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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Conservation of genetic diversity in the Japanese Black cattle population by the construction of partially isolated lines.

In the Japanese Black cattle population, five genetically divergent sub-populations have played important roles as suppliers of breeding stocks to the entire breed. We supposed a situation where five lines were constructed from each of the five subpopulations, and applied to this set of lines a management plan to conserve genetic diversity. Assuming that the male migration pattern among the lines followed the island model, we assessed the optimum male migration rate and required male numbers in each line, satisfying the following three conditions simultaneously: (i) the rate of inbreeding in each line was below 0.01 per generation; (ii) at least 97% of the initial genetic diversity was preserved after 10 generations; and (iii) more than 50% of the genes in an initial line were retained in the line after 10 generations. We found that approximately one breeding male should be selected per year and one breeding male should be exchanged among the lines per generation in each line to satisfy these three conditions. Numerical analysis with the migration rates actually observed among the five subpopulations demonstrated that the initial genetic differentiation among the lines was rapidly decayed by an asymmetrical migration pattern. For a successful plan, migration among lines should be strictly managed.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Estimation of pairwise relatedness with molecular markers.

Applications of quantitative genetics and conservation genetics often require measures of pairwise relationships between individuals, which, in the absence of known pedigree structure, can be estimated only by use of molecular markers. Here we introduce methods for the joint estimation of the two-gene and four-gene coefficients of relationship from data on codominant molecular markers in randomly mating populations. In a comparison with other published estimators of pairwise relatedness, we find these new "regression" estimators to be computationally simpler and to yield similar or lower sampling variances, particularly when many loci are used or when loci are hypervariable. Two examples are given in which the new estimators are applied to natural populations, one that reveals isolation-by-distance in an annual plant and the other that suggests a genetic basis for a coat color polymorphism in bears.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Accumulation of deleterious mutations and equalization of parental contributions in the conservation of genetic resources.

Typical management strategies for the conservation of endangered species in captivity, such as equalization of family sizes, deal with the need for maintaining genetic variability and low levels of inbreeding, and for preventing the population from adapting to captivity. But they also produce a reduction in the intensity of natural selection, so that deleterious mutations can accumulate more easily in small populations. We have carried out computer simulations to investigate the effect of equalizing contributions on the accumulation of deleterious mutations. The models include effects on fecundity and viability, and account for different sets of mutational parameters and reproductive rates. The effect of relaxation of selection under captive conditions was also investigated. Our results suggest that equalization of family sizes does not produce a particularly high threat to small conserved populations, at least in the short term (up to about 20 generations), and the more efficient preservation of genetic variability seems to be a clear advantage of the procedure.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed2005

Phenotypic & genotypic conservation of ompL1 & lipL41 among leptospiral isolates of Andaman Islands.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The leptospiral antigens that are conserved among the diverse pathogenic leptospires have potential importance in the development of new serodiagnostic and immunoprotective strategies. The present study was therefore carried out to find out the phenotypic conservation of the leptospiral proteins OmpL1 and LipL41, and the genetic conservation of ompL1 and lipL41 genes among the leptospiral isolates of Andaman Islands and among the reference strains. METHODS: In one dimensional SDS-PAGE the leptospiral samples prepared from strains of various leptospiral serovars were run and transferred on to nitrocellulose paper and probed with pooled convalescent phase human sera to find out the phenotypic conservation of the protein fragments at 31 and 41 kDa. Further, the proteins were indirectly confirmed as OmpL1 and LipL41 by using specific rabbit hyperimmune sera. Specific primers were utilized to amplify the fragments to study the genetic conservation of ompL1 and lipL41. Further, these two fragments were sequenced and BLAST analysis was done with the whole genome of Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai for comparison. RESULTS: Analysis of individual immunoblots using patient sera showed that the OmpL1 and LipL41 were conserved among all the isolates used in the study. Further, these two proteins were probed with specific rabbit hyperimmune sera of OmpL1 and LipL41 for confirming the fragments and it was found to be conserved among all the isolates. The PCR based amplification further showed that the genes ompL1 and lipL41 were conserved among the leptospiral isolates studied. Sequencing followed by BLAST analysis of these showed 97 per cent similarity with the whole genome sequence and low score values in comparison with other bacterial species. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The antigenic and genetic conservation of the two proteins, OmpL1 and LipL41, indicated that these could be potential candidates for development of diagnostic test systems for leptospirosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Protein polymorphism in three cercopithecid species and its application to conservation.

Genetic variation at up to 82 protein loci was studied in 3 cercopithecid primate species, Cercopithecus aethiops, Macaca fascicularis and M. mulatta. In both macaque species, genetic variability was higher than that commonly observed in other mammals. The observed protein variability is closely correlated with that expected under the neutral mutation hypothesis. The results are discussed with respect to the application of protein studies to the conservation of primate species.

Alleles↗
PubMed2004

Conservation and non-conservation of genetic pathways in eye specification.

In this review we highlight two genetic pathways important for eye morphogenesis that are partially conserved between flies and vertebrates. Initially we focus on the ey paradigm and establish which aspects of this genetic hierarchy are conserved in vertebrates. We discuss experiments that evaluate the non-linear relationship amongst the genes of the hierarchy with a concentration on vertebrate functional genetics. We specifically consider the Six genes and their relationship to sine oculis, as tremendous amounts of new data have emerged on this topic. Finally, we highlight similarities between Shh/Hh directed morphogenesis mediated by basic Helix-Loop-Helix factors in vertebrate retinal cell specification and in specification of fly photoreceptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Conservation of genetic linkage in nonisogenic isolates of Candida albicans.

A number of laboratories are now engaged in the genetic analysis of Candida albicans. This diploid yeast, the major fungal pathogen of humans, is imperfect. Parasexual techniques have been devised for complementation and recombination analysis in this organism. This paper attempts to address the question of the extent to which nonisogenic strains of C. albicans have conserved a common genetic map. This analysis is a prerequisite for the integration of work done in different laboratories and may also provide useful information on the taxonomy of the genus Candida. The paper also reports the analysis of an interspecific hybrid between C. albicans and Candida stellatoidea. The method employed in these studies was the analysis of the mitotic recombination relationships of a group of linked genes and their centromere. Strains carrying linked auxotrophic mutations were fused with isogenic and nonisogenic complementary strains to form tetraploids. The mitotic recombination analyses of these tetraploids suggest that in the isolates studied the genetic map is conserved. A comparison of tetraploid and diploid mitotic recombination analyses is also presented.

Adenine↗
PubMed2003

Genetic diversity of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) germplasm collections from Africa: implications for improvement and conservation of genetic resources.

A total of 723 accessions of oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) from 26 populations representing ten countries in Africa and one Deli dura family were screened for allelic variation at seven enzyme loci from six enzyme systems using starch gel electrophoresis. On average, 54.5% of the loci were polymorphic (0.99 criterion). The average and effective number of alleles per locus was 1.80 and 1.35, respectively. Mean expected heterozygosity was 0.184, with values ranging from 0.109 (population 8, Senegal) to 0.261 (population 29, Cameroon). The genetic differentiation among populations was high (F(ST)=0.301), indicating high genetic divergence. The calculation of F(ST) by geographic zones revealed that the high F(ST) was largely due to F(ST) among populations in West Africa, suggesting diversifying selection in this region. The mean genetic distance across populations was 0.113. The lowest genetic distance (D) was observed between population 5 from Tanzania and population 7 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (0.000) and the highest was found between population 4 from Madagascar and population 13 from Sierra Leone (0.568). The total gene flow across oil palm populations was low, with an Nm of 0.576, enhancing genetic structuring, as evident from the high F(ST) values. UPGMA cluster analysis revealed three main clusters; the western outlying populations from Senegal and Sierra Leone were in one cluster but separated into two distinct sub-clusters; the eastern outlying populations from Madagascar were in one cluster; the populations from Angola, Cameroon, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria and Guinea were in one cluster. The Deli dura family seems to be closely related to population 6 from Guinea. Oil palm populations with high genetic diversity-i.e. all of the populations from Nigeria, Cameroon and Sierra Leone, population 6 of Guinea, population 1 of Madagascar and population 2 of Senegal should be used in improvement programmes, whereas for conservation purposes, oil palm populations with high allelic diversity (A(e)), which include populations 22 and 29 from Cameroon, populations 39 and 45 from Nigeria, population 6 from Guinea, populations 5 and 13 from Sierra Leone and population 1 from Madagascar should be selected for capturing as much genetic variation as possible.

Africa↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessing the contribution of breeds to genetic diversity in conservation schemes.

The quantitative assessment of genetic diversity within and between populations is important for decision making in genetic conservation plans. In this paper we define the genetic diversity of a set of populations, S, as the maximum genetic variance that can be obtained in a random mating population that is bred from the set of populations S. First we calculated the relative contribution of populations to a core set of populations in which the overlap of genetic diversity was minimised. This implies that the mean kinship in the core set should be minimal. The above definition of diversity differs from Weitzman diversity in that it attempts to conserve the founder population (and thus minimises the loss of alleles), whereas Weitzman diversity favours the conservation of many inbred lines. The former is preferred in species where inbred lines suffer from inbreeding depression. The application of the method is illustrated by an example involving 45 Dutch poultry breeds. The calculations used were easy to implement and not computer intensive. The method gave a ranking of breeds according to their contributions to genetic diversity. Losses in genetic diversity ranged from 2.1% to 4.5% for different subsets relative to the entire set of breeds, while the loss of founder genome equivalents ranged from 22.9% to 39.3%.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Animal genetic resources conservation in the Netherlands and Europe: poultry perspective.

Increased global use of highly productive breeds of farm animals has been coupled to loss of genetic diversity in most species. In European countries, various governmental, non-governmental, and private organizations try to preserve genetic diversity of livestock in situ (e.g., by stimulating the use of indigenous, rare breeds by farmers; in nature reserves; or in noncommercial farms). In the case of poultry, maintaining in situ populations of the noncommercial (fancy) breeds largely relies on hobby farmers. In addition to in situ conservation, gene banks are being established for ex situ conservation. In at least 2 countries, France and The Netherlands, there are limited collections of frozen semen of rare poultry breeds. Since 2003, the CGN has started with a more systematic effort to collect, freeze, and store semen of indigenous Dutch poultry breeds. At present, the CGN gene bank contains semen of 11 Dutch rare poultry breeds. Also, CGN has performed research on the methodology for cryopreservation of fowl semen. This recent work was focused on finding a suitable replacement for glycerol, which is contraceptive in the hen, as a cryoprotectant. For reasons of hygiene and sample identification, we favored straw freezing, as opposed to the highly effective pellet freezing method. A significant interaction was found between cooling rate and cryoprotectant concentration. Best post-thaw sperm quality was obtained when combining 0.6 mol of dimethylacetamide/L with a cooling rate of +/- 200 degrees C/min. Inseminations twice per week with 0.3 billion sperm per insemination resulted in 97 and 88% fertilized eggs with fresh and frozen semen, respectively. In 2005, CGN has used this straw freezing method to extend the collection of poultry semen in the Dutch gene bank.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Selection against genetic defects in conservation schemes while controlling inbreeding.

We studied different genetic models and evaluation systems to select against a genetic disease with additive, recessive or polygenic inheritance in genetic conservation schemes. When using optimum contribution selection with a restriction on the rate of inbreeding (DeltaF) to select against a disease allele, selection directly on DNA-genotypes is, as expected, the most efficient strategy. Selection for BLUP or segregation analysis breeding value estimates both need 1-2 generations more to halve the frequency of the disease allele, while these methods do not require knowledge of the disease mutation at the DNA level. BLUP and segregation analysis methods were equally efficient when selecting against a disease with single gene or complex polygene inheritance, i.e. knowledge about the mode of inheritance of the disease was not needed for efficient selection against the disease. Smaller schemes or schemes with a more stringent restriction on DeltaF needed more generations to halve the frequency of the disease alleles or the fraction of diseased animals. Optimum contribution selection maintained DeltaF at its predefined level, even when selection of females was at random. It is argued that in the investigated small conservation schemes with selection against a genetic defect, control of DeltaF is very important.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The genetics of host-pathogen coevolution: implications for genetic resource conservation.

The results of long-term studies of coevolution in the Hordeum vulgare-Rhynchosporium secalis pathosystem are summarized. The genetic systems of barley (host) and R. secalis (pathogen) are complementary: Gene-for-gene interactions among loci affect many traits, leading to self-regulating adjustments over generations between host and pathogen populations. Different pathotypes differ widely in their ability to damage the host, and different host-resistance alleles differ widely in their ability to protect the host from the pathogen. Among 29 resistance loci in the specific host population studied, several played major roles in providing stable resistance, but many had net detrimental effects on the yield and reproductive ability of the host. Resistance alleles that protected against the most damaging pathotypes increased sharply in frequency in the host populations. It is concluded that the evolutionary processes that take place in genetically variable populations propagated under conditions of cultivation can be highly effective in increasing the frequency of desirable alleles and useful multilocus genotypes. This enhances the value of the evolving populations as sources of genetic variability in breeding for disease resistance and other characters that affect adaptedness.

Biological Evolution↗
PubMed1989

Trypanotolerance and the value of conserving livestock genetic resources.

Studies have been made in two main areas of genetic research on African trypanotolerant (N'Dama) cattle. The first is of the significance for performance and the heritability of trypanotolerance traits and the second is the search for markers of the breed type and the traits of interest. Results demonstrate significant effects of the ability of an animal to control parasitaemia and anaemia on its performance. Initial estimates suggested that parasitaemia measures had a very low heritability, but ability to maintain packed cell volume levels when detected as parasitaemic and to generate an immune response could form the basis of a practical selection approach. The search for markers has so far concentrated on the major histocompatibility complex and on a polymorphic system of common leukocyte antigens. Phenotypes that appeared more characteristic of the N'Dama in comparison with those of East African zebu cattle were examined for associations with trypanotolerance traits. One major histocompatibility complex encoded phenotype and two common leukocyte antigens gave indications of important associations. Planned research will further characterise the breed and define traits of importance to assist in increasing its productivity in Africa and thus in its conservation. The addition of a molecular genetics component to an integrated genetics research programme, principally through involvement in development of a linkage map of the bovine genome, will strengthen these efforts and make it possible to conserve specific N'Dama genes related to productivity.

Africa↗
PubMed2006

Genetic structure among and within peripheral and central populations of three endangered floodplain violets.

Understanding the partitioning of genetic variance in peripheral and central populations may shed more light on the effects of genetic drift and gene flow on population genetic structure and, thereby, improve attempts to conserve genetic diversity. We analysed genetic structure of peripheral and central populations of three insect-pollinated violets (Viola elatior, Viola pumila, Viola stagnina) to evaluate to what extent these patterns can be explained by gene flow and genetic drift. Amplified fragment length polymorphism was used to analyse 930 individuals of 50 populations. Consistent with theoretical predictions, peripheral populations were smaller and more isolated, differentiation was stronger, and genetic diversity and gene flow lower in peripheral populations of V. pumila and V. stagnina. In V. elatior, probably historic fragmentation effects linked to its specific habitat type were superimposed on the plant geographic (peripheral-central) patterns, resulting in lower relative importance of gene flow in central populations. Genetic variation between regions (3-6%), among (30-37%) and within populations (60-64%) was significant. Peripheral populations lacked markers that were rare and localized in central populations. Loss of widespread markers in peripheral V. stagnina populations indicated genetic erosion. Autocorrelation within populations was statistically significant up to a distance of 10-20 m. Higher average genetic similarity in peripheral populations than in central ones indicated higher local gene flow, probably owing to management practices. Peripheral populations contributed significantly to genetic variation and contained unique markers, which made them valuable for the conservation of genetic diversity.

Biodiversity↗
PubMed2002

A GIS-based approach for assessing the regional conservation status of genetic diversity: an example from the southern Appalachians.

Conserving genetic diversity requires an assessment of the distribution of genetic variants in relation to patterns of land use and environmental variation at a regional scale. This assessment requires a novel approach to integrating and analyzing the genetic and environmental data across spatial scales. To explore the integration of genetic data with other geospatial data sets, we developed a GIS-based approach for examining patterns of genetic diversity for several species of salamanders in southern Appalachians. The genetic data, from allozyme surveys in the genetics literature, were integrated into a GIS database along with related attributes including population identifications and spatial locations. Using existing geospatial data, we classified sample locations as being either protected from anthropogenic disturbance (e.g., National Parks, Wilderness Areas) or as unprotected (e.g., private lands, multiple-use lands in National Forests). We used multidimensional scaling of allelic frequencies and contributions of populations to interpopulation differences in allelic richness to determine which populations had genetic characteristics most different from other populations in the sample. Measures of genetic differentiation were integrated into the GIS database to facilitate spatial analysis and visualization of the indices in relation to land use. This approach was useful for both identification of populations with components of genetic variation that were not well represented at protected sites and for identifying areas of species distributions where more genetic sampling would be necessary to make informed management decisions. Our approach could be readily adapted for use by managers and geneticists working with other species and types of genetic markers.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Conservation biology, genetically modified organisms, and the biosafety protocol.

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential adverse effects on biological diversity of the use of living modified organisms (LMOs, which are commonly known by similar terms such as genetically modified organisms). At the international level these concerns are addressed in part by an agreement known as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and include potential toxic effects of insect-resistant crops on nontarget organisms and potential ecological effects of gene flow from modified crops, fish, microorganisms, or insects to wild species or counterparts. We reviewed the protocol's main provisions, including those dealing with risk assessment and risk management, decision making on imports, documentation accompanying shipments, and liability resulting from damages caused by LMOs. A medium-term program of work has been adopted by the parties, which includes the potential contribution of conservation biologists to delivering capacity building, developing risk assessment guidance, evaluating mechanisms of potential ecological damages from LMOs, and other issues. Conservation biologists and other experts have opportunities to influence the negotiations and implementation of the protocol by providing inputs at meetings, offering expertise to governments and organizations, and participating in or developing relevant projects and initiatives. Involvement of conservation biologists in the implementation and further development of the protocol would contribute to its effectiveness.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Male germ cell gene expression.

Formation of the male gamete occurs in sequential mitotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic phases. Many germ cell-specific transcripts are produced during this process. Their expression is developmentally regulated and stage specific. Some of these transcripts are product of genes that are male germ cell-specific homologs of genes expressed in somatic cells, while some are expressed from unique genes unlike any others in the genome. Others are alternate transcripts derived from the same gene as transcripts in somatic cells but differing from them in size and/or overall sequence. They are generated during gene expression by using promoters and transcription factors that activate transcription at different start sites upstream or downstream of the usual site, by incorporation of alternate exons, by germ cell-specific splicing events, and by using alternate initiation sites for polyadenylation. Male germ cell development consists of an assortment of unique processes, including meiosis, genetic recombination, haploid gene expression, formation of the acrosome and flagellum, and remodeling and condensation of the chromatin. These processes are intricate, highly ordered, and require novel gene products and a precise and well-coordinated program of gene expression to occur. The regulation of gene expression in male germ cells occurs at three levels: intrinsic, interactive, and extrinsic. A highly conserved genetic program "intrinsic" to germ cells determines the sequence of events that underlies germ cell development. This has been underscored by recent studies showing that meiosis involves many genes that have been conserved during evolution from yeast to man. During meiosis and other processes unique to germ cells, the intrinsic program determines which genes are utilized and when they are expressed. In the postmeiotic phase, it coordinates the expression of genes whose products are responsible for constructing the sperm. The process of spermatogenesis occurs in overlapping waves, with cohorts of germ cells developing in synchrony. The intrinsic program operating within a particular germ cell requires information from and provides information to neighboring cells to achieve this coordination. Sertoli cells are crucial for this "interactive" process as well as for providing essential support for germ cell proliferation and progression through the phases of development. The interactive level of regulation is dependent on "extrinsic" influences, primarily testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Studies during the last 4 years have established that FSH is not essential for germ cell development but instead serves an important supportive role for this process. While testosterone is essential for maintenance of spermatogenesis, it acts on Sertoli cells and peritubular cells and has indirect effects on germ cells. The extrinsic and interactive processes are extremely important for establishing and maintaining an optimum environment within which gametogenesis occurs. Nevertheless, an intrinsic evolutionarily conserved genetic program regulates male germ cell gene expression and development.

Animals↗