish et al 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Low MHC class II diversity in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

et al. 2012

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The largest remaining carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), is currently under threat of extinction due to a fatal contagious cancer-devil facial tumour disease. Low major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I diversity is believed to have contributed to the transmission of the tumour allograft through devil populations. Here, we report low MHC class II variability in this species, with DA β chain genes (Saha-DAB1, 2 and 3) exhibiting very limited diversity and the sole α chain gene (Saha-DAA) monomorphic. Three, six and three alleles were found at Saha-DAB1, 2 and 3, respectively, with a predominant allele found at each locus. Heterozygosity at these three loci is low in the eastern population and modestly higher in northwestern individuals. The results are indicative of a selective sweep likely due to an infectious disease resulting in the fixation of selectively favoured alleles and depletion of genetic diversity at devil class II loci. Several attempts were made to isolate the other marsupial classical class II gene family, namely, DB, resulting in only one DBB pseudogene being found. These findings further support the view that this species has a compromised capacity to respond to pathogen evolution, emerging infectious diseases and environmental changes.

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“…Strong selection for early breeding has led to a 16-fold increase in precocious sexual maturity. Within eastern populations, increased inbreeding, greater population genetic differentiation, changing selection regimens and reduction in the dispersal movement of females have also been documented [91][92][93]. These changes to host population dynamics and genetic structure have occurred over only a couple of generations and just hint at the changes that could occur over greater periods of time.…”

Section: Dft Is Evolving -Its Evolutionary Trajectory Is Unknownmentioning

confidence: 90%

Contagious cancer: Lessons from the devil and the dog

Belov

2012

BioEssays

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Cancer is generally defined as uncontrollable growth of cells caused by genetic aberrations and/or environmental factors. Yet contagious cancers also occur. The recent emergence of a contagious cancer in Tasmanian devils has reignited interest in transmissible cancers. Two naturally occurring transmissible cancers are known: devil facial tumour disease and canine transmissible venereal tumour. Both cancers evolved once and have then been transmitted from one individual to another as clonal cell lines. The dog cancer is ancient; having evolved more than 6,000 years ago, while the devil disease was first seen in 1996. In this review I will compare and contrast the two diseases focusing on the life histories of the clonal cell lines, their evolutionary trajectories and the mechanisms by which they have achieved immune tolerance. A greater understanding of these contagious cancers will provide unique insights into the role of the immune system in shaping tumour evolution and may uncover novel approaches for treating human cancer.

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Evidence that disease-induced population decline changes genetic structure and alters dispersal patterns in the Tasmanian devil

Cited by 65 publications

References 73 publications

Conservation implications of limited genetic diversity and population structure in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)

Conservation implications of limited genetic diversity and population structure in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)

Low MHC class II diversity in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

Contagious cancer: Lessons from the devil and the dog

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