Genetic identity of mint cultivars after in vitro conservation, assessed by ISSR primers

The species of the genus Mentha have been known since ancient times and have significant value in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, as well as in medicine. For the widespread use of mint, including in a variety of breeding programs, and the preservation of genetic diversity, effective methods of maintaining cultivars and collection samples are required. Thanks to the development of biotechnological methods, in particular, the creation of slow-growing collections, are now actively used as an effective alternative to field collections. It is known that the cultivation of tissues and organs on artificial culture media can cause somaclonal variability. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of in vitro storage at 4-6°C without illumination after 3 and 4 in vitro conservation cycles on the genetic stability of three cultivars of mint Azhurnaya, Bergamotnaya and Zagrava using ISSR primers. 1 cycle: 1 year of in vitro conservation, microcutting and 2 subcultures of regrowth in a culture room. After conservation, the number of viable explants was 70.0-82.1%. Callus formation at the base of the shoots was not observed in any of the cultivars. After 3 and 4 cycles of in vitro conservation, genetic stability was assessed using 11 ISSR primers. It was found that all three mint genotypes showed full compliance (length and number of amplicons) with the profiles of control samples for all studied markers. It was also found that the markers used by ISSR are highly informative for mint cultivars.

Differences in the Abundance of Auxin Homeostasis Proteins Suggest Their Central Roles for In Vitro Tissue Differentiation in Coffea arabica

Coffea arabica is one of the most important crops worldwide. In vitro culture is an alternative for achieving Coffea regeneration, propagation, conservation, genetic improvement, and genome editing. The aim of this work was to identify proteins involved in auxin homeostasis by isobaric tandem mass tag (TMT) and the synchronous precursor selection (SPS)-based MS3 technology on the Orbitrap Fusion™ Tribrid mass spectrometer™ in three types of biological materials corresponding to C. arabica: plantlet leaves, calli, and suspension cultures. Proteins included in the β-oxidation of indole butyric acid and in the signaling, transport, and conjugation of indole-3-acetic acid were identified, such as the indole butyric response (IBR), the auxin binding protein (ABP), the ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC), the Gretchen-Hagen 3 proteins (GH3), and the indole-3-acetic-leucine-resistant proteins (ILR). A more significant accumulation of proteins involved in auxin homeostasis was found in the suspension cultures vs. the plantlet, followed by callus vs. plantlet and suspension culture vs. callus, suggesting important roles of these proteins in the cell differentiation process.

An evo-devo perspective of the female reproductive tract

The vertebrate female reproductive tract has undergone considerable diversification over evolution, having become physiologically adapted to different reproductive strategies. This review considers the female reproductive tract from the perspective of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo). Very little is known about how the evolution of this organ system has been driven at the molecular level. In most vertebrates, the female reproductive tract develops from paired embryonic tubes, the Müllerian ducts. We propose that formation of the Müllerian duct is a conserved process that has involved co-option of genes and molecular pathways involved in tubulogenesis in the adjacent mesonephric kidney and Wolffian duct. Downstream of this conservation, genetic regulatory divergence has occurred, generating diversity in duct structure. Plasticity of the Hox gene code and wnt signaling, in particular, may underlie morphological variation of the uterus in mammals, and evolution of the vagina. This developmental plasticity in Hox and Wnt activity may also apply to other vertebrates, generating the morphological diversity of female reproductive tracts evident today.

Whole genome survey of big cats (Genus: Panthera) identifies novel microsatellites of utility in conservation genetic study

Big cats (Genus: Panthera) are among the most threatened mammal groups of the world, owing to hunting, habitat loss, and illegal transnational trade. Conservation genetic studies and effective curbs on poaching are important for the conservation of these charismatic apex predators. A limited number of microsatellite markers exists for Panthera species and researchers often cross-amplify domestic cat microsatellites to study these species. We conducted data mining of seven Panthera genome sequences to discover microsatellites for conservation genetic studies of four threatened big cat species. A total of 32 polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified in silico and tested with 152 big cats, and were found polymorphic in most of the tested species. We propose a set of 12 novel microsatellite markers for use in conservation genetics and wildlife forensic investigations of big cat species. Cumulatively, these markers have a high discriminatory power of one in a million for unrelated individuals and one in a thousand for siblings. Similar PCR conditions of these markers increase the prospects of achieving efficient multiplex PCR assays. This study is a pioneering attempt to synthesise genome wide microsatellite markers for big cats.

Current applications and future promise of genetic/genomic data for conservation in an Aotearoa New Zealand context

1.To achieve the vision outlined in the national strategy for biodiversity, Te Mana o te Taiao, we will need to unite diverse disciplines, including conservation genetics/genomics.2.As conservation genetic/genomic data generated for—and associated with—taonga (treasured) species is also taonga, we highlight the need for collaborative research partnerships that centre the needs, aspirations and expertise of mana whenua.3.As a team of predominantly early-career conservation genetics and genomics researchers working across institutions as Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners, each speaking to our own expertise, we review available and emerging tools in the conservation genetics/genomics toolbox.4.To support practitioners in identifying appropriate and affordable tools from the toolbox, we present a table that encompasses resource requirements (including finances, time, and skill) to assist conservation practitioners in assessing the associated costs and benefits of these tools for informing conservation management.5.To support researchers and practitioners in establishing long-lasting partnerships with mana whenua, we highlight key aspects of data management and data sovereignty for consideration.6.Intended as a platform to initiate discussion within and among conservation practitioners and researchers, mana whenua, and local communities, the development of government policies is beyond the scope of this contribution.7.To meet the vision of Te Mana o te Taiao, we conclude by calling for a transdisciplinary approach that includes conservation genetics/genomics.

Diversity and genetic structure of Spondias tuberosa (Anacardiaceae) accessions based on microsatellite loci

Introduction: Spondias tuberosa is a tree endemic to the semiarid region of Brazil with fruticulture potential. Objective: To estimate the diversity and genetic structure of S. tuberosa accessions from four areas of the semiarid region of Brazil, in order to facilitate conservation genetic resources studies in this species. Methods: DNA was extracted, using the CTAB 2x method, from leaf samples of 24 accessions of S. tuberosa available in the germplasm bank at Embrapa Semiárido, Brazil. Ten microsatellite loci were used in this study. Results: The UPGMA dendrogram, generated with a Jaccard coefficient similarity matrix, contains four groups at a 0.44 cutoff point. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.30 to 0.84, indicating great divergence among the accessions. A Bayesian analysis conducted with the software Structure suggests there are two subpopulations, one formed by accessions from the Januária region and another by accessions from the Juazeiro, Uauá and Petrolina regions. The ΦST value of 0.12 for the analysis of molecular variance indicates moderate genetic differentiation among the four populations, suggesting that the genetic variability is moderately structured in function of region. Conclusions: Together, the analyses indicate that the genetic diversity of S. tuberosa is not uniformly distributed in the studied regions. Thus, germplasm from a greater number of populations should be collected to increase the germplasm bank genetic diversity of the species.

Genetic characterization of novel polymorphic microsatellite markers for Epilobium nankotaizanense (Onagraceae), an endemic and threatened herb in Taiwan

Epilobium belongs to the family Onagraceae, which consists of approximately 200 species distributed worldwide, and some species have been used as medicinal plants. Epilobium nankotaizanense is an endemic and endangered herb that grows in the high mountains in Taiwan at an elevation of more than 3300 m. Alpine herbs are severely threatened by climate change, which leads to a reduction in their habitats and population sizes. However, only a few studies have addressed genetic diversity and population genetics. In the present study, we developed a new set of microsatellite markers for E. nankotaizanense using high-throughput genome sequencing data. Twenty polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed and tested on 30 individuals collected from three natural populations. These loci were successfully amplified, and polymorphisms were observed in E. nankotaizanense. The number of alleles per locus (A) ranged from 2.000 to 3.000, and the observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.929 and from 0.034 to 0.631, respectively. The developed polymorphic microsatellite markers will be useful in future conservation genetic studies of E. nankotaizanense as well as for developing an effective conservation strategy for this species and facilitating germplasm collections and sustainable utilization of other Epilobium species.

DNA-based screening of Brassica germplasm for sustainable and enhanced crop production

The Brassica genus contains many agriculturally important oilseed and vegetable crops. Brassica germplasm, including natural accessions and breeding populations, are maintained globally for sustainable management and enhancement of Brassica crop production which is critical to meet the demands of population growth and challenges of environmental stresses due to global climate change. DNA based markers, such as SNPs, are commonly used to screen large numbers of Brassica germplasm for conservation, genetic mapping and association studies. This chapter focuses on the application of SNP genotyping technologies for conservation of Brassica germplasm, uncovering the genetic basis of various biotic and abiotic stresses and screening for yield related traits and oil quality through marker-trait association studies.

Life history, climate and biogeography interactively affect worldwide genetic diversity of plant and animal populations

Understanding how biological and environmental factors interactively shape the global distribution of plant and animal genetic diversity is fundamental to biodiversity conservation. Genetic diversity measured in local populations (GDP) is correspondingly assumed representative for population fitness and eco-evolutionary dynamics. For 8356 populations across the globe, we report that plants systematically display much lower GDP than animals, and that life history traits shape GDP patterns both directly (animal longevity and size), and indirectly by mediating core-periphery patterns (animal fecundity and plant dispersal). Particularly in some plant groups, peripheral populations can sustain similar GDP as core populations, emphasizing their potential conservation value. We further find surprisingly weak support for general latitudinal GDP trends. Finally, contemporary rather than past climate contributes to the spatial distribution of GDP, suggesting that contemporary environmental changes affect global patterns of GDP. Our findings generate new perspectives for the conservation of genetic resources at worldwide and taxonomic-wide scales.