Search

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0016702924190030 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature transformation of β-PtBi2, a synthetic analogue of insizwaite, was studied under oxidizing conditions (on air). The behavior of the sample upon heating up to 660°C and cooling was studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction. It was shown that polymorphic transitions of β-PtBi2 into high-temperature γ- and δ-polymorphs do not occur under thermal treatment in the oxidizing conditions (on air). The DTA curve shows two exothermic peaks at 318 and 620°C. The total weight change in the temperature range studied is +10.5%. No thermal reactions or weight changes were recorded upon cooling of the sample. According to the high-temperature diffraction experiment in situ, the decomposition of the synthesized phase into Pt and Bi was recorded with their subsequent oxidation to bismuth oxide Bi2O3 with the bismite-type structure and double platinum and bismuth oxide with the pyrochlore-type structure Bi2Pt2O7. The study by electron microprobe analysis showed that the grains of the transformed insizwaite are a finely dispersed mixture of two oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Copy number variants (CNVs) are genomic structural variations that contribute to many adaptive and economically important traits in livestock. In this study, we detected CNVs in 354 animals from 16 Russian indigenous sheep breeds and analysed their possible functional roles. Our analysis of the entire sample set resulted in 4527 CNVs forming 1450 CNV regions (CNVRs). When constructing CNVRs for individual breeds, a total of 2715 regions ranging from 88 in Groznensk to 337 in Osetin breeds were identified. To make interbreed CNVR frequency comparison possible, we also identified core CNVRs using CNVs with overlapping chromosomal locations found in different breeds. This resulted in 137 interbreed CNVRs with frequency >15% in at least one breed. Functional enrichment analysis of genes affected by CNVRs in individual breeds revealed 12 breeds with significant enrichments in olfactory perception, PRAME family proteins, and immune response. Function of genes affected by interbreed and breed‐specific CNVRs revealed candidates related to domestication, adaptation to high altitudes and cold climates, reproduction, parasite resistance, milk and meat qualities, wool traits, fat storage, and fat metabolism. Our work is the first attempt to uncover and characterise the CNV makeup of Russian indigenous sheep breeds. Further experimental and functional validation of CNVRs would help in developing new and improving existing sheep breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The CBa chondrites are the metal-rich meteorites composed of Fe,Ni-globules and silicate chondrules and similar by composition to CH chondrites (e. g. [1]). The CBa chondrites are coarse-grained type of the CB group [2, 3]. Formation of CB chondrites could be explained by collisions of planetesimals producing an impact plume [4-9]. Physico-chemical conditions of the plume were not studied well. Here we present results on an investigation of very rare glassy inclusions trapped in the Fe,Ni-metal globules of the Sierra Gorda 013 CBa-like chondrite [10] and discuss their origin in the light of heterogeneity of the plume formed during collision of planetesimals. Results: We discovered that some of metal globules in SG 013 contain two types (T1 and T2) of siliceous Na, K-bearing inclusions, often associated with sulfides. The T1 inclusions are up to 10x20 µm and compose of Nbbearing Ca,Al,Mg-poor glass, systematically associated with unknown Na-bearing Cr-sulfide with the best fit formula NaCr3S7 or NaCr4S8. The largest of them have a homogenous texture while the smaller inclusions demonstrate sharp zoning or segregation texture, both formed by SiO2-rich globules in the SiO2-less matrix. The T2 inclusions are mostly µm-sized and composed of Nb-poor Al-bearing glass associated with daubreelite. Both types have similar average contents of SiO2 (75.6 and 78.0 wt. %) and Na2O (7.0 and 8.3 wt.%) and are poor in FeO. The Nb-bearing glasses contain 2.3 - 8.4 wt.% of Nb2O5 (average 3.5 wt. %) and 0.07 wt.% Ta2O5. They are notably enriched in Ti, Mn and Cr and negligible concentrations of Ca, Al and Mg in comparison to the Nb-poor Al-bearing glasses some of them are enriched in Mg and Ca and depleted in Cr, Ti and Mn in comparison with the Nb-bearing glasses. Discussion: Siliceous alkali-rich glass inclusions found at first in the metal globules of SG 013 are only known carriers of alkalis in CBa chondrites which are essentially poor in volatile elements [2, 3, 10]. Both glass populations are similarly enriched in Na and K relatively to the CI chondrites (~11 and 15xCI respectively). The forsterite chondrules of SG 013 have anorthitic mesostasis resulted in complete evaporation of Na and K and should be formed in reduced dust-poor region of the plume [11]. Based on compositional differences we suggest that the T1 and T2 inclusions could be formed from the middle- and high-temperature condensates in different regions of the plume reacted with a low-temperature silica- and alkali-rich vapor complementary to the forsterite chondrules that resulted in subchondritic Na/K ratio [13, 14]. The condensates were moved from different plume regions as it was modelled by [12] and passed through S-rich and alkali-rich plume regions before they were captured by metal in high-T S-poor region of the plume. Extreme Nb enrichment and superchondritic Nb/Ta ratio (31) of the Nb-bearing glasses are enigmatic assuming their chondrite source and relatively low-temperature condensate origin. Only traces of partial differentiation concerned with one of collided bodies were found in CBa chondrites [9, 10] and most of the known differentiated meteorites have nearly chondritic Nb/Ta ratios [15]. Thus, fractionation of Nb and Ta possibly occurred in a high temperature vapor due to their slightly different volatility [15] and siderophile behavior at low fO2 [16] possibly due to condensation of Ti niobate. Refractory Nb-bearing condensates could be formed in the reduced plume as the sub-micron dust particles, were removed from their parent region as predicted by the model [12] and transported by a gas flow to the low-temperature region of the glass formation where the high pressure of Na, K and Si gas occurred and enter to the condensing melts. However, why the Ca-Nb condensates were not formed, and mechanism of early removal of refractory condensates from the plume before chondrules formation remain unclear. Conclusion: We show as the glass inclusions could record information about geochemical heterogeneity of CBa-forming plume. Fine dust of collisional cloud observed in the system of HD172555 star [17] consists of amorphous SiO2 and could be a condensate similar to the SG 013 siliceous glasses. Acknowledgments: The work is partial funded by Russian fund of basic research (RFBR) (#20-05-00117). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is first to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to investigate the milk quality traits in Karachai goats. The objective of the study was to identify candidate genes associated with milk composition traits based on the identification and subsequent analysis of all possible SNPs, both genome-wide (high-confidence) and suggestive (subthreshold significance). To estimate the milk components, 22 traits were determined, including several types of fatty acids. DNA was extracted from ear tissue or blood samples. A total of 167 Karachai goats were genotyped using an Illumina GoatSNP53K BeadChip panel (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Overall, we identified 167 highly significant and subthreshold SNPs associated with the milk components of Karachai goats. A total of 10 SNPs were located within protein-coding genes and 33 SNPs in close proximity to them (±0.2 Mb). The largest number of genome-wide significant SNPs was found on chromosomes 2 and 8 and some of them were associated with several traits. The greatest number of genome-wide significant SNPs was identified for crude protein and lactose (6), and the smallest number-only 1 SNP-for freezing point depression. No SNPs were identified for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Functional annotation of all 43 SNPs allowed us to identify 66 significant candidate genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, and 27. We considered these genes potential DNA markers of the fatty acid composition of Karachai goat milk. Also, we found 12 genes that had a polygenic effect: most of them were simultaneously associated with the dry matter content and fatty acids (METTL, SLC1A 8, PHACTR1, FMO2, ECI1, PGP, ABCA3, AMDHD2). Our results suggest that the genes identified in our study affecting the milk components in Karachai goats differed from those identified in other breeds of dairy goats.

After the domestication of goats around 10,000 years before the present (BP), humans transported goats far beyond the range of their wild ancestor, the bezoar goat. This brought domestic goats into contact with many wild goat species such as ibex and markhor, enabling introgression between domestic and wild goats. To investigate this, while shedding light on the taxonomic status of wild and domestic goats, we analysed genome-wide SNP data of 613 specimens from 14 taxonomic units, including Capra hircus, C. pyrenaica, C. ibex (from Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia), C. aegagrus aegagrus, C. a. cretica, C. h. dorcas, C. caucasica caucasica, C. c. severtzovi, C. c. cylindricornis, C. falconeri, C. sibirica sibirica, C. s. alaiana and C. nubiana, as well as Oreamnos americanus (mountain goat) as an outgroup. To trace gene flow between domestic and wild goats, we integrated genotype data of local goat breeds from the Alps as well as from countries such as Spain, Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Russia (Caucasus and Altai) and Pakistan. Our phylogenetic analyses displayed a clear separation between bezoar-type and ibex-type clades with wild goats from the Greek islands of Crete and Youra clustered within domestic goats, confirming their feral origin. Our analyses also revealed gene flow between the lineages of Caucasian tur and domestic goats that most likely occurred before or during early domestication. Within the clade of domestic goats, analyses inferred gene flow between African and Iberian goats. The detected events of introgression were consistent with previous reports and offered interesting insights into the historical relationships among domestic and wild goats., (© 2023 The Authors. Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Three stable microbial consortia, each composed of Bacillus paranthracis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains, were isolated from milk of cows diagnosed with mastitis in three geographically remote regions of Russia. The composition of these consortia remained stable following multiple passages on culture media. Apparently, this stability is due to the structure of the microbial biofilms formed by the communities. The virulence of the consortia depended on the B. paranthracis strains. It seems plausible that the ability of the consortia to cause mastitis in cattle was affected by mutations of the cytK gene of B. paranthracis., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Goats with diverse economic phenotypic traits play an important role in animal husbandry. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying complex phenotypic traits are unclear in goats. Genomic studies of variations provided a lens to identify functional genes. The work aimed to search for candidate genes related to body measurements and body weight of Karachai goats and develop an experimental PCR-RV test system for genotyping significant SNPs. Comparison of GWAS results for ages 4 and 8 months revealed 58 common SNPs for significant genotypes. 11 common SNPs were identified for body weight, 4 SNPs-for group of traits withers height, rump height, body length, 2 SNPs-for withers height and rump height, 1 SNP-for body length and chest depth. Structural annotation of genomic regions covering a window of ±0.20 Mb showed the presence of 288 genes; 52 of them had the described functions in accordance with gene ontology. The main molecular functions of proteins encoded by these genes are the regulation of transcription, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, body growth, fatty acid and lipid metabolism, nervous system development, and spermatogenesis. SNPs common to body weight and localized within a window of ±200 kb from the structural genes CRADD , HMGA2 , MSRB3 , FUT8 , MAX , and RAB15 were selected to create a test system. The study of meat productivity after slaughter and chemical analysis of muscle tissue in Karachai goats at the age of 8 months of different genotypes according to the identified SNPs revealed that rs268269710 is the most promising for further research and use in breeding. The GG genotype is associated with a larger live weight of animals, a larger carcass yield, the content of the boneless part in it, and the ratio of protein and adipose tissue in meat preferred for dietary nutrition. These results will contribute to the genetic improvement of Karachai goats.

Eurasia is represented by all climatic zones and various environments. A unique breed variety of farm animals has been developed in Russia, whose territory covers a large area of the continent. A total of 69 local breeds and types of dairy, wool, and meat sheep ( Ovis aries ) are maintained here. However, the genetic diversity and maternal origin of these local breeds have not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, we describe the diversity and phylogeny of Russian sheep breeds inhabiting different geographical regions based on the analysis of complete sequences of mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA). Complete mtDNA sequences of the studied sheep were obtained using next-generation sequencing technology (NGS). All investigated geographical groups of sheep were characterized by high haplotype (Hd = 0.9992) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00378). Analysis of the AMOVA results showed that genetic diversity was majorly determined by within-population differences (77.87%). We identified 128 haplotypes in all studied sheep. Haplotypes belonged to the following haplogroups: B (64.8%), A (28.9%), C (5.5%), and D (0.8%). Haplogroup B was predominant in the western part of Russia. A high level of mtDNA polymorphism in the studied groups of local sheep indicates the presence of a significant reserve of unique genotypes in Russia, which is to be explored.

In goat breeds, the domestication followed by artificial selection for economically important traits have shaped genetic variation within populations, leading to the fixation of specific alleles for specific traits. This led to the formation and evolution of many different breeds specialised and raised for a particular purpose. However, and despite the intensity of artificial selection, natural selection continues acting, possibly leaving a more diluted contribution over time, whose traces may be more difficult to capture. In order to explore selection footprints as response of environmental adaptation, we analysed a total of 993 goats from four transboundary goats breeds (Angora, Boer, Nubian and Saanen) genotyped with the SNP chip 50 K using outlier detection, runs of homozygosity and haplotype-based detection methods. Our results showed that all methods identified footprints on chromosome 6 (from 30 to 49 Mb) for two specific populations of Nubian goats sampled in Egypt. In Angora and Saanen breeds, we detected two selective sweeps using HapFLK, on chromosome 21 (from 52 to 55 Mb) and chromosome 25 (from 1 to 5 Mb) respectively. The analysis of runs of homozygosity showed some hotspots in all breeds. The overall investigation of the selected regions detected combining the different approaches and the gene ontology exploration revealed both novel and well-known loci related to adaptation, especially for heat stress. Our findings can help to better understand the balance between the two selective pressures in commercial goat breeds providing new insights on the molecular mechanisms of adaptation., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The objective of this study was to identify the SNPs and candidate genes related to body weight and seven body conformation traits at the age of 8 months in the Russian aboriginal Karachai goats (n = 269) by conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS), using genotypes generated by Goat SNP BeadChip (Illumina Inc., USA). We identified 241 SNPs, which were significantly associated with the studied traits, including 47 genome-wide SNPs (p < 10−5) and 194 suggestive SNPs (p < 10−4), distributed among all goat autosomes except for autosome 23. Fifty-six SNPs were common for two and more traits (1 SNP for six traits, 2 SNPs for five traits, 12 SNPs for four traits, 20 SNPs for three traits, and 21 SNPs for two traits), while 185 SNPs were associated with single traits. Structural annotation within a window of 0.4 Mb (±0.2 Mb from causal SNPs) revealed 238 candidate genes. The largest number of candidate genes was identified at Chr13 (33 candidate genes for the five traits). The genes identified in our study were previously reported to be associated with growth-related traits in different livestock species. The most significant genes for body weight were CRADD, HMGA2, MSRB3, MAX, HACL1 and RAB15, which regulate growth processes, body sizes, fat deposition, and average daily gains. Among them, the HMGA2 gene is a well-known candidate for prenatal and early postnatal development, and the MSRB3 gene is proposed as a candidate gene affecting the growth performance. APOB, PTPRK, BCAR1, AOAH and ASAH1 genes associated with withers height, rump height and body length, are involved in various metabolic processes, including fatty acid metabolism and lipopolysaccharide catabolism. In addition, WDR70, ZBTB24, ADIPOQ, and SORCS3 genes were linked to chest width. KCNG4 was associated with rump height, body length and chest perimeter. The identified candidate genes can be proposed as molecular markers for growth trait selection for genetic improvement in Karachai goats.

To predict species responses to anthropogenic disturbances and climate change, it is reasonable to use species with high sensitivity to such factors. Snow sheep (Ovis nivicola) could represent a good candidate for this; as the only large herbivore species adapted to the cold and alpine habitats of northeastern Siberia, it plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Despite having an extensive geographical distribution among all ovine species, it is one of the least studied. In this study, we sequenced and analysed six genomes of snow sheep in combination with all other wild sheep species to infer key aspects of their evolutionary history and unveil the genetic basis of their adaptation to subarctic environments. Despite their large census population size, snow sheep genomes showed remarkably low heterozygosity, which could reflect the effect of isolation and historical bottlenecks that we inferred using the pairwise sequential Markovian coalescent and runs of homozygosity. F 4 -statistics indicated instances of introgression involving snow sheep with argali (Ovis ammon) and Dall (Ovis dalli) sheep, suggesting that these species might have been more widespread during the Pleistocene. Furthermore, the introgressed segments, which were identified using mainly minimum relative node depth, covered genes associated with immunity, adipogenesis and morphology-related traits, representing potential targets of adaptive introgression. Genes related to mitochondrial functions and thermogenesis associated with adipose tissue were identified to be under selection. Overall, our data suggest introgression as a mechanism facilitating adaptation in wild sheep species and provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying cold adaptation in snow sheep., (© 2021 The Authors. Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)