ScienceDaily
Your source for the latest research news
Follow Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Subscribe RSS Feeds Newsletters
New:
  • Jellyfish Stinging Cells: Clues to Biodiversity
  • Brain Circuit Helps Hold Information in Mind
  • Scientists Grow Plants in Soil from the Moon
  • Black Hole at the Heart of Our Galaxy Revealed
  • Only 10 Vaquita Porpoises: Can They Survive?
  • Lunar Soil Could Provide for Oxygen and Fuel
  • Extreme Heat Wave: 2021 Western North America
  • Wingless Small Reptile Gave Rise to Pterosaurs
  • Restoring Hearing After Hearing Loss
  • Climate Change: Sparking the Next Pandemic
advertisement
Follow all of ScienceDaily's latest research news and top science headlines!
Science News
from research organizations

1

2

Decreased genetic diversity in immune system could impact endangered toad survival

Date:
April 28, 2022
Source:
North Carolina State University
Summary:
A new study examines immune system diversity in the critically endangered Wyoming toad and finds that genetic bottlenecks could impact a species' ability to respond to new pathogens. The findings could inform captive breeding strategies for endangered animal populations.
Share:
FULL STORY

A new study from North Carolina State University examines immune system diversity in the critically endangered Wyoming toad and finds that genetic bottlenecks could impact a species' ability to respond to new pathogens. The findings could inform captive breeding strategies for endangered animal populations.

advertisement

The Wyoming toad, Anaxyrus baxteri, suffered a severe population decline throughout the latter part of the 20th century due to factors including habitat destruction and fungal infection. The toad was brought into a captive breeding program in the 1990s in order to save the species. Scientists estimate a current wild population of only 400 to 1,500 animals, meaning that the toad is considered critically endangered.

"Population reduction in this species created a genetic bottleneck to begin with, meaning the level of genetic diversity is already very small," says Jeff Yoder, professor of comparative immunology at NC State and co-corresponding author of a paper describing the work. "This is the first study to look specifically at genetic diversity in the immune systems of these toads and how it could impact them as a population."

Yoder, with co-corresponding author Alex Dornburg of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, performed RNA sequencing on immune tissues from three healthy, retired Wyoming toad breeders. Study co-author Michael Stoskopf, who was on the Wyoming Toad Recovery Implementation Team established in 2008, obtained the samples.

"We were focused specifically on sequences encoding toll-like receptors -- TLRs -- and the proteins of the major histocompatibility complex, or MHC, expressed in these tissues," says Kara Carlson, first author of the study and current Ph.D. candidate at NC State. "These sets of genes are major components of the immune system."

TLRs are the first responders of the immune system, and are similar, or well-conserved, between species. The MHC, on the other hand, is a large and diverse group of genes that varies between species and individuals. It can determine why one group is more resistant to a particular pathogen than another.

advertisement

"MHC genes are some of the most rapidly evolving sequences in the genome," Carlson says. "So in a healthy population there's a lot of variety that gets passed along to descendants, enabling the species at large to adapt to different pathogens. However, if disease survivors do so because of their MHC, then that group would have a similar MHC.

"The Wyoming toads that were brought into captivity to save the species were all able to resist the fungus that had decimated the population, but that could mean that their immune diversity is reduced."

The researchers compared the TLR and MHC of the three Wyoming toads to each other, as well as to samples from a common toad and a cane toad. Both the common toad and the cane toad showed more MHC diversity than the Wyoming toad, even though the cane toad underwent a similar genetic bottleneck.

"The small sample size in this study -- which was unavoidable due to the endangered status of the toad -- nevertheless lays an important framework for conservation," Carlson says.

"Amphibians in general don't have as many genomic resources as other organisms," Yoder says. "And captive breeding from a small population further decreases genetic diversity. But while these toads may be better protected against the fungal infection that nearly wiped them out, they may not be equipped to deal with new pathogens down the road."

"While we weren't necessarily surprised by the lack of immunogenic diversity in the Wyoming toad, it does spark an important question," Dornburg says. "How equipped are other species of conservation concern for a battle with an emergent pathogen?"

"By understanding the genetic diversity of the immune system we can inform captive breeding to increase the chance of a species to resist disease in the wild," Yoder adds. "Studies like this one are invaluable for captive breeding practices going forward."

The research appears in Conservation Genetics and was supported by the North Carolina State University Research and Innovation Seed Funding (RISF) Program, the North Carolina State University Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research (CCMTR) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

make a difference: sponsored opportunity

Story Source:

Materials provided by North Carolina State University. Original written by Tracey Peake. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Kara B. Carlson, Dustin J. Wcisel, Hayley D. Ackerman, Jessica Romanet, Emily F. Christiansen, Jennifer N. Niemuth, Christina Williams, Matthew Breen, Michael K. Stoskopf, Alex Dornburg, Jeffrey A. Yoder. Transcriptome annotation reveals minimal immunogenetic diversity among Wyoming toads, Anaxyrus baxteri. Conservation Genetics, 2022; DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01444-8

Cite This Page:

  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago
North Carolina State University. "Decreased genetic diversity in immune system could impact endangered toad survival." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 April 2022. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220428103948.htm>.
North Carolina State University. (2022, April 28). Decreased genetic diversity in immune system could impact endangered toad survival. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 14, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220428103948.htm
North Carolina State University. "Decreased genetic diversity in immune system could impact endangered toad survival." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220428103948.htm (accessed May 14, 2022).

  • RELATED TOPICS
    • Plants & Animals
      • Evolutionary Biology
      • Frogs and Reptiles
      • Endangered Animals
      • Biology
      • New Species
      • Nature
      • Extinction
      • Genetics
advertisement

  • RELATED TERMS
    • Conservation status
    • Zoo
    • Biodiversity
    • Immune system
    • Pathogen
    • Plant sexuality
    • Seahorse
    • Giant Otter
advertisement

Featured Content
from New Scientist

Children's lack of time in nature is 'appalling', says Jane Goodall
May 6, 2022 — The award-winning primatologist tells New Scientist that education programmes must address the disconnect between young people and nature.
How to make sure your houseplants are sustainable
May 4, 2022 — The rise in demand for exotic houseplants is damaging the environment. We need to make sure our gardening is green, writes Beronda L. Montgomery.
These are the five most extreme heatwaves since records began
April 13, 2022 — Two of the world’s five most extreme heatwaves occurred in the US, with the others in South-East Asia, Brazil and Peru.

Visit New Scientist for more global science stories >>>

  Print   Email   Share

advertisement

1

2

3

4

5
Most Popular
this week

PLANTS & ANIMALS
Old Skins Cells Reprogrammed to Regain Youthful Function
Cutting Calories and Eating at the Right Time of Day Leads to Longer Life in Mice
Fecal Transplants Reverse Hallmarks of Aging
EARTH & CLIMATE
Explanation for Formation of Abundant Features on Europa Bodes Well for Search for Extraterrestrial Life
From Seawater to Drinking Water, With the Push of a Button
Climate Change Could Spark the Next Pandemic, New Study Finds
FOSSILS & RUINS
Prehistoric People Created Art by Firelight, New Research Reveals
A New 225-Million-Year-Old Reptile from Brazil
Ancient DNA Gives New Insights Into 'Lost' Indigenous People of Uruguay
advertisement

Strange & Offbeat
 

PLANTS & ANIMALS
Jellyfish's Stinging Cells Hold Clues to Biodiversity
Bacteria With Recording Function Capture Gut Health Status
What Caused This Megatooth Shark's Massive Toothache?
EARTH & CLIMATE
Unusually Fast Beaked Whale Has Special Deep-Sea Hunting Strategy
Spider Can Hide Underwater for 30 Minutes
Rapid Adaptation of Deep Learning Teaches Drones to Survive Any Weather
FOSSILS & RUINS
New Study Indicates Limited Water Circulation Late in the History of Mars
Bali-Like Temperatures in Wyoming? Fossils Reveal Tropically Hot North America 95 Million Years Ago
A New 225-Million-Year-Old Reptile from Brazil
Explore More
from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES

Black Rhino Extinction Risk Sharply Increased by Killing of Specific Female Rhinos
Apr. 13, 2022 — New research has examined data from the Critically Endangered Kenyan black rhino populations which suggest that individuals really matter when assessing the impact of poaching on species' survival ...
More Than the Sum of Their Genes
May 12, 2020 — Reproducing efficiently in captivity is crucial for the survival of many wildlife species, yet reproductive success is often lower than in the wild. Currently, many zoo population management ...
Sea Otters Have Low Genetic Diversity Like Other Threatened Species, Biologists Report
June 18, 2019 — Sea otters have very low genetic diversity, scientists report. Their findings have implications for the conservation of rare and endangered species, in which a lack of genetic diversity can increase ...
Scientific Evaluation of Rhino Diets Improves Zoo
Oct. 26, 2017 — A recent study highlights the ongoing effort of accredited zoos to address challenges and improve the sustainability of endangered species populations in their care. The study evaluated fertility ...
advertisement


SD
  • SD
    • Home Page
    • Top Science News
    • Latest News
  • Home
    • Home Page
    • Top Science News
    • Latest News
  • Health
    • View all the latest top news in the health sciences,
      or browse the topics below:
      Health & Medicine
      • Allergy
      • Alternative Medicine
      • Birth Control
      • Cancer
      • Diabetes
      • Diseases
      • Heart Disease
      • HIV and AIDS
      • Obesity
      • Stem Cells
      • ... more topics
      Mind & Brain
      • ADD and ADHD
      • Addiction
      • Alzheimer's
      • Autism
      • Depression
      • Headaches
      • Intelligence
      • Psychology
      • Relationships
      • Schizophrenia
      • ... more topics
      Living Well
      • Parenting
      • Pregnancy
      • Sexual Health
      • Skin Care
      • Men's Health
      • Women's Health
      • Nutrition
      • Diet and Weight Loss
      • Fitness
      • Healthy Aging
      • ... more topics
  • Tech
    • View all the latest top news in the physical sciences & technology,
      or browse the topics below:
      Matter & Energy
      • Aviation
      • Chemistry
      • Electronics
      • Fossil Fuels
      • Nanotechnology
      • Physics
      • Quantum Physics
      • Solar Energy
      • Technology
      • Wind Energy
      • ... more topics
      Space & Time
      • Astronomy
      • Black Holes
      • Dark Matter
      • Extrasolar Planets
      • Mars
      • Moon
      • Solar System
      • Space Telescopes
      • Stars
      • Sun
      • ... more topics
      Computers & Math
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Communications
      • Computer Science
      • Hacking
      • Mathematics
      • Quantum Computers
      • Robotics
      • Software
      • Video Games
      • Virtual Reality
      • ... more topics
  • Enviro
    • View all the latest top news in the environmental sciences,
      or browse the topics below:
      Plants & Animals
      • Agriculture and Food
      • Animals
      • Biology
      • Biotechnology
      • Endangered Animals
      • Extinction
      • Genetically Modified
      • Microbes and More
      • New Species
      • Zoology
      • ... more topics
      Earth & Climate
      • Climate
      • Earthquakes
      • Environment
      • Geography
      • Geology
      • Global Warming
      • Hurricanes
      • Ozone Holes
      • Pollution
      • Weather
      • ... more topics
      Fossils & Ruins
      • Ancient Civilizations
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • Dinosaurs
      • Early Humans
      • Early Mammals
      • Evolution
      • Lost Treasures
      • Origin of Life
      • Paleontology
      • ... more topics
  • Society
    • View all the latest top news in the social sciences & education,
      or browse the topics below:
      Science & Society
      • Arts & Culture
      • Consumerism
      • Economics
      • Political Science
      • Privacy Issues
      • Public Health
      • Racial Disparity
      • Religion
      • Sports
      • World Development
      • ... more topics
      Business & Industry
      • Biotechnology & Bioengineering
      • Computers & Internet
      • Energy & Resources
      • Engineering
      • Medical Technology
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Transportation
      • ... more topics
      Education & Learning
      • Animal Learning & Intelligence
      • Creativity
      • Educational Psychology
      • Educational Technology
      • Infant & Preschool Learning
      • Learning Disorders
      • STEM Education
      • ... more topics
  • Quirky
    • Top News
    • Human Quirks
    • Odd Creatures
    • Bizarre Things
    • Weird World
Free Subscriptions

Get the latest science news with ScienceDaily's free email newsletters, updated daily and weekly. Or view hourly updated newsfeeds in your RSS reader:

  • Email Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
Follow Us

Keep up to date with the latest news from ScienceDaily via social networks:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
Have Feedback?

Tell us what you think of ScienceDaily -- we welcome both positive and negative comments. Have any problems using the site? Questions?

  • Leave Feedback
  • Contact Us
About This Site  |  Staff  |  Reviews  |  Contribute  |  Advertise  |  Privacy Policy  |  Editorial Policy  |  Terms of Use
Copyright 1995-2022 ScienceDaily or by other parties, where indicated. All rights controlled by their respective owners.
Content on this website is for information only. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice.
Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily, its staff, its contributors, or its partners.
Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs, where indicated.
— CCPA: Do Not Sell My Information — — GDPR: Privacy Settings —