Investigating an ongoing selective sweep: the dynamics and consequences of the spread of male-killer suppression in the butterfly Hypolimnas bolina
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Biosciences
Abstract
Natural selection is best known from the response of organisms to anthropogenic change-melanization of peppered moths after industrialization, resistance to insecticides after spraying with DDT, antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Natural selection, of course, happens in response to natural environmental change as well, although the tempo of the response is less well worked out. In this study, we will examine an ongoing selective response to a naturally occurring parasite. This parasite lives in butterfly hosts, where it kills male hosts only (it is a 'male-killer'). In the recent past, a suppressor of the activity of this parasite arose that 'rescues' male hosts. In this study, we will examine the spread of this suppressor, and its effects on the host. In terms of spread, we will examine how recently the suppressor arose, and how far it has spread from its source geographically-potentially the system displays some of the fastest dynamics observed to date. In terms of effect on the host, we will examine how the spread of this one new mutation affects other genes in the genome. Genes are grouped on chromosomes, like beads on a chain. When one of these beads is strongly selected (as is our supressor), so variants of genes that share the chain may also be affected by association with the orginal selected mutation. This process is termed hitch-hiking, as the movement of one carries along another that is not directly being selected. Because the selection is rapid in this case, it is likely that many other genes are also affected. We will examine the degree to which this is has occurred. In the long term, it is hoped the research will also help characterize the suppressor gene. This has the potential a) to help our understanding in the ways in which bacterial toxin activity might be blocked, with potential utility in medical biology b) to identify the toxin produced by this bacterium, which will represent a novel insecticidal agent of potential utility in pest and vector control.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Gregory Hurst (Principal Investigator) | |
Nina Wedell (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
Duplouy A
(2009)
Assessing risks of Wolbachia DNA cross-specimen contamination following mass collection and ethanol storage.
in Molecular ecology resources
DUPLOUY A
(2009)
Rapid spread of male-killing Wolbachia in the butterfly Hypolimnas bolina
in Journal of Evolutionary Biology
Engelstädter J
(2009)
The Ecology and Evolution of Microbes that Manipulate Host Reproduction
in Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics
King KC
(2010)
Losing the desire: selection can promote obligate asexuality.
in BMC biology
Description | We observed a) the spread of a symbiont, and its host suppressor, over space in the last 100 years b) We determined the impact of the symbiont Wolbachia on butterfly genome evolution. We revealed that the sex ratio of insects varies considerably over time and space associated with symbiont/host dynamics, and revealed the symbiont to be the strongest driver of evolution in this butterfly species. |
Exploitation Route | To discover the target of selection of Wolbachia, which may aid in pest/vector control |
Sectors | Education,Environment |
Description | In education (features in text books) |
First Year Of Impact | 2009 |
Sector | Education |
Impact Types | Cultural |
Description | NERC Directed Mode grant |
Amount | £460,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/N010434/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2016 |
End | 07/2019 |
Title | Hypolimnasshortreads |
Description | Short read data for Hypolimnas transcriptome |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2014 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Paper in PloS Genetics |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/259306 |
Description | Lecture to Secondary school science teachers |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Lecture to Science educators conference in 'Science in the Real World' programme, on microbial importance in animal biology, ecology and evolution. Interest afterwards via email; potentially to be made into podcast for the British Ecological Society Engagement series. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |