scholarly journals Mutational load, inbreeding depression and heterosis in subdivided populations

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Charlesworth
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Inbreeding Depression ◽  
Population Genomics ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Genetic Load ◽  
Mutation Rates ◽  
Weak Selection ◽  
Empirical Estimates ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Subdivided Populations

AbstractThis paper examines the extent to which empirical estimates of inbreeding depression and inter-population heterosis in subdivided populations, as well as the effects of local population size on mean fitness, can be explained in terms of estimates of mutation rates, and the distribution of selection coefficients against deleterious mutations provided by population genomics data. Using results from population genetics models, numerical predictions of the genetic load, inbreeding depression and heterosis were obtained for a broad range of selection coefficients and mutation rates. The models allowed for the possibility of very high mutation rates per nucleotide site, as is sometimes observed for epiallelic mutations. There was fairly good quantitative agreement between the theoretical predictions and empirical estimates of heterosis and the effects of population size on genetic load, on the assumption that the deleterious mutation rate per individual per generation is approximately one, but there was less good agreement for inbreeding depression. Weak selection, of the order of magnitude suggested by population genomic analyses, is required to explain the observed patterns. Possible caveats concerning the applicability of the models are discussed.

scholarly journals Patterns of Inbreeding Depression and Architecture of the Load in Subdivided Populations

Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 165 (4) ◽  
pp. 2193-2212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvain Glémin ◽  
Joëlle Ronfort ◽  
Thomas Bataillon
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Effective Population Size ◽  
Inbreeding Depression ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Population Subdivision ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Subdivided Populations ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractInbreeding depression is a general phenomenon that is due mainly to recessive deleterious mutations, the so-called mutation load. It has been much studied theoretically. However, until very recently, population structure has not been taken into account, even though it can be an important factor in the evolution of populations. Population subdivision modifies the dynamics of deleterious mutations because the outcome of selection depends on processes both within populations (selection and drift) and between populations (migration). Here, we present a general model that permits us to gain insight into patterns of inbreeding depression, heterosis, and the load in subdivided populations. We show that they can be interpreted with reference to single-population theory, using an appropriate local effective population size that integrates the effects of drift, selection, and migration. We term this the “effective population size of selection” (NeS). For the infinite island model, for example, it is equal to NeS=N(1+m∕hs), where N is the local population size, m the migration rate, and h and s the dominance and selection coefficients of deleterious mutation. Our results have implications for the estimation and interpretation of inbreeding depression in subdivided populations, especially regarding conservation issues. We also discuss the possible effects of migration and subdivision on the evolution of mating systems.

scholarly journals Lethals in subdivided populations

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
SYLVAIN GLÉMIN
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Inbreeding Depression ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Mutation Load ◽  
General Picture ◽  
Analytical Approximations ◽  
Size Population ◽  
Subdivided Populations ◽  
Numerical Approaches

The fate of lethal alleles in populations is of interest in evolutionary and conservation biology for several reasons. For instance, lethals may contribute substantially to inbreeding depression. The frequency of lethal alleles depends on population size, but it is not clear how it is affected by population structure. By analysing the case of the infinite island model by numerical approaches and analytical approximations it is shown that, like population size, population structure affects the fate of lethal alleles if dominance levels are low. Inbreeding depression caused by such alleles is also affected by the population structure, whereas the mutation load is only weakly affected. Heterosis also depends on population structure, but it always remains low, of the order of the mutation rate or less. These patterns are compared with those caused by mildly deleterious mutations to give a general picture of the effect of population structure on inbreeding depression, heterosis, and the mutation load.

scholarly journals Inbreeding depression due to mildly deleterious mutations in finite populations: size does matter

2000 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
THOMAS BATAILLON ◽  
MARK KIRKPATRICK
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Inbreeding Depression ◽  
Deleterious Mutation ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Genetic Load ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Single Locus Analysis ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Inbreeding Rate

We studied the effects of population size on the inbreeding depression and genetic load caused by deleterious mutations at a single locus. Analysis shows how the inbreeding depression decreases as population size becomes smaller and/or the rate of inbreeding increases. This pattern contrasts with that for the load, which increases as population size becomes smaller but decreases as inbreeding rate goes up. The depression and load both approach asymptotic limits when the population size becomes very large or very small. Numerical results show that the transition between the small and the large population regimes is quite rapid, and occurs largely over a range of population sizes that vary by a factor of 10. The effects of drift on inbreeding depression may bias some estimates of the genomic rate of deleterious mutation. These effects could also be important in the evolution of breeding systems in hermaphroditic organisms and in the conservation of endangered populations.

scholarly journals Theoretical study of near neutrality. I. Heterozygosity and rate of mutant substitution.

Genetics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 126 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Ohta ◽  
H Tachida
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Evolution ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Theoretical Study ◽  
Simulation Studies ◽  
Random Genetic Drift ◽  
Time Dependency ◽  
Weak Selection ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Subdivided Populations ◽  
New Mutations

Abstract In order to clarify the nature of "near neutrality" in molecular evolution and polymorphism, extensive simulation studies were performed. Selection coefficients of new mutations are assumed to be small so that both random genetic drift and selection contribute to determining the behavior of mutants. The model also incorporates normally distributed spatial fluctuation of selection coefficients. If the system starts from "average neutrality," it will move to a better adapted state, and most new mutations will become "slightly deleterious." Monte Carlo simulations have indicated that such adaptation is attained, but that the rate of such "progress" is very low for weak selection. In general, the larger the population size, the more effective the selection becomes. Also, as selection becomes weaker, the behavior of the mutants approaches that of completely neutral genes. Thus, the weaker the selection, the smaller is the effect of population size on mutant dynamics. Increase of heterozygosity with population size is very pronounced for subdivided populations. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to various observed facts on molecular evolution and polymorphism, such as generation-time dependency and overdispersion of the molecular clock, or contrasting patterns of DNA and protein polymorphism among some closely related species.

Inferring the genetic basis of inbreeding depression in plants

Genome ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kermit Ritland
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Inbreeding Depression ◽  
Statistical Models ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Genetic Load ◽  
Life Cycle Stage ◽  
Mutation Rates ◽  
Single Cross ◽  
Self Fertilization

Recent progress in the genetic analysis of inbreeding depression in plants is reviewed. While the debate over the importance of genes of dominance versus overdominance effect continues, the scope of inferences has widened and now includes such facets as the interactions between genes, the relative abundance of major versus minor genes, life cycle stage expression, and mutation rates. The types of inferences are classified into the genomic, where many genes are characterized as an average, and the genic, where individual genes are characterized. Genomic inferences can be based upon natural levels of inbreeding depression, purging experiments, the comparison of individuals of differing F (e.g., prior inbreeding), and various crossing designs. Genic inferences mainly involve mapping and characterizing loci with genetic markers, involving either a single cross or, ideally, several crosses. Alternative statistical models for analyzing polymorphic loci causing inbreeding depression should be a fruitful problem for geneticists to pursue. Key words : inbreeding depression, genetic load, self-fertilization, QTL mapping.

scholarly journals Likelihoods and Simulation Methods for a Class of Nonneutral Population Genetics Models

Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 159 (2) ◽  
pp. 853-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Donnelly ◽  
Magnus Nordborg ◽  
Paul Joyce
Keyword(s):  
Population Genetics ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Mutant Allele ◽  
Mutation Rates ◽  
Simulation Methods ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Selection Intensities ◽  
Infinite Alleles Model

Abstract Methods for simulating samples and sample statistics, under mutation-selection-drift equilibrium for a class of nonneutral population genetics models, and for evaluating the likelihood surface, in selection and mutation parameters, are developed and applied for observed data. The methods apply to large populations in settings in which selection is weak, in the sense that selection intensities, like mutation rates, are of the order of the inverse of the population size. General diploid selection is allowed, but the approach is currently restricted to models, such as the infinite alleles model and certain K-models, in which the type of a mutant allele does not depend on the type of its progenitor allele. The simulation methods have considerable advantages over available alternatives. No other methods currently seem practicable for approximating likelihood surfaces.

scholarly journals POPULATION SIZE AND THE NATURE OF GENETIC LOAD IN GENTIANELLA GERMANICA

Evolution ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 2242-2251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Paland ◽  
Bernhard Schmid
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Genetic Load ◽  
Gentianella Germanica
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