High microsatellite and mitochondrial diversity in Anatolian native horse breeds shows Anatolia as a genetic conduit between Europe and Asia.
Abstract: The horse has been a food source, but more importantly, it has been a means for transport. Its domestication was one of the crucial steps in the history of human civilization. Despite the archaeological and molecular studies carried out on the history of horse domestication, which would contribute to conservation of the breeds, the details of the domestication of horses still remain to be resolved. We employed 21 microsatellite loci and mitochondrial control region partial sequences to analyse genetic variability within and among four Anatolian native horse breeds, Ayvacık Pony, Malakan Horse, Hınıs Horse and Canik Horse, as well as samples from indigenous horses of unknown breed ancestry. The aims of the study were twofold: first, to produce data from the prehistorically and historically important land bridge, Anatolia, in order to assess its role in horse domestication and second, to analyse the data from a conservation perspective to help the ministry improve conservation and management strategies regarding native horse breeds. Even though the microsatellite data revealed a high allelic diversity, 98% of the genetic variation partitioned within groups. Genetic structure did not correlate with a breed or geographic origin. High diversity was also detected in mtDNA control region sequence analysis. Frequencies of two haplogroups (HC and HF) revealed a cline between Asia and Europe, suggesting Anatolia as a probable connection route between the two continents. This first detailed genetic study on Anatolian horse breeds revealed high diversity among horse mtDNA haplogroups in Anatolia and suggested Anatolia's role as a conduit between the two continents. The study also provides an important basis for conservation practices in Turkey.
© 2011 The Authors, Animal Genetics © 2011 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.
Publication Date: 2011-10-31 PubMed ID: 22497212DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2011.02285.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article examines high genetic diversity found amongst four native horse breeds in Anatolia, proposing that this geographical area served as a significant route connecting Europe and Asia. It also offers important data that could inform conservation practices in Turkey.
Understanding the Research
The research article revolves around the following themes and areas:
- Significance of Horses in Human History: The research paper begins by emphasizing the significant roles horses have played as a food source and a means of transport, acknowledging that their domestication was a pivotal step in human civilization.
- The Mystery of Horse Domestication: Although there have been numerous archaeological and molecular studies on the history of horse domestication, the precise details of how horses were domesticated are not yet fully understood. Through this paper, the researchers hope to contribute valuable information to this body of knowledge.
- Methodology – Genetic Analysis: The research team conducted a genetic analysis using 21 microsatellite loci and mitochondrial control region partial sequences of four native Anatolian horse breeds. These breeds include the Ayvacık Pony, Malakan Horse, Hınıs Horse and Canik Horse, in addition to unidentified horse samples.
- Objectives of the Study: The study aimed to investigate the role of Anatolia – a geographical region of historical importance – in the domestication of horses, and to develop insights to aid the development of conservation strategies.
Key Findings and Implications
This section of the abstract reveals several important findings and implications:
- Genetic Diversity: The genetic data collected and analyzed revealed high allelic diversity amongst the horse samples, with 98% of genetic variation partitioned within groups. Interestingly, this genetic structure did not correlate with any particular breed or geographical origin.
- mtDNA Analysis: High diversity was also observed in the analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Two mtDNA haplogroups (HC and HF) suggested a gradient between Asia and Europe, implying that Anatolia could have been a critical connection route between these continents.
- Conservation Practices: The findings of this study, in addition to shedding light on the history of horse domestication, provide valuable insights for conservation practices in Turkey. The high genetic diversity detected among Anatolian horse breeds emphasizes the need for careful management to ensure the protection of these breeds.
Cite This Article
APA
Koban E, Denizci M, Aslan O, Aktoprakligil D, Aksu S, Bower M, Balcioglu BK, Ozdemir Bahadir A, Bilgin R, Erdag B, Bagis H, Arat S.
(2011).
High microsatellite and mitochondrial diversity in Anatolian native horse breeds shows Anatolia as a genetic conduit between Europe and Asia.
Anim Genet, 43(4), 401-409.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2052.2011.02285.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, Kocaeli, Turkey.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Asia
- Breeding
- DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
- DNA, Mitochondrial / metabolism
- Europe
- Genetic Variation
- Genotype
- Horses / genetics
- Microsatellite Repeats
- Mitochondria / genetics
- Phylogeny
- Statistics as Topic
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Effa K, Rosenbom S, Han J, Dessie T, Beja-Pereira A. Genetic Diversities and Historical Dynamics of Native Ethiopian Horse Populations (Equus caballus) Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphisms. Genes (Basel) 2021 Jan 25;12(2).
- Funk SM, Guedaoura S, Juras R, Raziq A, Landolsi F, Luís C, Martínez AM, Musa Mayaki A, Mujica F, Oom MDM, Ouragh L, Stranger YM, Vega-Pla JL, Cothran EG. Major inconsistencies of inferred population genetic structure estimated in a large set of domestic horse breeds using microsatellites. Ecol Evol 2020 May;10(10):4261-4279.
- Cozzi MC, Strillacci MG, Valiati P, Rogliano E, Bagnato A, Longeri M. Genetic variability of Akhal-Teke horses bred in Italy. PeerJ 2018;6:e4889.
- Khaudov AD, Duduev AS, Kokov ZA, Amshokov KK, Zhekamukhov MK, Zaitsev AM, Reissmann M. Genetic analysis of maternal and paternal lineages in Kabardian horses by uniparental molecular markers. Open Vet J 2018;8(1):40-46.
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