Evolution of genes involved in feeding preference and metabolic processes in Calliphoridae (Diptera: Calyptratae)

Author(s)

Cardoso, Gisele Antoniazzi ; Tonus Marinho, Marco Antonio ; Monfardini, Raquel Dietsche ; Lima de Azeredo Espin, Ana Maria ; Torres, Tatiana Teixeira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PeerJ; v. 4, OCT 27 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Background. The genotype-phenotype interactions among traits governing feeding preference are of fundamental importance to behavioral genetics and evolutionary biology. The genetic basis of behavioral traits has been explored in different taxa using different approaches. However, the complex nature of the genetic mechanisms undergirding behavior is poorly understood. Here, we present an evolutionary study of candidate genes related to parasitism in Calliphoridae (Diptera: Calyptratae). Closely related species in this family exhibit distinct larval feeding habits, most notably necrosaprophagy and obligate parasitism. Methods. To understand the genetic and molecular bases underlying these habits, expression levels of eight candidate genes for feeding behavior-Cyp6g2, foraging, glutamate dehydrogenase, Jonah65aiv, Malvolio, PGRP-SC2, RPS6-p70-protein kinase, and smooth-were measured in four species using qPCR. Moreover we used expression values and sequence information to reconstruct the relationship among species and the d(N)/d(S) rate to infer possible sites under selection. Results. For most candidate genes, no statistically significant differences were observed, indicating a high degree of conservation in expression. However, Malvolio was differentially expressed between habits. Evolutionary analyses based on transcript levels and nucleotide sequences of Malvolio coding region suggest that transcript levels were correlated to feeding habit preferences among species, although deviations under a strictly neutral model were also observed in statistical tests. Discussion. Malvolio was the only gene demonstrating a possible connection to feeding habit. Differences in gene expression may be involved in (or be a result of) the genetic regulation of Calliphoridae feeding habit. Our results are the first steps towards understanding the genetic basis and evolution of feeding behavior in Calliphoridae using a functional approach. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/19987-7 - Sequencing and comparative analysis of genes involved in feeding preference in the Calliphoridae family (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
• Grantee: Raquel Dietsche Monfardini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 14/13933-8 - Evolution of feeding preference in the Calliphoridae family
• Grantee: Tatiana Teixeira Torres
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/23200-2 - Molecular phylogenetics of Mesembrinellidae (Diptera: Oestroidea): inference of among-genera and among-species relationships, divergence time estimations and biogeographical aspects
• Grantee: Marco Antonio Tonus Marinho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 09/13463-3 - Expression analysis of genes involved in feeding behavior in a filogenetic framework: a case study in the Calliphoridae family
• Grantee: Gisele Antoniazzi Cardoso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 14/01600-4 - Evolution of global gene expression in the family Calliphoridae
• Grantee: Gisele Antoniazzi Cardoso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate