The use of esterase polymorphism for analysis of the genetic diversity and structure of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert. Bertoni) populations

Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used in the current study to identify polymorphism in α- and β-esterase loci in leaf tissues of wild poinsettia plants for the analysis of genetic diversity and structure of populations. Seeds were collected from different plants in 12 different populations. Two to three allelic variants were at Est-1, Est-2, Est-3, Est-4, Est-5, Est-6, and Est-7 loci. The estimated proportion of polymorphic loci in populations is 87.5%. High and low values of observed and expected proportion of heterozygous loci in 12 populations confirm our suspicion that the populations are genetically structured (FST = 0.1663). The heterozygous deficiencies are evidenced by the positive value of FIS (0.1248). The positive FIS value indicates a deficit of heterozygous (12.48%) or an excess of homozygous plants, which could be the result of frequent herbicide application in areas where seeds were collected and/or the result of self-pollination. Overall inbreeding or nonrandom breeding, according to the significant FIT value (0.2703), did play a major role in shaping the genetic structure of these populations. Identity values represented in the dendrogram should play a more central role in developing policies to manage and control this species.

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Genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria: insights from microsatellite loci analysis

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-021-03734-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fehintola V. Ajogbasile ◽

Adeyemi T. Kayode ◽

Paul E. Oluniyi ◽

Kazeem O. Akano ◽

Jessica N. Uwanibe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Plasmodium Falciparum ◽

Population Structure ◽

Microsatellite Loci ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Population Diversity ◽

Parasite Population ◽

Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Public Health Burden ◽

Genetic Diversity And Structure

Abstract Background Malaria remains a public health burden especially in Nigeria. To develop new malaria control and elimination strategies or refine existing ones, understanding parasite population diversity and transmission patterns is crucial. Methods In this study, characterization of the parasite diversity and structure of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 633 dried blood spot samples in Nigeria was carried out using 12 microsatellite loci of P. falciparum. These microsatellite loci were amplified via semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragments were analysed using population genetic tools. Results Estimates of parasite genetic diversity, such as mean number of different alleles (13.52), effective alleles (7.13), allelic richness (11.15) and expected heterozygosity (0.804), were high. Overall linkage disequilibrium was weak (0.006, P < 0.001). Parasite population structure was low (Fst: 0.008–0.105, AMOVA: 0.039). Conclusion The high level of parasite genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous. However, higher resolution methods, such as the 24 SNP barcode and whole genome sequencing, may capture more specific parasite genetic signatures circulating in the country. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for parasite genetic diversity and structure, aiding in the formulation of appropriate therapeutic and control strategies in Nigeria.

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