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Population demographic history and adaptability of the vulnerable Lolokou Sucker Frog

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Abstract

Amphibians are experiencing worldwide declines due to increasing anthropogenetic disturbances. However, the genetic variability and hence adaptability are still unknown for most frogs. We integrated the mitochondrial (ND2 gene), nuclear (TYR gene) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci, to clarify the demographic patterns and immune-gene diversity of the Lolokou Sucker Frog (Amolops loloensis). Demographic analysis of the ND2 and TYR genes suggested that the Lolokou Sucker Frog experienced a population expansion within the last 10,000 years. High MHC diversity was detected, which has likely resulted from positive selection, indicating the current diversity bodes well for the species’ adaptive potential to pathogenic challenges. These findings broaden our knowledge on the population history and evolution adaptation of the reclusive torrent frog, and conservation implications are provided.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Resources Survey and Monitoring Project of Mabian Dafengding National Nature Reserve (201402024-274). Great thanks to passed away professor Zhihua Guo for his support for the work, and this work was specially in memory of him who contributed all his life in pursuing the truth. We also thank Dr. Elen Peres for providing valuable comments on data processing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Wetland Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China

    Minghao Gong, Huixin Li, Wanyu Wen & Gang Liu

  2. Forensics & Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, 7K9J 7B8, Canada

    Aaron B. A. Shafer

  3. College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China

    Xiaolong Hu

  4. Mabian Dafengding National Nature Reserve, Sichuan, 614600, China

    Yaohua Huang & Ye Wu

  5. China Wildlife Conservation Association, Beijing, 100714, China

    Ling Zhang

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  1. Minghao Gong
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  4. Yaohua Huang
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  5. Ling Zhang
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Correspondence to Gang Liu.

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Nucleotide sequence accession numbers

Nucleotide sequences for the new identifications, characterizations, and sequences in this article have been deposited in GenBank. ND2: KY357476 - KY357479, TYR: KY357480 - KY357486, MHC II DRB exon 2: KY438976 - KY438987.

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Gong, M., Shafer, A.B.A., Hu, X. et al. Population demographic history and adaptability of the vulnerable Lolokou Sucker Frog. Genetica 148, 207–213 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10709-020-00105-3

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