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Bridgett M. vonHoldt is Associate Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. She received a B.S. in Psychology, Eckerd College (2002), an M.S. in Biology, New York University (2004), and a Ph.D. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles (2010). She was a post-doctoral scholar at UC Irvine in Evolution and Epigenetics and at UCLA in Epigenomics and Bioinformatics. She studies evolutionary genomics, ancestry inference, domestication, canid evolution, regulatory variation, genomics, and conservation genomics. Memberships include Dog10K Genomes Consortium, Red Wolf Workshop, American Genetic Association, and the Morris Animal Foundation Wildlife Scientific Advisory Board.
There is arguably no other North American species that better illustrates the complexities of the human-wildlife interface than the coyote. In this study, a melanistic coyote in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia was exhibiting unusually bold behaviors that included encounters with humans, domestic dogs, and attempts to enter homes. After tracking this coyote (nicknamed Carmine) across a highly urbanized landscape with participatory science, including at least 80 publicly reported sightings, he was captured and relocated to a wildlife sanctuary. Genome-wide analyses revealed 92.8% coyote ancestry, 1.7% gray wolf ancestry, and 5.5% domestic dog ancestry. The dog alleles in Carmine’s genome were estimated to have been acquired by his ancestors 14–29 years ago. Despite his bold behavior, Carmine did not carry any mutations known to shape hypersociability in canines. He did, however, carry a single copy of the dominant mutation responsible for his melanistic coat color. This detailed study of Carmine dispels common assumptions about the reticent coyote personality and the origins of behavior. His unusual bold behavior created a higher level of human-coyote interaction. He now serves as a public ambassador for human-wildlife coexistence, urging the global community to reconsider mythologies about wildlife and promote coexistence with them in landscapes significantly altered by human activity in our rapidly changing world.
Christopher B. Mowry; Lawrence A. Wilson; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Interface of Human/Wildlife Interactions: An Example of a Bold Coyote (Canis latrans) in Atlanta, GA, USA. Diversity 2021, 13, 372 .
AMA StyleChristopher B. Mowry, Lawrence A. Wilson, Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Interface of Human/Wildlife Interactions: An Example of a Bold Coyote (Canis latrans) in Atlanta, GA, USA. Diversity. 2021; 13 (8):372.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristopher B. Mowry; Lawrence A. Wilson; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. 2021. "Interface of Human/Wildlife Interactions: An Example of a Bold Coyote (Canis latrans) in Atlanta, GA, USA." Diversity 13, no. 8: 372.
Studies in rodents and captive primates suggest that the early-life social environment affects future phenotype, potentially through alterations to DNA methylation. Little is known of these associations in wild animals. In a wild population of spotted hyenas, we test the hypothesis that maternal care during the first year of life and social connectedness during two periods of early development leads to differences in DNA methylation and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) later in life. Here we report that although maternal care and social connectedness during the den-dependent life stage are not associated with fGCMs, greater social connectedness during the subadult den-independent life stage is associated with lower adult fGCMs. Additionally, more maternal care and social connectedness after den independence correspond with higher global (%CCGG) DNA methylation. We also note differential DNA methylation near 5 genes involved in inflammation, immune response, and aging that may link maternal care with stress phenotype.
Zachary M. Laubach; Julia R. Greenberg; Julie W. Turner; Tracy M. Montgomery; Malit O. Pioon; Maggie A. Sawdy; Laura Smale; Raymond G. Cavalcante; Karthik R. Padmanabhan; Claudia Lalancette; Bridgett Vonholdt; Christopher D. Faulk; Dana C. Dolinoy; Kay E. Holekamp; Wei Perng. Early-life social experience affects offspring DNA methylation and later life stress phenotype. Nature Communications 2021, 12, 1 -15.
AMA StyleZachary M. Laubach, Julia R. Greenberg, Julie W. Turner, Tracy M. Montgomery, Malit O. Pioon, Maggie A. Sawdy, Laura Smale, Raymond G. Cavalcante, Karthik R. Padmanabhan, Claudia Lalancette, Bridgett Vonholdt, Christopher D. Faulk, Dana C. Dolinoy, Kay E. Holekamp, Wei Perng. Early-life social experience affects offspring DNA methylation and later life stress phenotype. Nature Communications. 2021; 12 (1):1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZachary M. Laubach; Julia R. Greenberg; Julie W. Turner; Tracy M. Montgomery; Malit O. Pioon; Maggie A. Sawdy; Laura Smale; Raymond G. Cavalcante; Karthik R. Padmanabhan; Claudia Lalancette; Bridgett Vonholdt; Christopher D. Faulk; Dana C. Dolinoy; Kay E. Holekamp; Wei Perng. 2021. "Early-life social experience affects offspring DNA methylation and later life stress phenotype." Nature Communications 12, no. 1: 1-15.
The endangered Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is known to carry exceedingly low levels of genetic diversity. This could be i) the result of long-term evolutionary patterns as they exist at the southernmost limit of the species distribution at a relatively reduced effective size, or ii) due to rapid population decline caused by human persecution over the last century. If the former, purifying selection is expected to have minimized the impact of inbreeding. If the latter, rapid and recent declines in genetic diversity may have resulted in severe fitness consequences. To differentiate these hypotheses, we conducted comparative whole-genome analyses of five historical Mexican wolves (1907-1917) and 18 contemporary Mexican and gray wolves from North America and Eurasia. Based on whole-genome data, historical and modern Mexican wolves together form a discrete unit. Moreover, we find that modern Mexican wolves have reduced genetic diversity relative to the historical population, which was widespread across the southwestern United States, and not restricted to Mexico as previously assumed. Finally, although Mexican wolves have evolved in sympatry with coyotes (C. latrans), we observed lower introgression between historical Mexican wolves and coyotes than with modern Mexican wolves, despite similarities in body size. These data show that recent population declines likely caused the reduced level of genetic diversity, but not the differentiation of the Mexican wolves from other North American wolves.
Ulrike H Taron; Isabel Salado; Mariana Escobar‐Rodríguez; Michael V Westbury; Susanne Butschkau; Johanna LA Paijmans; Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Michael Hofreiter; Jennifer A Leonard. A sliver of the past: the decimation of the genetic diversity of the Mexican wolf. Molecular Ecology 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleUlrike H Taron, Isabel Salado, Mariana Escobar‐Rodríguez, Michael V Westbury, Susanne Butschkau, Johanna LA Paijmans, Bridgett M. Vonholdt, Michael Hofreiter, Jennifer A Leonard. A sliver of the past: the decimation of the genetic diversity of the Mexican wolf. Molecular Ecology. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleUlrike H Taron; Isabel Salado; Mariana Escobar‐Rodríguez; Michael V Westbury; Susanne Butschkau; Johanna LA Paijmans; Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Michael Hofreiter; Jennifer A Leonard. 2021. "A sliver of the past: the decimation of the genetic diversity of the Mexican wolf." Molecular Ecology , no. : 1.
In North American gray wolves, black coat color is dominantly inherited via a 3 base pair coding deletion in the canine beta defensin 3 (CBD103) gene. This 3 base pair deletion, called the KB allele, was introduced through hybridization with dogs and subsequently underwent a selective sweep that increased its frequency in wild wolves. Despite apparent positive selection, KBB wolves have lower fitness than wolves with the KyB genotype, even though the 2 genotypes show no observable differences in black coat color. Thus, the KB allele is thought to have pleiotropic effects on as-yet unknown phenotypes. Given the role of skin-expressed CBD103 in innate immunity, we hypothesized that the KB allele influences the keratinocyte gene expression response to TLR3 pathway stimulation and/or infection by canine distemper virus (CDV). To test this hypothesis, we developed a panel of primary epidermal keratinocyte cell cultures from 24 wild North American gray wolves of both Kyy and KyB genotypes. In addition, we generated an immortalized Kyy line and used CRISPR/Cas9 editing to produce a KyB line on the same genetic background. We assessed the transcriptome-wide responses of wolf keratinocytes to the TLR3 agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyI:C), and to live CDV. K locus genotype did not predict the transcriptional response to either challenge, suggesting that variation in the gene expression response does not explain pleiotropic effects of the KB allele on fitness. This study supports the feasibility of using cell culture methods to investigate the phenotypic effects of naturally occurring genetic variation in wild mammals.
Rachel A Johnston; James G Rheinwald; Bridgett M Vonholdt; Daniel R Stahler; William Lowry; Jenny Tung; Robert K Wayne. K Locus Effects in Gray Wolves: Experimental Assessment of TLR3 Signaling and the Gene Expression Response to Canine Distemper Virus. Journal of Urban Health 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleRachel A Johnston, James G Rheinwald, Bridgett M Vonholdt, Daniel R Stahler, William Lowry, Jenny Tung, Robert K Wayne. K Locus Effects in Gray Wolves: Experimental Assessment of TLR3 Signaling and the Gene Expression Response to Canine Distemper Virus. Journal of Urban Health. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRachel A Johnston; James G Rheinwald; Bridgett M Vonholdt; Daniel R Stahler; William Lowry; Jenny Tung; Robert K Wayne. 2021. "K Locus Effects in Gray Wolves: Experimental Assessment of TLR3 Signaling and the Gene Expression Response to Canine Distemper Virus." Journal of Urban Health , no. : 1.
Environmental change, such as increased rates of urbanization, can induce shifts in phenotypic plasticity with some individuals adapting to city life while others are displaced. A key trait that can facilitate adaptation is the degree at which animals respond to stress. This stress response has a heritable component and exhibits intra- and inter-individual variation. However, the mechanisms behind this variability and whether they might be responsible for adaptation to different environments are not known. Variation in DNA methylation can be a potential mechanism that mediates environmental effects on the stress response. We used an inter- and intra-environmental cross-foster experiment to analyze the contribution of DNA methylation to early-life phenotypic variation. We found that at hatching, urban house wren (Troglodytes aedon) offspring had increased methylation as compared to their rural counterparts, and observed plasticity in methylation as offspring aged, indicating developmental effects of the rearing environment on methylation. Differential methylation analyses showed that cellular respiration genes were differentially expressed at hatching and behavioral and metabolism genes were differentially expressed at fledgling. Lastly, hyper-methylation of a single gene (CNTNAP2) is associated with increased glucocorticoid levels. These differential methylation patterns linked to a specific physiological phenotype suggest that DNA methylation may be a mechanism by which individuals adapt to novel environments. Characterizing genetic and environmental influences on methylation is critical for understanding the role of epigenetic mechanisms in evolutionary adaptation.
Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Rebecca Y. Kartzinel; Kees van Oers; Koen J.F. Verhoeven; Jenny Ouyang. Reorganization of molecular networks associated with DNA methylation and changes in the rearing environments of the house wren (Troglodytes aedon). 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleBridgett M. Vonholdt, Rebecca Y. Kartzinel, Kees van Oers, Koen J.F. Verhoeven, Jenny Ouyang. Reorganization of molecular networks associated with DNA methylation and changes in the rearing environments of the house wren (Troglodytes aedon). . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBridgett M. Vonholdt; Rebecca Y. Kartzinel; Kees van Oers; Koen J.F. Verhoeven; Jenny Ouyang. 2021. "Reorganization of molecular networks associated with DNA methylation and changes in the rearing environments of the house wren (Troglodytes aedon)." , no. : 1.
Admixture and introgression play a critical role in adaptation and genetic rescue that has only recently gained a deeper appreciation. Here, we explored the geographic and genomic landscape of cryptic ancestry of the endangered red wolf that persists within the genome of a ubiquitous sister taxon, the coyote, all the while the red wolf has been extinct in the wild since the early 1980s. We assessed admixture across 102,621 SNP loci genotyped in 293 canid genomes. We found support for increased red wolf ancestry along an east-to-west gradient across the southern United States that was associated with historical admixture in the past 100 years. Southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas, the geographic zone where the last red wolves were known prior to their extinction in the wild, contained the highest and oldest levels of red wolf ancestry. X-linked regions of low recombination rates were depleted of introgression, relative to the autosomes, suggestive of the large X effect and enrichment with loci involved in maintaining reproductive isolation. Recombination rate was positively correlated with red wolf ancestry across coyote genomes, consistent with theoretical predictions. The geographic and genomic extent of cryptic red wolf ancestry can provide novel and variable genomic resources for the survival of the endangered red wolf.
Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Kristin E. Brzeski; Matthew L. Aardema; Christopher Schell; Linda Y. Rutledge; Steven R. Fain; Amy Shutt; Anna Linderholm; William J. Murphy. Persistence and expansion of cryptic endangered red wolf genomic ancestry along the American Gulf coast. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleBridgett M. Vonholdt, Kristin E. Brzeski, Matthew L. Aardema, Christopher Schell, Linda Y. Rutledge, Steven R. Fain, Amy Shutt, Anna Linderholm, William J. Murphy. Persistence and expansion of cryptic endangered red wolf genomic ancestry along the American Gulf coast. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBridgett M. Vonholdt; Kristin E. Brzeski; Matthew L. Aardema; Christopher Schell; Linda Y. Rutledge; Steven R. Fain; Amy Shutt; Anna Linderholm; William J. Murphy. 2021. "Persistence and expansion of cryptic endangered red wolf genomic ancestry along the American Gulf coast." , no. : 1.
In North American gray wolves, black coat color is dominantly inherited via a three base pair coding deletion in the canine beta defensin 3 (CBD103) gene. This three base pair deletion, called the KB allele, was introduced through hybridization with dogs and subsequently underwent a selective sweep that increased its frequency in wild wolves. Despite apparent positive selection, KBB wolves have significantly lower fitness than wolves with the KyB genotype, even though the two genotypes show no observable differences in black coat color. Thus, the KB allele is thought to have pleiotropic effects on as-yet unknown phenotypes. Given the role of skin-expressed CBD103 in innate immunity, we hypothesized that the KB allele influences the gene regulatory response to viral infection. To test this hypothesis, we developed a panel of primary epidermal keratinocyte cell cultures from 24 wild North American gray wolves (both Kyy and KyB genotypes) and generated immortalized Kyy and CBD103 knockout lines. We assessed the transcriptome-wide responses of wolf keratinocytes to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyI:C), which mimics infection by a double-stranded RNA virus, and to live canine distemper virus. Keratinocytes with the KyB genotype and with the Kyy genotype had similar gene regulatory responses to viral infection, suggesting that this response does not explain pleiotropic effects of the KB allele on fitness. This study supports the feasibility of using cell culture methods to investigate the phenotypic effects of naturally occurring genetic variation in wild mammals.
Rachel A. Johnston; James G. Rheinwald; Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Daniel R. Stahler; William Lowry; Jenny Tung; Robert K. Wayne. Experimental assessment of K locus effects on the gray wolf response to virus. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleRachel A. Johnston, James G. Rheinwald, Bridgett M. Vonholdt, Daniel R. Stahler, William Lowry, Jenny Tung, Robert K. Wayne. Experimental assessment of K locus effects on the gray wolf response to virus. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRachel A. Johnston; James G. Rheinwald; Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Daniel R. Stahler; William Lowry; Jenny Tung; Robert K. Wayne. 2020. "Experimental assessment of K locus effects on the gray wolf response to virus." , no. : 1.
Pleistocene climate change impacted entire ecosystems throughout the world. In the northern hemisphere, the distribution of Arctic species expanded during glacial periods, while more temperate and mesic species contracted into climatic refugia, where isolation drove genetic divergence. Cycles of local cooling and warming in the Sahara region of northern Africa caused repeated contractions and expansions of savannah‐like environments which connected mesic species isolated in refugia during interglacial times, possibly driving population expansions and contractions; divergence and geneflow in the associated fauna. Here, we use whole genome sequences of African golden wolves (Canis lupaster), a generalist mesopredator with a wide distribution in northern Africa to estimate their demographic history and past episodes of geneflow. We detect a correlation between divergence times and cycles of increased aridity‐associated Pleistocene glacial cycles. A complex demographic history with responses to local climate change in different lineages was found, including a relict lineage north of the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco that has been isolated for more than 18,000 years, possibly a distinct ecotype.
Carlos Sarabia; Bridgett Vonholdt; Juan C. Larrasoaña; Vicente Uríos; Jennifer A. Leonard. Pleistocene climate fluctuations drove demographic history of African golden wolves (Canis lupaster). Molecular Ecology 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleCarlos Sarabia, Bridgett Vonholdt, Juan C. Larrasoaña, Vicente Uríos, Jennifer A. Leonard. Pleistocene climate fluctuations drove demographic history of African golden wolves (Canis lupaster). Molecular Ecology. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlos Sarabia; Bridgett Vonholdt; Juan C. Larrasoaña; Vicente Uríos; Jennifer A. Leonard. 2020. "Pleistocene climate fluctuations drove demographic history of African golden wolves (Canis lupaster)." Molecular Ecology , no. : 1.
Recent advances in genomics have increased our understanding of geographic patterns of intraspecific variation and the importance of this variation in enhancing species’ potential to adapt to novel threats. However, as part of an effort to limit the scope of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the US government has proposed the removal of the gray wolf from the list of protected species on the basis of a claim that the statute permits a species to be declared recovered given the existence of a single presently secure population. We rebut this interpretation and propose a framework for the conservation of adaptive potential that builds on current agency practice in delineating subspecific recovery units and reconciles the definition of significance in the statute's “distinct population segment” and “significant portion of range” clauses. Such a coordinated policy would enhance the ESA's effectiveness in stemming loss of biodiversity in the face of climate change and other factors altering Earth's ecosystems.
Carlos Carroll; Daniel J Rohlf; Bridgett M Vonholdt; Adrian Treves; Sarah A Hendricks. Wolf Delisting Challenges Demonstrate Need for an Improved Framework for Conserving Intraspecific Variation under the Endangered Species Act. BioScience 2020, 71, 73 -84.
AMA StyleCarlos Carroll, Daniel J Rohlf, Bridgett M Vonholdt, Adrian Treves, Sarah A Hendricks. Wolf Delisting Challenges Demonstrate Need for an Improved Framework for Conserving Intraspecific Variation under the Endangered Species Act. BioScience. 2020; 71 (1):73-84.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlos Carroll; Daniel J Rohlf; Bridgett M Vonholdt; Adrian Treves; Sarah A Hendricks. 2020. "Wolf Delisting Challenges Demonstrate Need for an Improved Framework for Conserving Intraspecific Variation under the Endangered Species Act." BioScience 71, no. 1: 73-84.
Population genetic theory posits that molecular variation buffers against disease risk. Although this “monoculture effect” is well supported in agricultural settings, its applicability to wildlife populations remains in question. In the present study, we examined the genomics underlying individual‐level disease severity and population‐level consequences of sarcoptic mange infection in a wild population of canids. Using gray wolves (Canis lupus) reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park (YNP) as our focal system, we leveraged 25 years of observational data and biobanked blood and tissue to genotype 76,859 loci in over 400 wolves. At the individual level, we reported an inverse relationship between host genomic variation and infection severity. We additionally identified 410 loci significantly associated with mange severity, with annotations related to inflammation, immunity, and skin barrier integrity and disorders. We contextualized results within environmental, demographic, and behavioral variables, and confirmed that genetic variation was predictive of infection severity. At the population level, we reported decreased genome‐wide variation since the initial gray wolf reintroduction event and identified evidence of selection acting against alleles associated with mange infection severity. We concluded that genomic variation plays an important role in disease severity in YNP wolves. This role scales from individual to population levels, and includes patterns of genome‐wide variation in support of the monoculture effect and specific loci associated with the complex mange phenotype. Results yielded system‐specific insights, while also highlighting the relevance of genomic analyses to wildlife disease ecology, evolution, and conservation.
Alexandra L. DeCandia; Edward C. Schrom; Ellen E. Brandell; Daniel R. Stahler; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Sarcoptic mange severity is associated with reduced genomic variation and evidence of selection in Yellowstone National Park wolves ( Canis lupus ). Evolutionary Applications 2020, 14, 429 -445.
AMA StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia, Edward C. Schrom, Ellen E. Brandell, Daniel R. Stahler, Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Sarcoptic mange severity is associated with reduced genomic variation and evidence of selection in Yellowstone National Park wolves ( Canis lupus ). Evolutionary Applications. 2020; 14 (2):429-445.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia; Edward C. Schrom; Ellen E. Brandell; Daniel R. Stahler; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. 2020. "Sarcoptic mange severity is associated with reduced genomic variation and evidence of selection in Yellowstone National Park wolves ( Canis lupus )." Evolutionary Applications 14, no. 2: 429-445.
The red wolf (Canis rufus), a legally recognized and critically endangered wolf, is known to interbreed with coyotes (Canis latrans). Declared extirpated in the wild in 1980, red wolves were reintroduced to northeastern North Carolina nearly a decade later. Interbreeding with coyotes was thought to be restricted to a narrow geographic region adjacent to the reintroduced population and largely believed to threaten red wolf recovery. However, red wolf ancestry was recently discovered in canids along the American Gulf Coast, igniting a broader survey of ancestry in southeastern canid populations. Here, we examine geographic and temporal patterns of genome-wide red wolf ancestry in 260 canids across the southeastern United States at over 164 000 SNP loci. We found that red wolf ancestry was most prevalent in canids sampled from Texas in the mid-1970s, although non-trivial amounts of red wolf ancestry persist in this region today. Further, red wolf ancestry was also observed in a subset of coyotes inhabiting North Carolina, despite management efforts to limit the occurrence of hybridization events. Lastly, we found no evidence of substantial red wolf ancestry in southeastern canids outside of these 2 admixture zones. Overall, this study provides a genome-wide survey of red wolf ancestry in canids across the southeastern United States, which may ultimately inform future red wolf restoration efforts.
Elizabeth Heppenheimer; Kristin E Brzeski; Joseph W Hinton; Michael J Chamberlain; Jacqueline Robinson; Robert K Wayne; Bridgett M Vonholdt. A Genome-Wide Perspective on the Persistence of Red Wolf Ancestry in Southeastern Canids. Journal of Urban Health 2020, 111, 277 -286.
AMA StyleElizabeth Heppenheimer, Kristin E Brzeski, Joseph W Hinton, Michael J Chamberlain, Jacqueline Robinson, Robert K Wayne, Bridgett M Vonholdt. A Genome-Wide Perspective on the Persistence of Red Wolf Ancestry in Southeastern Canids. Journal of Urban Health. 2020; 111 (3):277-286.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElizabeth Heppenheimer; Kristin E Brzeski; Joseph W Hinton; Michael J Chamberlain; Jacqueline Robinson; Robert K Wayne; Bridgett M Vonholdt. 2020. "A Genome-Wide Perspective on the Persistence of Red Wolf Ancestry in Southeastern Canids." Journal of Urban Health 111, no. 3: 277-286.
This bibliography provides a collection of references that documents the evolution of studies evidencing interbreeding among Canis species in North America. Over the past several decades, advances in biology and genomic technology greatly improved our ability to detect and characterize species interbreeding, which has significance for understanding species in a changing landscape as well as for endangered species management. This bibliography includes a discussion within each category of interbreeding, the timeline of developing evidence, and includes a review of past research conducted on experimental crosses. Research conducted in the early 20th century is rich with detailed records and photographs of hybrid offspring development and behavior. With the progression of molecular methods, studies can estimate historical demographic parameters and detect chromosomal patterns of ancestry. As these methods continue to increase in accessibility, the field will gain a deeper and richer understanding of the evolutionary history of North American Canis.
Bridgett M Vonholdt; Matthew L Aardema. Updating the Bibliography of Interbreeding among Canis in North America. Journal of Urban Health 2020, 111, 249 -262.
AMA StyleBridgett M Vonholdt, Matthew L Aardema. Updating the Bibliography of Interbreeding among Canis in North America. Journal of Urban Health. 2020; 111 (3):249-262.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBridgett M Vonholdt; Matthew L Aardema. 2020. "Updating the Bibliography of Interbreeding among Canis in North America." Journal of Urban Health 111, no. 3: 249-262.
Background Within the Culex pipiens mosquito complex, there are six contemporarily recognized taxa: Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. pipiens f. pipiens, Cx. pipiens f. molestus, Cx. pipiens pallens, Cx. australicus and Cx. globocoxitus. Many phylogenetic aspects within this complex have eluded resolution, such as the relationship of the two Australian endemic taxa to the other four members, as well as the evolutionary origins and taxonomic status of Cx. pipiens pallens and Cx. pipiens f. molestus. Ultimately, insights into lineage relationships within the complex will facilitate a better understanding of differential disease transmission by these mosquitoes. To this end, we have combined publicly available data with our own sequencing efforts to examine these questions. Results We found that the two Australian endemic complex members, Cx. australicus and Cx. globocoxitus, comprise a monophyletic group, are genetically distinct, and are most closely related to the cosmopolitan Cx. quinquefasciatus. Our results also show that Cx. pipiens pallens is genetically distinct, but may have arisen from past hybridization. Lastly, we observed complicated patterns of genetic differentiation within and between Cx. pipiens f. pipiens and Cx. pipiens f. molestus. Conclusions Two Australian endemic Culex taxa, Cx. australicus and Cx. globocoxitus, belong within the Cx. pipiens complex, but have a relatively older evolutionary origin. They likely diverged from Cx. quinquefasciatus after its colonization of Australia. The taxon Cx. pipiens pallens is a distinct evolutionary entity that likely arose from past hybridization between Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. pipiens f. pipiens/Cx. pipiens f. molestus. Our results do not suggest it derives from ongoing hybridization. Finally, genetic differentiation within the Cx. pipiens f. pipiens and Cx. pipiens f. molestus samples suggests that they collectively form two separate geographic clades, one in North America and one in Europe and the Mediterranean. This may indicate that the Cx. pipiens f. molestus form has two distinct origins, arising from Cx. pipiens f. pipiens in each region. However, ongoing genetic exchange within and between these taxa have obscured their evolutionary histories, and could also explain the absence of monophyly among our samples. Overall, this work suggests many avenues that warrant further investigation.
Matthew L. Aardema; Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Megan L. Fritz; Steven R. Davis. Global evaluation of taxonomic relationships and admixture within the Culex pipiens complex of mosquitoes. Parasites & Vectors 2020, 13, 8 -17.
AMA StyleMatthew L. Aardema, Bridgett M. Vonholdt, Megan L. Fritz, Steven R. Davis. Global evaluation of taxonomic relationships and admixture within the Culex pipiens complex of mosquitoes. Parasites & Vectors. 2020; 13 (1):8-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatthew L. Aardema; Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Megan L. Fritz; Steven R. Davis. 2020. "Global evaluation of taxonomic relationships and admixture within the Culex pipiens complex of mosquitoes." Parasites & Vectors 13, no. 1: 8-17.
Aggression is a quantitative trait deeply entwined with individual fitness. Mapping the genomic architecture underlying such traits is complicated by complex inheritance patterns, social structure, pedigree information and gene pleiotropy. Here, we leveraged the pedigree of a reintroduced population of grey wolves (Canis lupus) in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, to examine the heritability of and the genetic variation associated with aggression. Since their reintroduction, many ecological and behavioural aspects have been documented, providing unmatched records of aggressive behaviour across multiple generations of a wild population of wolves. Using a linear mixed model, a robust genetic relationship matrix, 12,288 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 111 wolves, we estimated the SNP‐based heritability of aggression to be 37% and an additional 14% of the phenotypic variation explained by shared environmental exposures. We identified 598 SNP genotypes from 425 grey wolves to resolve a consensus pedigree that was included in a heritability analysis of 141 individuals with SNP genotype, metadata and aggression data. The pedigree‐based heritability estimate for aggression is 14%, and an additional 16% of the phenotypic variation was explained by shared environmental exposures. We find strong effects of breeding status and relative pack size on aggression. Through an integrative approach, these results provide a framework for understanding the genetic architecture of a complex trait that influences individual fitness, with linkages to reproduction, in a social carnivore. Along with a few other studies, we show here the incredible utility of a pedigreed natural population for dissecting a complex, fitness‐related behavioural trait.
Bridgett M. Vonholdt; Alexandra L. DeCandia; Elizabeth Heppenheimer; Ilana Janowitz‐Koch; Ruoyao Shi; Hua Zhou; Christopher German; Kristin E. Brzeski; Kira A. Cassidy; Daniel R. Stahler; Janet S. Sinsheimer. Heritability of interpack aggression in a wild pedigreed population of North American grey wolves. Molecular Ecology 2020, 29, 1764 -1775.
AMA StyleBridgett M. Vonholdt, Alexandra L. DeCandia, Elizabeth Heppenheimer, Ilana Janowitz‐Koch, Ruoyao Shi, Hua Zhou, Christopher German, Kristin E. Brzeski, Kira A. Cassidy, Daniel R. Stahler, Janet S. Sinsheimer. Heritability of interpack aggression in a wild pedigreed population of North American grey wolves. Molecular Ecology. 2020; 29 (10):1764-1775.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBridgett M. Vonholdt; Alexandra L. DeCandia; Elizabeth Heppenheimer; Ilana Janowitz‐Koch; Ruoyao Shi; Hua Zhou; Christopher German; Kristin E. Brzeski; Kira A. Cassidy; Daniel R. Stahler; Janet S. Sinsheimer. 2020. "Heritability of interpack aggression in a wild pedigreed population of North American grey wolves." Molecular Ecology 29, no. 10: 1764-1775.
The host‐associated microbiome is increasingly recognized as a critical player in health and immunity. Recent studies have shown that disruption of commensal microbial communities can contribute to disease pathogenesis and severity. Santa Catalina Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis catalinae) present a compelling system in which to examine microbial dynamics in wildlife due to their depauperate genomic structure and extremely high prevalence of ceruminous gland tumors. Although the precise cause is yet unknown, infection with ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) has been linked to chronic inflammation, which is associated with abnormal cell growth and tumor development. Given the paucity of genomic variation in these foxes, other dimensions of molecular diversity, such as commensal microbes, may be critical to host response and disease pathology. We characterized the host‐associated microbiome across six body sites of Santa Catalina Island foxes, and performed differential abundance testing between healthy and mite‐infected ear canals. We found that mite infection was significantly associated with reduced microbial diversity and evenness, with the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius dominating the ear canal community. These results suggest that secondary bacterial infection may contribute to the sustained inflammation associated with tumor development. As the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains remains a concern of the medical, veterinary, and conservation communities, uncovering high relative abundance of S. pseudintermedius provides critical insight into the pathogenesis of this complex system. Through use of culture‐independent sequencing techniques, this study contributes to the broader effort of applying a more inclusive understanding of molecular diversity to questions within wildlife disease ecology.
Alexandra L. DeCandia; Lara J. Brenner; Julie L. King; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Ear mite infection is associated with altered microbial communities in genetically depauperate Santa Catalina Island foxes ( Urocyon littoralis catalinae ). Molecular Ecology 2019, 29, 1463 -1475.
AMA StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia, Lara J. Brenner, Julie L. King, Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Ear mite infection is associated with altered microbial communities in genetically depauperate Santa Catalina Island foxes ( Urocyon littoralis catalinae ). Molecular Ecology. 2019; 29 (8):1463-1475.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia; Lara J. Brenner; Julie L. King; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. 2019. "Ear mite infection is associated with altered microbial communities in genetically depauperate Santa Catalina Island foxes ( Urocyon littoralis catalinae )." Molecular Ecology 29, no. 8: 1463-1475.
Background Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Although it afflicts over 100 mammal species worldwide, sarcoptic mange remains a disease obscured by variability at the individual, population and species levels. Amid this variability, it is critical to identify consistent drivers of morbidity, particularly at the skin barrier. Methods Using culture-independent next generation sequencing, we characterized the skin microbiome of three species of North American canids: coyotes (Canis latrans), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). We compared alpha and beta diversity between mange-infected and uninfected canids using the Kruskal–Wallis test and multivariate analysis of variance with permutation. We used analysis of composition of microbes and gneiss balances to perform differential abundance testing between infection groups. Results We found remarkably consistent signatures of microbial dysbiosis associated with mange infection. Across genera, mange-infected canids exhibited reduced microbial diversity, altered community composition and increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens. The primary bacteria comprising secondary infections were Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, previously associated with canid ear and skin infections, and Corynebacterium spp., previously found among the gut flora of S. scabiei mites and hematophagous arthropods. Conclusions This evidence suggests that sarcoptic mange infection consistently alters the canid skin microbiome and facilitates secondary bacterial infection, as seen in humans and other mammals infected with S. scabiei mites. These results provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of mange at the skin barrier of North American canids and can inspire novel treatment strategies. By adopting a “One Health” framework that considers mites, microbes and the potential for interspecies transmission, we can better elucidate the patterns and processes underlying this ubiquitous and enigmatic disease.
Alexandra L. DeCandia; Kennedy N. Leverett; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Of microbes and mange: consistent changes in the skin microbiome of three canid species infected with Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Parasites & Vectors 2019, 12, 1 -10.
AMA StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia, Kennedy N. Leverett, Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Of microbes and mange: consistent changes in the skin microbiome of three canid species infected with Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Parasites & Vectors. 2019; 12 (1):1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia; Kennedy N. Leverett; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. 2019. "Of microbes and mange: consistent changes in the skin microbiome of three canid species infected with Sarcoptes scabiei mites." Parasites & Vectors 12, no. 1: 1-10.
Variation across dog breeds presents a unique opportunity to investigate the evolution and biological basis of complex behavioural traits. We integrated behavioural data from more than 14 000 dogs from 101 breeds with breed-averaged genotypic data ( n = 5697 dogs) from over 100 000 loci in the dog genome. We found high levels of among-breed heritability for 14 behavioural traits (the proportion of trait variance attributable to genetic similarity among breeds). We next identified 131 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with breed differences in behaviour, which were found in genes that are highly expressed in the brain and enriched for neurobiological functions and developmental processes, suggesting that they may be functionally associated with behavioural differences. Our results shed light on the heritability and genetic architecture of complex behavioural traits and identify dogs as a powerful model in which to address these questions.
Evan L. MacLean; Noah Snyder-Mackler; Bridgett M. Vonholdt; James Serpell. Highly heritable and functionally relevant breed differences in dog behaviour. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 2019, 286, 20190716 .
AMA StyleEvan L. MacLean, Noah Snyder-Mackler, Bridgett M. Vonholdt, James Serpell. Highly heritable and functionally relevant breed differences in dog behaviour. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 2019; 286 (1912):20190716.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEvan L. MacLean; Noah Snyder-Mackler; Bridgett M. Vonholdt; James Serpell. 2019. "Highly heritable and functionally relevant breed differences in dog behaviour." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 286, no. 1912: 20190716.
Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the ectoparasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. Although it afflicts over 100 mammal species worldwide, sarcoptic mange remains a disease obscured by variability at the individual, population, and species levels. Amid this variability, it is critical to identify consistent drivers of morbidity, particularly at the skin barrier. We characterized the skin microbiome of three species of North American canids: coyotes (Canis latrans), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Comparing mange-infected and uninfected individuals, we found remarkably consistent signatures of microbial dysbiosis associated with mange infection. Across genera, mange-infected canids exhibited reduced microbial diversity, altered community composition, and increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens. The primary bacteria comprising these secondary infections were Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, previously associated with canid ear and skin infections, and Corynebacterium spp, previously found among the gut flora of S. scabiei mites and hematophagous arthropods. Considered together, this evidence suggests that mange infection consistently alters the canid skin microbiome and facilitates secondary bacterial infection. These results provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of mange at the skin barrier of North American canids and can inspire novel treatment strategies. By further adopting a “One Health” framework that considers mites, microbes, and the potential for interspecies transmission, we can better elucidate the patterns and processes underlying this ubiquitous and enigmatic disease.
Alexandra L. DeCandia; Kennedy N. Leverett; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Of Microbes and Mange: Consistent changes in the skin microbiome of three canid species infected with sarcoptic mange. 2019, 1 .
AMA StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia, Kennedy N. Leverett, Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Of Microbes and Mange: Consistent changes in the skin microbiome of three canid species infected with sarcoptic mange. . 2019; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia; Kennedy N. Leverett; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. 2019. "Of Microbes and Mange: Consistent changes in the skin microbiome of three canid species infected with sarcoptic mange." , no. : 1.
Assistance dog training programs can see as many as 60% of their trainees dismissed. Many training programs utilize behavioral assays prior to admittance to identify likely successful candidates, yet such assays can be insconsistent. Recently, four canine retrotransposon mobile element insertions (MEIs) in or near genes WBSCR17 (Cfa6.6 and Cfa6.7), GTF2I (Cfa6.66) and POM121 (Cfa6.83) were identified in domestic dogs and gray wolves. Variations in these MEIs were significantly associated with a heightened propensity to initiate prolonged social contact or hypersociability. Using our dataset of 837 dogs, 228 of which had paired survey-based behavioral data, we discovered that one of the insertions in WBSCR17 is the most important predictor of dog sociable behaviors related to human proximity, measured by the Canine Behavioral Assessment Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ©). We found a positive correlation between insertions at Cfa6.6 and dog separation distress in the form of restlessness when about to be left alone by the owner. Lastly, assistance dogs showed significant heterozygosity deficiency at locus Cfa6.6 and higher frequency of insertions at Cfa6.6 and Cfa6.7. We suggest that training programs could utilize this genetic survey to screen for MEIs at WBSCR17 to identify dogs with sociable traits compatible with successful assistance dog performance.
Dhriti Tandon; Kyra Ressler; Daniel Petticord; Andrea Papa; Juliana Jiranek; Riley Wilkinson; Rebecca Y. Kartzinel; Elaine A. Ostrander; Nathaniel Burney; Carol Borden; Monique A. R. Udell; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Homozygosity for Mobile Element Insertions Associated with WBSCR17 Could Predict Success in Assistance Dog Training Programs. Genes 2019, 10, 439 .
AMA StyleDhriti Tandon, Kyra Ressler, Daniel Petticord, Andrea Papa, Juliana Jiranek, Riley Wilkinson, Rebecca Y. Kartzinel, Elaine A. Ostrander, Nathaniel Burney, Carol Borden, Monique A. R. Udell, Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Homozygosity for Mobile Element Insertions Associated with WBSCR17 Could Predict Success in Assistance Dog Training Programs. Genes. 2019; 10 (6):439.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDhriti Tandon; Kyra Ressler; Daniel Petticord; Andrea Papa; Juliana Jiranek; Riley Wilkinson; Rebecca Y. Kartzinel; Elaine A. Ostrander; Nathaniel Burney; Carol Borden; Monique A. R. Udell; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. 2019. "Homozygosity for Mobile Element Insertions Associated with WBSCR17 Could Predict Success in Assistance Dog Training Programs." Genes 10, no. 6: 439.
THE host-associated microbiome is increasingly recognized as a critical player in health and immunity. When commensal microbial communities are disrupted, dysbiosis can contribute to disease pathogenesis and severity. Santa Catalina Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis catalinae) present an ideal case study for examining dysbiosis in wildlife due to their depauperate genomic structure and extremely high prevalence of ear canal tumors. Although the precise cause is yet unknown, infection with ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) has been linked to chronic inflammation, which is associated with abnormal cell growth and tumor development. Given the paucity of genomic variation in these foxes, other dimensions of molecular diversity, such as commensal microbes, may be critical to host response and adaptation. We therefore characterized the host-associated microbiome across six body sites of Santa Catalina Island foxes, and performed differential abundance testing between healthy and mite-infected ear canals. We found that mite infection was significantly associated with reduced microbial diversity and evenness, with the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius dominating the ear canal community. These results suggest that secondary bacterial infection may contribute to the sustained inflammation associated with tumor development. Uncovering high abundance of S. pseudintermedius provides critical insight into the pathogenesis of this complex system, as the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains remains a concern of the medical, veterinary, and conservation communities. Through use of culture-independent sequencing techniques, this study contributes to the broader effort of applying a more inclusive understanding of molecular diversity to questions within wildlife disease ecology.
Alexandra L. DeCandia; Julie L. King; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Microbial dysbiosis and its implications for disease in a genetically depauperate species. 2019, 653220 .
AMA StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia, Julie L. King, Bridgett M. Vonholdt. Microbial dysbiosis and its implications for disease in a genetically depauperate species. . 2019; ():653220.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandra L. DeCandia; Julie L. King; Bridgett M. Vonholdt. 2019. "Microbial dysbiosis and its implications for disease in a genetically depauperate species." , no. : 653220.