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Genomic characterization of the human and mouse protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B genes.

PTP-1B is a ubiquitously expressed intracellular protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that has been implicated in the negative regulation of insulin signaling. Mice deficient in PTP-1B were found to have an enhanced insulin sensitivity and a resistance to diet-induced obesity. Interestingly, the human PTP-1B gene maps to chromosome 20q13.1 in a region that has been associated with diabetes and obesity. Although there has been a partial characterization of the 3' end of the human PTP-1B gene, the complete gene organization has not been described. In order to further characterize the PTP-1B gene, we have cloned and determined the genomic organization for both the human and mouse PTP-1B genes including the promoter. The human gene spans >74 kb and features a large first intron of >54 kb; the mouse gene likewise contains a large first intron, although the exact size has not been determined. The organization of the human and mouse PTP-1B genes is identical except for an additional exon at the 3' end of the human that is absent in the mouse. The mouse PTP-1B gene maps to the distal arm of mouse chromosome 2 in the region H2-H3. This region is associated with a mouse obesity quantitative trait locus (QTL) and is syntenic with human chromosome 20. The promoter region of both the human and mouse genes contain no TATA box but multiple GC-rich sequences that contain a number of consensus SP-1 binding sites. The basal activity of the human PTP-1B promoter was characterized in Hep G2 cells using up to 8 kb of 5' flanking sequence. A 432 bp promoter construct immediately upstream of the ATG was able to confer maximal promoter activity. Within this sequence, there are at least three GC-rich sequences and one CCAAT box, and deletion of any of these elements results in decreased promoter activity. In addition, the promoter in a number of mouse strains contains, 3.5 kb upstream of the start codon, an insertion of an intracisternal a particle (IAP) element that possibly could alter the expression of PTP-1B mRNA in these strains.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

New quantitative trait loci that contribute to cholesterol gallstone formation detected in an intercross of CAST/Ei and 129S1/SvImJ inbred mice.

Cholesterol gallstone formation is a response to interactions between multiple genes and environmental stimuli. To determine the subset of cholesterol gallstone susceptibility (Lith) genes possessed by strains CAST/Ei (susceptible) and 129S1/SvImJ (resistant), we conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses of an intercross between these strains. Parental strains and F(1) mice of both genders were evaluated for gallstone formation after consumption of a lithogenic diet for 8 wk. Gallstone susceptibility of strain CAST was predominantly due to cholesterol hypersecretion. Male intercross offspring were genotyped and phenotyped for cholesterol gallstone formation after consumption of the lithogenic diet for 10 wk. Linkage analysis was performed using PSEUDOMARKER software. One significant, new QTL was detected and named Lith13 [chromosome (Chr) 5, 30 cM]. Statistical analyses and QTL fine mapping suggest this QTL may comprise two closely linked loci. We confirmed the presence of Lith6 (Chr 6). Suggestive QTL were detected on Chrs 1, 2, 5, 14, and 16. The QTL on Chrs 2 and 16 confirmed previously identified, suggestive QTL. Therefore, they were named Lith12 (101 cM) and Lith14 (42 cM), respectively. We identified candidate genes based on known function and location and performed mRNA expression analyses using both parental strains and intercross progeny for preliminary evaluation of their contributions to gallstone formation. Cebpb (Lith12), Pparg (Lith6), and Slc21a1 (Lith6) displayed expression differences. Our work continues to demonstrate the genetic complexity and to elucidate the pathophysiology of cholesterol gallstone formation. It should facilitate the development of new approaches for treating this common human disorder.

Alleles↗

Resistance locus pyramids alter transcript abundance in soybean roots inoculated with Fusarium solani f.sp. glycines.

Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is caused by Fusarium solani f.sp. glycines (Fsg). Six quantitative trait loci (QTLs), each conferring partial resistance to SDS, have been discovered in an Essex x Forrest recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, but their mode of action is not clear. This study aimed to identify genes (ESTs) whose mRNA transcripts were altered in abundance in soybean roots following inoculation of Fsg. Roots of the soybean variety Forrest (four resistance alleles) were inoculated with Fsg, and 14 days later RNA sequences that were differentially expressed relative to uninoculated roots were enriched using suppression subtraction and differential display. The abundance of these RNAs was quantified in inoculated and non-inoculated roots by macroarray hybridizations. A unigene set of 135 ESTs was identified and used in a further macroarray analysis. The abundance of 28 cDNA fragments was increased more than two-fold in inoculated compared to uninoculated roots of RIL 23 (six resistance alleles). In Forrest and Essex (two resistance alleles), the level of only one mRNA was increased two-fold in inoculated roots compared to the uninoculated roots. In Essex most of the mRNAs analyzed decreased in abundance (61/135 showed a two-fold decrease), while in Forrest most mRNA abundances did not change. Among the 28 cDNAs that revealed a two-fold or higher increase in mRNA abundance in RIL 23, 14% code for proteins known to be involved in plant defense, 21% in metabolism, 14% in cell structure and 4% in transport. Unannotated ESTs accounted for 43% of the genes, and 4% of the sequences were previously unknown. The plant defense-related genes that showed a differential response to Fsg inoculation suggested a role for the phenylproponoid pathway in soybean defense against Fsg. In Essex, genes involved in plant defense, cell wall synthesis, ethylene synthesis and metabolism were expressed at lower levels in inoculated roots. The difference in response between the 2-, 4- and 6-gene pyramids suggests that QTLs for SDS resistance serve to delay symptoms or confer resistance by maintaining or increasing the expression of specific genes after inoculation/infection.

DNA, Complementary↗

Genetic locus in mice that blocks development of atherosclerosis despite extreme hyperlipidemia.

The genes contributing to the common forms of atherosclerosis are largely unknown. One approach to dissecting complex traits such as atherosclerosis is to use animal models, such as the mouse, to map and characterize the genetic loci involved. We now report the identification of a locus for aortic lesion formation on mouse chromosome 6 that exhibits a highly significant lod score of 6.7 in a genetic cross between the susceptible strain, C57BL/6J, and the resistant strain, CAST/Ei. The locus was confirmed by constructing a congenic strain in which the chromosome 6 segment from CAST/Ei was transferred to a C57BL/6J background in a series of backcrosses. The congenic strain was almost completely resistant to diet-induced atherosclerosis. The chromosome 6 segment was also transferred onto the background of an LDL receptor-null mutation and resulted again in almost complete resistance to aortic lesion formation. This locus also influenced insulin levels but did not affect plasma lipoprotein levels, blood pressure, or body fat. The chromosome 6 gene, which we call Artles (for arterial lesions), did not affect endothelial cell responses to oxidized LDL, but lesion formation was partially reduced through bone marrow transplantation. The locus contains the candidate gene peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, and the congenic mice exhibited significantly reduced expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma.

Animals↗

Allelic differences in a quantitative trait locus affecting insulin-like growth factor-I impact skeletal acquisition and body composition.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is critical for optimal skeletal growth and maintenance. Knockout and transgenic models have provided significant insights into the role of IGF-I in bone modeling and remodeling. Congenic mice demonstrate allelic differences in particular quantitative trait loci (QTL). One such model is congenic 6T, which contains a QTL for reduced serum IGF-I donated from C3H/HeJ on a pure C57Bl/6 J (B6) background. In this study we found a 30%-50% reduction in IGF-I expression in bone, liver, and fat of the congenic 6T mouse, as well as lower circulating IGF-I compared with control B6. 6T mice also had a greater percentage body fat, but reduced serum leptin. These changes were associated with reduced cortical and trabecular bone mineral density, impaired bone formation but no change in bone resorption. Moreover, the anabolic skeletal response to intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) therapy was blunted in 6T compared with B6, potentially in response to greater programmed cell death in osteocytes and osteoblasts of 6T. In summary, allelic differences in IGF-I expression impact peak bone acquisition and body composition, as well as the skeletal response to PTH. Lifelong changes in circulating and skeletal IGF-I may be relevant for the pathophysiology of several diseases, including chronic renal failure.

Alleles↗

Mapping determinants of variation in energy metabolism, respiration and flight in Drosophila.

We employed quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping to dissect the genetic architecture of a hierarchy of functionally related physiological traits, including metabolic enzyme activity, metabolite storage, metabolic rate, and free-flight performance in recombinant inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster. We identified QTL underlying variation in glycogen synthase, hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, and trehalase activity. In each case variation mapped away from the enzyme-encoding loci, indicating that trans-acting regions of the genome are important sources of variation within the metabolic network. Individual QTL associated with variation in metabolic rate and flight performance explained between 9 and 35% of the phenotypic variance. Bayesian QTL analysis identified epistatic effects underlying variation in flight velocity, metabolic rate, glycogen content, and several metabolic enzyme activities. A region on the third chromosome was associated with expression of the glucose-6-phosphate branchpoint enzymes and with metabolic rate and flight performance. These genomic regions are of special interest as they may coordinately regulate components of energy metabolism with effects on whole-organism physiological performance. The complex biochemical network is encoded by an equally complex network of interacting genetic elements with potentially pleiotropic effects. This has important consequences for the evolution of performance traits that depend upon these metabolic networks.

Animals↗

Leaf tip necrosis, molecular markers and beta1-proteasome subunits associated with the slow rusting resistance genes Lr46/Yr29.

Resistance based on slow-rusting genes has proven to be a useful strategy to develop wheat cultivars with durable resistance to rust diseases in wheat. However this type of resistance is often difficult to incorporate into a single genetic background due to the polygenic and additive nature of the genes involved. Therefore, markers, both molecular and phenotypic, are useful tools to facilitate the use of this type of resistance in wheat breeding programs. We have used field assays to score for both leaf and yellow rust in an Avocet-YrA x Attila population that segregates for several slow-rusting leaf and yellow rust resistance genes. This population was analyzed with the AFLP technique and the slow-rusting resistance locus Lr46/Yr29 was identified. A common set of AFLP and SSR markers linked to the Lr46/Yr29 locus was identified and validated in other recombinant inbred families developed from single chromosome recombinant populations that segregated for Lr46. These populations segregated for leaf tip necrosis (LTN) in the field, a trait that had previously been associated with Lr34/Yr18. We show that LTN is also pleiotropic or closely linked to the Lr46/Yr29 locus and suggest that a new Ltn gene designation should be given to this locus, in addition to the one that already exists for Lr34/Yr18. Coincidentally, members of a small gene family encoding beta-1 proteasome subunits located on group 1L and 7S chromosomes implicated in plant defense were linked to the Lr34/Yr18 and Lr46/Yr29 loci.

Basidiomycota↗

The utility of QTL-Linked markers to detect selective sweeps in natural populations--a case study of the EDA gene and a linked marker in threespine stickleback.

Sequence polymorphisms in coding genes and variability in quantitative trait loci (QTL)-linked markers can be used to uncover the evolutionary mechanisms of traits involved in adaptive processes. We studied sequence variation in the EDA gene and allelic variation in 18 microsatellites - one of which (Gac4174) is linked with the EDA QTL - in low, partially and completely plated morphs from eight threespine stickleback European populations. The results agree with previous studies in that EDA polymorphism is closely related to plate number variation: EDA sequences grouped populations into low and completely plated morphs, whereas microsatellites failed to do so. Furthermore, partially plated fish were heterozygous with respect to the distinctive EDA alleles for completely and low plated morphs, indicating that completely plated morph alleles are not entirely dominant in controlling the expression of lateral plate number. An examination of population differentiation in plate number with quantitative genetic methods revealed that the degree of differentiation exceeded that expected from genetic drift alone (Q(ST) > F(ST)). Our results support the adaptive genetic differentiation of plate morphs and the view that distinctive EDA gene polymorphism occurs in similar sites across the distribution range of this species. Yet, allele frequency differentiation in the Gac4174 microsatellite locus, informative in experimental crosses for plate number variation, did not differ from that of neutral markers and, was therefore unable to detect the signature of natural selection responsible for population divergence.

Animals↗

A test for a metastable epigenetic component of heterosis using haploid induction in maize.

We conducted a test to detect if there is a heritable epigenetic component to hybrid vigor and/or inbreeding depression. The impetus for this work was a classical study of the effect of homozygosis on the expression of the maize red color ( r1) locus. It had been shown that maintaining R1 mottling alleles in the homozygous state over several generations produces a progressive decrease of their paternally imprinted expression. This effect is reversed by R1/r1 allele heterozygosity. If this behavior were characteristic of many regulatory genes, then such a phenomenon could contribute to inbreeding depression and heterosis. To examine this question, inbreds of Mo17 and B73 and the two reciprocally produced hybrids were crossed by Stock 6 to generate four classes of maternal haploids. The mature haploid plants were measured for several quantitative traits. If inbreeding depression results from an accumulating heritable effect that is reversed by the hybrid state, one would expect the haploids derived from the hybrids to perform better than those derived from the inbred lines. The hybrid-derived haploids did not exhibit greater average performance than the inbred-derived haploids. These data fail to support the hypothesis that inbreeding depression and heterosis have a metastable epigenetic component.

Epigenesis, Genetic↗

Cosegregation analysis of natriuretic peptide genes and blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

1. The natriuretic peptide precursor A (Nppa) and B (Nppb) genes are candidate genes for hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of the Nppa and Nppb genes in the development of hypertension in the SHR. 2. A cohort (n = 162) of F2 segregating intercross animals was established between strains of hypertensive SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Blood pressure and heart weight were measured in each rat at 12-16 weeks of age. Rats were genotyped using 11 informative microsatellite markers, distributed in the vicinity of the Nppa marker on rat chromosome 5 including an Nppb marker. The phenotype values were compared with genotype using the computer package mapmaker 3.0 (Whitehead Institute, Boston, MA, USA) to determine whether there was a link between the genetic variants of the natriuretic peptide family and blood pressure or cardiac hypertrophy. 3. A strong correlation was observed between the Nppa marker and blood pressure. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) for blood pressure on chromosome 5 was identified between the Nppa locus and the D5Mgh15 marker, less than 2 cM from the Nppa locus. The linkage score for the blood pressure QTL on chromosome 5 was 3.8 and the QTL accounted for 43% of the total variance of systolic blood pressure, 54% of diastolic blood pressure and 59% of mean blood pressure. No association was found between the Nppb gene and blood pressure. This is the first report of linkage between the Nppa marker and blood pressure in the rat. There was no correlation between the Nppa or Nppb genes or other markers in this region and either heart weight or left ventricular weight in F2 rats. 4. These findings suggest the existence of a blood pressure-dependent Nppa marker variant or a gene close to Nppa predisposing to spontaneous hypertension in the rat. It provides a strong foundation for further detailed genetic studies in congenic strains, which may help to narrow down the location of this gene and lead to positional cloning.

Animals↗

An integrated map of human 6q22.3-q24 including a 3-Mb high-resolution BAC/PAC contig encompassing a QTL for fetal hemoglobin.

Genetic studies have previously assigned a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for hemoglobin F and F cells to a region of approximately 4 Mb between the markers D6S408 and D6S292 on chromosome 6q23. An initial yeast artificial chromosome contig of 13 clones spanning this region was generated. Further linkage analysis of an extended kindred refined the candidate interval to 1-2 cM, and key recombination events now place the QTL within a region of <800 kb. We describe a high-resolution bacterial clone contig spanning 3 Mb covering this critical region. The map consists of 223 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and 100 P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) clones ordered by sequence-tagged site (STS) content and restriction fragment fingerprinting with a minimum tiling path of 22 BACs and 1 PAC. A total of 194 STSs map to this interval of 3 Mb, giving an average marker resolution of approximately one per 15 kb. About half of the markers were novel and were isolated in the present study, including three CA repeats and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Altogether 24 expressed sequence tags, 6 of which are unique genes, have been mapped to the contig.

Base Sequence↗

Insulin-like growth factor 2 as a candidate gene influencing growth and carcass traits and its bialleleic expression in chicken.

We have identified DNA polymorphisms in the gene of insulin-like growth factor 2 by PCR-SSCP in a resource population, which was generated by Silky reciprocally crossing to Broilers. A C --> G mutation was detected in the exon 2 (at position 71) by sequencing. This single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was found to be associated with production traits. Chicken with BB genotype showed more chest angle width but less 3 week body weight and glandular stomach weight than chicken with AA genotype (P < 0.05); while the heterozygote (AB genotype) chicken had more abdominal fat weight, eviscerated yield with giblet than AA homozygote chicken. Further analysis showed that there were different genetic effects on some traits between heterozygote AB (paternal allele given first) and heterozygote BA: chickens with genotype BA had more birth weight and breast weight but less abdominal fat weight than chickens with genotype AB (P < 0.05), which could be hypothetically contributed by genome imprinting. Therefore, Silky chickens were selected for production of heterozygotes to confirm whether IGF2 locus was imprinting. Progeny from heterozygote x homozygote reciprocal cross was assayed for expression after the genotype was determined. The transcription of IGF2 was detected by RT-PCR-SSCP. IGF2 gene was expressed bialleleically in 1-day-old neonatal liver and 90-day-old liver, kidney, heart, and muscle of both heterozygote AB and BA chickens. Therefore, IGF2 was not an imprinting gene in chicken. The different genetic effects between the heterozygote AB and BA remain to be elucidated.

Alleles↗

Objective prioritization of positional candidate genes at a quantitative trait locus for pre-eclampsia on 2q22.

Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) is a common, serious medical disorder of human pregnancy. Familial association of PE/E has been recognized for decades, but the genetics are complex and poorly understood. In an attempt to identify PE/E susceptibility genes, we embarked on a positional cloning strategy using 34 Australian and New Zealand PE/E pedigrees. An initial 10-cM resolution genome scan revealed a putative susceptibility locus spanning a broad region on chromosome 2 that overlaps an independently determined linkage signal seen in Icelandic PE pedigrees. Subsequent fine mapping using 25 additional short tandem repeat (STR) markers in this region and non-parametric multipoint linkage analysis did not change the overall position. Under a strict diagnosis of PE, we obtained significant evidence of linkage on 2q with a peak log-of-odds ratio score (LOD) of 3.43 near marker D2S151 at 155 cM. To prioritize positional candidate genes at the 2q locus for detailed analysis, we applied an objective prioritization strategy that integrates quantitative bioinformatics, assessment of differential gene expression and association analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Highest priority was assigned to the activin receptor gene ACVR2. This gene also showed >10-fold differential gene expression in human decidual tissue from normotensive and PE individuals. We genotyped five known SNPs in this gene in our pedigrees and performed tests for association and linkage disequilibrium. One SNP (rs1424954) showed strong preliminary evidence of association with PE (P = 0.007), whereas two others (rs1364658 and rs1895694) exhibited nominal evidence (P < 0.05). Haplotype analysis revealed no additional association information. There was evidence of weak linkage disequilibrium among these SNPs. The highest observed LD occurred between the two strongest associated SNPs, suggesting that the observed signals may be the signature of an observed functional variant.

Activin Receptors, Type II↗

Genetic characterisation of dough rheological properties in a wheat doubled haploid population: additive genetic effects and epistatic interactions.

Doubled haploid lines (n = 160) from a cross between wheat cultivars 'Cranbrook' (high dough extensibility) and 'Halberd' (low dough extensibility) were grown at three Australian locations. The parents differ at all high- and low-molecular-weight glutenin loci. Dough rheological parameters were measured using small-scale testing procedures, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping procedures were carried out using an existing well-saturated genetic linkage map for this cross. Genetic parameters were estimated using three software packages: QTLCartographer, Epistat and Genstat. Results indicated that environmental factors are a major determinant of dough extensibility across the three trial sites, whereas genotypic factors are the major determinants of dough strength. Composite interval mapping analysis across the 21 linkage groups revealed that as expected, the main additive QTLs for dough rheological properties are located at the high- and low-molecular-weight glutenin loci. A new QTL on chromosome 5A for M-extensibility (a mixograph-estimated measure of extensibility) was detected. Analysis of epistatic interactions revealed that there were significant conditional epistatic interactions related with the additive effects of glutenin loci on dough rheological properties. Therefore, the additive genetic effects of glutenins on dough rheological properties are conditional upon the genetic background of the wheat line. The molecular basis of the interactions with the glutenin loci may be via proteins that modify or alter the gluten protein matrix or variations in the expression level of the glutenin genes. Reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography analysis of the molar number of individual glutenin subunits across the population showed that certain conditional epistases resulted in increased expression of the affected glutenin. The epistatic interactions detected in this study provide a possible explanation of the variable genetic effects of some glutenins on quality attributes in different genetic backgrounds and provide essential information for the accurate prediction of glutenin related variance in marker-assisted wheat breeding.

Alleles↗

Regulation of the INK4b-ARF-INK4a tumour suppressor locus: all for one or one for all.

The INK4b-ARF-INK4a locus encodes two members of the INK4 family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p15(INK4b) and p16(INK4a), and a completely unrelated protein, known as ARF. All three products participate in major tumour suppressor networks that are disabled in human cancer and influence key physiological processes such as replicative senescence, apoptosis and stem-cell self-renewal. Transcription from the locus is therefore kept under strict control. Mounting evidence suggests that although the individual genes can respond independently to positive and negative signals in different contexts, the entire locus might be coordinately suppressed by a cis-acting regulatory domain or by the action of Polycomb group repressor complexes.

ADP-Ribosylation Factors↗

Mammalian circadian biology: elucidating genome-wide levels of temporal organization.

During the past decade, the molecular mechanisms underlying the mammalian circadian clock have been defined. A core set of circadian clock genes common to most cells throughout the body code for proteins that feed back to regulate not only their own expression, but also that of clock output genes and pathways throughout the genome. The circadian system represents a complex multioscillatory temporal network in which an ensemble of coupled neurons comprising the principal circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus is entrained to the daily light/dark cycle and subsequently transmits synchronizing signals to local circadian oscillators in peripheral tissues. Only recently has the importance of this system to the regulation of such fundamental biological processes as the cell cycle and metabolism become apparent. A convergence of data from microarray studies, quantitative trait locus analysis, and mutagenesis screens demonstrates the pervasiveness of circadian regulation in biological systems. The importance of maintaining the internal temporal homeostasis conferred by the circadian system is revealed by animal models in which mutations in genes coding for core components of the clock result in disease, including cancer and disturbances to the sleep/wake cycle.

Animals↗

Genetic architecture of the mouse hippocampus: identification of gene loci with selective regional effects.

We recently mapped two quantitative trait loci that have widespread effects on hippocampal architecture in mouse: Hipp1a and Hipp5a. We also noted remarkable strain differences in the relative sizes of different hippocampal regions. Estimated heritable variation for these differences was 42% in hippocampus proper, 40% in dentate gyrus, 31% in granule cell layer and 18% in pyramidal cell layer. Region size varied at least 50% from largest to smallest measurement. Here we have utilized these differences to identify loci with effects on the dentate gyrus, granule cell layer, hippocampus proper and pyramidal cell layer. Our sample consists of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J and 32 BXD recombinant inbred strains. Volumetric data were corrected for shrinkage and for differences in brain weight. We identified significant loci on chromosomes (Chr) 6, 13 and 15, and a significant interaction locus on proximal Chr 11. A suggestive distal Chr 1 locus overlaps with Hipp1a. HipV13a (Chr 13, 42-78Mb) has an additive effect of 0.56 mm3 (12.1%) on dentate gyrus volume, while GrV6a (Chr 6, 29-65 Mb) has additive effects of 0.14 mm3 (16.0%) on the volume of the granule cell layer. HipV13a also interacts with DGVi11a, a locus on proximal Chr 11 that operates exclusively through its epistatic effect on HipV13a and has no independent main effect HipV15a (Chr 15, 0-51 Mb) has an additive effect of 1.76 mm3 (9.0%) on the volume of the hippocampus proper. We used WebOTL, a recently described web-based tool, to examine genetic correlation of gene expression with hippocampal volume. We identified a number of genes that map within the OTL intervals and have highly correlated expression patterns. Using WebQTL's extensive database of published BXD phenotypes, we also detected a strong and potentially biologically meaningful correlation between hippocampal volume and the acoustic startle response.

Age Factors↗

Linkage analysis in tetraploid potato and association of markers with quantitative resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans).

We have constructed a partial linkage map in tetraploid potato which integrates simplex, duplex and double-simplex AFLP markers. The map consists of 231 maternal and 106 paternal markers with total map lengths of 990.9 cM and 484.6 cM. The longer of the two cumulative map lengths represents approximately 25% coverage of the genome. In tetraploids, much of the polymorphism between parental clones is masked by 'dosage' which significantly reduces the number of individual markers that can be scored in a population. Consequently, the major advantage of using AFLPs--their high multiplex ratio--is reduced to the point where the use of alternative multi-allelic marker types would be significantly more efficient. The segregation data and map information have been used in a QTL analysis of late blight resistance, and a multi-allelic locus at the proximal end of chromosome VIII has been identified which contributes significantly to the expression of resistance. No late blight resistance genes or QTLs have previously been mapped to this location.

Chromosome Mapping↗