Genomics and predictive medicine

Progress in understanding of structural and functional human genome organization and deciphering primary DNA sequence in human cells allowed for hitherto unreachable new capabilities of medical genetics in identifying the causes and mechanisms of inherited and inborn pathology. Implementation of genetics into medicine is progressively advancing along with improvement of molecular analysis of genome. Knowledge of genome and its functions allows to provide more accurate diagnosis, predict, to a considerable extent, the presence of genetic predisposition of a person to pathology, and to assess the chances for developing one or another disease. This approach became the basis for a new area of medical genetics named predictive medicine. The progress of predictive medicine refl ects success in tremendous upgrowth of molecular genetic methods and new capabilities of studying structure and functions of genome. Within less than 15 years after deciphering genome, medical genetics has travelled a long way from a single gene analysis to whole genome studies, from screening of genetic associations to systems genetics of multifactorial diseases, from translational to high-precision genetics, and from genetic passport idea to electronic genetic health records. The development of a genetic passport, prognostic genetic testing, and genomic chart of reproductive health is especially relevant for current practical medicine.

Genotyping of Avasirkhva, an indigenous Abkhasian grapevine variety

Molecular genotyping of native varieties of Vitis vinifera L. from different winegrowing areas is a current trend in the grapevine genetic diversity research. Abkhazia is among the world cradles of tamed grape, and its indigenous gene pool is of particular interest. Avasirkhva is a native Abkhasian grapevine variety mainly grown in the Gudauta District. Te research aimed to obtaining a genetic passport of Avasirkhva grapevine using microsatellite polymorphism data. Te study sampled grape plants from private farmsteads of the Gudauta District. Te plant phenotype corresponded to the variety’s ampelographic description. DNA was isolated from young shoot tip leaves with a CTAB-based protocol. Genotyping was performed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by capillary fragment separation. High-polymorphic SSR loci (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD25, VVMD27, VVMD28, VVMD32, VrZAG62, VrZAG79) recommended for grapevine varietal identification were used as markers. Te amplicon size was estimated with an ABI Prism 3130 automated genetic analyser using the GeneMapper and PeakScanner soſtware and Pinot Noir as a reference variety genotype. Four samples exhibited an identical microsatellite profile. Te microsatellite assay-based genetic passport of the Avasirkhva variety is as follows: VVS2141-145 VVMD5234-242 VVMD7239- 249, VVMD25239-249, VVMD27184-190, VVMD28234-248, VVMD32248- 262, VrZAG62200-204, VrZAG79251-257. Te obtained passport is unique with respect to the known genotypes in the Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC). A Principal Coordinate Analysis of microsatellite data was used to infer the genetic relationships between Avasirkhva and the Abkhasian varieties Kachich and Azhizhkvakva genotyped in our earlier studies, as well as nine native grapevines of Georgia, the nearest viticultural area. Te Avasirkhva genetic passport can be used in grapevine genotyping studies to clarify the varietal identity.

Identification and certification of forage grasses (meadow clover, alfalfa, sowing and hop) based on DNA markers

A technology has been developed for DNA identification and certification of varieties of meadow clover (Trifolium pratense L.), alfalfa (Medicago varia Mart.), Sowing (M. sativa L.) and hop (M. lupuli-na L.) based on molecular analysis with using SSR and SRAP markers. The recommendations contain a description of the sequence of experiments and protocols for DNA typing procedures. The presented methods were developed by the authors on the basis of their own experimental research and using the data available in the literature. A characteristic of informative primers for each marking system is given, a set of DNA identification markers is proposed, and unique molecular genetic formulas of varieties are drawn up as the basis for a reference genetic passport. Methodological recommendations were prepared with the aim of mastering the technology of DNA certification of forage grasses in practice. Designed for managers and specialists of research and control laboratories, can serve as a textbook for students and postgraduates in specialized specialties.

DNA certification of varieties and hybrids of perennial grass crops

Aim. The aim of this study was to carry out passportization of cultivars, varieties and hybrids of perennial grass crops: Alopecurus protensis, Agropyron cristatum, Lolium perenne, Lolium miltiflorum, Festuca protensis, Festuca arundinasea, hybrids Festulolium. Methods. The perennial grasses selection was carried out by embryo culture according to methodical recommendations. For the molecular-genetic passportization of perennial grasses varieties the polymorphous primers have been selected – 9 RAPD primers and 15 ISSR primers. Results. Multilocus DNA labeling have allowed to differentiate all the genotypes being studied, to develop and to create the unique profiles for each of them and to calculate the genetic distance of congeniality/distances. On the base of RAPD/ISSR, SCoT spectra the 14 molecular-genetic passports of perennial grass cops have been obtained for the first time. Keywords: grass crops, molecular-genetic passport, DNA, PCR, multipoint mapping RAPD/ISSR spectra.