mtDNA diversity in rhesus monkeys reveals overestimates of divergence time and paraphyly with neighboring species

Reconstructions of the human-African great ape phylogeny by using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been subject to considerable debate. One confounding factor may be the lack of data on intraspecific variation. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of intraspecific mtDNA diversity on the phylogenetic reconstruction of another Plio- Pleistocene radiation of higher primates, the fascicularis group of macaque (Macaca) monkey species. Fifteen endonucleases were used to identify 10 haplotypes of 40-47 restriction sites in M. mulatta, which were compared with similar data for the other members of this species group. Interpopulational, intraspecific mtDNA diversity was large (0.5%- 4.5%), and estimates of divergence time and branching order incorporating this variation were substantially different from those based on single representatives of each species. We conclude that intraspecific mtDNA diversity is substantial in at least some primate species. Consequently, without prior information on the extent of genetic diversity within a particular species, intraspecific variation must be assessed and accounted for when reconstructing primate phylogenies. Further, we question the reliability of hominoid mtDNA phylogenies, based as they are on one or a few representatives of each species, in an already depauperate superfamily of primates.      

Bacterial Communities of Regressive Spots in Ombrotrophic Bogs: Structure and Functions

Microbiology - This research analyses the structure and functions of bacterial communities of regressive spots in ombrotrophic bogs. Algal biomass was found to predominate in the biomass structure...     

Production of wheat-rye substitution lines based on winter rye cultivars with karyotype identification by means of C-banding,GISH, and SSR markers

The study presents a continuation of the research aimed at producing of wheat-rye substitution lines (2n = 42) based on the cross (Triticum aestivum L. × Secale sereale L.) × Triticum aestivum L., and using winter rye cultivars Vyatka and Vietnamskaya Mestnaya. In BC 1 F 5 two lines were identified, having karyotypes in which a pair of homologous wheat chromosomes was substituted by a homeologous pair of rye chromosomes. The chromosome composition of these lines was analyzed using C-banding, GISH, and SSR markers. It was demonstrated that karyotype of each line included a single pair of rye chromosomes and lacked wheat-rye translocations. The rye chromosomes were identified, and the chromosomes of wheat, at which the substitutions occurred, were determined. The lines generated by crosses with rye of Vyatka and Vietnamskaya Mestnaya cultivars were designated 1Rv(1A) and 5Rviet(5A), respectively. Chromosome identification and classification of the lines makes it possible to use them in breeding programs and genetic studies.     

Upper palaeolithic and late stone age human diet

Undoubtedly modern mankind is an omnivorous species. Nevertheless, types of diet changed at the time of anthropogenesis. The Upper Palaeolithic period is the crucial time because of the appearance of anatomically modern humans in Europe. The main goal in this period investigation is to find the Neanderthal man-Upper Palaeolithic man diet distinction. A sharp early Holocene rise in humidity and temperature and melting of the permafrost resulted in the complete destruction of traditional migration routes, campsite losses, and the flora and fauna of inland territories changing. All these factors affected nutrition patterns, too. The comparison of the different Mesolithic and Neolithic groups' diet patterns allow us to discuss problems of the influence of cultural and ecological factors. The bone tissue chemical concentrations (Ca, Zn, Sr, Cu) from Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic burials are considered to reconstruct individual and group patterns of nutrition. The results of the atomic absorption method were used.     

Comparative Effects of Rye Chromosomes 1R and 5R on Androgenesis in Cultured Anthers of Wheat–Rye Substitution Lines as Dependent on the Line Origin

The effects of rye chromosomes 1R and 5R on androgenesis in cultured anthers of wheat–rye substitution lines was studied as dependent on the cultivar origin of the rye chromosomes and on the wheat genome (A or D) subjected to substitution. Chromosome 1R stimulated embryogenesis in anther cultures, while chromosome 5R suppressed it regardless of whether the corresponding wheat chromosomes were substituted in the A or D genome. The effect of chromosome 1R on embryogenesis proved to depend on its cultivar origin. Along with rye chromosome 1R, wheat chromosome 1A was shown to substantially affect total seedling regeneration. Regeneration of green seedlings was dramatically affected both by rye chromosome 1R and by wheat chromosome 1D. The results supported the published data that individual androgenesis parameters (embryogenesis, total plant regeneration, green plant regeneration) are controlled by different genetic mechanisms.     

Chromosome synteny of the a genome of two evolutionary wheat lines

In order to estimate synteny between A^t and A polyploid wheat genomes belonging to different evolutionary lines (Timopheevi and Emmer), saturation of chromosome maps of Triticum timopheevii A^t genome by molecular markers has been conducted. Totally, 179 EST-SSR and 48 genomic SSR-markers have been used with the following integration of 13 and 7 markers correspondingly into chromosome maps of A^t genome. ESTSSR showed higher transferability and lower polymorphism than genomic SSR markers. The chromosome maps designed were compared to maps of homoeologous chromosome group of the T. aestivum A genome. No disturbances of colinearity, i.e., of the order of markers within the chromosome segments on which they had been previously mapped, were observed. According to the quantity assessment of markers amplifying in homoeologous chromosomes, the maximum divergence was detected in two groups (4A^t/4A and 3A^t/3A) among the seven chromosomes examined in the A ^t and A genomes. Comparison of molecular genetic mapping results with the published results of studying meiosis of F₁ hybrids and the frequency of chromosomes substitution in introgressive T. aestivum × T. timopheevii lines suggest that individual chromosomes of the A^t and A genomes evolve differently. Translocations were shown to introduce the major impact on the divergence of 4A^t/4A and 6A^t/6A chromosomes, while mutations of the primary DNA structure, on the divergence of homoeologous group 3 chromosomes. The level of reorganization of other chromosomes during the evolution in the A^t and A genomes was significantly lower.     

Features of the regulation of meiotic restitution in androgenic haploids of wheat-rye substitution lines 2R(2D)1, 2R(2D)3, and 6R(6A) (Triticum aestivum L., cultivar Saratovskaya 29/Secale cereale L., cultivar Onokhoiskaya)

Regulation of meiotic restitution in androgenic haploids generated by cultivation of isolated anthers of three wheat-rye substitution lines 2R(2D)₁, 2R(2D)₃, and 6R(6A) (Triticum aestivum L., cultivar Saratovskaya 29/Secale cereale L., cultivar Onokhoiskaya) was studied. The presence of rye chromosomes and the absence of homeologous wheat chromosomes in the haploid plant genome was shown to cause meiotic restitution, as observed in the case of androgenic haploids 6R(6A), or to inhibit it—in meiosis of haploids 2R(2D)₁ and 2R(2D)₃. In haploids of lines 2R(2D)₁ and 2R(2D)₃, the reductional type of division of univalent chromosomes was observed, leading to preferential formation of tetrads. In haploids of line 6R(6A), the equational type of division of univalents into sister chromatids, resulting in the block of the second division and formation of diads in approximately 50% of cells, was detected. These results confirm data on the effect of the genotype of line 2R(2D)₁ on the induction of reductional type division of univalents and two-phase meiosis, which were earlier obtained in studies of meiosis in polyhaploids 2R(2D)₁ × S. cereale L., cultivar Onokhoiskaya.     

Bioresorption of Porous 3D Matrices Based on Collagen in Liver and Muscular Tissue

Highly porous cylinder-shaped 3D matrices with diameters of 1.3 and 3 mm were obtained by lyophilization of collagen solution. A study in vivo of the mechanism and rate of resorption of the resulting material showed that complete resorption of the matrix occurred 6 weeks after their implantation into liver tissue and 3 weeks after implantation into muscle tissue of animals. Surrounding tissues were not altered or damaged. Histological analysis revealed that, simultaneously with the resorption of matrix collagen, connective tissue and blood vessels were formed. This allows us to recommend the developed porous material based on collagen for use as matrices for tissue engineering and cellular transplantation.