Unrestricted gene flow between two subspecies of translocated brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in Aotearoa New Zealand

Pattabiraman, Nimeshika; Morgan‐Richards, Mary; Powlesland, Ralph G.; Trewick, Steven A.

doi:10.1007/s10530-021-02635-z

Cited by 3 publications

(11 citation statements)

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“…This implies gene flow between Tasmania and Southeastern Australian populations during earlier glacial periods (e.g., marine isotope stages 7 and 9), suggesting they had not diverged sufficiently to prevent gene flow. Successful mixing of these two subspecies in New Zealand supports the idea that the two lineages have been isolated for brief periods followed by repeated connections maintaining reproductive compatibility (Pattabiraman et al, 2022 ). Perhaps the Tasmanian lineage could be better considered isolation by distance, rather than a “vicariant isolation” (Burridge, 2012 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 62%

“…Successful mixing of these two subspecies in New Zealand supports the idea that the two lineages have been isolated for brief periods followed by repeated connections maintaining reproductive compatibility (Pattabiraman et al, 2022). Perhaps the Tasmanian lineage could be better considered isolation by distance, rather than a "vicariant isolation" (Burridge, 2012).…”

Section: T V Johnstoniimentioning

confidence: 72%

“…During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), precipitation was lower than today (Faith et al, 2017;Sniderman et al, 2019), but we inferred extension of available niche space for T. vulpecula due to the global reduction in sea level that exposed low elevation land around Australia (Figure 2b). Successful mixing of these two subspecies in New Zealand supports the idea that the two lineages have been isolated for brief periods followed by repeated connections maintaining reproductive compatibility (Pattabiraman et al, 2022). Perhaps the Tasmanian lineage could be better considered isolation by distance, rather than a "vicariant isolation" (Burridge, 2012).…”

Section: T V Johnstoniimentioning

confidence: 72%

“…We examined the genealogy and population diversity of Trichosurus vulpecula across Australia with mtDNA D‐loop sequences (Neaves et al, 2016 ; Umbrello et al, 2020 ; Figure 1 ). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification targeted a 730 bp fragment of the mtDNA D‐loop with PCR primers Tcan_218f and Tvul_1023r designed for Trichosurus , using conditions described previously (Pattabiraman et al, 2022 ). Amplification products were sequenced using BigDye® chemistry (Perkin Elmer) on an ABI3730 DNA analyzer.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification targeted a 730 bp fragment of the mtDNA D-loop with PCR primers Tcan_218f and Tvul_1023r designed for Trichosurus, using conditions described previously (Pattabiraman et al, 2022). Amplification products were sequenced using BigDye® chemistry (Perkin Elmer) on an ABI3730 DNA analyzer.…”

Section: Niche Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Time‐calibrated phylogeny and ecological niche models indicate Pliocene aridification drove intraspecific diversification of brushtail possums in Australia

Carmelet-Rescan

Morgan‐Richards

Pattabiraman

et al. 2022

Ecology and Evolution

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Major aridification events in Australia during the Pliocene may have had significant impact on the distribution and structure of widespread species. To explore the potential impact of Pliocene and Pleistocene climate oscillations, we estimated the timing of population fragmentation and past connectivity of the currently isolated but morphologically similar subspecies of the widespread brushtail possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula ). We use ecological niche modeling (ENM) with the current fragmented distribution of brushtail possums to estimate the environmental envelope of this marsupial. We projected the ENM on models of past climatic conditions in Australia to infer the potential distribution of brushtail possums over 6 million years. D‐loop haplotypes were used to describe population structure. From shotgun sequencing, we assembled whole mitochondrial DNA genomes and estimated the timing of intraspecific divergence. Our projections of ENMs suggest current possum populations were unlikely to have been in contact during the Pleistocene. Although lowered sea level during glacial periods enabled connection with habitat in Tasmania, climate fluctuation during this time would not have facilitated gene flow over much of Australia. The most recent common ancestor of sampled intraspecific diversity dates to the early Pliocene when continental aridification caused significant changes to Australian ecology and Trichosurus vulpecula distribution was likely fragmented. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the subspecies T. v. hypoleucus (koomal; southwest), T. v. arnhemensis (langkurr; north), and T. v. vulpecula (bilda; southeast) correspond to distinct mitochondrial lineages. Despite little phenotypic differentiation, Trichosurus vulpecula populations probably experienced little gene flow with one another since the Pliocene, supporting the recognition of several subspecies and explaining their adaptations to the regional plant assemblages on which they feed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 62%

Section: T V Johnstoniimentioning

confidence: 72%

Section: T V Johnstoniimentioning

confidence: 72%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Niche Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Time‐calibrated phylogeny and ecological niche models indicate Pliocene aridification drove intraspecific diversification of brushtail possums in Australia

Carmelet-Rescan

Morgan‐Richards

Pattabiraman

et al. 2022

Ecology and Evolution

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The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes

Bond,

Ortega-Recalde,

Laird

et al. 2023

Nat Commun

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Combining genome assembly with population and functional genomics can provide valuable insights to development and evolution, as well as tools for species management. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), a model marsupial threatened in parts of their native range in Australia, but also a major introduced pest in New Zealand. Functional genomics reveals post-natal activation of chemosensory and metabolic genes, reflecting unique adaptations to altricial birth and delayed weaning, a hallmark of marsupial development. Nuclear and mitochondrial analyses trace New Zealand possums to distinct Australian subspecies, which have subsequently hybridised. This admixture allowed phasing of parental alleles genome-wide, ultimately revealing at least four genes with imprinted, parent-specific expression not yet detected in other species (MLH1, EPM2AIP1, UBP1 and GPX7). We find that reprogramming of possum germline imprints, and the wider epigenome, is similar to eutherian mammals except onset occurs after birth. Together, this work is useful for genetic-based control and conservation of possums, and contributes to understanding of the evolution of novel mammalian epigenetic traits.

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Coat colour in marsupials: genetic variants at the ASIP locus determine grey and black fur of the brushtail possum

Bond,

Veale,

Alexander

et al. 2024

R. Soc. Open Sci.

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The possession of fur or hair is a defining characteristic of mammals and can occur in a variety of colours and patterns. While genetic determinants of coat colour are well described in eutherian ‘placental’ mammals, the other major mammalian infraclass, marsupials, is grossly understudied. The fur of the common brushtail possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula ), an iconic native mammal found throughout Australia and introduced into Aotearoa New Zealand, possesses two main colour morphs: grey and black. To identify genetic variants associated with coat colour, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with genotype by sequencing (GBS) data. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) on chromosome 3, close to the agouti signalling protein ( ASIP ) gene that controls the temporal and spatial distribution of pigments in eutherian mammals, were identified. Fine-mapping identified a C>T variant at chr3:100483705 that results in a ASIP:p.Arg115Cys missense substitution, and animals homozygous for this variant have black fur. In addition to uncovering the first genetic determinant of coat colour in a natural marsupial population, comparative analysis of ASIP in divergent marsupial species identified the dasyurids as having accelerated evolution, reflecting their well described diversity of coat colour and pattern.

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Unrestricted gene flow between two subspecies of translocated brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in Aotearoa New Zealand

Cited by 3 publications

References 44 publications

Time‐calibrated phylogeny and ecological niche models indicate Pliocene aridification drove intraspecific diversification of brushtail possums in Australia

Time‐calibrated phylogeny and ecological niche models indicate Pliocene aridification drove intraspecific diversification of brushtail possums in Australia

The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes

Coat colour in marsupials: genetic variants at the ASIP locus determine grey and black fur of the brushtail possum

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