engleski

Can major histocompatibility complex genes be informative of golden jackal population dynamics?

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is currently undergoing a rapid range expansion throughout Southeastern and Central Europe. Genetic studies on neutral loci revealed low diversity among and within populations, and other markers were suggested for studying the origin and diversity of the present golden jackal European populations. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, which are crucial for adaptive immune response, represent functional, fitness- related genetic markers. Over short evolutionary time MHC diversity is maintained by diversifying selection, which promotes heterogeneous selective pressures over spatial and temporal scale. In this study, we examined genetic variability at MHC class II DRB, DQA and DQB loci in golden jackal population from Eastern Serbia. Using the cloning– sequencing method, we analysed 47 individuals collected between 2004 and 2016 and found four DLADRB, three DLA-DQA and three DLA-DQB alleles. Low allelic variability was compensated by six DLADRB1/DQA1/DQB1 three-locus haplotypes and substantial nucleotide diversity. Further, we found two intriguing haplotypes. The first one, DLA- DRB1*04503/DQA1*00101/DQB1*00806 that included newly identified DQA1 variant in jackals, was detected in only one individual, but as homozygous, suggesting its prevalence. Not being found on other locations so far, this haplotype raises question on Eastern Europe jackal population dispersal routes. The second haplotype, DLADRB1*04503/DQA1*00402/DQB1*02305 so far detected exclusively in ancient and genetically differentiated Dalmatian population, implies that there might be connection between continental and coastal jackal populations. Our results suggest that MHC genes might be informative and interesting markers in studying golden jackal population dynamics.

MHC ; DLA ; haplotypes ; Canis aureus

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