Heterogeneous genetic basis of age at maturity in salmonid fishes

• DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.24.220111
• Publication Date: 2020-07-25T09:45:14Z
• Authors: Charles D. Waters; Anthony Clemento; Tutku Aykanat; John Carlos Garza; Kerry A. Naish; Shawn Narum; Craig R. Primmer
• Keywords: Genetic architecture; Trait; Life History Theory

Abstract Understanding the genetic basis of repeated evolution same phenotype across taxa is a fundamental aim in evolutionary biology and has applications to conservation management. However, extent which interspecific life-history trait polymorphisms share pathways remains under-explored. We address this gap by studying key trait, age at maturity, four species Pacific salmon (genus Oncorhynchus ) that exhibit intra- variation – Chinook Salmon, Coho Sockeye Steelhead Trout. tested for associations all between maturity two genome regions, six6 vgll3 , are strongly associated with Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar ). also conducted genome-wide association analysis assess whether additional regions were trait. found be heterogeneous salmonid species. Significant observed species, Steelhead, being particularly strong both sexes p = 4.46×10 −9 after adjusting genomic inflation). no significant detected region any despite its Salmon. discuss possible explanations nature architecture as well implications our findings