Oncogenesis as a Selective Force: Adaptive Evolution in the Face of a Transmissible Cancer. (15th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russell, Tracey; Madsen, Thomas; Thomas, Frédéric; Raven, Nynke; Hamede, Rodrigo; Ujvari, Beata
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 40:Number 3(2018:Mar.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-02-15
• Subjects: adaptation -- cancer immunotherapy -- devil facial tumour disease -- evolutionary arms‐race -- life history traits -- reproductive strategies -- Tasmanian devil; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700146
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract : Similar to parasites, malignant cells exploit the host for energy, resources and protection, thereby impairing host health and fitness. Although cancer is widespread in the animal kingdom, its impact on life history traits and strategies have rarely been documented. Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), a transmissible cancer, afflicting Tasmanian devils ( Sarcophilus harrisii ), provides an ideal model system to monitor the impact of cancer on host life‐history, and to elucidate the evolutionary arms‐race between malignant cells and their hosts. Here we provide an overview of parasite‐induced host life history (LH) adaptations, then both phenotypic plasticity of LH responses and changes in allele frequencies that affect LH traits of Tasmanian devils in response to DFTD are discussed. We conclude that akin to parasites, cancer can directly and indirectly affect devil LH traits and trigger host evolutionary responses. Consequently, it is important to consider oncogenic processes as a selective force in wildlife. Abstract : Exposure to transmissible cancer cells, i.e., Tasmanian devil facial tumour cells, can cause changes to life history (LH) traits either as the result of phenotypic plasticity in response to exposure during the lifetime of the individual or as the result of evolutionary change in LH traits due to selection over generations. Photo credits: Frédéric Thomas (DFTD), Sarah Peck (running devil), Geordie Jennings (pouch young).