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Mammalian genome : official journal of the International Mammalian Genome Society2024; 36(1); 118-128; doi: 10.1007/s00335-024-10089-6

Unraveling the maternal heritage: identifying the complex origins of indigenous Indian horse and pony breeds through mitochondrial genome analysis.

Abstract: This study explored the maternal genetic diversity of six indigenous Indian horse and pony breeds (Bhutia, Kathiawari, Manipuri, Marwari, Spiti, and Zanskari) using comprehensive mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) analysis. Blood samples from 53 horses across diverse agro-climatic zones of India were analyzed, revealing 36 distinct haplotypes, with a haplotype diversity of 0.889 and nucleotide diversity of 0.00347. These indices suggest significant maternal genetic diversity in Indian equines. A median-joining (MJ) network, based on the hypervariable region of the D-loop along with sequences of Indian equids retrieved from the NCBI, identified 55 haplotypes, including shared haplotypes across 2-5 breeds. Hierarchical AMOVA analysis revealed that 95.20% of genetic variation was within populations, while only 4.80% was among different groups, indicating minimal genetic structuring based on geographic distribution. Phylogenetic analysis of these mitogenomes, alongside global sequences, revealed significant genetic variability without clear geographic clustering, highlighting extensive gene flow and interbreeding across regions. Median-Joining network based on D-loop sequence revealed that Indian horses conform to seven of the 18 globally recognized haplogroups (A, B, G, J, L, M, and P), with haplogroup A being the most frequent. This research contributes to the broader understanding of equine genetic diversity, aligning with global patterns of extensive maternal haplotype diversity, and underscores the intricate genetic backgrounds resulting from historical breeding practices.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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Publication Date: 2024-12-04 PubMed ID: 39630294PubMed Central: 3289334DOI: 10.1007/s00335-024-10089-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research investigated the genetic diversity of six indigenous Indian horse and pony breeds through mitochondrial genome analysis. This genetic diversity of these breeds is substantial and does not exhibit strong geographical clustering, suggesting an extensive history of breeding across regions.

Research Method

  • The study used comprehensive mitochondrial genome analysis to explore the maternal genetic diversity of six indigenous Indian horse and pony breeds. These were Bhutia, Kathiawari, Manipuri, Marwari, Spiti, and Zanskari breeds.
  • Blood samples from 53 horses from various climatic regions of India were analyzed. The analysis revealed 36 distinct genetic variations known as haplotypes.

Major Findings

  • The genetic analysis showed a haplotype diversity of 0.889 and nucleotide diversity of 0.00347. These indices signify a significant level of maternal genetic diversity in Indian equine populations.
  • A technique called a median-joining (MJ) network was employed to get a better understanding of this genetic diversity. Along with NCBI retrieved sequences of Indian equids, the network identified 55 haplotypes, indicating shared genetics across 2 to 5 breeds.
  • The hierarchical AMOVA analysis results showed that 95.20% of genetic variation was within populations, while only 4.80% was among different groups. This implies a minimal influence of geographic distribution on genetic differentiation in these Indian equine breeds.
  • Phylogenetic analysis, which looks at the evolutionary relationships between species, of the mitochondrial genomes showed significant genetic variability without clear geographic clustering. This indicates that there has been high gene flow and interbreeding across different regions.
  • The median-joining network based on D-loop sequence revealed that Indian horses belong to seven of the 18 globally recognized haplogroups (A, B, G, J, L, M, and P), with haplogroup A being the most common. This data supports the view of globally extensive maternal haplotype diversity in horses.

Implications of the Research

  • The research provides insights into the extensive maternal genetic diversity in Indian equine populations. The detected genetic diversity is not necessarily due to geographical location but likely from extensive interbreeding throughout history, an insight that can be applied globally for equine genetic diversity.
  • This research also contributes to the understanding of the intricate genetic backgrounds resulting from historical breeding practices. It strengthens the argument for considering maternal genetic diversity when defining breeds for conservation purposes.

Cite This Article

APA
Ahlawat S, Sharma U, Niranjan SK, Chhabra P, Arora R, Sharma R, Singh KV, Vijh RK, Mehta SC. (2024). Unraveling the maternal heritage: identifying the complex origins of indigenous Indian horse and pony breeds through mitochondrial genome analysis. Mamm Genome, 36(1), 118-128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00335-024-10089-6

Publication

Mammalian genome : official journal of the International Mammalian Genome Society
ISSN: 1432-1777
NlmUniqueID: 9100916
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 36
Issue: 1
Pages: 118-128

Researcher Affiliations

Ahlawat, Sonika
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India. sonika.ahlawat@gmail.com.
Sharma, Upasna
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
Niranjan, S K
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
Chhabra, Pooja
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
Arora, Reena
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
Sharma, Rekha
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
Singh, Karan Veer
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
Vijh, R K
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
Mehta, S C
  • Equine Production Campus, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Bikaner, India.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / genetics
  • Horses / classification
  • Genome, Mitochondrial
  • Haplotypes
  • Phylogeny
  • India
  • Genetic Variation
  • Breeding
  • Female
  • Maternal Inheritance
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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