Data from: Spatial and environmental influences on selection in a clock gene coding trinucleotide repeat in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)

Clock genes exhibit substantial control over gene expression and
ultimately life-histories using external cues such as photoperiod, and are
thus likely to be critical for adaptation to shifting seasonal conditions
and novel environments as species redistribute their ranges under climate
change. Coding trinucleotide repeats (cTNRs) are found within several
clock genes, and may be interesting targets of selection due to their
containment within exonic regions and elevated mutation rates. Here, we
conduct inter-specific characterization of the NR1D1 cTNR between Canada
lynx and bobcat, and intra-specific spatial and environmental association
analyses of neutral microsatellites and our functional cTNR marker, to
investigate the role of selection on this locus in Canada lynx. We report
signatures of divergent selection between lynx and bobcat, with the
potential for hybrid-mediated gene flow in the area of range overlap. We
also provide evidence that this locus is under selection across Canada
lynx in eastern Canada, with both spatial and environmental variables
significantly contributing to the explained variation, after controlling
for neutral population structure. These results suggest that cTNRs may
play an important role in the generation of functional diversity within
some mammal species, and allow for contemporary rates of adaptation in
wild populations in response to environmental change. We encourage
continued investment into the study of cTNR markers to better understand
their broader relevance to the evolution and adaptation of mammals.