Biology subjects

Supple, M. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Supple, M. A..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Recent adaptation in an imperiled salmonid revealed by museum genomics

Steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is an imperiled salmonid with two main life history strategies: migrate to the ocean or remain in freshwater. Domesticated hatchery forms of this species have been stocked into almost all California waterbodies, possibly resulting in introgression into natural populations and altered population structure. We compared whole-genome sequence data from contemporary populations against a set of museum population samples of steelhead from the same locations that were collected prior to most hatchery stocking. We observed minimal introgression and few steelhead-hatchery trout hybrids despite a century of extensive stocking. Our historical data show signals of introgression with a sister species and indications of an early hatchery facility. Finally, we found that migration-associated haplotypes have become less frequent over time, a likely adaptation to decreased opportunities for migration. Since contemporary migration-associated haplotype frequencies have been used to guide species management, we consider this to be a rare example of shifting baseline syndrome that has been validated with historical data. We suggest cautious optimism that a century of hatchery stocking has had minimal impact on California steelhead population genetic structure, but we note that continued shifts in life history may lead to further declines in the ocean-going form of the species.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2019

Depletion of hemoglobin transcripts and long read sequencing improves the transcriptome annotation of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

Transcriptome studies evaluating whole blood and tissues are often confounded by overrepresentation of highly abundant transcripts. These abundant transcripts are problematic as they compete with and prevent the detection of rare RNA transcripts, obscuring their biological importance. This issue is more pronounced when using long-read sequencing technologies for isoform-level transcriptome analysis, as they have relatively lower throughput compared to short-read sequencers. As a result long-read based transcriptome analysis is prohibitively expensive for non-model organisms. While there are off-the-shelf kits available for select model organisms capable of depleting highly abundant transcripts for alpha (HBA) and beta (HBB) hemoglobin, they are unsuitable for non-model organisms. To address this, we have adapted the recent CRISPR/Cas9 based depletion method (Depletion of Abundant Sequences by Hybridization) for long-read full-length cDNA sequencing approaches that we call Long-DASH. Using a recombinant Cas9 protein with appropriate guide RNAs, full-length hemoglobin transcripts can be depleted in-vitro prior to performing any short- and long-read sequencing library preparations. Using this method, we sequenced depleted full-length cDNA in parallel using both our Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) based R2C2 long-read approach, as well as the Illumina short-read based Smart-seq2 approach. To showcase this, we have applied our methods to create an isoform-level transcriptome from whole blood samples derived from three polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Using Long-DASH, we succeeded in depleting hemoglobin transcripts and generated deep Smart-seq2 Illumina datasets and 3.8 million R2C2 full-length cDNA consensus reads. Applying Long-DASH with our isoform identification pipeline, Mandalorion we discovered ~6,000 high-confidence isoforms and a number of novel genes. This indicates there is a high diversity of gene isoforms within Ursus maritimus not yet reported. This reproducible and straightforward approach has not only improved the polar bear transcriptome annotations but will serve as the foundation for future efforts to investigate transcriptional dynamics within the 19 polar bear subpopulations around the Arctic.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2018

Mountain lion genomes provide insights into genetic rescue of inbred populations

Introduction paragraph/AbstractAcross the geographic range of mountain lions, which includes much of North and South America, populations have become increasingly isolated due to human persecution and habitat loss. To explore the genomic consequences of these processes, we assembled a high-quality mountain lion genome and analyzed a panel of resequenced individuals from across their geographic range. We found strong geographical structure and signatures of severe inbreeding in all North American populations. Tracts of homozygosity were rarely shared among populations, suggesting that assisted gene flow would restore local genetic diversity. However, the genome of an admixed Florida panther that descended from a translocated individual from Central America had surprisingly long tracts of homozygosity, indicating that genomic gains from translocation were quickly lost by local inbreeding. Thus, to sustain diversity, genetic rescue will need to occur at regular intervals, through repeated translocations or restoring landscape connectivity. Mountain lions provide a rare opportunity to examine the potential to restore diversity through genetic rescue, and to observe the long-term effects of translocation. Our methods and results provide a framework for genome-wide analyses that can be applied to the management of small and isolated populations.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2017

Landscape genomic prediction for restoration of a Eucalyptus foundation species under climate change

As species face rapid environmental change, we can build resilient populations through restoration projects that incorporate predicted future climates into seed sourcing decisions. Eucalyptus melliodora is a foundation species of a critically endangered community in Australia that is a target for restoration. We examined patterns of genomic and phenotypic variation to make empirical based recommendations for seed sourcing. We examined isolation by distance and isolation by environment, determining gene flow up to 500 km and associations with environmental variables. Climate chamber studies revealed extensive phenotypic variation both within and among sampling sites, but no site-specific differentiation in phenotypic plasticity. Overall our results suggest that seed can be sourced broadly across the landscape, providing ample diversity for adaptation to environmental change. Application of our landscape genomic model to E. melliodora restoration projects can identify genomic variation suitable for predicted future climates, thereby increasing the long term probability of successful restoration.

genomics↗