Expression of X chromosome fragility in Holstein-Friesian cattle: a preliminary study

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Analysis of genetic markers in a sample of uruguayan criollo horses

The aim of this work is to charaterize at least tentatively the Criollo Horses of Uruguay through blood genetic markers. This breed, whose origin goes back to horses brought to Rio de la Plata in 1538 from Spain, nowadays, after more than four centuries in its environment, owns unique zootechnical traits and well developed rusticity. We have studied 7 systems of blood groups (A, C, D, K, P, Q and U) and 6 of biochemical polymorphisms (A1B, Al, Tf, alk-Es, PGD, PGM) in a sample of 99 Criollo Horses of Uruguay. The most polymorphic loci were the D blood group system with 13 alleles, Ddelo, Dadl and Ddkl being the 3 most frequent ones, and the Tf locus, that displayed 7 alleles, D and F2 having the highest frequency. The genetic variability of the sample was estimated through the average heterozigosity that reached a value of 0.435. Concerning the origin of the breed, we have to stress the presence in our sample of TfJ and Dcfgk, breed allele markers of the Spanish Pure Breed Horse. We conclude from these results that the present days Criollo Horses of Uruguay have preserved some blood genetic traits of its ancestors that differentiate them from the other Criollo Horses, displaying at the same time an important amount of genetic variability as shown by the high value of average heterozigosity.En esta comunicación preliminar, presentamos la evaluación de las frecuencias alélicas obtenidas en 7 sistemas de grupos sanguíneos (A, C, D, K, P, Q y U) y 6 polimorfismos bioquímicos (A1B, Al, Es alcalina, Tf, PGD y PGM) en una muestra de 99 Caballos Criollos del Uruguay (CCU). Los sistemas más polimórficos fueron el sistema D, con 13 alelos siendo los más frecuentes: Ddelo, Dadl y Ddkl, y el locus Tf con 7 alelos siendo los más frecuentes: D y F2. Todos los sistemas electroforéticos se encontraron en equilibrio génico. La variabilidad genética de la muestra estudiada se estimó mediante el Índice de Heterocigosidad esperada, el cual presentó un valor de 0,435. En la muestra analizada se destaca la presencia de la variante TfJ y del alelo Dcfgk, marcadores característicos de la Pura Raza Española (PRE). Se puede concluir que estos datos proporcionan información de que los Caballos Criollos Uruguayos conservan parte del potencial genético de sus ancestros, manteniendo características propias y diferentes a la de las otros Caballos Criollos. En cuanto a la variabilidad genética, a pesar de ser una muestra pequeña, presentó un índice de heterocigosidad bastante alto

Genetic characterization of uruguayan creole cattle. II. Study of its genetic variability

Animal genetic diversity is considered essential to sustain the productivity of agriculture. FAO estimates that 30 percent of livestock breeds are at risk of extinction and more than half of these breeds are found in developing countries. Previous genetic research upon American Creole Cattle (Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba) valuate these breeds, being considered of interest to maintain and enhance livestock production. In Uruguay, limited by different geographic barriers, about 600 bovines inhabit in hard environment in areas that cannot sustain conventional farming. Aspect of Uruguayan Creole cattle is similar to that observed in certain American and Iberian breeds. Analysis of breed genetic variability involved the utilization of PCR/RFLP technology in 82 DNA samples for milk proteins (casein and lactoglobulin), amplification of 20 samples for CYP21 microsatellite and the use of protein markers such as haemoglobin in 77 animals. Inbreeding index and expected Heterocigosity considering four loci were F= 0.02 and He= 0.487. Genotypic frequency distribution was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic variation estimated, reinforced by the low inbreeding index, strengthen the need of preservation of Uruguayan Creole Cattle as a domestic animal genetic resource.Se tomaron muestras de ADN por la metodología PCR/RFLP para las proteínas de la leche caseína y lactoglobulina, 20 muestras para el microsatélite CYP21 (esteroide 21-hidroxilasa) y 77 animales para hemoglobina mediante electroforesis en gel de almidón. Los índices de endogamia y de heterocigosidad correspondieron a F= 0,02 y He= 0,487. Las frecuencias genotípicas se distribuyeron de acuerdo a los valores esperados para el equilibrio H.W. El bajo índice de endogamia obtenido en los 4 loci analizados, la relación entre el número de genotipos homocigotos y heterocigotos, el alto polimorfismo que presentó el microsatélite CYP21, así como la variabilidad observada en la coloración del pelaje, permiten sugerir que, a pesar de ser ésta una reserva aislada geográficamente, ha expresado una variabilidad genética tan importante que justifica su conservación como un recurso genético de animal doméstico. La diversidad genética animal es considerada indispensable para sostener la productividad de la agricultura. La FAO estima que el 30 p.100 de las razas de ganado, corren riesgo de extinción, encontrándose más de la mitad de ellas en países en desarrollo. Antecedentes de estudios genéticos realizados en bovinos Criollos americanos (Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba) permiten hoy, revalorizar esta raza para ser utilizada en la explotación agropecuaria. En el Uruguay, existe una reserva de alrededor de 600 animales que habita en una zona húmeda, de sierras y montes, no alterada, limitada por diferentes barreras geográficas. El aspecto morfológico de estos animales se asemeja al de ciertas poblaciones de bovinos Criollos argentinos, venezolanos, colombianos y, a ciertas razas ibéricas. Con el objetivo de estudiar la estructura genética de esta población, se analizaron 8

Cytogenetic analysis of Astylus antis (Perty, 1830) (Coleoptera, Melyridae): Karyotype, heterochromatin and location of ribosomal genes

Cytogenetic analysis of Astylus antis using mitotic and meiotic cells was performed to characterize the haploid and diploid numbers, sex determination system, chromosome morphology, constitutive heterochromatin distribution pattern and chromosomes carrying nucleolus organizer regions (NORs). Analysis of spermatogonial metaphase cells revealed the diploid number 2n = 18, with mostly metacentric chromosomes. Metaphase I cells exhibited 2n = 8II+Xyp and a parachute configuration of the sex chromosomes. Spermatogonial metaphase cells submitted to C-banding showed the presence of small dots of constitutive heterochromatin in the centromeric regions of nearly all the autosomes and on the short arm of the X chromosome (Xp), as well as an additional band on one of the arms of pair 1. Mitotic cells submitted to double staining with base-specific fluorochromes (DAPI-CMA3 ) revealed no regions rich in A+T or G+C sequences. Analysis of spermatogonial mitotic cells after sequential Giemsa/AgNO 3 staining did not reveal any specific mark on the chromosomes. Meiotic metaphase I cells stained with silver nitrate revealed a strong impregnation associated to the sex chromosomes, and in situ hybridization with an 18S rDNA probe showed ribosomal cistrons in an autosomal bivalent

Genetic footprints of iberian cattle in America 500 years after the arrival of Columbus.

American Creole cattle presumably descend from animals imported from the Iberian Peninsula during the period of colonization and settlement, through different migration routes, andmay have also suffered the influence of cattle directly imported from Africa. The introduction of European cattle, which began in the 18th century, and later of Zebu from India, has threatened the survival of Creole populations, some of which have nearly disappeared or were admixed with exotic breeds. Assessment of the genetic status of Creole cattle is essential for the establishment of conservation programs of these historical resources. Methodology/Principal Findings: We sampled 27 Creole populations, 39 Iberian, 9 European and 6 Zebu breeds. We used microsatellite markers to assess the origins of Creole cattle, and to investigate the influence of different breeds on their genetic make-up. The major ancestral contributions are from breeds of southern Spain and Portugal, in agreement with the historical ports of departure of ships sailing towards the Western Hemisphere. This Iberian contribution to Creoles may also include some African influence, given the influential role that African cattle have had in the development of Iberian breeds, but the possibility of a direct influence on Creoles of African cattle imported to America can not be discarded. In addition to the Iberian influence, the admixture with other European breeds was minor. The Creoles from tropical areas, especially those from the Caribbean, show clear signs of admixture with Zebu. Conclusions/Significance: Nearly five centuries since cattle were first brought to the Americas, Creoles still show a strong and predominant signature of their Iberian ancestors. Creole breeds differ widely from each other, both in genetic structure and influences from other breeds. Efforts are needed to avoid their extinction or further genetic erosion, which would compromise centuries of selective adaptation to a wide range of environmental conditions

Genetic Footprints of Iberian Cattle in America 500 Years after the Arrival of Columbus

Background: American Creole cattle presumably descend from animals imported from the Iberian Peninsula during the period of colonization and settlement, through different migration routes, andmay have also suffered the influence of cattle directly imported from Africa. The introduction of European cattle, which began in the 18th century, and later of Zebu from India, has threatened the survival of Creole populations, some of which have nearly disappeared or were admixed with exotic breeds. Assessment of the genetic status of Creole cattle is essential for the establishment of conservation programs of these historical resources. Methodology/Principal Findings: We sampled 27 Creole populations, 39 Iberian, 9 European and 6 Zebu breeds. We used microsatellite markers to assess the origins of Creole cattle, and to investigate the influence of different breeds on their genetic make-up. The major ancestral contributions are from breeds of southern Spain and Portugal, in agreement with the historical ports of departure of ships sailing towards the Western Hemisphere. This Iberian contribution to Creoles may also include some African influence, given the influential role that African cattle have had in the development of Iberian breeds, but the possibility of a direct influence on Creoles of African cattle imported to America can not be discarded. In addition to the Iberian influence, the admixture with other European breeds was minor. The Creoles from tropical areas, especially those from the Caribbean, show clear signs of admixture with Zebu. Conclusions/Significance: Nearly five centuries since cattle were first brought to the Americas, Creoles still show a strong and predominant signature of their Iberian ancestors. Creole breeds differ widely from each other, both in genetic structure and influences from other breeds. Efforts are needed to avoid their extinction or further genetic erosion, which would compromise centuries of selective adaptation to a wide range of environmental condition