Variability in chemical defense across a shallow to mesophotic depth gradient in the Caribbean sponge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plakortis angulospiculatus</Emphasis>

The transition between shallow and mesophotic coral reef communities in the tropics is characterized by a significant gradient in abiotic and biotic conditions that could result in potential trade-offs in energy allocation. The mesophotic reefs in the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands have a rich sponge fauna with significantly greater percent cover of sponges than in their respective shallow reef communities, but relatively low numbers of spongivores. Plakortis angulospiculatus, a common sponge species that spans the depth gradient from shallow to mesophotic reefs in the Caribbean, regenerates faster following predation and invests more energy in protein synthesis at mesophotic depths compared to shallow reef conspecifics. However, since P. angulospiculatus from mesophotic reefs typically contain lower concentrations of chemical feeding deterrents, they are not able to defend new tissue from predation as efficiently as conspecifics from shallow reefs. Nonetheless, following exposure to predators on shallow reefs, transplanted P. angulospiculatus from mesophotic depths developed chemical deterrence to predatory fishes. A survey of bioactive extracts indicated that a specific defensive metabolite, plakortide F, varied in concentration with depth, producing altered deterrence between shallow and mesophotic reef P. angulospiculatus. Different selective pressures in shallow and mesophotic habitats have resulted in phenotypic plasticity within this sponge species that is manifested in variable chemical defense and tissue regeneration at wound sites.     

Intestinal Dysbiosis and Yeast Isolation in Stool of Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders

High frequency of gastrointestinal yeast presence in ASD subjects was shown through a simple cultural approach (Candida spp. in 57.5 % of ASDs and no controls); the identification of aggressive form (pseudo-hyphae presenting) of Candida spp. at light microscope means that adhesion to intestinal mucosa is facilitated. Dysbiosis appears sustained by lowered Lactobacillus spp. and decreased number of Clostridium spp. Absence of C. difficilis and its toxins in both ASDs and controls is also shown. Low-mild gut inflammation and augmented intestinal permeability were demonstrated together with the presence of GI symptoms. Significant linear correlation was found between disease severity (CARs score) and calprotectin and Clostridium spp. presence. Also GI symptoms, such as constipation and alternating bowel, did correlate (multivariate analyses) with the increased permeability to lactulose. The present data provide rationale basis to a possible specific therapeutic intervention in restoring gut homeostasis in ASDs.     

Mossambicus tilapia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis mossambicus</Emphasis>) collected from water bodies impacted by urban waste carries extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and integron-bearing gut bacteria

Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) (Tilapia) is one of the most consumed fish globally. Tilapia thrives well in environments polluted by urban waste, which invariably contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Thus, Tilapia surviving in such polluted environments may serve as a potential source for dissemination of ARGs. To investigate this, we isolated bacterial strains from gut of Tilapia found in polluted rivers and lakes near Pune, India, and studied the prevalence of resistance genes by molecular methods. A total of 91 bacterial strains were obtained, which include fish pathogens and human pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter spp. and Shigella spp. Overall the prevalence of class 1 integrons, class 2 integrons, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) bla _CTX-M, bla _SHV and aac(6')-Ib-cr gene was 38%, 24%, 38%, 31% and 31% respectively. Forty-two percent of the Enterobacteriaceae strains carried bla _CTX-M gene, which is a common ESBL gene in clinics. The study demonstrates that tilapia found in the polluted waters can serve as reservoirs and an alternative route for human exposure to clinically important ARG-carrying bacteria. The consumption and handling of these fish may pose a potential health risk.     

Study on properties and regulation peculiarities of glycogenolysis enzymes in fish skeletal muscles depending on peculiarities of the species motor activity

The activity values, properties and peculiarities of activation of glycogen phosphorylase (GP, EC 2.4.1.1) and glycogen phosphorylase kinase (GPK, EC 2.7.138) were studied in the white skeletal muscle of fishes differing in motor behavior. No differences in the GP and GPK activity levels were revealed in porgy Diplodus annularis (L.), horse mackerel Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus, trout Salmo trutta morphario, scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus, flounder Scophtalnus maeoticus maeoticus, and carp Cyprinus carpio; however, properties of the isolated enzymes and peculiarities of formation of their activated forms during swimming in a hydrodynamic tube are determined by functional peculiarities of the muscle tissue and are associated with the motor activity character of the species. The more rapid ion regulation prevails in fishes capable for the burst swimming type (scorpionfish, trout). The glycogenolysis hormonal regulation leading to a change of the GPK activity index has been found in other species.     

Four new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoderma</Emphasis> with hyaline ascospores from central China

Collections of Trichoderma producing hyaline ascospores from central China were examined. Four new species, Trichoderma asterineum, T. henanense, T. odoratum and T. pseudobritdaniae, were discovered, described and illustrated. Their phylogenetic positions were explored based on sequence analyses of the combined RNA polymerase II subunit b (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (tef1) genes. As a sister of T. leguminosarum, T. asterineum can be easily recognised by its pale yellow stromata, ochre to brown ostiolar dots surrounded by stellate cracks, green conidia and slow growth. Trichoderma henanense is distinctive in pulvinate or discoid, dirty yellow to brownish yellow stromata, brown to dark brown ostiolar dots, small monomorphic ascospores in relatively short asci and white colonies with dense aerial hyphae in cultures. Trichoderma odoratum forms an independent lineage as a sister of T. henanense and is characterised by yellow to greyish yellow, pulvinate stromata with dark brown or reddish brown projecting ostiolar dots, slow growth, trichoderma- to verticillium-like conidiophores, hyaline conidia and producing a mushroom-like odour in culture. Trichoderma pseudobritdaniae is closely associated with but easily separated from T. britdaniae in pulvinate, brownish yellow or greyish yellow stromata with dark brown or grey black ostiolar dots, relatively large perithecia, monomorphic ascospores, somewhat low growth rate, trichoderma- to verticillium-like conidiophores and hyaline conidia. Morphological distinctions and sequence divergences between the new species and their close relatives are discussed.     

Trophic consequences of non-native pumpkinseed <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepomis gibbosus</Emphasis> for native pond fishes

Introduced non-native fishes can cause considerable adverse impacts on freshwater ecosystems. The pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus, a North American centrarchid, is one of the most widely distributed non-native fishes in Europe, having established self-sustaining populations in at least 28 countries, including the U.K. where it is predicted to become invasive under warmer climate conditions. To predict the consequences of increased invasiveness, a field experiment was completed over a summer period using a Control comprising of an assemblage of native fishes of known starting abundance and a Treatment using the same assemblage but with elevated L. gibbosus densities. The trophic consequences of L. gibbosus invasion were assessed with stable isotope analysis and associated metrics including the isotopic niche, measured as standard ellipse area. The isotopic niches of native gudgeon Gobio gobio and roach Rutilus rutilus overlapped substantially with that of non-native L. gibbosus, and were also substantially reduced in size compared to ponds where L. gibbosus were absent. This suggests these native fishes shifted to a more specialized diet in L. gibbosus presence. Both of these native fishes also demonstrated a concomitant and significant reduction in their trophic position in L. gibbosus presence, with a significant decrease also evident in the somatic growth rate and body condition of G. gobio. Thus, there were marked changes detected in the isotopic ecology and growth rates of the native fish in the presence of non-native L. gibbosus. The implications of these results for present and future invaded pond communities are discussed.     

Two new gonad-infecting species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Philometra</Emphasis> Costa, 1845 (Nematoda: Philometridae) from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trachinus</Emphasis> spp. (Osteichthyes: Trachinidae) in the Gulf of Hammamet,Tunisia

Based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies, two new gonad-infecting species of Philometra Costa, 1845, P. draco n. sp. and P. radiata n. sp. (Nematoda: Philometridae), are described from the marine perciform fishes Trachinus draco (Linnaeus) and T. radiatus (Linnaeus) (both Trachinidae), respectively, in the Gulf of Hammamet, off the northeastern coast of Tunisia. Philometra draco n. sp. and P. radiata n. sp. can be separated from other gonad-infecting species of this genus by the structures associated to the gubernaculum (e.g. dorsal protuberance, smooth field separating the dorsolateral longitudinal parts), as well as by the length of the body, spicules and gubernaculum. Philometra radiata n. sp. can be distinguished from P. draco n. sp. in having the dorsal side of the gubernaculum distal end provided with a median longitudinal smooth field demarcated by two dorsolateral lamellate parts. These two new species are the first philometrid species described from fishes of the family Trachinidae.     

Three new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spadicoides</Emphasis> from Lushan Mountain,China

Spadicoides lushanensis sp. nov., S. multiseptata sp. nov. and S. rostrata sp. nov. are described and illustrated from specimens collected on dead branches of unidentified plants in Lushan Mountain, China. Spadicoides lushanensis is characterized by obclavate, rostrate, pale brown, 40–65?×?4.5–5.5 μm, smooth, 6–8-euseptate conidia. Spadicoides multiseptata is easily distinguished by obclavate, smooth, 11–15-euseptate, 65–115?×?11.5–13 μm, brown to pale brown conidia with a subacute apex. Spadicoides rostrata differs from other described Spadicoides species by obclavate, rostrate, pale brown, 40–65?×?10.5–12.5 μm, smooth, predominantly 5-euseptate conidia. A dichotomous key to Spadicoides species is provided.     

Chemosensory cues of predators and competitors influence search for refuge in fruit by the coconut mite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aceria guerreronis</Emphasis>

Organisms are adapted to recognize environmental cues that can provide information about predation risk or competition. Non-vagrant eriophyoid mites mainly avoid predation by using habitats that are difficult for predators to access (galls or confined spaces in plants) such as the meristematic region of the coconut fruit, which is inhabited by the phytophagous mites Aceria guerreronis and Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum. The objective of this study was to investigate the response of A. guerreronis to cues from the predators Neoseiulus baraki and Amblyseius largoensis in coconut fruits, cues from conspecifics (A. guerreronis injured) and cues from the phytophage S. concavuscutum. The test was carried out through the release of about 300 A. guerreronis on coconut fruits previously treated with cues from predators, conspecific or heterospecific phytophagous. We also observed the walking behaviour of A. guerreronis exposed to the same chemical cues using a video tracking system. The infestation of fruits by A. guerreronis was greater in the presence of predator cues and reduced in the presence of S. concavuscutum cues, but cues from injured conspecifics did not interfere in the infestation process. In addition, the cues also altered the walking parameters of A. guerreronis: it walked more in response to cues from predators and the heterospecific phytophage. Aceria guerreronis spent more time in activity in the treatments with clues than in the control treatment. These results suggest that A. guerreronis recognizes cues from predators and competitors and modifies its behaviour to increase its fitness.     

Diverse bacterial taxa inhabit root nodules of lucerne (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Medicago sativa</Emphasis> L.) in New Zealand pastoral soils

Background and aims

Pseudomonas spp. have previously been isolated from lucerne nodules. The aims of this study were to: 1) investigate the microbiome within a lucerne nodule; and 2) assess the ability of two Pseudomonas spp. isolated from lucerne nodules to form nodules.

Methods

The microbial community within 27 lucerne nodules, collected from plants inoculated with Sinorhizobium meliloti as a seed coat or peat slurry and an uninoculated control, was identified using 16S rRNA based Illumina sequencing. Lucerne seedlings were inoculated with the two Pseudomonas spp. strains. The plants were grown in sterile conditions for 6 weeks and nodulation was assessed. 16S rRNA, nodC, nodA and nifH genes were amplified.

Results

Sinorhizobium was the dominant genus in nodules, comprising 90–99% of all sequences regardless of inoculation treatment. Overall, 9 other genera were identified, with each represented by <3% of the total sequences. Both Pseudomonas strains were able to form nodules with lucerne. From one of these strains, a nodC gene was detected.

Conclusion

Lucerne nodules contained a diverse assemblage of bacterial species, some of which were capable of forming nodules in the absence of rhizobia.

     

Revision of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neolebouria</Emphasis> Gibson, 1976 (Digenea: Opecoelidae), with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trilobovarium</Emphasis> n. g., for species infecting tropical and subtropical shallow-water fishes

A new opecoelid trematode is reported from fishes of the Lethrinidae, Lutjanidae and Nemipteridae off Lizard Island on the northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The new species keys to Neolebouria Gibson, 1976 and shows strong similarity to several species of that genus, but is not consistent with the type-species, N. georgiensis Gibson, 1976, or others known from temperate/polar and/or deep-sea fishes. The new species is also phylogenetically distant from N. lanceolata (Price, 1934) Reimer, 1987, the only representative of the genus for which molecular data are available. A new genus, Trilobovarium n. g., is proposed for the new species, T. parvvatis n. sp. Eight morphologically similar species, previously recognised as belonging to Neolebouria, from shallow-water, mostly tropical/subtropical fishes, are transferred to Trilobovarium: T. diacopae (Nagaty & Abdel Aal, 1962) n. comb.; T. ira (Yamaguti, 1940) n. comb.; T. khalili (Ramadan, 1983) n. comb.; T. krusadaiense (Gupta, 1956) n. comb.; T. lineatum (Aken’Ova & Cribb, 2001) n. comb.; T. moretonense (Aken’Ova & Cribb, 2001) n. comb.; T. palauense (Machida, 2014) n. comb.; and T. truncatum (Linton, 1940) n. comb. Paramanteriella Li, Qiu & Zhang, 1988 is resurrected for five species of Neolebouria with a post-bifurcal genital pore: P. cantherini Li, Qiu & Zhang, 1988; P. capoori (Jaiswal, Upadhyay, Malhotra, Dronen & Malhotra, 2014) n. comb.; P. confusa (Overstreet, 1969) n. comb.; P. leiperi (Gupta, 1956) n. comb.; and P. pallenisca (Shipley & Hornell, 1905) n. comb. Neolebouria georgenascimentoi Bray, 2002, a species with an exceptionally long cirrus-sac, is transferred to Bentholebouria Andres, Pulis & Overstreet, 2004 as B. georgenascimentoi (Bray, 2002) n. comb., and N. maorum (Allison, 1966) Gibson 1976, an unusual species known from cephalopods, is designated a species incertae sedis. Eleven species are retained in a revised concept of Neolebouria.     

Cleaning interactions at the southern limit of tropical reef fishes in the Western Atlantic

Cleaning associations are one of the most dynamic and complex mutualistic interactions of reef environments and are often influenced by local conditions. In the Western Atlantic (WE) most studies concentrate in tropical areas, with little attention to subtropical areas. We examined an assemblage of cleaner fish and their clients on the rocky reefs of the coast of Santa Catarina state, South Brazil, the southern limit of tropical reef fishes in the WE. We recorded 150 cleaning interactions, in which four fish species and one shrimp species acted as facultative cleaners. The grunt Anisotremus virginicus and the angelfish Pomacanthus paru serviced most clients. Fifteen fish species acted as clients, among which the most frequent was the planktivorous grunt Haemulon aurolineatum (31%). Cleaning interactions occurred mostly (87%) with non-carnivorous clients and the number of interactions was not related to the abundance of the species involved. The absence of dedicated cleaner fishes at the study sites and the replacement of their roles by facultative cleaners may be related to local conditions, including cold currents and reduction of rock cover. Under these circumstances, clients take advantage of the services offered by facultative cleaners, a characteristic of temperate areas.     

Plastid Genome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dictyopteris divaricata</Emphasis> (Dictyotales,Phaeophyceae): Understanding the Evolution of Plastid Genomes in Brown Algae

Dictyotophycidae is a subclass of brown algae containing 395 species that are distributed worldwide. A complete plastid (chloroplast) genome (ptDNA or cpDNA) had not previously been sequenced from this group. In this study, the complete plastid genome of Dictyopteris divaricata (Okamura) Okamura (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) was characterized and compared to other brown algal ptDNAs. This plastid genome was 126,099 bp in size with two inverted repeats (IRs) of 6026 bp. The D. divaricata IRs contained rpl21, making its IRs larger than representatives from the orders Fucales and Laminariales, but was smaller than that from Ectocarpales. The G + C content of D. divaricata (31.19%) was the highest of the known ptDNAs of brown algae (28.94–31.05%). Two protein-coding genes, rbcR and rpl32, were present in ptDNAs of Laminariales, Ectocarpales (Ectocarpus siliculosus), and Fucales (LEF) but were absent in D. divaricata. Reduced intergenic space (13.11%) and eight pairs of overlapping genes in D. divaricata ptDNA made it the most compact plastid genome in brown algae so far. The architecture of D. divaricata ptDNA showed higher similarity to that of Laminariales compared with Fucales and Ectocarpales. The difference in general features, gene content, and architecture among the ptDNAs of D. divaricata and LEF clade revealed the diversity and evolutionary trends of plastid genomes in brown algae.     

Infectious Diseases in Free-Ranging Blonde Capuchins, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sapajus flavius,</Emphasis> in Brazil

The main threats to primates worldwide are the degradation, fragmentation, and loss of their habitats; hunting (especially for bushmeat); and illegal trade. For many species, the most important threat is forest fragmentation, resulting in small populations that are restricted to isolated forest patches. In this situation, primates are particularly vulnerable to disease. The Endangered blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius) is now restricted to a few forest patches in Northeast Brazil. We investigated the occurrence of parasites and bacterial diseases in one of three free-ranging groups of S. flavius in a small forest patch in Paraíba state, Northeast Brazil. We tested for antibodies against Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp. (24 strains), and Brucella spp.. We used molecular analysis to detect Plasmodium spp., and evaluated blood smears for the presence of hemoparasites. All individuals tested negative for Leptospira spp. and B. abortus, but 8 of 48 (16%) presented antibodies for both Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi. We identified antibodies to T. gondii in 12% of the individuals tested. Plasmodium brasilianum infection was present in 4% of the individuals tested, and blood smears showed microfilariae parasites in 46% of the individuals tested. The occurrence of these infectious diseases in S. flavius may pose a significant threat in terms of reduced recruitment and poor survival rates, and an understanding of the influence of pathogens is crucial for the management of small populations of primates.     

Conspecific tolerance and heterospecific competition as mechanisms for overcoming resistance to invasion by an intertidal crab

The success of the invasive Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, stems partly from its ability to exclude established crab species from preferred rocky and cobble intertidal habitat. Here, we assessed preference and competition for habitat types (cobble vs. sand) for H. sanguineus and two competitor species; the previous invasive green crab, Carcinus maenas, and the native rock crab, Cancer irroratus, in New England. In simple laboratory experiments, we paired similarly sized heterospecifics and conspecifics from each species, and also grouped combinations of C. maenas and H. sanguineus in a series of four-individual sets in order to dissect the outcome of intra- and inter-specific competition at different densities. Individually, all three species preferred cobble substrate. With paired conspecifics, H. sanguineus individuals would cohabitate in cobble, whereas C. maenas and C. irroratus individuals each excluded conspecifics from cobble. In heterospecific pairs, H. sanguineus excluded both C. maenas and C. irroratus from cobble. C. maenas and C. irroratus, were equally likely to exclude the other species, but rarely excluded H. sanguineus. In larger assemblages, H. sanguineus preferentially grouped under cobble, whereas C. maenas were more evenly distributed among habitat types. These observations demonstrate that conspecific tolerance and heterospecific competition can be effective, complementary mechanisms for overcoming invasion resistance. Such mechanisms help explain the well-studied success of H. sanguineus following its introduction into New England coastal habitats, and the resulting exclusion of preexisting crab species.     

A new primer set for amplification of the cytochrome <Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis> gene in lantern fishes (Myctophidae)

New universal primers are offered for amplification of complete sequence of mitochondrial cyt b gene in lantern fishes of the family Myctophidae. Analysis of cyt b variability in the species of seven genera (Bolinichthys, Ceratoscopelus, Diaphus, Diogenichthys, Lampanyctus, Lepidophanes, Nannobrachium) demonstrates considerable divergence between species: an average of 18.2% (p-distances). Diversity (nucleotide diversity, number of segregating and phylogenetically informative sites, average number of nucleotide differences) and divergence significantly exceed those of another widely used mitochondrial marker, a fragment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 sequence (cox 1). The mitochondrial cyt b gene amplified with the developed primers can be recommended as an informative tool for phylogenetic and population studies of lantern fishes.     

Molecular phylogeny,morphology and pathogenicity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudopestalotiopsis</Emphasis> species on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ixora</Emphasis> in Taiwan

Pestalotiopsis-like species are phytopathogenic, causing numerous diseases on different hosts, and are widely distributed in tropical and temperate ecosystems. These taxa were recently segregated into several genera and species having brown to dark brown or olivaceous median cells, with or without knobbed apical appendages, were classified under the new genus Pseudopestalotiopsis. Pseudopestalotiopsis species are well known for their capability to produce novel medicinal compounds that may have medicinal, agricultural and industrial applications. Ixora is among the largest genera in the family Rubiaceae and is cultivated throughout Taiwan, as a garden plant. During a survey of fungal diseases associated with Ixora species in Taiwan, several Pestalotiopsis-like species causing leaf spot were isolated. Based on morphology coupled with single- and multi-gene (ITS, TUB, TEF) phylogenies, these taxa belong to two novel species of Pseudopestalotiopsis and are introduced herein as Ps. ixorae and Ps. taiwanensis. These two new taxa fit well with Pseudopestalotiopsis in having dark concolourous median cells with knobbed apical appendages, but differ from the known species in the size of conidiomata, size of the conidia, the number of apical appendages, the length of basal appendages plus ecology and distribution. Pathogenicity testing showed that Ps. ixorae and Ps. taiwanensis are capable of causing leaf disease on Ixora and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of Pseudopestalotiopsis species associated with leaf spots of Ixora in Taiwan.     

Genomic structure,expression and association study of the porcine <Emphasis Type="Italic">FSD2</Emphasis>

The fibronectin type III and SPRY domain containing 2 (FSD2) on porcine chromosome 7 is considered a candidate gene for pork quality, since its two domains, which were present in fibronectin and ryanodine receptor. The fibronectin type III and SPRY domains were first identified in fibronectin and ryanodine receptor, respectively, which are candidate genes for meat quality. The aim of this study was to elucidate the genomic structure of FSD2 and functions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within FSD2 that are related to meat quality in pigs. Using a bacterial artificial chromosome clone sequence, we revealed that porcine FSD2 consisted of 13 exons encoding 750 amino acids. In addition, FSD2 was expressed in heart, longissimus dorsi muscle, psoas muscle, and tendon among 23 kinds of porcine tissues tested. A total of ten SNPs, including four missense mutations, were identified in the exonic region of FSD2, and two major haplotypes were obtained based on the SNP genotypes of 633 Berkshire pigs. Both haplotypes were associated significantly with intramuscular fat content (IMF, P < 0.020) and moisture percentage (MP, P < 0.002). Moreover, haplotype 2 was associated with meat color, affecting yellowness (P = 0.002). These haplotype effects were further supported by the alteration of putative protein structures with amino acid substitutions. Taken together, our results suggest that FSD2 haplotypes are involved in regulating meat quality including IMF, MP, and meat color in pigs, and may be used as meaningful molecular makers to identify pigs with preferable pork quality.     

The effects of polymorphisms in <Emphasis Type="Italic">growth hormone</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">growth hormone receptor</Emphasis> genes on production and reproduction traits in Aberdeen-Angus cattle (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos taurus</Emphasis> L., 1758)

The study was aimed to analyze the relation between individual genotypes and allelic variants of SNPs g.2141C>G of growth hormone gene, g.914T>A and g.257A>G of growth hormone receptor gene with growth and reproduction traits and to evaluate the populationgenetic structure in Aberdeen-Angus cattle (Bos taurus L., 1758) sample of Eastern Ukraine according SNPs studied. Allele C of SNP g.2141C>G has a positive correlation with birth weight, body stature, bigger rump, udder and total exterior evaluation score, shorter calving interval and better calve birth weight and negative correlation with calve average daily gain. Allele T of SNP g.914T>A has positive correlation with the muscle and udder size; live weight in each age, average daily gain, weight and average daily gain of calves born conform to the principle AA>TT≥TA. SNP g.257A>G showed a positive correlation for G allele with muscle size. The population is in equilibrium for SNPs g.2141C>G and g.257A>G, and in disequilibrium for SNP g.914T>A. The analysis showed no linkage disequilibrium between SNPs g.914T>A and g.257A>G. Inbreeding coefficient F_ST in Aberdeen-Angus group studied was 16.1%.