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Transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils: localized lineage replacement and host population response

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 12:52 authored by Rodrigo Hamede RossRodrigo Hamede Ross, Pearse, A-M, Swift, K, Leon BarmutaLeon Barmuta, Murchison, EP, Menna JonesMenna Jones
Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a clonally transmissible cancer threatening the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) with extinction. Live cancer cells are the infectious agent, transmitted to new hosts when individuals bite each other. Over the 18 years since DFTD was first observed, distinct genetic and karyotypic sublineages have evolved. In this longitudinal study, we investigate the associations between tumour karyotype, epidemic patterns and host demographic response to the disease. Reduced host population effects and low DFTD infection rates were associated with high prevalence of tetraploid tumours. Subsequent replacement by a diploid variant of DFTD coincided with a rapid increase in disease prevalence, population decline and reduced mean age of the population. Our results suggest a role for tumour genetics in DFTD transmission dynamics and epidemic outcome. Future research, for this and other highly pathogenic emerging infectious diseases, should focus on understanding the evolution of host and pathogen genotypes, their effects on susceptibility and tolerance to infection, and their implications for designing novel genetic management strategies. This study provides evidence for a rapid localized lineage replacement occurring within a transmissible cancer epidemic and highlights the possibility that distinct DFTD genetic lineages may harbour traits that influence pathogen fitness.

Funding

National Science Foundation

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Volume

282

Issue

1814

Article number

20151468

Number

20151468

Pagination

1-7

ISSN

0962-8452

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Royal Soc London

Place of publication

6 Carlton House Terrace, London, England, Sw1Y 5Ag

Rights statement

Copyright 2015 The Author(s)

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in terrestrial environments

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