S. E. Johnston

Genetic architecture of inbreeding depression may explain its persistence in a population of wild red deer

The paper investigates the genetic architecture of inbreeding depression in wild red deer, finding that it results from multiple mild or moderately deleterious mutations spread across all chromosomes.

Purifying and balancing selection on embryonic semi-lethal haplotypes in a wild mammal.

The paper identifies three semi-lethal haplotypes in Soay sheep, showing two are under purifying selection while one is maintained by balancing selection due to increased postnatal survival.

Variation in mutation, recombination, and transposition rates in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans

The paper estimates mutation, recombination, and transposition rates in Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans populations, finding variation between species, populations, and sexes.

Associations between MHC class II variation and phenotypic traits in a free-living sheep population

The paper examines associations between MHC class II variation and phenotypic traits in Soay sheep, finding links with immunoglobulin levels but not with body weight or parasite egg count.

Genomic analysis reveals a polygenic architecture of antler morphology in wild red deer (Cervus elaphus).

The paper investigates the genetic architecture of antler morphology in red deer using genomic data, finding a polygenic structure with heritable traits and pleiotropic effects.

Mutation load decreases with haplotype age in wild Soay sheep

The paper examines how mutation load decreases with haplotype age in wild Soay sheep by analyzing ROH and their effects on fitness.

Using genomic prediction to detect microevolutionary change of a quantitative trait

This study uses genomic prediction to detect microevolutionary changes in adult body weight of Soay sheep over 35 years, finding an increase in the genetic component despite a decrease in average body weight.

Vitamin D status is heritable and under environment-dependent selection in the wild.

This study shows that vitamin D status is heritable and under environment-dependent selection in wild Soay sheep, with implications for survival and fecundity.

MHC class IIa haplotypes derived by high throughput SNP screening in an isolated sheep population

The paper identifies a SNP panel to impute MHC class IIa haplotypes in Soay sheep, enabling large-scale genotyping and analysis of haplotype diversity.

Genomic prediction in the wild: A case study in Soay sheep

This study applies genomic prediction to eight traits in a wild Soay sheep population, showing high accuracy, especially for traits with large-effect loci, and highlights the potential for pedigree-free genetic research in wild populations.

Genetic architecture and lifetime dynamics of inbreeding depression in a wild mammal

This study investigates the genetic architecture of inbreeding depression in wild Soay sheep using long-term data and SNP genotypes, finding that inbreeding significantly reduces survival odds in lambs but less so with age.

Age-dependent selection on MHC class 2 variation in a free-living ruminant

This study examines MHC class II variation in Soay sheep, finding haplotype-specific effects on fitness and suggesting balancing selection and differing mechanisms between juveniles and adults.

Home ground advantage: selection against dispersers promotes local adaptation in wild Atlantic salmon

The paper shows that local Atlantic salmon have higher reproductive success than dispersers, promoting local adaptation without physical barriers.