Extensive polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex DRA gene in Balkan donkeys: perspectives on selection and genealogy |
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| Authors: | Haidi Arbanasić Ana Galov Andreja Ambriović‐Ristov Juraj Grizelj Georgios Arsenos Božidarka Marković Toni Dovenski Silvijo Vince Ino Čurik |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;2. Division of Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Genotoxic Agents, Ru?er Bo?kovi? Institute, , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;3. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Clinic for obstetrics and reproduction, University of Zagreb, , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;4. School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, , 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;5. Department of Livestock Production, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Montenegro, , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;6. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Reproduction and Biomedicine, Cyril and Methodius University, , 1000 Skopje, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;7. Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia |
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| Abstract: | The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) contains genes important for immune response in mammals, and these genes exhibit high polymorphism and diversity. The DRA gene, a member of the MHC class II family, is highly conserved across a large number of mammalian species, but it displays exceptionally rich sequence variations in Equidae members. We analyzed allelic polymorphism of the DRA locus in 248 donkeys sampled across the Balkan Peninsula (Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Greece and Montenegro). Five known alleles and two new alleles were identified. The new allele Eqas‐DRA*0601 was found to carry a synonymous mutation, and new allele Eqas‐DRA*0701, a non‐synonymous mutation. We further analyzed the historical selection and allele genealogy at the DRA locus in equids. Signals of positive selection obtained by various tests were ambiguous. A conservative conclusion is that DRA polymorphism occurred relatively recently and that positive selection has been acting on the DRA locus for a relatively brief period. |
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| Keywords: | donkey DRA locus genetic diversity major histocompatibility complex selection |
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