Intense Selection Research Articles

Comparative plastome analysis of Musaceae and new insights into phylogenetic relationships

BackgroundMusaceae is an economically important family consisting of 70-80 species. Elucidation of the interspecific relationships of this family is essential for a more efficient conservation and utilization of genetic resources for banana improvement. However, the scarcity of herbarium specimens and quality molecular markers have limited our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in wild species of Musaceae. Aiming at improving the phylogenetic resolution of Musaceae, we analyzed a comprehensive set of 49 plastomes for 48 species/subspecies representing all three genera of this family.ResultsMusaceae plastomes have a relatively well-conserved genomic size and gene content, with a full length ranging from 166,782 bp to 172,514 bp. Variations in the IR borders were found to show phylogenetic signals to a certain extent in Musa. Codon usage bias analysis showed different preferences for the same codon between species and three genera and a common preference for A/T-ending codons. Among the two genes detected under positive selection (dN/dS > 1), ycf2 was indicated under an intensive positive selection. The divergent hotspot analysis allowed the identification of four regions (ndhF-trnL, ndhF, matK-rps16, and accD) as specific DNA barcodes for Musaceae species.Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses using full plastome resulted in nearly identical tree topologies with highly supported relationships between species. The monospecies genus Musella is sister to Ensete, and the genus Musa was divided into two large clades, which corresponded well to the basic number of n = x = 11 and n = x =10/9/7, respectively. Four subclades were divided within the genus Musa. A dating analysis covering the whole Zingiberales indicated that the divergence of Musaceae family originated in the Palaeocene (59.19 Ma), and the genus Musa diverged into two clades in the Eocene (50.70 Ma) and then started to diversify from the late Oligocene (29.92 Ma) to the late Miocene. Two lineages (Rhodochlamys and Australimusa) radiated recently in the Pliocene /Pleistocene periods.ConclusionsThe plastome sequences performed well in resolving the phylogenetic relationships of Musaceae and generated new insights into its evolution. Plastome sequences provided valuable resources for population genetics and phylogenetics at lower taxon.

Managing broiler production challenges at high altitude.

This review covers the challenges of broiler chickens at high altitude, with the focus on growth performance and physiological response. The review also sheds light on nutritional and management interventions that help overcome the challenges raised at high altitude. Reduced concentration of atmospheric oxygen is by far the biggest challenge that remarkably affect growth performance and livability of broiler chickens reared in high altitude area. Broiler chickens have endured intensive genetic selection, which potentially predispose them to several metabolic disorders. Hypoxia is an overriding factor that may increase the incidence of metabolic disorders, mainly ascites syndrome at high altitude. Commercial broiler strains cannot fully achieve their genetic potential when raising at highland regions. Careful nutrition and management considerations are required to prevent metabolic disorders when raising broilers at high altitude. In ovo or in‐feed nutraceuticals such as l‐carnitine and guanidinoacetic acid as well as pharmaceuticals, texture of feed and the use of proper sources and levels of dietary energy and protein are important factors that need to be carefully considered for rearing broiler chickens at high altitude. Management strategies such as lighting programs have been shown to be effective to circumvent ascites prevalence. Special breeding programs may also be considered to develop strains with resistance to ascites.

Assessment the effect of genomic selection and detection of selective signature in broilers

Due to high selection advances and shortened generation interval, genomic selection (GS) is now an effective animal breeding scheme. In broilers, many studies have compared the accuracy of different GS prediction methods, but few reports have demonstrated phenotypic or genetic changes using GS. In this study, the paternal chicken line B underwent continuous selection for 3 generations. The chicken 55 k SNP chip was used to estimate the genetic parameters and detect genomic response regions by selective sweep analysis. The heritability for body weight (BW), meat production, and abdominal fat traits were ranged from 0.12 to 0.38. A high genetic correlation was found between BW and meat production traits, while a low genetic correlation (<0.1) was found between meat production and abdominal fat traits. Selection resulted in an increase of about 516 g in BW and 140 g in breast muscle weight. Percentage of breast muscle and whole thigh were increased 0.8 to 1.5%. No change was observed in abdominal fat percentage. The genomic estimated breeding value advances was positive for BW and meat production (except whole thigh percentage), while negative for abdominal fat percentage. By selective sweep analysis, 39 common chromosomal regions and 102 protein coding genes were found to be influenced, including MYH1A, MYH1B, and MYH1D of the MYH gene family. Tight junction pathway as well as myosin complex related terms were enriched. This study demonstrates the effective use of GS for improvements in BW and meat production in chicken line B. Further, genomic regions, responsive to intensive genetic selection, were identified to contain genes of the MYH family.

Runs of Homozygosity Uncover Potential Functional-Altering Mutation Associated With Body Weight and Length in Two Duroc Pig Lines.

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are widely used to investigate genetic diversity, demographic history, and positive selection signatures of livestock. Commercial breeds provide excellent materials to reveal the landscape of ROH shaped during the intense selection process. Here, we used the GeneSeek Porcine 50K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Chip data of 3,770 American Duroc (AD) and 2,096 Canadian Duroc (CD) pigs to analyze the genome-wide ROH. First, we showed that AD had a moderate genetic differentiation with CD pigs, and AD had more abundant genetic diversity and significantly lower level of inbreeding than CD pigs. In addition, sows had larger levels of homozygosity than boars in AD pigs. These differences may be caused by differences in the selective intensity. Next, ROH hotspots revealed that many candidate genes are putatively under selection for growth, sperm, and muscle development in two lines. Population-specific ROHs inferred that AD pigs may have a special selection for female reproduction, while CD pigs may have a special selection for immunity. Moreover, in the overlapping ROH hotspots of two Duroc populations, we observed a missense mutation (rs81216249) located in the growth and fat deposition-related supergene (ARSB-DMGDH-BHMT) region. The derived allele of this variant originated from European pigs and was nearly fixed in Duroc pigs. Further selective sweep and association analyses indicated that this supergene was subjected to strong selection and probably contributed to the improvement of body weight and length in Duroc pigs. These findings will enhance our understanding of ROH patterns in different Duroc lines and provide promising trait-related genes and a functional-altering marker that can be used for genetic improvement of pigs.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the TIFY gene family in kiwifruit

BackgroundThe TIFY gene family is a group of plant-specific transcription factors involved in regulation of plant growth and development and a variety of stress responses. However, the TIFY family has not yet been well characterized in kiwifruit, a popular fruit with important nutritional and economic value.ResultsA total of 27 and 21 TIFY genes were identified in the genomes of Actinidia eriantha and A. chinensis, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses showed that kiwifruit TIFY genes could be classified into four major groups, JAZ, ZML, TIFY and PPD, and the JAZ group could be further clustered into six subgroups (JAZ I to JAZ VI). Members within the same group or subgroup have similar exon-intron structures and conserved motif compositions. The kiwifruit TIFY genes are unevenly distributed on the chromosomes, and the segmental duplication events played a vital role in the expansion of the TIFY genes in kiwifruit. Syntenic analyses of TIFY genes between kiwifruit and other five plant species (including Arabidopsis thaliana, Camellia sinensis, Oryza sativa, Solanum lycopersicum and Vitis vinifera) and between the two kiwifruit species provided valuable clues for understanding the potential evolution of the kiwifruit TIFY family. Molecular evolutionary analysis showed that the evolution of kiwifruit TIFY genes was primarily constrained by intense purifying selection. Promoter cis-element analysis showed that most kiwifruit TIFY genes possess multiple cis-elements related to stress-response, phytohormone signal transduction and plant growth and development. The expression pattern analyses indicated that TIFY genes might play a role in different kiwifruit tissues, including fruit at specific development stages. In addition, several TIFY genes with high expression levels during Psa (Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae) infection were identified, suggesting a role in the process of Pas infection.ConclusionsIn this study, the kiwifruit TIFY genes were identified from two assembled kiwifruit genomes. In addition, their basic physiochemical properties, chromosomal localization, phylogeny, gene structures and conserved motifs, synteny analyses, promoter cis-elements and expression patters were systematically examined. The results laid a foundation for further understanding the function of TIFY genes in kiwifruit, and provided a new potential approach for the prevention and treatment of Psa infection.

Sympatric Populations of the Anopheles gambiae Complex in Southwest Burkina Faso Evolve Multiple Diverse Resistance Mechanisms in Response to Intense Selection Pressure with Pyrethroids.

Simple SummaryTargeting mosquitoes with insecticides is one of the most effective methods to prevent malaria transmission. Although numbers of malaria cases have declined substantially this century, this pattern is not universal and Burkina Faso has one of the highest burdens of malaria; it is also a hotspot for the evolution of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. We have established laboratory colonies from multiple species within the An. gambiae complex, the most efficient group of malaria vectors in the world, from larval collections in southwest Burkina Faso. Using bioassays with different insecticides widely used to control public health pests, we provide a profile of insecticide resistance in each of these colonies and, using molecular tools, reveal the genetic changes underpinning this resistance. We show that, whilst many resistance mechanisms are shared between species, there are some important differences which may affect resistance to current and future insecticide classes. The complexity, and diversity of resistance mechanisms highlights the importance of screening any potential new insecticide intended for use in malaria control against a wide range of populations. These stable laboratory colonies provide a valuable resource for insecticide discovery, and for further studies on the evolution and dispersal of insecticide resistance within and between species.Pyrethroid resistance in the Anopheles vectors of malaria is driving an urgent search for new insecticides that can be used in proven vector control tools such as insecticide treated nets (ITNs). Screening for potential new insecticides requires access to stable colonies of the predominant vector species that contain the major pyrethroid resistance mechanisms circulating in wild populations. Southwest Burkina Faso is an apparent hotspot for the emergence of pyrethroid resistance in species of the Anopheles gambiae complex. We established stable colonies from larval collections across this region and characterised the resistance phenotype and underpinning genetic mechanisms. Three additional colonies were successfully established (1 An. coluzzii, 1 An. gambiae and 1 An. arabiensis) to add to the 2 An. coluzzii colonies already established from this region; all 5 strains are highly resistant to pyrethroids. Synergism assays found that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) exposure was unable to fully restore susceptibility although exposure to a commercial ITN containing PBO resulted in 100% mortality. All colonies contained resistant alleles of the voltage gated sodium channel but with differing proportions of alternative resistant haplotypes. RNAseq data confirmed the role of P450s, with CYP6P3 and CYP6Z2 elevated in all 5 strains, and identified many other resistance mechanisms, some found across strains, others unique to a particular species. These strains represent an important resource for insecticide discovery and provide further insights into the complex genetic changes driving pyrethroid resistance.

Principal component analysis and genetic divergence studies for yield and quality-related attributes of rice restorer lines

A study on genetic diversity and principal component analysis (PCA) in a set of 90 fertility restorer lines of rice was conducted to identify potential parents for producing high-yielding hybrids. The D2 statistics uncovered the maximum inter-cluster distance between the clusters having different genotypes. The genotypes PS 2, PRR 828, JR-4322-2, and JR-4322-2 belonging to these diversified gene pools may produce heterotic hybrid combinations involving the most suitable parents mentioned above. The PCA reduces dimensional complexity into nine principle axes with PC1 account maximum variable genotypes, namely, JR-1009, ANP-553, JR-1062-1, JR-1103-1, JR-1023-1, JR-1054-4, IR09N 261, JR-1008, NPT-3806, and JR-81. Considering the magnitude of genetic distance, the per cent contribution of traits towards divergence (fertile spikelet/plant and total spikelet/plant) along with the highest cluster means of these traits reflected by the genotypes belonging to clusters, IX and X. The most quality attributes were included in PC4 and PC5 containing genotypes NPT 10, R710, and JR1301. The diversified gene pool and intensive selection designed for varietal development followed by molecular characterization give a precise idea about the upcoming utilization of existing genetic diversity.

Mating behavior and reproductive morphology predict macroevolution of sex allocation in hermaphroditic flatworms

BackgroundSex allocation is the distribution of resources to male or female reproduction. In hermaphrodites, this concerns an individual’s resource allocation to, for example, the production of male or female gametes. Macroevolutionary studies across hermaphroditic plants have revealed that the self-pollination rate and the pollination mode are strong predictors of sex allocation. Consequently, we expect similar factors such as the selfing rate and aspects of the reproductive biology, like the mating behaviour and the intensity of postcopulatory sexual selection, to predict sex allocation in hermaphroditic animals. However, comparative work on hermaphroditic animals is limited. Here, we study sex allocation in 120 species of the hermaphroditic free-living flatworm genus Macrostomum. We ask how hypodermic insemination, a convergently evolved mating behaviour where sperm are traumatically injected through the partner’s epidermis, affects the evolution of sex allocation. We also test the commonly-made assumption that investment into male and female reproduction should trade-off. Finally, we ask if morphological indicators of the intensity of postcopulatory sexual selection (female genital complexity, male copulatory organ length, and sperm length) can predict sex allocation.ResultsWe find that the repeated evolution of hypodermic insemination predicts a more female-biased sex allocation (i.e., a relative shift towards female allocation). Moreover, transcriptome-based estimates of heterozygosity reveal reduced heterozygosity in hypodermically mating species, indicating that this mating behavior is linked to increased selfing or biparental inbreeding. Therefore, hypodermic insemination could represent a selfing syndrome. Furthermore, across the genus, allocation to male and female gametes is negatively related, and larger species have a more female-biased sex allocation. Finally, increased female genital complexity, longer sperm, and a longer male copulatory organ predict a more male-biased sex allocation.ConclusionsSelfing syndromes have repeatedly originated in plants. Remarkably, this macroevolutionary pattern is replicated in Macrostomum flatworms and linked to repeated shifts in reproductive behavior. We also find a trade-off between male and female reproduction, a fundamental assumption of most theories of sex allocation. Beyond that, no theory predicts a more female-biased allocation in larger species, suggesting avenues for future work. Finally, morphological indicators of more intense postcopulatory sexual selection appear to predict more intense sperm competition.

Humans rather than Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) shape ungulate browsing patterns in a temperate forest

AbstractThe recolonization of human‐dominated landscapes by large carnivores has been followed with considerable scientific interest; however, little is known about their interactive effect on ungulate foraging behavior. This study compared the risks imposed by humans and lynx on ungulate foraging behavior by examining the effects of browsing intensity (at two spatial scales), diet quality, and tree species selection. We hypothesized that: (1) in areas with high risk imposed by humans and lynx browsing intensity would be reduced; (2) risk effects would interact with habitat visibility at a fine scale, resulting in contrasting browsing patterns in response to humans versus lynx risk; (3) ungulates compensate for the higher costs incurred in high‐risk areas by switching to a higher diet quality, and (4) browse a higher proportion of more‐preferred tree species. These hypotheses were tested by measuring browsing intensity along 48 transects located at different distances from human settlements within the hunted and nonhunted areas of the Bavarian Forest. Dung samples were collected and analyzed as a proxy of diet quality (C:N ratio, fiber). The spatial patterns of browsing intensity, diet quality, and tree species selection were then linked to lynx risk, hunting intensity, recreation intensity, and distance to human settlements. Our results showed that (1) browsing intensity strongly decreased with increasing recreational activities, whereas it increased with lynx risk; (2) only in close proximity to human settlements tree browsing was higher in dense habitats and (3) a higher diet quality was obtained. (4) We found a stronger avoidance of the less preferred tree species in high‐hunting intensity areas. In conclusion, our results indicate that the risk effects of human activities outweigh those of a natural large carnivore. Thus, highlighting the importance of taking those activities into account in predicting the impacts of large carnivores on ungulates and their plant‐food choices.

Mitochondrial and Glycolytic Capacity of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Isolated From Diverse Poultry Genetic Lines: Optimization and Assessment.

Cellular metabolic preference is a culmination of environment, nutrition, genetics, and individual variation in poultry. The Seahorse XFe24 analyzer was used to generate foundational immune cellular metabolic data in layer, broiler, and legacy genetic strains using fresh chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Baseline mitochondrial respiration [oxygen consumption rate (OCR)] and glycolytic activity [extracellular acidification rate (ECAR)] were determined in modern commercial laying hen (Bovans White) and broiler (Ross 308) lines, as well as the highly inbred lines of Iowa State University (L8, Fayoumi M-15.2, Spanish, Ghs-6), partially inbred broiler line, and advanced intercrosses of broiler by Fayoumi M-15.2 and broiler by Leghorn lines. Commercial broiler vs. Bovans layer and unvaccinated vs. vaccinated Bovans layer immune cell metabolic potential were compared following an in-assay pathway inhibitor challenge. Titrations consistently showed that optimal PBMC density in laying hens and broilers was 3 million cells per well monolayer. Assay media substrate titrations identified 25 mM glucose, 1 mM glutamine, and 1 mM sodium pyruvate as the optimal concentration for layer PBMCs. Pathway inhibitor injection titrations in Bovans layers and broilers showed that 0.5 μM carbonyl cyanide-4 phenylhydrazone (FCCP) and 1 μM oligomycin were optimal. Baseline OCR and ECAR were significantly affected by genetic line of bird (p < 0.05), with the dual-purpose, L8 inbred line showing the highest OCR (mean 680 pmol/min) and the partially inbred broiler line showing the greatest ECAR (mean 74 mpH/min). ECAR metabolic potential tended to be greater in modern layers than broilers (p < 0.10), indicating increased ability to utilize the glycolytic pathway to produce energy. OCR was significantly higher in vaccinated than unvaccinated hens (p < 0.05), while baseline ECAR values were significantly lower in vaccinated Bovans laying hens, showing increased oxidative capacity in activated immune cells. These baseline data indicate that different genetic strains of birds utilized the mitochondrial respiration pathway differently and that modern commercial lines may have reduced immune cell metabolic capacity compared with legacy lines due to intense selection for production traits. Furthermore, the Seahorse assay demonstrated the ability to detect differences in cellular metabolism between genetic lines and immune status of chickens.

Comparison of locomotion problems and its economic impact on Cobb and Ross broiler strains

The rapid weight gain and fast muscle growth due to intense genetic selection and improved nutrition for additional breast muscle in broiler commercial strains affect chickens health. In order to compare the main locomotive problems in broilers of Cobb and Ross strains, two pens from a commercial farm in Veracruz, Mexico were used. The first pen housed 16,500 males and 16,500 females of Cobb strain and the second one 16,500 males and 16,500 females of Ross strain. Chicks were checked for locomotion problems from day one until their sale. Animals with problems were recorded and necropsies were performed to identify the pathology. Out of 1406 animals with locomotive problems (2.13% of the total), 58.9% were Cobb and 41.1% Ross (P &lt;0.05). The frequency of locomotive problems was 2.51% for Cobb and 1.75% for Ross. Most common individual lesions were osteochondrosis (38.61%), inflamed joints with purulent contents (37.13%), and valgus (19.65%). Locomotive problems appeared since the first week, but its number increased as birds gained weight, particularly from the fourth week on. Problems occurred more in males than in females and in Cobb birds than in the Ross strain. Economic loss due to locomotion problems was higher for the Cobb strain.

Mate-guarding behaviour in anurans: intrasexual selection and the evolution of prolonged amplexus in the harlequin toad Atelopus laetissimus

The term ‘mate guarding’ refers to the monopolization of the reproductive potential of a conspecific. Mate guarding has been recorded in invertebrates and vertebrates, but is poorly known in anuran amphibians (frogs and toads), the terrestrial vertebrates with the highest diversity of reproductive modes. Mate guarding in anurans may consist of a prolonged amplexus or copulatory clasping by the male starting well before egg laying. In this study we combined field observations and experimental studies of the Santa Marta harlequin toad, Atelopus laetissimus , to elucidate whether prolonged amplexus (more than 1 month) in A. laetissimus evolved as a mate-guarding strategy promoted by intense intrasexual selection in males engaging in amplexus displacement attempts. First, we asked how the ability of a male to successfully defend its amplexus status against interlopers is related to body condition and 13 other morphological traits. Second, we tested whether the following characteristics were associated with mating success and mate guarding in A. laetissimus : clasp force, amplexus duration and male reproductive effort. Under natural conditions, amplectant males had significantly higher body condition, were larger and had wider forearms relative to unmated males. In trials, successful mate guarding in A. laetissimus was associated positively with body condition and clasp force, yet the overall probability of successful displacement of amplectant males was low (< 0.20). Our results support the hypothesis that intrasexual selection in A. laetissimus favours mating success of males that clasp females sooner, even before females are ready for breeding . • Mate guarding in Atelopus toads consists of prolonged amplexus that can last months. • Amplexus lasts 70–135 days in A. laetissimus. • Mate-guarding evolution in A. laetissimus is related to amplexus defence by males. • Heavier and stronger male A. laetissimus defended amplexing position successfully. • On average, a male A. laetissimus generated 52 times its body weight in clasp force.

Genomic footprints of sorghum domestication and breeding selection for multiple end uses

Domestication and diversification have had profound effects on crop genomes. Originating in Africa and subsequently spreading to different continents, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) has experienced multiple onsets of domestication and intensive breeding selection for various end uses. However, how these processes have shaped sorghum genomes is not fully understood. In the present study, population genomics analyses were performed on a worldwide collection of 445 sorghum accessions, covering wild sorghum and four end-use subpopulations with diverse agronomic traits. Frequent genetic exchanges were found among various subpopulations, and strong selective sweeps affected 14.68% (∼107.5 Mb) of the sorghum genome, including 3649, 4287, and 3888 genes during sorghum domestication, improvement of grain sorghum, and improvement of sweet sorghum, respectively. Eight different models of haplotype changes in domestication genes from wild sorghum to landraces and improved sorghum were observed, and Sh1- and SbTB1-type genes were representative of two prominent models, one of soft selection or multiple origins and one of hard selection or an early single domestication event. We also demonstrated that the Dry gene, which regulates stem juiciness, was unconsciously selected during the improvement of grain sorghum. Taken together, these findings provide new genomic insights into sorghum domestication and breeding selection, and will facilitate further dissection of the domestication and molecular breeding of sorghum.

Generation of Huygens' dipoles for any spherical nanoparticle excited by counter-propagating plane waves: study of scattered helicity.

Helicity and directionality control of scattered light by nanoparticles is an important task in different photonic fields. In this paper, we theoretically demonstrate that scattered light of lossy spherical nanoparticles excited by using two counter-propagating dephased plane waves with opposite helicity ±1 and the adequate selection of dephase and intensity shows a well defined helicity and a controllable scattering directivity. Numerical examples of Si nanospheres are studied showing their potential application to directional nanoantennas with a well defined helicity. The proposed method is valid for any type of nanoparticle, not only lossy ones.

Assessment Of Frequency Distribution In F3 generation of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench.) For Grain Yield And Its Attributed Traits

The present study was conducted to assess the gene interaction for grain yield and its attributing traits towards the increase of grain yield in sorghum. In F3 generation, symmetrical distribution, positive skewness and negative skewness were observed for 14 traits in various crosses. Symmetrical distribution indicates the presence of segregating genes that gives wider variation in F3 populations. Significant and positive skewness indicates the complementary type of gene action hence the expected genetic gain is slower with mild selection and faster with intensive selection for that particular trait. Significant and negative skewness denotes the presence of duplicate epistatic gene action therefore the gain is faster with mild selection and less rapid with intense selection. In kurtosis, leptokurtic and mesokurtic nature was observed which indicate that the traits are under the control of few segregating genes and the next indicates the nonsignificant of kurtosis respectively. The intensive selection of these characters in F3 generation paved the way to achieve the gain faster

Sex differences are insufficient evidence of ecological adaptations in human females.

Benenson et al. postulate that human females evolved unique survival adaptations to facilitate maternal and grandmaternal care. This hypothesis is consistent with the broader hypothesis that female phenotypes are more ecologically optimal, but further evidence is needed to make a compelling case that sex differences in self-protection are not primarily the result of more intense sexual selection on males.

Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) Diversity in India

The history of farm Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) is about 12 to 14 thousand years old; started with the domestication of the animals for companion, food, fur and hide purposes. Among 40 non-carnivores livestock species domesticated by human being, till date, only cattle, sheep, goat, pig and chicken are highly prevalent and known as ‘Big five’. Other species like buffalo, dromedaries and Bactrian camel, llama, alpaca, yak, and mithun are region specific. At present, about one-fifth of the global food is of animal origin in the world. A vast genetic diversity of AnGR has been generated during hundreds of years through culmination of various evolutionary forces, including intensive selection and preferred mating by human for various utilization purposes. Initial domestication modulated the wild ancestors to adapt to human habitation and making themselves more useful for the human being. Migration of animals by humans across the continents further disseminated the germplasm, initiating the diversification of the farm animals across the globe. However, artificial selection for different needs and likings by the human is the chief element for development of large-scale genetic diversity, in form of distinct breeds and populations. These breeds as well as specialized populations have been evolved for a specific need or utilization pattern like milk, draft, meat, fibre, carting, riding etc. Today, the world possesses more than eight thousand livestock and poultry breeds, evolved from only few founder populations and catering various needs of human society around the world. As per Global data bank on Animal Genetic Resources of FAO, a total of 8774 breeds of 38 species were reported, worldwide (data from 182 countries) in 2014. Among these, 7718 are local breeds (in one country) and 510 are regional transboundary breeds (in one region) and 546 are international transboundary breeds (in more than one region).

Hanges in the occurrence of alleles of the EAB-locus of blood groups in cattle of the kholmogorsky breed due to holsteinization

The aim of the research was to analyze the allele pool and its changes in the EAB locus of blood groups of cattle of the Kholmogory breed using absorption crosses with bulls of the Holstein breed. The study was carried out by the method of immunological testing according to the agglutination reaction. The choice of locus is not accidental, because it is currently the most informative in terms of the nomenclature of alleles. The predominance of alleles of the Kholmogory breed (A2'O', E3'G'G'') is noted with an increase in the frequency of occurrence (G2Y2E1'Q') and the appearance of new alleles specific of the Holstein breed (O1A'2J'2K'O', B2Q 'G'G”, E'3G'Q', B1O2B', O4Y2A2', O4D'E3'F2'G'O'G”). Over the past 5 years, the index of genetic similarity between herds of Kholmogory cattle in the Komi Republic has twofold. It was revealed that in the population of Komi Republic introduced new alleles of the Holstein breed, but at the same time, part of the alleles of Kholmogory cattle, originally obtained from the breeding reserve, are conserved. Such alleles are transfered between generations of animals and may indicate the preservation of the genome structure of the original mother breed under conditions of intensive selection. As well as alleles are transmitted when using purebred, as well as Holsteinized sires of the Pechora type of breed. The gene pool of the native Kholmogory breed is unique and requires further study. Groups of antigens form a unique genetic structure of herds, which can serve to identify animals by relationship, as well as breed affiliation, as it is similarly made by microsatellite loci and SNP markers (ISAG standard). Testing was carried out as sires in the amount of &gt;30 heads, and their breeding reserve for more than 5 years (&gt;5925 cows of breeding herds). Groups of antigens make it possible to evaluate the change in the genetic structure of the population of the Kholmogory breed and other breeds of cattle in time slices and obtain information about the breeder's actions when focusing on specific genetic traits and their genetic variability, breeding traits and evaluate inbreeding (antigenic similarity), and not only to determine the relationship of animals

Systematic analysis and comparison of ABC proteins superfamily confer structural, functional and evolutionary insights into four cotton species

ATP binding cassette transporters (ABCTs) is one of the largest gene superfamily comprising of integral membrane proteins that are ubiquitously found in all domains of life and implicated in ATP dependent active transport of ligands across the concentration gradient. We present here the identification and distribution of ABC proteins from seven plant species into four groups (Full, Half, Quarter and ABC2 molecules), eight families (ABCA to ABCG and ABCI) and twelve sub families (MDR, PDR, MRP, PMP, AOH, ATH, ATM, TAP, WBC, RLI, GCN and NAP) based on topology, orientation, size, and phylogenetic relationships with main focus on four cotton species especially tetraploid Gossypium hirsutum (Gh) encoding 320 ORFs. Dynamics of complex formation of structurally characterized ABCTs from each subfamily shows their kinetic and molecular mechanisms to combine the ATP hydrolysis and binding for substrate translocation, portraying a "structure to function relationship". Analysis of protein motif and genomic organizations displayed structural and functional conservation within same subfamily but diverged among the different subfamilies. Abundance of small sized single ABCs signifies the higher gene death/birth rate and ongoing evolution for functional advancements and environmental adaptability. Gene duplication relationship analysis illustrates the major role of tandem and segmental duplication in large scale expansion of ABC gene family in mentioned species. The overall Ka/Ks ratio indicated the intense purifying selection of ABC genes in four cotton species during evolution. In addition, tissue specific expression profiling, abiotic stress resistance and Co-expression networking of GhABCs infers their role in diverse range of molecular, cellular and biological processes. Cis-elements and gene enrichments also supported their predicted roles in substrates translocation, xenobiotic detoxification, lipid metabolism, hormonal and abiotic stresses responses. Forward and reverse genetics along with evolutionary trajectories, structural dynamics and validated expression profiling will provide much-needed clarity and a qualitative molecular framework for future research. This study will further broaden our insights into the evolution and functional elucidation of ABC gene family in cotton.

Neuroscience needs evolution.

The nervous system is a product of evolution. That is, it was constructed through a long series of modifications, within the strong constraints of heredity, and continuously subjected to intense selection pressures. As a result, the organization and functions of the brain are shaped by its history. We believe that this fact, underappreciated in contemporary systems neuroscience, offers an invaluable aid for helping us resolve the brain's mysteries. Indeed, we think that the consideration of evolutionary history ought to take its place alongside other intellectual tools used to understand the brain, such as behavioural experiments, studies of anatomical structure and functional characterization based on recordings of neural activity. In this introduction, we argue for the importance of evolution by highlighting specific examples of ways that evolutionary theory can enhance neuroscience. The rest of the theme issue elaborates this point, emphasizing the conservative nature of neural evolution, the important consequences of specific transitions that occurred in our history, and the ways in which considerations of evolution can shed light on issues ranging from specific mechanisms to fundamental principles of brain organization.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Systems neuroscience through the lens of evolutionary theory’.