Tracking chromosome evolution in devil facial tumour disease Event

The only other example of a transmissible tumour in the wild is canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT), which has been spreading through dogs for around 10,000 years. The most important difference between DFT and CTVT is that in most cases CTVT does not kill its host, with the tumour and host being able to co-exist in the population. Is there a chance that DFT could evolve to reach this more desirable scenario?

The original DFT appears to have resulted from a shattering and rejoining of two chromosomes, followed by the accumulation of other structural mutations which resulted in the formation of several distinctive DFT marker chromosomes. By studying DFT chromosomes isolated from individuals from different geographical locations, it has been possible to trace the evolution of this tumour as it spreads through the population. This work has shown that the tumour is evolving, with potentially more and less virulent strains arising. I show that insight into the evolution of this infectious agent can be provided by comparing different DFT strains and help to determine whether there is a chance the tumour is evolving to a situation where devils will be able to survive DFT infections, permitting the survival of the population in the wild.

More information about Janine can be found here: http://appliedecology.edu.au/people/janine-deakin/