Hybrid Songbirds are Deficient in Learning and Memory

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. McQuillan ◽  
Timothy C. Roth ◽  
Alex V. Huynh ◽  
Amber M. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Parental Species ◽  
Spatial Task ◽  
Poecile Atricapillus ◽  
Scatter Hoarding ◽  
Memory Ability ◽  
Poecile Carolinensis ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Postzygotic Reproductive Isolation

AbstractIdentifying the phenotypes underlying postzygotic reproductive isolation is crucial for fully understanding the evolution and maintenance of species. One potential postzygotic isolating barrier that has not yet been examined is learning and memory ability in hybrids. Learning and memory are important fitness-related traits, especially in scatter-hoarding species, where accurate retrieval of hoarded food is vital for winter survival. Here, we test the hypothesis that learning and memory ability can act as a postzygotic isolating barrier by comparing these traits among two scatter-hoarding songbird species, black-capped (Poecile atricapillus), Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), and their naturally occurring hybrids. In an outdoor aviary setting, we find that hybrid chickadees perform significantly worse on an associative learning spatial task and are worse at solving a novel problem compared to both parental species. Deficiencies in learning and memory abilities could therefore contribute to postzygotic reproductive isolation between chickadee species. Given the importance of learning and memory for fitness, our results suggest that these traits may play an important, but as yet overlooked, role in postzygotic reproductive isolation.

scholarly journals Limited intrinsic postzygotic reproductive isolation despite chromosomal rearrangements between closely related sympatric species of small ermine moths (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katerina H Hora ◽  
František Marec ◽  
Peter Roessingh ◽  
Steph B J Menken
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Parental Species ◽  
Meiotic Chromosome ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Hybrid Fitness ◽  
New Host ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Postzygotic Reproductive Isolation

Abstract In evolutionarily young species and sympatric host races of phytophagous insects, postzygotic incompatibility is often not yet fully developed, but reduced fitness of hybrids is thought to facilitate further divergence. However, empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis is limited. To assess the role of reduced hybrid fitness, we studied meiosis and fertility in hybrids of two closely related small ermine moths, Yponomeuta padella and Yponomeuta cagnagella, and determined the extent of intrinsic postzygotic reproductive isolation. We found extensive rearrangements between the karyotypes of the two species and irregularities in meiotic chromosome pairing in their hybrids. The fertility of reciprocal F1 and, surprisingly, also of backcrosses with both parental species was not significantly decreased compared with intraspecific offspring. The results indicate that intrinsic postzygotic reproductive isolation between these closely related species is limited. We conclude that the observed chromosomal rearrangements are probably not the result of an accumulation of postzygotic incompatibilities preventing hybridization. Alternative explanations, such as adaptation to new host plants, are discussed.

scholarly journals Maladaptive learning and memory in hybrids as a reproductive isolating barrier

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1879) ◽  
pp. 20180542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber M. Rice ◽  
Michael A. McQuillan
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Postzygotic Isolation ◽  
Premating Isolation ◽  
Learning Abilities ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Postzygotic Reproductive Isolation ◽  
The Face

Selection against hybrid offspring, or postzygotic reproductive isolation, maintains species boundaries in the face of gene flow from hybridization. In this review, we propose that maladaptive learning and memory in hybrids is an important, but overlooked form of postzygotic reproductive isolation. Although a role for learning in premating isolation has been supported, whether learning deficiencies can contribute to postzygotic isolation has rarely been tested. We argue that the novel genetic combinations created by hybridization have the potential to impact learning and memory abilities through multiple possible mechanisms, and that any displacement from optima in these traits is likely to have fitness consequences. We review evidence supporting the potential for hybridization to affect learning and memory, and evidence of links between learning abilities and fitness. Finally, we suggest several avenues for future research. Given the importance of learning for fitness, especially in novel and unpredictable environments, maladaptive learning and memory in hybrids may be an increasingly important source of postzygotic reproductive isolation.

scholarly journals Limited movement of a hybrid zone in relation to regional variation in magnitude of climate change

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alana Alexander ◽  
Mark Robbins ◽  
Jesse Holmes ◽  
Robert Moyle ◽  
Townsend Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Hybrid Zone ◽  
Parental Species ◽  
Range Shifts ◽  
Hybrid Zones ◽  
Poecile Atricapillus ◽  
Temperature Trends ◽  
Additional Reference ◽  
Western Portion

Hybrid zones can provide clear documentation of range shifts in response to climate change and identify loci important to reproductive isolation. Using a deep temporal (36-38 years) comparison of the black-capped (Poecile atricapillus) and Carolina (P. carolinensis) chickadee hybrid zone, we investigated movement of the under-sampled western portion of the zone (western Missouri) as well as investigating whether loci and pathways underpinning reproductive isolation were similar to those from the eastern portion of the hybrid zone. Using 92 birds sampled along the hybrid zone transect in 2016, 68 birds sampled between 1978 and 1980, and 5 additional reference birds sampled from outside the hybrid zone, we generated 11,669 SNPs via ddRADseq. We used these SNPs to interpolate spatially and assess the movement of the hybrid zone interface through time, and to assess variation in introgression among loci. We demonstrate that the interface has moved approximately 5-8 km to the northwest over the last 36-38 years, i.e., at only one-fifth the rate at which the eastern portion of the hybrid zone (e.g. Pennsylvania, Ohio) has moved. Temperature trends across the last 38 years reveal that eastern areas have warmed 50% more than western areas in terms of annual mean temperature, possibly providing an explanation for the slower movement of the hybrid zone in Missouri. Using genomic cline analyses, we detected four genes that showed restricted introgression in both Missouri and Pennsylvania, including Pnoc, a gene involved in metabolism, learning and memory, concordant with previous physiological and behavioral findings on hybrids and the parental species.

Syringin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via inhibiting neuroinflammation and TLR4 signaling

Perfusion ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 026765912110070
Author(s):  
Yan Liu ◽  
Xuyao Zhu ◽  
Xiuxia Tong ◽  
Ziqiang Tan
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Cerebral Damage ◽  
Memory Ability ◽  
Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Introduction: Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/R) is associated with high mortality and remains a large challenge in the clinic. Syringin is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammation, antioxidant, as well as neuroprotective effects. Nevertheless, whether syringin could protect against CI/R injury and its potential mechanism was still unclear. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham group, syringin group, CI/R group, CI/R + syringin group, and CI/R + syringin + LPS (TLR4 agonist) group. The CI/R injury rat model was established by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The learning and memory ability of rats was estimated by the Morris water maze test. Modified neurological severity score test (mNSS) and infarct volume were detected to assess the neuroprotective effect of syringin. ELISA and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the concentration of proinflammation cytokines and the expression of TLR4. Results: CI/R injury induced increased mNSS scores and decreased learning and memory ability of rats. Syringin could significantly protect against CI/R injury as it decreased the cerebral damage and improved the cognitive ability of CI/R rats. Moreover, syringin also reduced neuroinflammation of CI/R injury rats. Additionally, TLR4 was significantly upregulated in CI/R injury rats, which was suppressed by syringin. The activation of TLR4 reversed the neuroprotective effect of syringin in CI/R rats. Conclusion: Syringin decreased the inflammation reaction and cerebral damage in CI/R injury rats. The neuroprotective effect of syringin may be correlated with the inhibition of TLR4.

scholarly journals Caspase-1/IL-1β represses membrane transport of GluA1 by inhibiting the interaction between Stargazin and GluA1 in Alzheimer’s disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xunhu Gu ◽  
Hanjun Wu ◽  
Yuqin Xie ◽  
Lijun Xu ◽  
Xu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Membrane Transport ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Spatial Learning ◽  
Senile Plaque ◽  
Spatial Learning And Memory ◽  
Memory Ability ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Plaque Deposition

Abstract Background Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease. Previous study has reported that caspase-1/IL-1β is closely associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, the biological role of caspase-1/IL-1β in Alzheimer's disease has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of caspase-1/IL-1β in Alzheimer's disease. Methods Mouse hippocampal neurones were treated with Aβ1-42 to induce Alzheimer's disease cell model. APP/PS1 mice and Aβ1-42-induced hippocampal neurones were treated with AC-YVAD-CMK (caspase-1 inhibitor). Spatial learning and memory ability of mice were detected by morris water maze. Flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, Thioflavin S staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine apoptosis and senile plaque deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and western blot were performed to assess the levels of protein or cytokines. Co-Immunoprecipitation was performed to verify the interaction between Stargazin and GluA1. Results AC-YVAD-CMK treatment improved spatial learning and memory ability and reduced senile plaque deposition of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, AC-YVAD-CMK promoted membrane transport of GluA1 in APP/PS1 mice. In vitro, Aβ1-42-induced hippocampal neurones exhibited an increase in apoptosis and a decrease in the membrane transport of GluA1, which was abolished by AC-YVAD-CMK treatment. In addition, Stargazin interacted with GluA1, which was repressed by caspase-1. Caspase-1/IL-1β inhibited membrane transport of GluA1 by inhibiting the interaction between Stargazin and GluA1. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that caspase-1/IL-1β represses membrane transport of GluA1 by inhibiting the interaction between Stargazin in Alzheimer's disease. Thus, caspase-1/IL-1β may be a target for Alzheimer's disease treatment.

scholarly journals How Can Satellite DNA Divergence Cause Reproductive Isolation? Let Us Count the Chromosomal Ways

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick M. Ferree ◽  
Satyaki Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Heterochromatin Formation ◽  
Interspecies Hybrids ◽  
Postzygotic Reproductive Isolation ◽  
And Function

Satellites are one of the most enigmatic parts of the eukaryotic genome. These highly repetitive, noncoding sequences make up as much as half or more of the genomic content and are known to play essential roles in chromosome segregation during meiosis and mitosis, yet they evolve rapidly between closely related species. Research over the last several decades has revealed that satellite divergence can serve as a formidable reproductive barrier between sibling species. Here we highlight several key studies on Drosophila and other model organisms demonstrating deleterious effects of satellites and their rapid evolution on the structure and function of chromosomes in interspecies hybrids. These studies demonstrate that satellites can impact chromosomes at a number of different developmental stages and through distinct cellular mechanisms, including heterochromatin formation. These findings have important implications for how loci that cause postzygotic reproductive isolation are viewed.

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