Negative frequency dependent selection on sympatric mtDNA haplotypes in Drosophila subobscura. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arnqvist, Göran; Novičić, Zorana; Castro, José; Sayadi, Ahmed
• Is Part Of: Hereditas. Volume 153:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Balancing selection -- mtDNA -- Life history evolution -- Polymorphism -- Negative frequency dependent selection -- SimuPop; Heredity -- Periodicals; Genetics -- Periodicals; Cytogénétique; Génétique; Hérédité; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 576.5
• DOI: 10.1186/s41065-016-0020-2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0018-0661

Abstract

Abstract Background Recent experimental evidence for selection on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has prompted the question as to what processes act to maintain within-population variation in mtDNA. Balancing selection though negative frequency dependent selection (NFDS) among sympatric haplotypes is a possibility, but direct empirical evidence for this is very scarce. Findings We extend the previous findings of a multi-generation replicated cage experiment inDrosophila subobscura, where mtDNA polymorphism was maintained in a laboratory setting. First, we use a set of Monte Carlo simulations to show that the haplotype frequency dynamics observed are inconsistent with genetic drift alone and most closely match those expected under NFDS. Second, we show that haplotype frequency changes over time were significantly different from those expected under either genetic drift or positive selection but were consistent with those expected under NFSD. Conclusions Collectively, our analyses provide novel support for NFDS on mtDNA haplotypes, suggesting that mtDNA polymorphism may at least in part be maintained by balancing selection also in natural populations. We very briefly discuss the possible mechanisms that might be involved.