Genic Differentiation Research Articles

Distribution of Human-specific Alu InDel Polymorphisms in the Brahmin and Rajput Populations of Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh, North India

ABSTRACT The genetic constitution of two endogamous caste populations viz., the Brahmin (n=250) and Rajput (n=250) of Kangra district of the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh was studied using six autosomal Alu InDel (insertion/deletion) markers viz., ACE, APO, PV92, CD4, PLAT, and TPA25 All markers were found to be polymorphic. Except for Alu APO and PV92 in the Rajput, genotype frequencies of other markers were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both the populations. The average heterozygosity (H) was observed higher in the Brahmin (0.4134) compared to the Rajput (0.3809) and the degree of genic differentiation was low between them (GST =0.00898). The genetic distance analysis revealed close genetic affinities of the present Rajput population with the Gaddi Rajput and Gaddi Brahmin populations reported earlier from the district but the present Brahmin population was found distant from them.

Genetic monitoring of the Mexican four-eyed octopus Octopus maya population: New insights and perspectives for the fishery management

The Octopus maya fishery is one of the most important among the octopod fisheries in America. Recent studies about the wild population of this species, have contributed to understand that population variations and dynamics are highly influenced by temperature. The distribution area of this species could be divided in two well-differentiated thermal zones: an eastern zone influenced by the upwelling pulses, and a western zone with no upwelling influence. There is evidence suggesting that variations in population parameters could be linked to these thermal zones. However the fishery is still managed as one single unit, and there is no control of the capture limit. In this study we analyzed the multilocus microsatellite genotypes of wild O. maya across its distribution area to find out if the population is structured, and if the structure matches the mentioned thermal zones. Additionally, the heterozygosity was compared between samples from 2010 and 2015 to monitor changes related to the high fishing pressure. Results show that O. maya population is structured in two clusters that match with the different thermal zones in the distribution area. Moreover, significant genic differentiation was detected between these thermal zones. On the other hand, despite the high fishing pressure over this species, there is no significant difference in heterozygosity between 2010 and 2015 samples, and no inbreeding was detected, showing that genetic diversity is still high. We recommend the continuous monitoring of heterozygosity in this species, and a separate fishery management for Campeche (western) and Yucatan (eastern) subpopulations.

Chromosome Synapsis and Recombination in Male Hybrids between Two Chromosome Races of the Common Shrew (Sorex araneus L., Soricidae, Eulipotyphla).

Hybrid zones between chromosome races of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) provide exceptional models to study the potential role of chromosome rearrangements in the initial steps of speciation. The Novosibirsk and Tomsk races differ by a series of Robertsonian fusions with monobrachial homology. They form a narrow hybrid zone and generate hybrids with both simple (chain of three chromosomes) and complex (chain of eight or nine) synaptic configurations. Using immunolocalisation of the meiotic proteins, we examined chromosome pairing and recombination in males from the hybrid zone. Homozygotes and simple heterozygotes for Robertsonian fusions showed a low frequency of synaptic aberrations (<10%). The carriers of complex synaptic configurations showed multiple pairing abnormalities, which might lead to reduced fertility. The recombination frequency in the proximal regions of most chromosomes of all karyotypes was much lower than in the other regions. The strong suppression of recombination in the pericentromeric regions and co-segregation of race specific chromosomes involved in the long chains would be expected to lead to linkage disequilibrium between genes located there. Genic differentiation, together with the high frequency of pairing aberrations in male carriers of the long chains, might contribute to maintenance of the narrow hybrid zone.

Generalization of the QST framework in hierarchically structured populations: Impacts of inbreeding and dominance.

QST is a differentiation parameter based on the decomposition of the genetic variance of a trait. In the case of additive inheritance and absence of selection, it is analogous to the genic differentiation measured on individual loci, FST . Thus, QST -FST comparison is used to infer selection: selective divergence when QST >FST , or convergence when QST <FST. The definition of Q-statistics was extended to two-level hierarchical population structures with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Here, we generalize the Q-statistics framework to any hierarchical population structure. First, we developed the analytical definition of hierarchical Q-statistics for populations not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We show that the Q-statistics values obtained with the Hardy-Weinberg definition are lower than their corresponding F-statistics when FIS >0 (higher when FIS <0). Then, we used an island model simulation approach to investigate the impact of inbreeding and dominance on the QST -FST framework in a hierarchical population structure. We show that, while differentiation at the lower hierarchical level (QSR ) is a monotonic function of migration, differentiation at the upper level (QRT ) is not. In the case of additive inheritance, we show that inbreeding inflates the variance of QRT , which can increase the frequency of QRT >FRT cases. We also show that dominance drastically reduces Q-statistics below F-statistics for any level of the hierarchy. Therefore, high values of Q-statistics are good indicators of selection, but low values are not in the case of dominance.

ASSESSING THE POSSIBILITY TO APPLY THE FIBRIN GLuE BY CORd BLOOd PLASMA AS A SCAFFOLd FOR MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS TRANSPLANTATION

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and pre-chondrocytes (MSK-Ch) derived from them are an ef- fective tool for the restoration and maintenance of joint cartilage. This approach is based on the use of MSCs as a) chondrocyte precursor to form a cartilaginous implant, b) producing a large number of bioactive factors in the area of implantation. delivery of MSC and MSC-Ch into the damaged joint can be achieved by the implantation of scaffold with cells to ensure retention of the cells at the injection site and an additional supply of cells of biologically active substances.Scaffold based on fibrin glue (FG) are promising because of the high biocompatibility, biodegrad- ability, ease of use. FG cryoprecipitate of autologous plasma (Au-FG) patient or allogeneic umbili- cal cord blood plasma (uCB-FG) in some cases may be regarded as a preferred embodiment of ready commercial products. The advantages of the Au-FG are to minimize the side effects, risks of infection and the occurrence of allergic reactions, availability and reduced cost of the procedure. uCB-FG is enriched with biologically active substances and derived from byproduct during collection stem cells from the cord blood.We have developed a protocol that allows to obtain FG in a closed system throughout the entire process of blood sampling until the transplant procedure, which makes it possible clinical application of the Au-FG and uCB-FG. Also shown that cultivation in Au-FG and uCB-FG does not change the immunophenotype of cells and the level of their proliferation and has a stimulating effect on chondro- genic differentiation.

Lack of detectable genetic differentiation between den populations of the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalusviridis) in a fragmented landscape

Numerous studies have reported genetic fragmentation of species whose habitat has been modified by roads and other anthropogenic features, but it is still not clear how most species respond to roads and whether genetic effects can be detected over a limited number of generations. We used road-crossing models and population genetic analysis (based on microsatellite loci) to make inferences about functional connectivity between populations of the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis (Rafinesque, 1818)) on opposite sides of the Trans-Canada Highway near Medicine Hat (Alberta, Canada). The road-crossing model predicted a high probability of mortality while crossing the Trans-Canada Highway. However, model-based genetic clustering methods (STRUCTURE and BAPS) did not detect structure; a nonmodel-based clustering method (DAPC) found structure, but most groups consisted of individuals captured throughout the study area. Estimates of effective population size were immeasurably large and power to detect genic differentiation was diminished if the effective size exceeded 500; this reduction in power was intensified when the number of loci was reduced (from eight to five to account for null alleles). Our results corroborate accounts of long-distance migration by this species and indicate that genetic fragmentation may not be easily detectable over this spatial and temporal scale.

Genetic diversity analysis of Labeo gonius (Hamilton, 1822) in three different reservoirs of Uttarakhand by using allozyme marker

The present population genetic study was carried out to identify basic genetic structure of Labeo gonius from three different sized reservoirs viz., Dhaura, Baigul and Nanak Sagar reservoir of Uttarakhand by applying allozyme markers. The allozyme analysis was conducted for 18 enzymes but only 10 enzymes showed their presence with scorable activity. All ten allozymes yielded overall 19 scorable loci, out of which 11 loci were found to be polymorphic in the population with a percentage of 57.89. Genetic diversity parameters, that is number of polymorphic loci, the mean number of alleles per locus, observed (H O ) and expected heterozygosity (H e ), fixation index (F IS ) and genic differentiation were estimated by using software GENEPOP Ver.3.4 indicating high level of genetic diversity in stocks of all three reservoirs of L. gonius being more heterozygous in Nanak sagar followed by Baigul and Dhaura reservoirs. FST for overall populations ranging from 0.01 to 0.18 indicate moderate genetic differentiation as per Wright’s criteria. The allozyme analysis in L. gonius showed that these populations are moderately differentiated from each other and likely to be associated with small gene exchange which is responsible for weak sub-structuring of stocks in the three reservoirs. Keywords : Allozyme, Labeo gonius , genetic diversity, population genetics African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(19), pp. 2532-2539

Fine-scale effects of habitat loss and fragmentation despite large-scale gene flow for some regionally declining woodland bird species

Habitat loss and associated fragmentation effects are well-recognised threats to biodiversity. Loss of functional connectivity (mobility, gene flow and demographic continuity) could result in population decline in altered habitat, because smaller, isolated populations are more vulnerable to extinction. We tested whether substantial habitat reduction plus fragmentation is associated with reduced gene flow in three ‘decliner’ woodland-dependent bird species (eastern yellow robin, weebill and spotted pardalote) identified in earlier work to have declined disproportionately in heavily fragmented landscapes in the Box-Ironbark forest region in north-central Victoria, Australia. For these three decliners, and one ‘tolerant’ species (striated pardalote), we compared patterns of genetic diversity, relatedness, effective population size, sex-ratios and genic (allele frequency) differentiation among landscapes of different total tree cover, identified population subdivision at the regional scale, and explored fine-scale genotypic (individual-based genetic signature) structure. Unexpectedly high genetic connectivity across the study region was detected for ‘decliner’ and ‘tolerant’ species. Power analysis simulations suggest that moderate reductions in gene flow should have been detectable. However, there was evidence of local negative effects of reduced habitat extent and structural connectivity: slightly lower effective population sizes, lower genetic diversity, higher within-site relatedness and altered sex-ratios (for weebill and eastern yellow robin) in 10 × 10 km ‘landscapes’ with low vegetation cover. We conclude that reduced structural connectivity in the Box-Ironbark ecosystem may still allow sufficient gene flow to avoid the harmful effects of inbreeding in our study species. Although there may still be negative consequences of fragmentation for demographic connectivity, the high genetic connectivity of mobile bird species in this system suggests that reconnecting isolated habitat patches may be less important than increasing habitat extent and/or quality if these need to be traded off.

Population structure of long tailed hake Macruronus magellanicus in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans: Implications for fisheries management

Pre-spawning adult samples of long tailed hake, Macruronus magellanicus, were obtained from fisheries vessels in one location in the southeast Pacific Ocean and three in the southwest Atlantic Ocean, at different latitudes. Population structure was determined based on six nuclear hypervariable microsatellite loci and on mitochondrial DNA sequence variation at the locus COI. Paired tests of genic differentiation for microsatellite loci indicate the existence of genetic population structure for this species, where significant differences exist between some southern and northern samples. Multivariate analysis (factorial correspondence analysis) of microsatellite variation showed differentiation between the Pacific and the Atlantic populations. Analysis of the mitochondrial variation confirmed the microsatellite analysis of population structure, and revealed some additional differentiation between northern and southern Atlantic samples and exclusive haplotypes in each region. These findings suggest that the species should be managed as north–south separate stocks in the Atlantic Ocean.

Natural hybridization between extremely divergent chromosomal races of the common shrew (Sorex araneus, Soricidae, Soricomorpha): hybrid zone in Siberia

Chromosomal races of the common shrew differ in sets of metacentric chromosomes and on contact may produce hybrids with extraordinarily complex configurations at meiosis I that are associated with reduced fertility. There is an expectation that these may be some of the most extreme tension zones available for study and therefore are of interest as potential sites for reproductive isolation. Here, we analyse one of these zones, between the Novosibirsk race (characterized by metacentrics go, hn, ik, jl, mp and qr) and the Tomsk race (metacentrics gk, hi, jl and mn and acrocentrics o, p, q and r), which form hybrids with a chain-of-nine (CIX) and a chain-of-three (CIII) configuration at meiosis I. At the Novosibirsk-Tomsk hybrid zone, the CIX chromosomes form clines of 8.53 km standardized width on average, whereas the cline for the CIII chromosomes was 52.83 km wide. The difference in these cline widths fits with the difference in meiotic errors expected with the CIX and CIII configuration, and we produce estimates of selection against hybrids with these types of configurations, which we relate to dispersal and age of the hybrid zone. The hybrid zone is located at the isocline at 200 m altitude above sea level; this relationship between the races and altitude is suggested at both coarse and fine scales. This indicates adaptive differences between the races that may in turn have been promoted by the chromosome differences. Thus, the extreme chromosomal divergence between the Novosibirsk and Tomsk may be associated with genic differentiation, but it is still striking that, despite the large chromosomal differences, reproductive isolation between the Novosibirsk and Tomsk races has not occurred.

Social Stratification in the Sikh Population of Punjab (India) Has a Genetic Basis: Evidence from Serological and Biochemical Markers

The present study was planned to assess whether social stratification in the Sikh population inhabiting the northwest border Indian state of Punjab has any genetic basis. Blood samples were collected randomly from a total of 2851 unrelated subjects belonging to 21 groups of two low-ranking Sikh scheduled caste populations, viz. Mazhabi and Ramdasi, and a high-ranking Jat Sikh caste population of Punjab. The genetic profile of Sikh groups was investigated using a total of nine serobiochemical genetic markers, comprising two blood groups (ABO, RH(D)) and a battery of seven red cell enzyme polymorphisms (ADA, AK1, ESD, PGM1, GLO1, ACP1, GPI), following standard serological and biochemical laboratory protocols. Genetic structure was studied using original allele frequency data and statistical measures of heterozygosity, genic differentiation, genetic distance, and genetic admixture. Great heterogeneity was observed between Sikh scheduled caste and Jat Sikh populations, especially in the RH(D) blood group system, and distribution of ESD, ACP1, and PGM1 enzyme markers was also found to be significantly different between many of their groups. Genetic distance trees demonstrated little or no genetic affinities between Sikh scheduled caste and Jat Sikh populations; the Mazhabi and Ramdasi also showed little genetic relationship. Genetic admixture analysis suggested a higher element of autochthonous tribal extraction in the Ramdasi. The present study revealed much genetic heterogeneity in differently ranking Sikh caste populations of Punjab, mainly attributable to their different ethnic backgrounds, and provided a genetic basis to social stratification present in this religious community of Punjab, India.

Population genetic structure of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the River Tamar, southwest England

Abstract Population genetic studies can be useful for informing conservation and management. In Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., population structuring frequently occurs between river systems, but contrasting patterns occur within rivers, highlighting the need for catchment-specific studies to inform management. Here, population structure of Atlantic salmon was examined in the River Tamar, United Kingdom, using 12 microsatellite loci. Gene diversity and allelic richness ranged from 0.80 to 0.84 and from 8.96 to 10.24, respectively. Some evidence of genetic structure was found, including significant genetic differentiation between samples in different subcatchments (pairwise θ and tests of genic differentiation), results from assignment tests and a pattern of isolation by distance. Conversely, structure revealed only one population cluster, and an analysis of molecular variance showed no significant variation between subcatchments. Evidence of population bottlenecks depended on the mutation model assumed and is discussed with reference to catchment-specific studies of stock abundance. Implications for implementing management actions are considered.

Genetic Characterization of Russian Honey Bee Stock Selected for Improved Resistance to &lt;I&gt;Varroa destructor&lt;/I&gt;

Maintenance of genetic diversity among breeding lines is important in selective breeding and stock management. The Russian Honey Bee Breeding Program has strived to maintain high levels of heterozygosity among its breeding lines since its inception in 1997. After numerous rounds of selection for resistance to tracheal and varroa mites and improved honey production, 18 lines were selected as the core of the program. These lines were grouped into three breeding blocks that were crossbred to improve overall heterozygosity levels of the population. Microsatellite DNA data demonstrated that the program has been successful. Heterozygosity and allelic richness values are high and there are no indications of inbreeding among the three blocks. There were significant levels of genetic structure measured among the three blocks. Block C was genetically distinct from both blocks A and B (F(ST) = 0.0238), whereas blocks A and B did not differ from each other (F(ST) = 0.0074). The same pattern was seen for genic (based on numbers of alleles) differentiation. Genetic distance, as measured by chord distance, indicates that all of the 18 lines are equally distant, with minimal clustering. The data indicate that the overall design of the breeding program has been successful in maintaining high levels of diversity and avoiding problems associated with inbreeding.

Genic differentiation of northern Finnish water-strider (Gerris) populations

Enzyme gene variability was studied in three Gerris (Heteroptera) species including 15 populations of G. laterialis Schumm., seven populations of G. odontogaster (Zett.) and five populations of G. lacustris (L.) in northern Finland. The study was undertaken to compare genic variation and differentiation in the species, which differ with respect to certain important characters (dispersion efficiency and isolation of populations, abundancy, commonness, geographical distribution) that could affect genic variation. Another purpose of the study was to compare the pattern of variation in northern Finnish G. lacustris and G. odontogaster populations to that revealed earlier in their southern populations. Average heterozygosity was lowest in G. lateralis and highest in G. lacustris. Northern G. lacustris and G. odontogaster populations were clearly less variable than their southern populations. G. odontogaster, the most efficient disperser, showed least differentiation among populations. The results confirm qualitatively the predictions based on population sizes, as the effective population size of G. lateralis should be reduced compared with the other species owing to its rareness and much higher proportion of individuals without flight-ability. The results suggest that differences in the action of genetic drift processes in the three species can serve as competent explanations for differences in the amount of variability and differentiation.

Genic differentiation of Gerris lacustris populations

Enzyme gene variation was studied in 22 Finnish Gerris lacustris (L.) (Heteroptera) populations. Four populations represent the northern distribution margin of the species, and these populations are relatively isolated from each other. The other populations come from an area where the species is widespread and abundant, and gene flow between the populations may occur. Average heterozygosity showed little dependence on the degree of isolation of the population site. Isolation correlated clearly with population differentiation, measured with the apportionment of gene diversity into between- and within-population components in different areas, with the degree of gene differentiation, and with the standardized variances of allele frequencies. On the basis of genetic distances, populations near each other tended to be more similar than populations which are far apart. Random genetic drift is a sufficient explanation for the overall pattern of variation, but the results do not rule out the possibility of spatially differing selection pressures.

Genic differentiation of Gerris odontogaster populations

Enzyme gene variation was studied in 11 Gerris odontogaster (Zett.) (Heteroptera) populations from southern and Central Finland. The study was undertaken to compare genic variation and population differentiation of G. odontogaster to those of G. lacustris, studied earlier. Mean heterozygosity was lower in G. odontogaster than in G. lacustris. This could result from G. odontogaster populations being liable to strong sampling processes through frequent local extinctions and recolonizations of the populations, as the species favours semipermanent and temporary water bodies, whereas G. lacustris prefers more stable habitats. G. odontogaster populations were much more similar to each other than G. lacustris populations, which apparently results from more powerful dispersion. Contrary to G. lacustris, no geographic differences in the degree of population differentiation were observed, and the analysis of genetic distances did not reveal any geographical groupings of populations. The analysis of allele frequency variation among the populations simultaneously at all polymorphic loci studied showed that this variation is not statistically significantly different at the loci. This indicates that non-selective forces are sufficient explanations for the overall pattern of variation.

Genetic Variation and Structure of the People of Uttarakhand, Central Himalayas, India

The Indian Himalayas, being semi-isolated geographically, provide ideal conditions for population genetics investigations. The main aim of this study is to genetically characterize and analyze the genetic structure of the people of Uttarakhand, a newly created North Indian hill state in the Central Himalayas, using original phenotype and allele-frequency data on a battery of seven red cell enzyme polymorphisms. For this analysis, blood samples were collected from 3,222 unrelated subjects belonging to various endogamous caste populations (Brahmin, Rajput, and Shilpkar) and tribal Bhotia inhabiting seven different districts in the Garhwal (northern) and Kumaon (southern) regions of Uttarakhand. Hemolysates were typed for isozymes of ESD, PGM1, ADA, AK1, GLO1, ACP1, and GPI using standard electrophoretic techniques. The genetic structure of these regional caste and tribal population groups was investigated with the help of different statistical measures. The present biochemical marker results show that the overall genetic constitution of the different populations of Uttarakhand is rather heterogeneous but similar to that of various caste and tribal populations of the neighboring hill state of Himachal Pradesh, situated on Uttarakhand's western border. The extent of genic differentiation observed in different contemporary populations of Garhwal was twice as high as that of Kumaon. Interestingly, in genetic distance dendrograms of both the regions and of all of Uttarakhand, all the Shilpkar groups are differentiated from the remaining groups of Brahmin, Rajput, and Bhotia. The genetic constitution of the Shilpkar (a scheduled caste population of Uttarakhand) and to a lesser extent that of the Bhotia (a scheduled tribe population of Uttarakhand) are rather different from both the Brahmin and Rajput high-caste populations, which tend to show genetic similarities between them. These observations are corroborated by the known ethnohistory of different populations of Uttarakhand.

Genetic Variation and Structure of the People of Uttarakhand, Central Himalayas, India

The Indian Himalayas, being semi-isolated geographically, provide ideal conditions for population genetics investigations. The main aim of this study is to genetically characterize and analyze the genetic structure of the people of Uttarakhand, a newly created North Indian hill state in the Central Himalayas, using original phenotype and allele-frequency data on a battery of seven red cell enzyme polymorphisms. For this analysis, blood samples were collected from 3,222 unrelated subjects belonging to various endogamous caste populations (Brahmin, Rajput, and Shilpkar) and tribal Bhotia inhabiting seven different districts in the Garhwal (northern) and Kumaon (southern) regions of Uttarakhand. Hemolysates were typed for isozymes of ESD, PGM1, ADA, AK1, GLO1, ACP1, and GPI using standard electrophoretic techniques. The genetic structure of these regional caste and tribal population groups was investigated with the help of different statistical measures. The present biochemical marker results show that the overall genetic constitution of the different populations of Uttarakhand is rather heterogeneous but similar to that of various caste and tribal populations of the neighboring hill state of Himachal Pradesh, situated on Uttarakhand’s western border. The extent of genic differentiation observed in different contemporary populations of Garhwal was twice as high as that of Kumaon. Interestingly, in genetic distance dendrograms of both the regions and of all of Uttarakhand, all the Shilpkar groups are differentiated from the remaining groups of Brahmin, Rajput, and Bhotia. The genetic constitution of the Shilpkar (a scheduled caste population of Uttarakhand) and to a lesser extent that of the Bhotia (a scheduled tribe population of Uttarakhand) are rather different from both the Brahmin and Rajput high-caste populations, which tend to show genetic similarities between them. These observations are corroborated by the known ethnohistory of different populations of Uttarakhand.

Patterns of genic diversity and structure in a species undergoing rapid chromosomal radiation: an allozyme analysis of house mice from the Madeira archipelago

The chromosomal radiation of the house mouse in the island of Madeira most likely involved a human-mediated colonization event followed by within-island geographical isolation and recurrent episodes of genetic drift. The genetic signature of such processes was assessed by an allozyme analysis of the chromosomal races from Madeira. No trace of a decrease in diversity was observed suggesting the possibility of large founder or bottleneck sizes, multiple introductions and/or a high post-colonization expansion rate. The Madeira populations were more closely related to those of Portugal than to other continental regions, in agreement with the documented human colonization of the island. Such a Portuguese origin contrasts with a study indicating a north European source of the mitochondrial haplotypes present in the Madeira mice. This apparent discrepancy may be resolved if not one but two colonization events took place, an initial north European introduction followed by a later one from Portugal. Asymmetrical reproduction between these mice would have resulted in a maternal north European signature with a nuclear Portuguese genome. The extensive chromosomal divergence of the races in Madeira is expected to contribute to their genic divergence. However, there was no significant correlation between chromosomal and allozyme distances. This low apparent chromosomal impact on genic differentiation may be related to the short time since the onset of karyotypic divergence, as the strength of the chromosomal barrier will become significant only at later stages.

Molecular characterization of bulgarian livestock genetic resources, II: Microsatelite variation within and among Bulgarian cattle breeds

This study was undertaken to determine the genetic structure and the diversity among 2 local cattle breeds from Bulgaria, the Rhodope Shorthorn and Grey cattle. A panel of 11 microsatellites was used for the evaluation. For these loci, allele frequencies, heterozygosity, HWE, genetic disequilibrium, genic differentiation were determined. Both populations displayed a relatively high level of genetic variation as estimated by allelic diversity and heterozygosity. Heterozygosities ranged from 0.5424 /SPS 115/ to 0.8983 /TGLA 227/ for the Rhodope population and 0.6333 /TGLA 53/ to 0.9333 /TGLA227/ for Grey cattle, with similar average values for the two groups - 0.7858 and 0.7757. These results clearly suggest that these breeds are suitable to preserve as a genetic resources.