ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Genetic Analysis of QTL for Resistance to Maize Lethal Necrosis in Multiple Mapping Populations

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) occurs when maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) co-infect maize plant. Yield loss of up to 100% can be experienced under severe infections. Identification and validation of genomic regions and their flanking markers can facilitate marker assisted breeding for resistance to MLN. To understand the status of previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL)in diverse genetic background, F3 progenies derived from seven bi-parental populations were genotyped using 500 selected kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) SNPs. The F3 progenies were evaluated under artificial MLN inoculation for three seasons. Phenotypic analyses revealed significant variability (P 0.01) among genotypes for responses to MLN infections, with high heritability estimates (0.62 to 0.82) for MLN disease severity and AUDPC values. Linkage mapping and joint linkage association mapping revealed at least seven major QTL (qMLN3_130 and qMLN3_142, qMLN5_190 and qMLN5_202, qMLN6_85 and qMLN6_157 qMLN8_10 and qMLN9_142) spread across the 7-biparetal populations, for resistance to MLN infections and were consistent with those reported previously. The seven QTL appeared to be stable across genetic backgrounds and across environments. Therefore, these QTL could be useful for marker assisted breeding for resistance to MLN.

Source: UG
Genetic Analysis of TB Susceptibility Variants in Ghana Reveals Candidate Protective Loci in SORBS2 and SCL11A1 Genes

Despite advancements made toward diagnostics, tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium africanum (Maf) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensu stricto (Mtbss) remains a major public health issue. Human host factors are key players in tuberculosis (TB) outcomes and treatment. Research is required to probe the interplay between host and bacterial genomes. Here, we explored the association between selected human/host genomic variants and TB disease in Ghana. Paired host genotype datum and infecting bacterial isolate information were analyzed for associations using a multinomial logistic regression. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates were obtained from 191 TB patients and genotyped into different phylogenetic lineages by standard methods. Two hundred and thirty-five (235) nondisease participants were used as healthy controls. A selection of 29 SNPs from TB disease-associated genes with high frequency among African populations was assayed using a TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assay and iPLEX Gold Sequenom Mass Genotyping Array. Using 26 high-quality SNPs across 326 case-control samples in an association analysis, we found a protective variant, rs955263, in the SORBS2 gene against both Maf and Mtb infections (PBH = 0.05; OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.32–0.34). A relatively uncommon variant, rs17235409 in the SLC11A1 gene was observed with an even stronger protective effect against Mtb infection (MAF = 0.06; PBH = 0.04; OR = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.04–0.05). These findings suggest SLC11A1 and SORBS2 as a potential protective gene of substantial interest for TB, which is an important pathogen in West Africa, and highlight the need for in-depth host-pathogen studies in West Africa.

Source: UG
Genetic analysis of the human malaria parasite plasmodium falciparum

Malaria parasites are haploid for most of their life cycle, with zygote formation and meiosis occurring during the mosquito phase of development. The parasites can be analyzed genetically by transmitting mixtures of cloned parasites through mosquitoes to permit cross-fertilization of gametes to occur. A cross was made between two clones of Plasmodium falciparum differing in enzymes, drug sensitivity, antigens, and chromosome patterns. Parasites showing recombination between the parent clone markers were detected at a high frequency. Novel forms of certain chromosomes, detected by pulsed-field gradient gel electrophoresis, were produced readily, showing that extensive rearrangements occur in the parasite genome after cross-fertilization. Since patients are frequently infected with mixtures of genetically distinct parasites, mosquito transmission is likely to provide the principal mechanisms for generating parasites with novel genotypes.

Source: UG
Genetic analysis provides insights into species distribution and population structure in East Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus and T. capensis)

Two sister species of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus and T. capensis) are described that are intensively harvested in East Atlantic waters. To address longstanding uncertainties as to their respective geographical ranges, overlap and intraspecific population structure this study combined genetic (mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite) analysis and targeted sampling of the hitherto understudied West African coast. mtDNA revealed two reciprocally monophyletic clades corresponding to each species with interspecies nuclear differentiation supported by FST values. The T. trachurus clade was found across the north-east Atlantic down to Ghana but was absent from Angolan and South African samples. The T. capensis clade was found only in South Africa, Angola and a single Ghanaian individual. This pattern suggests that both species may overlap in the waters around Ghana. The potential for cryptic hybridization and/or indiscriminate harvesting of both species in the region is discussed. For T. capensis mtDNA supports high gene flow across the Benguela upwelling system, which fits with the species' ecology. The data add to evidence of a lack of significant genetic structure throughout the range of T. trachurus though the assumption of demographic panmixia is cautioned against. For both species, resolution of stock recruitment heterogeneity relevant to fishery management, as well as potential hybridization, will require more powerful genomic analyses.

Source: UG
Genetic architecture of body weight, carcass, and internal organs traits of Ghanaian local chickens

Information on the genetic architecture of the production traits of indigenous African chicken is limited. We performed a genome-wide association study using imputed Affymetrix Axiom® 600K SNP-chip genotypes on 1,113 chickens from three agroecological zones of Ghana. After quality control, a total of 382,240 SNPs remained. Variance components and heritabilities for some growth, carcass and internal organ traits were estimated. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among these traits were also estimated. The estimated heritabilities of body weight at week 22 (BW22), average daily gain (ADG), dressed weight, breast weight, thigh weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, and neck weight were high and ranged from 0.50 to 0.69. Estimates of heritabilities for head weight, shank weight, and gizzard weight were moderate (0.31–0.35) while those of liver weight, back weight, dressing percentage, and heart weight were low (0.13–0.21). The estimated heritabilities of dressed weight, breast weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, neck weight, shank weight, and gizzard weight, corrected for BW22, were moderate (0.29–0.38), while the remaining traits had low heritability estimates (0.13–0.21). A total of 58 1-Mb SNP windows on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 18, and 33 each explained more than 1% of the genetic variance for at least one of these traits. These genomic regions contained many genes previously reported to have effects on growth, carcass, and internal organ traits of chickens, including EMX2, CALCUL1, ACVR1B, CACNB1, RB1, MLNR, FOXO1, NCARPG, LCORL, LAP3, LDB2, KPNA3, and CAB39L. The moderate to high heritability estimates and high positive genetic correlations suggest that BW22, ADG, dressed weight, breast weight, thigh weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, and neck weight could be improved through selective breeding

Source: UG
Genetic characterization of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes using agro-morphological and single nucleotide polymorphism markers

Dearth of information on extent of genetic variability in cassava limits the genetic improvement of cassava genotypes in Sierra Leone. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and relationships within 102 cassava genotypes using agro-morphological and single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Morphological classification based on qualitative traits categorized the germplasm into five different groups, whereas the quantitative trait set had four groups. The SNP markers classified the germplasm into three main cluster groups. A total of seven principal components (PCs) in the qualitative and four PCs in the quantitative trait sets accounted for 79.03% and 72.30% of the total genetic variation, respectively. Significant and positive correlations were observed between average yield per plant and harvest index (r = 0.76***), number of storage roots per plant and harvest index (r = 0.33*), height at first branching and harvest index (0.26*), number of storage roots per plant and average yield per plant (r = 0.58*), height at first branching and average yield per plant (r = 0.24*), length of leaf lobe and petiole length (r = 0.38*), number of leaf lobe and petiole length (r = 0.31*), width of leaf lobe and length of leaf lobe (r = 0.36*), number of leaf lobe and length of leaf lobe (r = 0.43*), starch content and dry matter content

Source: UG
Genetic characterization of TEM-type ESBL-associated antibacterial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in a tertiary hospital in Ghana

Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance due to the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among Enterobacteriaceae is a worldwide problem. Data from Ghana regarding this resistance mechanism is limited. This study was designed to investigate the presence of TEM-type ESBL genes, their locations and their conjugabilities in clinical isolates of enterobacteria collected from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Methods Study isolates were characterized with respect to ESBL phenotype, TEM-type ESBL gene detection, location of the ESBL gene(s) and conjugability of the ESBL phenotype using nalidixic acid-resistant Escherichia coli K-12 as recipient. Phenotyping was by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion using cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime and their combinations with clavulanate. Gene detections were by PCR using blaTEM primers. Results Overall, 37.96 % of 137 clinical isolates showed ESBL phenotype. The ESBLs occurred mostly in Klebsiella spp. (42.3 %) and then Escherichia coli (34.6 %). The TEM gene was detected in 48.1 % of ESBL-positive isolates and was determined to be plasmid-borne in 24 of 25 blaTEM detections. Overall, 62.7 % of TEM-producing isolates transferred the ESBL phenotype by conjugation. Conclusions The results highlight the presence of TEM-type ESBLs in the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and show considerable risk of environmental contamination through the urine of infected persons. An inhibition zone chart was generated which indicates the possible presence of complex beta-lactamase types. The data points to the fact that the ESBL-producing bacteria may disseminate this resistance mechanism via conjugation.

Source: UG
Genetic Diversification and Selection Strategies for Improving Sorghum Grain Yield Under Phosphorous-Deficient Conditions in West Africa

Sorghum, a major crop for income generation and food security in West and Central Africa, is predominantly grown in low-input farming systems with serious soil phosphorus (P) deficiencies. This study (a) estimates genetic parameters needed to design selection protocols that optimize genetic gains for yield under low-phosphorus conditions and (b) examines the utility of introgressed backcross nested association mapping (BCNAM) populations for diversifying Malian breeding materials. A total of 1083 BC1F5 progenies derived from an elite hybrid restorer “Lata-3” and 13 diverse donor accessions were evaluated for yield and agronomic traits under contrasting soil P conditions in Mali in 2013. A subset of 298 progenies were further tested under low-P (LP) and high-P (HP) conditions in 2014 and 2015. Significant genetic variation for grain yield was observed under LP and HP conditions. Selection for grain yield under LP conditions was feasible and more e cient than the indirect selection under HP in all three years of testing. Several of the BCNAM populations exhibited yields under LP conditions that were superior to the elite restorer line used as a recurrent parent. The BCNAM approach appears promising for diversifying the male parent pool with introgression of diverse materials using both adapted Malian breed and unadapted landrace material from distant geographic origins as donors.

Source: UG
Genetic diversity among INERA maize inbred lines with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and their relationship with CIMMYT, IITA, and temperate lines

Abstract Background Genetic diversity provides the capacity for plants to meet changing environments. It is fundamentally important in crop improvement. Fifty-nine local maize lines developed at INERA and 41 exotic (temperate and tropical) inbred lines were characterized using 1057 SNP markers to (1) analyse the genetic diversity in a diverse set of maize inbred lines; (2) determine the level of genetic diversity in INERA inbred lines and patterns of relationships of these inbred lines developed from two sources; and (3) examine the genetic differences between local and exotic germplasms. Results Roger&#8217;s genetic distance for about 64% of the pairs of lines fell between 0.300 and 0.400. Sixty one per cent of the pairs of lines also showed relative kinship values of zero. Model-based population structure analysis and principal component analysis revealed the presence of 5 groups that agree, to some extent, with the origin of the germplasm. There was genetic diversity among INERA inbred lines, which were genetically less closely related and showed a low level of heterozygosity. These lines could be divided into 3 major distinct groups and a mixed group consistent with the source population of the lines. Pairwise comparisons between local and exotic germplasms showed that the temperate and some IITA lines were differentiated from INERA lines. There appeared to be substantial levels of genetic variation between local and exotic germplasms as revealed by missing and unique alleles. Conclusions Allelic frequency differences observed between the germplasms, together with unique alleles identified within each germplasm, shows the potential for a mutual improvement between the sets of germplasm. The results from this study will be useful to breeders in designing inbred-hybrid breeding programs, association mapping population studies and marker assisted breeding.

Source: UG
Genetic diversity among INERA maize inbred lines with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and their relationship with CIMMYT, IITA, and temperate lines

Background: Genetic diversity provides the capacity for plants to meet changing environments. It is fundamentally important in crop improvement. Fifty-nine local maize lines developed at INERA and 41 exotic (temperate and tropical) inbred lines were characterized using 1057 SNP markers to (1) analyse the genetic diversity in a diverse set of maize inbred lines; (2) determine the level of genetic diversity in INERA inbred lines and patterns of relationships of these inbred lines developed from two sources; and (3) examine the genetic differences between local and exotic germplasms. Results: Roger's genetic distance for about 64% of the pairs of lines fell between 0.300 and 0.400. Sixty one per cent of the pairs of lines also showed relative kinship values of zero. Model-based population structure analysis and principal component analysis revealed the presence of 5 groups that agree, to some extent, with the origin of the germplasm. There was genetic diversity among INERA inbred lines, which were genetically less closely related and showed a low level of heterozygosity. These lines could be divided into 3 major distinct groups and a mixed group consistent with the source population of the lines. Pairwise comparisons between local and exotic germplasms showed that the temperate and some IITA lines were differentiated from INERA lines. There appeared to be substantial levels of genetic variation between local and exotic germplasms as revealed by missing and unique alleles. Conclusions: Allelic frequency differences observed between the germplasms, together with unique alleles identified within each germplasm, shows the potential for a mutual improvement between the sets of germplasm. The results from this study will be useful to breeders in designing inbred-hybrid breeding programs, association mapping population studies and marker assisted breeding. ï¿½ 2014 Dao et al.

Source: UG
Genetic diversity and antigenic polymorphism in plasmodium falciparum: Extensive serological cross-reactivity between allelic variants of merozoite surface protein 2.

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Genetic diversity and epidemic histories of rice yellow mottle virus in Ghana

Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) has persisted as a major biotic constraint to rice production in Africa. However, no data on RYMV epidemics were available in Ghana, although it is an intensive rice-producing country. Surveys were performed from 2010 to 2020 in eleven rice-growing regions of Ghana. Symptom observations and sero logical detections confirmed that RYMV is circulating in most of these regions. Coat protein gene and complete genome sequencings revealed that RYMV in Ghana almost exclusively belongs to the strain S2, one of the strains covering the largest area in West Africa. We also detected the presence of the S1ca strain which is being reported for the first time outside its area of origin. These results suggested a complex epidemiological history of RYMV in Ghana and a recent expansion of S1ca to West Africa. Phylogeographic analyses reconstructed at least five in dependent RYMV introductions in Ghana for the last 40 years, probably due to rice cultivation intensification in West Africa leading to a better circulation of RYMV. In addition to identifying some routes of RYMV dispersion in Ghana, this study contributes to the epidemiological surveillance of RYMV and helps to design disease management strategies, especially through breeding for rice disease resistance.

Source: UG
Genetic diversity and inter-trait relationship of tropical extra-early maturing quality protein maize inbred lines under low soil nitrogen stress

Information on the genetic diversity, population structure, and trait associations of germ plasm resources is crucial for predicting hybrid performance. The objective of this study was to dissect the genetic diversity and population structure of extra-early yellow and orange quality protein maize (QPM) inbred lines and identify secondary traits for indirect selection for enhanced grain yield under low-soil nitrogen (LN). One hundred and ten inbred lines were assessed under LN (30 kg ha -1) and assayed for tryptophan content. The lines were genotyped using 2500 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Majority (85.4%) of the inbred lines exhibited wide pairwise genetic distances between 0.4801 and 0.600. Genetic distances were wider between yellow and orange endosperm lines and predicted high heterosis in crosses between parents of different endosperm colors. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and the admixture model-based popula tion structure method both grouped the lines into five clusters. The clustering was based on endosperm color, pedigree, and selection history but not on LN tolerance or tryptophan con tent. Genotype by trait biplot analysis revealed association of grain yield with plant height and ear height. TZEEQI 394 and TZEEIORQ 73A had high expressivity for these traits. Indi rect selection for high grain yield among the inbred lines could be achieved using plant and ear heights as selection criteria. The wide genetic variability observed in this study sug gested that the inbred lines could be important sources of beneficial alleles for LN breeding programs in SSA.

Source: UG
Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of Ghanaian and exotic cassava accessions using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers

Genetic diversity is fundamentally important in crop improvement and provides plants with the capacity to meet the demands of changing environments. This work was carried out to assess the diversity and the extent of genetic relatedness among a number of assembled cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) accessions. We conducted a microsatellite marker analysis of 89 cassava accessions collected from Ghanaian and exotic sources. These accessions were assayed using 35 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 167 alleles were detected from 35 polymorphic markers with an average of 4.77 alleles per locus. High allelic frequency was detected across the accessions, ranging from 0.32 to 0.99 with an average of 0.62 per marker. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.03 - 0.97 across the accessions. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.03 to 0.78 with a mean of 0.45, indicating high level of polymorphism across the accessions. Comparatively, higher number of alleles, gene diversity and observed heterozygosity were detected among the local accessions compared with the exotic accessions indicating rich genetic diversity among them. Population structure analysis based on STRUCTURE identified two subpopulations and a large number of admixtures. Cluster analysis based on the neighbour joining algorithim further separated the collection into seven sub-groupings irrespective of geographical origin. This indicates the possible sharing of common genomic regions occurring across the accessions. High allelic frequency differences and levels of heterozygosity were observed among the germplasm. These findings indicated significant genetic variability in the germplasm to warrant selection.

Source: UG
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Anopheles funestus in Western Kenya Based on Mitochondrial DNA Marker COII

The mitochondrial marker, COII, was employed to assess the genetic structure and diversity of Anopheles funestus, a very important malaria vector in Africa that adapt and colonize different ecological niches in western Kenya. Mosquitoes were collected using mechanical aspirators in four areas (Bungoma, Port Victoria, Kombewa, and Migori) in western Kenya. Following morphological identification, PCR was used to confirm the species. The COII gene was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed to determine genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 126 (Port Victoria-38, Migori-38, Bungoma-22, and Kombewa-28) sequences of COII were used for population genetic analysis. Anopheles funestus had a high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.97 to 0.98) but low nucleotide diversity (Π = 0.004 to 0.005). The neutrality test revealed negative Tajima’s D and Fs values indicating an excess of low-frequency variation. This could be attributed to either population expansion or negative selection pressure across all the populations. No genetic or structural differentiation (Fst = −0.01) and a high level of gene flow (Gamma St, Nm = 17.99 to 35.22) were observed among the populations. Population expansion suggests the high adaptability of this species to various ecological requirements, hence sustaining its vectorial capacity and malaria transmission

Source: UG