Search Results (633)

Global climate change-induced precipitation reduction severely threatens the sustainability of sandy grassland ecosystems. Understanding the adaptive strategies of native psammophytes is crucial for desertification control. We integrated leaf anatomy and transcriptomics (RNA-seq/WGCNA) to decipher drought resistance in three dominant psammophytes from Horqin Sandy Grassland. The finding revealed that the C3 annual/biennial herb Artemisia scoparia exhibited the most robust transcriptomic response, with co-expression modules linking tyrosine metabolism to cuticular thickening; the C3 semi-shrub Lespedeza davurica showed superior anatomical adaptation, underpinned by phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, while the C4 perennial herb Cleistogenes squarrosa exhibited molecular signatures of high drought sensitivity, with severe drought disrupting its flavonoid biosynthesis and circadian rhythms. In this study, the C4 herbaceous species showed stronger precipitation dependence than the C3 herbs. Our study provides molecular–anatomical insights into the ecological restoration of sandy grasslands under global change, suggesting the use of shrubs as primary stabilizers for sand fixation, alongside breeding herbaceous genotypes with optimized anatomical and transcriptomic traits to meet the needs of sustainable vegetation recovery in sandy grasslands under climate change. Full article

Plant domestication has led to a series of morphological and physiological changes aimed at making species more suitable for human use and consumption. In Vitis vinifera ssp. sativa, these changes include increased sugar content and berry size, modifications in seed morphology, and the transition from dioecy to hermaphroditism. This process, which began approximately 6000–8000 years ago in the Transcaucasian region, unfolded in multiple stages and involved the natural abandonment of wild Vitis populations. While it contributed to the phenotypic diversification of modern grapevine cultivars, it also came at the expense of biodiversity. Selection for yield and quality has resulted in the loss of resilience traits in cultivated grapevines. In this study, 23 Vitis species of American origin were examined, analyzing for each their native range, susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses, and their suitability for propagation. The study, characterization, and compilation of these American Vitis species provide a valuable resource for consultation and use in targeted grapevine breeding programs. These efforts aim to recover adaptive traits from wild progenitors, enhance the resilience of cultivated grapevines, and address the challenges posed by modern agriculture and sustainability. Full article

This review summarizes and analyzes the current status and trends in conservation of agricultural AnGR in Russia. The biodiversity of farm animal species in Russia is significant and is represented by 507 breeds, including 236 aboriginal ones. Based on a summary of global experience in maintaining genetic material of various types, we describe here strategies for preserving native breeds in Russia. Genetic monitoring using modern technologies improves the relevance of biological collections and enables the selection of the most typical and valuable representatives of AnGR for cryopreservation. The National Center for AnGR has developed a key conservation strategy based on the integrated use of genetic and assisted reproductive technologies. This strategy has been successfully implemented in a few cattle and goat breeds. In 2025, genetic monitoring of AnGR reproduced in vivo and preserved in vitro began. These studies and practical measures in Russia play an important role in preserving the genetic diversity of native AnGR in a changing climate to ensure food security for current and future generations. Thus, owing to the joint efforts of research teams and state financial support, a positive trend has emerged in cryopreservation programs and the preservation of living bioresource collections in Russia. Full article

Understanding the genetic regulatory mechanisms of fat accumulation is crucial for improving beef quality. Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) is renowned for its high intramuscular fat (marbling), yet the genetic regulation of adipose gene expression remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we performed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis using RNA-Seq data and genotype data from backfat tissue of 75 Hanwoo steers to identify regulatory variants associated with adipose deposition. A total of 25,042 significant cis-eQTL associations (FDR < 0.05) were identified, and 5362 unique top cis-eQTL pairs were retained after gene-wise filtering. Key cis-regulated genes included AGBL1, CACNG1, MYO18B, and DUSP29, which are involved in cytoskeletal organization, muscle development and calcium signaling. Three major cis-regulatory hotspots were located on BTA15 (BTA15:50354741) and BTA21 (BTA21:21526143, and BTA21:21541921). Permutation-based analysis (100,000 iterations) was conducted to control false positives, identifying 12 statistically significant trans-eQTL hotspots (FDR q < 0.05), of which SNP 6:60512276 and SNP 21:17035557 exhibited extensive trans-regulatory activity influencing 429 and 161 genes, respectively. In particular, SNP 21:17035557 acted as a shared cis- and trans-regulatory hub, indicating hierarchical control of adipose gene networks. Functional enrichment analyses revealed significant involvement of cytoskeleton- and calcium-dependent pathways, highlighting the interplay between structural remodeling and metabolic regulation in adipose tissue. These findings provide a comprehensive, system-level view of adipose gene regulation in Hanwoo cattle and highlight candidate molecular targets for genome-assisted and precision breeding. Moreover, this study offers quantitative genomic resources that can support the development of prediction models and decision-support systems for improving carcass traits in Hanwoo breeding programs. Full article

Background: The fat-tailed coarse-wooled sheep breeds exhibit excellent reproductive performance, exceptional adaptability to pasture conditions, and high precocity, contributing to enhanced meat, fat, and wool productivity in sheep breeding. Despite the significant role of these sheep breeds in Kazakhstan’s livestock production, their genetics remain poorly studied. This raises concerns about the potential loss of unique, breed-specific traits that could be important for the future development and resilience of Kazakh stan’s sheep farming sector. This study aimed to analyze genome-wide genotyping SNP data of local fat-tailed coarse-wooled sheep breeds (Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wooled, Edilbay, and Gissar) to reveal their genetic diversity, breed characteristics, and phylogenetic relationships with worldwide domestic sheep breeds and wild sheep. Methods: The OvineSNP50 Genotyping BeadChip was used to obtain genome-wide SNP genotyping data from 160 fat-tailed coarse-wooled sheep from Kazakhstan. Population structure analysis, principal component analysis, phylogenetic and the maximum likelihood tree analysis were performed in comparison with foreign domestic sheep breeds and wild sheep populations. Results: Kazakh breeds exhibited high genetic diversity, with Edilbay showing the greatest allelic richness. PCA and Admixture revealed clear differentiation among the three breeds: Edilbay and Gissar formed homogeneous clusters, while Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wooled sheep displayed admixture and substructure. Evidence of gene flow from Edilbay into other Kazakh populations supports its role as a genetic source for regional breeds. Phylogenetic analysis placed Kazakhstani sheep close to other Central Asian breeds, while clearly distinct from East Asian and European populations. Wild sheep (Argali and Urial) formed separate clades, with Kerman wild sheep clustering closer to Urial. Conclusions: Our results highlight the value of genotyping data for studying genetic diversity and population structure. Developing genetic resources for Kazakhstan’s native sheep breeds will help preserve their unique diversity and ensure it remains available for future use in breeding and adaptation efforts. Full article

Deciphering egg laying-related genetic basis and aggregating its key genes or genetic markers will be helpful for genetic improvement of chicken laying-oriented breeding. Our previous research found adaptor related protein complex 2 mu 1 subunit (AP2M1) gene is a key candidate gene related to egg production. However, its functions and genetic regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to clarify AP2M1 functions and identify its functional variants. Expression characteristic analysis of AP2M1 within and between breeds confirmed the negative regulatory relationship of hypothalamic AP2M1 expression on egg production. Overexpression and interference tests indicated that AP2M1 inhibited GnRH synthesis and secretion in chicken hypothalamic neuron cells. To explore molecular markers influencing AP2M1 expression, a copy number variation (CNV) region containing AP2M1 were verified in different chicken breeds by qRT-PCR; a copy number loss of AP2M1 were observed in layers compared to native breeds, commercial broilers, and wild breed. Correlation analysis between CNV and egg number, as well as differential expression analysis of different copy numbers, indicated that the CNV contributed to the differences in egg production by influencing AP2M1 expression. Meanwhile, through association analysis of whole-genome SNPs in AP2M1 with 13 egg production traits, 15 egg-laying related SNPs were identified. Further difference expression analysis among the different genotypes of SNPs and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that chr9:15994879T>C was a functional SNP regulating AP2M1 expression. These findings unveil egg laying-related functional molecular markers will help accelerate molecular design breeding process of chicken egg production. Full article

Hymenaea martiana is a species native to Brazil. It has ecological value, contributes to forest restoration, and is economically important because of the use of its wood and fruits. However, it is frequently exploited. Therefore, understanding genetic diversity becomes essential for guiding conservation strategies as well as ecological restoration actions in the face of climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the intraspecific diversity of 160 H. martiana mother plants on the basis of morphological descriptors of fruits and seeds and physiological indicators of seed quality, identifying the most discriminating characters. Eighteen traits were analyzed and subjected to analysis of variance and the Scott–Knott test (p < 0.05), with estimates of heritability and the ratio between genetic and environmental coefficients of variation. Phenotypic divergence was obtained via the Mahalanobis distance (D²) and grouped via UPGMA, whereas the relative contribution of the traits was estimated via the Singh method. The results revealed that seed length and weight, emergence speed index, and shoot dry mass were the most effective descriptors for discriminating parent plants. Multivariate analysis revealed the formation of eleven phenotypically distinct groups, demonstrating high variability. These findings support the selection of superior genotypes and representative seed collection, as well as practical initiatives such as the formation of germplasm banks, the selection of breeding stock for forest nurseries, and reintroduction programs. Thus, the data obtained offer technical and scientific support for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem recovery in the semiarid region of Brazil. Full article

The Aubrac cattle breed, native to France and increasingly adopted in Eastern Europe, is known for producing tender, flavorful, and well-marbled beef. Despite its growing popularity, limited data exist on its nutritional profile and implications for human health. This study evaluates carcass traits and protein quality in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of male and female Aubrac cattle raised under semi-intensive systems. Special attention was given to essential and semi-essential amino acids, which exceeded FAO/WHO reference requirements by 60.25%, 97.43%, and 221.49% for children, youth individuals, and adults, respectively, confirming superior protein quality. The high amino acid concentration (up to 30.59 g/100 g protein) and biological value confirm superior protein quality. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile reveals a favorable balance between saturated and unsaturated fats, with oleic acid predominance and a moderate atherogenic index, suggesting cardiovascular benefits. These findings support classifying Aubrac beef as a functional protein source with potential health advantages, reinforcing its role in sustainable cattle production, dietary planning, and consumer education. This study provides insights into factors influencing beef quality, connecting cattle breed and production system with nutritional value and health benefits. Full article

This study evaluated genetic parameters for test-day egg production in four Thai native synthetic chicken lines—Soi Nin, Soi Pet, Kaen Thong, and Kaimook e-san—under heat stress in Thailand. A total of 11,887 monthly test-day egg records from 1134 hens, collected between January 2023 and July 2025, were analyzed using a repeatability test-day model with the temperature–humidity index (THI) as an environmental covariate. THI thresholds from 70 to 80 were evaluated, and the THI1 equation provided the best model fit with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) and the lowest mean squared error (MSE). With increasing THI, heritability estimates declined from 0.255–0.323 at THI 70 to 0.173–0.236 at THI 80, a 26.9–32.2% decrease reflecting reduced additive genetic variance and consequent lower genetic expression under heat stress. Genetic correlations between egg production and heat stress were positive at low THI (0.250–0.600) but became negative at THI ≥ 73, suggesting antagonism between productivity and thermotolerance under severe stress. The rate of decline in egg production increased with increasing THI, from −0.35 to −0.45 eggs/bird/THI at THI 73, −0.80 to −1.22 at THI 76, and −1.76 to −2.35 at THI 80. The ranges of heritability and decline rates reflect the variation observed among the four Thai native synthetic chicken lines examined in this study. Kaimook e-san consistently showed the steepest decline in egg production, whereas Soi Nin exhibited the smallest, indicating greater resilience. These findings reveal significant genetic variation in heat tolerance among Thai native synthetic lines and underscore the need to consider both productivity and environmental sensitivity in breeding programs to sustain egg production under future climate change. Full article

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV), an oncogenic retrovirus of the genus Deltaretrovirus, causes enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), the most prevalent neoplastic disease in cattle and a major source of economic loss. While BLV prevalence has been studied in commercial breeds, data on native Latin American cattle remain limited. This study assessed BLV infection and proviral load in 244 animals from six native breeds: Argentine Creole (CrAr), Patagonian Argentine Creole (CrArPat), Pampa Chaqueño Creole (CrPaCh), Bolivian Creole from Cochabamba (CrCoch), Saavedreño Creole (CrSaa), and Siboney (Sib), sampled across Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Cuba. BLV-CoCoMo-qPCR-2 assay detected BLV provirus in 76 animals (31.1%), with a mean load of 9923 copies per 10⁵ cells (range: 1–79,740). Infection rates varied significantly by breed (9.8% in CrAr to 83.8% in CrPaCh) and country (15.6% in Argentina to 83.8% in Paraguay) (p = 9.999 × 10⁻⁵). Among positives, 57.9% exhibited low proviral load (≤1000 copies), and 13.2% showed moderate levels (1001–9999), suggesting potential resistance to EBL progression. This is the first comprehensive report of BLV proviral load in Creole cattle across Latin America, offering novel epidemiological insights and highlighting the importance of native breeds in BLV surveillance. Full article

Guava (Psidium guajava L.), a perennial species native to tropical regions of the Americas, holds significant economic value and plays an important role in the global fruit industry. Although several reference genomes have been published, population-level genomic studies remain limited, hindering genetic improvement efforts. In this study, we conducted whole genome re-sequencing of 62 guava accessions, primarily from Southern China and Brazil. A total of 4,887,006 high-quality SNPs and 731,469 InDels were identified for population genomic analyses. Phylogenetic and population structure analyses revealed subgroupings that largely corresponded to geographic origins. The data indicated that extensive hybridization between accessions from Brazil and or within China has contributed to the development of many dominant commercial varieties. Genetic diversity analyses showed that Brazilian accessions exhibited higher nucleotide diversity and more rapid linkage disequilibrium decay than those from China. Environmental factors and artificial selection likely imposed selective pressures that shaped guava’s adaptability and agronomic traits. A preliminary genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified PgMYB4 as a candidate gene potentially associated with fruit flesh color. These findings provide novel insights into the genetic diversity, population history, and domestication of guava, and lay a valuable foundation for future breeding and improvement strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Paspalum nicorae Parodi is a native subtropical grass species with promising agronomic attributes, such as persistence, drought and cold tolerance, and rapid establishment. However, the species remains underutilized in breeding programs due to the absence of well-characterized germplasm and limited studies on its genetic variability and agronomic potential. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters, predict genotypic values, and identify superior ecotypes with desirable forage traits, integrating stability and adaptability analyses. Methods: A total of 84 ecotypes were evaluated over three consecutive years for twelve morphological and forage-related traits. Genetic parameters, genotypic values, and selection gains were estimated using mixed models (REML/BLUP). Stability was assessed through harmonic means of genotypic performance, and the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was applied to identify ecotypes with balanced performance across traits. Results: Substantial genetic variability was detected for most traits, particularly those related to biomass accumulation, such as total dry matter, the number of tillers, fresh matter, and leaf dry matter. These traits exhibited medium to high heritability and strong potential for selection. Ecotype N3.10 consistently showed superior performance across productivity traits while other ecotypes, such as N4.14 and N1.09, stood out for quality-related attributes and cold tolerance, respectively. The application of the MGIDI index enabled the identification of 17 ecotypes with balanced multi-trait performance, supporting the simultaneous selection for productivity, quality, and adaptability. Comparisons with P. notatum suggest that P. nicorae harbors competitive genetic potential, despite its lower level of domestication. Conclusions: The integration of REML/BLUP analyses, stability parameters, and ideotype-based multi-trait selection provided a robust framework for identifying elite P. nicorae ecotypes. These findings reinforce the strategic importance of this species as a valuable genetic resource for the development of adapted and productive forage cultivars in subtropical environments. Full article

As a major source of high-quality protein in China, duck meat such as the renowned Beijing Duck plays a critical role in the poultry industry. Sansui duck, a prized native breed, is valued for its tender meat and rich flavor, yet molecular mechanisms underlying its meat quality remain poorly studied. This study employed metabolomics and proteomics techniques to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the breast and thigh muscles from 90-day-old (90X, 90T) and 468-day-old (468X, 468T) Sansui ducks. The meat quality traits indicated that the shear force and redness (a*) were significantly higher in the 468T and 468X groups compared to the 90X and 90T groups (p < 0.05). Similarly, the shear force values of the 90T and 468T groups were significantly higher than those of the 90X and 468X groups (p < 0.05). Quantitative proteomics analysis revealed differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) significantly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation and ribosomal biogenesis pathways. Non-targeted metabolomics identified differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) concentrated in amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways. Correlation analysis indicated that in the comparison between 90X and 468X, 18 DEPs and 10 DEMs were closely associated with fleshiness, whereas in the comparison between 468X and 468T, 23 DEPs and 19 DEMs were closely associated with fleshiness. Integrating proteomics and metabolomics data analysis, proteins such as A0A8B9TTI1, R0JRM6, and A0A8B9SQI5, along with metabolites including L-lysine, L-pyrrolidone, and γ-aminobutyric acid from lysine degradation, butanoate metabolism, and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism pathways, can be proposed as key factors influencing meat quality through pathways including lysine degradation, butanoate metabolism, and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism in older ducks. In contrast, the protein R0JXJ3 and metabolites choline and L-glutamine may determine meat quality differences between anatomical sites through the ABC transporter pathway. These findings provide molecular insights and potential biomarkers for genetic breeding and meat quality improvement in Sansui ducks. Full article

Polemonium caeruleum L. (Polemoniaceae) is a perennial flowering plant native to Eurasia and North America, which is used as a fodder, medicinal, and ornamental plant. Many issues related to the taxonomy and origin of this valuable species still remain unclear. The intraspecific genetic variability of P. caeruleum and chromosomal organization of its genome are insufficiently studied. For the first time, we analyzed NGS genomic data of P. caeruleum using ReapeatExplorer2/TAREAN/DANTE Pipelines. In its repeatome, we identified 66.08% of Class I retrotransposons; 0.57% of Class II transposons; 0.42% of ribosomal DNA; and 0.87% of satellite DNA (six high-confident and three low-confident putative satellite DNAs). FISH chromosome mapping of seven tandem DNAs was carried out in two P. caeruleum varieties and two wild populations. Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of using satDNAs Pol_C 46 and Pol_C 33 in combination with 45S rDNA and 5S rDNA for precise chromosome identification. This approach allowed us to study intraspecific chromosomal variability and detect chromosomal rearrangements in the studied accessions of P. caeruleum, which could be related to the speciation process. These novel molecular markers are important for chromosome studies within Polemonium to clarify its taxonomy and phylogeny, and also, they expand the potential of different breeding programs. Full article

Scrapie (classical and atypical) susceptibility in sheep is strongly influenced by PRNP gene polymorphisms. In Portugal, limited data exist for native breeds such as Serra da Estrela, despite their relevance to animal conservation and food production. The full coding region of PRNP gene of 92 Serra da Estrela sheep was sequenced and SNP frequencies were analysed. The predicted functional impact of nonsynonymous SNPs was assessed using PolyPhen-2 and AMYCO. A total of 27 SNPs were identified, including 20 nonsynonymous variants. Thirteen major haplotypes were observed. The ARR allele, which provides resistance to classical scrapie, was present in 58.7% of the population, with 18.5% of animals being homozygous. Several previously unreported SNPs were identified, and their impact on prion protein aggregation propensity and structure was explored. The high frequency of the ARR allele without full ARR fixation suggests that no selective breeding for scrapie resistance has been applied. These results support the adoption of gradual selection strategies that preserve genetic variability and promote farmer compliance, while increasing classical and atypical scrapie resistance. Full article