Characterization of MHC class I in a long-distance migrant shorebird suggests multiple transcribed genes and intergenic recombination

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) includes highly polymorphic gene families encoding proteins crucial to the vertebrate acquired immune system. Classical MHC class I (MHCI) genes code for molecules expressed on the surfaces of most nucleated cells and are associated with defense against int...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Immunogenetics
Main Authors: Buehler, Deborah M., Verkuil, Yvonne I., Tavares, Erika S., Baker, Allan J.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 2013
Subjects:
Calidris canutus
Disease defense
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
Migratory birds
Red knot
Shorebird
MHC class I
MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX
COMPARATIVE GENOMICS
MAXIMUM-LIKELIHOOD
DIVERGENCE TIMES
ANNUAL CYCLE
HABITAT USE
RFP-Y
DIVERSITY
MIGRATION
EVOLUTIONARY
Red Knot
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/11370/69bf7c72-ac40-43e8-a742-f3dc2149c2c1
https://research.rug.nl/en/publications/69bf7c72-ac40-43e8-a742-f3dc2149c2c1
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00251-012-0669-2
Description
Summary:The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) includes highly polymorphic gene families encoding proteins crucial to the vertebrate acquired immune system. Classical MHC class I (MHCI) genes code for molecules expressed on the surfaces of most nucleated cells and are associated with defense against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses. These genes have been studied in a few wild bird species, but have not been studied in long-distance migrating shorebirds. Red Knots Calidris canutus are medium-sized, monogamous sandpipers with migratory routes that span the globe. Understanding how such long-distancemigrants protect themselves from disease has gained new relevance since the emergence of avian-borne diseases, including intracellular pathogens recognized by MHCI molecules, such as avian influenza. In this study, we characterized MHCI genes in knots and found 36 alleles in eight individuals and evidence for six putatively functional and expressed MHCI genes in a single bird. We also found evidence for recombination and for positive selection at putative peptide binding sites in exons 2 and 3. These results suggest surprisingly high MHC diversity in knots, given their demographic history. This may be a result of selection from diverse pathogens encountered by shorebirds throughout their annual migrations.

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