Biology subjects

Ravasini, F.

Publications and source records attributed to Ravasini, F..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

The arrival of the Near Eastern ancestry in Central Italy predates the onset of the Roman Empire

Italian genetic history was profoundly shaped by Romans. While the Iron Age was comparable to contemporary European regions, the gene pool of Central Italy underwent significant influence from Near Eastern ancestry during the Imperial age. To explain this shift, it has been proposed that during this period people from Eastern Mediterranean regions of the Empire migrated towards its political center. In this study, by analyzing a new individual (1.25x) and published Republican samples, we propose a novel perspective for the presence of Near Eastern ancestry in the Imperial gene pool. In our scenario, the spread of this genetic ancestry took place during the late Republican period, predating the onset of the Empire by [~]200 years. The diffusion of this ancestry may have occurred due to early East-to-West movements, since Eastern Mediterranean regions were already under Roman political influence during the Republic, or even as a result of migration from Southern Italy where Greeks and Phoenicians settled.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2024

Genomic sequencing to detect cross-breeding quality in dogs: an example studying disorders in sexual development

BackgroundDisorders of Sexual Development (DSD) in dogs, similar to humans, arise from irregularities in genetic determinants, gonadal differentiation, or phenotypic sex development. The French Bulldog, a breed that has seen a surge in popularity and demand, has also shown a marked increase in DSD incidence. This study aims to characterize the genetic underpinnings of DSD in a French Bulldog named Brutus, exhibiting ambiguous genitalia and internal sexual anatomy, and to explore the impact of breeding practices on genetic diversity within the breed. MethodsWe utilized a comprehensive approach combining conventional cytogenetics, molecular techniques, and deep sequencing to investigate the genetic profile of Brutus. The sequence data were compared to three other male French Bulldogs genome sequences with typical reproductive anatomy, including Brutuss father, and the canine reference genome (CanFam6). FindingsOur findings revealed a 22% mosaicism (78, XX/77, XX), the absence of the SRY gene, and the presence of 43 unique Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) not inherited from the father. Notably, the Run of Homozygosity (ROH) analysis showed Brutus has a significantly higher number of homozygous segments compared to other Bulldogs, with a total length of these fragments 50% greater than the average, strongly suggesting this dog is the product of the mating between siblings. While no direct causative genes for the DSD phenotype were identified four candidate loci warranting further investigation were highlighted. ConclusionsOur study highlighted the need for a better annotated and curated reference dog genome to define genes causative of any specific phenotype, suggests a potential genetic basis for the DSD phenotype in dogs, and underscores the consequences of uncontrolled breeding practices in French Bulldogs. These findings highlight the importance of implementing strategic genetic management to preserve genetic health and diversity in canine populations.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2024

The Genomic portrait of the Picene culture: new insights into the Italic Iron Age and the legacy of the Roman expansion in Central Italy.

BackgroundThe Italic Iron Age was characterized by the presence of various ethnic groups partially examined from a genomic perspective. To explore the evolution of Iron Age Italic populations and the genetic impact of Romanization, we focused on the Picenes, one of the most fascinating pre-Roman civilizations, who flourished on the Middle Adriatic side of Central Italy between the 9th and the 3rd century BCE, until the Roman colonization. ResultsWe analyzed more than 50 samples, spanning more than 1,000 years of history from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity. Despite cultural diversity, our analysis reveals no major differences between the Picenes and other coeval populations, suggesting a shared genetic history of the Central Italian Iron Age ethnic groups. Nevertheless, a slight genetic differentiation between populations along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts can be observed, possibly due to genetic contacts between populations residing on the Italian and Balkan shores of the Adriatic Sea. Additionally, we found several individuals with ancestries deviating from their general population. Lastly, In the Late Antiquity period, the genetic landscape of the Middle Adriatic region drastically changed, indicating a relevant influx from the Near East. ConclusionsOur findings, consistently with archeological hypotheses, suggest genetic interactions across the Adriatic Sea during the Bronze/Iron Age and a high level of individual mobility typical of cosmopolitan societies. Finally, we highlighted the role of the Roman Empire in shaping genetic and phenotypic changes that greatly impacted the Italian peninsula.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2023

Echoes from the last Green Sahara: whole genome analysis of Fulani, a key population to unveil the genetic evolutionary history of Africa

BackgroundThe Sahelian Fulani are the largest nomadic pastoral ethnic group. Their origins are still largely unknown and their Eurasian genetic component is usually explained by recent admixture events with northern African groups. However, it has also been proposed that Fulani may be the descendants of ancient groups settled in the Sahara during its last Green phase (12000-5000 BP), as also suggested by Y chromosome results. ResultsWe produced 23 high-coverage (30 x) whole genomes from Fulani individuals from 8 Sahelian countries, plus 17 samples from other African groups and 3 Europeans as controls, for a total of 43 new whole genome sequences. These data have been compared with 814 published modern whole genomes and analyzed together with relevant published ancient individuals (for a total of > 1800 samples). These analyses showed that the non-sub-Saharan genetic ancestry component of Fulani cannot be only explained by recent admixture events, but it could be shaped at least in part by older events by events more ancient than previously reported, possibly tracing its origin to the last Green Sahara. ConclusionsAccording to our results, Fulani may be the descendants of Saharan cattle herders settled in that area during the last Green Sahara. The exact ancestry composition of such ghost Saharan population(s) cannot be completely unveiled from modern genomes only, but the joint analysis with the available African ancient samples suggested a similarity between ancient Saharans and Late Neolithic Moroccans.

genetics↗