Clough, Dagmar

[["dc.bibliographiccitation.firstpage","354"],["dc.bibliographiccitation.issue","5"],["dc.bibliographiccitation.journal","Folia Primatologica"],["dc.bibliographiccitation.lastpage","354"],["dc.bibliographiccitation.volume","79"],["dc.contributor.author","Clough, Dagmar"],["dc.contributor.author","Kappeler, Peter"],["dc.contributor.author","Heistermann, Michael"],["dc.contributor.author","Walter, Lutz"],["dc.date.accessioned","2018-03-22T13:22:45Z"],["dc.date.available","2018-03-22T13:22:45Z"],["dc.date.issued","2008"],["dc.description.abstract","Parasites are a driving force in sexual selection, but they can have negative impacts on their hosts. Hence, females should choose mates displaying good health and an ability to resist para-site infections. Assuming a genetic basis for parasite resistance, partners with low parasite infections should be preferred over others in order to obtain resistance genes for their offspring (parasite-mediated sexual selection). With our interdisciplinary approach we will contribute to understanding both determinants of individual parasite infections and mechanisms of para-site-mediated sexual selection in primates. Specifically, we analyze faecal samples of free-ranging red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus)to characterize their intestinal parasite fauna by means of the formalin-ethyl-acetate sedimentation technique. Parasite infections are being cor-related with (1) genetic correlates at the interleukin-4 locus, which is involved in parasite resistance, (2) proximate endocrine factors (testosterone and cortisol) that co-vary with the functioning of the immune system, and (3) socio-demographic data, such as sex, age and population group size of the hosts that may influence parasite infestations. Moreover, we examine whether primates use honest signals, such as conspicuous coloration, in order to assess their mate’s genetic quality. Using data from paternity analyses of the study population, we will be able to link parasite infection with reproductive success of males with different genetic and endocrine constitutions. As data collection was just about finished at the start of this conference, the presentation will give an overview of the project and present preliminary data."],["dc.identifier.uri","https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gro-2/13119"],["dc.language.iso","en"],["dc.notes.status","final"],["dc.title","Parasite-mediated sexual selection in primates? The effect of intestinal parasites on the reproductive success of wild lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus)"],["dc.type","journal_article"],["dc.type.internalPublication","unknown"],["dspace.entity.type","Publication"]]

[["dc.bibliographiccitation.artnumber","9"],["dc.bibliographiccitation.issue","1"],["dc.bibliographiccitation.journal","Frontiers in Zoology"],["dc.bibliographiccitation.volume","8"],["dc.contributor.author","Clough, Dagmar"],["dc.contributor.author","Kappeler, Peter"],["dc.contributor.author","Walter, Lutz"],["dc.date.accessioned","2017-09-07T11:48:58Z"],["dc.date.available","2017-09-07T11:48:58Z"],["dc.date.issued","2011"],["dc.description.abstract","BackgroundSusceptibility to parasite infection affects fitness-related processes, such as mate choice and survival, yet its genetic regulation remains poorly understood. Interleukin-4 (IL4) plays a central role in the humoral immune defence against nematode parasite infections, inducing IgE switch and regulation of worm expulsion from the intestines. The evolutionary and functional significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL4-genes is known, yet empirical information on the effect of IL4 SNPs on gastro-intestinal infections is lacking. Using samples from a population of wild red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus, Primates: Lemuridae), from western Madagascar, we explored the association of IL4-gene promoter polymorphisms with nematode infections and investigated a possible functional role of the IL4 polymorphism on male reproductive success.ResultsUsing sequence analyses of lemur DNA we detected a new SNP in the IL4 gene promoter area. Carriers of the genotype T/T showed higher nematode infection intensities than individuals of genotypes C/T and C/C. Genetic population analyses using data from more than 10 years, suggested higher reproductive success of T/T males than expected.ConclusionsOur results suggest a regulatory effect of an IL4 gene promoter polymorphism on the intensity of parasite infections in a natural population of red-fronted lemurs, with a seemingly disadvantageous genotype represented in low frequencies. Long-term population analyses, however, point in the direction of a negative frequency-dependent association, giving a fitness advantage to the rare genotype. Due to low frequencies of the genotype in question conclusive evidence of a functional role of IL4 polymorphism cannot be drawn here; still, we suggest the use of IL4 polymorphism as a new molecular tool for quick assessment of individual genetic constitution with regard to nematode infection intensities, contributing to a better understanding of the actual components of the immune response that mediate protection against gastro-intestinal parasites."],["dc.identifier.doi","10.1186/1742-9994-8-9"],["dc.identifier.gro","3150917"],["dc.identifier.pmid","21501512"],["dc.identifier.purl","https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gs-1/6364"],["dc.identifier.uri","https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gro-2/7717"],["dc.language.iso","en"],["dc.notes.intern","Merged from goescholar"],["dc.notes.status","final"],["dc.relation.issn","1742-9994"],["dc.rights","CC BY 2.0"],["dc.rights.uri","https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0"],["dc.title","Genetic regulation of parasite infection: empirical evidence of the functional significance of an IL4 gene SNP on nematode infections in wild primates"],["dc.type","journal_article"],["dc.type.internalPublication","unknown"],["dc.type.peerReviewed","yes"],["dc.type.version","published_version"],["dspace.entity.type","Publication"]]