Assessing livestock genetic variability by applying molecular markers: mtDNA and SNPs can help in evaluating genetic structure and breeds relationship
Author(s)
Mariotti, Marco
Date Issued
March 20, 2012
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
The loss of agricultural diversity in the face of increasing pressures from modern farming is a cause
for global concern. In Europe, it is necessary to protect the existing great heritage of genetic
diversity. The present thesis has been developed by analyzing through molecular markers two
different livestock species (Bos taurus, Ovis aries).
In the study "Polymorphisms within the Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)-2, -4 and -6 Genes in Cattle"
eight SNPs were identified, of which a non-synonymous SNP identified in TLR6 gene is interesting
because it causes an amino acid substitution. The frequencies of the SNPs were assessed in 16
different bovine European cattle breeds, and a phylogenetic analysis carried out.
In the study "Relationships between Podolic cattle breeds assessed by single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping" 67 SNPs were genotyped in individuals belonging to the three
breeds: Maremmana, Turkish Grey and Hungarian Grey. The data show that the similarity among
the examined animals is mainly morphological and that the three Podolic breeds maintain a good
level of genetic diversity.
In the study "Genetic diversity of sheep breeds from Albania, Greece, and Italy assessed by
mitochondrial DNA and nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs)", 154 mtDNA haplotypes were detected by
means of D-loop sequence analysis in 313 animals of three countries: Albania, Greece, and Italy.
Furthermore, the same sheep breeds were genotyped with 37 previously described SNPs. PCA
analysis on SNP data differentiated breeds with good correspondence to geographical locations.
The study of molecular markers in livestock is very important for the future. In fact, the biodiversity
conservation of farm animals is universally recognized as a challenge for the next years.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Ecologia e gestione delle risorse biologiche
Subjects
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