Towards the simplification of MHC typing protocols: Targeting classical MHC class II genes in a passerine, the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

被引：25
作者：
Canal D. [1 ]
Alcaide M. [2 ]
Anmarkrud J.A. [3 ]
Potti J. [1 ]
机构：
[1] Estacián Biolágica de Dõana, CSIC, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, 41092 Seville, Av. Américo Vespucio s/n
[2] Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge
[3] National Centre for Biosystematics, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, NO-0318 Oslo
来源：
BMC Research Notes | / 3卷 / 1期
关键词：
Major Histocompatibility Complex; Major Histocompatibility Complex Class; Concerted Evolution; Major Histocompatibility Complex Gene; Pied Flycatcher;
D O I：
10.1186/1756-0500-3-236
中图分类号：
学科分类号：
摘要：
Background. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) has drawn the attention of evolutionary biologists due to its importance in crucial biological processes, such as sexual selection and immune response in jawed vertebrates. However, the characterization of classical MHC genes subjected to the effects of natural selection still remains elusive in many vertebrate groups. Here, we have tested the suitability of flanking intron sequences to guide the selective exploration of classical MHC genes driving the co-evolutionary dynamics between pathogens and their passerine (Aves, Order Passeriformes) hosts. Findings. Intronic sequences flanking the usually polymorphic exon 2 were isolated from different species using primers sitting on conserved coding regions of MHC class II genes ( chain). Taking the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca as an example, we demonstrate that careful primer design can evade non-classical MHC gene and pseudogene amplification. At least four polymorphic and expressed loci were co-replicated using a single pair of primers in five non-related individuals (N = 28 alleles). The cross-amplification and preliminary inspection of similar MHC fragments in eight unrelated songbird taxa suggests that similar approaches can also be applied to other species. Conclusions. Intron sequences flanking the usually polymorphic exon 2 may assist the specific investigation of classical MHC class II B genes in species characterized by extensive gene duplication and pseudogenization. Importantly, the evasion of non-classical MHC genes with a more specific function and non-functional pseudogenes may accelerate data collection and diminish lab costs. Comprehensive knowledge of gene structure, polymorphism and expression profiles may be useful not only for the selective examination of evolutionarily relevant genes but also to restrict chimera formation by minimizing the number of co-amplifying loci. © 2010 Canal et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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