运用古DNA技术对陕西淳化枣树沟脑遗址西周中晚期马坑出土马骨样本进行遗传学分析。共选取4匹家马骨骼样本，从中提取DNA并对线粒体DNA控制区和毛色控制基因的核DNA进行PCR扩增。全部样本获得了线粒体DNA序列，在这4个序列中共检测出4个不同的单倍型，可以归属到4个不同的谱系A、B、C和F。枣树沟脑遗址马坑中出土家马具有相对较高的线粒体DNA的遗传多样性，依据古代文献记载和古环境特征，陕西地区特殊的地理位置似乎利于不同谱系和不同品种的家马聚集至此，由此推测该地区可能是先秦时期的一个产马和马匹贸易交换的集散地。毛色控制基因的SNP检测结果显示该遗址古代家马仅有枣色（bay）一种毛色。毛色的单一性与线粒体DNA较高的遗传多样性并不一致。本研究为陕西地区古代家马遗传学研究填补了空白，也为今后中国古代家马起源与扩散研究提供新的思路。%This research aims to use an ancient DNA analysis to genetically characterize ancient horse remains from Zaoshugounao site in Chunhua County, Shaanxi Province, China. The site dates back to Middle and Late period in Western Zhou Dynasty. DNA was successfully extracted from four ancient horse individuals in the dedicated ancient DNA lab following vigorous protocols for maximal contamination prevention. Both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers for coat colors were targeted for PCR amplifications. The results show a high success rate of DNA recovery, likely due to a superior DNA preservation of the remains. The mtDNA analysis reveals four haplotypes belonging to four different haplogroups (A,B,C and F)while the amplified SNP markers indicate only one coat color (bay). The single coat color seems to be in big contrast with the high mitochondrial DNA diversity. While the sample size is relatively small, it is clear that the analyzed remains have a high genetic diversity as demonstrated by the mtDNA data. The presence of single coat color may indicate intentional selection of coat color for a special purpose. Due to its unique geographic location, our results suggest that Shaanxi could be an important breeding, trading and exchanging region for ancient horses. This study is the first for the ancient horse genetic research in Shaanxi area. It could apply new sight for the study on the origin and spread of Chinese ancient horses.
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