The Age and Evolution of an Antiviral Resistance Mutation in Drosophila melanogaster
Author Information
Author(s): Jenny Bangham, Darren J Obbard, Kang-Wook Kim, Penelope R Haddrill, Francis M Jiggins
Primary Institution: The University of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
What selective processes underlie the evolution of parasites and their hosts?
Conclusion
The ref(2)P resistance mutation in Drosophila melanogaster is several thousand years old and has increased in frequency due to positive selection.
Supporting Evidence
- A mutation in the ref(2)P gene was found to confer resistance to the sigma virus.
- 19 out of 84 lines with the ref(2)P mutation had the lowest infection rates.
- The resistance mutation is largely recessive, indicating slow initial spread.
Takeaway
A small change in a gene helps fruit flies fight off a virus, and this change has been around for a long time.
Methodology
The study involved resistance assays and sequencing of the ref(2)P gene in various Drosophila melanogaster lines.
Limitations
The study did not control fully for the genetic background of the ref(2)P gene.
Participant Demographics
Drosophila melanogaster lines collected from natural populations in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Gabon, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and The Netherlands.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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