Mitochondrial analysis sheds light on the origin of hair sheep

A total of 180 mtDNA sequences from hair Caribbean (93), West African (73) and Canarian‐wooled (14) sheep were analysed to shed light on the origin of hair sheep. A comparison of 360 Iberian sheep sequences retrieved from GenBank was performed to assess a possible European origin of the Caribbean hair sheep. These 180 sequences gave 48 different haplotypes (16 in Caribbean sheep). All Caribbean and Canarian‐wooled sequences and 91.8% of the West African samples belonged to haplogroup B. The sheep analysed showed wide haplotypic identity. Caribbean sheep shared roughly two‐thirds of their samples with Canarian‐wooled and West African samples, respectively. Principal component analysis showed that the Caribbean and the Canarian‐wooled sheep clustered together. Additional analyses showed that hair and Iberian sheep had wide genetic identity. It was not possible to ascertain a single Canarian, African or European origin of the Caribbean hair sheep using mtDNA markers only. European, African and Caribbean hair sheep maternal genetic backgrounds likely result from related domestication events.     

广东省地方鸡线粒体遗传多样性与母系起源

系统评估地方鸡的遗传变异水平并追溯其母系起源, 可为保护利用优质家禽种质资源库提供科学依据。本研究测定了广东省和邻省共12个地方鸡品种的线粒体DNA D-loop序列, 分析品种间的遗传距离与系统关系, 并构建单倍型系统发生树和中介网络图。360份样品共检测到60个突变位点, 均为转换。定义了85种单倍型, 归属于单倍型类群A、B、C和E, 在12个鸡品种中均有分布, 其中B是优势单倍型类群(187个, 51.94%), E次之(76个, 21.11%)。B02 和C01是优势单倍型(85个, 23.61%; 48个, 13.33%), 为12个鸡品种共有; E03位居第三(35个, 9.72%), 杏花鸡、黄郎鸡和宁都三黄鸡未见此单倍型。杏花鸡集中分布在单倍型类群B, 惠阳胡须鸡和中山沙栏鸡则主要分布在单倍型类群E; 怀乡鸡的单倍型数量最多, 中山沙栏鸡的最少。广东地方鸡品种间遗传距离为0.012-0.015, 单倍型多样性0.805 ± 0.047至0.949 ± 0.026, 核苷酸多样性0.0102 ± 0.0017至0.0138 ± 0.0009。邻接树和中介网络图将85种单倍型划分为进化枝A、B、C和E, 广东省与邻省地方鸡单倍型的地理分布模式相似。中性检验显示广东地方鸡未经历明显的群体历史扩张。结果表明广东地方鸡处于较好的保护状态, 遗传多样性水平较高, 品种的形成受到邻省和北方家鸡的影响, 东南亚红原鸡对广东地方鸡也有重要的遗传贡献。     

Mitochondrial DNA sequence diversity and origin of Chinese domestic yak

In order to clarify the origin and genetic diversity of yak in China, we analysed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences (approximately 891 bp) in 52 individuals from four domestic yak (Poephagus grunniens) breeds, as well as from a hybrid between yak and cattle (Pianniu). Twenty-five samples were further selected for partial (420 bp) cytochrome b sequencing based on control region sequence information. Two yak samples shared sequences with Chinese cattle (Bos taurus); the remaining yak mtDNAs converged into two major clades in the phylogenetic analysis. Genetic diversity varied substantially among the breeds, with the hybrid Pianniu yak demonstrating the highest diversity. Our results suggest that the Chinese yak was domesticated from two distinct matrilineal sources or from a heterogeneous pool containing both divergent lineages, with occasional gene introgression from cattle.     

Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal a strong genetic structure for three Indian sheep breeds

This survey represents the first characterization of mitochondrial DNA diversity within three breeds of Indian sheep (two strains of the Deccani breed, as well as the Bannur and Garole breeds) from different geographic regions and with divergent phenotypic characteristics. A 1061-bp fragment of the mitochondrial genome spanning the control region, a portion of the 12S rRNA gene and the complete phenyl tRNA gene, was sequenced from 73 animals and compared with the corresponding published sequence from European and Asian breeds and the European Mouflon (Ovis musimon). Analysis of all 156 sequences revealed 73 haplotypes, 52 of which belonged to the Indian breeds. The three Indian breeds had no haplotypes in common, but one Indian haplotype was shared with European and other Asian breeds. The highest nucleotide and haplotype diversity was observed in the Bannur breed (0.00355 and 0.981 respectively), while the minimum was in the Sangamneri strain of the Deccani breed (0.00167 and 0.882 respectively). All 52 Indian haplotypes belonged to mitochondrial lineage A. Therefore, these Indian sheep are distinct from other Asian and European breeds studied so far. The relationships among the haplotypes showed strong breed structure and almost no introgression among these Indian breeds, consistent with Indian sheep husbandry, which discourages genetic exchange between breeds. These results have implications for the conservation of India's ovine biodiversity and suggest a common origin for the breeds investigated.     

中国绵羊起源、进化和遗传多样性研究进展

中国地方绵羊品种资源丰富,部分品种具有繁殖力高、毛皮品质好、多角、多乳头、大尾脂、抗逆性强等独特性状,这些遗传资源引起了学者们对其进行深入研究的兴趣,但目前仍然存在绵羊起源问题的争议,缺乏对我国绵羊的遗传多样性进行全面系统研究等问题。本文综述了绵羊起源、品种分化等方面的研究进展,并从父系、母系、常染色体分子标记等不同层面介绍了中国绵羊遗传多样性的研究概况,为中国绵羊遗传资源的保护和利用、绵羊新品种(系)的培育以及我国绵羊产业良性发展提供参考。     

用mtDNA D-环序列探讨蒙古和中国绵羊的起源及遗传多样性

为了在分子水平上探讨绵羊的起源,对中国和蒙古共20个绵羊群体、314只绵羊mtDNA D-环的部分序列进行了测定,结果表明：中国绵羊和蒙古绵羊mtDNA D-环区的部分序列中A、T、G、C含量没有明显的差别;蒙古绵羊的多态位点数（28．85％）略高于中国绵羊（24．22％）;中国绵羊群体的单倍型多样度在青海藏羊、甘肃藏羊、甘肃高山细毛羊、青海细：色羊、甘南藏羊、小尾寒羊和滩羊群体中较高,但在湖羊和岷县黑裘皮羊中较低;蒙古绵羊的单倍型多样度在Bayad和Baidrag群体中最高,但在Gobi—Altai群体中最低。从总体上看,蒙古绵羊的遗传多样性要略高于中国绵羊,例如单倍犁比例的平均值为86．06％（142／185）：78．83％（108／137）,单倍型多样度（Hd）的甲均值为0．976：0．936,核苷酸多样度（Pi（π））的平均值为0．036：0．034,平均核苷酸差异数（k）的平均值为23．50：22．48～217个中国和蒙古绵羊的单倍型序列的系统发生分析表明,中国和蒙古绵羊均有3个母系起源,被定义为A、B和C3类主要的单倍型。其中A类单倍型在所有中国绵羊群体及绝大多数蒙古绵羊群体（9／11）中占优势,平均比例为58．73％;B类单倍型居中,为24．88％;C类单倍型最少,仅为16．59％。进一步从GenBank获得的91个绵羊D-环区的序列与中国和蒙古绵羊D-环区的单倍型的进行网络关系分析,发现欧洲摩弗仑羊（European mouflon,O．musimon）与中国和蒙古绵羊具有较近的亲缘关系,但没有发现塬羊（Argali．O．ammon）、盘羊（0．rignei bochariensis）和东方盘羊（0．ammon nigrimontana）对中国和蒙古绵羊起源有贡献的证据。     

Mitochondrial gene diversity in the common vole Microtus arvalis shaped by historical divergence and local adaptations

The phylogeography of the common vole (Microtus arvalis) was examined by analysing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation in 1044 base pairs (bp) of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene and in 322 bp of the control region (ctr) among 106 individuals from 58 locations. The geographical distribution of four previously recognized cytb evolutionary lineages in Europe was refined and a new lineage was found in southern Germany. All lineages were distributed allopatrically, except in one sample that was probably located in a contact zone. The occurrence of several lineages in the Alps is in keeping with their recent recolonization from distinct sources. The translation of 84 cytb DNA sequences produced 33 distinct proteins with relationships that differed from those of the DNA haplotypes, suggesting that the mtDNA lineages did not diverge in response to selection. In comparison with M. agrestis, a neutrality test detected no overall evidence for selection in the cytb gene, but a closer examination of a structural model showed that evolutionarily conserved and functionally important positions were often affected. A new phylogeographical test of random accumulation of nonsynonymous mutations generated significant results in three lineages. We therefore conclude that the molecular diversity of cytb in M. arvalis is overall the result of the demographic history of the populations, but that there have been several episodes of local adaptation to peculiar environments.     

Mitochondrial genome diversity in soybean: repeats and rearrangements

Mitochondrial (mt) genome organization in soybean was examined at the molecular level. This study builds upon previous reports that four soybean cytoplasmic groups, Bedford, Arksoy, Lincoln, and soja-forage, are differentiated by polymorphisms detected with a 2.3 kb Hind III mtDNA probe [12]. The variation detected results from DNA alterations in a region within and around a 4.8 kb repeat. The Bedford-type cytoplasm is the only cytoplasm that contains copies of a 4.8 kb repeat in four different genomic environments, evidence that it is recombinationally active. The Lincoln- and Arksoy-type cytoplasms each contain two copies of the repeat, as well as unique fragments that appear to result from rare recombination events outside, but near, the repeat. The soja-forage-type cytoplasm contains no complete copies of the repeat, but does contain a unique truncated version of the repeat. Sequence analysis indicates that the truncation is a result of recombination across a 9 bp repeated sequence, CCCCTCCCC. The structural rearrangements that have occurred in the region surrounding the 4.8 kb repeat may provide a means to dissect species relationships and evolution within the subgenus soja.     

Mitochondrial lineages reveal intense gene flow between Iberian wild boars and South Iberian pig breeds

The phylogeography of wild boars (WB) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) has contributed important insights into where and when domestication occurred. The geographic distribution of two core haplotypes (E1a and E1c) of the main European phylogenetic clade suggests that Central Europe was an early domestication centre, although the complexity of the pattern does not exclude the possibility that multiple domestication events occurred in different regions. To investigate the relationships among WB and domestic pig breeds in Iberia, a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region from a large sample (n = 409) of WB and local pig breeds was co‐analysed with published sequences from other European populations. The Iberian sample revealed a high frequency of a sub‐cluster (E1c) of the European haplogroup E1 in 77% of total Iberian samples, 96% of WB, 90% of Alentejano (Portugal) and 87% of Iberian breed pigs (Spain; Black Hairy, Black Hairless and Red varieties). Low genetic distance (F’_ST = 0.105) was observed between Alentejano (Portugal) and Iberian breed pigs (Spain). Alentejano and Iberian breed pigs showed low genetic distances to both Iberian and Central European WB (average F’_ST = 0.345 and 0.215, respectively). This pattern suggests that early pig husbandry in the Iberian Peninsula did not solely rely on imported Central European stock, but also included the recruitment of local WB.     

Genetic relationships among Turkish sheep

Genetic relationships among Turkish sheep breeds were analysed on the basis of 30 microsatellite markers. Phylogenetic analyses based on the estimation of genetic distances revealed the closest relationships for the Akkaraman, Morkaraman and Tuj breeds, which were clearly differentiated from the others in the dendrogram. Our pattern was completely confirmed by results from the Factorial Correspondence Analysis. All the results described analysing either population parameters or individuals revealed a clear separation between the fat-tailed group and the others. These results, based on nuclear DNA, are discussed along with those already reported for these breeds through the investigation of mitochondrial DNA, which had revealed the invaluable significance of the genetic background of these Turkish sheep.     

Predation between prokaryotes and the origin of eukaryotes

Accumulating data suggest that the eukaryotic cell originated from a merger of two prokaryotes, an archaeal host and a bacterial endosymbiont. However, since prokaryotes are unable to perform phagocytosis, the means by which the endosymbiont entered its host is an enigma. We suggest that a predatory or parasitic interaction between prokaryotes provides a reasonable explanation for this conundrum. According to the model presented here, the host in this interaction was an anaerobic archaeon with a periplasm‐like space. The predator was a small (facultative) aerobic α‐proteobacterium, which penetrated and replicated within the host periplasm, and later became the mitochondria. Plausible conditions under which this interaction took place and circumstances that may have led to the contemporary complex eukaryotic cell are discussed.     

A novel maternal lineage revealed in sheep (Ovis aries)

It is generally believed that domestic sheep have two maternal lineages (haplotypes A and B), based on mitochondrial DNA analysis. In the present study, we provide evidence that a novel maternal lineage (haplotype C) is exhibited in Chinese native sheep. To verify this finding, 231 samples were collected from six Chinese local breeds, which cover the vast geographical region of sheep inhabitation in China. For comparison, 50 samples were collected from two Western breeds collected in China. Mitochondrial DNA was screened by PCR single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP), leading to the identification of novel band patterns in ND2 and ND4 genes in the Chinese breeds. Interestingly, mutations at the two loci were in strong linkage disequilibrium. Direct sequencing of the DNA fragments revealed a non-synonymous substitution in ND2. Furthermore, two synonymous mutations were identified by comparisons of the novel type (haplotype C) and the established types (haplotypes A and B). The entire mitochondrial control region for 55 samples was then sequenced to construct a phylogenetic tree and median joining network. Both the tree and network demonstrated a topology of three groups, which is in consistent with the SSCP analysis. Unlike Western breeds, Chinese breeds are composed mainly of haplotypes A and B, but with a small fraction of haplotype C. According to Fu's test and mismatch distribution, haplotype C has not been subject to a recent population expansion. Based on these results, we propose a novel origin for Chinese sheep.     

Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses reveal population differentiation in Brazilian Creole sheep

Using ND5 sequences from mtDNA and 10 nuclear markers, we investigated the genetic differentiation of two South American Creole sheep phenotypes that historically have been bred in different biomes in southern Brazil. In total, 18 unique mtDNA haplotypes were detected, none of which was shared between the two phenotypes. Bayesian analysis also indicated two different groups (k = 2). Thus, these varieties are supported as being genotypically distinct. This situation could have resulted either from geographical isolation, associated with differences in the cultural habits of sheep farmers and in the way that flocks were managed, or more likely, from the introduction of different stocks four centuries ago.     

Mitochondrial diversity in human head louse populations across the Americas

Anthropological studies suggest that the genetic makeup of human populations in the Americas is the result of diverse processes including the initial colonization of the continent by the first people plus post‐1492 European migrations. Because of the recent nature of some of these events, understanding the geographical origin of American human diversity is challenging. However, human parasites have faster evolutionary rates and larger population sizes allowing them to maintain greater levels of genetic diversity than their hosts. Thus, we can use human parasites to provide insights into some aspects of human evolution that may be unclear from direct evidence. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from 450 head lice in the Americas. Haplotypes clustered into two well‐supported haplogroups, known as A and B. Haplogroup frequencies differ significantly among North, Central and South America. Within each haplogroup, we found evidence of demographic expansions around 16,000 and 20,000 years ago, which correspond broadly with those estimated for Native Americans. The parallel timing of demographic expansions of human lice and Native Americans plus the contrasting pattern between the distribution of haplogroups A and B through the Americas suggests that human lice can provide additional evidence about the human colonization of the New World. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:118–129, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Mitochondrial DNA sequence diversity in extant Irish horse populations and in ancient horses

Equine mitochondrial DNA sequence variation was investigated in three indigenous Irish horse populations (Irish Draught Horse, Kerry Bog Pony and Connemara Pony) and, for context, in 69 other horse populations. There was no evidence of Irish Draught Horse or Connemara Pony sequence clustering, although the majority of Irish Draught Horse sequences (47%) were assigned to haplogroup D. Conversely, 31% of the Kerry Bog Pony sequences were assigned to the rare haplogroup E. In addition to the extant population analyses, ancient DNA sequences were generated from three out of four Irish archaeological specimens, all of which were assigned to haplogroup A.     

人线粒体DNA的信息结构

本文报道了运用FORTRAN-77语言,在SIRIUS-1微机上计算遗传信息的冗余结构D_1、D_2、D_3的程序。计算出人线粒体DNA(16569个核苷酸残基)的H_1=1.930554,H_2=3.849254,H_3=5.760944,D_1=0.069446,D_2=0.011853,D_3=0.007011。 D_1、D_2的结果表明,人线粒体DNA的信息结构远比脊椎动物DNA的低级,这支持线粒体的共生起源学说。并对D_3的结果进行了分析,对其意义作了初步探讨。     

中国驴种线粒体DNA D-loop多态性研究

利用Clustal W软件对我国5个家驴品种26个个体的mtDNA D—loop区399bp序列进行同源序列比对,共检测到核苷酸多态位点23个,只有转换1种类型,约占所测核苷酸的5．76％。以欧洲驴D—loop作对照,我国5个家驴品种D—loop区序列的平均核苷酸变异率为1．80％,其中凉州驴的平均核苷酸变异率为0．35％．云南驴为1．25％,关中驴为2．30％,新疆驴为2．91％,佳米驴为2．20％。家驴品种内与品种间mtDNA D—loop区序列歧异度分别为0．25％-5．01％和4．51％-5．51％,说明家驴品种间D—loop区序列多态性比较丰富。在所测家驴个体中,mtD NAD—loop序列由11种单倍型组成,单倍型比例为42．31％,表明我国家驴mtDNA遗传多态性正逐步丧失,需要加强其种质资源保护。引用GenBank中亚洲野驴和欧洲家驴的序列,构建了我国5个家驴品种的NJ分子系统树,首次从分子水平证实中国家驴可能起源于非洲野驴,而与亚洲野驴无关。     

贵州省东方蜜蜂Apis cerana线粒体DNA遗传多样性研究

为探明贵州省东方蜜蜂Apis cerana遗传多样性及遗传分化现状,对贵州省9个地级市79个样点采集的东方蜜蜂样本线粒体DNA (mt DNA) COI-COII序列进行扩增与测序,分析其遗传多样性、遗传结构及亲缘关系。序列结果显示扩增后COI-COII序列长度约为760 bp,A+T平均含量（82.3%）明显高于C+G（17.7%）,碱基偏移性明显。单倍型分析共发现33个单倍型,其中主体单倍型H1为9个地理群体共有。单倍型多样度分析表明平均单倍型多样度为0.802,其中黔南地区最高,遵义地区最低;平均核苷酸多样度为0.014,其中六盘水地区最高,黔西南及安顺地区最低。中性检验结果表明贵州省部分地区东方蜜蜂可能经历过群体扩张。9个地区样点的平均遗传距离介于0.0012~0.0044之间,其中毕节与黔东南地区间最大,为0.0044,安顺与黔南、遵义地区间最小,均为0.0012。在单倍型系统进化树中,79个样点东方蜜蜂可分为两个类群。研究结果为贵州省东方蜜蜂遗传分化研究、种质资源保护与开发利用提供参考依据。     

Assessment of DNA fingerprinting for determining genetic diversity in sheep populations

Genomic DNA, prepared from 12 animals from four sheep flocks, was digested with either HaeIII or Hin fI and probed with three DNA fingerprinting probes. Mean DNA fingerprint band sharing and band frequency calculated for each flock were used to estimate genetic diversity. Each of the DNA fingerprinting systems showed the same trend in diversity within the sampled flocks, and greater diversity between the flocks than within the flocks. DNA fingerprinting therefore provides a useful measure of genetic diversity in sheep.     

中国部分黄牛品种mtDNA遗传多态性研究

对我国8个黄牛品种22个个体的mtDNA D-loop区910bp全序列进行了分析。结果表明：8个黄牛品种D-loop区序列中,A T平均含量为61．65％;经比对,共检测到66个核苷酸多态位点,约占核苷酸总数的7．25％;D-loop全序列突变类型有5种,即转换、颠换、插入、缺失及转换与颠换共存,它们分别占核苷酸多态位点的81．82％、6．06％、7．57％、3．03％及1．52％。以欧洲牛mtDNA D-loop全序列为标准,8个黄牛群体D-loop的平均核苷酸变异率分3个层次：西镇牛、蒙古牛、黑白花牛及秦川牛的核苷酸变异率最低,分别为0．37％、0．44％、0．52％和0．66％;南阳牛与郏县红牛的核苷酸变异率居中,分别为1．91％和2．02％;晋南牛与岳阳牛的核苷酸变异率最高,分别为4．47％和4．73％。中国黄牛品种内D-loop区序列歧异度为0．55％～5．39％,品种间序列歧异度为1．21％～6．59％。在所测黄牛个体中,mtDNA D-loop序列由19种单倍型组成,单倍型比例为86．36%,说明中国黄牛mtDNA遗传多态性很丰富。由此构建了中国8个黄牛品种的NJ分子系统树,聚类分析表明：所测黄牛的mtDNA D-loop序列表现为3个单倍型组,从而揭示中国黄牛可能有3个母系起源,以普通牛起源和瘤牛起源为主。