Master Thesis

title

Genetic diversity of Rhombomys opimus different populations based on SSR and ITS molecular markers in Iran

Abstract

The Great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) found throughout Central Asia, southern western of Asia and Iran. This species has been known as the main reservoir of Yersinia pestis (causes of plaque), Leishmania major (causes of Cutaneous leishmaniasis) and Tick (vector of CCHF virus) what makes them important. Our purpose is surveying the genetic diversity of this species in Iran population using universal primers of SSRs and ITS markers. For this purpose, one-hundred nine blood samples of great gerbils (9 regions) collected from the Iran population. After DNA extraction, the SSR and ITS regions amplified by PCR technique. According to direct sequencing, universal primers were not capable to amplify ITS regions in our species. However, the amplified region of four SSR markers showed genetic diversity in Great gerbils. Then, we choose SSR markers for further analyses. The results showed polymorphisms in all loci. They preserved their high genetic variation though analysis revealed a slight inbreeding within Great gerbil population. AMOVA analyses showed a few genetic differences between individuals. Sample classification by Structure software confirmed 11 groups in the regions. Furthermore, the results of phylogenetic tree showed no divergence among individuals, and in the whole population. Conclusively, our study approved microsatellites are efficient markers for analyzing the genetic diversity of Great gerbil.

Extracted from "http://www.egerbil.com/great-gerbil"

Master thesis

distribution map

Extracted "http://www.iucnredlist.org"

Great Gerbil

The locations of our samples

Population Genetic structure

Phylogenetic tree of great gerbil

Allele Frequency And Heterozygosity based on molecular markers

Hossienzadeh-Colagar, A., Haghighatnia M.J., Amiri Z., Mohadjerani M., Tafrihi M. (2016). Microsatellite (SSR) amplification by PCR usually led to polymorphic bands: Evidence which shows replication slippage occurs in extend or nascent DNA strands. Molecular Biology Research Communications, 5(3):159-166. (PMID: 28097170)

Karimian, M., Nikzad, H., Azami-Tameh, A., Taherian, A., Darvishi, F. Z., & Haghighatnia, M. J. (2015). SPO11-C631T gene polymorphism: association with male infertility and an in silico-analysis. Journal of family & reproductive health, 9(4), 155. (PMID: 27047561)