title: QTL clustering as a mechanism for rapid multi-trait evolution.
abstract: Cave-dwelling animals exhibit remarkable convergence in multiple cave-related traits, yet the genetic mechanisms responsible for the evolution and integration of many such traits remain unclear. Astyanax mexicanus is a model cave-dwelling fish with sighted surface-dwelling (surface fish) and blind cave-dwelling (cavefish) forms. Using a genetic cross between these morphs, we discovered significant correlations among several cave-related traits, including reduced eyes, increased superficial neuromast receptors located within the eye orbit (EO SN) and a vibration-attraction behavior (VAB) that facilitates foraging in darkness. Furthermore, we discovered that the quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying these traits are clustered within the Astyanax genome. Following an ablation experiment that demonstrated that the EO SN contribute to VAB, we concluded that the adaptive evolution of VAB and EO SN has likely contributed to eye loss in cavefish. In this addendum, we further discuss the possible role of multi-trait QTL clustering in facilitating rapid adaptation.
authors: Department of Biology; University of Maryland; College Park, MD USA.
authors: Masato
authors: M
authors: Yoshizawa
authors: Kelly E
authors: KE
authors: O'Quin
authors: William R
authors: WR
authors: Jeffery
keywords: QTL cluster; adaptation; cavefish; evolution; lateral line; pleiotropy; quantitative trait locus
references: Mol Ecol. 2010 Dec;19(23):5140-56
references: 21040053
references: Curr Biol. 2007 Mar 6;17(5):452-4
references: 17306543
references: Biosystems. 2003 May;69(2-3):83-94
references: 12689723
references: Science. 2000 Jul 28;289(5479):631-3
references: 10915628
references: Nature. 2008 Mar 27;452(7186):470-2
references: 18368117
references: Naturwissenschaften. 1990 May;77(5):237-9
references: 2377235
references: Evolution. 2008 Jan;62(1):86-98
references: 18053076
references: Evolution. 2008 Jan;62(1):76-85
references: 18005154
references: BMC Evol Biol. 2012 Dec 26;12:251
references: 23267665
references: Genetics. 2006 May;173(1):419-34
references: 16204214
references: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Oct 19;107(42):18034-9
references: 20876104
references: Evol Dev. 2008 Mar-Apr;10(2):196-209
references: 18315813
references: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Apr 29;100(9):5252-7
references: 12704237
references: Evolution. 2000 Feb;54(1):13-20
references: 10937178
references: Nat Rev Genet. 2011 Mar;12(3):204-13
references: 21331091
references: Commun Integr Biol. 2011 Jan;4(1):89-91
references: 21509190
references: BMC Biol. 2012 Dec 27;10:108
references: 23270452
references: Curr Biol. 2010 Sep 28;20(18):1631-6
references: 20705469