Faisal Almathen*
Published September 30, 2024
Genet. Mol. Res. 23 (3): gmr2381
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4238/gmr2381

About the Authors
Faisal Almathen*

Corresponding author:
Faisal Almathen*
E-mail: falmathen@kfu.edu.sa.sa

ABSTRACT

The Hassawi donkey, an indigenous breed from Saudi Arabia, has adapted to the arid climate of the region and exhibits distinct physical traits. However, limited research has been conducted on its genetic diversity and evolutionary history. This study investigates the genetic diversity and maternal lineage of the Hassawi donkey by analyzing the mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b (Cytb) gene from 21 individuals. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-fidelity sequencing, we identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions 14289, 14409, and 14424, which differentiated two distinct haplotypes within the population. Phylogenetic analysis using the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) method revealed two major clusters corresponding to these haplotypes. The first haplotype, representing five individuals, aligned with Haplogroup A, while the second haplotype, encompassing 16 individuals (76% of the samples), aligned with Haplogroup B. These findings were further supported by a median-joining network analysis that compared the Hassawi donkeys to global populations, including samples from Africa and Asia. This analysis confirmed that the Hassawi donkeys share maternal ancestry with global donkey populations, particularly those from Africa and Asia. The results provide new insights into the genetic diversity of the Hassawi donkey, revealing its connection to global donkey populations and contributing to the broader understanding of donkey domestication and evolution. This study represents the first genetic analysis of the Hassawi donkey and provides a foundation for future research on its genetic structure and conservation.

Key words: Genetic diversity; donkey; Cytochrome b gene; polymorphism; haplotypes; phylogenetic