Genetic diversity in populations of the viper Bothrops moojeni Hoge, 1966 in Central Brazil using RAPD markers

Abstract

ABSTRACT.Bothrops moojeni is an abundant venomous snake responsible for most of the snakebite cases in the Central region of Brazil and as a result of the anthropogenic habitat disturbance, such as the increase in extensive farming, the range of B. moojeni has been greatly fragmented. Here, we obtained genomic DNA from a total of 75 snakes belonging to four populations. Genetic variability evaluated for five RAPD primers was low (He = 0.20) and was not spatially structured. We found evidence of significant genetic divergence among B. moojeni populations that were isolated (Φ ST values of 0.21 and 0.25), while populations more proximal exhibited less divergence (Φ ST values of 0.04 and 0.08). We found only moderate divergence (Φ ST value of 0.12) between two populations greatly isolated (851.83 km apart) along with great differentiation (0.24) between two proximal populations (290 km apart). Even though these populations are close to each other, they occur in an urbanized area that is almost completely covered by extensive crops, representing an obstruc- tion to the mobility of this viper. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed some degree of subdivision in these populations, with a Φ ST value of 0.16, significant to the level of 1% by 1000 random permutations. We also performed a Bayesian analysis that confirmed the AMOVA results and found a value of θ B = 0.14 and an ƒ = 0.27, suggesting a high level of endogamy. This is the first study that characterizes genetic variability for this important species of the Bothrops genus, and our data are of significant importance in terms of classifying populations in relation to their conservational value and management strategies. Thus, given the high levels of population structure found in this case, we recommend sampling as many populations as possible to maximize the genetic variability to be preserved when aiming for in situ conservation. The same should be done to perform samplings toward ex situ conservation.

Analgesic Effect of Photobiomodulation on Bothrops Moojeni Venom-Induced Hyperalgesia: A Mechanism Dependent on Neuronal Inhibition, Cytokines and Kinin Receptors Modulation

“…The local effects induced by bothropic venoms are the result of multifactorial and synergistic actions of toxins, which are still poorly understood. Bothrops moojeni is a venomous snake responsible for most of the snakebites in the Central region of Brazil [ 5 ]. Despite the medical importance, there are only a few studies related to the local inflammatory reaction caused by Bothrops moojeni venom (Bmv).…”

Genetic and morphometric variability in Caiman latirostris (broad‐snouted caiman), Reptilia, Alligatoridae

“…Furthermore, in comparison to co-dominant markers, dominant markers can be developed relatively easily even for species for which no prior genetic information is available and at a relatively low cost (Mueller and Wolfenbarger,'99). In spite of Dowling et al ('96) criticisms, RAPD markers may represent excellent alternative tools to co-dominant markers to address questions requiring the estimation of pair-wise relatedness between individuals (Hardy, 2003) and to study the patterns of genetic variability (Li and Jin, 2006;Arruda and Morielle-Versute, 2008;Dutra et al, 2008;Lopera-Barrero et al, 2008;Torres et al, 2008).…”

“…Recently, population studies on C. latirostris were conducted in Brazil Villela, 2004) by means of specific microsatellite primers developed for Zucoloto et al (2002) that allowed detecting seven polymorphic loci in C. latirostris (Zucoloto et al, 2006). RAPD technique is widely used (Dutra et al, 2008) because these markers usually display large numbers of polymorphic (di-allelic) loci. Tens to hundreds of polymorphic loci are commonly reported (Hardy, 2003), which offers opportunities to make inferences at much finer scales of resolution (Ritland, 2005).…”

Cassia occidentalis: effect on healing skin wounds induced by Bothrops moojeni in mice

“…The genus Bothrops is found in the Americas and is characterised by its adaptation to different types of environments. It is found in diverse ecosystems, even in flooded regions, and is responsible for the majority of snakebites in Brazil [1,2]. Bothrops moojeni is a species that has been attracting increased medical attention because its venom is composed of a complex mixture of proteins with biological activity, and it is used as a model to evaluate new drugs [3].…”