Pervasive relaxed selection in termite genomes

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 291(2023)

Published: May 1, 2024

Genetic changes that enabled the evolution of eusociality have long captivated biologists. More recently, attention has focussed on consequences genome evolution. Studies reported higher molecular evolutionary rates in eusocial hymenopteran insects compared with their solitary relatives. To investigate genomic termites, we analysed nine genomes, including newly sequenced genomes from three non-eusocial cockroaches. Using a phylogenomic approach, found termite experienced lower synonymous substitutions than those cockroaches, possibly as result longer generation times. We identified non-synonymous cockroach and pervasive relaxed selection former (24–31% genes analysed) latter (2–4%). infer this is due to reductions effective population size, rather gene-specific effects (e.g. indirect caste-biased genes). no obvious signature increased genetic load postulate efficient purging deleterious alleles at colony level. Additionally, adaptations may underpin caste differentiation, such involved post-translational modifications. Our results provide insights into termites more broadly.

Language: Английский

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The impact of social complexity on the efficacy of natural selection in termites

Peer Community Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4

Published: Oct. 21, 2024

In eusocial species, reproduction is monopolized by a few reproductive individuals.From the perspective of population genetics, this implies that effective size (Ne) these organisms likely to be smaller compared solitary as has been proposed in literature for hymenoptera. study, we investigate genomic consequences eusociality termites (Isoptera) on two different timescales. First, analyzing transcriptome data from 66 Blattodea focus ratio non-synonymous synonymous mutations dN/dS marker natural selection efficiency and size. Our results demonstrate an elevated other members Blattodea, further generalizing idea convergent evolution toward strongly reduces genome-wide selection. Then, comparing 68 termite transcriptomes, show decrease even more pronounced displaying high levels social complexity. This study contributes understanding complex interplay between structures patterns, highlighting genetic footprint shaping termites.

Language: Английский

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Pleistocene sea-level fluctuation shapes archipelago-wide population structure in the Endangered Lord Howe Island cockroachPanesthia lata

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 15, 2024

Abstract Studies of biogeographic processes have often centred islands as model systems, yet questions remain about the role Pleistocene sea-level fluctuations in shaping islands’ biodiversity. One novel, potentially informative system is Lord Howe Island Group Australia. Despite World Heritage status this archipelago, almost nothing known origins, evolutionary distinctiveness or genetic diversity ecological communities across its 28 islands. In study, we focused on cockroach Panesthia lata , an ecologically specialized invertebrate with one broadest recorded distributions any LHIG species. To investigate influence fauna, explored phylogeography P. using single-nucleotide polymorphisms and complete mitochondrial genomes. Our analyses reveal that lineage permanently isolated islet Ball’s Pyramid highly divergent from remaining populations, while those episodically connected Howe, Roach Blackburn Islands experienced gene flow during last glacial period. These results offer first evidence land bridges allowed for overland migration archipelago. Further, although was believed to been locally extirpated by rodents Island, discovered two surviving, relict populations. We also detected high levels inbreeding all emphasizing need ongoing conservation management. Finally, combination shallow structure low suggests rescue another island may be a viable strategy conserve population well other species similarly impacted rodents.

Language: Английский

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Parasites and insects: Aspects of social behavior

Elsevier eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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