Genetic diversity of wild reindeer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rangifer tarandus</Emphasis>) of Taimyr: Analysis of polymorphism of the control region of mitochondrial DNA

Based on an analysis of the polymorphism of nucleotide sequences (n = 111) of the mtDNA control region (left domain), the genetic diversity of the largest population of wild reindeer Rangifer tarandus in Eurasia, which inhabits Taimyr peninsula, was studied. High levels of haplotype (H) and nucleotide (π) diversity (0.987 and 0.018, respectively) were revealed, which indicate the long existence and the sufficiently stable growth of this population. The absence of long periods of abrupt decrease in the number of the Taimyr wild reindeer population and/or facts of formation of its genetic diversity as a result of mixing of genetically distant conspecific populations is supported by the data on the pattern of mismatch distributions and the topology of the phylogenetic tree. The low level of genetic differences between reindeer from the western, central, and eastern groups reflects their common origin and close relationship.     

Polygynous mating impairs body condition and homeostasis in male reindeer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rangifer tarandus tarandus</Emphasis>)

Reindeer are polygynous ruminants that breed when plant growth declines in the Arctic. We studied seven males (2 years and older) in two herds with a total of 34 females to describe the costs and consequences of mating or rut. Body mass declined between September and November and did not recover through winter even though food was available ad libitum. Dominance did not affect body mass or any correlate of mass loss, indicating similar costs of rut among males. Males lost 34% of ingesta-free mass in 77 days of rut, which corresponded to depletion of 23% body protein and 78% body lipid. Water flux, plasma insulin, and plasma thyroxine were minimal 23 days after the peak in body mass, indicating low food intake. Maximum plasma testosterone and cortisol also followed peak mass and coincided with the death of two males from acute infections. Loss in body protein did not increase the ratio of urea to creatinine in plasma. Increased variance in plasma osmolality and urea during mass loss indicated altered homeostatic control during rut. Mating compromises survival of males through reduction of body reserves, food intake, and maintenance of tissues. These adverse effects may be the consequence of selection for large body size and aggression in a highly variable competition for mates.Abbreviations BRI body reserve index - T3 tri-iodo-thyronine - U/C urea to creatinine ratio     

Quantitative characteristics of nutrition in free-ranging reindeer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rangifer tarandus</Emphasis>) and musk oxen (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ovibos moschatus</Emphasis>) on Wrangel Island

In 2004 to 2006, studies on free-ranging reindeer and musk oxen on Wrangel island were performed to estimate the nutrient value, daily intake, and digestibility of forage in different seasons of the year. Forage digestibility was determined from the ratio between the contents of indigestible components (lignin) in forage and animal feces. Daily forage intake was calculated from data on daily feces excretion and forage digestibility. The amount of feces and parameters of life activity of individual animals were estimated by following their 24-hour tracks. The results show that the daily intake of forage (dry weight) in musk oxen amounts to 7.8 kg in the summer period and decreases to 6.1 kg in the snow period (March–April). Grazing reindeer in the snow period consume 3.9 kg of forage per day. Forage digestibility in reindeer reaches 56% in March to April and decreases to 52% in June. In musk oxen, forage digestibility in different seasons (March, June, September) varies within a similar range (53–57%). Nutrition parameters (diet composition, forage intake rate and digestibility) of reindeer and musk oxen on grazing grounds of Wrangel Island are similar. Metabolizable energy consumption in both animals during the winter period is at the maintenance level (917–930 kJ/kg0.75 body weight). In the summer period, this parameter in musk oxen increases to 1163 kJ/kg0.75 body weight to meet the energy demand of the animals.     

Fatal inanition in reindeer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rangifer tarandus tarandus</Emphasis>): Pathological findings in completely emaciated carcasses

Background  

In a project to determine the causes of winter mortality in reindeer in Finnmark County, northern Norway, the most frequent diagnosis turned out to be complete emaciation, despite several of the reindeer having been given silage for up to 4 weeks before they died. The present paper describes autopsy results and other findings in these animals.     

Caribou (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rangifer tarandus</Emphasis>) and Inuit Nutrition Security in Canada

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. Although caribou populations observe natural cycles of abundance and scarcity, several caribou herds across the Circumpolar North have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades due to a range of interrelated factors. Broadly, the objectives of this study are to examine food and nutrition security in relation to wildlife population and management status across Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit homeland, consisting of four regions across the Canadian Arctic). Specifically, we: (1) characterize the contribution of caribou to Inuit nutrition across northern Canada and (2) evaluate the population and management status of caribou herds/populations harvested by Inuit. Dietary data were derived from the 2007–2008 Inuit Health Survey, which included dietary information for Inuit adults (n?=?2097) residing in thirty-six communities, spanning three regions (the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, and Nunatsiavut) of the Canadian North. Published information regarding the range, abundance, status, and management status of caribou herds/populations was collected through document analysis and was validated through consultation with northern wildlife experts (territorial governments, co-management, and/or Inuit organizations). While caribou contributed modestly to total diet energy (3–11% of intake) across the regions, it was the primary source of iron (14–37%), zinc (18–41%), copper (12–39%), riboflavin (15–39%), and vitamin B12 (27–52%), as well as a top source of protein (13–35%). Restrictions on Inuit subsistence harvest (harvest quotas or bans) are currently enacted on at least six northern caribou herds/populations with potential consequences for country food access for over twenty-five Inuit communities across Canada. A holistic multi-sectorial approach is needed to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, while supporting Inuit food and nutrition security in the interim.     

Polymorphism of the mtDNA Control Region in Reindeer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rangifer tarandus</Emphasis>) from the Mainland of the Northeastern Part of European Russia

Based on an analysis of the polymorphism of nucleotide sequences (n = 103) of the hypervariable fragment of the mtDNA control region (D-loop), the genetic diversity of wild and domestic reindeer from the mainland of the European Northeast of Russia (eastern parts of Arkhangelsk oblast, Komi Republic, and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug) was studied. Relatively high values of genetic diversity indices were detected. Phylogenetic analysis showed close relationships between reindeer of the study region and those of the tundra zone of Siberia. The influence of domestic reindeer on the formation of the genetic diversity of the wild reindeer was considered as negligible. Genetic lines belonging to an extinct group of forest reindeer from the Nizhny Novgorod region were found among the modern groups of reindeer from the European Northeast of Russia.     

Genetic diversity in the mtDNA control region and population structure in the small yellow croaker <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larimichthys polyactis</Emphasis>

The genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) were investigated. One hundred and fourteen individuals were sampled from 8 localities of the Yellow Sea and the northern East China Sea. Genetic variation in DNA sequences were examined from the first hypervariable region (HVR-1) of the mitochondrial DNA control region. High levels of haplotype diversity (h = 0.98 ± 0.87%) in the HVR-1 region were detected, indicating a high level of genetic diverstiy. A total of 84 polymorphic sites were found, and 87 haplotypes were defined. The pairwise nucleotide differences between samples ranged from 3.83 ± 2.19 to 6.56 ± 3.25. The demographic history of L. polyactis was examined by using neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analysis, which indicated a Pleistocene population expansion at about 49,300–197,000 years. The star burst structure of the minimum spanning tree also suggestted a very recent origin for most haplotypes. Hierarchical molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) and conventional population Fst comparisons revealed no significant genetic structure throughout the examined range, which is inconsistent with previous findings based on the morphological and ecological studies. Long-term dispersal and high gene flow likely have contributed to the genetically homogeneous population structure of the species. The knowledge on genetic diversity and genetic structure will be crucial to establish appropriate fishery management stocks for the species.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ty</Emphasis>1<Emphasis Type="Italic">/copia</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ty</Emphasis>3<Emphasis Type="Italic">/gypsy</Emphasis>-like DNA sequences in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helianthus </Emphasis>species

Two repeated DNA sequences isolated from a partial genomic DNA library of Helianthus annuus, p HaS13 and p HaS211, were shown to represent portions of the int gene of a Ty3 /gypsy retroelement and of the RNase-Hgene of a Ty1 /copia retroelement, respectively. Southern blotting patterns obtained by hybridizing the two probes to BglII- or DraI-digested genomic DNA from different Helianthus species showed p HaS13 and p HaS211 were parts of dispersed repeats at least 8 and 7 kb in length, respectively, that were conserved in all species studied. Comparable hybridization patterns were obtained in all species with p HaS13. By contrast, the patterns obtained by hybridizing p HaS211 clearly differentiated annual species from perennials. The frequencies of p HaS13- and p HaS211-related sequences in different species were 4.3x10(4)-1.3x10(5) copies and 9.9x10(2)-8.1x10(3) copies per picogram of DNA, respectively. The frequency of p HaS13-related sequences varied widely within annual species, while no significant difference was observed among perennial species. Conversely, the frequency variation of p HaS211-related sequences was as large within annual species as within perennials. Sequences of both families were found to be dispersed along the length of all chromosomes in all species studied. However, Ty3 /gypsy-like sequences were localized preferentially at the centromeric regions, whereas Ty1/ copia-like sequences were less represented or absent around the centromeres and plentiful at the chromosome ends. These findings suggest that the two sequence families played a role in Helianthusgenome evolution and species divergence, evolved independently in the same genomic backgrounds and in annual or perennial species, and acquired different possible functions in the host genomes.     

Morphogenetic diversity of the ectomycorrhizal genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cortinarius</Emphasis> section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calochroi</Emphasis> in the Iberian Peninsula

The taxonomic and genetic diversity of Cortinarius section Calochroi in one of the most biodiversity-rich regions in Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, was investigated through morphological and phylogenetic methods. This combined methodological approach allowed the identification of 15 known species and one new species, Cortinarius ortegae, which is described here. A dichotomous key is provided for field recognition of Calochroi species inhabiting different Iberian and Balearic Island woodlands. Polymorphism analyses within some studied species showed that the distribution of intraspecific lineages is dependent on geography and, in some cases, tree host. Furthermore, the dating analysis suggested that diversification within Calochroi started in the Pliocene and most of the current genetic diversity originated in the Pleistocene. This temporal scenario supports hypotheses in which climatic oscillations in the Quaternary may have been driving the evolution of this group of ectomycorrhizal fungi.     

Genetic diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">avenin-like b</Emphasis> genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops tauschii</Emphasis> Coss

Avenin-like storage proteins influence the rheological properties and processing quality in common wheat, and the discovery of new alleles will benefit wheat quality improvement. In this study, 13 avenin-like b alleles (TaALPb7D-A–M) were discovered in 108 Aegilops tauschii Coss. accessions. Ten alleles were reported for the first time, while the remaining three alleles were the same as alleles in other species. A total of 15 nucleotide changes were detected in the 13 alleles, resulting in only 11 amino acid changes because of synonymous mutations. Alleles TaALPb7D-E, TaALPb7D-G, and TaALPb7D-J encoded the same protein. These polymorphic sites existed in the N-terminus, Repetitive region (Left), Repetitive region (Right) and C-terminus domains, with no polymorphisms in the signal peptide sequence nor in those encoding the 18 conserved cysteine residues. Phylogenetic analysis divided the TaALPb7Ds into four clades. The Ae. tauschii alleles were distributed in all four clades, while the alleles derived from common wheat, TaALPb7D-G and TaALPb7D-C, belonged to clade III and IV, respectively. Alleles TaALPb7D-G and TaALPb7D-C were the most widely distributed, being present in nine and six countries, respectively. Iran and Turkey exhibited the highest genetic diversity with respect to TaALPb7D alleles, accessions from these countries carrying seven and six alleles, respectively, which implied that these countries were the centers of origin of the avenin-like b gene. The new alleles discovered and the phylogenetic analysis of avenin-like b genes will provide breeding materials and a theoretical basis for wheat quality improvement.     

Polymorphism of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">LEAFY</Emphasis> Gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica</Emphasis> Plants

The arabidopsis gene LEAFY controls the induction of flowering and maintenance of the floral meristem identity. By comparing the primary structure of LEAFY and its homologs in other Brassicaceae species and beyond this family, we singled out four clusters corresponding to three systematically remote families of angiosperms, Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, and Poaceae, and to gymnosperms. Both structural and functional distinctions of LEAFY homologs from their arabidopsis prototype expanded in the range Brassicaceae—Solanaceae—Poaceae. A LEAFY homolog from B. juncea cloned in our laboratory was used as a hybridization probe to analyze the restriction fragment length polymorphism in six Brassica species comprising diploid (AA, BB, and CC) and allotetraploid (AABB, AACC, and BBCC) genomes. In this way we recognized LEAFY fragments specific of genomes A, B, and C; in contrast, the variations of the length and structure of the LEAFY intron 2 were not genome-specific. LEAFY polymorphism in the Brassica accessions comprising genome B was related to their geographic origin and apparently to the adaptation to day length.     

Polymorphism of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">CONSTANS</Emphasis> gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica</Emphasis> plants

Using a direct amplification of genomic DNA from two Brassica rapa forms, we obtained two homologs of the CONSTANS gene, which controls the photoperiodic induction of flowering in Arabidopsis plants. The cloned fragments of B. rapa genome were identified as members of the CONSTANS-LIKE1 class. By aligning the nucleotide sequences of the CONSTANS gene and its homologs, three classes, CONSTANS, CONSTANS-LIKE1, and CONSTANS-LIKE2, were distinctly discerned by their primary structure. The pattern of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of the CONSTANS homologs in B. carinata, B. juncea, B. napus, B. nigra, B. oleracea, and B. rapa were genome-specific; in addition, the CONSTANS homologs were classified by plant geographic origin, and we assume that such classification is related to plant photoperiodic response.Translated from Fiziologiya Rastenii, Vol. 52, No. 2, 2005, pp. 274–281.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Martynov, Khavkin.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Reindeer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rangifer tarandus</Emphasis>) avoidance of a highway as revealed by lichen measurements

Reindeer and caribou Rangifer tarandus are reported to avoid human infrastructure such as roads, high-voltage power lines, pipelines, and tourist resorts. Lichens are important forage for reindeer during winter, and their relatively slow growth rates make them vulnerable to overgrazing. Height and volume of lichens are often used as an indicator of grazing pressure by reindeer and, thus, as an indirect measure of Rangifer avoidance of human infrastructure. We sampled lichen height in Cetraria nivalis-dominated communities along 4 and 3 parallel transects located on two parallel mountain ridges in Hardangervidda, south central Norway. The lichen measurements were analyzed in relation to altitude and the distance from four tourist cabins in the area and a highway (Rv7) running perpendicular to the 7 transects. The mountain ridge with 4 transects is part of a much used migratory corridor for wild reindeer R. tarandus tarandus. Along the nonmigratory ridge, lichen height decreased 35% over an 8-km distance from Rv7 and a tourist cabin, indicating reindeer aversion toward Rv7 and/or a tourist cabin. No similar relationship was found for the migration ridge in relation to distance from Rv7 or the tourist cabins. Our results suggest that avoidance of human infrastructure by wild reindeer might be limited where reindeer use of winter pastures is influenced by herd traditions and/or motivation to follow established migration corridors. This has important implications for addressing the use of similar pasture measurements when testing for Rangifer aversion toward human disturbances.     

Revision of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Serrulati</Emphasis> species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penstemon</Emphasis> section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccanthera</Emphasis> subsection <Emphasis Type="Italic">Serrulati</Emphasis>

A revision of Penstemon sect. Saccanthera subsect. Serrulati includes a new species (P. salmonensis), a new variety (P. triphyllus var. infernalis), and the elevation of a subspecies to species (P. curtiflorus), bringing the total number of species to eight, which are keyed and described, complete with nomenclature and type citations.     

Genetic diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L. in Azerbaijan

To examine the genetic diversity of Vitis vinifera L., growing in the region near the Caspian Sea of Azerbaijan Republic, nuclear genomes of 31 cultivated and 34 wild grapevine accessions were studied at population and individual levels using five ISSR primers. In total, 51 fragments were amplified, of which 45 were found to be polymorphic. A high level of polymorphism was revealed (the mean PPF and PIC values constituted 87.69% and 0.94, respectively). High values of the EMR, MI, and RP indices showed the effectiveness of the application of ISSR primers and the possibility of their use in further investigations in this direction. Cluster analysis based on Nei’s genetic distance values showed that all genotypes could be grouped into seven main clusters. Furthermore, no differences between the wild and cultivated grape wine accessions were revealed. For instance, there was no distinct distribution of the accessions according to their geographical localization. On the basis of the PIC values, the group of cultivars from Absheron Peninsula was distinguished by the highest polymorphism level (PIC = 0.36). Natural populations from the Guba and Shabran regions were characterized by a relatively low polymorphism level (PIC = 0.31 and PIC = 0.28, respectively), and a wild population from Nabran demonstrated the lowest polymorphism level (PIC = 0.25). The data obtained confirmed paleontological and historical data of different periods and provided the supposition that Azerbaijan was the center of diversity of V. vinifera L. In addition, our data indicate that Azerbaijan grape landraces originated from local wild forms.     

Evaluation of three commercial bovine ELISA kits for detection of antibodies against Alphaherpesviruses in reindeer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rangifer tarandus tarandus</Emphasis>)

Background  

The genus Varicellovirus (family Herpesviridae subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae) includes a group of viruses genetically and antigenically related to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) among which cervid herpesvirus 2 (CvHV-2) can be of importance in reindeer. These viruses are known to be responsible for different diseases in both wild and domestic animals. Reindeer are a keystone in the indigenous Saami culture and previous studies have reported the presence of antibodies against alphaherpesviruses in semi-domesticated reindeer in northern Norway. Mortality rates, especially in calves, can be very high in some herds and the abortion potential of alphaherpesvirus in reindeer, unlike in bovines, remains unknown.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">tumefaciens</Emphasis>-mediated transformation of callus cells of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crataegus</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">aronia</Emphasis>

A genetic transformation system has been developed for callus cells of Crataegus aronia using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Callus culture was established from internodal stem segments incubated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5 mg l⁻¹ Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.5 mg l⁻¹ 6-benzyladenine (BA). In order to optimize the callus culture system with respect to callus growth and coloration, different types and concentrations of plant growth regulators were tested. Results indicated that the best average fresh weight of red colored callus was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1.5 mg l⁻¹ kinetin (Kin) (callus maintenance medium). Callus cells were co-cultivated with Agrobacterium harboring the binary plasmid pCAMBIA1302 carrying the mgfp5 and hygromycin phosphotransferase (hptII) genes conferring green fluorescent protein (GFP) activity and hygromycin resistance, respectively. Putative transgenic calli were obtained 4 weeks after incubation of the co-cultivated explants onto maintenance medium supplemented with 50 mg l⁻¹ hygromycin. Molecular analysis confirmed the integration of the transgenes in transformed callus. To our knowledge, this is the first time to report an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system in Crataegus aronia.     

Genetic and environmental control of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verticillium</Emphasis> syndrome in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis>

Background  

Verticillium spp. are major pathogens of dicotyledonous plants such as cotton, tomato, olive or oilseed rape. Verticillium symptoms are often ambiguous and influenced by development and environment. The aim of the present study was to define disease and resistance traits of the complex Verticillium longisporum syndrome in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. A genetic approach was used to determine genetic, developmental and environmental factors controlling specific disease and resistance traits and to study their interrelations.     

Nucleotide polymorphism in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Adh1</Emphasis> locus region of the wild rice <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza rufipogon</Emphasis>

Nucleotide variation in the alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh1) locus region of the wild rice Oryza rufipogon and its related species was analysed to clarify the maintenance mechanism of DNA variation in Oryza species. The estimated nucleotide diversity in the Adh1 locus region of O. rufipogon was 0.002, which was one of the lowest values detected in nuclear loci of plant species investigated so far. Tests of neutrality detected significantly negative deviation from the neutral mutation model for the coding region, especially for replacement sites. When each of the ADH1 domains was considered, significance was detected only for the catalytic domain 1. These results suggest purifying selection in the Adh1 coding region. In the phylogenetic tree of Oryza species based on Adh1 variation, cultivated rice O. sativa subspp. japonica and indica were included in the cluster of O. rufipogon. The genetic distance of the Adh1 region between O. rufipogon and O. sativa was as low as the nucleotide diversity of O. rufipogon. These results imply that O. rufipogon and O. sativa cannot be classified based on the nucleotide variation of Adh1. No replacement divergence between O. rufipogon and the other three A-genome species (O. glumaepatula, O. barthii and O. meridionalis) were detected, indicating that ADH1 is conserved in the A-genome species. On the other hand, between O. rufipogon and the E-genome species O. australiensis, replacement changes were detected only in the catalytic domain 1. The difference in replacement substitutions between the A- and E-genome species may be related to adaptive changes in the ADH1 domains, reflecting environmental differences where the species encounter anaerobic stress.