Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G Stranzinger

Publications and source records attributed to G Stranzinger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Schistosoma reflexum in a female bovine fetus with synaptonemal complex abnormalities].

In this study we present mitotic- and meiotic investigations in an anatomical abnormal bovine fetus. The abnormality could be classified as "schistosoma reflexum", which was never described in fetuses in the literature. In the mitotical chromosome preparations from fibroblast cultures the examined fetus showed no chromosomal difference in comparison to the standard synaptonemal complexes (SC) which were prepared from the fetus at the age of 92 days post coitum. In the SCs from the abnormal fetus 43.75% of the investigated cells showed abnormalities such as "loop," "nonhomologue pairing" and "multivalency" in the pairing behavior of the chromosomes. In comparison, less than 5% of the cells in normal embryos showed such abnormalities.

Animals↗

[Horse breeding: genetic tests for the coat colors chestnut, bay and black. Results from a preliminary study in the Swiss Freiberger horse breed].

Coat color played an important role during domestication and formation of breeds. Livestock breeders often had special preferences for particular color phenotypes because they believed them to be associated with performance or fitness traits. Socio-cultural reasons might have had an influence on color selection as well. Recently genetic tests on DNA level got available to genotype in any individual horse for basic horse coat colors (chestnut, bay, black). In particular, hidden carriers of the recessive chestnut and black allele are recognizable with these tests. A sample of 162 Franches-Montagnes horses from Switzerland was genotyped for the alleles for chestnut and black. The analysis of allele frequencies revealed a high prevalence of the chestnut allele and a low frequency of the black allele in this population. Rare colors are in demand on the market. The statistical analysis of 1369 offspring from five stallions indicate, that darker shades of basic color phenotypes (dark chestnut, dark bay) follow a recessive mode of inheritance in the Franches-Montagnes horse breed.

Animals↗

[Microsatellite analysis in a population of Baudet du Poitou donkeys].

A population of Baudet du Poitou donkeys was genetically characterized using microsatellites. The results were used to verify the pedigrees and to estimate the genetic variability. It could be confirmed that a equine parentage test kit works well for donkeys and that by using 13 microsatellites more than 99% of wrong pedigree informations would be detected. The genetic variability was comparable to a representative group of Baudet du Poitou donkeys in France.

Animals↗

Fine-mapping of the intestinal receptor locus for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4ac on porcine chromosome 13.

The aim of this study was to refine the localization of the receptor locus for fimbriae F4ac. Small intestinal enterocyte preparations from 187 pigs were phenotyped by an in vitro adhesion test using two strains of Escherichia coli representing the variants F4ab and F4ac. The three-generation pedigree comprised eight founders, 18 F1 and 174 F2 animals, for a total of 200 pigs available for the linkage analysis. Results of the adhesion tests on 171 F2 pigs slaughtered at 8 weeks of age show that 23.5% of the pigs were adhesive for F4ab and non-adhesive for F4ac (phenotype F4abR+/F4acR-; R means receptor). Pigs of this phenotype were characterized by a weak adhesion receptor for F4ab. No pigs were found expressing only F4acR and lacking F4abR. Receptors for F4ab and F4ac (F4abR+/F4acR+) were expressed by 54.5% of the pigs. Animals of this phenotype strongly bound both F4ab and F4ac E. coli. In the segregation study, the serum transferrin (TF) gene and 10 microsatellites on chromosome 13 were linked with F4acR (recombination fractions (theta) between 0.00 and 0.11 and lod score values (Z) between 11.4 and 40.4). The 11-point analysis indicates the F4acR locus was located in the interval S0068-Sw1030 close to S0075 and Sw225, with recombination fractions (theta) of 0.05 between F4acR and S0068, 0.04 with Sw1030, and 0.00 with S0075 and Sw225. The lack of pigs displaying the F4abR-/F4acR+ phenotype and the presence of two phenotypes for F4abR (a strong receptor present in phenotype F4abR+/F4acR+ and a weak receptor in phenotype F4abR+/F4acR-) led us to conclude that the receptor for F4ac binds F4ab bacteria as well, and that it is controlled by one gene localized between S0068 and Sw1030 on chromosome 13.

Animals↗

[Genomic methods for identification of traits and inherited disorders in farm animals].

In this review we demonstrate the interaction of the blueprint of an individual (the genome, genomic DNA), its phenotype and the environment. The phenotype consists of quantitative (e.g. growth, milk yield) or functional characteristics e.g. fitness, longevity, fertility and disease resistance. The latter characteristics influence the welfare of an animal substantially. As only the genetically determined part of a particular characteristic is transferred from one generation to the next, it is important to know what the genetic variants (alleles) of the parents at one or more gene loci are. New methods in molecular biology have made it possible to localize and characterize important genes which help to breed more efficient and healthy animals. The exact characterization of the phenotype is vital in identifying genes with major effects and therefore the cooperation with experts from veterinary medicine, biochemistry, and biology is indispensable. As well as an overview of available genetic tests in farm animals, we show various examples how to identify the molecular basis of a particular phenotype and how to use the results in practical breeding programs. Genetic diagnosis enables the breeder to identify undesired alleles early and hinders therefore its uncontrolled distribution in the population. In the long term this leads to a smaller number of affected animals and depending on the disease it may help to prevent animals from suffering.

Alleles↗

Tumor regression induced by intratumoral injection of DNA coding for human interleukin 12 into melanoma metastases in gray horses.

Preclinical studies investigating new therapeutic principles against melanoma are presently being carried out in mouse models; however, these are not optimal. Here we describe a novel animal model using gray horses. These animals spontaneously develop metastatic melanoma that resembles human disease and is thus highly relevant for preclinical studies testing new immunotherapy protocols. We found that injection of plasmid DNA coding for the human cytokine interleukin 12 into established metastases induced significant regression in all 12 treated lesions in a total of 7 horses. Complete disappearance was observed in one treated lesion, with no recurrence after 6 months. No adverse events have been observed in any of the animals during and after treatment. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of interleukin 12 encoding plasmid DNA therapy against established metastatic disease in a large animal model and serve as a basis for a clinical trial.

Aging↗

Isolation of a porcine UDP-GalNAc transferase cDNA mapping to the region of the blood group EAA locus on pig chromosome 1.

UNLABELLED: In our studies of the genes constituting the porcine A0 blood group system, we have characterized a cDNA, encoding an alpha(1,3)N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, that putatively represents the blood group A transferase gene. The cDNA has a 1095-bp open reading frame and shares 76.9% nucleotide and 66.7% amino acid identity with the human ABO gene. Using a somatic cell hybrid panel, the cDNA was assigned to the q arm of pig chromosome 1, in the region of the erythrocyte antigen A locus (EAA), which represents the porcine blood group A transferase gene. The RNA corresponding to our cDNA was expressed in the small intestinal mucosae of pigs possessing EAA activity, whereas expression was absent in animals lacking this blood group antigen. The UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine (UDP-GalNAc) transferase activity of the gene product, expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, was specific for the acceptor fucosyl-alpha(1,2)galactopyranoside; the enzyme did not use phenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (phenyl-beta-D-Gal) as an acceptor. Because the alpha(1,3)GalNAc transferase gene product requires an alpha(1,2)fucosylated acceptor for UDP-GalNAc transferase activity, the alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase gene product is necessary for the functioning of the alpha(1,3)GalNAc transferase gene product. This mechanism underlies the epistatic effect of the porcine S locus on expression of the blood group A antigen. ABBREVIATIONS: CDS: coding sequence; CHO: Chinese Hamster Ovary; EAA: erythrocyte antigen A; FCS: foetal calf serum; Fucalpha(1,2)Gal: fucosyl-alpha(1,2)galactopyranoside; Gal: galactopyranoside; GGTA1: Galalpha(1,3)Gal transferase; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; phenyl-beta-D-Gal: phenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside; R: Galbeta1-4Glcbeta1-1Cer; UDP-GalNAc: uridine diphosphate N-acetylgalactosamine

ABO Blood-Group System↗

cDNA cloning and physical mapping of porcine 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta 5-Delta 4 isomerase.

The 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta 5-Delta 4-isomerase (3 beta-HSD) enzymes are essential for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones. The 3 beta-HSD gene family has been reported to encode for different isoenzymes which function either as dehydrogenase/isomerase or as reductase. The 3 beta-HSD enzymes are involved in the formation of the pheromone androstenone (5 alpha-androst-16-ene-3-one) which contributes to the unpleasant odour present in the meat of uncastrated boars. An reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) probe from porcine testicular tissue of a 3 beta-HSD enzyme was used to screen a porcine adipose tissue cDNA library. Both strands of the positive clones were sequenced and the putative coding sequence of 1122 nucleotides encodes 374 amino acids. Comparison of the putative open reading frame with the bovine and the human type I homologues revealed 85.6 and 79.3% identity, respectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed with a labelled PAC clone containing the gene of interest. The 3 beta-HSD gene was mapped to the porcine chromosome 4q16-4q21 which is in accordance with the comparative gene map.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Picogram cloning and direct in situ sequencing of DNA from gel pieces.

We describe a simple and rapid procedure for cloning and sequencing of DNA fragments separated by gel electrophoresis, using novel hydrophilic gels, Clearose BG, Spreadex, and Poly(NAT), that do not melt at 95 degrees C. For cloning, a band of interest is excised precisely and incubated in an extraction buffer containing 5-10 mM MgCl2 at 70 degrees C for 15-45 min. The eluted DNA is added directly to the plasmid solution. Using a topoisomerase-based ligation system, we were able to transform bacteria with a few picograms of DNA and isolate recombinant clones. For in situ sequencing, the DNA in the gel serves as the template. No treatment before cycle sequencing is necessary for fragments up to 500 bp.

Animals↗

Urethral duplication and chromosomal translocation in a Swiss braunvieh heifer.

As it was urinating, a six-month-old Swiss braunvieh heifer produced a second stream of urine from a fistula that opened on the ventrolateral margin of the left vulval lip. A catheter was introduced into this opening and passed easily into the bladder. Urethrography showed that the fistula joined the urethra in the mid-pelvic region and that a single canal originated from the bladder. Endoscopy confirmed this finding and also revealed a duplication of the vaginal portion of the cervix, a division of the cranial vagina by a septum and a fibrous band in the region of the hymenal ring. Cytogenetic examination revealed reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 20q23 and 22q23. A diagnosis of urethra duplex, duplication of the vaginal portion of the cervix and reciprocal autosomal translocation between chromosomes 20 and 22 was made on the basis of these findings.

Animals↗

A DNA polymorphism influencing alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase activity of the pig FUT1 enzyme determines susceptibility of small intestinal epithelium to Escherichia coli F18 adhesion.

The alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferases (FUT1 and FUT2) contribute to the formation of blood group antigen structures, which are present on cell membranes and in secretions. In the present study we demonstrate that both FUT1 and FUT2 are expressed in the pig small intestine. FUT1 polymorphisms influence adhesion of F18 fimbriated Escherichia coli (ECF18) to intestinal mucosa, and FUT2 is associated with expression of erythrocyte antigen 0. The FUT1 polymorphisms result in amino acid substitutions at positions 103 (Ala-->Thr) and 286 (Arg-->Glu). Tightly controlled expression of the FUT2 gene results in either an abundance or an absence of mRNA in small intestinal mucosa. ECF18-resistant animals were shown to be homozygous for threonine at amino acid 103 of the FUT1 enzyme. Susceptibility to ECF18 adhesion appeared to be solely dependent on the activity of FUT1 in intestinal epithelia. In intestinal mucosae of ECF18-resistant pigs which expressed FUT1 but not FUT2 RNA, the levels of alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase activity were significantly lower (28- to 45-fold, P<0.001) than in susceptible pigs. Moreover, lysates of CHO cells transfected with FUT1 constructs encoding threonine at amino acid position 103 also showed significantly reduced enzyme activity compared with constructs encoding alanine at this position. Our genetic and enzymatic studies support the hypothesis that the FUT1 enzyme, and particularly the amino acid at position 103, is likely important in the synthesis of a structure that enables adhesion of ECF18 bacteria to small intestinal mucosa.

Animals↗

Associations between casein haplotypes and milk production traits of Swiss Brown cattle.

Effects of casein haplotypes and beta-lactoglobulin (LG) genotypes on milk protein fractions and on daughter yield deviations for milk performance traits were estimated from a daughter design. Offspring of seven Swiss Brown sires with the haplotypes B-A-B-A and B-A-B-B for alpha s1-, alpha s2-, beta-, and kappa-caseins were selected. The milk of daughter groups with paternal haplotype B-A-B-A was associated with lower casein content and higher whey protein content compared with B-A-B-B. Because of these contrary effects, the true protein content was not affected by the paternal haplotypes. The effects of maternal haplotypes were significant on true protein and casein content but not on whey protein content. The beta-LG genotypes had highly significant effects on casein and whey protein content. The effect of beta-LG BB was positive on casein and negative on whey protein content compared with beta-LG AA; the effect of beta-LG AB was intermediate. No significant effects of paternal haplotypes were found for daughter yield deviation on kilograms of milk, fat, and protein or percentages of fat and protein. The effects of the beta-LG genotypes were, independent of the parental haplotypes, close to significant on daughter yield deviation for percentage of protein. The beta-LG BB tended to be associated with a higher protein content compared with beta-LG AA. The effects for beta-LG genotypes showed additive gene effects. The analysis of paternal haplotypes within sires revealed a contrary effect of haplotypes for two of the seven sires for casein content. The paternal haplotypes within sire showed, although not significant, that haplotypes of the two sires had a contrary effect on daughter yield deviation for percentage of protein as well.

Animals↗

[An unusual case from paternity testing in dogs].

We are solving disputed paternities in purebred dogs using microsatellite analysis. An interesting case involved four puppies for which pedigrees were already issued by the Swiss Kennel Club. The investigation had to be carried out without a sample from the stated sire. Even though the relationship of this sire could not be determined conclusively, comparison of microsatellite alleles within this family, including an alleged half-brother of the four puppies, showed clearly that the breeder had made contradictory statements and that false recordings of matings had occurred. The pedigrees for these four puppies were withdrawn and sanctions against the breeder were imposed.

Alleles↗

[Characterization of Swiss new world camelid breeds using microsatellite markers].

Molecular markers allow a characterization of animal populations on DNA level. They help to estimate the genetic variability, they are useful in paternity control, to diagnose hereditary diseases, in epidemiology and last but not least support traditional tools to take breeding decisions. Seventy-six new-world camelids in Switzerland were genetically typed for six microsatellite markers and their parentage controlled. Calculation of allele frequencies, heterozygosity, polymorphism information content, deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and exclusion probability of markers showed a high genetic variability within the chosen populations. This will allow selection for certain traits. The estimated genetic distance between different camelid species and breeds was in accordance with their expected phylogenetic origins.

Animals↗

Characterization of the porcine uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 (UCP2 & UCP3) and their localization to chromosome 9 p by somatic cell hybrids.

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial membrane transporters that are involved in thermogenesis. Heat is generated by dissipation of the proton gradient at the inner mitochondrial membrane, without coupling to any other energy consuming process. A cDNA library from porcine white adipose tissue was screened for clones encoding porcine uncoupling proteins 2 and 3. Ten independent clones were identified and both strands of selected clones were sequenced. Comparison of the sequences with their human homologues revealed an identity of about 87% at the nucleotide level and over 90% at the level of the putative amino acid sequence. Using the INRA hybrid panel, the porcine UCP2 and UCP3 genes were mapped to SSC 9 p21-p24. This localization is consistent with the assignment of human UCP2 and UCP3 to HSA 11q13.

Animals↗