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Molecular biology and evolution2008; 26(1); 199-208; doi: 10.1093/molbev/msn239

Horse domestication and conservation genetics of Przewalski’s horse inferred from sex chromosomal and autosomal sequences.

Abstract: Despite their ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring, there is continued disagreement about the genetic relationship of the domestic horse (Equus caballus) to its endangered wild relative, Przewalski's horse (Equus przewalskii). Analyses have differed as to whether or not Przewalski's horse is placed phylogenetically as a separate sister group to domestic horses. Because Przewalski's horse and domestic horse are so closely related, genetic data can also be used to infer domestication-specific differences between the two. To investigate the genetic relationship of Przewalski's horse to the domestic horse and to address whether evolution of the domestic horse is driven by males or females, five homologous introns (a total of approximately 3 kb) were sequenced on the X and Y chromosomes in two Przewalski's horses and three breeds of domestic horses: Arabian horse, Mongolian domestic horse, and Dartmoor pony. Five autosomal introns (a total of approximately 6 kb) were sequenced for these horses as well. The sequences of sex chromosomal and autosomal introns were used to determine nucleotide diversity and the forces driving evolution in these species. As a result, X chromosomal and autosomal data do not place Przewalski's horses in a separate clade within phylogenetic trees for horses, suggesting a close relationship between domestic and Przewalski's horses. It was also found that there was a lack of nucleotide diversity on the Y chromosome and higher nucleotide diversity than expected on the X chromosome in domestic horses as compared with the Y chromosome and autosomes. This supports the hypothesis that very few male horses along with numerous female horses founded the various domestic horse breeds. Patterns of nucleotide diversity among different types of chromosomes were distinct for Przewalski's in contrast to domestic horses, supporting unique evolutionary histories of the two species.
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Publication Date: 2008-10-17 PubMed ID: 18931383DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msn239Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research scrutinizes the genetic relationship between domestic horses and Przewalski’s horses, an endangered species. Using sequences from both sex chromosomal and autosomal sequences, the study reveals a close genetic kinship between the two, and presents a theory that domestic horse evolution leans more heavily on female genetic contribution.

Research Objectives and Methodology

  • The main objectives of this research were to investigate the genetic relationship between Przewalski’s and domestic horses and to study whether the evolution of the domestic horse was driven by males or females.
  • The study was carried out by sequencing five homologous introns (part of DNA that does not code for proteins) on the X and Y sex chromosomes in two Przewalski’s horses and three domestic horse breeds: Arabian horse, Mongolian domestic horse, and Dartmoor pony.
  • Five autosomal introns (non-sex chromosomes) were sequenced for these horses as well.
  • The sequences were then compared to assess nucleotide diversity and the forces that drive evolution in these species.

Key Findings

  • The data from X chromosomal and autosomal sequences do not place Przewalski’s horses in a separate clade (branch in a phylogenetic tree), indicating a close relationship between domestic and Przewalski’s horses.
  • Surprisingly, there was a lack of nucleotide diversity on the Y chromosome, yet there was higher than expected nucleotide diversity on the X chromosome in domestic horses.
  • This data suggests that a minimal number of male horses and a significant number of female horses contributed to the genetic foundation of various domestic horse breeds, implying female-driven evolution.
  • The study also identified distinct patterns of nucleotide diversity between the chromosomes of Przewalski’s and domestic horses, which corroborates the unique evolutionary histories of the two species.

Conclusion

  • This research contributes valuable knowledge to our understanding of horse genetics and evolution by affirming a close genetic relationship between domestic and Przewalski’s horses.
  • It also veers from conventional thinking by suggesting that the evolution of domestic horses is primarily influenced by female genetics.
  • These findings can contribute to the continued efforts to conserve Przewalski’s horse and benefit future research related to horse genetics and biodiversity.

Cite This Article

APA
Lau AN, Peng L, Goto H, Chemnick L, Ryder OA, Makova KD. (2008). Horse domestication and conservation genetics of Przewalski’s horse inferred from sex chromosomal and autosomal sequences. Mol Biol Evol, 26(1), 199-208. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msn239

Publication

Molecular biology and evolution
ISSN: 1537-1719
NlmUniqueID: 8501455
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 26
Issue: 1
Pages: 199-208

Researcher Affiliations

Lau, Allison N
  • Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA.
Peng, Lei
    Goto, Hiroki
      Chemnick, Leona
        Ryder, Oliver A
          Makova, Kateryna D

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Animals, Domestic
            • Biological Evolution
            • Chromosomes, Mammalian
            • Female
            • Horses / genetics
            • Introns
            • Male
            • Phylogeny
            • Sex Chromosomes

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