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SUMMARY:Rapid evolution and a transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils
LOCATION:Anatomy/Zoology Building W118
TZID:America/Denver
DTSTART:20171201T000000
UID:2026-04-22-19-07-12@natsci.colostate.edu
DTSTAMP:20260422T190712
Description:Although cancer rarely acts as an infectious disease\, a recent
 ly emerged transmissible cancer threatens the persistence of Tasmanian dev
 ils (Sarcophilus harrisii). Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) has swept ac
 ross nearly the entire species range\, causing a population decline of 80 
 percent in just 20 years. Using high-throughput genomic sequencing approa
 ches\, we have detected evidence for rapid evolution in response to DFTD a
 s well as a genetic basis for variation in disease-related traits. First\,
  we applied a genome scan approach in three populations for which we have 
 devil samples from both before and after DFTD outbreak\, and we identified
  two genomic regions showing strong signatures of rapid parallel response
  to selection. Both regions contain candidate genes with immune and cancer
 -related functions. We have expanded this list of candidate loci under sel
 ection by targeting regions of the genome across several more independent 
 populations. Further\, we have conducted genome-wide association mapping o
 f disease- related phenotypic traits across several populations. Key trait
 s\, including time of survival with disease and tumor growth rate\, show a
  significant genetic basis and association with a relatively small number 
 of major-effect loci. Our results suggest the presence of standing genetic
  variation that could facilitate the evolution of resistance and/or tolera
 nce to DFTD in devil populations\, providing hope for the persistence of d
 evil populations in the face of this devastating disease.  4:00 pm
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