Genetic variation at 9 autosomal microsatellite loci in Asian and Pacific populations.

Genetic variation at 9 autosomal microsatellite loci (CFS1R, TH01, PLA2A, F13A1, CYP19, LPL, D20S481, D20S473, and D20S604) has been characterized in 16 Asian and Oceanic populations, mostly from mainland and insular Southeast Asia. The neighbor-joining tree and the principal coordinates analysis of the genetic relationships of these populations show a clear separation of Papua New Guinea Highlanders and, to a lesser extent, Malayan aborigines (Orang Asli or Semai) from the rest of the populations. Although the number of markers used in this study appears to be inadequate for clarifying the patterns of genetic relationships among the studied populations, in the principal coordinates analysis a geographic trend is observed in the mainland and insular Southeast Asian populations. Furthermore, in an attempt to contrast the extent of variation between autosomal and Y-chromosome-specific microsatellite loci and to reveal potential differences in the patterns of male and female migrations, we have also compared genetic variation at these 9 autosomal loci with variation observed at 5 Y-chromosome-specific microsatellites in a common set of 14 Asian populations.     

实验兔三个封闭群微卫星DNA多态性遗传分析

目的 对日本大耳白兔、青紫蓝兔、新西兰兔三个封闭群体开展群体遗传学分析.方法 利用10个微卫星位点,进行Hardy-Weinberg平衡(HWE)检验,统计三个种群的基因频率、观测杂合度、期望杂合度、F值和遗传距离.结果 青紫蓝品种在12L1E11位点,新西兰品种在INRACCDDV0087位点与INRACCDDV0203位点,日本大耳白兔在Sat12位点与INRACCDDV0203,P＜0.05,显著偏离HWE,多数表现为杂合子缺陷;三个群体在Sat13、So144、6L1F10、7L1F1、12L4A1、INRACCDDV0016点上均符合HWE;各位点平均等位基因数5.9,种群整体基因频率差别较大,其范围为0 -0.9060;三个种群的平均观测杂合度为0.6204,平均期望杂合度为0.6178;群体间分化系数(Fst)平均为0.0750,日本大耳白兔和青紫蓝兔遗传距离最近为0.1223,青紫蓝兔与新西兰兔遗传距离最远为0.1934.结论 三个种群的遗传结构均表现出遗传稳定性和均一性,在10个微卫星位点上呈现高度多态性,种群间遗传分化明显.     

Genetic variability and discriminating power of four microsatellite loci in Russian population

Allele and genotype frequencies of 4 STR loci (LPL, vWA, FES/FPS H F 13B), used in forensic medicine, were analyzed in Russian Siberian population. Genetic and molecular diversity of these polymorphic systems were characterized in comparison with US Caucasoid population. High discriminating power (PD = 0.99975) of the system of four studied STR loci was shown. Comparative analysis of genetic diversity in Russian population and Caucasoid US population revealed the significant differences between two populations and demonstrated that STR frequency data for US population should not be used for forensic expertise in Russia. The data obtained in the current investigation may be used as reference data for forensic medicine laboratories in Siberia.     

Genetic variability in local Brazilian horse lines using microsatellite markers

Genetic variability at 11 microsatellite markers was analyzed in five naturalized/local Brazilian horse breeds or genetic groups. Blood samples were collected from 328 animals of the breeds Campeira (Santa Catarina State), Lavradeira (Roraima State), Pantaneira (Pantanal Mato-Grossense), Mangalarga Marchador (Minas Gerais State), as well as the genetic group Baixadeiro (Maranh?o State), and the exotic breeds English Thoroughbred and Arab. We found significant genetic variability within evaluated microsatellite loci, with observed heterozygosis varying between 0.426 and 0.768 and polymorphism information content values of 0.751 to 0.914. All breeds showed high inbreeding coefficients and were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The smallest genetic distance was seen between the Pantaneira and Arab breeds. The principal component analyzes and Bayesian approach demonstrated that the exotic breeds have had a significant influence on the genetic formation of the local breeds, with introgression of English Throroughbred in Pantaneira and Lavradeira, as well as genetic proximity between the Arab, Pantaneira and Mangalarga Marchador populations. This study shows the need to conserve traits acquired by naturalized horse breeds over centuries of natural selection in Brazil due to the genetic uniqueness of each group, suggesting a reduced gene flow between them. These results reinforce the need to include these herds in animal genetic resource conservation programs to maximize the genetic variability and conserve useful allele combinations.     

利用微卫星研究普洱亚洲象种群的遗传多样性

本文采用非损伤性取样法获得普洱地区亚洲象粪便样品113份,试剂盒法提取粪便基因组总DNA,利用9对微卫星引物对DNA进行特异性扩增,CERVUS 3.0软件基因分型得到49个独特的基因型。利用GenAlEx v6.5与Arlequin v3.5进行位点遗传信息检测和种群遗传多样性分析,结果表明：研究采用的所有微卫星位点均未偏离哈迪温伯格平衡,位点的平均等位基因数为3.111,平均香农信息指数为0.804,平均期望杂合度为0.468,平均观测杂合度为0.476。比较相同位点上不同地区亚洲象的遗传杂合度,表明普洱地区亚洲象的种群遗传多样性较低。     

微卫星座位对KM封闭群小鼠的遗传分析

应用微卫星分子标记对昆明小鼠(KM)封闭群相隔10代的两个群体(分别命名为A9和A19)进行遗传背景分析,共设计位于小鼠7条染色体上的7对微卫星引物用于实验研究,选取具有多态性的一个微卫星位点D3Mit22进行详细分析.结果表明:所研究的位点D3Mit22在两个群体共发现2个不同的等位基因,3种不同的基因型,其中A9代有3种不同的基因型,即AB,AA,BB.A19代有两种不同的基因型,即AB,BB.进一步埘不同的微卫星位点克隆测序,分析了该位点的DNA分子特性.对封闭群小鼠检测方法的建立及保持封闭群小鼠的遗传稳定性提供了重要的分子数据.     

Genetic variability and differentiation of wild and cultured tench populations inferred from microsatellite loci

Nine species-specific microsatellites were used to characterize 792 tench, Tinca tinca (L.), from 21 wild and cultured populations. Seven loci were polymorphic expressing four to 22 alleles. A Spanish cultured strain was homozygous at all loci for all individuals studied. Low variability was also observed in a wild population from Sapanca Lake, Turkey and a Chinese cultured strain. In contrast, the highest variabilities were found in wild tench from lake Felchowsee (average number of alleles), and the cultured strain from Königswartha (average heterozygosity), both from Germany. Genetic differentiation between populations was moderate to high. The smallest genetic distances were found between the geographically most distant populations. A Neighbor-Joining tree showed only two major clades consisting of 4 and 17 populations, respectively. Within the smaller clade the Turkish wild and Spanish and Chinese cultured tench formed a sub-cluster with 100% bootstrap support. Possible reasons for the latter unexpected grouping are discussed.     

Genetic variability of the tokay gecko based on microsatellite analysis

The black-spotted tokay gecko and red-spotted tokay gecko have different distribution areas and are significantly different in appearance but are classified into the same species Gekko gecko. Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated, characterized and evaluated from wild black-spotted tokay geckos for the first time. Of them, nine loci were successfully amplified in red-spotted tokay geckos using multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). A total of 208 different alleles were observed in the 70 wild black-spotted and red-spotted tokays, and the average number of alleles per locus was 17.3. The average values for observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity and polymorphism information content were 0.762, 0.891 and 0.871, respectively, which showed that the wild G. gecko population had a high level of genetic variability. Both black-spotted tokays and red-spotted tokays showed a significant (P < 0.001) deficit of heterozygotes. The red-spotted tokay (H_E = 0.881, A = 16.4) had a higher level of genetic variability than black-spotted tokay (H_E = 0.804, A = 10.7). The pairwise F_ST (P < 0.001) estimates of the two types of tokay were 0.143, which indicated that there was a significant level of genetic differentiation between the two.     

Genetic differentiation of hexaploid wheat inferred from analysis of microsatellite loci

Landraces of wheat can serve as important potential sources for extending the genetic basis of selection cultivars. Analysis of microsatellites and typing of polymorphism in a representative sample of 347 genotypes, including landraces and selection cultivars, was performed using a set of 38 selected oligonucleotide primer pairs. Each genotype had a unique allele combination at 39 microsatellite loci examined. Classification of genotypes with respect to the level of their similarity was performed using cluster analysis. The data obtained pointed to genetic differentiation of hexaploid wheat. The groups of cultivars, the formation of which was thought to be associated with the main old areas of wheat cultivation in Europe and Asia, were identified. The basis of each of the groups was formed by landraces of common wheat. The differences between the groups identified were associated with multiple changes in the wheat genome and were expressed as quantitative differences in the allele frequencies of microsatellite loci. The results of the study are of interest in terms of understanding the structure of wheat genetic diversity and revealing the pathways of evolution of this culture.     

Genetic variation at microsatellite loci in Spanish sheep

Genetic variation at 18 microsatellite loci was analysed in six indigenous Spanish sheep: Churra; Latxa; Manchega; Rasa-Aragonesa; Castellana and Merino. Merinos had frequently the highest number of alleles per locus, whereas Latxas showed the lowest one at many loci. Markers ordered decreasingly according to the number of variants differentiated in the whole population were: MAF70; TGLA13; CSSM66; BM143, BM6444; MAF36; MAF64; CSSM6; TGLA53; OarFCB11; MAF33; BM4621; MAF48; MAF65; BM1258; ILSTS002; ADCYC and OarCP34. Parameters of variability such as effective number of alleles and gene diversities corroborated the high level of variation frequently displayed by microsatellite markers. Comparison of allele distributions among populations and loci did not reveal consistent shapes. Distributions were centralised in some cases, whereas in others some kind of skewness was evident. Breed-specific alleles were detected at most loci, being frequent in Merinos and rare in Churras.     

High-resolution typing of Toxoplasma gondii using microsatellite loci.

High-resolution typing of Toxoplasma gondii is essential to understand the effect of genetic differences among strains on the variation in disease manifestation and transmission patterns. Current typing methods discern 3 lineages with minimal within-lineage variation. Described here are 6 new variable loci. These loci, including a minisatellite and 5 microsatellites, were more polymorphic than allozymes, restriction fragment length polymorphisms, and sequence variation in introns. Most importantly, these loci revealed, for the first time, substantial within-lineage variation that was over 6-fold higher than that detected by other markers. Genotyping at these loci facilitates classification of isolates beyond the lineage level.     

Genetic diversity of microsatellite loci in hierarchically structured populations

Microsatellite loci are widely used for investigating patterns of genetic variation within and among populations. Those patterns are in turn determined by population sizes, migration rates, and mutation rates. We provide exact expressions for the first two moments of the allele frequency distribution in a stochastic model appropriate for studying microsatellite evolution with migration, mutation, and drift under the assumption that the range of allele sizes is bounded. Using these results, we study the behavior of several measures related to Wright’s F_ST, including Slatkin’s R_ST. Our analytical approximations for F_ST and R_ST show that familiar relationships between N_em and F_ST or R_ST hold when the migration and mutation rates are small. Using the exact expressions for F_ST and R_ST, our numerical results show that, when the migration and mutation rates are large, these relationships no longer hold. Our numerical results also show that the diversity measures most closely related to F_ST depend on mutation rates, mutational models (stepwise versus two-phase), migration rates, and population sizes. Surprisingly, R_ST is relatively insensitive to the mutation rates and mutational models. The differing behaviors of R_ST and F_ST suggest that properties of the among-population distribution of allele frequencies may allow the roles of mutation and migration in producing patterns of diversity to be distinguished, a topic of continuing investigation.     

Analysis of five y-Specific microsatellite loci in Asian and Pacific populations

We have analyzed five Y-specific microsatellite loci (DYS388, DYS390, DYS391, DYS394, DYS395) in 17 Asian and Pacific populations representing a broad geographical area and different linguistic families, with an emphasis on populations from mainland and insular Southeast Asia. Analysis of gene diversity indicates that several of the studied populations have experienced substantial genetic isolation, and a reduction in male effective sizes (viz. the Northeast Indian populations Nishi, Adi and the Taiwanese aboriginals). The average values of the F_ST and (_ST statistics indicate a high degree of genetic differentiation among these populations at the five Y-specific markers (F_ST =0.21 and (_ST = 0.33, based on individual loci; F_ST = 0.09 and (_ST = 0.36, based on haplotypes), which conform to the expectation of a fourfold smaller effective size of the Y-linked loci compared with the autosomal loci. Dendrogram and principal coordinates analysis, with few exceptions, show a major separation between mainland and insular populations. Among the mainland populations, the Tibeto-Burman speakers from Northeast India cluster in a well-defined group, supported by high bootstrap values. The Southern Chinese, Northern Thai, So, and Cambodian also are integral to this cluster. The other major cluster is rather heterogeneous and includes, among others, the Austronesian-speaking populations. The Samoans of the Pacific, with a distinctive pattern of allelic distributions, stand as an outlier in the tree and PC representations. Although trends of genetic affinities among ethnically and geographically related populations are evident from the Y-specific microsatellite data, microsatellites are not optimal for deciphering complex migratory patterns of human populations, which could possibly be clarified by using additional and more stable genetic markers. Am J Phys Anthropol 110: 1–16, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Comparative analysis of microsatellite loci in chicken and turkey.

Cross-species amplification of 520 chicken microsatellite markers was tested by polymerase chain reaction with genomic DNA of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Each primer pair was tested at six different combinations of annealing temperature and MgCl2 concentration. A total of 280 (54%) of the primer pairs produced amplification products. The majority of these products were similar, if not identical in size to those expected based on the fragment sizes of the corresponding chicken loci. Structure of the dinucleotide repeat and flanking sequences was examined for 13 turkey fragments (amplified with chicken primers) and 5 chicken fragments (amplified with turkey primers). Sequence analysis found a wide array of mutations between species in addition to differences in repeat length. To estimate the usefulness of the amplified loci for genetic mapping in the turkey, allelic polymorphism was determined for 57 of the 280 amplified loci. A total of 20 of 57 markers (35%) were polymorphic with an average of 1.4 alleles per locus. The results of this study suggest that approximately 20% of the chicken microsatellite markers will be useful for mapping the turkey genome.     

Genetic differentiation of Anopheles gambiae s.s. populations in Mali,West Africa,using microsatellite loci

Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto is a principal vector of malaria through much of sub-Saharan Africa, where this disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in human populations. Accordingly, population sizes and gene flow in this species have received special attention, as these parameters are important in attempts to control malaria by impacting its mosquito vector. Past measures of genetic differentiation have sometimes yielded conflicting results, in some cases suggesting that gene flow is extensive over vast distances (6000 km) and is disrupted only by major geological disturbances and/or barriers. Using microsatellite DNA loci from populations in Mali, West Africa, we measured genetic differentiation over uniform habitats favorable to the species across distances ranging from 62 to 536 km. Gene flow was strongly correlated with distance (r(2) = 0.77), with no major differences among chromosomes. We conclude that in this part of Africa, at least, genetic differentiation for microsatellite DNA loci is consistent with traditional models of isolation by distance.     

Genetic variability at the human tumor necrosis factor loci.

Variability in the structure of the human tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) or lymphotoxin (TNF-beta) genes may contribute to the functional polymorphism of the HLA gene complex. We have characterized an allelic restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the TNF-beta gene by using the restriction endonuclease NcoI. Digestion of genomic DNA with NcoI and Southern blotting by using TNF-alpha gene probes show 5.4-kb and 10.5-kb hybridizing fragments. In Caucasian populations, the 10.5-kb fragment is present in 64 to 72% of haplotypes. The polymorphic NcoI site is located within the first intron of the TNF-beta gene. Additional restriction fragment variability was demonstrated by digestion with AccI; however, this restriction fragment variability was not allelic in nature. Rather, it was a consequence of variable DNA methylation at AccI sites within and upstream of the TNF-beta gene. In peripheral blood leukocytes, methylation of the TNF-beta AccI sites was greatest in neutrophils (TNF-beta nonproducers), and lowest in T lymphocytes (the major producers of TNF-beta). These results suggest strongly that variation in DNA methylation may play an important role in regulation of the expression of the TNF-beta gene.     

Genetic variation in BoLA microsatellite loci in Portuguese cattle breeds

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) typing based on microsatellites can be a valuable approach to understanding the selective processes occurring at linked or physically close MHC genes and can provide important information on variability and relationships of populations. Using microsatellites within or in close proximity with bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA) genes, we investigated the polymorphisms in the bovine MHC, known as the BoLA, in eight Portuguese cattle breeds. Additional data from non-BoLA microsatellite loci were also used to compare the variability between these regions. Diversity was higher in BoLA than in non-BoLA microsatellites, as could be observed by the number of alleles, allelic richness and observed heterozygosity. Brava de Lide, a breed selected for aggressiveness and nobility, presented the lowest values of observed heterozygosity and allelic richness in both markers. Results from neutrality tests showed few statistically significant differences between the observed Hardy–Weinberg homozygosity ( F ) and the expected homozygosity ( F _E), indicating the apparent neutrality of the BoLA microsatellites within the analysed breeds. Nevertheless, we detected a trend of lower values of observed homozygosity compared with the expected one. We also detected some differences in the levels of allelic variability among the four BoLA microsatellites. Our data showed a higher number of alleles at the BoLA-DRB3 locus than at the BoLA-DRBP1 locus. These differences could be related to their physical position in the chromosome and may reflect functional requirements for diversity.     

Genetic structure and gene flow among Komodo dragon populations inferredby microsatellite loci analysis

A general concern for the conservation of endangered species is the maintenance of genetic variation within populations, particularly when they become isolated and reduced in size. Estimates of gene flow and effective population size are therefore important for any conservation initiative directed to the long-term persistence of a species in its natural habitat. In the present study, 10 microsatellite loci were used to assess the level of genetic variability among populations of the Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis. Effective population size was calculated and gene flow estimates were compared with palaeogeographic data in order to assess the degree of vulnerability of four island populations. Rinca and Flores, currently separated by an isthmus of about 200 m, retained a high level of genetic diversity and showed a high degree of genetic similarity, with gene flow values close to one migrant per generation. The island of Komodo showed by far the highest levels of genetic divergence, and its allelic distinctiveness was considered of great importance in the maintenance of genetic variability within the species. A lack of distinct alleles and low levels of gene flow and genetic variability were found for the small population of Gili Motang island, which was identified as vulnerable to stochastic threats. Our results are potentially important for both the short- and long-term management of the Komodo dragon, and are critical in view of future re-introduction or augmentation in areas where the species is now extinct or depleted.     

合浦珠母贝三个养殖群体微卫星遗传多样性

以广东徐闻金碧公司养殖场、广西北海营盘镇养殖场和南海水产研究所海南实验基地3个合浦珠母贝养殖群体为对象,利用8个微卫星位点M1、M2、M3、M4、M5、M6、M7、M8的引物进行了遗传多样性分析.结果表明:8个微卫星标记位点在3个养殖群体中共检测到58个等位基因,观测等位基因数为2～9个,平均有效等位基因数3.72～5.06,平均观察杂合度0.41～0.56,平均期望杂合度0.67～0.75,3个群体的平均多态信息含量PIC值为0.62～0.70,全部为高度多态(PIC≥0.5),表明这几个合浦珠母贝养殖群体目前仍具有较高的遗传多样性,遗传信息丰富,遗传变异大,可以作为良好的育种材料;在这3个养殖群体中,南海水产研究所海南实验基地的养殖群体的遗传多样性最高,广西北海营盘镇养殖群体遗传多样性最低,这一结果可以为今后选择育种、种质保护提供可资借鉴的资料.

Abstract：

By using eight mierosatellite loci (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7 and MS), the genetic diversity of three Pinctada fucata populations from the pearl farms in Xuwen of Guang-dong and Beihai of Guangxi, and from the experimental base of South China Sea Fisheries Re-search Institute in Hainan was studied. A total of fifty eight alleles of these eight microsatellite lo-ci were detected, among which, the observed allele number was 2-9, average effective allele number was 3.72-5.06, average observed population heterozygosity was 0. 41-0. 56, and aver-age observed expected heterozygosity was 0. 67-0. 75. All the three populations had a polymor-phie information content (PIC) of 0. 62-0.70, suggesting their high polymorphism (PIC > 0. 5). Among the three populations, the cultured population from the experimental base of South China Sea Fisheries Institute had the highest polymorphism, and that from Beihai of Guangxi had the lowest one. These results provided useful information for the selective breeding and germplast conservation of P. Fucata.