Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Bronze Age horses recovered from Chifeng region, Inner Mongolia, China

In this study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis was carried out on 9 Bronze Age horses recovered from Dashanqian and Jinggouzi archaeological sites in Chifeng region, Inner Mongolia. China to explore the origin of Chinese domestic horses. Both mtDNA 16S rRNA gene and control region (D-loop) fragments of ancient horses were amplified and sequenced. The analysis of the highly conservative 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the burial environment of Chifeng region is suitable for the preservation of ancient DNA (aDNA). Combing 465 mtDNA D-loop sequences representing different breeds from East Asia, Central Asia, Near East and Europe, we constructed a phylogenetic network to investigate the relationship between ancient and modern horses. The phylogenetic network showed that the 9 horses were distributed into different modern horse clusters which were closely related to them representing a certain geographical distribution. Our results showed that the maternal genetic line of the ancient horses in Chifeng region was highly diversified, which contributed to the gene pool of modern domestic horses and suggested a complex origin of domestic horses in China.     

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Bronze Age horses recovered from Chifeng region, Inner Mongolia, China

In this study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis was carried out on 9 Bronze Age horses recovered from Dashanqian and Jinggouzi archaeological sites in Chifeng region, Inner Mongolia. China to explore the origin of Chinese domestic horses. Both mtDNA 16S rRNA gene and control region (D-loop) fragments of ancient horses were amplified and sequenced. The analysis of the highly conservative 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the burial environment of Chifeng region is suitable for the preservation of ancient DNA (aDNA). Combing 465 mtDNA D-loop sequences representing different breeds from East Asia, Central Asia, Near East and Europe, we constructed a phylogenetic network to investigate the relationship between ancient and modern horses. The phylogenetic network showed that the 9 horses were distributed into different modern horse clusters which were closely related to them representing a certain geographical distribution. Our results showed that the maternal genetic line of the ancient horses in Chifeng region was highly diversified, which contributed to the gene pool of modern domestic horses and suggested a complex origin of domestic horses in China.     

An autosomal dominant disorder with multiple deletions of mitochondrial DNA starting at the D-loop region

Deletions of muscle mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have recently been found in patients with mitochondrial myopathy. However, as most of the described cases were sporadic, and individual deletions involved different portions of mtDNA, the mechanism(s) producing the molecular lesions, as well as their mode of transmission, remain unclear. By studying families with mtDNA heteroplasmy, valuable information can be obtained about the role of inheritable factors in the pathogenesis of these disorders. We have studied four members of a family with autosomal dominant mitochondrial myopathy. Multiple deletions, involving the same portion of muscle mtDNA, were identified in all patients. Sequence analysis of the mutant mtDNAs, performed after DNA amplification by the polymerase-chain reaction showed that all the deletions start within a 12-nucleotide stretch at the 5' end of the D-loop region, a site of active communication between the nucleus and the mtDNA. The data indicate that a mutation of a nuclear-coded protein can destroy the integrity of the mitochondrial genome in a specific, heritable way.     

饮牛沟墓地古人骨线粒体DNA的研究

对内蒙古饮牛沟战国时期墓地的古代人群（Yng古代人群）进行分子生物学研究, 获得了线粒体高可变一区DNA序列, 初步确定了单倍型归属并搜寻其共享序列, 与现代人群对比构建系统发育树和多维尺度分析. 结果表明, 饮牛沟古代人群与现代东亚人群在母系遗传关系上较近.     

Analysis of the matrilineal genetic structure of population in the early Iron Age from Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China

Ancient mtDNA data of human remains were analyzed from four early Iron Age Tarim Basin sites （Yuansha, Zaghunluq, Sampula and Niya） in the southern Silk Road region. Haplogroup distributions show that ancient Tarim Basin population was comprised of well-differentiated Western and Eastern matrilineal lineages. Some West lineage of Tarim Basin population originated from Near East and Iran region. Of the East lineages, North and Northeast Asia originated lineages were the main components, and a few Southeast Asian lineages also existed, which indicated a more extensive origin and a more complex admixture. The genetic structure of ancient Tarim Basin population is relatively close to the modern populations of Xinjiang, which implied that the early Iron Age is an important period during the formation of the modern Xinjiang population.     

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of ancient Sampula population in Xinjiang

The archaeological site of Sampula cemetery was located about 14 km to the southwest of the Luo County in Xinjiang Khotan, China, belonging to the ancient Yutian kingdom. ¹⁴C analysis showed that this cemetery was used from 217 B.C. to 283 A.D. Ancient DNA was analyzed by 364 bp of the mitochondrial DNA hypervariable region I (mtDNA HVR-I), and by six restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) sites of mtDNA coding region. We successfully extracted and sequenced intact stretches of maternally inherited mtDNA from 13 out of 16 ancient Sampula samples. The analysis of mtDNA haplogroup distribution showed that the ancient Sampula was a complex population with both European and Asian characteristics. Median joining network of U3 sub-haplogroup and multi-dimensional scaling analysis all showed that the ancient Sampula had maternal relationship with Ossetian and Iranian.     

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of ancient Sampula population in Xinjiang

The archaeological site of Sampula cemetery was located about 14 km to the southwest of the Luo County in Xinjiang Khotan,China,belonging to the ancient Yutian kingdom.~14C analysis showed that this cemetery was used from 217 B.C.to 283 A.D. Ancient DNA was analyzed by 364 bp of the mitochondrial DNA hypervariable region I (mtDNA HVR-I),and by six restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) sites of mtDNA coding region.We successfully extracted and sequenced intact stretches of maternally inher- ited mtDNA from 13 out of 16 ancient Sampula samples.The analysis of mtDNA haplogroup distribution showed that the ancient Sampula was a complex population with both European and Asian characteristics.Median joining network of U3 sub-haplogroup and multi-dimen- sional scaling analysis all showed that the ancient Sampula had maternal relationship with Ossetian and Iranian.     

改良碱变性法抽提冷冻山羊肝脏组织线粒体DNA

通过实验建立了一种简便、快捷地从冷冻山羊肝脏组织中制备高质量线粒体DNA（mtDNA）的方法.以差速离心法分离线粒体，用碱性SDS法裂解线粒体膜，释放线粒体DNA后用酚／氯仿抽提.与其他方法相比较，该方法具有对组织新鲜度要求不高，快速、简便、经济、产品产量高以及稳定性好等特点，其得率和纯度均能满足mtDNA多样性分析的要求.     

内蒙古砧子山墓地古人的线粒体DNA多态性分析

为了研究内蒙古元上都遗址砧子山墓地古代人群的遗传结构及其可能来源,对该墓地古人的DNA进行了抽提、扩增和测序,获得了10个个体的线粒体DNA高可变一区序列.结合现代东亚、北亚、中亚和欧洲人的线粒体DNA数据进行了系统发育分析和多维尺度分析.研究结果表明:埋藏在砧子山墓地的元代居民为汉族人,主要是来自中国北方地区的汉族.本研究为揭示元代的复杂社会结构和人群历史动态提供了新的方法.     

Molecular biological analysis of remains from Jiangjungou Cemetery in Inner Mongolia

The 364-bp nucleotide sequence in hypervariable region I (HVRI) of mitochondrial DNA is successfully amplified from 9 out of 11 individuals of an ancient population buried in the Jiangjungou Cemetery in Inner Mongolia dated back to the Warring States Period in China. Nine fragments with different variations are obtained. A phylogenetic tree and a multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot are constructed using mtDNA sequences from the ancient population and several modern Asian populations. The results show that ancient population shares a closer genetic relationship with East Asian populations than with North and Central Asian populations. The genetic and historical evidence raise the possibility that the population might be the immigrants from Zhongyuan area, sent by the King Wuling of Zhao State to guard the nation against the attack from Huns.     

三索线蛇与过树容蛇肝线粒体DNA的纯化与限制酶图谱

用Sepharose 4B凝胶柱过滤和NaCl离心法纯化了三索线蛇及过树容蛇肝线粒体DNA(mtDNA),它们的分子长度分别为17.75kb及19.70kb。分别用EcoRⅠ,XbaⅠ,BamHⅠ及BglⅡ等4种限制酶消化这两种mtDNA,结果表明:EcoRⅠ,XbaⅠ,BamHⅠ和BglⅡ在三索线蛇肝mtDNA上分别有1,1,2及3个切点;在过树容蛇肝mtDNA上各有4,1,1和2个切点。根据mtDNA的单酶、双酶和部份酶解片段的分析,建立了三索线蛇及过树容蛇肝mtDNA的限制酶图谱。     

内蒙古和林格尔东周时期古代人群的分子遗传学分析

对10个古代个体的线粒体DNA高可变Ⅰ区进行了扩增和测序. 基于和林格尔古代人群与现今相关欧亚人群的mtDNA序列， 进行了系统发育分析和多维尺度分析. 研究结果表明, 和林格尔古代人群在母系遗传上与现在北亚人群的亲缘关系最近. 结合考古学、 人类学以及分子生物学的研究， 推断这个古代人群是从蒙古高原以及外贝加尔地区南下迁移至今天的内蒙古和林格尔地区的游牧人.     

丽水市白云山森林植被区系的地理成分研究

丽水市白云山森林植被区系植物种类丰富、古老植物和珍稀濒危植物较多 ,温带 -温亚热带成分占优势 ,其地理成分与世界各地植物区系有广泛的联系 .该区系有 1 3个类型的成分 ,其中泛热带分布、东亚分布、东亚、北美间断分布、北温带分布具有较多的属 ,而地中海、西亚至中亚分布、旧世界温带分布、热带亚洲至热带非洲分布具有较少的属     

西藏马线粒体DNA D loop区的遗传多样性

对西藏拉萨和泽当两个地区23匹西藏马的线粒体DNA控制区(mtDNA D-loop)部分片段进行序列分析, 检测出16个单倍型, 包括32个核苷酸多态性位点(其中转换位点31个, 缺失位点1个), 占所分析位点总数的9.27%. 单倍型多样性(h)和核苷酸多样性(π)分别为0.93±0.04和2.51%±0.16%, 表明西藏马的遗传多样性较丰富. 基于23匹西藏马序列以及现代欧亚马群的mtDNA序列, 进行了系统发育分析和多维尺度分析. 结果表明, 西藏马在母系遗传关系上与近东、 中亚以及欧洲家马有较近的亲缘关系, 与东亚的蒙古马以及韩国马亲缘关系较远.     

Neanderthals in central Asia and Siberia

Morphological traits typical of Neanderthals began to appear in European hominids at least 400,000 years ago and about 150,000 years ago in western Asia. After their initial appearance, such traits increased in frequency and the extent to which they are expressed until they disappeared shortly after 30,000 years ago. However, because most fossil hominid remains are fragmentary, it can be difficult or impossible to determine unambiguously whether a fossil is of Neanderthal origin. This limits the ability to determine when and where Neanderthals lived. To determine how far to the east Neanderthals ranged, we determined mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from hominid remains found in Uzbekistan and in the Altai region of southern Siberia. Here we show that the DNA sequences from these fossils fall within the European Neanderthal mtDNA variation. Thus, the geographic range of Neanderthals is likely to have extended at least 2,000 km further to the east than commonly assumed.     

Paternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA in mice.

For nearly 20 years it has been assumed on the basis of low-resolution experiments that mitochondrial (mt)DNA, in contrast to the genes in the nucleus, has an exclusively maternal mode of inheritance in animals. Using the polymerase chain reaction, paternally inherited mtDNA molecules have now been detected in mice at a frequency of 10(-4), relative to the maternal contributions. These mice were hybrids between two inbred strains (C57BL/6J and Mus spretus) whose mtDNAs can be distinguished easily. This new mode of inheritance provides a mechanism for generating heteroplasmy and may explain mitochondrial disorders exhibiting biparental transmission.     

Conformational mutations in human mitochondrial DNA

Variation in the human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence has been extensively analysed using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). MtDNA RFLPs have previously been attributed to nucleotide changes within restriction endonuclease recognition sites or to small insertion-deletion mutations. We now report that RFLPs detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis can also result from single nucleotide substitutions which alter the mobility of small- to medium-sized restriction fragments that incorporate the sequence. We have defined the mutation responsible at two loci and have identified several possible additional loci. When screening human mtDNAs with multiple restriction endonucleases, such mutations can be misidentified as insertion-deletion mutations or counted as multiple polymorphic restriction sites. This can lead to errors in constructing restriction maps and estimating sequence diversity.     

Can the occurrence of rare insertion／deletion polymor—phisms in human mtDNA be verfied from phylogeny？

Due to its specific characteristics,such as ma-ternal inheritance and absence of recombination,each mtDNA belongs to certain monophyletic clade in the rooted mtDNA tree(haplogroup) according to the mutations it har-bors,Rare mutation(excluding parallel mutation) occurring at multiple times in different haplogroups could thus be a potential reading error according to the mtDNA phylogent.This experience has been widely used im double-checking the credibility of the rare mutations in human mtDNA sequences.However,no test has been performed so far for the feasibility of applying this strategy to the rare insertion/deletion(indel) events in mtDNA sequences.In this study,we attempted to relate the rare indels in mtDNAs to their haplogroup status in a total of 2352 individuals from 50 populations in China.Our results show that the insertion of A at position 16259 is restricted to a subclade of haplogroup Cand can be verified.The other indel polymorphisms,Which occur in the repeat of the deleted or inserted nucleotide(s),may not be distin-guished from phantom mutations from a phylogenetic point of view.Independently and multiply sequencing the frag-ment with the indel is the best and the most reliable way for confirmation.     

Evidence from mitochondrial DNA that African honey bees spread as continuous maternal lineages

African honey bees have populated much of South and Central America and will soon enter the United States. The mechanism by which they have spread is controversial. Africanization may be largely the result of paternal gene flow into extant European populations or, alternatively, of maternal migration of feral swarms that have maintained an African genetic integrity. We have been using both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms to follow the population dynamics between European and African bees. In earlier reports, we suggested that if African honey bees had distinctive mitochondrial (mt) DNA, then it could potentially distinguish the relative contributions of swarming and mating to the Africanization process. Because mtDNA is maternally inherited, it would not be transmitted by mating drones and only transported by queens accompanying swarms. Furthermore, the presence of African mtDNA would reflect unbroken maternal lineages from the original bees introduced from Africa. The value of mtDNA for population studies in general has been reviewed recently. Here we report that 19 feral swarms, randomly caught in Mexico, all carried African mtDNA. Thus, the migrating force of the African honey bee in the American tropics consists of continuous African maternal lineages spreading as swarms. The mating of African drones to European queens seems to contribute little to African bee migration.     

Conservation and rearrangement of mitochondrial structural gene sequences

Mitochondria contain the simplest DNA molecules that are present in eukaryotes. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is easily purified, and is an important model system for studying eukaryote gene structure and basic molecular processes. The protein sequences of mitochondrial gene products have been shown to be conserved from yeast to man, and there are definite similarities at the DNA sequence level. In contrast, the overall organization of the mitochondrial genome is drastically different in these organisms. To understand this, we need to extend work on mtDNA to a wider range of species. We have chosen to study the mtDNA of Aspergillus nidulans because a particularly comprehensive analysis of this system can be achieved using genetics as well as biochemistry, and like most eukaryotes it is an obligate aerobe, whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not. We have investigated whether defined pieces of particular yeast mitochondrial genes show enough homology to Aspergillus mtDNA fragments to enable the corresponding Aspergillus genes to be located on the physical map. The results reported here show that this is the case for all five genes tested, and present the first data on the physical organization of the structural genes in the mitochondrial genome of A. nidulans.