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Low major histocompatibility complex diversity in the Tasmanian devil predates European settlement and may explain susceptibility to disease epidemics |
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| Authors: | Katrina Morris Jeremy J Austin Katherine Belov |
| Institution: | 1.Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, RMC Gunn B19, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia;2.Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia;3.Sciences Department, Museum Victoria, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia |
| Abstract: | The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is at risk of extinction owing to the emergence of a contagious cancer known as devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The emergence and spread of DFTD has been linked to low genetic diversity in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We examined MHC diversity in historical and ancient devils to determine whether loss of diversity is recent or predates European settlement in Australia. Our results reveal no additional diversity in historical Tasmanian samples. Mainland devils had common modern variants plus six new variants that are highly similar to existing alleles. We conclude that low MHC diversity has been a feature of devil populations since at least the Mid-Holocene and could explain their tumultuous history of population crashes. |
| Keywords: | Sarcophilus harrisii major histocompatibility complex |