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A conserved haplotype controls parallel adaptation in geographically distant salmonid populations.
Mol Ecol. 2012 Jan; 21(2):237-49
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29 Mar 2012
New Finding
DOI: 10.3410/f.14256969.15768096
This paper contributes an interesting example of how novel approaches based on next-generation sequencing technology can be used to investigate the genetic basis of adaptation. The authors scored thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in controlled crosses involving populations of rainbow trout...Continue reading
This paper contributes an interesting example of how novel approaches based on next-generation sequencing technology can be used to investigate the genetic basis of adaptation. The authors scored thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in controlled crosses involving populations of rainbow trout that are believed to have independently evolved an important life-history trait: rapid development rate. Interestingly, the results indicate that the evolution of rapid development rate in the study populations involved a conserved haplotype, suggesting that the same set of genetic polymorphisms may be responsible for similar adaptations in geographically distinct populations.
This paper clearly makes an important contribution to our understanding of the extent to which the same adaptations can arise due to similar mechanisms in distinct populations. However, it also illustrates that the study of adaptation remains a challenging enterprise. For instance, in this case, the chromosomal region involved in the adaptation of interest is so large that it will be difficult to identify the actual locus or loci responsible for rapid development. In addition, this study illustrates some of the challenges associated with the analysis and interpretation of next-generation sequencing data in the study of adaptation (either in controlled laboratory crosses or in natural populations). Nevertheless, this and similar studies are clearly demonstrating that the study of adaptation can benefit tremendously from the novel data sets made possible by the amazing recent advances in next-generation sequencing technology.
This paper clearly makes an important contribution to our understanding of the extent to which the same adaptations can arise due to similar mechanisms in distinct populations. However, it also illustrates that the study of adaptation remains a challenging enterprise. For instance, in this case, the chromosomal region involved in the adaptation of interest is so large that it will be difficult to identify the actual locus or loci responsible for rapid development. In addition, this study illustrates some of the challenges associated with the analysis and interpretation of next-generation sequencing data in the study of adaptation (either in controlled laboratory crosses or in natural populations). Nevertheless, this and similar studies are clearly demonstrating that the study of adaptation can benefit tremendously from the novel data sets made possible by the amazing recent advances in next-generation sequencing technology.
Disclosures
None declared
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Jones A: F1000Prime Recommendation of [Miller MR et al., Mol Ecol 2012, 21(2):237-49]. In F1000Prime, 29 Mar 2012; DOI: 10.3410/f.14256969.15768096. F1000Prime.com/14256969#eval15768096
F1000Prime Recommendations, Dissents and Comments for [Miller MR et al., Mol Ecol 2012, 21(2):237-49]. In F1000Prime, 19 May 2013; F1000Prime.com/14256969
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Salmonid fishes exhibit extensive local adaptations owing to abundant environmental variation and precise natal homing. This extensive local adaptation makes conservation and restoration of salmonids a challenge. For example, defining unambiguous units of conservation is difficult, and restoration attempts often fail owing to inadequate adaptive matching of translocated populations. A better understanding of the genetic architecture of local adaptation in salmonids could provide valuable information to assist in conserving and restoring natural populations of these important species. Here, we use a combination of laboratory crosses and next-generation sequencing to investigate the genetic architecture of the parallel adaptation of rapid development rate in two geographically and genetically distant populations of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Strikingly, we find that not only is a parallel genetic mechanism used but that a conserved haplotype is responsible for this intriguing adaptation. The repeated use of adaptive genetic variation across distant geographical areas could be a general theme in salmonids and have important implications for conservation and restoration.
© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2011.05305.x
PMID: 21988725
