Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data and mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 nucleotide sequence reveal the origin of the Akhal-Teke horse.
Abstract: The study investigated the origin of the Akhal-Teke horse using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 (HVR-1) nucleotide sequences. Methods: Genome-wide SNP data from 22 breeds (481 horses) and mitochondrial HVR-1 sequences from 24 breeds (544 sequences) worldwide to examine the origin of the Akhal- Teke horse. The data were analyzed using principal component analysis, linkage disequilibrium analysis, neighbor-joining dendrograms, and ancestry inference to determine the population relationships, ancestral source, genetic structure, and relationships with other varieties. Results: A close genetic relationship between the Akhal-Teke horse and horses from the Middle East was found. Analysis of mitochondrial HVR-1 sequences showed that there were no shared haplotypes between the Akhal-Teke and Tarpan horses, and the mitochondrial data indicated that the Akhal-Teke horse has not historically expanded its group. Ancestral inference suggested that Arabian and Caspian horses were the likely ancestors of the Akhal- Teke horse. Conclusions: The Akhal-Teke horse originated in the Middle East.
Publication Date: 2023-05-04 PubMed ID: 37170508PubMed Central: PMC10475378DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0044Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article presents an investigation into the origin of the Akhal-Teke horse breed using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 (HVR-1) sequences. It was found that this horse breed has its roots in the Middle East, possibly deriving from Arabian and Caspian horses.
Methodology
- The study employed genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 (HVR-1) sequences. Genome-wide SNP data from 22 breeds (encompassing 481 horses) and mitochondrial HVR-1 sequences from 24 breeds (amounting to 544 sequences) worldwide were used to delve into the origin of the Akhal-Teke horse.
- The collected data were analyzed utilizing several techniques including principal component analysis, linkage disequilibrium analysis, neighbor-joining dendrograms, and ancestry inference. These methods were applied to ascertain the relationships between populations, the origin of a DNA sequence (ancestral source), genetic structure of the population, and the breed’s relationships with other varieties of horses.
Findings
- The analysis revealed a close genetic relationship between the Akhal-Teke horse and horses from the Middle East, thereby suggesting this breed’s origin to be in the Middle East.
- Upon analyzing the mitochondrial HVR-1 sequences, the researchers discovered that there were no shared haplotypes (a group of genes inherited together from a single parent) between the Akhal-Teke and Tarpan horses. This finding indicates distinct and separate genetic lines for these horse breeds.
- Additionally, the mitochondrial data pointed to the fact that the Akhal-Teke horse has not historically expanded its group by infusing other breeds’ genetic material into its line. This implies the preservation of a unique genetic profile for the breed throughout history.
- The inference of ancestry suggested that Arabian and Caspian horses were probable ancestors of the Akhal-Teke horse, further reinforcing the proposed Middle Eastern origin.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the study presents compelling genetic evidence to support the idea that the Akhal-Teke horse breed originated in the Middle East. Despite the lack of shared haplotypes with other breeds and the absence of historical genetic expansion, it seems likely that Arabian and Caspian horses played a crucial role in the breed’s lineage.
Cite This Article
APA
Kang Z, Shi J, Liu T, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Liu Z, Wang J, Cheng S.
(2023).
Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data and mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 nucleotide sequence reveal the origin of the Akhal-Teke horse.
Anim Biosci, 36(10), 1499-1507.
https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.23.0044 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
- College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
Grant Funding
- GARS-TSYZ-2-1 / Agriculture and Pastoral Department of Gansu Province
- GAU-XKTD-2022-22 / Gansu Agricultural University
Conflict of Interest Statement
. We certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.
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