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Complex selection associated with Hox genes in a natural population of lizards

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Author

  • Tonia Schwartz
  • Cecile Perrin
  • Erik Wapstra
  • Tobias Uller
  • Mats Olsson

Summary, in English

Hox genes are recognized for their explanatory power of bilateral development. However, relatively little is known about natural variation in, and the evolutionary dynamics of, Hox genes within wild populations. Utilizing a natural population of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis), we screened HoxA13 for genetic variation and an association with incidence of offspring malformations. We found significant effects of parental genetic similarity and offspring sex, and their interaction, on risk of hatching malformed as an offspring. We also found within population genetic variation in HoxA13, and identified a significant effect of a three-way interaction among Hox genotype, parental genetic similarity, and offspring sex on the risk of hatching malformation. Since malformed offspring in this population do not survive to maturity, this study reveals complex and ongoing selection associated with Hox genes in a wild reptile population. Importantly, this demonstrates the utility of natural populations in unveiling microevolutionary processes shaping variation in highly conserved genes.

Publishing year

2011

Language

English

Pages

2550-2554

Publication/Series

Journal of evolutionary biology

Volume

24

Issue

11

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Topic

  • Biological Sciences

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1420-9101