Genome features of "Dark-fly", a Drosophila line reared long-term in a dark environment

PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e33288. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033288. Epub 2012 Mar 14.

Abstract

Organisms are remarkably adapted to diverse environments by specialized metabolisms, morphology, or behaviors. To address the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation, we have utilized a Drosophila melanogaster line, termed "Dark-fly", which has been maintained in constant dark conditions for 57 years (1400 generations). We found that Dark-fly exhibited higher fecundity in dark than in light conditions, indicating that Dark-fly possesses some traits advantageous in darkness. Using next-generation sequencing technology, we determined the whole genome sequence of Dark-fly and identified approximately 220,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 4,700 insertions or deletions (InDels) in the Dark-fly genome compared to the genome of the Oregon-R-S strain, a control strain. 1.8% of SNPs were classified as non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs: i.e., they alter the amino acid sequence of gene products). Among them, we detected 28 nonsense mutations (i.e., they produce a stop codon in the protein sequence) in the Dark-fly genome. These included genes encoding an olfactory receptor and a light receptor. We also searched runs of homozygosity (ROH) regions as putative regions selected during the population history, and found 21 ROH regions in the Dark-fly genome. We identified 241 genes carrying nsSNPs or InDels in the ROH regions. These include a cluster of alpha-esterase genes that are involved in detoxification processes. Furthermore, analysis of structural variants in the Dark-fly genome showed the deletion of a gene related to fatty acid metabolism. Our results revealed unique features of the Dark-fly genome and provided a list of potential candidate genes involved in environmental adaptation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Codon, Nonsense / genetics
  • DNA Copy Number Variations / genetics
  • Darkness*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Environment*
  • Female
  • Fertility / genetics
  • Gene Deletion
  • Genes, Insect / genetics
  • Genome, Insect / genetics*
  • Homozygote
  • INDEL Mutation / genetics
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Survival Analysis
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Codon, Nonsense

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE35418