Mitonuclear Epistasis for Development Time and Its Modification by Diet in Drosophila

• DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.187286
• Publication Date: 2016-03-11T03:18:50Z
• Authors: Jim A Mossman; Leann M Biancani; Chen-Tseh Zhu; David M Rand
• Keywords: Epistasis; Nuclear gene

Mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear genes have to operate in a coordinated manner maintain organismal function, the regulation of this homeostasis presents substantial source potential epistatic (G × G) interactions. How these interactions shape fitness landscape is poorly understood. Here we developed novel mitonuclear epistasis model, using selected strains Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) mitochondrial genomes from within melanogaster D. simulans test hypothesis that mtDNA nDNA influence fitness. In total built 72 genotypes (12 backgrounds 6 haplotypes, with 3 each species) dissect relationship between genotype phenotype. Each was assayed on four food environments. We found considerable variation several phenotypes, including development time egg-to-adult viability, partitioned into genetic (G), environmental (E), higher-order G, G E, E) components. Food type had significant impact also modified epistases, evidencing broad spectrum E across genotypes. Nuclear background effects were substantial, followed by their interaction. The species haplotype negligible phenotypic there no evidence has different male female traits. Our results demonstrate epistases are context dependent, suggesting selective pressure acting may vary environment genotype-specific manner.