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Development of the Lipizzan horse breed.

The development and a brief history of the Lipizzan horse breed are reviewed. The contribution of several breeds, some of them already extinct, to the development of the Lipizzan horse, gives it a special status representing an important gene pool. This well-documented breed is a part of the common European natural and cultural heritage. Breeding practices establishing stallion and mare family lines as well as availability of pedigrees are described. Molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite data allowed us to analyse the structure of the Lipizzan population, to estimate genetic variability within the population and to test the reliability of the pedigree data. DNA sequence analysis of the mtDNA control region confirmed relative high variability of the gene pool, containing majority of mtDNA haplotypes found in horse populations worldwide. Microsatellite analysis showed that the level of heterozygosity in the Lipizzan population is comparable with the heterozygosity in other populations. The fact that majority of the Lipizzan population is bred on eight state studs in the Central and Eastern Europe contributes to the structuring of the population which results in three clusters: classical cluster, represented by studs Lipica, Piber and Monterotondo, transition cluster, represented by studs Szilvasvarad, Djakovo and Topolćianky and eastern cluster represented by studs Beclean and Fagaras. The molecular markers also allowed verification of pedigree data, and the rough estimation of pedigree errors was about 10%.

Animals↗

Population differences in finger-length ratios: ethnicity or latitude?

The relative length of the second and fourth fingers (the 2D:4D ratio) has been taken to be an indicator of prenatal exposure to testosterone, and hence possibly relevant to sexual orientation and other sex-differentiated behaviors. Studies have reported a difference in this ratio between Caucasian males in Britain and in the U.S.: higher average 2D:4D ratios were obtained in Britain. This raises the question of whether differences among different Caucasian gene pools were responsible or whether some environmental variable associated with latitude might be involved (e.g., exposure to sunlight or different day-length patterns). This question was explored by examining 2D:4D ratios for an Australian adolescent sample. The Australians were predominantly of British ancestry, but lived at distances from the equator more like those of the U.S. studies. The Australian 2D:4D ratios resembled those in Britain rather than those in the U.S., tending to exclude hypotheses related to latitude and making differences in gene pools a plausible explanation.

Adolescent↗

Genetic evidence for an East Asian origin of domestic dogs.

The origin of the domestic dog from wolves has been established, but the number of founding events, as well as where and when these occurred, is not known. To address these questions, we examined the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation among 654 domestic dogs representing all major dog populations worldwide. Although our data indicate several maternal origins from wolf, >95% of all sequences belonged to three phylogenetic groups universally represented at similar frequencies, suggesting a common origin from a single gene pool for all dog populations. A larger genetic variation in East Asia than in other regions and the pattern of phylogeographic variation suggest an East Asian origin for the domestic dog, approximately 15,000 years ago.

Animals↗

The maintenance of reproductive isolation in a mosaic hybrid zone between the fire-bellied toads Bombina bombina and B. variegata.

Mosaic hybrid zones arise when ecologically differentiated taxa hybridize across a network of habitat patches. Frequent interbreeding across a small-scale patchwork can erode species differences that might have been preserved in a clinal hybrid zone. In particular, the rapid breakdown of neutral divergence sets an upper limit to the time for which differences at marker loci can persist. We present here a case study of a mosaic hybrid zone between the fire-bellied toads Bombina bombina and B. variegata (Anura: Discoglossidae) near Apahida in Romania. In our 20 x 20 km study area, we detected no evidence of a clinal transition but found a strong association between aquatic habitat and mean allele frequencies at four molecular markers. In particular, pure populations of B. bombina in ponds appear to cause massive introgression into the surrounding B. variegata gene pool found in temporary aquatic sites. Nevertheless, the genetic structure of these hybrid populations was remarkably similar to those of a previously studied transect near Pescenica (Croatia), which had both clinal and mosaic features: estimates of heterozygote deficit and linkage disequilibrium in each country are similar. In Apahida, the observed strong linkage disequilibria should stem from an imperfect habitat preference that guides most (but not all) adults into the habitats to which they are adapted. In the absence of a clinal structure, the inferred migration rate between habitats implies that associations between selected loci and neutral markers should break down rapidly. Although plausible selection strengths can maintain differentiation at those loci adapting the toads to either permanent or temporary breeding sites, the divergence at neutral markers must be transient. The hybrid zone may be approaching a state in which the gene pools are homogenized at all but the selected loci, not dissimilar from an early stage of sympatric divergence.

Animal Migration↗

Identification of presumed ancestral DNA sequences of phaseolin in Phaseolus vulgaris.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) consists of two major geographic gene pools, one distributed in Mexico, Central America, and Colombia and the other in the southern Andes (southern Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina). Amplification and sequencing of members of the multigene family coding for phaseolin, the major seed storage protein of the common bean, provide evidence for accumulation of tandem direct repeats in both introns and exons during evolution of the multigene family in this species. The presumed ancestral phaseolin sequences, without tandem repeats, were found in recently discovered but nearly extinct wild common bean populations of Ecuador and northern Peru that are intermediate between the two major gene pools of the species based on geographical and molecular arguments. Our results illustrate the usefulness of tandem direct repeats in establishing the polarity of DNA sequence divergence and therefore in proposing phylogenies.

Base Sequence↗

Genetic diversity of the Andean tetraploid cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L. subsp. andigena Hawkes) evaluated by chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers.

Andigena potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. subsp. andigena Hawkes) (2n = 4x = 48) are native farmer-selected important cultivars that form a primary gene pool of the common potato (Solanum tuberosum L. subsp. tuberosum). The genetic diversity of 185 Andigena accessions and 6 Chilean native potatoes (S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum) was studied using chloroplast DNA (ctDNA) microsatellites and nuclear DNA (nDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. Andigena potatoes had 14 ctDNA haplotypes and showed higher variability in the central Andes, particularly in Bolivia, whereas those in the northern regions of the distribution area were remarkably uniform with A1 ctDNA and Chilean subsp. tuberosum with T ctDNA. Most of 123 clearly scored RFLP bands using 30 single-copy probes were randomly distributed throughout the distribution area and proved the same gene pool shared among these widely collected accessions. Nevertheless, the geographic trend of the nDNA differentiation from north to south along the Andes and the correlated differentiation between nDNA and ctDNA (r = 0.120) could also be revealed by canonical variates analysis. These results suggest that the genetic diversity in Andigena was brought about primarily from cultivated diploid species but considerably modified through sexual polyploidization and intervarietal and (or) introgressive hybridization and long-distance dispersal of seed tubers by humans.

Cell Nucleus↗

Environmental effects of genotoxins (eco-genotoxicology).

Genotoxic chemicals can damage the genetic material of humans as well as that of organisms living in the environment. With respect to adverse effects, alterations induced in the germ line, leading to alterations in the genetic make-up of populations, are of primary concern in ecosystems, because somatic changes, even if they lead to a loss of individuals, will not be critical in populations with a large reproductive surplus. This is different in human toxicology where genetic alterations in germ cells as well as in somatic cells of any individual are of concern. Increased frequencies of mutations and related genetic alterations in the gene pools of individual species or populations in ecosystems have to be judged against the background of spontaneous mutations that have enabled species to survive and adapt in changing environments since the beginning of life on our planet, and which have played an important role as the substrate for evolutionary developments. Examples of the selection of altered phenotypes (and genotypes) in response to environmental pollution and environmental stress are melanism in moth populations, metal resistance in plants, insecticide resistance in insects and malaria resistance in humans. Pollution, in general, can represent a stress factor selectively leading to a change in genetic make-up. In addition, environmental genotoxins can directly alter gene pools. A change in the genetic constitution may be advantageous for certain populations living in stressful conditions, but may present a disadvantage for others, including man.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Contrasting patterns of Y-chromosome variation in South Siberian populations from Baikal and Altai-Sayan regions.

In order to investigate the genetic history of autochthonous South Siberian populations and to estimate the contribution of distinct patrilineages to their gene pools, we have analyzed 17 Y-chromosomal binary markers (YAP, RPS4Y(711), SRY-8299, M89, M201, M52, M170, 12f2, M9, M20, 92R7, SRY-1532, DYS199, M173, M17, Tat, and LLY22 g) in a total sample of 1,358 males from 14 ethnic groups of Siberia (Altaians-Kizhi, Teleuts, Shors, Tuvinians, Todjins, Tofalars, Sojots, Khakassians, Buryats, Evenks), Central/Eastern Asia (Mongolians and Koreans) and Eastern Europe (Kalmyks and Russians). Based on both, the distribution pattern of Y-chromosomal haplogroups and results on AMOVA analysis we observed the statistically significant genetic differentiation between the populations of Baikal and Altai-Sayan regions. We suggest that these regional differences can be best explained by different contribution of Central/Eastern Asian and Eastern European paternal lineages into gene pools of modern South Siberians. The population of the Baikal region demonstrates the prevalence of Central/Eastern Asian lineages, whereas in the populations of Altai and Sayan regions the highest paternal contribution resulted from Eastern European descent is revealed. Yet, our data on Y-chromosome STRs variation demonstrate the clear differences between the South Siberian and Eastern European R1a1-lineages with the evolutionary ages compatible with divergence time between these two regional groups.

Chromosomes, Human, Y↗

[Differentiation of the mitochondrial subhaplogroup U4 in the populations of Eastern Europe, Ural, and Western Siberia: implication to the genetic history of the Uralic populations].

Phylogenetic relationships between the sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) hypervariable segment 1, belonging to subhaplogroup U4, were examined in the populations of Eastern Europe, Ural, and Northwest Siberia. It was shown that the frequency of subhaplogroup U4, as well as its proportion in the U-component of the gene pools, increased eastwards, reaching maximum values in the populations of Northwest Siberia. Phylogenetic analysis it was showed that the appearance of specific U4-lineage (16113C-16356-16362) in the ancestors of Mansi was most likely caused by its divergence from the East European cluster 16356-16362 in the Late Upper Paleolithic (18566 +/- 12915 years before present). Other U4 mtDNA lineages (16189-16356 and 16311-16356), typical mostly of the indigenous populations of Northwest Siberia (Mansi, Nganasans, and Kets) may have formed during the Neolithic-early Bronze Age (6055 +/- 3599 years before present, on average). It seems likely that the isolation of ancient populations inhabiting the region between the Ob' and Yenisei rivers was the key factor, providing the appearance of the unique Caucasoid mtDNA lineages in their gene pools. These results were consistent with the traditional point of view on the mixed origin of the Finno-Ugric populations of the Volga-Ural region and West Siberia, resulted from the genetic relationships between the populations of Europe and Asia.

DNA, Mitochondrial↗

Evidence for a genetic discontinuity between Neandertals and 24,000-year-old anatomically modern Europeans.

During the late Pleistocene, early anatomically modern humans coexisted in Europe with the anatomically archaic Neandertals for some thousand years. Under the recent variants of the multiregional model of human evolution, modern and archaic forms were different but related populations within a single evolving species, and both have contributed to the gene pool of current humans. Conversely, the Out-of-Africa model considers the transition between Neandertals and anatomically modern humans as the result of a demographic replacement, and hence it predicts a genetic discontinuity between them. Following the most stringent current standards for validation of ancient DNA sequences, we typed the mtDNA hypervariable region I of two anatomically modern Homo sapiens sapiens individuals of the Cro-Magnon type dated at about 23 and 25 thousand years ago. Here we show that the mtDNAs of these individuals fall well within the range of variation of today's humans, but differ sharply from the available sequences of the chronologically closer Neandertals. This discontinuity is difficult to reconcile with the hypothesis that both Neandertals and early anatomically modern humans contributed to the current European gene pool.

Animals↗

Changes in plasma urea concentration can be used to determine protein requirements of two populations of pigs with different protein accretion rates.

The experiment had two objectives: 1) to determine the protein requirements of two strains of growing-finishing pigs based on growth performance, carcass characteristics, tissue accretion rates, and organ weights and 2) to evaluate whether protein requirements can be determined from changes in plasma urea concentration. Forty-six Gene Pool (GP) and 46 Hampshire (H) gilts with an initial BW of 28.5 kg were used. Pigs were allotted to two trials of a randomized complete block experiment with a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement of treatments. Five pigs from each strain were randomly selected and slaughtered at the beginning of each of the two trials. The remaining 72 pigs were individually penned and allotted to one of six dietary treatments (10, 13, 16, 19, 22, or 25% CP). Pigs remained on the experiment until the mean weight of a treatment group within each strain reached 115 kg (16 wk for GP and 14 wk for H), at which time all pigs of that strain were slaughtered. The only strain x protein level interactions that were detected were for carcass protein and water accretion rates. Gene Pool pigs grew less rapidly and utilized feed less efficiently than H pigs (P < .001). Average daily gain (quadratic, P < .05) and ADG/ADFI (quadratic, P < .05) were increased as protein level increased until a plateau was reached. Backfat depths were decreased (linear, P < .001) and longissimus muscle areas were increased (linear, P < .001) as protein level increased. Protein accretion rate was lower (P < .01) and fat accretion was higher (P < .01) in GP pigs than in H pigs. Protein accretion increased (quadratic, P < .001) and fat accretion decreased (linear, P < .001) with increasing dietary protein level. Examination of the response of plasma urea concentration over time suggested that GP pigs required 13% CP from 30 to 80 kg and 10% CP thereafter, whereas H pigs required 19% CP from 30 to 45 kg, 16% CP from 45 to 100 kg, and 13% CP thereafter.

Analysis of Variance↗

Molecular epidemiology of the HHV-8 K1 gene from Moroccan patients with Kaposi's sarcoma.

The genetic variability of the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) strains circulating in the populations living in the Maghreb region, an endemic area for HHV-8 and associated Kaposi's sarcoma, remains largely unknown. We have thus analyzed the genetic variation of the complete K1 gene of HHV-8 in a series of 35 viral strains, originating from 28 Moroccan patients with classic, AIDS-associated or iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. All but one of the 35 strains belonged to the large C molecular subtype. Furthermore, high genetic diversity within the C subtype was observed in the 35 sequenced HHV-8 K1 genes, with strains belonging to several and distinct subgroups highly supported from a phylogenetically viewpoint (e.g., C3, C7, C'' and C5). Considering these newly identified Moroccan viral strains in the context of 189 complete K1 genes, we were able to characterized, using the Simplot program, two main groups of recombinant chimeric K1 genes, either intertypic (C5) or intratypic (C7). In addition, the genetic characterization of the host maternal gene pool, through the analyses of mtDNA variation, did not provide evidence for any association between a particular human ethno-geographic background (i.e., North African vs. sub-Saharan African vs. West Eurasian linages) and any HHV-8 strain because both C' and C'' strains were randomly distributed among the different patients' population backgrounds.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprinting as a marker for Paramecium jenningsi strains.

The aim of the present study is to establish a common RAPD marker for P. jenningsi using a series of Ro primers and to investigate if strains originating from distant and isolated localities (Japan, China, India, Saudi Arabia) have isolated gene pools and represent distinct species. An analysis of dendrograms constructed on the basis of RAPD-PCR fingerprints with four primers (Ro 460-04, 460-06, 460-07, and 460-10) from the first part of this project (SKOTARCZAK et al. 2004), assigns the strains to two groups consisting of the continental strains (India, Saudi Arabia, China) and Japanese strains that have been considered as a separate sibling species within P. jenningsi. The genetic similarity of the Indian and Arabian strains was ascertained, whereas the Chinese strain formed an independent branch in this sibling species. The primers Ro (460-01,460-02, 460-03, 460-05, 460-08) also distinguish between two groups of strains, although they divide the Japanese strains into two subgroups that are not reproductively isolated. This probably indicates genetic variation within this sibling species. However, it comprises one common gene pool (successful inter-strain crosses) and is reproductively isolated from the other sibling species. The results presented in these papers confirm that the construction of ten band patterns having marker attributes is possible on the basis of DNA amplification from 9 strains of P. jenningsi with the RAPD-PCR fingerprinting method using five primers from the Ro series. The patterns can be assigned to three marker-groups: a general species group, a group differentiating between sibling species, and accessory strain markers.

Animals↗

The place of the Basques in the European Y-chromosome diversity landscape.

There is a trend to consider the gene pool of the Basques as a 'living fossil' of the earliest modern humans that colonized Europe. To investigate this assumption, we have typed 45 binary markers and five short tandem repeat loci of the Y chromosome in a set of 168 male Basques. Results on these combined haplotypes were analyzed in the context of matching data belonging to approximately 3000 individuals from over 20 European, Near East and North African populations, which were compiled from the literature. Our results place the low Y-chromosome diversity of Basques within the European diversity landscape. This low diversity seems to be the result of a lower effective population size maintained through generations. At least some lineages of Y chromosome in modern Basques originated and have been evolving since pre-Neolithic times. However, the strong genetic drift experienced by the Basques does not allow us to consider Basques either the only or the best representatives of the ancestral European gene pool. Contrary to previous suggestions, we do not observe any particular link between Basques and Celtic populations beyond that provided by the Paleolithic ancestry common to European populations, nor we find evidence supporting Basques as the focus of major population expansions.

Chromosomes, Human, Y↗

Differentiation of mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosomes in Russian populations.

The genetic composition of the Russian population was investigated by analyzing both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome loci polymorphisms that allow for the different components of a population gene pool to be studied, depending on the mode of DNA marker inheritance. mtDNA sequence variation was examined by using hypervariable segment I (HVSI) sequencing and restriction analysis of the haplogroup-specific sites in 325 individuals representing 5 Russian populations from the European part of Russia. The Y-chromosome variation was investigated in 338 individuals from 8 Russian populations (including 5 populations analyzed for mtDNA variation) using 12 binary markers. For both uniparental systems most of the observed haplogroups fell into major West Eurasian haplogroups (97.9% and 99.7% for mtDNA and Y-chromosome haplogroups, respectively). Multidimensional scaling analysis based on pairwise F(ST) values between mtDNA HVSI sequences in Russians compared to other European populations revealed a considerable heterogeneity of Russian populations; populations from the southern and western parts of Russia are separated from eastern and northern populations. Meanwhile, the multidimensional scaling analysis based on Y-chromosome haplogroup F(ST) values demonstrates that the Russian gene pool is close to central-eastern European populations, with a much higher similarity to the Baltic and Finno-Ugric male pools from northern European Russia. This discrepancy in the depth of penetration of mtDNA and Y-chromosome lineages characteristic for the most southwestern Russian populations into the east and north of eastern Europe appears to indicate that Russian colonization of the northeastern territories might have been accomplished mainly by males rather than by females.

Chromosomes, Human, Y↗

Detecting introgressive hybridization between free-ranging domestic dogs and wild wolves (Canis lupus) by admixture linkage disequilibrium analysis.

Occasional crossbreeding between free-ranging domestic dogs and wild wolves (Canis lupus) has been detected in some European countries by mitochondrial DNA sequencing and genotyping unlinked microsatellite loci. Maternal and unlinked genomic markers, however, might underestimate the extent of introgressive hybridization, and their impacts on the preservation of wild wolf gene pools. In this study, we genotyped 220 presumed Italian wolves, 85 dogs and 7 known hybrids at 16 microsatellites belonging to four different linkage groups (plus four unlinked microsatellites). Population clustering and individual assignments were performed using a Bayesian procedure implemented in structure 2.1, which models the gametic disequilibrium arising between linked loci during admixtures, aiming to trace hybridization events further back in time and infer the population of origin of chromosomal blocks. Results indicate that (i) linkage disequilibrium was higher in wolves than in dogs; (ii) 11 out of 220 wolves (5.0%) were likely admixed, a proportion that is significantly higher than one admixed genotype in 107 wolves found previously in a study using unlinked markers; (iii) posterior maximum-likelihood estimates of the recombination parameter r revealed that introgression in Italian wolves is not recent, but could have continued for the last 70 (+/- 20) generations, corresponding to approximately 140-210 years. Bayesian clustering showed that, despite some admixture, wolf and dog gene pools remain sharply distinct (the average proportions of membership to wolf and dog clusters were Q(w) = 0.95 and Q(d) = 0.98, respectively), suggesting that hybridization was not frequent, and that introgression in nature is counteracted by behavioural or selective constraints.

Alleles↗

Genetic origins of the Ainu inferred from combined DNA analyses of maternal and paternal lineages.

The Ainu, a minority ethnic group from the northernmost island of Japan, was investigated for DNA polymorphisms both from maternal (mitochondrial DNA) and paternal (Y chromosome) lineages extensively. Other Asian populations inhabiting North, East, and Southeast Asia were also examined for detailed phylogeographic analyses at the mtDNA sequence type as well as Y-haplogroup levels. The maternal and paternal gene pools of the Ainu contained 25 mtDNA sequence types and three Y-haplogroups, respectively. Eleven of the 25 mtDNA sequence types were unique to the Ainu and accounted for over 50% of the population, whereas 14 were widely distributed among other Asian populations. Of the 14 shared types, the most frequently shared type was found in common among the Ainu, Nivkhi in northern Sakhalin, and Koryaks in the Kamchatka Peninsula. Moreover, analysis of genetic distances calculated from the mtDNA data revealed that the Ainu seemed to be related to both the Nivkhi and other Japanese populations (such as mainland Japanese and Okinawans) at the population level. On the paternal side, the vast majority (87.5%) of the Ainu exhibited the Asian-specific YAP+ lineages (Y-haplogroups D-M55* and D-M125), which were distributed only in the Japanese Archipelago in this analysis. On the other hand, the Ainu exhibited no other Y-haplogroups (C-M8, O-M175*, and O-M122*) common in mainland Japanese and Okinawans. It is noteworthy that the rest of the Ainu gene pool was occupied by the paternal lineage (Y-haplogroup C-M217*) from North Asia including Sakhalin. Thus, the present findings suggest that the Ainu retain a certain degree of their own genetic uniqueness, while having higher genetic affinities with other regional populations in Japan and the Nivkhi among Asian populations.

Asian People↗

Diversity in the rhizobia associated with Phaseolus vulgaris L. in Ecuador, and comparisons with Mexican bean rhizobia.

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have centers of origin in both Mesoamerica and Andean South America, and have been domesticated in each region for perhaps 5000 years. A third major gene pool may exist in Ecuador and Northern Peru. The diversity of the rhizobia associated with beans has also been studied, but to date with an emphasis on the Mesoamerican center of origin. In this study we compared bean rhizobia from Mexico and Andean South America using both phenotypic and phylogenetic approaches. When differences between the rhizobia of these two regions were shown, we then examined the influence of bean cultivar on the most probable number (MPN) count and biodiversity of rhizobia recovered from different soils. Three clusters of bean rhizobia were distinguished using phenotypic analysis and principal-component analysis of Box AIR-PCR banding patterns. They corresponded principally to isolates from Mexico, and the northern and southern Andean regions, with isolates from southern Ecuador exhibiting significant genetic diversity. Rhizobia from Dalea spp., which are infective and effective on beans, may have contributed to the apparent diversity of rhizobia recovered from the Mesoamerican region, while the rhizobia of wild Phaseolus aborigineus from Argentina showed only limited similarity to the other bean rhizobia tested. Use of P. vulgaris cultivars from the Mesoamerican and Andean Phaseolus gene pools as trap hosts did not significantly affect MPN counts of bean rhizobia from the soils of each region, but did influence the diversity of the rhizobia recovered. Such differences in compatibility of host and Rhizobium could be a factor in the poor reputation for nodulation and N2 fixation in this crop.

Colony Count, Microbial↗