Hastings Natural History Reservation

14 Apr, 06 AM - 17 Apr, 02 AM

While multiple studies have established the role of environmental factors (pathogens) in generating selection pressure on MHC genes, the effects of behavior on selection for MHC diversity has been largely overlooked. This is surprising, as behavior has the ability to either enhance or mitigate pathogen transmission within populations. For example, the number and concurrency of sexual partners can alter the risk of infectious disease. Although sexual contact has been linked to increased pathogen transmission, the impacts of such differential exposure have not been examined with respect to selection and MHC polymorphism. My study uses naturally occurring variation in sexual behavior (i.e. mating system) among mice of the genus Peromyscus to explore the effects of these forms of contact on selection for MHC diversity. Mating systems of Peromyscine rodents range from genetic monogamy (P. californicus, P. polionotus) to polygyny (P. crinitus, P. boylii), and promiscuity (P. maniculatus). I will compare selection on MHC genes in Peromyscus species throughout range of mating systems at 2 Class II MHC loci. I will contrast selection vis a vis apparent degree of promiscuity, as revealed by multiple paternity of litters. While results suggest that mating system (i.e. sexual behavior) is important in shaping genetic variation at MHC loci, other factors may also be important.

Visit #15032 @Hastings Natural History Reservation

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Under Project # 9894 | Research

MHC and Mating Systems: Is selection on MHC related to sexual behavior?

research_scientist - University of California, Berkeley

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Matthew MacManes Apr 14 - 17, 2008 (4 days)

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Ranch House 1 Apr 14 - 17, 2008