Genomics reveals introgression and purging of deleterious mutations in the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr)
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Genomics reveals introgression and purging of deleterious mutations in the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr). / Riaño, Gabriel; Fontsere, Claudia; de Manuel, Marc; Talavera, Adrián; Burriel-Carranza, Bernat; Tejero-Cicuéndez, Héctor; AlGethami, Raed Hamoud M.; Shobrak, Mohammed; Marques-Bonet, Tomas; Carranza, Salvador.
bioRxiv, 2022.Research output: Working paper › Preprint › Research
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T1 - Genomics reveals introgression and purging of deleterious mutations in the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr)
AU - Riaño, Gabriel
AU - Fontsere, Claudia
AU - de Manuel, Marc
AU - Talavera, Adrián
AU - Burriel-Carranza, Bernat
AU - Tejero-Cicuéndez, Héctor
AU - AlGethami, Raed Hamoud M.
AU - Shobrak, Mohammed
AU - Marques-Bonet, Tomas
AU - Carranza, Salvador
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Low genetic variation and high levels of inbreeding are usually a consequence of recent population declines in endangered species. From a conservation point of view, it is essential to genetically screen endangered populations to help assess their vulnerability to extinction and to properly create informed management actions towards their conservation efforts. The leopard, Panthera pardus, is a highly generalist predator with currently eight different subspecies inhabiting a wide range of habitats. Yet, genomic data is still lacking for the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr). Here, we sequenced the whole genome of two specimens of Arabian leopard and assembled the most complete genomic dataset for leopards to date, including genomic data for all current subspecies. Our phylogenomic analyses show that leopards are divided into two deeply divergent clades, one including the only African subspecies and a second one including all seven subspecies of Asian leopards. Interestingly, the Arabian leopard represents a well-differentiated lineage sister to the rest of Asian subspecies. The demographic history, genomic diversity, Runs of Homozygosity (RoHs), and mutational load in the Arabian leopard indicate a prolonged population decline, which has led to an increase in inbreeding and RoHs, with consequent purging of deleterious mutations. Our study represents the first attempt to genetically inform captive breeding programs for this Critically Endangered subspecies. Still, more genomes, particularly from wild individuals, are needed to fully characterise the genetic makeup of this singular and iconic subspecies.
AB - Low genetic variation and high levels of inbreeding are usually a consequence of recent population declines in endangered species. From a conservation point of view, it is essential to genetically screen endangered populations to help assess their vulnerability to extinction and to properly create informed management actions towards their conservation efforts. The leopard, Panthera pardus, is a highly generalist predator with currently eight different subspecies inhabiting a wide range of habitats. Yet, genomic data is still lacking for the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr). Here, we sequenced the whole genome of two specimens of Arabian leopard and assembled the most complete genomic dataset for leopards to date, including genomic data for all current subspecies. Our phylogenomic analyses show that leopards are divided into two deeply divergent clades, one including the only African subspecies and a second one including all seven subspecies of Asian leopards. Interestingly, the Arabian leopard represents a well-differentiated lineage sister to the rest of Asian subspecies. The demographic history, genomic diversity, Runs of Homozygosity (RoHs), and mutational load in the Arabian leopard indicate a prolonged population decline, which has led to an increase in inbreeding and RoHs, with consequent purging of deleterious mutations. Our study represents the first attempt to genetically inform captive breeding programs for this Critically Endangered subspecies. Still, more genomes, particularly from wild individuals, are needed to fully characterise the genetic makeup of this singular and iconic subspecies.
U2 - 10.1101/2022.11.08.515636
DO - 10.1101/2022.11.08.515636
M3 - Preprint
BT - Genomics reveals introgression and purging of deleterious mutations in the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr)
PB - bioRxiv
ER -
ID: 339133655