DNA genotyping

One of the main tasks of the PROCAMED project is to promote research on genetics of dromedary camel. In this regard, and to evaluate the genetic diversity among Tunisian dromedary camel, a total of 62 blood samples were collected from unrelated animals in three different regions (Tataouine, Medenine and Kebili) and belonging to three sub-populations (Ourdhaoui Médenine, Ourdhaoui Tataouine and Merzougui) defined on the basis of morphologic and geographic criterions. From seven microsatellite markers used only four were successfully amplified resulting in a total of 26 alleles observed in the three sub-populations with a mean number of alleles (MNA) of 6.5. Unbiased expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.76 to 0.84 whereas the observed heterozygosity was absolute (HO = 1) and an excess of heterozygotes was observed in the three groups for all four loci. The mean estimates of the fixation index FST was 0,052 showing a moderate genetic structure between the different sub-populations. Little differentiation was observed between Ourdhaoui Médenine and Merzougui sub-populations, compared to Ourdhaoui Tataouine sub-population which seems to be more established. The results showed the limits of camel classification on the basis of only morphologic and regional distribution criterions.

Armenia. The world‘s earliest known wine-making
facility has been discovered in Armenia during excavation
of Areni-1 cave between 2007-2010, and analysis
has confirmed the discovery of the oldest complete
wine production facility ever discovered dated between
6,000 B.C. and 8,000 B.C. Having thousands of years
history, Armenian native grape varieties are characterized
with high genetic diversity and variability. The
study has evaluated the genetic diversity of the Armenian
grapevine cultivars within the Vitis collection of
the Scientific Center of Fruit Growing, Viticulture and
Wine-making (Merdzavan, Armenia) and analysed the
relationships of this genetic pool with the international
varieties registered in European Vitis Database. The
analysis of 59 accessions of grapevines from Armenia
at 23 microsatellite markers generated 336 alleles. The
most informative locus turned out to be VVS2 (21 alleles,
PI = 0.016). Twelve cases of identical genotypes
and five cases of homonymy among studied genotypes
were identified. The genetic profiles of 28 accessions
were unique. Most of them belonged to autochthonous
varieties. Genetic analyses tools are highly contributing
to the identification and inventory of existing grape
varieties. The data generated proves the importance of
molecular characterization of grapevines in Armenia
especially old ones to support effective preservation of
rich diversity of Armenian grape varieties and clones.

Purpose: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) represents a considerable public health burden in Saudi Arabia. Several candidate genes and genetic variants have been associated with morbidity and mortality among patients with CRC. We explored whether allelic variants of the GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP450 (rs4646903 and rs1048943), and TP53 (rs1042522) genes predisposed nonsmoking Saudi individuals to increased risk for CRC. Patients and Methods: DNA from buccal cells of 158 participants (80 with CRC and 78 healthy controls) were analyzed for five SNPs using conventional PCR and TaqMan geno-typing assays. The SNPStats software was utilized to choose the best interactive inheritance mode for selected SNPs (https://www.snpstats.net). Results: The mean age of diagnosis was 62.4±13.5 years (range, 40-83 years), with those aged 71-80 years and those aged 40-50 years accounting for the most diagnoses (35.7% and 28.6% of diagnosis, respectively). The GSTM1 and TP53 rs1042522 SNPs were associated with CRC (OR= 3.7; P< 0.0001, and OR= 1.6; P= 0.033, respectively). A plausible contribution to CRC was observed for the GSTM1 and TP53 rs1042522 SNPs (x 2 Yates = 14.7; P= 0.00013, and x 2 Yates = 11.2; P= 0.0008, respectively), while the GSTT1 null variant did not affect risk. Heterozygosity in the CYP450 (rs4646903 and rs1048943 SNPs) was associated with a significant risk for CRC. The GSTM1/GSTT1 and CYP450 rs4646903/rs1048943 SNP pairs were in linkage disequilibrium, and the associations were statistically significant (P= 0.01 and P= 4.6x10-7 , respectively). Conclusion: The GSTM1 and TP53 rs1042522 variants can increase the development of CRC in Saudi nonsmokers. Even the presence of one copy of a variant allele in the CYP1A1 gene can predispose CRC risk. Additional studies should also examine other SNP combinations with lifestyle factors that may help prevent, rather than facilitate, colorectal tumorigenesis. Plain Language Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common in women in Saudi Arabia. The current study focuses on specific genes predisposed to the CRC risk among nonsmokers. Multiple genes involved in CRC development with strong genetic impact have been identified in different cultures and ethnic peoples. The Correspondence: Nasser A Elhawary

The genotyping of circulating measles virus (MeV) is essential to measure the impact of immunization. MeV genotyping is primarily based on the nucleoprotein (N) or hemagglutinin (H) genes. Study reports genetic diversity of 67 Indian MeV isolates (2012 to 2017) using matrix-fusion (M/F) non-coding region. Results revealed, 7.7%, 3.9% and 1.9% mean percent divergence amongst M/F, Nucleoprotein (N) and Hemagglutinin (H) genes, respectively. For the first time, indels were documented in Indian MeV D4 genotypes that may serve as marker for tracking transmission pathways. Thus, sequencing of M/F non-coding region could be useful for determining diversity of MeV in India.