›› 2014, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (9): 163-167.

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Application of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in Bird Conservation Biology

XU Yu-zhuo, ZHAO Yun-jiao   

  1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130018, China
  • Received:2014-05-06 Online:2014-09-20 Published:2014-09-24

Abstract: The genetic diversity of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gets more and more attention in the area of conservation biology. MHC has been identified as a locus influencing disease resistance, mate choice, and kin recognition in mammals and fish which have been extensive and in-depth studied. However, it is unclear whether the mechanisms by which MHC genes influence behavior in mammals are applicable to birds, especially in wild populations. This article reviewed MHC polymorphism mechanism, its relationship with avian disease resistance and mate choice, and methods for MHC genotyping, and so on. It will provide references to the further study of bird conservation biology.

Key words: major histocompatibility complex (MHC); disease resistance; mate choice; genotyping; bird

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