Possible effects of interprotein variation in mean rate of amino acid substitution on the relationship of genetic distance with time since evolutionary divergence

Published data on mean rates of genetic divergence for a substantial number of protein molecules is used to examine the hypothetical effect of variations in these rates upon the expected relationship between evolutionary time and Nei's (1972, American Naturalist, 106: 283) genetic distance, D. Results indicate that at higher values D can be expected to deviate significantly from stochastic linearity with time. However, over the sort of time scale over which D values are normally estimated, deviation is slight and likely to be insignificant when compared to other potential sources of error. It is concluded that for most practical purposes interprotein differences in mean rates of amino acid substitution need not be taken into account when calibrating genetic distance estimates against evolutionary time.     

INTRASPECIFIC VARIATION IN THE DINOFLAGELLATE PERIDINIUM VOLZIP1

Clonal isolates of Peridinium volzii Lemmerman were analyzed morphologically and biochemically. Morphological observations at the light microscope level show the clones to be different varieties and forms of the same species. Biochemical analysis by enzyme electrophoresis and flow cytometric determination of nuclear DNA quantities indicates that these isolates are genetically heterogeneous without any clear correlation existing between morphological variation and biochemical variation. Isozyme analysis, however, indicates that strains from the same location are generally more related to each other than they are to isolates with other geographical origins. In general, our results suggest the presence of genetic redundancy and a multiclonal origin for individuals of the same species present in the same locale.     

辽宁省首株柯萨奇病毒B组5型全基因组序列分析

研究引起辽宁地区手足口病的柯萨奇病毒B组5型（coxsackievirus B5,CV-B5）基因组特征。对2018年从辽宁省688份肠道病毒核酸阳性的标本中分离到的1株CV-B5进行高通量测序，并对其全基因组进行遗传进化分析。结果表明，CV-B5辽宁分离株与国内流行株的全基因组核苷酸序列同源性为78.5%～97%，氨基酸序列同源性为75.3%～96.7%。基于全基因组的进化分析将CV-B5流行株分为A～D四个基因型，辽宁分离株属于D基因型。通过重组分析发现其在P3区的3D区段发生重组。首次在辽宁地区手足口病患儿中分离出CV-B5，辽宁省分离株（LN2018-23-21/CHN/2018）可能为重组株。     

Variation in sclerophylly among Iberian populations of Quercus coccifera L. is associated with genetic differentiation across contrasting environments

Evergreen oaks are an emblematic element of the Mediterranean vegetation and have a leaf phenotype that seems to have remained unchanged since the Miocene. We hypothesise that variation of the sclerophyll phenotype among Iberian populations of Quercus coccifera is partly due to an ulterior process of ecotypic differentiation. We analysed the genetic structure of nine Iberian populations using ISSR fingerprints, and their leaf phenotypes using mean and intracanopy plasticity values of eight morphological (leaf angle, area, spinescence, lobation and specific area) and biochemical traits (VAZ pool, chlorophyll and β-carotene content). Climate and soil were also characterised at the population sites. Significant genetic and phenotypic differences were found among populations and between NE Iberia and the rest of the populations of the peninsula. Mean phenotypes showed a strong and independent correlation with both genetic and geographic distances. Northeastern plants were smaller, less plastic, with smaller, spinier and thicker leaves, a phenotype consistent with the stressful conditions that prevailed in the steppe environments of the refugia within this geographic area during glaciations. These genetic, phenotypic, geographic and environmental patterns are consistent with previously reported palaeoecological and common evidence. Such consistency leads us to conclude that there has been a Quaternary divergence within the sclerophyllous syndrome that was at least partially driven by ecological factors.     

Impact of precocious male parr on the effective size of a wild population of Atlantic salmon

1. There is growing evidence that sexually mature but morphologically juvenile males of Atlantic salmon (precocious or mature male parr) actively participate in reproduction and, therefore, in the genetic composition of the populations of this species. The impact of mature male parr on the effective population size (N_e) of such populations has been previously studied under experimental settings, but no studies have been performed directly on natural populations. 2. Continuous monitoring and sampling of all sea returns is possible in the Lérez River (northwest of Spain). From demographic data on variances of reproductive success and genetic data from six microsatellite marker loci we carried out parentage assignment and assessed the impact of male parr on demographic and genetic estimates of N_e in two consecutive years. 3. Our results reveal that: (i) approximately 60% of the total sire paternity is attributable to mature parr; (ii) mature parr decrease the variance of reproductive success of males by a threefold factor and increase the effective population size of males by a 10‐fold factor; (iii) however, they do not substantially affect the variance of reproductive success and the effective size of females; (iv) mature parr increase two‐to threefold the overall effective size of the population but the ratio N_e/N, where N is the population size including or not mature parr in each case, is not affected.     

Variation in mitochondrial DNA and maternal genetic ancestry of Ethiopian cattle populations

This study describes complete control region sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 117 Ethiopian cattle from 10 representative populations, in conjunction with the available cattle sequences in GenBank. In total, 79 polymorphic sites were detected, and these defined 81 different haplotypes. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity of Ethiopian cattle did not vary among the populations studied. All mtDNA sequences from Ethiopian cattle converged into one main maternal lineage (T1) that corresponds to African Bos taurus cattle. According to the results of this study, no zebu mtDNA haplotypes have been found in Ethiopia, where the most extensive hybridization took place on the African continent.     

Genetic skeletal disorders of the fetus and infant: Pathologic and molecular findings in a series of 41 cases

BACKGROUND: Genetic skeletal disorders of the fetus and infant are a large group of genetic disorders, comprising the groups formerly assigned as skeletal dysplasias (osteochondrodysplasias), dysostoses, and malformation syndromes with a skeletal component. Genetic skeletal disorders may be prenatally detected by ultrasonography or result in intrauterine or early postnatal death, constituting one difficult diagnostic field met by the pathologist who performs the perinatal autopsy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we have gathered radiologic, physical, histopathologic, and molecular data regarding 41 cases of genetic skeletal disorders diagnosed among 1980 fetal and perinatal autopsies over a 10‐year period. RESULTS: Our series of cases were classified according to the 2006 Nosology and Classification of Genetic Skeletal Disorders. The overall frequency of genetic skeletal disorders was 1:48 autopsies. The FGFR3 group and osteogenesis imperfecta type 2 were the more frequently encountered disorders. The mean gestational age at autopsy was 21.9 weeks (range, 12–37 weeks). A final diagnosis was obtained in 95% of cases. Genetic skeletal disorders were detected by prenatal ultrasound in 90% of cases, with a correct typing of the disorder achieved in only 34%. Molecular analysis was confirmative in 5 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The central role of the perinatal pathologist in collaboration with specialized services is essential for the correct interpretation of the radiologic, physical, and histopathologic findings, to accurately classify specific types of genetic skeletal disorders and enable genetic counseling. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Antagonism between local dispersal and self-incompatibility systems in a continuous plant population

Many self-incompatible plant species exist in continuous populations in which individuals disperse locally. Local dispersal of pollen and seeds facilitates inbreeding because pollen pools are likely to contain relatives. Self-incompatibility promotes outbreeding because relatives are likely to carry incompatible alleles. Therefore, populations can experience an antagonism between these forces. In this study, a novel computational model is used to explore the effects of this antagonism on gene flow, allelic diversity, neighbourhood sizes, and identity by descent. I confirm that this antagonism is sensitive to dispersal levels and linkage. However, the results suggest that there is little to no difference between the effects of gametophytic and sporophytic self-incompatibility systems (GSI and SSI) on unlinked loci. More importantly, both GSI and SSI affect unlinked loci in a manner similar to obligate outcrossing without mating types. This suggests that the primary evolutionary impact of self-incompatibility systems may be to prevent selfing, and prevention of biparental inbreeding might be a beneficial side-effect.     

LIFE-CENTERED ETHICS, AND THE HUMAN FUTURE IN SPACE

In the future, human destiny may depend on our ethics. In particular, biotechnology and expansion in space can transform life, raising profound questions. Guidance may be found in Life‐centered ethics, as biotic ethics that value the basic patterns of organic gene/protein life, and as panbiotic ethics that always seek to expand life. These life‐centered principles can be based on scientific insights into the unique place of life in nature, and the biological unity of all life. Belonging to life then implies a human purpose: to safeguard and propagate life. Expansion in space will advance this purpose but will also raise basic questions. Should we expand all life or only intelligent life? Should we aim to create populations of trillions? Should we seed other solar systems? How far can we change but still preserve the human species, and life itself? The future of all life may be in our hands, and it can depend on our guiding ethics whether life will fulfil its full potentials. Given such profound powers, life‐centered ethics can best secure future generations. Our descendants may then understand nature more deeply, and seek to extend life indefinitely. In that future, our human existence can find a cosmic purpose.