Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Research Articles

Unveiling the genetic structure of pig population in a Himalayan state Uttarakhand through microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analyses.

This study traced the maternal lineage of the domestic swine populations using mitochondrial DNA control region markers and genetic diversity using microsatellite markers in Uttarakhand, an Indian state situated at the foothills of the world's youngest (geo-dynamically sensitive) mountain system, "the Himalayas". Analysis of 68 maternally unrelated individuals revealed 20 haplotypes. The maternal signature of the Pacific, Southeast Asian, European, and ubiquitously distributed Chinese haplotypes was present in Uttarakhand's domestic pig population. The D3 haplotype reported in wild pigs from North India was also identified in 47 domestic samples. A unique gene pool, UKD (Uttarakhand Domestic), as another lineage specific to this region has been proposed. Genotypes were analyzed, using 13 sets of microsatellite markers. The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities were 0.83 ± 0.02 and 0.84 ± 0.01, respectively. The average polymorphic information content value of 0.83 ± 0.01 indicated the high informativeness of the marker. The overall mean FIS value for all the microsatellite markers was low (F = 0.04, P < 0.01). Seven loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at a significant level (p < 0.05). Two clusters were identified, indicating overlapping populations. These results suggested that though belonging to different maternal lineages, the traditional management practices in Uttarakhand have allowed for genetic mixing and the sharing of genetic material among pig populations. It could contribute to increased genetic diversity but might also result in the loss of distinct genetic characteristics or breed purity of the local breeds if not carefully managed.

Mitochondrial DNA in Fornescis: Principles, Applications, and Limitations

Forensic science involves the scientific analysis and interpretation of evidence that is used in legal proceedings to establish guilt or innocence. The use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in forensics is crucial as it has several advantages over other types of DNA. For instance, mtDNA is more resistant to degradation than nuclear DNA, making it suitable for analysis even in small or degraded samples. Additionally, mtDNA is maternally inherited, and this makes it useful in tracing an individual's maternal lineage or identifying relationships between individuals across multiple generations. Another advantage of mtDNA analysis is its reliability and accuracy since it is less prone to errors or contamination. This is because mtDNA is found in the mitochondria, which are separate from the cell nucleus and are less likely to be affected by extraneous DNAor contamination. Overall, the use of mtDNA in forensic science has significantly improved the accuracy and reliability of criminal investigations, making it a vital tool in the criminal justice system. In mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, the two regions of the mtDNA genome that are typically analyzed are hyper variable regions 1 and 2 (HV1 and HV2). HV1 and HV2 are non-coding regions of the mtDNA genome, meaning that they do not contain information for the production of proteins. Instead, they contain a high degree of variation in their nucleotide sequences, which makes them useful for identifying individuals and their maternal lineages. The interpretation of mtDNA analysis results from HV1 and HV2 involves comparing the nucleotide sequences obtained from the evidence sample to a reference database of mtDNA sequences. This comparison is done to identify any matches or differences between the sample and the reference sequences. If there are no differences or only a few, the sample is considered to be a match to the reference sequence. The more differences there are between the sample and the reference sequences, the less likely it is that the sample and reference sequences came from the same individual or maternal lineage.The interpretation of mtDNA analysis results from HV1 and HV2 can be used to provide information about the identity and maternal lineage of an individual. For example, if an evidence sample matches a reference sequence from a known maternal relative, this can be used to support the identification of the individual,

Cervidae antlers exploited to manufacture prehistoric tools and hunting implements as a reliable source of ancient DNA

Antler is one of the primary animal raw materials exploited for technical purposes by the hunter-gatherer groups of the Eurasian Upper Palaeolithic (UP) all over the ecological range of deers, and beyond. It was exhaustively employed to produce one of the most critical tools for the survival of the UP societies: hunting weapons. However, antler implements can be made from diverse deer taxa, with different ecological requirements and ethological behaviours. Identifying the antler's origin at a taxonomic level is thus essential in improving our knowledge of humans' functional, practical and symbolic choices, as well as the human-animal interface during Prehistoric times. Nevertheless, palaeogenetics analyses have focused mainly on bone and teeth, with genetic studies of antler generally focused on modern deer conservation. Here we present the results of the first whole mitochondrial genome ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis by means of in-solution hybridisation capture of antlers from pre-Holocene archaeological contexts. We analysed a set of 50 Palaeolithic and Neolithic (c. 34-8ka) antler and osseous objects from South-Western Europe, Central Europe, South-Western Asia and the Caucasus. We successfully obtained aDNA, allowing us to identify the exploited taxa and demonstrate the archaeological relevance of those finds. Moreover, as most of the antlers were sampled using a minimally-invasive method, further analyses (morphometric, technical, genetic, radiometric and more) remain possible on these objects.

Assessing the joint effects of mitochondrial genes and physical activity on the psychiatric phenotype of subjective well-being based on the UK Biobank data.

Subjective well-being (SWB) is an important measure for mental health status. Previous research has shown that physical activity can affect an individual's well-being, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. In this study, we aim to evaluate the potential interactions between mitochondrial genes and physical activity (PA) as well as their combined effects on individual well-being. SWB phenotype data in UK Biobank were enrolled for this study including nine aspects such as work/job satisfaction, health satisfaction, family relationship satisfaction, friendships satisfaction, financial situation satisfaction, ever depressed for a whole week, general happiness, general happiness with own health and belief that own life is meaningful. We made analysis for each aspects separately. Firstly, mitochondria-wide association studies (MiWAS) was conducted to assess the association of mitochondrial Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms SNP with each aspect of SWB. Then an interaction analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation and PA was performed to evaluate their joint effect on SWB status. Meanwhile, these two analysis were made for female and male group separately as well as the total samples, all under the control of possible confounding factors including gender, age, Townsend Deprivation Index (TDI), education, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and 10 principal components. MiWAS analysis identified 45 mtSNPs associated with 9 phenotypes of SWB. For example, m.15218A > G on MT-CYB in the health satisfaction phenotype of the total subjects. Gender-specific analyses found 30 mtSNPs in females and 58 in males, involving 13 mtGenes. In mtDNA-PA interaction analysis, we also identified 10 significant mtDNA-PA interaction sets for SWB. For instance, m.13020T > C (MT-ND5) was associated with the SWB financial situation satisfaction phenotype in all subjects (P = 0.00577). In addition, MiWAS analysis identified 12 mtGene variants associated with SWB, as MT-ND1 and MT-ND2. However, in mtDNA-PA interactions we detected 7 mtDNA affecting psychiatric disorders occurring, as in the friendships satisfaction phenotype (m.3394T > C on MT-ND1). Our study results suggest an implication of the interaction between mitochondrial function and physical activity in the risk of psychiatric disorder development.

MtDNA-Server 2: advancing mitochondrial DNA analysis through highly parallelized data processing and interactive analytics.

Over the past decade, mtDNA-Server established itself as one of the most widely used variant calling web-services for human mitochondrial genomes. The service accepts sequencing data in BAM format and returns an annotated variant analysis report for both homoplasmic and heteroplasmic variants. In this work we present mtDNA-Server 2, which includes several new features highly requested by the community. Most importantly, it includes (a) the integration of a novel variant calling mode that accurately call insertions, deletions and single nucleotide variants at once, (b) the integration of additional quality control and input validation modules, (c) a method to estimate the required coverage to minimize false positives and (d) an interactive analytics dashboard. Furthermore, we migrated the complete analysis workflow to the Nextflow workflow manager for improved parallelization, reproducibility and local execution. Recognizing the importance of insertions and deletions as well as offering novel quality control, validation and reporting features, mtDNA-Server 2 provides researchers and clinicians a new state-of-the-art analysis platform for interpreting mitochondrial genomes. mtDNA-Server 2 is available via mitoverse, our analysis platform that offers a centralized place for mtDNA analysis in the cloud. The web-service, source code and its documentation are freely accessible at https://mitoverse.i-med.ac.at.

Enzymatic removal of Numts from Panthera tigris DNA samples

Forensic mitochondrial DNA analysis is a vital investigative tool for wildlife casework, but numts continue to complicate DNA analysis. A major goal of wildlife forensic DNA analysis is to identify non-human biological evidence to its taxonomic source. Species identification is accomplished by sequencing genetic markers on the mitochondrial genome and comparing evidentiary sequence data to published reference sequences. Due to the high level of sequence similarity between mitochondrial genes and numts, current sequencing methods result in co-amplification of the target gene marker and non-target numt. Co-amplification of target and non-target loci results in ambiguous nucleotide calls in sequence data. Reducing the influence of numts during sequence analysis will provide a technique that will maximize accuracy and minimize error in taxonomic identifications. To overcome the analytical burden of numts, we studied the enzymatic removal of numts using exonuclease V. To evaluate the feasibility of exonuclease V as a numt removal method, total Panthera tigris DNA was extracted from blood and liver and divided into three treatment groups: untreated, 1st digest, and 2nd digest. For the untreated sample, 7.6 % of the 620 bp sequence data was classified as ambiguous. Following treatment, all samples demonstrated a reduction in ambiguous calls: liver-1st digest (48 h): 6.6 %, liver-2nd digest (48 h + 16 h): 1.8 %, and blood-1st digest (48 h): 0 %. Based on this preliminary study, exonuclease V treatment effectively removed numts before sequencing analysis. While exonuclease V treatment has demonstrated potential, additional studies are required to optimize the reaction and fully validate the methodology.

Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Teeth for Identification of Natural Disaster Victims in Manila, Philippines

Introduction: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes often cause significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Identification of victims of natural disasters is an important aspect in the recovery process and forensic investigation. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been proven to be an effective tool for individual identification due to its stable and maternally inherited nature. Teeth are an ideal source of DNA material for mtDNA analysis because they are durable against environmental degradation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mtDNA analysis of teeth for identifying victims of natural disasters in Manila, Philippines. Methods: Dental samples were collected from identified natural disaster victims and their family members. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from teeth and analyzed using PCR and DNA sequencing techniques. The results of the mtDNA analysis were compared with mtDNA data obtained from family members to confirm the victim's identity. Results: Analysis of mtDNA on teeth succeeded in identifying all victims of natural disasters identified in this study. The mtDNA analysis results were consistent with mtDNA data obtained from family members, indicating the effectiveness of this method for individual identification. Conclusion: Analysis of mtDNA in teeth is a valuable tool for the identification of victims of natural disasters. This method can help in the recovery process and forensic investigations after natural disasters.

Systematics and biogeography of the genera Pseudiberus Ancey, 1887 and Platypetasus Pilsbry, 1895 (Stylommatophora: Camaenidae), with the description of Pseudiberus shanheicus n. sp.

Phylogenetic analyses based on morphological character and molecular data indicate that Platypetasus Pilsbry, 1895 should not be synonymized with Pseudiberus Ancey, 1887. These genera occur in different geographical areas; Pseudiberus species are distributed in the Qinling, Taihang, Yimeng, and Taishan mountains, and Platypetasus species occur in the Daxueshan, Qionglaishan, Minshan, and Dabashan mountains. Here we describe a new species, Pseudiberus shanheicus n. sp., from Henan Province, China. Its shell is distinguished by its ribless surface and hollow peripheral keel. The phylogenetic relationship among Pseudiberus sensu stricto is discussed, based on an analysis of mitochondrial DNA (16S rRNA) and nuclear DNA (5.8S rRNA and ITS2), as well as shell morphology.

Genetic analysis of Octopus cyanea reveals high gene flow in the South-West Indian Ocean.

Octopus cyanea (Gray, 1849), abundant in the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO), constitutes a vital resource for both subsistence and commercial fisheries. However, despite this socioeconomic importance, and recent indications of overfishing, little is known about the population structure of O. cyanea in the region. To inform sustainable management strategies, this study assessed the spatio-temporal population structure and genetic variability of O. cyanea at 20 sites in the SWIO (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rodrigues, and the Seychelle Islands) by complementary analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) noncoding region (NCR) sequences and microsatellite markers. MtDNA analysis revealed a shallow phylogeny across the region, with demographic tests suggesting historic population fluctuations that could be linked to glacial cycles. Contrary to expectations, NCR variation was comparable to other mtDNA regions, indicating that the NCR is not a hypervariable region. Both nuclear and mtDNA marker types revealed a lack of genetic structure compatible with high gene flow throughout the region. As adults are sedentary, this gene flow likely reflects connectivity by paralarval dispersal. All samples reported heterozygote deficits, which, given the overall absence of structure, likely reflect ephemeral larval recruitment variability. Levels of mtDNA and nuclear variability were similar at all locations and congruent with those previously reported for harvested Octopodidae, implying resilience to genetic erosion by drift, providing current stock sizes are maintained. However, as O. cyanea stocks in the SWIO represent a single, highly connected population, fisheries may benefit from additional management measures, such as rotational closures aligned with paralarval ecology and spanning geopolitical boundaries.

Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Nedyopus patrioticus: New Insights into the Color Polymorphism of Millipedes.

There has been debate about whether individuals with different color phenotypes should have different taxonomic status. In order to determine whether the different color phenotypes of Nedyopus patrioticus require separate taxonomic status or are simply synonyms, here, the complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of two different colored N. patrioticus, i.e., red N. patrioticus and white N. patrioticus, are presented. The two mitogenomes were 15,781 bp and 15,798 bp in length, respectively. Each mitogenome contained 13 PCGs, 19 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and 1 CR, with a lack of trnI, trnL2, and trnV compared to other Polydesmida species. All genes were located on a single strand in two mitogenomes. Mitochondrial DNA analyses revealed that red N. patrioticus and white N. patrioticus did not show clear evolutionary differences. Furthermore, no significant divergence was discovered by means of base composition analysis. As a result, we suggest that white N. patrioticus might be regarded as a synonym for red N. patrioticus. The current findings confirmed the existence of color polymorphism in N. patrioticus, which provides exciting possibilities for future research. It is necessary to apply a combination of molecular and morphological methods in the taxonomy of millipedes.

MtDNA analysis using Mitopore

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is crucial for diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders, forensic investigations, and basic research, but existing pipelines are complex, expensive, and require specialized personnel. In many cases, including the diagnosis of detrimental single nucleotide variants (SNVs), mtDNA analysis is still carried out using Sanger sequencing. Here, we developed a simple workflow and a publicly available webserver named Mitopore that allows the detection of mtDNA SNVs, indels and haplogroups. To simplify mtDNA analysis, we tailored our workflow to process noisy long-read sequencing data for mtDNA analysis, focusing on sequence alignment and parameter optimization. We implemented Mitopore with eliBQ (eliminate Bad Quality reads), an innovative quality enhancement that allows to increase per base quality of over 20 % for low-quality data. The whole Mitopore workflow and webserver were validated using patient-derived and induced pluripotent stem cells harboring mtDNA mutations. Mitopore streamlines mtDNA analysis as an easy-to-use fast, reliable, and cost-effective analysis method for both long- and short-read sequencing data. This significantly enhances the accessibility of mtDNA analysis and reduces the cost per sample, contributing to the progress of mtDNA-related research and diagnosis.

Population genetics of the critically endangered three-striped turtle, Batagur dhongoka, from the Ganga river system using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analysis

The three-striped roofed (Batagur dhongoka) is a semi-aquatic turtle that belongs to family Geoemydidae. Due to anthropogenic pressure, it has been facing an intense decline of over 80% in its distribution range in the past 50 years. It is considered as 'Critically Endangered' so effective conservation strategies are needed to protect the species by determining their genetic diversity and population genetic structure. This study investigates the genetic diversity, population structure and demographic pattern of B. dhongoka from two Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre established near Ganga river using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b: 1140 bp) ; control region (CR: 451 bp) and ten nuclear microsatellite loci. mtDNA results show low levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0022) in B. dhongoka haplotypes and provide evidence for a low substitution rate. The demographic pattern estimated by the Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) analysis indicates historical stability followed by growth in the effective population size, with a recent reduction in population size from ~ 2 thousand years ago. The microsatellite findings show a moderate level of observed heterozygosity (Ho: 0.49). Bayesian-based clustering analysis revealed weak genetic structures in B. dhongoka and presence of admixed assignations suggesting close genetic relationships. These findings shed light on B. dhongoka's genetic status and underline the necessity of comprehensive rehabilitation and relocation programs and conservation and management techniques to ensure the species' long-term survival. In order to ensure the effective protection and conservation of B. dhongoka, the Government of India has taken a proactive measure by incorporating it into Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022.

Genetic identification of juvenile pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum) of the odd-year reproduction line on results of restriction analysis of mitochondrial DNA and analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism

Data on the regional composition of mixed marine aggregations of juvenile pink salmon during postcatadromous migrations in the basin of the Sea of Okhotsk in 2022 are demonstrated. A high probability of a significant predominance is revealed for pink salmon spawning returns 2023 of the northern stock complex compared to the southern ones. Identification estimates for juvenile fish obtained from RFLP analysis of mtDNA and analysis of allelic variability of SNP loci are compared to the values of actual regional catches and spawning returns. Close correspondence between the calculated estimates and actual data on the results of the 2023 fishing season was noted. Forecast about predominance of pink salmon of the northern stock complex, as well as about atypically low proportion of fish from water bodies of Iturup Island is fully confirmed. The estimates for Sakhalin Island and the southern part of the continental coast of the Sea of Okhotsk are close to the actual catch.

Genetic diversity, spatial connectivity, and population structure of Asian silurid catfish Wallago attu (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) in the Ganga River System: insights from mitochondrial DNA analysis.

The Ganga River System (GRS) is a biodiversity hotspot, its ecological richness is shaped by a complex geological history. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity, spatial connectivity, and population structure of the Asian Silurid catfish, Wallago attu, across seven tributaries of the GRS. We employed three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI), cytochrome b (Cyt b), and control region (CR). Our comprehensive dataset encompassed 2420bp of mtDNA, derived from 176 W. attu individuals across 19 sampling sites within the seven rivers of GRS. Our findings revealed high gene diversity (Hd:0.99) within W. attu populations. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) highlighted that maximum genetic variations were attributed within the populations, and the observed genetic differentiation among the seven populations of W. attu ranged from low to moderate. Network analysis uncovered the presence of three distinct genetic clades, showing no specific association with seven studied rivers. Bayesian skyline plots provided insights into the demographic history of W. attu, suggesting a recent population expansion estimated to have occurred approximately 0.04million years ago (mya) during the Pleistocene epoch. These results significantly enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity and spatial connectivity of W. attu, serving as a vital foundation for developing informed conservation strategies and the sustainable management of this economically valuable resource within the Ganga River System.

Morphological and genetic analysis for the diversity conservation of rare species, Thamnaconus multilineatus (Tetraodontiformes: Monacanthidae).

Climate changes have altered biodiversity and ultimately induced community changes that have threatened the survival of certain aquatic organisms such as fish species. Obtaining biological and genetic information on endangered fish species is critical for ecological population management. Thamnaconus multilineatus, registered as an endangered species by the IUCN in 2019, is a Data Deficient (DD) species with a remarkably small number of habitats worldwide and no known information other than its habitat and external form. In this study, we characterized the external and osteological morphology of a T. multilineatus specimen collected from eastern Jeju Island, South Korea, in 2020. We also investigated the phylogenetic relationships among related fish species through complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis of the T. multilineatus specimen. The external and skeletal characteristics of T. multilineatus were similar to those of previous reports describing other fish of the genus Thamnaconus, making it difficult to classify T. multilineatus as a similar species based only on morphological characteristics. As a result of analyzing the complete mtDNA of T. multilineatus, the length of the mtDNA was determined to be 16,435 bp, and the mitochondrial genome was found to have 37 CDCs, including 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. In the phylogenetic analysis within the suborder Balistoidei, T. multilineatus mtDNA formed a cluster with fish of the genus Thamnaconus. This study is the first to report on the skeletal structure and complete mtDNA of T. multilineatus. Since the current research on T. multilineatus has only been reported on morphology, the results of this study will be utilized as important information for the management and restoration of T. multilineatus as an endangered species and significant fishery resource.

Quantitation of human mitochondrial DNA and whole mtGenomes sequencing of fingernail/hair shaft samples

Abstract The analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is suitable for fingernail/hair shaft samples in forensic science. A successful mtDNA forensic analysis depends on the quantity and quality of the mtDNA. The application of massively parallel sequence (MPS) techniques to the analysis of mtDNA has the potential to improve the recovery of genetic information from difficult forensic specimens and to increase the discrimination potential of mtDNA by capturing and comparing full mtGenomes. In this study, we constructed mtDNA-specific standard curves using real-time PCR. The 105-base pair target sequence facilitates the amplification of degraded DNA and is minimally homologous to nonhuman mtDNA. The results indicated that the assay enables the absolute quantification of mtDNA down to 10 copies of mtDNA and provides a dynamic range of seven orders of magnitude. Whole mtGenome sequencing experiments demonstrated that as few as 2000 mtDNA copies resulted in a successful full region amplification and sequencing. Moreover, the frequency of point heteroplasmy from one donor showed that hairs from the same donor have been found to differ within and among themselves and from other tissues, which could impact the interpretation of the results obtained in a forensic investigation.

Homo sapiens reached the higher latitudes of Europe by 45,000 years ago

The Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Europe is associated with the regional disappearance of Neanderthals and the spread of Homo sapiens. Late Neanderthals persisted in western Europe several millennia after the occurrence of H. sapiens in eastern Europe1. Local hybridization between the two groups occurred2, but not on all occasions3. Archaeological evidence also indicates the presence of several technocomplexes during this transition, complicating our understanding and the association of behavioural adaptations with specific hominin groups4. One such technocomplex for which the makers are unknown is the Lincombian–Ranisian–Jerzmanowician (LRJ), which has been described in northwestern and central Europe5–8. Here we present the morphological and proteomic taxonomic identification, mitochondrial DNA analysis and direct radiocarbon dating of human remains directly associated with an LRJ assemblage at the site Ilsenhöhle in Ranis (Germany). These human remains are among the earliest directly dated Upper Palaeolithic H. sapiens remains in Eurasia. We show that early H. sapiens associated with the LRJ were present in central and northwestern Europe long before the extinction of late Neanderthals in southwestern Europe. Our results strengthen the notion of a patchwork of distinct human populations and technocomplexes present in Europe during this transitional period.

Ice age land bridges to continental islands: Repeated migration of the forest‐dwelling sable in northeastern Asia

AbstractAimThe continental island system comprising Sakhalin, Hokkaido and the southern Kuril Islands (SHSK) in northeastern Asia serves as one of the southernmost habitats for many boreal and arctic organisms, with colonization via land bridges formed during glacial periods. To understand the impacts of past land‐bridge formation under Quaternary climate changes across SHSK, we investigated the demographic history of forest‐dwelling marten species.LocationSakhalin, Hokkaido and the southern Kuril Islands in northeastern Asia.TaxonSable, Martes zibellina (Carnivora, Mustelidae).MethodsWe employed multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing (MIG‐seq) to obtain genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We tested possible scenarios of colonization and diversification for SHSK sables using several population genetics approaches including clustering analysis, population tree estimation and approximate Bayesian computation modelling. We also examined haplotype diversity for the mitochondrial ND2 gene.ResultsThe genetic diversity of the island populations and their affinity for continental populations were found to be higher in the order Sakhalin &gt; Hokkaido &gt; Iturup in both nuclear SNP and mitochondrial DNA analyses. Demographic analyses indicated that the sable migrated repeatedly from the continent, particularly to the neighbouring Sakhalin Island. However, only an earlier colonized lineage has persisted on marginal Iturup Island since the Middle Pleistocene. The stronger effects of repeated migrations and/or isolation influenced by the distance to the continent have shaped the contemporary genetic diversity and differentiation of sable populations in SHSK.Main ConclusionsGenome‐wide and comprehensive sampling approaches demonstrated that the forest‐dwelling sable had long‐term persistence with partial admixture of multiple lineages in SHSK, suggesting the existence of forest corridors and refugia on the islands during the last several glacial periods. The SHSK system of continental islands is valuable for understanding the impacts of Quaternary climate changes on the genetic diversity and evolutionary histories of boreal organisms.

Multidisciplinary estimates of connectivity and population structure suggest the use of multiple units for the conservation and management of meagre, Argyrosomus regius

Information on population structure and connectivity of targeted species is key for proper implementation of spatial conservation measures. We used a combination of genomics, biophysical modelling, and biotelemetry to infer the population structure and connectivity of Atlantic meagre, an important fisheries resource throughout its distribution. Genetic samples from previously identified Atlantic spawning locations (Gironde, Tejo, Guadalquivir, Banc d’Arguin) and two additional regions (Algarve and Senegal) were analysed using genome-wide SNP-genotyping and mitochondrial DNA analyses. Biophysical models were conducted to investigate larval dispersal and connectivity from the known Atlantic spawning locations. Additionally, thirteen fish were double-tagged with biotelemetry transmitters off the Algarve (Portugal) to assess movement patterns and connectivity of adult individuals. This multidisciplinary approach provided a robust overview of meagre population structure and connectivity in the Atlantic. Nuclear SNP-genotyping showed a clear differentiation between the European and African populations, with significant isolation of the few known Atlantic spawning sites. The limited level of connectivity between these subpopulations is potentially driven by adults, capable of wide-ranging movements and connecting sites 500 km apart, as evidenced by tagging studies, whilst larval dispersal inferred by modelling is much more limited (average of 52 km; 95% of connectivity events up to 174 km). Our results show sufficient evidence of population structure, particularly between Africa and Europe but also within Europe, for the meagre to be managed as separate stocks. Additionally, considering the low degree of larvae connectivity, the implementation of marine protected areas in key spawning sites could be crucial towards species sustainability.

Dietary Ferulic Acid Increases Endurance Capacity by Promoting Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Phenotype, Mitochondrial Function, and Antioxidant Capacity.

Endurance capacity is essential for endurance athletes' achievement and individuals' health. Nutritional supplements are a proven way to enhance endurance capacity. Previous studies have shown that ferulic acid (FA) enhances endurance capacity, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The study is aimed to investigate the mechanism by which FA increases endurance capacity. Forty mice are divided into control and 0.5% FA-supplemented groups, and an exhaustive swimming test demonstrates increased endurance capacity with FA supplementation. This study investigates the underlying mechanism for this effect of FA. Firstly, RT-PCR and western blot analysis find that FA increases the transformation from fast to slow muscle fiber. Additionally, adenosine triphosphate concentration, metabolic enzyme activity, and mitochondrial DNA analysis find that FA increases mitochondrial biogenesis and activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF)1 signaling pathway in muscle. Besides, through antioxidant capacity analysis, this study finds that FA activates NRF2 signaling pathway and improves the antioxidant capacity in muscle. Moreover, inhibiting NRF2 eliminates FA's effect on muscle fiber transformation in C2C12 cells. Our results suggest that FA increases endurance capacity by promoting skeletal muscle oxidative phenotype, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity, which may be related to the NRF1 and NRF2 signaling pathways.