The road not taken: Evolution of tetrodotoxin resistance in the Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) by a path less travelled

The repeated evolution of tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance provides a model for testing hypotheses about the mechanisms of convergent evolution. This poison is broadly employed as a potent antipredator defence, blocking voltage-gated sodium channels (Na-v) in muscles and nerves, paralysing and sometimes killing predators. Resistance in taxa bearing this neurotoxin and a few predators appears to come from convergent replacements in specific Na-v residues that interact with TTX. This stereotyped genetic response suggests molecular and phenotypic evolution may be constrained and predictable. Here, we investigate the extent of mechanistic convergence in garter snakes (Thamnophis) that prey on TTX-bearing newts (Taricha) by examining the physiological and genetic basis of TTX resistance in the Sierra garter snake (Th. couchii). We characterize variation in this predatory adaptation across populations at several biological scales: whole-animal TTX resistance; skeletal muscle resistance; functional genetic variation in three Na-v encoding loci; and levels of gene expression for one of these loci. We found Th. couchii possess extensive geographical variation in resistance at the whole-animal and skeletal muscle levels. As in other Thamnophis, resistance at both levels is highly correlated, suggesting convergence across the biological levels linking organism to organ. However, Th. couchii shows no functional variation in Na-v loci among populations or difference in candidate gene expression. Local variation in TTX resistance in Th. couchii cannot be explained by the same relationship between genotype and phenotype seen in other taxa. Thus, historical contingencies may lead different species of Thamnophis down alternative routes to local adaptation.

Automated summary

The repeated evolution of tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance provides a model for studying convergent evolution mechanisms. In investigating garter snakes (Thamnophis) that prey on TTX-bearing newts (Taricha), it was found that there is extensive variation in resistance at different biological scales. However, one species of Thamnophis, Th. couchii, did not show functional variation in certain genetic loci or differences in candidate gene expression, suggesting that historical contingencies may play a role in the local adaptation of different species of Thamnophis.