Diversity in the Toll-like receptor genes of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

Immunogenetics. 2015 Mar;67(3):195-201. doi: 10.1007/s00251-014-0823-0. Epub 2015 Jan 7.

Abstract

The Tasmanian devil is an endangered marsupial species that has survived several historical bottlenecks and now has low genetic diversity. Here we characterize the Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes and their diversity in the Tasmanian devil. TLRs are a key innate immune gene family found in all animals. Ten TLR genes were identified in the Tasmanian devil genome. Unusually low levels of diversity were found in 25 devils from across Tasmania. We found two alleles at TLR2, TLR3 and TLR6. The other seven genes were monomorphic. The insurance population, which safeguards the species from extinction, has successfully managed to capture all of these TLR alleles, but concerns remain for the long-term survival of this species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles*
  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Endangered Species
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome*
  • Humans
  • Marsupialia / classification
  • Marsupialia / genetics*
  • Marsupialia / immunology
  • Mice
  • Phylogeny
  • Tasmania
  • Toll-Like Receptors / genetics*
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptors