Selection on a Subunit of the NURF Chromatin Remodeler Modifies Life History Traits in a Domesticated Strain of Caenorhabditis elegans

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006219
• Publication Date: 2016-07-28T17:57:49Z
• Authors: Edward E. Large; Wen Xu; Yuehui Zhao; Shannon C. Brady; Lijiang Long; Rebecca A. Butcher; Erik C. Andersen; Patrick T. McGrath
• Keywords: Life History Theory; Experimental Evolution

Evolutionary life history theory seeks to explain how reproductive and survival traits are shaped by selection through allocations of an individual's resources competing functions. Although life-history evolve rapidly, little is known about the genetic cellular mechanisms that control couple these tradeoffs. Here, we find two laboratory-adapted strains C. elegans descended from a single common ancestor lived in 1950s have differences number traits, including timing, lifespan, dauer formation, growth rate, offspring number. We identified quantitative trait locus (QTL) large effect controls 24%–75% total variance timing at various timepoints. Using CRISPR/Cas9-induced genome editing, show this QTL due part 60 bp deletion 3' end nurf-1 gene, which orthologous human gene encoding BPTF component NURF chromatin remodeling complex. Besides reproduction, also regulates formation. The fitness consequences environment specific—it increases conditions where it was fixed but decreases alternative laboratory conditions. propose remodeling, acting nurf-1, pleiotropic regulator trade-offs underlying evolution multiple across different species.