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Development and mapping of Oryza glumaepatula-derived microsatellite markers in the interspecific cross Oryza glumaepatula x O. sativa.

Wild germplasm of domesticated crops is a source of genetic variation little utilized in breeding programs. Interspecific crosses can potentially uncover novel gene combinations that can be important for quantitative trait analysis. The combined use of wide crosses and genetic maps of chromosomal regions associated with quantitative traits can be used to broaden the genetic basis of rice breeding programs. Oryza glumaepatula is a diploid (AA genome) wild rice species native from South and Central America. A genetic map was constructed with 162 PCR-based markers (155 microsatellite and 7 STS markers) using a backcross population derived from the cross O. glumaepatula, accession RS-16 from the Brazilian Amazon Region x O. sativa BG-90-2, an elite rice inbred line. The map included 47 new SSR markers developed from an O. glumaepatula genomic library enriched for AG/TC sequences. All SSR markers were able to amplify the O. sativa genome, indicating a high degree of SSR flanking region conservation between O. glumaepatula and O. sativa species. The map covered 1500.4 cM, with an average of one marker every 10 cM. Despite some chromosomes being more densely mapped, the overall coverage was similar to other maps developed for rice. The advantage to construct a SSR-based map is to permit the combination of the speed of the PCR reaction, and the codominant nature of the SSR marker, facilitating the QTL analysis and marker assisted selection for rice breeding programs.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Development of national animal genetic resource programs.

Globally, animal genetic resources are contracting due to economic forces. As a result, during the 1990s there was a dramatic increase in national animal genetic resource activities. Many national programmes were initiated and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations played a prominent role in coalescing national actions. Nationally, programmes have been initiated that comprise of in situ, ex situ and information-exchange efforts. A critical element to national conservation efforts is the development of cryopreserved collections of germplasm. Several countries have initiated substantial multispecies collections of cryopreserved germplasm. The selection of animals within breeds of interest is an important consideration in building cryopreserved collections. Animal selection should be based on a lack of genetic relationship, with sufficient numbers of animals to ensure the capture of rare alleles. Major issues facing repository development and genetic conservation are: (1) that all breeds are in need of genetic diversity management; (2) a better understanding of in situ breed population dynamics is needed; and (3) the concept that repository collections can be used by a broad range of clientele across time as well as during emergency situations.

Animals↗

Sire effect on fatty acid composition of ovine adipose tissue.

The fatty acid composition of perirenal adipose tissue from 255 purebred and crossbred sheep was examined to determine the genetic effects of sire on each of five fatty acids. The sheep, all rams, were the progeny of 30 Dorset Horn sires. The animals were grazed on pasture and slaughtered at an average age of 21 months, when their mean carcass weight was 30 kilograms. The fatty acids studied and their mean percentage compositions were: stearic, 38%; oleic, 31%; palmitic, 20%; palmitoleic, 2%, and linoleic, 2%. These amounted to over 90% by weight of the tissue sample fatty acids. In addition, numerical functions were constructed as ratios for two pairs of fatty acids, ratio 1 (palmitoleic to palmitic) and ratio 2 (oleic to stearic), for estimation of the desaturase enzyme activity in the tissue samples studied. A Softness Index, expressed as a ratio between monounsaturated and saturated acids, was also included in the analysis. Significant birth year and maternal breed effects were found for all the traits studied. This was in contrast to the regression on slaughter age, which with two exceptions was not a significant source of variation in the data. The sire effect, based on 27 degrees of freedom, was highly significant or significant for all traits except stearic or linoleic acid and ratio 2. These results are discussed with reference to utilization of genetic variation between sites in selective breeding programs to modify fatty acid composition of ovine adipose tissue.

Adipose Tissue↗

Genetic screening and ethics: European perspectives.

Analysis and comparison of genetic screening programs shows that the extent of development of programs varies widely across Europe. Regional variations are due not only to genetic disease patterns but also reflect the novelty of genetic services. In most countries, the focus for genetic screening programs has been pregnant women and newborn children. Newborn children are screened only for disorders which are treatable. Prenatal screening when provided is for conditions for which termination may be offered. The only population screening programs for adults are those for thalassaemia carrier status in Cyprus, Greece and Italy. Social responses to genetic screening range from acceptance to hostility. There is a fundamental tension between individual and community in the debates in various European countries about implementation of screening programs. Opposition to genetic screening is frequently expressed in terms of arguments about "eugenics" with insufficient regard to the meaning of the term and its implications. Only a few countries have introduced explicit legislation on genetic screening. Legislation to address discrimination may provide more safeguards than legislation protecting genetic information itself.

Adult↗

Using molecular markers to assess the effect of introgression on quantitative attributes of common bean in the Andean gene pool.

Progress in bean breeding programs requires the exploitation of genetic variation that is present among races or through introgression across gene pools of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Of the two major common bean gene pools, the Andean gene pool seems to have a narrow genetic base, with about 10% of the accessions in the CIAT core collection presenting evidence of introgression. The objective of this study was to quantify the degree of spontaneous introgression in a sample of common bean landraces from the Andean gene pool. The effects of introgression on morphological, economic and nutritional attributes were also investigated. Homogeneity analysis was performed on molecular marker data from 426 Andean-type accessions from the primary centres of origin of the CIAT common bean core collection and two check varieties. Quantitative attribute diversity for 15 traits was studied based on the groups found from the cluster analysis of marker prevalence indices computed for each accession. The two-group summary consisted of one group of 58 accessions (14%) with low prevalence indices and another group of 370 accessions (86%) with high prevalence indices. The smaller group occupied the outlying area of points displayed from homogeneity analysis, yet their geographic origin was widely distributed over the Andean region. This group was regarded as introgressed, since its accessions displayed traits that are associated with the Middle American gene pool: high resistance to Andean disease isolates but low resistance to Middle American disease isolates, low seed weight and high scores for all nutrient elements. Genotypes generated by spontaneous introgression can be helpful for breeders to overcome the difficulties in transferring traits between gene pools.

Breeding↗

Widespread recombination throughout Wolbachia genomes.

Evidence is growing that homologous recombination is a powerful source of genetic variability among closely related free-living bacteria. Here we investigate the extent of recombination among housekeeping genes of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia. Four housekeeping genes, gltA, dnaA, ftsZ, and groEL, were sequenced from a sample of 22 strains belonging to supergroups A and B. Sequence alignments were searched for recombination within and between genes using phylogenetic inference, analysis of genetic variation, and four recombination detection programs (MaxChi, Chimera, RDP, and Geneconv). Independent analyses indicate no or weak intragenic recombination in ftsZ, dnaA, and groEL. Intragenic recombination affects gltA, with a clear evidence of horizontal DNA transfers within and between divergent Wolbachia supergroups. Intergenic recombination was detected between all pairs of genes, suggesting either a horizontal exchange of a genome portion encompassing several genes or multiple recombination events involving smaller tracts along the genome. Overall, the observed pattern is compatible with pervasive recombination. Such results, combined with previous evidence of recombination in a surface protein, phage, and IS elements, support an unexpected chimeric origin of Wolbachia strains, with important implications for Wolbachia phylogeny and adaptation of these obligate intracellular bacteria in arthropods.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Esterase D in Cebus apella from the Amazonian region.

Research programs involving the study of genetic variation of proteins have been carried out both in humans and catarrhine primates but rarely in New World species. Considering the great possibilities offered by protein variations as genetic markers in systematic and evolutionary studies in this group of organisms, the authors are specially interested in the investigation of genetic polymorphisms of blood proteins in Amazonian primates. In this paper we describe the electrophoretic patterns of erythrocyte esterases obtained from blood samples of 57 Cebus apella specimens. Blood hemolysates from Cebus display four main set of bands in azo-coupled stained gels. These bands are identified as esterases P, A1, A2 and B by their electrophoretic migration, substrate specificity and eserine reaction. The use of the fluorogenic reagent 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate revealed the presence of a fifth set of enzymes not detected by the azo-coupled staining method. This set of enzymes, probably a polymorphic genetic system, was named ESD as in humans.

Animals↗

Genetic parameters of postnatal mortality in Danish Holstein calves.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of postnatal mortality (PM) in dairy cattle. Data originated from 841,921 Danish Holstein calves. Four binary traits of mortality were considered: D1-14, D15-60, D61-180, and D1-180 with numbers indicating the period of risk in days after birth. The unadjusted frequency of D1-14, D15-60, D61-180, and D1-180 were 0.027, 0.018, 0.020, and 0.066, respectively. A linear sire-model was fitted to the data, and average information-REML was used to estimate (co)variance components. Estimates of direct heritabilities for the four mortality traits ranged from 0.001 to 0.008 but were all significant. D61-180 and D1-180 had the highest direct heritabilities. Maternal heritabilities were very low, ranging from 0.0002 to 0.0015 and significant for D1-14 and D1-180 only. The direct genetic correlation between D1-14 and D15-60, between D15-60 and D61-180, and between D1-14 and D61-180 was 0.73, 0.54, and 0.34, respectively. It indicates that different genes are responsible for early PM (D1-14) and late PM (D61-180). When D61-180 was treated as a different trait for females, males not transferred, and transferred males, the direct heritability was 0.004, 0.008, and 0.034, respectively, but the direct genetic correlations between these three traits were very high. If transfers of calves are getting more common, the importance of including PM in a breeding program will increase, as the genetic variation of PM was considerably higher for transferred calves than for calves that were not transferred.

Aging↗

Genetic monitoring of wild and repatriated populations of endangered razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus, Catostomidae, Teleostei) in Lake Mohave, Arizona-Nevada.

The Native Fishes Work Group, formed in 1991, developed and implemented a protocol to enhance the dwindling razorback sucker population in Lake Mohave, Arizona-Nevada. This large, genetically diverse population is severely reduced in size as a result of recruitment failure associated with predation on larvae. To circumvent this problem, wild larvae are captured, reared in protective custody until they are large enough to escape predation, and then released back into the lake. We present results of a monitoring program designed to assess the effectiveness of the sampling design in transmitting the high genetic diversity found in wild adults. Variation in a fragment from the mitochondrial DNA gene cytochrome b was examined by analysis of single-stranded polymorphisms and direct sequencing. Samples were characterized from three life history stages. Characterization of wild adults verified previous results that identified considerable diversity and provided baseline data. Samples of larvae from several temporal collections from throughout the spawning season and four geographical areas were characterized for 7 years (1997-2003) to assess the transmission of genetic variation from wild adults to larvae. Several analyses identified significant differences among temporal collections, resulting from sampling errors associated with finite number of females spawning at a given time and place. Comparisons among areas and years failed to identify significant variation, indicating that pooled collections for each year possess the same levels and patterns of genetic variation. Examination of repatriates representing 11 years (1992-2002) also failed to identify significant differences among cohorts; however, some sample sizes were small and the amova may lack sufficient power to detect differences. Contrasts of wild adults, larvae, and repatriates identified statistically significant differences among collections within these three groups; however, levels of variation are small and not biologically meaningful. More importantly, this analysis failed to detect significant differences among adults, larvae, and repatriates indicating that the program has been achieving its goal of transmitting variation from adults through the larvae and into the repatriate population. The reproductive capability of repatriates has not been examined, so it is unknown if the program will maintain genetic variation found in the original adult population. This will be most easily achieved by periodic monitoring of genetic variation in larval samples. If levels of variation become reduced in repatriates, levels and patterns of diversity in larvae are also expected to become reduced, and deviations in estimates of genetic diversity may become larger and more frequent. If this is the case, intervention may be necessary to ensure that certain individuals are not over-represented in the repatriate population.

Animals↗

[Genetic and morphological characteristics of the populations of Cyprinodon dearborni (Atherinomorpha: Cyprinodontidae) in Chacopata and Laguna de los Patos, Venezuela].

Two populations of the fish Cyprinodon dearborni were compared, one from Laguna de Chacopata and the other from Laguna de los Patos, Cumaná, Venezuela. The morphometric method of the Box Truss was used; the organisms were photographed with a digital camera. In the images 18 measures were made to each organism, with the MOCHA 1.2 program. The tendencies of morphologic variation among populations were analyzed by main components using STATGRAPHICS 2.0 and SHEAR programs. The first four main components in males and females explained 88% of the total variation. The components two, three and four separate the two populations based on the body form of the animals. For the electrophoretic study, 13 enzymatic systems were analyzed in starch gels. The variation and genetic distance were calculated with the program GENES 2.0. Differences were observed in the systems G6PDH, GPI; ES and GLUD, that which can be used as isoenzimatic markers. Genetic diversity of Chacopata (H = 0.086, p = 0.079) was higher than in Laguna de los Patos (H = 0.029, p = 0.028), but both are within the average in populations of fish. The two populations presented a Nei distance of 0.058. The genetic and morphologic differentiation suggests an incipient process of separation whose causes could be the ecological conditions of their habitat, or processes of vicariant speciation.

Animals↗

Evolution of nematode development.

Multiple evolutionary variations occur in the cellular and genetic programming of nematode development. Many changes involve alterations of inductive interactions. Surprisingly, inductive processes vary during evolution, irrespective of changes in the final cell lineages and morphological structures. Genetic studies in some nematodes also shed light on the underlying mechanisms of evolutionary change.

Animals↗

Limited diversity of measles field isolates after a national immunization day in Burkina Faso: progress from endemic to epidemic transmission?

Despite recent National Immunization Days in Burkina Faso, the rural province of Houët reported >400 measles cases in 2001 (82% not vaccinated). Phylogenetic analysis of 58 measles virus field isolates plus the first sequences from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo are reported. All viruses were genotype B3, which is common in the region. In Houët, there were two geographically confined genetic variants, suggesting two independent importation events. Strain diversity in Houët (1.5%) and the Congos was limited in comparison with Ibadan, Nigeria (4.6%), where measles is endemic. Strain variability, assessed by heteroduplex mobility assay, confirmed these findings. Despite large local pools of susceptible persons even after several rounds of vaccination, the limited strain diversity suggests that parts of rural Burkina Faso may be moving from an endemic to an epidemic transmission pattern of measles virus.

Adolescent↗

Selection for disease resistance.

Approaches to disease control are prioritized. Genetic improvement could reduce need for treatment and culling but would not reduce the need for proper management and sanitation. Results of several studies indicate that disease incidence and cost increases with selection for milk yield. The large array of disease resistance mechanisms in animals suggests a large number of loci are involved in disease resistance. A few loci, e.g., the major histocompatibility complex, may account for a major portion of genetic variance in disease. Rate of genetic gain from selection for a major locus alone or in combination with performance is discussed. Four criteria for including traits in a breeding program are outlined, and each is discussed with respect to disease. In spite of low heritabilities for disease traits, genetic variation for disease incidence is economically important and justifies including disease in breeding programs. An industry-wide standard for recording and accumulating field data for disease is lacking. Institutional relationships among segments of the animal breeding and animal health industries are needed to facilitate genetic improvement for disease resistance.

Animals↗

Major histocompatibility complex monomorphism and low levels of DNA fingerprinting variability in a reintroduced and rapidly expanding population of beavers.

Loss of genetic variation due to population bottlenecks may be a severe threat for the survival of endangered species. Assessment and maintenance of genetic variability are thus crucial for conservation programs related to endangered populations. Scandinavian beavers went through an extensive bottleneck during the last century due to overhunting. In Sweden the species became extirpated but in Norway extinction was avoided by legal protection. Following reintroductions of small numbers of remaining Norwegian animals in 1922-1939, the Swedish population has increased tremendously, now harboring 100,000 animals. We show here that this viable population of beavers possesses extremely low levels of genetic variability at DNA fingerprinting loci and monomorphism at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II loci. A similar pattern was also evident among Norwegian beavers but low levels of genetic variability were not a characteristic of the species since Russian conspecifics displayed substantial DNA fingerprinting polymorphism. However, the Russian animals were monomorphic at MHC loci, indicating that the European beaver is exceptional in its low level of MHC variability. The results demonstrate that a conservation program can be successful despite low levels of genetic variation in the founder population.

Animals↗

[Decoding common mechanisms of cellular genetic-epigenetic control in eukaryotes].

The mechanism of genetic epigenetic operation at genomic and chromosomic levels within the limits of imitation model of eucaryotic cellular compartment is postulated, this compartment including left and right operators. Probable pattern of interactions during reproduction, determination and expression of genes as a manifestation of genetic, epigenetic memory and memory of water is shown. A specific character and rate of transformations of nucleotides and proteins are realized through different operation mechanisms over hierarchic processes directed on the preservation of DNA in the line of cellular generations and also determining dynamics of the genome with DNA variations. The mechanism of programmed provision of genetic-epigenetic interaction lies in the ways of control, regulation, adaptation and modulation of nucleotides and proteins transformations which occur on the basis of specific (complementary, kinetic and tunnel effects) choice of directions, place, time and aim of nucleotide-nucleotide, nucleotide-protein, protein-nucleotide and protein-protein interactions.

DNA↗

Unravelling first-generation pedigrees in wild endangered salmon populations using molecular genetic markers.

There is increasing interest in the use of molecular genetic data to infer genealogical relationships among individuals in the absence of parental information. Such analyses can provide insight into mating systems and estimations of heritability in the wild. In addition, accurate pedigree reconstruction among the founders of endangered populations being reared in captivity would be invaluable. Many breeding programs for endangered species attempt to minimize loss of genetic variation and inbreeding through strategies designed to minimize global co-ancestry, but they assume a lack of relatedness among the founders. Yet populations that are the target of such programs are generally in serious demographic decline, and many of the available founders may be closely related. Here we demonstrate determination of full and half-sib relationships among the wild founders of a captive breeding program involving two endangered Atlantic salmon populations using two different approaches and associated software, pedigree and colony. A large portion of the juveniles collected in these two rivers appear to be derived from surprisingly few females mating with a large number of males, probably small precocious parr. Another group of potential founders, obtained from a local hatchery, clearly originated from a small number of full-sib crosses. These results allowed us to prioritize individuals on the basis of conservation value, and are expected to help minimize loss of genetic variation through time. In addition, insight is provided into the number of contributing parents and the mating systems that produced this last generation of endangered wild Atlantic salmon.

Alleles↗

Allozyme variation of populations of Castanopsis carlesii (Fagaceae) revealing the diversity centres and areas of the greatest divergence in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The genetic variation and divergence estimated by allozyme analysis were used to reveal the evolutionary history of Castanopsis carlesii in Taiwan. Two major questions were discussed concerning evolutionary issues: where are the diversity centres, and where are the most genetically divergent sites in Taiwan? METHODS: Twenty-two populations of C. carlesii were sampled throughout Taiwan. Starch gel electrophoresis was used to assay allozyme variation. Genetic parameters and mean FST values of each population were analysed using the BIOSYS-2 program. Mean F(ST) values of each population against the remaining populations, considered as genetic divergence, were estimated using the FSTAT program. KEY RESULTS: Average values of genetic parameters describing the within-population variation, the average number of alleles per locus (A=2.5), the effective number of alleles per locus (Ae=1.38), the allelic richness (Ar=2.38), the percentage of polymorphic loci (P=69%), and the expected heterozygosity (He=0.270) were estimated. High levels of genetic diversity were found for C. carlesii compared with other local plant species. Genetic differentiation between populations was generally low. CONCLUSIONS: From the data of expected heterozygosity, one major diversity centre was situated in central Taiwan corroborating previous reports for other plant species. According to the mean FST value of each population, the most divergent populations were situated in two places. One includes populations located in north central Taiwan between 24.80 degrees N and 24.20 degrees N. The other is located in south-eastern Taiwan between 22.40 degrees N and 23.10 degrees N. These two regions are approximately convergent with the most divergent locations determined for several other plant species using chloroplast DNA markers published previously. An important finding obtained from this study is that unordered markers like allozymes can be used to infer past population histories as well as chloroplast DNA markers do.

DNA, Chloroplast↗

Identification and analysis of genetic variation among rose cultivars using random amplified polymorphic DNA.

Identified germplasm is an important component for efficient and effective management of plant genetic resources. Traditionally, cultivars or species identification has relied on morphological characters like growth habit or floral morphology like flower colour and other characteristics of the plant. Studies were undertaken for identification and analysis of genetic variation within 34 rose cultivars through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Analysis was made by using twenty five decamer primers. Out of twenty five, ten primers were selected and used for identification and analysis of genetic relationships among 34 rose cultivars. A total of 162 distinct DNA fragments ranging from 0.1 to 3.4 kb was amplified by using 10 selected random decamer primers. The genetic similarity was evaluated on the basis of presence or absence of bands. The cluster analysis indicated that the 34 rose cultivars form 9 clusters. The first cluster consists of eight hybrid cultivars, three clusters having five cultivars each, one cluster having four cultivars, two clusters having three cultivars each and two clusters having one cultivar each. The genetic distance was very close within the cultivars. Thus, these RAPD markers have the potential for identification of clusters and characterization of genetic variation within the cultivars. This is also helpful in rose breeding programs and provides a major input into conservation biology.

Base Sequence↗