Contrasting patterns of introgression at X-linked loci across the hybrid zone between subspecies of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

Geraldes, A (Author) Other; ferrand, n (Author) FCUP; Nachman, MW (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Genetics

Vol. 173

Pages: 919-933

ISSN: 0016-6731

Publisher: Genetics Society of America

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 85 Citations

Scopus - 90 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-KDR

DOI: 10.1534/genetics.105.054106

Abstract (EN): Hybrid zones provide an excellent opportunity for studying the consequences of genetic changes between closely related taxa. Here we investigate patterns of genetic variability and gene flow at four X-linked loci within and between the two subspecies of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus and O. c. algirus). Two of these genes are located near the centromere and two are located near the telomeres. We observed a deep split in the genealogy of each gene with the root located along the deepest branch in each case, consistent with the evolution of these subspecies in allopatry. The two centromeric loci showed low levels of variability, high levels of linkage disequilibrium, and little introgression between subspecies. In contrast, the two telomeric loci showed high levels of variability, low levels of linkage disequilibrium, and considerable introgression between subspecies. These data are consistent with suppression of recombination near the centromere of the rabbit X chromosome. These observations support a view of speciation where genomic incompatibilities at different loci in the genome create localized differences in levels of gene flow between nascent species.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15