Characterization of MHC class II B polymorphism in multiple populations of wild gorillas using non-invasive samples and next-generation sequencing.
Genes encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are crucial for the recognition and presentation of antigens to the immune system. In contrast to their closest relatives, chimpanzees and humans, much less is known about variation in gorillas at these loci. This study explored the exon 2 variation of -DPB1, -DQB1, and -DRB genes in 46 gorillas from four populations while simultaneously evaluating the feasibility of using fecal samples for high-throughput MHC genotyping. By applying strict similarity- and frequency-based analysis, we found, despite our modest sample size, a total of 18 alleles that have not been described previously, thereby illustrating the potential for efficient and highly accurate MHC genotyping from non-invasive DNA samples. We emphasize the importance of controlling for multiple potential sources of error when applying this massively parallel short-read sequencing technology to PCR products generated from low concentration DNA extracts. We observed pronounced differences in MHC variation between species, subspecies and populations that are consistent with both the ancient and recent demographic histories experienced by gorillas.
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Jörg B
JB
Hans
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Anne
A
Haubner
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Mimi
M
Arandjelovic
North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, North Carolina, USA.
Richard A
RA
Bergl
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Tillmann
T
Fünfstück
International Gorilla Conservation Program, Kigali, Rwanda.
Maryke
M
Gray
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
David B
DB
Morgan
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Martha M
MM
Robbins
Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
Crickette
C
Sanz
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Linda
L
Vigilant
D000818:Animals; D005243:Feces; D006071:Gorilla gorilla / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D059014:High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics*; D010802:Phylogeny; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
Illumina; MHC genotyping; fecal samples; high-throughput sequencing; non-model organisms