Genetics
Mission :
The Genetics Laboratory was created to contribute to the management of the Houbara bustard captive breeding flock. It is equipped with instrumentation for genetic analyses on nucleic acids including PCR machines and a Li-Cor 4200L automated DNA sequencer. Additional equipment includes gel electrophoresis apparatuses, shaker-incubator, DNAQuant machine, and centrifuges. The laboratory also has hoods for general DNA extraction and PCR reactions in a separate room. The computer/meeting area consists of a computer/library room with several PCs loaded with genetic analysis packages, and a meeting area that can accommodate up to 10 people.
People :
Name : Amal Korrida Occupation : Biologist, Geneticist, Senior in charge Masters thesis : Fisheries Genetics Title : Genetic diversity analysis of the natural population of mussels:
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Name : Khadija Elmehrach Occupation : Molecular Biologist PhD thesis : Tomatoes Genetics Title :Molecular characterization of a Moroccan isolate of Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus and development of a PCR-Based Methods for Tagging the Mi-1 Locus for Resistance to Root-Knot Nematode in Begomovirus-Resistant Tomato Germplasm. |
Genetic Studies and Techniques Developed
The following species among others are being studied using some combination of mitochondrial and nuclear markers (microsatellite, intron markers, and functional genes): Houbara bustards, Great bustards, Bald ibis, and Arabian bustards.
- Houbara Captive Breeding Management
A set of tools and advanced techniques are set up to study genetic relationships among and between individuals. The Genetics Laboratory characterised 22 microsatellites to establish a pedigree, monitor the Houbara genetic diversity and develop an appropriate genetic management model. In addition, molecular sexing using material from freshly-hatched eggshells and other sources of DNA is carried out as a routine technique.
- Wild Houbara Population Genetics
Phylogenetics, taxonomic relatedness, and gene flow are among the subjects of our studies on the Houbara. We have analysed mitochondrial DNA from the three houbara bustard subspecies and described their genetic structure. Diversity varied among the subspecies being highest in C.u.undulata, lowest in C.u.fuertaventurae and intermediate in C.u.macqueenii. We estimate that C.u.fuertaventurae and C.u.undulata split from C.u.macqueenii approximately 430 000 years ago. Concordant archaeological, climatic opportunities for colonisation and our genetic data point to a scenario of: (i) initial colonisation of the Canary Islands about 130 000 years ago; (ii) a period of secondary contact 19 –30 000 years ago homogenizing any pre-existing genetic structure followed by; (iii) a period of relative isolation that persists today.
- Great Bustard Otis tarda Population Genetics
The Great bustard is a species of national and international concern. North Morocco holds the last African population estimated at 100 birds. The Genetics Laboratory conducted a pilot study to answer population genetics questions on the last African population of Great bustards estimated at 100 birds. This was achieved by using excremental PCR and mtDNA sequencing. This is the first study that utilises faeces as a non-evasive source of DNA to investigate population structuring of an avian species.
- Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita Population Genetics
Bald Ibis is an endemic species of Morocco that has undergone a dramatic decline. The Genetics Laboratory, in close collaboration with National Park Souss-Massa, is conducting a study to elucidate the genetic structure of Bald Ibis populations in captivity and the last remaining wild population estimated at approximately 400 birds. The goal of the study is to develop markers discriminating wild and captive populations and to compare the western and eastern Bald Ibis populations in order to develop guidelines for their conservation.
- Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs Conservation Genetics
Found mainly across the south of the African Sahara from Mauritania to the south western part of the Arabian Peninsula. To answer questions related to captive breeding and reintroduction purposes of this species, the Genetics Laboratory investigated the genetic relationship among and within two wild populations adjacent to the Red sea and located in Yemen and Eritrea. This was achieved by sequencing mitochondrial DNA.
- DNA Extraction from Faeces
The Genetics Laboratory has developed a technique of DNA extraction from avian faeces and which can be adapted to many endangered species especially the ones from which obtaining traditional DNA sources is problematic. The technique enabled us to conduct the first population genetics study on an avian species ever.
