RESEARCH PAPER
Lack of population-specific patterns of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity in roe deer from lowland and mountain habitats in Croatia
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1
Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Ravnice 48, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Aquarium Pula, Verudella 33, 52100 Pula, Croatia
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Division of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička cesta 30, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Online publication date: 2025-01-21
Corresponding author
Ana Galov
Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Ravnice 48, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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ABSTRACT
Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are widespread across Europe and exhibit adaptability to various habitats. In the last couple of decades, population numbers have significantly increased, except for certain areas which have experienced population declines due multifactorial reasons, including the impact of fascioloidosis. In Croatia, roe deer are primarily found in lowland region, while their population in mountain areas is smaller and more scattered due to habitat limitations and presence of large predators. The variability of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes offers insight into the population's ability to combat new pathogens and to cope with changing environments. Here, we examined the variability and selection patterns of MHC class II DRB locus in roe deer from two distinct habitats in Croatia. Ten alleles were identified in 133 individuals accompanied by high amino acid evolutionary distance (41.1%). The lack of significant structuring on the DRB was observed between the two habitats, with ambiguous results from contemporary and historical selection analysis. Furthermore, our results highlight the need to investigate other immune loci, which could provide insight into the relationship between pathogen-mediated selection and adaptation potential in roe deer.