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- - Molecular Ecology

 

- - - ALAD gene Sequenation and Polymorphisms detection

- - - DNA "Fingerprinfing" of Mammals

- - - DNA "Fingerprinfing" of Birds

- - - New Species Identification

 

Discovery of DNA in 50 the 20th century meant the development of a new biological discipline - molecular biology. Establishment and extremely rapid development of many molecular techniques in the context of DNA testing has brought dramatic advances in medicine (e. g. diagnostics and treatment of diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Down syndrome and etc.). Benefit is also cloning and controversial genetic modification of organisms. Use of the molecular methods has found application also in ecological research. Molecular markers allow us to quantify genetic diversity, track the movements of individuals, measure inbreeding, genetically identify the individuals, determine new species and retrace historical patterns of dispersal. We can now identify the geographic source of invasive species from only few samples or monitoring population of elusive species as bears based on little more than hair or scat samples.

 

Applications of GenomelabTM GeXP genetic analysis system

  • DNA sequencing - de NOVO sequencing, confirmatory sequencing, allele identification, mutation analysis, SNP scoring, genotyping an individual
  • Fragmentation analysis - short tandem repeats (STRs) analysis, AFLP fingerprinting, heterozygote detection, detection of DNA polymorphic loci, genotyping an individual
  • Analysis of gene expression

Current application of the genetic analysis system in IHMB

  • DNA sequencing
  • Identification of bacterial communities in (Prunella collaris) and the dunnock (Prunella modularis) using universal and species-specific primers
  • Identification of blood parasite species – Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. in the alpine accentor and the dunnock and distance trees creating
  • Fragmentation analysis
  • Microsatellite (STR) analysis in alpine accentor and brown bear (Ursus arctos) – determining of individual genetic profile and genetic population analyses (estimation of population genetic variability and evaluation of the gene pool of endangered species, abundance and composition of populations, genetic relatedness between subpopulation from differ localities – estimation of migration and genetic flow)

Future projects of IHMB and application of the GenomelabTM GeXP

  • sequencing and subsequent polymorphic sites analysis of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) gene as the most sensitive marker for lead accumulation in vertebrate’s bodies
  • identification of not yet described species, e. g. ecto- and endoparasites in alpine vertebrates
  • microsatellite analysis and genetic population also in other montane species such as the snow vole (Chionomys nivalis), alpine marmot (Marmota marmota latirostris) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

 

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