scholarly journals Sample identification and pedigree reconstruction in Wolverine (Gulo gulo) using SNP genotyping of non-invasive samples

Author(s):  
Robert Ekblom ◽  
Malin Aronsson ◽  
Franziska Elsner-Gearing ◽  
Malin Johansson ◽  
Toby Fountain ◽  
...  

AbstractFor conservation genetic studies using non-invasively collected samples, genome-wide data may be hard to acquire. Until now, such studies have instead mostly relied on analyses of traditional genetic markers such as microsatellites (SSRs). Recently, high throughput genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has become available, expanding the use of genomic methods to include non-model species of conservation concern. We have developed a 96-marker SNP array for use in applied conservation monitoring of the Scandinavian wolverine (Gulo gulo) population. By genotyping more than a thousand non-invasively collected samples, we were able to obtain precise estimates of different types of genotyping errors and sample dropout rates. The SNP panel significantly outperforms the SSR markers (and DBY intron markers for sexing) both in terms of precision in genotyping, sex assignment and individual identification, as well as in the proportion of samples successfully genotyped. Furthermore, SNP genotyping offers a simplified laboratory and analysis pipeline with fewer samples needed to be repeatedly genotyped in order to obtain reliable consensus data. In addition, we utilised a unique opportunity to successfully demonstrate the application of SNP genotype data for reconstructing pedigrees in wild populations, by validating the method with samples from wild individuals with known relatedness. By offering a simplified workflow with improved performance, we anticipate this methodology will facilitate the use of non-invasive samples to improve genetic management of many different types of populations that have previously been challenging to survey.

2012 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 321-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Fabbri ◽  
R. Caniglia ◽  
Nadia Mucci ◽  
H.P. Thomsen ◽  
K. Krag ◽  
...  

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which represent the most widespread source of sequence variation in genomes, are becoming a routine application in several fields such as forensics, ecology and conservation genetics. Their use, requiring short amplifications, may allow a more efficient genotyping of degraded DNA. We provide the first application of SNP genotyping in an Italian non-invasive genetic monitoring project of the wolf. We compared three different techniques for genotyping SNPs: pyrosequencing, SNaPshot? and TaqMan? Probe Assay in Real-Time PCR. We successively genotyped nine SNPs using the TaqMan Probe Assay in 51 Italian wolves, 57 domestic dogs, 15 wolf x dog hybrids and 313 wolf scats collected in the northern Apennines. The obtained results were used to estimate genetic variability and PCR error rates in SNP genotyping protocols compared to standard microsatellite analysis. We evaluated the cost, laboratory effort and reliability of these different markers and discuss the possible future use of VeraCode, SNPlex and Fluidigm EP1 system in wild population monitoring.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E. Eriksson ◽  
Joel Ruprecht ◽  
Taal Levi

AbstractNon-invasive genotyping methods have become key elements of wildlife research over the last two decades, but their widespread adoption is limited by high costs, low success rates, and high error rates. The information lost when genotyping success is low may lead to decreased precision in animal population densities which could misguide conservation and management actions. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) provide a promising alternative to traditionally used microsatellites as SNPs allow amplification of shorter DNA fragments, are less prone to genotyping errors, and produce results that are easily shared among laboratories. Here, we outline a detailed protocol for cost-effective and accurate noninvasive SNP genotyping using highly multiplexed amplicon sequencing optimized for degraded DNA. We validated this method for individual identification by genotyping 216 scats, 18 hairs and 15 tissues from coyotes (Canis latrans). Our genotyping success rate for scat samples was 93%, and 100% for hair and tissue, representing a substantial increase compared to previous microsatellite-based studies at a cost of under $5 per PCR replicate (excluding labor). The accuracy of the genotypes was further corroborated in that genotypes from scats matching known, GPS-collared coyotes were always located within the territory of the known individual. We also show that different levels of multiplexing produced similar results, but that PCR product cleanup strategies can have substantial effects on genotyping success. By making noninvasive genotyping more affordable, accurate, and efficient, this research may allow for a substantial increase in the use of noninvasive methods to monitor and conserve free-ranging wildlife populations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Gavriliuc ◽  
Salman Reza ◽  
Chanwoori Jeong ◽  
Fitsum Getachew ◽  
Philip Dunstan McLoughlin ◽  
...  

Abstract The development of high-throughput sequencing has prompted a transition in wildlife genetics from using microsatellites toward sets of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). However, genotyping large numbers of targeted SNPs using non-invasive samples remains challenging due to relatively large DNA input requirements. Recently, target enrichment has emerged as a promising approach requiring little template DNA. We assessed the efficacy of Tecan Genomics’ Allegro Targeted Genotyping (ATG) for generating genome-wide SNP data in feral horses using DNA isolated from fecal swabs. Total and host-specific DNA were quantified for 989 samples collected as part of a long-term individual-based study of feral horses on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, using dsDNA fluorescence and a host-specific qPCR assay, respectively. Forty-eight samples representing 44 individuals containing at least 10ng of host DNA (ATG’s recommended minimum input) were genotyped using a custom multiplex panel targeting 279 SNPs. Genotyping accuracy and consistency were assessed by contrasting ATG genotypes with those obtained from the same individuals with SNP microarrays, and from multiple samples from the same horse, respectively. 62% of swabs yielded the minimum recommended amount of host DNA for ATG. Ignoring samples that failed to amplify, ATG recovered an average of 86.7% targeted sites per sample, while genotype concordance between ATG and SNP microarrays was 98.5%. The repeatability of genotypes from the same individual approached unity with an average of 99.9%. This study demonstrates the suitability of ATG for genome-wide, non-invasive targeted SNP genotyping, and will facilitate further ecological and conservation genetics research in equids and related species.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sougata Sadhukhan ◽  
Holly Root-Gutteridge ◽  
Bilal Habib

AbstractPrevious studies have posited the use of acoustics-based surveys to monitor population size and estimate their density. However, decreasing the bias in population estimations, such as by using Capture–Mark–Recapture, requires the identification of individuals using supervised classification methods, especially for sparsely populated species like the wolf which may otherwise be counted repeatedly. The cryptic behaviour of Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) poses serious challenges to survey efforts, and thus, there is no reliable estimate of their population despite a prominent role in the ecosystem. Like other wolves, Indian wolves produce howls that can be detected over distances of more than 6 km, making them ideal candidates for acoustic surveys. Here, we explore the use of a supervised classifier to identify unknown individuals. We trained a supervised Agglomerative Nesting hierarchical clustering (AGNES) model using 49 howls from five Indian wolves and achieved 98% individual identification accuracy. We tested our model’s predictive power using 20 novel howls from a further four individuals (test dataset) and resulted in 75% accuracy in classifying howls to individuals. The model can reduce bias in population estimations using Capture-Mark-Recapture and track individual wolves non-invasively by their howls. This has potential for studies of wolves’ territory use, pack composition, and reproductive behaviour. Our method can potentially be adapted for other species with individually distinctive vocalisations, representing an advanced tool for individual-level monitoring.


Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1042
Author(s):  
Zhuoying Weng ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Xi Wang ◽  
Lina Wu ◽  
Sijie Hua ◽  
...  

Pedigree information is necessary for the maintenance of diversity for wild and captive populations. Accurate pedigree is determined by molecular marker-based parentage analysis, which may be influenced by the polymorphism and number of markers, integrity of samples, relatedness of parents, or different analysis programs. Here, we described the first development of 208 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 11 microsatellites for giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) taking advantage of Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and compared the power of SNPs and microsatellites for parentage and relatedness analysis, based on a mixed family composed of 4 candidate females, 4 candidate males and 289 offspring. CERVUS, PAPA and COLONY were used for mutually verification. We found that SNPs had a better potential for relatedness estimation, exclusion of non-parentage and individual identification than microsatellites, and > 98% accuracy of parentage assignment could be achieved by 100 polymorphic SNPs (MAF cut-off < 0.4) or 10 polymorphic microsatellites (mean Ho = 0.821, mean PIC = 0.651). This study provides a reference for the development of molecular markers for parentage analysis taking advantage of next-generation sequencing, and contributes to the molecular breeding, fishery management and population conservation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rattanaporn Sukprasong ◽  
Sumonrat Chuwongwattana ◽  
Napatrupron Koomdee ◽  
Thawinee Jantararoungtong ◽  
Santirhat Prommas ◽  
...  

AbstractPrior knowledge of allele frequencies of cytochrome P450 polymorphisms in a population is crucial for the revision and optimization of existing medication choices and doses. In the current study, the frequency of the CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, CYP2C19*6, CYP2C19*17, and CYP3A4 (rs4646437) alleles in a Thai population across different regions of Thailand was examined. Tests for polymorphisms of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 were performed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay and CYP2C19 was performed using two different methods; TaqMan SNP genotyping assay and Luminex x Tag V3. The blood samples were collected from 1205 unrelated healthy individuals across different regions within Thailand. Polymorphisms of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 were transformed into phenotypes, which included normal metabolizer (NM), intermediate metabolizer (IM), poor metabolizer (PM), and rapid metabolizers (RM). The CYP2C9 allele frequencies among the Thai population were 0.08% and 5.27% for the CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 alleles, respectively. The CYP2C19 allele frequencies among the Thai population were 25.60%, 2.50%, 0.10%, and 1.80% for the CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, CYP2C19*6, and CYP2C19*17 alleles, respectively. The allele frequency of the CYP3A4 (rs4646437) variant allele was 28.50% in the Thai population. The frequency of the CYP2C9*3 allele was significantly lower among the Northern Thai population (P < 0.001). The frequency of the CYP2C19*17 allele was significantly higher in the Southern Thai population (P < 0.001). Our results may provide an understanding of the ethnic differences in drug responses and support for the utilization of pharmacogenomics testing in clinical practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Myoungsook Lee ◽  
Yunkyoung Lee ◽  
Inhae Kang ◽  
Jieun Shin ◽  
Sungbin R. Sorn

From a pilot GWAS, seven MAP2K6 (MEK6) SNPs were significantly associated with resting metabolic rate (RMR) in obese children aged 8–9 years. The aim of this study was to investigate how RMR-linked MEK6 variation affected obesity in Korean children. With the follow-up students (77.9%) in the 3-year panel study, the changes of the variables associated with obesity (such as anthropometrics, blood biochemistry, and dietary intake) were collected. After the MEK6 SNPs were screened by Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP array 6.0, the genotyping of the seven MEK6 SNPs was performed via SNaPshot assay. As the prevalence of obesity (≥85th percentile) increased from 19.4% to 25.5%, the rates of change of the variables RMR, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and dietary intake (energy and carbohydrate intakes) increased. The rate of overweight/obesity was higher in all mutant alleles of the seven MEK6 SNPs than it was in the matched children without mutant alleles. However, over the 3-year study period, RMRs were only significantly increased by the mutants of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs996229 and rs756942, mainly related to male overweight/obesity as both WC and SBP levels increased. In the mutants of two of the SNPs, the odds ratio of overweight/obesity risk was six times higher in the highest tercile of fat intake and SBP than those of the lowest tercile. For personalized medicine to prevent pediatric obesity, SBP, WC, and dietary fat intake should be observed, particularly if boys have mutants of MEK6 SNPs, rs9916229, or rs756942.


Zygote ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (05) ◽  
pp. 263-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Kiani ◽  
Mohammad Salehi ◽  
Asghar Mogheiseh

SummaryInfertility is an important reproductive health problem, and male infertility is especially important in more than half of infertility cases. Due to the importance of genetic factors in this condition, analysis of semen alone is not enough to recognize men with idiopathic infertility. A molecular non-invasive investigation is necessary to gain valuable information. Currently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are being used as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. miRNAs, single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules, act as post-transcriptional gene silencing regulators either by inhibition or repression of translation. Changes in the regulation of miRNAs have been investigated in several different types of male infertility, therefore the biological role of miRNA and gene targets has been defined. The purpose of this study was to review recent research on the altered expression of miRNA in semen, sperm, and testicular biopsy samples in infertile males with different types of unexplained infertility. Changes in miRNA regulation were investigated using microarray and the miRNA levels were confirmed by real-time qRT-PCR. This review explains why creating a non-invasive diagnostic method for male infertility is necessary and how changes in miRNA expression can be used as new diagnostic biomarkers in patients with differing spermatogenic and histopathologic injury.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Luisa Vigorelli ◽  
Elisabetta Croce ◽  
Debora Angelici ◽  
Raffaella Navone ◽  
Sabrina Grassini ◽  
...  

Digital radiography and computed tomography are two fundamental diagnostic techniques in different fields of research, including cultural heritage studies and gemmology. The application of these physical methods of investigation has gained considerable importance as they are non-invasive techniques. The presented work has been mainly focused on micro-tomographic analysis. The project is concerned with the study of natural and cultivated pearls in order to develop an investigation methodology for the analysis, distinction and characterization of different types of pearls, some of them belonging to different precious jewels from private collections. The investigations, carried out on a total of 22 heterogeneous types of pearls, allowed us to establish their origin (natural or cultivated) or to confirm/deny if a hypothesis was already expressed, and as well to highlight the cultivation methodology used case by case. Furthermore, it was possible to ascertain how large and varied the market for cultured pearls is nowadays and how difficult is, in some particular cases, to ascertain their attribution to a certain origin.


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