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Mapping murine loci for physical dependence on ethanol.

RATIONALE: Alcoholism is associated with withdrawal (physical dependence), tolerance, or a maladaptive pattern of alcohol (ethanol) use. The well-documented difference in susceptibility to withdrawal after chronic ethanol exposure between the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mouse strains provides an excellent starting point for dissecting genetic influences involved in physical dependence on ethanol. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) identifies the genomic location of a gene (or genes) affecting a trait of interest. OBJECTIVES: A genome-wide QTL mapping study was carried out to dissect the multifactorial nature of withdrawal after chronic ethanol exposure using 400 B6D2F2 mice. METHODS: To induce physical dependence, we used a standard paradigm in which mice were exposed to ethanol vapor for 72 h. The mice were then tested hourly for handling-induced convulsions (HICs) for 10 h and at hours 24 and 25. Ethanol withdrawal severity was first computed as the area under the 25-h HIC curve. Separate regression residuals were then calculated that corrected for individual differences in blood ethanol concentration at the time of withdrawal and baseline HIC severity (i.e. before ethanol exposure). RESULTS: Statistical mapping yielded significant evidence ( P<0.00005) for QTLs on chromosomes 19 and distal 1 that account for 45% of the genetic variance in ethanol withdrawal severity. The F2 results also provide supporting evidence for a sex-limited QTL on chromosome 13, and QTLs on chromosomes 4 and proximal 1, which may account for an additional 38% of the genetic variance. The distal chromosome 1 QTL is a locus of major effect, accounting for 26% of the genetic variance. Experiments using two congenic strains more precisely mapped this QTL. CONCLUSIONS: The QTLs map near candidate genes involved in neurosteroid biosynthesis and signal transduction. Syntenic homology between human and mouse chromosomes suggests that genes related to physical dependence on ethanol may localize to human chromosome regions 10q23-q26, 1q21-q43, 2q11-q32, 5p15/5q14-q21, and 9p24-p22.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Two loci affect angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity in baboons.

Serum LDL cholesterol (LDLC) concentrations and ACE activities are risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship between ACE and CVD susceptibility, and possible mechanisms of action, is controversial. With data on 622 pedigreed baboons, we used statistical genetic methods to determine the mode of inheritance of ACE activities and its relationship to LDLC on different diets. ACE activity was moderately heritable, and quantitative trait linkage analyses detected a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for ACE activity on the baboon homolog of human chromosome 17 (near the ACE structural locus, maximum multipoint lod=7.5, genomic P=0.000003). Bivariate analyses revealed that ACE activity was genetically correlated (rhoG) with LDLC response (LDLCRC) to a high-cholesterol diet (rhoG=0.30+/-0.13, P=0.01) but not to LDLC on a basal diet (rhoG=0.08+/-0.13). Bivariate genetic analyses indicated that a previously detected QTL for LDLCRC had significant (P=0.025) pleiotropic effects on ACE activity levels and accounted for the genetic correlation. Therefore, we have detected 2 putative loci that affect ACE activity in baboons, one of which also affects LDLC dietary response. The existence of at least 2 genes that affect ACE activity, one of which is diet-responsive, may help explain the lack of consistency among studies of the relationship between ACE and CVD.

Animals↗

Optimal selection of sib pairs from random samples for linkage analysis of a QTL using the EDAC test.

Percentages of extremely concordant and extremely discordant sib pairs are calculated that maximize the power to detect a quantitative trait locus (QTL) under a variety of circumstances using the EDAC test. We assume a large fixed number of randomly sampled sib pairs, such as one would hope to find in the large twin registries, and limited resources to genotype a certain number of selected sib pairs. Our aim is to investigate whether optimal selection can be achieved when prior knowledge concerning the QTL gene action, QTL allele frequency, QTL effect size, and background (residual) sib correlation is limited or absent. To this end we calculate the best selection percentages for a large number of models, which differ in QTL gene action allele frequency, background correlation, and QTL effect size. By averaging these percentages over gene action, over allele frequency, over gene action, and over allele frequencies, we arrive at general recommendations concerning selection percentages. The soundness of these recommendations is subsequently in a number of test cases.

Alleles↗

Synergistic gene interactions control the induction of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (Ucp1) gene in white fat tissue.

Among a selected group of mouse strains susceptible to dietary obesity, those with an enhanced capacity for Ucp1 and brown adipocyte induction in white fat preferentially lost body weight following adrenergic stimulation. Based on the generality of this mechanism for reducing obesity, a genetic analysis was initiated to identify genes that control brown adipocyte induction in white fat depots in mice. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed using the variations of retroperitoneal fat Ucp1 mRNA expression in progeny of genetic crosses between the A/J and C57BL/6J parental strains and selected AXB recombinant inbred strains. Three A/J-derived loci on chromosomes 2, 3, and 8 and one C57BL/6J locus on chromosome 19 were linked to Ucp1 induction in retroperitoneal fat. Although A/J-derived alleles seemed to contribute to elevated Ucp1 expression, the C57BL/6J allele on chromosome 19 increased Ucp1 mRNA to levels higher than parental values. Thus, novel patterns of C57BL/6J and A/J recombinant genotypes among the four mapped loci resulted in a transgressive variation of Ucp1 phenotypes. Although the extent of the interchromosomal interactions have not been fully explored, strong synergistic interactions occur between a C57BL/6J allele on chromosome 19 and an A/J allele on chromosome 8. In addition to selective synergistic interactions between loci, variations in recessive and dominant effects also contribute to the final levels of Ucp1 expression.

Adipose Tissue↗

Association analysis of candidate genes for maysin and chlorogenic acid accumulation in maize silks.

Two compounds, the C-glycosyl flavone maysin and the phenylpropanoid product chlorogenic acid (CGA), have been implicated in corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) resistance in maize (Zea mays L.). Previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses identified the pericarp color (p) locus, which encodes a transcription factor, as the major QTL for maysin and CGA. QTL analysis has also implicated the dihydroflavanol reductase (DFR; E.C. no. 1.1.1.219) locus anthocyaninless1 (a1) and the duplicate chalcone synthase (CHS; E.C. no. 2.3.1.74) loci colorless2 (c2) and white pollen1 (whp1) as genes underlying QTL for maysin and/or CGA synthesis. Epistatic interactions between p and a1 and between p and c2 were also defined. CHS catalyzes the first step in the flavonoid pathway and represents one of the first enzyme steps following the branch off the general phenylpropanoid pathway towards CGA synthesis. In maize, the reduction of dihydroflavanol to leucoanthocyanin by DFR immediately follows the pathway branch leading to C-glycosyl flavone production. The detection of QTLs for maysin and CGA concentration at loci encoding enzyme steps following the pathway branch points implicates alterations in the flow of biochemical intermediates as the biological basis of the QTL effects. To examine if sequence variation among alleles of a1, c2, and whp1 affect maysin and CGA synthesis in maize silks, we performed an association analysis. Because the p locus has often been a major QTL for maysin and CGA and has exhibited epistatic interactions with a1, c2, and whp1, association analysis was conditioned on the p genotype. A highly significant association of two sequence polymorphisms in the promoter of a1 with maysin synthesis was demonstrated. Additional conditioning on the genotype of the significant a1 polymorphism allowed the detection of a significant polymorphism within the whp1 promoter. Our analyses demonstrate that conditioning for epistatic factors greatly increases the power of association testing.

Animals↗

Susceptibility to tuberculosis: a locus on mouse chromosome 19 (Trl-4) regulates Mycobacterium tuberculosis replication in the lungs.

The mouse DBA/2 (D2) strain is very susceptible to infection with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis, whereas C57BL/6 (B6) is much more resistant. Infection of D2 and B6 mice with M. tuberculosis H37Rv by the respiratory route is biphasic: during the first 3 weeks, there is rapid bacterial growth in the lung of both strains, whereas beyond this point replication stops in B6 but continues in D2, causing rapidly fatal pulmonary disease. To identify the genes regulating growth of M. tuberculosis in the lungs of these two strains, 98 informative (B6 x D2) F2 mice were infected by the respiratory route with M. tuberculosis H37Rv (2 x 102 colony-forming units), and the extent of bacterial replication in the lungs at 90 days was used as a quantitative measure of susceptibility in a whole-genome scan. Quantitative trait locus mapping identified a major locus on chromosome 19 (Tuberculosis resistance locus-4, Trl-4; logarithm of odds 5.6), which regulated pulmonary replication of M. tuberculosis and accounted for 25% of the phenotypic variance. B6 alleles at Trl-4 were inherited in an incompletely dominant fashion and associated with reduced bacterial replication. An additional effect of a locus (Trl-3), previously shown to affect survival to i.v. infection with M. tuberculosis, was also noted. F2 mice homozygous for B6 alleles at both Trl-3 and Trl-4 were as resistant as B6 parents, whereas mice homozygous for D2 alleles were as susceptible as D2 parents. These results suggest a strong genetic interaction between Trl-3 and Trl-4 in regulating pulmonary replication of M. tuberculosis.

Animals↗

Identification of a QTL on chromosome 1 for impaired autoregulation of RBF in fawn-hooded hypertensive rats.

The present study evaluated whether the impairment in autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) in the fawn-hooded Hypertensive (FHH) rat colocalizes with the Rf-1 region on chromosome 1 that has been previously linked to the development of proteinuria in this strain. Autoregulation of RBF was measured in FHH and a consomic strain (FHH.1(BN)) in which chromosome 1 from the Brown-Norway (BN) rat was introgressed into the FHH genetic background. The autoregulation indexes (AI) averaged 0.80 +/- 0.08 in the FHH and 0.19 +/- 0.05 in the FHH.1(BN) rats. We next performed a genetic linkage analysis for autoregulation of RBF in 85 F2 rats generated from a backcross of FHH.1(BN) consomic and FHH rats. The results revealed a significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) with a peak logarithm of the odds score of 6.3 near marker D1Rat376. To confirm the existence of this QTL, five overlapping congenic strains were created that spanned the region from markers D1Rat234 to D1Mit14. Transfer of a region of BN chromosome 1 from markers D1Mgh13 to D1Rat89 into the FHH genetic background improved autoregulation of RBF (AI = 0.23 +/- 0.04) and reduced protein excretion. In contrast, RBF was poorly autoregulated and the rats were not protected from proteinuria in congenic strains in which other regions of chromosome 1 that exclude the D1Rat376 marker were transferred. These results indicate that there is a gene(s) that influences autoregulation of RBF and proteinuria between markers D1Mgh13 and D1Rat89 on chromosome 1 that lies within the confidence interval of the Rf-1 QTL previously linked to the development of proteinuria in FHH rats.

Animals↗

Experimental designs for reliable detection of linkage disequilibrium in unstructured random population association studies.

A method is given for design of experiments to detect associations (linkage disequilibrium) in a random population between a marker and a quantitative trait locus (QTL), or gene, with a given strength of evidence, as defined by the Bayes factor. Using a version of the Bayes factor that can be linked to the value of an F-statistic with an existing deterministic power calculation makes it possible to rapidly evaluate a comprehensive range of scenarios, demonstrating the feasibility, or otherwise, of detecting genes of small effect. The Bayes factor is advocated for use in determining optimal strategies for selecting candidate genes for further testing or applications. The prospects for fine-scale mapping of QTL are reevaluated in this framework. We show that large sample sizes are needed to detect small-effect genes with a respectable-sized Bayes factor, and to have good power to detect a QTL allele at low frequency it is necessary to have a marker with similar allele frequency near the gene.

Alleles↗

Linkage analysis demonstrates that the prothrombin G20210A mutation jointly influences plasma prothrombin levels and risk of thrombosis.

Association studies suggest that the G20210A mutation (G to A substitution at nucleotide position 20210) in the prothrombin gene (PT) is associated with increased plasma prothrombin activity and with increased risk for venous thromboembolism. To test directly for linkage between this PT variant and plasma prothrombin activity we performed a family-based study. The G20210A genotypes and plasma prothrombin activity levels were determined in 435 individuals belonging to 22 extended Spanish families. The sample was composed of 388 homozygous (G/G) normal individuals and 43 heterozygote (G/A) and 4 homozygote (A/A) carriers for the G20210A mutation. The results of variance-component linkage analysis yielded a highly significant lod score of 3.6 (P = 2.4 x 10(-5)) between this mutation and a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that influences prothrombin activity. Importantly, a conditional linkage analysis that simultaneously accounted for association with the G20210A variant completely eliminated the linkage signal, which indicates that this mutation affects the function of the prothrombin gene. Additionally, a bivariate linkage analysis of plasma prothrombin activity and thrombosis significantly improved the linkage signal for prothrombin activity (lod score = 4.7; P = 1.5 x 10(-6)) and provided strong evidence that this QTL has a pleiotropic effect on the risk of thrombosis (lod score = 2.43; P =.0004). These results represent the first direct genetic evidence that a QTL in the PT gene influences prothrombin activity levels and susceptibility to thrombosis and strongly support the conclusion that G20210A is a functional polymorphism. (Blood. 2000;95:2780-2785)

Adult↗

Differential genetic etiology of reading component processes as a function of IQ.

Results obtained from previous studies of word recognition, reading component skills, and reading composite measures suggest that genetic factors may be more important as a cause for reading disability among children with higher IQ scores than among those with lower IQ scores. To investigate the genetic etiology of reading disability further, measures of word recognition, phonological decoding, orthographic coding, and phoneme awareness were obtained from a total of 465 twin pairs with a positive school history of reading problems. The basic and extended DeFries and Fulker (DF) multiple regression models for the analysis of selected twin data were employed to investigate the etiology of group deficits in reading and language skills, as well as to assess differential genetic etiology for the reading-related measures as a function of IQ. Data from 168 sibling pairs (drawn from the twins' families), including fraternal twin pairs and their siblings, as well as non-twin siblings of identical twins were subjected to single-marker analyses using the DF basic linkage model to examine evidence for linkage of a quantitative-trait locus (QTL) for reading and language deficits to the short arm of chromosome 6. Lastly, to investigate the possible differential influence of this QTL as a function of IQ, the sibling pair data were fitted to an extension of the DF basic linkage model. Results indicated that reading and language deficits are significantly heritable and that differential genetic influences as a function of IQ are evident for measures of word recognition and phonological decoding. Results obtained from linkage analyses confirmed the presence of a QTL on chromosome 6p that influences phonological and orthographic skills, as well as phoneme awareness measures, and suggest that this QTL may influence phoneme awareness differentially as a function of IQ: however, future analyses with considerably larger samples are needed to test the hypothesis of differential QTL influence more rigorously.

Adolescent↗

Optimization of a crossing system using mate selection.

A simple model based on one single identified quantitative trait locus (QTL) in a two-way crossing system was used to demonstrate the power of mate selection algorithms as a natural means of opportunistic line development for optimization of crossbreeding programs over multiple generations. Mate selection automatically invokes divergent selection in two parental lines for an over-dominant QTL and increased frequency of the favorable allele toward fixation in the sire-line for a fully-dominant QTL. It was concluded that an optimal strategy of line development could be found by mate selection algorithms for a given set of parameters such as genetic model of QTL, breeding objective and initial frequency of the favorable allele in the base populations, etc. The same framework could be used in other scenarios, such as programs involving crossing to exploit breed effects and heterosis. In contrast to classical index selection, this approach to mate selection can optimize long-term responses.

Alleles↗

Statistical tests for QTL and QTL-by-environment effects in segregating populations derived from line crosses.

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies in plants frequently employ phenotypic data on a population of lines (doubled haploid lines, recombinant inbred lines, etc.) tested in multiple environments. An important feature of such data is the genetic correlation among observations on the same genotype in different environments. Detection of QTL-by-environment interaction requires tests which take this correlation into account. In this article, a comparison was made of the properties of several such tests by means of simulation. The results indicate that a split-plot analysis of variance (ANOVA), being an approximate method, tends to be too liberal under departures from the Huynh-Feldt condition. A standard two-way ANOVA, which ignores genetic correlation, yields inappropriate tests and should be avoided. In contrast, mixed model approaches as well as univariate and multivariate repeated-measures ANOVA yield valid results. This supports the use of a flexible mixed model framework in more complex settings, which are difficult to tackle by repeated-measures ANOVA. .

Environment↗

Identification of a 1.1-Mb region for a carcass weight QTL onbovine Chromosome 14.

We previously mapped a quantitative trait locus for carcass weight, designated Carcass Weight-1 (CW-1), to bovine Chromosome 14 using a purebred Wagyu pedigree based on progeny design analysis. To refine the critical region within 8.1 cM flanked by microsatellites BMS1941 and INRA094, we constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contig composed of 60 tiled BAC clones and prepared a high-density physical map including 80 microsatellites, of which 55 were developed in this study. We conducted linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping in the CW-1 region with 47 microsatellites using paternal half-sib pedigrees whose sires exhibited homozygous CW-1 Q alleles in the region. The LD mapping study significantly narrowed the CW-1 locus to the 1.1-Mb region between microsatellites DIK7012 and DIK7020. Finally, we surveyed the 1.1-Mb-region genotypes of 1700 steers from 11 bulls having -/-, Q/-, or Q/Q alleles in the region, and we examined the effect of the CW-1 Q allele on carcass weight. The presence of the first Q increased carcass weight by 23.6 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.6-29.5 kg), and the second Q increased carcass weight an additional 15.2 kg (95% CI, 10.7-19.7 kg). These results indicate the presence of a gene responsible for carcass weight within the 1.1-Mb region.

Animals↗

Genetic architecture of a morphological shape difference between two Drosophila species.

The size and shape of the posterior lobe of the male genital arch differs dramatically between Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana. This difference can be quantified with a morphometric descriptor (PC1) based on elliptical Fourier and principal components analyses. The genetic basis of the interspecific difference in PC1 was investigated by the application of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping procedures to segregating backcross populations. The parental difference (35 environmental standard deviations) and the heritability of PC1 in backcross populations (>90%) are both very large. The use of multiple interval mapping gives evidence for 19 different QTL. The greatest additive effect estimate accounts for 11. 4% of the parental difference but could represent multiple closely linked QTL. Dominance parameter estimates vary among loci from essentially no dominance to complete dominance, and mauritiana alleles tend to be dominant over simulans alleles. Epistasis appears to be relatively unimportant as a source of variation. All but one of the additive effect estimates have the same sign, which means that one species has nearly all plus alleles and the other nearly all minus alleles. This result is unexpected under many evolutionary scenarios and suggests a history of strong directional selection acting on the posterior lobe.

Animals↗

Molecular studies of identification of genes for osteoporosis: the 2002 update.

We aim to give a comprehensive review, updated to 2002, of the most important and representative molecular genetic studies, performed mainly within the past decade, that aimed to identify the gene(s) involved in osteoporosis. Early reviews were largely confined to association studies in humans, but we review here, separately, the results of both association and linkage studies in humans, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in animal models. The main results of all the studies are tabulated for comparison and ease of reference, and to provide a comprehensive retrospective view of molecular genetics studies of osteoporosis. The most striking findings and the most representative studies are singled out for comment regarding the immediacy of their influence on present understanding of the genetics of osteoporosis and on the current status of genetic research in osteoporosis. This is particularly relevant for studies on the association of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, for which there has been a large body of studies and reviews published. The format adopted by this review should be ideal for accommodating future new advances and studies in a fairly young field that is still developing rapidly.

Animals↗

Integrative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of hypertension in a Taiwanese population.

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is highly prevalent in Asian populations and represents a major cardiovascular risk factor. However, most genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs) have focused primarily on Caucasian cohorts. This study aimed to identify genetic loci and gene expression signatures associated with hypertension in an Asian population. METHODS: We analyzed 10 739 hypertensive patients and 49 668 controls from the Taiwan Biobank, testing 4 512 191 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Integrated GWAS, TWAS, and expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses were conducted to characterize genetic risk. Additionally, a polygenic risk score (PRS) was constructed using a split-sample design to evaluate genetic risk stratification. RESULTS: We identified 14 loci significantly associated with hypertension, including a novel locus at 5p13.1. eQTL analysis linked this locus to DAB2 expression in whole blood. TWAS detected 55 hypertension-associated genes, with 20 (36%) overlapping GWAS loci. Several novel genes outside GWAS loci, including FBXL15, KCNIP2, and CRIP3, were highly significant and implicated in vascular biology and hypertension mechanisms. PRS analysis effectively differentiated hypertension risk, with individuals in the top 10% showing a > 3.5-fold increased risk compared to the bottom 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide new insights into the genetic and transcriptomic landscape of hypertension in Asians. The identification of novel loci and genes advances understanding of disease biology and may guide precision medicine approaches for risk prediction and therapeutic development.

Female↗

Identification of quantitative trait loci for susceptibility to mouse adenovirus type 1.

Adult SJL/J mice are highly susceptible to mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) infections, whereas other inbred strains, including BALB/cJ, are resistant (K. R. Spindler, L. Fang, M. L. Moore, C. C. Brown, G. N. Hirsch, and A. K. Kajon, J. Virol. 75:12039-12046, 2001). Using congenic mouse strains, we showed that the H-2(s) haplotype of SJL/J mice is not associated with susceptibility to MAV-1. Susceptibility of MAV-1-infected (BALB/cJ x SJL/J)F(1) mice was intermediate between that of SJL/J mice and that of BALB/cJ mice, indicating that susceptibility is a genetically controlled quantitative trait. We mapped genetic loci involved in mouse susceptibility to MAV-1 by analysis of 192 backcross progeny in a genome scan with 65 simple sequence length polymorphic markers. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) was detected on chromosome 15 (Chr 15) with a highly significant logarithm of odds score of 21. The locus on Chr 15 alone accounts for 40% of the total trait variance between susceptible and resistant strains. QTL modeling of the data indicated that there are a number of other QTLs with small effects that together with the major QTL on Chr 15 account for 54% of the trait variance. Identification of the major QTL is the first step in characterizing host genes involved in susceptibility to MAV-1.

Adenoviridae↗

Deficiency of the tensin2 gene in the ICGN mouse: an animal model for congenital nephrotic syndrome.

The ICGN mouse is a model for nephrotic syndrome (NS) which presents with proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and edema. In this study we attempted to identify the gene(s) responsible for NS. By analyzing albuminuria in 160 (ICGN x MSM)F(1) x ICGN backcross progenies, we found that NS in the ICGN mouse is caused by more than one gene. We then performed a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and detected a QTL with a very high LOD score peak in the telomeric region of Chr 15. By analyzing the nucleotide sequence of 22 genes located close to the QTL, we found that the tensin2 gene of the ICGN mouse possessed an 8-nucleotide deletion mutation in exon 18, leading to a frameshift and giving rise to a terminal codon at a premature position. Analyses of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that tensin2 was expressed in podocytes and tubular epithelial cells in normal mice but not in the ICGN mouse. These data raise the possibility that a mutation of the tensin2 gene is responsible for NS of the ICGN mouse and tensin2 is a prerequisite for the normal kidney function.

Albuminuria↗