[Modeling the dynamics of the effective population size of the Okhotsk Sea pollock in the Holocene era on the basis of genetic variability in the Nd2 and Cytb mtDNA loci].

We used Bayesian statistics to investigate the demographic history of the walleye pollock in the sea of Okhotks based on polymorphisms of sequences of the Nd2 and Cytb mitochondrial genes. We determined the average age for the Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) as 44.1 ± 2 and 52.

[Informativity of some of the molecular markers most frequently used in population genetics of salmonids].

The genetic parameters of donor and artificial populations of Siberian salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) have been analyzed. The parameters were obtained Wvith the use of different molecular markers as well as mathematic modeling based on experimental data. The difference between results is explained by the different resolving power of individual markers and/or stochastic effects.

[Phylogeography of pacific herring Clupea pallasii from Eurasian seas].

Eleven samples of Pacific herring from the four seas of Eurasia (Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, Bering Sea, and White Sea), and one sample of Atlantic herring were analyzed. Complete and partial sequences of the mtDNA control region with the sizes up to 1071 bp were used. To verify the haplogroups identified, additional sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase I gene was performed.

[Variability of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene in the red vole Clethrionomys rutilus pallas, 1779, population in the flood-plain middle stream of the Kolyma River].

The intrapopulation variability of a cytochrome b gene fragment and the corresponding amino acid sequence was studied in the red vole Clethrionomys rutilus Pallas, 1779 from the flood-plain of the Kolyma River. Wide polymorphic variability of these properties was observed. Differences in the cytochrome b gene sequence were determined between the red voles of the studied population and the species collected in neighborhoods of Novosibirsk and Omsk.

[Genetic diversity of the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius Pallas, 1771) in the Russian Far East as assessed by RAPD-PCR].

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with ten-nucleotide primers of arbitrary sequences (RAPID-PCR) was used to study the genetic characteristics of five samples of the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius Pallas, 1771) from the Russian Far East (Primorye, Khabarovsk krai, and Magadan oblast). Highly significant differentiation of the samples was demonstrated, the genetic diversity of each sample was estimated, and non-neutral loci were found. The genetic diversity was the highest in a population from the outskirts of Magadan and the lowest in populations from an island on the Amur River island near Khabarovsk and from the village of Talon (Magadan oblast).

[Structure of the gene pool of ethnic groups from the Altai-Sayan region from data on mitochondrial polymorphism].

Using the data on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism, genetic structures of the four Turkic-speaking ethnic groups of Altai-Sayan highlands, Southern Altaians (Altai-Kizhi), Khakassians, Shorians, and Sojots, were described. Mitochondrial gene pools of the populations examined were characterized by different ratios between Mongoloid (M*, C, D, E, G, A, B, and F) and Caucasoid (H, U, T, J, and K) mtDNA lineages. All the populations studied had a strongly pronounced Mongoloid component, the frequency of which was 88.

[Divergence of the cytochrome b gene in grouse species].

A 720-bp cytochrome b gene fragment of the mitochondrial genome was sequenced in ten species and seven potential subspecies of grouse. Of 187 variable sites detected, 140 were parsimony informative. The distribution of nucleotides in three positions of codons had a similar pattern with and did not fundamentally differ from that of the nucleotide composition of this gene in other animals, including birds.

[Evolution of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene in Tetraonidae birds].

Mitochondrial fragments containing the cytochrome b gene (1020 bp in size) of four bird species belonging to four genera of the family Tetraonidae (Tetrao parvirostris, Bonasa umbellus, Lagopus lagopus scoticus, and Falcipennis falcipennis) were directly sequenced. Of the 1020 nucleotide positions, 186 were variable and uniformly distributed over the gene and only 46 were parsimony informative. Most substitutions were synonymous.

[Association of mutations in cytochrome b and NADH-dehydrogenase 5/6 mitochondrial DNA genes from the sable (Martes zibellina L.)].

RFLP analysis of amplified genes for cytochrome b and NADP dehydrogenase 5/6 of sable mtDNA was carried out. Polymorphism was recorded in the first and the second fragment using six and four enzymes, respectively. This allowed us to identify seven mtDNA haplotypes forming two clusters, A1-A3 and B1-C2.

[Genetic variation of the mitochondrial DNA gene encoding cytochrome b in the Magadan population of sable Martes zibellina L].

The population of sable Martez zibellina consisting of two subspecies (M. z. kamtschadalica and M.

[Frequency distribution patterns of HLA antigens, genes, and haplotypesin the migrant population of northwestern Russia in relation to time of residence in the region and sex differentiation].

Frequency distribution patterns of the HLA antigens, genes, and haplotypes at subloci A, B, and Cw were examined in 664 female and 765 male Slavs in dependence to the duration of their residence in the extreme conditions of the Magadan region. In the groups studied, no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of the corresponding genes and antigens were found. Analysis of gamete associations showed that positive and negative associations revealed in some cases were typical of the population of the region on the whole.

[Negative relationship between variation of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes in populations of Arctic Mongoloids of Northeastern Asia].

Incompatibility of variation of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes was shown in four Arctic Mongoloid populations. An increase in heterozygosity was accompanied by a decrease in variation of mtDNA in the Koryaks-Chukchi-Asian Eskimo population series, and corresponds to the gradient of severity of the environment. An explanation is proposed based on the assumption of the key role of selective processes in the formation of the genetic (nuclear and mitochondrial) structure of Arctic Mongoloid populations in connection with long-term adaptation to extreme environment.

[The use of the polymerase chain reaction in analyzing ancient DNAs (exemplified by that of the Enmynveem mammoth)].

DNA was isolated from the Enmynveem mammoth muscles, and the control region and cytochrome b gene of the mitochondrial genome were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mammoth DNA was amplified by both the classical PCR (two primer system) and the single-primer PCR (spPCR) resulting in DNA fragments up to 1600 bp long. Restriction analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was carried out.

[Frequency distribution of HLA-antigens, genes and haplotypes in the migrant population of Magadan as a function of length of residence in the region].

Peculiarities of the frequency distribution of antigens, genes, and haplotypes at subloci A, B, and Cw of the HLA system in 1429 Slavic inhabitants of Magadan are presented in dependence on length of residence in extreme conditions. No significant differences were revealed with respect to frequency of genes and antigens in inhabitants with different lengths of residence in northeastern Russian conditions. Analysis of gamete associations shows that the revealed positive or negative associativity in some cases is characteristic for Caucasoids on the whole, but an associativity specific to inhabitants of Magadan was also established.

[The "Indian deletion" in the hypervariable segment II of mitochondrial DNA is absent in representatives of the native population of Northeastern Asia].

By means of MspI digestion analysis, a screening of the "Central American" deletion of six base pairs in the position 106-111 bp of the mtDNA control region in samples from native (Asian Eskimos, coastal Chukchi, Koryaks, and Evens) and migrant (Slavic group) inhabitants of northeastern Asia was performed. The absence of a 6-bp deletion in all the studied samples was demonstrated.

[Types of regulatory regions in mitochondrial DNA in eastern Slavs].

Nucleotide sequences of hypervariable segment I (HVS I) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region were determined for 23 eastern Slavs residing in Magadan, northeastern Asia. A high diversity of HVS I types was observed: each mtDNA analyzed has a unique nucleotide sequence. The types of HVS I revealed were shown to be widespread in the Caucasian population.

[Frequency distribution of HLA antigens and haplotypes in newly arrived inhabitants of Magadan].

Peculiarities of the frequency distribution of antigens and haplotypes of A, B, and Cw subloci of the HLA system in 924 Slavic inhabitants of Magadan are described. Significant differences in gene and haplotype frequencies between inhabitants of Magadan and those of Moscow, Odessa, Poles'e, Latvia, and England were revealed, which could not be attributed solely to the specificity of migration processes. On the basis of an analysis of gamete associations of the A and B subloci, an attempt was made to explain the specificity of the frequency distribution of HLA system alleles and haplotypes in the investigated sample from an ecological point of view.

[Restriction types of main noncoding segments of mitochondrial DNA in aboriginal and migrant inhabitants of Northeast Asia].

An analysis of data on the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the 16,081-16,545-bp locus of the major noncoding region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in samples of Asian Eskimos and coastal Chukchi of Chukotka and Slavs from Magadan is presented. By means of analysis of combinations of restriction pattern variants, the mitotypical structure of the studied population groups of the northeastern region of Russia was studied. A notable difference in mitotypical diversity was found: twelve types of the non-coding region were observed in Slvas (h = 0.

[Restriction polymorphism of the main noncoding region of mitochondrial DNA in native and migrant inhabitants of Northeast Asia].

Data on the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the 16,081-16,545 bp segment of the major non-coding region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in Slavs from Magadan (n = 20), Asian Eskimos (n = 20), and coastal Chuckchi (n = 10) are presented. In Slavs, nine restriction pattern variants were found for the enzymes AvaII, BamHI, HaeIII, EcoRV, KpnI, and RsaI; in Eskimos and Chuckchi, only KpnI polymorphism was found. The gene diversity in the identified polymorphic restriction sites was calculated, and the results obtained were compared with published data.

[Mitochondrial DNA RFLP in inhabitants of Magadan].

Analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from placenta tissue of Slavs living in Northern-East Asia is presented. BamHI, HpaI, EcoRV, and PvuII restriction endonucleases are used for this analysis (N = 40-50 for some restriction endonucleases). Combination of mtDNA types characteristic for distinct Mongoloid and Europeoid populations was found in a sample.

[Short repeats and variability in the smooth noncoding area of human mitochondrial DNA].

Major non-coding region of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (1122 bp) was assessed using the method of complexity analysis of genomes. The ACT, TCA, AGT and TGA motifs (AST-repeats) were shown to form short repeats as well as more complex block structures. These motifs are intrinsic for regulatory sequences of DNA of procaryotic and eucaryotic genes.

Some aspects of lipid metabolism and thyroid function in arctic ground squirrel, Citellus parryi during hibernation.

The increased blood levels of thyroid hormones as well as morphologic signs of high activity of thyroid gland were observed in arctic ground squirrel during hibernation. High thyroid activity could explain the characteristics of lipid metabolism observed in the studied species during hibernation-increased lipid unsaturation and decreased cholesterol/phospholipids molar ratio in plasma membranes. High blood concentrations of total lipids, cholesterol, and phospholipids in dormant animals is explained by the dissociation between thermogenic and lipotropic actions of thyroid hormones.

Adaptive changes of membrane lipid composition in humans living in the north.

Some parameters of red cell membrane lipid composition as well as intensiveness of lipid peroxidation and activity of its regulatory factors were assessed in northern aborigines, newcomers and alcohol abusers. It is proposed that the increased lipid peroxidation is responsible for the cholesterol and monoenic fatty acid accumulation in membranes of all groups studied. The data obtained make it possible to consider the lipid peroxidation as a mechanism for adaptive membrane lipid modification in humans.

[Biochemical polymorphic systems and psychological characteristics in residents of the Soviet North-East].

15 biochemical polymorphic systems (AcP, PGM, GPT, GLO-1, EsD, PGP, Pp, AK, Gc, Hp, Tf, BO, MN, Le, P) were comparatively studied which possess psychodiagnostic features investigated by means of all-round personality study and 16-factors Kettle personality inventory in 340 healthy residents of Magadan. With the aid of computer cluster analysis, psychodiagnostic features were revealed which authentically differentiate clusters consisting of 5 combined polymorphic systems, three of them being different. Frequency of particular loci participation in differentiation of persons for psychodiagnostic tests is well-coordinated with a degree of their participation in genotype differentiation in those who left and remained in the region.