Lilley, Thomas 
ORCID: 0000-0001-5864-4958, Wilson, Ian, Field, Kenneth, Reeder, DeeAnn ORCID: 0000-0001-8651-2012, Vodzak, Megan, Turner, Gregory, Kurta, Allen, Blomberg, Anna ORCID: 0000-0002-6754-4948, Hoff, Samantha, Herzog, Carl ORCID: 0000-0002-1307-2981 et al (show 2 more authors)
(2019)
Genome-wide changes in genetic diversity in a population ofMyotis lucifugusaffected by white-nose syndrome
[Preprint]
Abstract
<h4>ABSTRACT</h4> Novel pathogens can cause massive declines in populations, and even extirpation of hosts. But disease can also act as a selective pressure on survivors, driving the evolution of resistance or tolerance. Bat white-nose syndrome (WNS) is a rapidly spreading wildlife disease in North America. The fungus causing the disease invades skin tissues of hibernating bats, resulting in disruption of hibernation behavior, premature energy depletion, and subsequent death. We used whole-genome sequencing to investigate changes in allele frequencies within a population of Myotis lucifugus in eastern North America to search for genetic resistance to WNS. Our results show low F ST values within the population across time, i.e. prior to WNS (Pre-WNS) compared to the population that has survived WNS (Post-WNS). However, when dividing the population with a geographical cut-off between the states of Pennsylvania and New York, a sharp increase in values on scaffold GL429776 is evident in the Post-WNS samples. Genes present in the diverged area are associated with thermoregulation and promotion of brown fat production. Thus, although WNS may not have subjected the entire M. lucifugus population to selective pressure, it may have selected for specific alleles in Pennsylvania through decreased gene flow within the population. However, the persistence of remnant sub-populations in the aftermath of WNS is likely due to multiple factors in bat life history.
| Item Type: | Preprint |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 31 Biological Sciences, 3105 Genetics, Human Genome, Genetics, Infectious Diseases, Biotechnology, Clinical Research, 3 Good Health and Well Being |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 27 May 2022 08:06 |
| Last Modified: | 08 Nov 2025 13:17 |
| DOI: | 10.1101/764647 |
| Open Access URL: | https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/764647v9 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3155567 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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