Autosomal Microsatellite Markers Research Articles

Landscape and conservation genetics of western black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor) in China.

Despite decades of field study, very little is known about the molecular ecology of gibbons, particularly as it relates to their ability to disperse across degraded and fragmentary landscapes. The critically endangered western black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) has been reduced to a small, fragmented population with about 1300 individuals. In the largest population genetic study of free-ranging gibbons to date, we sampled 47 of these gibbons from 13 sites in China and generated 15 polymorphic autosomal microsatellite markers. We identify three population clusters of N. concolor in Yunnan centered in 1) the Wuliang and Ailao Mountains, 2) the Yongde Daxueshan Mountains, and 3) an isolated remnant near the border with Vietnam. Within the Wuliang Mountains, we identified four subclusters, three of which are bounded by high-altitude rhododendron forest, and one that is isolated from the main population by ~2 km of degraded forest and pasture. Least-cost path analysis and isolation by resistance modeling demonstrates that the population genetic distances among gibbons in Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve are significantly correlated with geographic paths that avoid use of high-altitude rhododendron forest in favor of evergreen broadleaf forest. Although these gibbons have likely undergone reductions in heterozygosity from recent consanguineous mating, we suggest that their active avoidance of inbreeding on the population level maintains higher than expected levels of genetic diversity. This research provides new insights into how gibbons interact with heterogeneous environments and expands our understanding of their molecular ecology and conservation genetics.

Systematic revision of the ‘diminutive’ Kentish Plover (Charadriidae: Charadrius) with the resurrection of Charadrius seebohmi based on phenotypic and genetic analyses

The Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Linnaeus 1758 is a common shorebird in Eurasia and North Africa that breeds in a variety of habitats, exhibits different extents of migratory behaviour and is an emerging model species of breeding system evolution. Here we focus on the resident population found across the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka, and re‐evaluate its systematic status based on phenotypic and genetic distinctiveness from a sympatric migrant, Charadrius alexandrinus sensu stricto, and the recently elevated closely related Charadrius dealbatus in East Asia. We show that the Sri Lankan and South Indian (South Asian) population differs in body size, moulting pattern and plumage coloration from C. alexandrinus and C. dealbatus. Furthermore, based on two mitochondrial, two sex‐linked and 11 autosomal microsatellite markers from 378 individuals, we show that these three taxa have moderate genetic differentiation (Fst 0.078–0.096). The South Asian taxon is sister to the clade of C. alexandrinus sensu stricto and C. dealbatus with an estimated divergence time of 1.19 million years ago. We also examined ornithological records of major museum collections in Asia, Europe and North America for the south Asian taxon to evaluate its biogeographical and taxonomic status. Based on differences in genotype, phenotype, allochronic migratory pattern and breeding range, we resurrect the most suitable synonym, Charadrius alexandrinus seebohmi Hartert and Jackson, 1915, and elevate the nomen to the species level with the proposed English name ‘Hanuman Plover’.

Genetic Variability of Small Horse Populations from Greek Islands

In this study, we analyzed microsatellite variation in DNA obtained from hair samples collected from 46 local Greek horse populations originating from the islands of Skyros (Skyros Small Horse; n=9), Rhodes (Rodos Small Horse; n=6), Lesvos (with the traditional miniature Midili Small Horse (n=2) and the larger Lesvos Gaiter (n=22)) and Crete (Messara) (n=7). We used 15 autosomal microsatellite markers (VHL20, HTG4, AHT4, HMS7, HTG6, AHT5, HMS6, ASB2, HTG10, HTG7, HMS3, HMS2, ASB17, ASB23 and LEX33) for the genetic characterization of the above populations and exploration of their genetic structure and diversity levels. A total of 120 alleles were detected across the 15 loci with a minimum of 4 alleles in HTG7 locus and a maximum of 13 alleles in ASB17 locus. Τhe total per population number of alleles was 42 (Skyros Small Horse), 20 (Rodos Small Horse), 71 (Lesvos Gaiter), 52 (Messara breed) and 21 (Midili Small Horse). The effective number of alleles (Ne) per locus ranged from 1.47±0.13 (Rodos Small Horse) to 4.67±0.31 (Lesvos Gaiter). The allelic richness (Ar) was between 1.50±0.12 (Rodos Small Horse) and 2.93±0.08 (Lesvos Gaiter) and the average Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values varied from 0.200±0.035 (Rodos Small Horse) to 0.733±0.026 (Lesvos Gaiter). No significant deviations from H-W equilibrium were found except for three loci (ASB2, HTG10 and LEX33) in Messara and one locus (ASB23) in Lesvos Gaiter. Τhe inbreeding coefficient (Fis) ranged from -0.130 (Rodos Small Horse) to 0.042 (Lesvos Gaiter). The observed (Ho) and expected (He) multilocus heterozygosity mean estimations were highest in Lesvos Gaiter (0.764±0.027 and 0.783±0.024, respectively) and smallest in Rodos Small Horse (0.300±0.075 and 0.269±0.064, respectively). Across loci, the total genetic diversity HT was 0.741, the diversity among subpopulations HS was 0.621 and the multilocus genetic differentiation GST was 0.161, which was rather high. The population of Rodos Small Horse separated from the remaining horses as shown by factorial correspondence analysis, population assignment and metric multidimensional scaling diagrams. This study highlights the loss of genetic diversity in small isolated horse populations and the urgent need to take protective measures to preserve them.

Genetic Diversity Estimation of Six Goat Populations from Chongqing, China using Microsatellite Markers

Goats are an important domestic animal for animal husbandry that has attracted considerable research attention worldwide. Genetic diversity assessment and population genetic structure of indigenous goats can provide valuable conservation strategies. The current study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of six goat populations from Chongqing, China. A total of 145 animals from five local goat populations, namely, Youzhou black (UZG), Jianzhou (JZG), Banjiao (BJG), Dazu (DZG) and Hechuan white goat (HCG) and an introduced breed called Nubia goat (NBG) located in Chongqing, China were genotyped with 18 autosomal microsatellite markers. A series of genetic diversity parameters and population phylogeny were estimated and constructed. This study preliminarily showed that the six goat populations present rich genetic diversity and significant genetic divergence among them. Furthermore, material exchanges were observed between the introduced and local goat populations in Chongqing. This result will further explain the diversity conservation of Chongqing goat populations.

Molecular characterization of Iranian dromedaries using microsatellite markers

Considering the importance of maintaining the genetic diversity in native animals, this study conducted to analyse genetic diversity in dromedary populations in the north of Kerman province, Iran, using eight autosomal microsatellite markers. Eighty-one blood samples were collected from five different populations and DNA was extracted. The highest and the lowest allele number and effective alleles were shown in YWLL08 (21 and 4) and VOLP32 (14.97 and 3.11), respectively. The expected heterozygosity varied from 0.778 in Sahra-e Jahad population to 0.847 in Nogh population. The test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed significant deviations in most loci. The mean multilocus FST value (0.057) suggested that differentiation is moderate between populations. From total genetic diversity, only 6% were due to differentiation among populations, while the remaining 94% corresponded to differences among individuals within each population. The results of the current study indicated that the Camelus dromedarius populations in the north of Kerman province have a relativity high genetic variation and the data could be useful for designing the breeding strategies and conservation. The degree of variability demonstrated implies that studied populations are rich reservoirs of genetic diversity that must be preserved. A future direction to our study can be studying all of the Iranian Camelus dromedarius populations to better evaluate the level of inbreeding and establish the appropriate conservation strategies aimed to avoid losses of genetic diversity.

Thoroughbred stallion fertility is significantly associated with FKBP6 genotype but not with inbreeding or the contribution of a leading sire.

This is a follow-up study to validate the previously detected association of the FKBP6 gene with stallion subfertility. Using a select cohort of 150 Thoroughbred stallions with detailed breeding records, we confirm significant association (P < 0.0001) between low per-cycle pregnancy rates (≤50%) and a combined A/A-A/A genotype of SNPs chr13:11 353 372G>A and chr13:11 353 436A>C in FKBP6 exon 5. We also show that stallion subfertility and the combined genotype A/A-A/A are not associated with the level of genetic diversity based on 12 autosomal microsatellite markers, or with pedigree-based inbreeding rate, or the extent of contribution of a leading Thoroughbred sire, Northern Dancer, in a stallion's pedigree. We develop a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay for the two SNPs to facilitate accurate and high-throughput genotyping. We determine allele, genotype and combined genotype frequencies of FKBP6 exon 5 SNPs in a global cohort of 518 Thoroughbreds (76% stallions or geldings and 24% mares) and show that the frequency of the A/A-A/A genotype is 4%. Because there is no similar association between the FKBP6 exon 5 genotype and stallion subfertility in Hanoverians, we suggest that the two SNPs are not causative but rather tagging a breed-specific haplotype with genetic variants unique to Thoroughbreds. Further WGS-based research is needed to identify the molecular causes underlying the observed genotype-phenotype association in Thoroughbred stallions.

Genetic diversity and forensic characterization of 15 autosomal microsatellite markers in the North-east Indian Tripuri population

This study was conducted to explore the genomic diversity and forensic characterization of 15 autosomal microsatellite markers in the East Indian Tripuri population. In the studied population, we observed 158 different alleles with the average 10.53 alleles per locus. The locus D2S1338 (PIC= 0.862) was found to be the most polymorphic wheres locus TPOX (PIC= 0.647) as the least polymorphic, among all the studied loci. The locus FGA was found with the highest number of effective alleles (Nall=19) whereas locus TH01 showed least number of effective alleles (Nall=6). The cumulative values for matching probability (CPm), power of discrimination (CPD), power of exclusion CPE), and paternity index (CPI) were found as 1.94×10-18, 1, 0.999998, and 4.8×105 respectively. The studied population showed genetic closeness with the Gorkha population. In neighbor-joining tree, Tripura population pooled with the population of Nepal and Tibet. The genetic data obtained from the present study will not only enrich the existing autosomal STR database but will also be useful for forensic DNA application and genealogical studies.

Evolutionary relationship and population structure of domestic Bovidae animals based on MHC-linked and neutral autosomal microsatellite markers

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are critical for disease resistance or susceptibility responsible for host-pathogen interactions determined mainly by extensive polymorphisms in the MHC genes. Here, we examined the diversity and phylogenetic pattern of MHC haplotypes reconstructed using three MHC-linked microsatellite markers in 55 populations of five Bovidae species and compared them with those based on neutral autosomal microsatellite markers (NAMs). Three-hundred-and-forty MHC haplotypes were identified in 1453 Bovidae individuals, suggesting significantly higher polymorphism and heterozygosity compared with those based on NAMs. The ambitious boundaries in population differentiation (phylogenetic network, pairwise FST and STRUCTURE analyses) within and between species assessed using the MHC haplotypes were different from those revealed by NAMs associated closely with speciation, geographical distribution, domestication and management histories. In addition, the mean FST was significantly correlated negatively with the number of observed alleles (NA), observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity and polymorphism information content (PIC) (P < 0.05) in the MHC haplotype dataset while there was no correction of the mean FST estimates (P> 0.05) between the MHC haplotype and NAMs datasets. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a lower percentage of total variance (PTV) between species/groups based on the MHC-linked microsatellites than NAMs. Therefore, it was inferred that individuals within populations accumulated as many MHC variants as possible to increase their heterozygosity and thus the survival rate of their affiliated populations and species, which eventually reduced population differentiation and thereby complicated their classification and phylogenetic relationship inference. In summary, host-pathogen coevolution and heterozygote advantage, rather than demographic history, act as key driving forces shaping the MHC diversity within the populations and determining the interspecific MHC diversity.

Use of Microsatellites in Genetic Diversity Assessment, Parentage Testing and Individual Identification of the Kangal Shepherd Dog

Abstract The Kangal Shepherd Dog is considered the most common dog breed of Turkish origin. This study investigated variations in ten autosomal microsatellite markers (PEZ01, PEZ03, PEZ05, PEZ06, PEZ08, PEZ12, PEZ20, FHC2010, FHC2054 and FHC2079) for the purposes of genetic diversity assessment of the Kangal breed. In addition, the use of markers was assessed in parentage testing and individual identification within the Kangal breed. The microsatellite markers were typed in 51 Kangal dogs. The total number of alleles in the study population was 69. The mean number of alleles per locus was 6.9, and varied from four (FHC2079) to 12 (PEZ12). The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.52 (FHC2079) to 0.87 (PEZ12), with the mean value for all loci of 0.717. Power of exclusion (PE) in 10 microsatellites investigated varied between 0.143 (FHC2054) and 0.472 (PEZ08) per locus. In order to determine the efficiency of using microsatellites for individual identification in the Kangal breed, power of discrimination (PD) and matching probability (MP) were calculated for each microsatellite marker. The panel achieved high combined MP (6.77 × 10-10) and high combined PD value of 99.99999%. The obtained results may contribute to further recognition of the Kangal breed, and confirm that the investigated microsatellites enable a reliable parentage testing and individual identification of the breed.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Turkish native cattle breeds

Cattle are an important livestock species for human life, but certain breeds are at risk of extinction. Maintaining genetic diversity plays an important role in sustainable breeding and conservation programmes in farm animals. The aim of this study was to determine genetic diversity among five Turkish native cattle breeds. A total of 199 Turkish native cattle of the Native Southern Yellow (n = 40), South Anatolian Red (n = 40), Anatolian Grey Cattle (n = 40), Native Black Cattle (n = 39) and East Anatolian Red (n = 40) breeds were investigated using 22 autosomal microsatellite markers. The analysis revealed considerable genetic variation among these breeds. All loci were polymorphic, and a total of 545 alleles were found. Among these loci, only INRA032 was at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Thirty-four private alleles with frequencies greater than 5% were found. Expected heterozygosity and polymorphic information content indexes were 0.87 and 0.88, respectively. Native Southern Yellow, South Anatolian Red and Native Black Cattle breeds were closely related. Keywords: animal genetic resources, microsatellite, genetic relationship, genetic conservation

Wolf-dog hybridization in Croatia

Wolf-dog hybridization is considered as one of the main threats for wolf conservation since the admixture and introgression of domestic genes may disrupt local adaptations and threaten the long term survival of wild wolf populations. We investigated the occurrence of wolf-dog hybridization in Croatia by analyzing a panel of 12 autosomal microsatellite markers using Bayesian admixture tests, and assessed its directionality by the use of maternally and paternally inherited markers in combination with morphometric data and morphological features. A systematic analysis of morphologic features and morphometric data was used to rank the studied individuals into either phenotypic wild-type wolves or suspected hybrids. By combining Bayesian assignment results with phenotypic features, we set three thresholds which differentiated wolves from hybrids with maximized hybrid detection and a minimized chance for false positive hybrid identification. On the basis of phenotype, out of 176 wild canids, 157 (89.2%) were categorized as wolves and 19 (10.8%) as suspected hybrids. On the basis of the Bayesian admixture tests and phenotype together, five (2.8 percent) animals were classified as wolf-dog hybrids, four of them as backcrosses with wolves, and one as a backcross with a dog. Mitochondrial DNA suggested that all hybrids originated from the mating of female wolves and male dogs. Two male hybrids had Y chromosome haplotypes common to both wolves and dogs, while the other two had wolf private Y chromosome haplotypes. One wolf had a dog Y- haplotype, indicating a past introgression of dog genes. All hybrids were found in Dalmatia, where wolves settled recently, and where they live close to humans, with a high rate of human-caused mortality. These conditions are considered as favorable for wolf- dog hybridization. However, we found a low hybridization prevalence in Croatia, which is nonetheless expected to persist as long as the conditions favoring its occurrence are met. The ecological, sociological, conservation and management implications of hybrid occurrence are yet to be determined.

First molecular genetic evidence for automictic parthenogenesis in cockroaches

Parthenogenesis is an asexual mode of reproduction that plays an important role in the evolution of sex, sociality, and reproduction strategies in insects. Some species of cockroach exhibit thelytoky, a type of parthenogenesis in which female offspring are produced without fertilization. However, the cytological and genetic mechanisms of parthenogenesis in cockroaches are not well understood. Here we provide the first molecular genetic evidence that cockroaches can reproduce through automixis. Using the American cockroach Periplaneta americana, we performed microsatellite analysis to investigate the genetic relationship between parthenogenetically produced nymphs and the parent virgin females, and found that all parthenogenetic offspring were homozygous for autosomal microsatellite markers, whereas the female parents were heterozygous. In addition, flow cytometry analysis revealed that the parthenogenetic offspring were diploid. Taken together, our results demonstrate that P. americana exhibits automixis-type thelytoky, in which diploidy is restored by gamete duplication or terminal fusion. These findings highlight the unique reproduction strategies of cockroaches, which are more varied than was previously recognized.

Investigating the population structure and genetic differentiation of livestock guard dog breeds

Livestock guarding dogs are a valuable adjunct to the pastoral community. Having been traditionally selected for their working ability, they fulfil their function with minimal interaction or command from their human owners. In this study, the population structure and the genetic differentiation of three Italian livestock guardian breeds (Sila’s Dog, Maremma and Abruzzese Sheepdog and Mannara’s Dog) and three functionally and physically similar breeds (Cane Corso, Central Asian Shepherd Dog and Caucasian Shepherd Dog), totalling 179 dogs unrelated at the second generation, were investigated with 18 autosomal microsatellite markers. Values for the number of alleles per locus, observed and expected heterozygosity, Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium, F stats, Nei’s and Reynold’s genetic distances, clustering and sub-population formation abilities and individual genetic structures were calculated. Our results show clear breed differentiation, whereby all the considered breeds show reasonable genetic variability despite small population sizes and variable selection schemes. These results provide meaningful data to stakeholders in specific breed and environmental conservation programmes.

Genetic variation and population structure of Botswana populations as identified with AmpFLSTR Identifiler short tandem repeat (STR) loci

Population structure was investigated in 990 Botswana individuals according to ethno-linguistics, Bantu and Khoisan, and geography (the nine administrative districts) using the Identifiler autosomal microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity and forensic parameters were calculated for the overall population, and according to ethno-linguistics and geography. The overall combined power of exclusion (CPE) was 0.9999965412 and the combined match probability 6,28 × 10−19. CPE was highest for the Khoisan Tuu ethnolinguistic group and the Northeast District at 0.9999582029 and 0.9999922652 respectively. CMP ranged from 6.28 × 10−19 (Khoisan Tuu) to 1,02 × 10−18 (Northwest district). Using pairwise genetic distances (FST), analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), factorial correspondence analysis (FCA), and the unsupervised Bayesian clustering method found in STRUCTURE and TESS, ethno-linguistics were found to have a greater influence on population structure than geography. FCA showed clustering between Bantu and Khoisan, and within the Bantu. This Bantu sub-structuring was not seen with STRUCTURE and TESS, which detected clustering only between Bantu and Khoisan. The patterns of population structure revealed highlight the need for regional reference databases that include ethno-linguistic and geographic location information. These markers have important potential for bio-anthropological studies as well as for forensic applications.

Microsatellite based polymorphism and genetic diversity among Indian buffalo breeds

Autosomal microsatellite markers allow estimation of expected heterozygosity and allele frequencies which may reveal the effects of genetic isolation, inbreeding, introgression and subdivision within livestock breeds. In the present study, 7 buffalo breeds (Bhadawari, Jaffrabadi, Murrah, Mehsana, Nagpuri, Pandharpuri and Surti) were studied using a panel of eight microsatellite markers selected based on polymorphic information content (PIC) for buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) species as per the guidelines of Food and Agricultural Organization. Frequency of breedspecific alleles was found lower in all the breeds studied; 4 out of 49 alleles showed a frequency of 8% while only one allele showed &gt;10% frequency. In the present study, highest genetic distance was observed between Murrah and Surti (0.896) indicating their isolated breeding over several generations.

Phylogeny of penduline tits inferred from mitochondrial and microsatellite genotyping

Penduline tits (Remiz spp.) are renowned for their diverse mating and parenting strategies, and are a well‐studied system by behavioural ecologists. However, the phylogenetic relationships and species delimitations within this genus are poorly understood. Here, we investigate phylogenetic relationships within the genus Remiz by examining the genetic variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome‐b gene of 64 individuals and in ten autosomal microsatellite markers from 44 individuals. The taxon sampling includes individuals from all currently recognized species (R. pendulinus, R. macronyx, R. coronatus, and R. consobrinus) and most subspecies in the Palearctic region. We showed that R. coronatus and R. consobrinus are genetically well differentiated and constitute independent evolutionary lineages, separated from each other and from R. pendulinus/macronyx. However, we found no evidence for significant differentiation among R. pendulinus/macronyx individuals in mtDNA haplotypes and only marginal differences between R. pendulinus and R. macronyx in microsatellite markers. Hence, based on present data our recommendation is to treat R. pendulinus and R. macronyx as conspecific and R. coronatus and R. consobrinus as separate species.

A single multiplex of twelve microsatellite markers for the simultaneous study of the brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and the mountain hare (Lepus timidus)

AbstractThe management of hunted species is challenging, as it must conciliate the conservation of species and their sustainable exploitation. Nongenetic tools are widely used in this context but they may present limitations notably when species can hybridize or when large‐scale spatial monitoring is required to establish optimal management actions. This is why genetic tools have been more and more integrated in wildlife management practices. However, the markers proposed are often amplified in small multiplexes when larger ones could allow to better cope with the small quantities of DNA obtained with noninvasive sampling methods. Here, we propose a unique multiplex of 12 autosomal microsatellite markers for the study of two hare species that exist in sympatry in some areas in Europe and are hunted notably in France: the brown hare Lepus europaeus and the mountain hare L. timidus. We tested 17 markers previously used in these two species or other lagomorph species, from which 12 were included in this single multiplex. Diversity was between 4 and 30 alleles per locus totaling 126 alleles, and we showed that these markers possess appropriate genetic resolution for individual and species identification for the populations under study. This multiplex panel represents the largest number of microsatellites amplified in one reaction proposed for these two hare species and provides a cost‐effective and valuable tool for further hybridization studies and the management of hares.

Genetic diversity of the Mexican Lidia bovine breed and its divergence from the Spanish population.

Lidia bovine breed exists since the XIV century in the Iberian Peninsula. These animals were initially produced for meat but some, showing an aggressive behaviour which difficulted their management, were used to participate in popular traditional and social events. A specialization of the breed giving rise to the original Lidia population is documented in Spain since mid-XVIII century. Following the same tradition than in the Spanish population, Mexico used aggressive animals at the beginning of the XX century until two families of breeders started importing Lidia breed bovines from Spain with the aim of specializing their production. Each family (Llaguno and González) followed different breeding managements, and currently, most of the Lidia Mexican population derives from the Llaguno line. Although genetic structure and diversity of the Spanish population have been studied (using autosomal microsatellite markers, Y chromosome DNA markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences), the Mexican population is not analysed. The aim of the study was to assess both the genetic structure and diversity of the Mexican Lidia breed and its relationship with the original Spanish population using the same molecular tools. A total of 306 animals belonging to 20 breeders issued from both existing Mexican families were genotyped, and the genetic information was compared to the previously existing Spanish information. Slightly higher levels of genetic diversity in Mexican population were found when comparing to the Spanish population, and the variability among populations accounted for differences within them showing mean values of 0.18 and 0.12, respectively. Animals from the Mexican breeders, belonging to each of the two families, clustered together, and there was little evidence of admixture with the Spanish population. The analysis of Y chromosome diversity showed a high frequency of the H6 haplotype in the Mexican population, whereas this haplotype is rare in the Spanish, which is only found in the Miura (100%) and Casta Navarra (38%) lineages. Mitochondrial DNA revealed similar haplotypic pattern in both Spanish and Mexican populations, which is in accordance with most of the Mediterranean bovine breeds. In conclusion, as the Mexican Lidia population had initially a small number of founders and its current population has been reared isolated from their Spanish ancestors since a long time, these bottleneck effects and a combination of mixed cattle origin are the factors that might erase any trace of the Spanish origin of this population.

Population genetic analysis of five northwest Punjabi endogamous groups using microsatellite markers

Previous episodes of foreign migration and invasion led to massive gene flow into the population of Punjab, especially, Northwest Punjab, as invaders came through this route. Furthermore, regional conversions from different castes occurred during the period of Islamic dominance. The present study is motivated by the fact that negligible study is available regarding genetic structure of Punjabi population. In purview of this the present study was conducted to analyze the genetic structure, relationship and gene flow in five endogamous population groups, namely Jat Sikh, Mazhbi Sikh, Brahmin, Ramdasia and Muslim, from the Northwest districts of Punjab, based on microsatellite loci. A total of 751 subjects, including 154 Jat Sikh, 148 Mazhbi Sikh, 151 Brahmin, 148 Ramdasia and 150 Muslim samples were analyzed for six autosomal microsatellite markers (THO1, TPOX, CSF1PO, vWA, D7S820 and FGA). Statistical analyses were performed to interpret allele frequencies, heterozygosities, gene diversity, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), phylogenetic analysis (neighbor joining (NJ) method) and multidimensional scaling (MDS). The average heterozygosity for each locus in each population as a whole was substantial. Significant deviations from HWE were observed in almost all the populations and all the loci. In the entire analyses the Brahmin and the Mazhbi Sikh formed same cluster, while Jat Sikh and Ramdasia were placed close to their cluster, whereas, Muslim population group maintained the genetic distance from all the other population groups. Jat Sikh, Mazhbi Sikh, Brahmin and Ramdasia groups formed a clear and distinct separate cluster when compared with other Indian populations. The present study has also examined the affinities of Northwest Punjabi population with international populations, and some elements of central Asia, Middle East, Caucasoid and European populations were evident among the present studied groups. In conclusion, overall, a low level of genetic differentiation was observed in the studied population groups, especially, Jat Sikh, Mazhbi Sikh, Brahmin and Ramdasia indicating that genetic drift might have been small or negligible in shaping the genetic structure of the Northwest Punjabi populations.

Reduction of Genetic Diversity of the Harpy Eagle in Brazilian Tropical Forests.

Habitat loss and fragmentation intensify the effects of genetic drift and endogamy, reducing genetic variability of populations with serious consequences for wildlife conservation. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is a forest dwelling species that is considered near threatened and suffers from habitat loss in the forests of the Neotropical region. In this study, 72 historical and current samples were assessed using eight autosomal microsatellite markers to investigate the distribution of genetic diversity of the Harpy Eagle of the Amazonian and Atlantic forests in Brazil. The results showed that the genetic diversity of Harpy Eagle decreased in the regions where deforestation is intense in the southern Amazon and Atlantic Forest.