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Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is specifically infected by an obligatory root parasitic plant Orobanche cumana Wallr. (sunflower broomrape), which causes significant losses of sunflower yield. Breeding of sunflower varieties resistant to broomrape is an important challenge for agriculture. However, the selection of new resistant sunflower varieties was accompanied by the emergence of new virulent races of broomrape, which overcame the effect of resistance genes. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance to broomrape in sunflowers should facilitate the development of new sunflower varieties with complex resistance to broomrape using genome editing technology. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in sunflower hairy roots for a specific knock-out of the gene encoding a GRAS transcription factor (HaNSP1a), acting as a possible regulator of strigolactone biosynthesis, a class of phytohormones known to induce the germination of broomrape seeds. According to HPLC-IT-TOF/MS analysis, the levels of orobanchol were decreased in the genetically modified roots with knock-out of the HaNSP1a gene, whereas, in contrast, 5-deoxystrigol levels were increased in the roots with HaNSP1a knock-out, suggesting the role of HaNSP1a in the regulation of the strigolactone biosynthetic pathway. The experimental approach described here could be used in further studies to test the effect of gene knock-out on the development of resistance to O. cumana in sunflowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: A combination of increased human presence in the Arctic zone alongside climate change has led to a decrease in the number of wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). Studying the genetic potential of this species will aid in conservation efforts, while simultaneously promoting improved meat productivity in domestic reindeer. Alongside reducing feed costs, increasing disease resistance, etc., acquiring genetic variation information is a crucial task for domestic reindeer husbandry. This study thus identified highly informative molecular genetic markers usable for assessing genetic diversity and breeding purposes in reindeer. Methods: We analyzed gene polymorphism that may potentially affect animal growth and development in populations of wild (Taimyr Peninsula) and domestic reindeer, including Nenets and Evenk breeds. We screened these populations for polymorphisms by sequencing the GH, GHR, LCORL and BMP2 genes. Results: Following generation of gene sequences, we compared the alleles frequency in the surveyed populations and their genetic divergence. Some loci lacked polymorphism in wild reindeer, unlike domestic breeds. This could suggest a selection-driven microevolutionary divergence in domestic reindeer populations. An isolated domestic population from Kolguyev Island appeared to be genetically remote from continental reindeer. Conclusions: Molecular genetic markers associated with economically important traits in reindeer can be further developed using the data obtained. Monitoring wild reindeer populations and better utilizing the genetic potential of domestic animals will depend on a panel of these marker genes. By using this marker panel, the amount of time spent on selection efforts will be greatly reduced to enhance meat performance during reindeer breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Left displaced abomasum is a common disease among Holstein cattle that is causing significant economic losses. The exact causes of the disease are unknown, but it is assumed that LDA is multifactorial in nature. Predisposition to the displacement has been shown to be inherited. We conducted a genome-wide study to identify statistical associations between certain mutations and left displaced abomasum in Holstein cows from several farms in the Leningrad region. We found suggestive statistical associations with this disease and several mutations located in a set of genes involved in a variety of physiological processes. Some of these processes may be directly related to the development of the disease being studied. In addition, we conducted runs of homozygosity analysis and found that cows with displaced abomasum are more likely than healthy cows to carry a specific state of genomic regions containing genes associated with body shape, including width. This may indicate the role of this trait in the development of the disease. Left displaced abomasum (LDA) is a multifactorial disease of cattle that occurs mainly during the transition postpartum period and is characterized by a decrease in milk production and an increased risk of culling. Several studies have been conducted confirming the hereditary nature of predisposition to this disease. The aim of our study is to identify genetic associations characterizing the genomic variability of susceptibility to LDA in Holstein cattle of the Leningrad region of the Russian Federation. The objects of this study were 360 highly productive dairy cows divided into two groups: animals with LDA, and healthy ones (control). Runs of homozygosity analysis revealed one ROH on BTA13 that was found to be significantly more prevalent in the group of animals with LDA than in the healthy group. Fourteen candidate SNPs were found to be nominally associated with left displacement of the abomasum (p-value < 1 × 10−4). When performing functional annotation of genes containing associated polymorphisms or located close to them, candidate genes presumably associated with the development of LDA were identified: ABCB11, SRP72, RGS18, SOX4, GSG1L, FBXL19, and PNPLA4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoo conditions are unique for reindeer, since domestic reindeer are not kept in captive facilities like cattle. In the zoo, reindeer are usually surrounded by many different animals that they would never encounter naturally. Thus, they might be infected with new helminths. Numerous petting zoos raise concerns about the safety of tactile interactions for human visitors. Our study is the first large-scale one. Qualitative and quantitative fecal analyses were carried out for 233 reindeer distributed over 50 Russian zoos according to the National Standard of the Russian Federation (GOST R 54627-2011) Ruminant animals—Methods of Laboratory Helminthological Diagnostics. Where possible, DNA analyses of helminths were performed targeting internal transcribed spacer region. As a result, F. hepatica, Paramphistomum sp., Moniezia sp. (including M. expansa), gastrointestinal strongylids (including Nematodirus spp.), Dictyocaulus sp., E. rangiferi, Trichuris sp., and Capillaria sp. were found in 106 (45%) zoo reindeer. All these helminths were previously reported in reindeer and pose no direct danger for humans. The intensity of invasions was mostly low. Fecal examination might be considered as an indirect method for mange diagnostics, as Chorioptes and Demodex mites were found in reindeer fecal samples. The latter may represent a novel species of mite specific for reindeer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is virtually no information on genetic factors affecting the yield of allanto-amniotic fluid, which is the raw material for the production of human and animal vaccines. Association studies including this trait are beneficial for increasing productivity of a biotechnological line of chickens used for the production of 'Clean Eggs'. We examined here a population of the Russian White breed for the effects of indels in the prolactin (PRL) and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) genes on the yield of extraembryonic fluid (YEF) and embryo weight at 12.5 days of development. A 24-bp insertion in the 5' flanking region of the PRL gene significantly (P<0.01) increases YEF in the embryos. The heterozygous embryos contained the highest YEF (9.6 mL) than that of the homozygous insertion (9.4 mL) and deletion embryos (8.4 mL). We also found a significant association (P<0.001) between the PRL genotypes and egg weight (EW). The results of the present study suggest a significant association between the PRL gene variation and quantitative traits in the Russian White chickens, contributing to a long-term programme on the effective use of the genetic potential of Russian gene pool breeds and populations of chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and functioning of the animal reproductive system occurs as a result of the coordinated interaction of a wide range of genes. To search for causal mutations, work was carried out to search for polymorphic variants in the marker regions detected using GWAS. The four single-nucleotide substitutions in the exon of the GRM8 gene identified during the studies and the association of these SNPs with sperm quality was carried out. Semen from 22 stallions was collected. Sperm volume, concentration and progressive motility were assessed. Sequencing of the sections of the candidate GRM8 gene was carried out using an Applied Biosystems 3500 genetic analyzer. For the rs1138419111 genotype, no significant differences were found in the studied parameters. According to the identified single nucleotide substitution rs1147388106, the highest ejaculate volume was in stallions with the GG genotype (55.9±26.5 ml) compared to stallions with the GA genotypes (32.5±13.9 ml) and AA (18.0±33,6) (p < 0.05). When analyzing data on SNP rs395286150, stallions with a heterozygous CT genotype had the best sperm quality. Thus, the cell concentration was 317.0±66.5 million/ml in stallions with the CT genotype, 209.6±58.2 and 189.5±74.9 % with the CC and TT genotypes, respectively (P < 0.05). The progressive sperm motility of stallions with the CT genotype was 65.5±20.5% versus 48.7±22.0% in stallions with the TT genotype and 48.4±18.6% with CC. Analysis of data on SNP rs394524550 revealed a significant effect of the genotype on progressive motility. Stallions with the AG genotype had a progressive motility of 64.6±16.3%, and those with GG and AA 32.7±15.7 and 49.6±18.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). Thus, as a result four single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the exon of the GRM gene. Three of them were significantly associated with such indicators of sperm quality as ejaculate volume, concentration and progressive motility. Project No. 0445-2021-0011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reindeer are one of the main representatives of the ecosystem of the Arctic zone and the only possible object of economic activity of the indigenous peoples of the polar regions of Russia. Reindeer meat is a valuable source of complete protein in the diet of the Evenks, Nenets, Yakuts and other peoples of the Far North. Four breeds of reindeer have been bred in Russia - Nenets, Evenk, Chukchi and Even. Evenk and Nenets are the most numerous. They live in different climatic zones and differ significantly in phenotypic characteristics (size and body weight). Populations of wild reindeer are also widespread. The problem of increasing the meat productivity of the main breeds of domesticated reindeer can be solved by searching for casual polymorphisms in candidate genes responsible for the growth and development of muscle tissue. Thus, polymorphism of the LCORL gene (mRNA liganddependent nuclear receptor of the corepressor type, which is a transcription factor) is associated with body weight and size in many mammals. We sequenced exon 7 of the LCORL gene and found seven SNPs, six of which are nonsynonymous and lead to a change in the amino acid composition of the protein. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of wild and mutant alleles in the three analyzed populations (wild reindeer, Nenets breed, Evenk breed), which indicates the presence of selection pressure on the L?ORL gene region, and also indirectly confirms the significance of the polymorphism of this locus for phenotypic variability in height and size of the reindeer. Studies of associations of LCORL gene polymorphisms on live weight and growth in other animal species suggest that some of the found SNPs may be true causal quantitative trait loci (QTL) in domestic reindeer breeds. Project No. 0045-2021-0010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic resistance to sperm cryopreservation is an important factor in the sires selection. In our study, we studied the cryoresistance of the sperm in Gallus gallus, Bos taurus, Equus ferus caballus. Sperm quality was assessed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Genetic studies were performed using Affymetrix Axiom®600k Array chips for cocks, Affymetrix Axiom®600k Array for stallions and BovineSNP50 for bulls. For the analysis of genotypes, the GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies) was used. The calculations were carried out using the PLINK and EMMAX programs. The candidate genes found as a result of our work were compared with the functions of orthologous genes, according to the publications of other researchers. As a result of comparing different animal species, a common candidate gene was found, localized on chromosome 3 (Gallus gallus) and on BTA9 (Bos taurus) BCKDHB gene encodes the beta subunit E1 of branched chain keto acid dehydrogenase, which is a multienzyme complex associated with the inner membrane of mitochondria. In roosters, it was associated with the preservation of sperm motility after cryopreservation, and it was found in the analysis of the integrity of the sperm head in bulls. The functioning of genes associated with meiosis and sperm maturation is an important condition for maintaining its quality after freezing. The work of genes responsible for the formation of membranes and various cellular structures associated with the functions of spermatozoa is also an important factor in cryoresistance. Another important condition for the functioning of the sperm is the expression of genes that prepare the sperm for fertilization. These are calcium metabolism genes involved in preparation for capacitation. Changes in the structure of proteins can lead to premature capacitation and disruption of sperm integrity. The found molecular genetic markers will be used to select sires whose sperm are suitable for freezing. Project of RSF № 18-16-00071. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]