This blog was created to support my Thoroughbred
mitochondrial DNA project. The mtDNA study was
contemplated for twelve or fifteen years before I got
brave enough to think I might be able to make some
kind of positive contribution in knowledge toward the
Thoroughbred horses that I dearly love.
It was Charles Bruce Lowe in 1895 whose writings
and difficulties gave me inspiration and confidence to
at least make the attempt. I have prepared myself by
operating a Thoroughbred breeding farm for 34 years,
immersing myself in pedigree theories, conducting
breeding experiments on my farm, breeding research,
biological research, and a background of extensive
historical research.
Our mtDNA study was started by, financed by, and
matured with a horse breeder interested in selective mating,
maternal inheritance, and the expression of performance
traits. I have tried to NOT bring to the table any
baggage of stubborn opinion or "know-it-all" closed
mindedness. I hope I have the open mindedness that
objective science requires. Academic pursuit of knowledge
while important is parallel to the potential benefit of
pragmatic application of modern, biological science for
the horse breeder's benefit.
Mitochondrial investigation must be more than a tool of
identity in order to be incorporated by the interested
horse breeder in his breeding program. I am happy and
willing to acknowledge the great, ground-breaking
contribution made by Hill, Cunningham, Bowling, et al.
I have no intent to duplicate their efforts - why would
I want to do what has already been done?
Our interest in identifying matrilines is just an initial
step because how can legitimate research be done if you
cannot identify that which you are studying? How can you
trust any conclusions if you don't know from where you
started? Obviously, therefore, the research must start
with identity.
In Mendelian inheritance the DNA is the scaffolding or structure.
There are little differences at the level of DNA between a horse,
a human, or a hamster. What goes on is going on beneath.
Researching the nuclear genome is so large and complex
that it would take millions of dollars and far more
elaborate facilities, years, and resources to make any kind of
meaningful contribution - Far beyond my limited means.
The much smaller mitochondrial genome of "Equus caballus"
[ACCESSION X79547] is 16660 bp [base pairs] in size. It is
monoclonal [that is it replicates or clones from dam to progeny.
The mitochondrial genome does not split, divide, and recombine
as in nuclear processes]. It is somewhat simpler to understand
and research. PLUS, it has to do with maternal inheritance
which is where my interests have laid for thirty years. Long
live the ladies!!
-Loren Bolinger
