Population genomics and CWD susceptibilty in elk
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease that afflicts elk (Cervis canadensis) and other cervid species. Currently, there is no known treatment for CWD; however, some cervid species have polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) that result in slower disease progression. Individuals with the “slow” PRNP genotype live longer and therefore have more opportunities to reproduce than individuals with the “fast” PRNP genotype. In collaboration with the Wildlife Genomics & Disease Ecology Laboartory of Dr. Holly Ernest and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), we are studying the relationships between Wyoming elk connectivity, PRNP genotypes, and the distribution of CWD across the landscape. Specifically, we are using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data to identify genetic population units and characterize genetic connectivity in relation to natural and human-constructed landscape features, and aiming to relate these findings to CWD dynamics across the state of Wyoming.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease that afflicts elk (Cervis canadensis) and other cervid species. Currently, there is no known treatment for CWD; however, some cervid species have polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) that result in slower disease progression. Individuals with the “slow” PRNP genotype live longer and therefore have more opportunities to reproduce than individuals with the “fast” PRNP genotype. In collaboration with the Wildlife Genomics & Disease Ecology Laboartory of Dr. Holly Ernest and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), we are studying the relationships between Wyoming elk connectivity, PRNP genotypes, and the distribution of CWD across the landscape. Specifically, we are using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data to identify genetic population units and characterize genetic connectivity in relation to natural and human-constructed landscape features, and aiming to relate these findings to CWD dynamics across the state of Wyoming.
