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The serotonin transporter gene as a QTL for ADHD.

Molecular studies of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have identified susceptibility genes for the categorically diagnosed disorder using operational diagnostic criteria. Here, we take a QTL approach to mapping genes for ADHD using a composite continuous index of ADHD behavior in a large epidemiological sample. Previous studies of clinical ADHD suggest that two functional polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), one in the 5'-regulatory region of the gene (5-HTTLPR) and the other a VNTR (5-HTTVNTR) in the second intron, as well as a single nucleotide polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR SNP), may be associated with the disorder. Here, we investigate these polymorphisms as well as an additional ten SNPs spread across the gene. We found significant association with the long (L) allele of the 5-HTTLPR; P = 0.019, but neither the 5-HTTVNTR nor the 3'-UTR SNP were significantly associated. Significant associations (P < 0.05) were found for a further 5 the 10 other markers tested. We found evidence for two haplotype blocks spanning the region. We found strong evidence for association with the first haplotype block (comprised of four markers), with the significance of a combined primary and secondary test of association reaching an empirical P value = 0.0054 for the global test and an empirical P value = 0.00081 for the largest local test. Thus, we show here that SLC6A4, which has a major influence on brain serotonin availability, may be a QTL for ADHD.

Adolescent↗

Fatness QTL on chicken chromosome 5 and interaction with sex.

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting fatness in male chickens were previously identified on chromosome 5 (GGA5) in a three-generation design derived from two experimental chicken lines divergently selected for abdominal fat weight. A new design, established from the same pure lines, produced 407 F2 progenies (males and females) from 4 F1-sire families. Body weight and abdominal fat were measured on the F2 at 9 wk of age. In each sire family, selective genotyping was carried out for 48 extreme individuals for abdominal fat using seven microsatellite markers from GGA5. QTL analyses confirmed the presence of QTL for fatness on GGA5 and identified a QTL by sex interaction. By crossing one F1 sire heterozygous at the QTL with lean line dams, three recombinant backcross 1 (BC1) males were produced and their QTL genotypes were assessed in backcross 2 (BC2) progenies. These results confirmed the QTL by sex interaction identified in the F2 generation and they allow mapping of the female QTL to less than 8 Mb at the distal part of the GGA5. They also indicate that fat QTL alleles were segregating in both fat and lean lines.

Abdominal Fat↗

The genetics of mating recognition between Drosophila simulans and D. sechellia.

During courtship, visual and chemical signals are often exchanged between the sexes. The proper exchange of such signals ensures intraspecific recognition. We have examined the genetic basis of interspecific differences in male mating behaviour and pheromone concentration between Drosophila simulans and D. sechellia by using Drosophila simulans/D. sechellia introgression lines. Our results show a majority of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) explaining variation in both male mating behaviour and pheromone concentration to be located on the third chromosome. One QTL found on the third chromosome explains variation in time needed to start courtship and copulation as well as time spent courting. The position of such QTL (approximately 84A-88B) with effects on courtship and copulation aspects of mating includes the candidate sex determination gene doublesex (84E5-6) and Voila (86E1-2), a gene that affects male courtship in D. melanogaster. One additional third chromosome QTL explained variation in 7-tricosene pheromone concentrations among males. The interval mapping position of this QTL (approximately 68E-76E) did not overlap with the position detected for differences in mating behaviour and the intervals did not include candidate genes previously identified as having an effect on D. melanogaster cuticular hydrocarbon production. We did not detect any directionality of the effect of Drosophila sechellia allele introgressions in male mating recognition.

Alkenes↗

Population development by phenotypic selection with subsequent marker-assisted selection for line extraction in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.; 2n = 2x = 14) has a narrow genetic base, and commercial yield of US processing cucumber has plateaued in the last 15 years. Yield may be increased by altering plant architecture to produce unique early flowering (days to flower, DTF), female (gynoecious, GYN), highly branched (multiple lateral branching, MLB), long-fruited (length:diameter ratio, L:D) cultivars with diverse plant statures. The genetic map position of QTL conditioning these quantitatively inherited yield component traits is known, and linked molecular markers may have utility in marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs to increase selection efficiency, and effectiveness. Therefore, a base population (C0), created by intermating four unique but complementary lines, was subjected to three cycles (C1-C3) of phenotypic (PHE) mass selection for DTF, GYN, MLB, and L:D. In tandem, two cycles of marker-assisted backcrossing for these traits began with selected C2 progeny (C2S) to produce families (F1[i.e., C2S x C2S], and BC(1) [i.e., F1 x C2S]) for line extraction, and for comparative analysis of gain from selection by PHE selection, and MAS. Frequencies of marker loci were used to monitor selection-dependent changes during PHE selection, and MAS. Similar gain from selection was detected as a result of PHE selection, and MAS for MLB (approximately 0.3 branches/cycle), and L:D (approximately 0.1 unit increase/cycle) with concomitant changes in frequency at linked marker loci. Although genetic gain was not realized for GYN during PHE selection, the percentage of female flowers of plants subjected to MAS was increased (5.6-9.8% per cycle) depending upon the BC1 population examined. Selection-dependent changes in frequency were also detected at marker loci linked to female sex expression during MAS. MAS operated to fix favorable alleles that were not exploited by PHE selection in this population, indicating that MAS could be applied for altering plant architecture in cucumber to improve its yield potential.

Biomarkers↗

Positional candidate cloning of a QTL in dairy cattle: identification of a missense mutation in the bovine DGAT1 gene with major effect on milk yield and composition.

We recently mapped a quantitative trait locus (QTL) with a major effect on milk composition--particularly fat content--to the centromeric end of bovine chromosome 14. We subsequently exploited linkage disequilibrium to refine the map position of this QTL to a 3-cM chromosome interval bounded by microsatellite markers BULGE13 and BULGE09. We herein report the positional candidate cloning of this QTL, involving (1) the construction of a BAC contig spanning the corresponding marker interval, (2) the demonstration that a very strong candidate gene, acylCoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1), maps to that contig, and (3) the identification of a nonconservative K232A substitution in the DGAT1 gene with a major effect on milk fat content and other milk characteristics.

Acyltransferases↗

Determination of PRKAG1 coding sequence and mapping of PRKAG1 and PRKAG2 relatively to porcine back fat thickness QTL.

PRKAG1, PRKAG2 and PRKAG3 encode three isoforms of AMP-activated protein kinase gamma chain. A major effect on meat quality and a medium effect on back fat thickness of the RN- mutation in the PRKAG3 gene has previously been reported. We have now mapped PRKAG1 and PRKAG2 at expected locations on SSC5 and SSC18 by analysis of radiation hybrids (IMpRH panel). PRKAG2 has been mapped in a region where no quantitative trait loci (QTL) has been reported. PRKAG1 has been mapped close to (but probably outside) a region containing a QTL influencing fatness traits. We have determined the full coding sequence of PRKAG1. No missense mutation was identified when comparing the coding sequence of one Meishan and one Large White boars. Further work is, however, required to determine if a polymorphism in PRKAG1 could be responsible for a part of the variability observed on fatness traits.

Adipose Tissue↗

Detection of quantitative trait loci influencing dairy traits using a model for longitudinal data.

A longitudinal-linkage analysis approach was developed and applied to an outbred population. Nonlinear mixed-effects models were used to describe the lactation patterns and were extended to include marker information following single-marker and interval mapping models. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the shape and scale of lactation curves for production and health traits in dairy cattle were mapped in three U.S. Holstein families (Dairy Bull DNA Repository families one, four, and five) using the granddaughter design. Information on 81 informative markers on six Bos taurus autosomes (BTA) was combined with milk yield, fat, and protein percentage and somatic cell score (SCS) test-day records. Six percent of the single-marker tests surpassed the experiment-wise significance threshold. Marker BL41 on BTA3 was associated with decrease in milk yield during mid-lactation in family one. The scale and shape of the protein percentage lactation curve in family four varied with BMC4203 (BTA6) allele that the son received from the grandsire. Some map locations were associated with variation in the lactation pattern of multiple traits. In family four, the marker HUJI177 (BTA3) was associated with changes in the milk yield and protein percentage curves suggesting a QTL with pleiotropic effects or multiple QTL in the region. The interval mapping model uncovered a QTL on BTA7 associated with variation in milk-yield pattern in family four and a QTL on BTA21 affecting SCS in family five. The developed approach can be extended to random regressions, covariance functions, spline, gametic and variance component models. The results from the longitudinal-QTL approach will help to understand the genetic factors acting at different stages of lactation and will assist in positional candidate gene research. Identified positions can be incorporated into marker-assisted selection decisions to alter the persistency and peak production or the fluctuation of SCS during a lactation.

Animals↗

Characterization of a putative type IV aminophospholipid transporter P-type ATPase.

The P-type ATPases comprise a well-studied family of proteins involved in the active transport of charged substrates across biological membranes. Starting from a mouse bone marrow-derived macrophage cDNA library and using a signal peptide trapping strategy, we identified a new P-type ATPase family member. We characterized the genomic structure of this gene, named Atp10d, as well as its human counterpart. The presence of P-type ATPase consensus motifs and phylogenetic analysis showed that this gene is a member of the type IV, putative amphipath transporters subfamily. We showed that this gene is expressed in kidney and placenta. We also found that the C57BL/6 strain carries a constitutive stop codon in the sequence of Atp10d exon 12, whereas 14 other inbred mouse strains show an uninterrupted reading frame at this location. This mutation in C57BL/6 should lead to a non-functional protein, suggesting that this gene may not be essential. We discuss the involvement of the Atp10d gene in the fat-prone phenotype of the C57BL/6 strain and its physical mapping within a QTL associated with HDL-cholesterol levels.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Identification, isolation and pyramiding of quantitative trait loci for rice breeding.

Many agronomically important traits are governed by several genes known as quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The identification of important, QTL-controlled agricultural traits has been difficult because of their complex inheritance; however, completion of the rice genomic sequence has facilitated the cloning of QTLs and their pyramiding for breeding. Because QTLs are derived from natural variation, the use of a wider range of variations such as that found in wild species is important. In addition, Introgression Lines (ILs) developed from wild species in combination with Marker Assisted Selection should facilitate efficient gene identification. This review describes recent developments in rice QTL analysis including mapping, cloning and pyramiding QTLs.

Breeding↗

Mapping phenotypic plasticity and genotype-environment interactions affecting life-history traits in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Phenotypic plasticity and genotype-environment interactions (GEI) play an important role in the evolution of life histories. Knowledge of the molecular genetic basis of plasticity and GEI provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of life-history changes in different environments. We used a genomewide single-nucleotide polymorphism map in a recombinant N2 x CB4856 inbred panel of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to study the genetic control of phenotypic plasticity to temperature in four fitness-related traits, that is, age at maturity, fertility, egg size and growth rate. We mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the respective traits at 12 and 24 degrees C, as well as their plasticities. We found genetic variation and GEI for age at maturity, fertility, egg size and growth rate. GEI in fertility and egg size was attributed to changes in rank order of reaction norms. In case of age at maturity and growth rate, GEI was caused mainly by differences in the among-line variance. In total, 11 QTLs were detected, five QTL at 12 degrees C and six QTL at 24 degrees C, which were associated with life-history traits. Five QTL associated with age at maturity, fertility and growth rate showed QTL x environment interaction. These colocalized with plasticity QTL for the respective traits suggesting allelic sensitivity to temperature. Further fine mapping, complementation analyses and gene silencing are planned to identify candidate genes underlying phenotypic plasticity for age at maturity, fertility and growth.

Animals↗

A bioinformatics-based strategy identifies c-Myc and Cdc25A as candidates for the Apmt mammary tumor latency modifiers.

The epistatically interacting modifier loci (Apmt1 and Apmt2) accelerate the polyoma Middle-T (PyVT)-induced mammary tumor. To identify potential candidate genes loci, a combined bioinformatics and genomics strategy was used. On the basis of the assumption that the loci were functioning in the same or intersecting pathways, a search of the literature databases was performed to identify molecular pathways containing genes from both candidate intervals. Among the genes identified by this method were the cell cycle-associated genes Cdc25A and c-Myc, both of which have been implicated in breast cancer. Genomic sequencing revealed noncoding polymorphism in both genes, in the promoter region of Cdc25A, and in the 3' UTR of c-Myc. Molecular and in vitro analysis showed that the polymorphisms were functionally significant. In vivo analysis was performed by generating compound PyVT/Myc double-transgenic animals to mimic the hypothetical model, and was found to recapitulate the age-of-onset phenotype. These data suggest that c-Myc and Cdc25A are Apmt1 and Apmt2, and suggest that, at least in certain instances, bioinformatics can be utilized to bypass congenic construction and subsequent mapping in conventional QTL studies.

3T3 Cells↗

Natural variation for carbohydrate content in Arabidopsis. Interaction with complex traits dissected by quantitative genetics.

Besides being a metabolic fuel, carbohydrates play important roles in plant growth and development, in stress responses, and as signal molecules. We exploited natural variation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to decipher the genetic architecture determining carbohydrate content. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) approach in the Bay-0 x Shahdara progeny grown in two contrasting nitrogen environments led to the identification of 39 QTLs for starch, glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents representing at least 14 distinct polymorphic loci. A major QTL for fructose content (FR3.4) and a QTL for starch content (ST3.4) were confirmed in heterogeneous inbred families. Several genes associated with carbon (C) metabolism colocalize with the identified QTL. QTLs for senescence-related traits, and for flowering time, water status, and nitrogen-related traits, previously detected with the same genetic material, colocalize with C-related QTLs. These colocalizations reflect the complex interactions of C metabolism with other physiological processes. QTL fine-mapping and cloning could thus lead soon to the identification of genes potentially involved in the control of different connected physiological processes.

Arabidopsis↗

The rat STSL locus: characterization, chromosomal assignment, and genetic variations in sitosterolemic hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: Elevated plant sterol accumulation has been reported in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) and the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat. Additionally, a blood pressure quantitative trait locus (QTL) has been mapped to rat chromosome 6 in a New Zealand genetically hypertensive rat strain (GH rat). ABCG5 and ABCG8 (encoding sterolin-1 and sterolin-2 respectively) have been shown to be responsible for causing sitosterolemia in humans. These genes are organized in a head-to-head configuration at the STSL locus on human chromosome 2p21. METHODS: To investigate whether mutations in Abcg5 or Abcg8 exist in SHR, SHRSP, WKY and GH rats, we initiated a systematic search for the genetic variation in coding and non-coding region of Abcg5 and Abcg8 genes in these strains. We isolated the rat cDNAs for these genes and characterized the genomic structure and tissue expression patterns, using standard molecular biology techniques and FISH for chromosomal assignments. RESULTS: Both rat Abcg5 and Abcg8 genes map to chromosome band 6q12. These genes span ~40 kb and contain 13 exons and 12 introns each, in a pattern identical to that of the STSL loci in mouse and man. Both Abcg5 and Abcg8 were expressed only in liver and intestine. Analyses of DNA from SHR, SHRSP, GH, WKY, Wistar, Wistar King A (WKA) and Brown Norway (BN) rat strains revealed a homozygous G to T substitution at nucleotide 1754, resulting in the coding change Gly583Cys in sterolin-1 only in rats that are both sitosterolemic and hypertensive (SHR, SHRSP and WKY). CONCLUSIONS: The rat STSL locus maps to chromosome 6q12. A non-synonymous mutation in Abcg5, Gly583Cys, results in sitosterolemia in rat strains that are also hypertensive (WKY, SHR and SHRSP). Those rat strains that are hypertensive, but not sitosterolemic (e.g. GH rat) do not have mutations in Abcg5 or Abcg8. This mutation allows for expression and apparent apical targeting of Abcg5 protein in the intestine. These rat strains may therefore allow us to study the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the human disease of sitosterolemia.

Animals↗

[Characteristics of SRAP marker in detecting polymorphism of cucumber genome].

When SRAP (Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism) marker was used in constructing genetic map and analyzing QTL for high temperature resistance in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), it exhibited certain characteristics in detecting genomic polymorphism. When each forward primer was combined with different reverse primers, the number of primer combinations that produced polymorphism ranged from five to eight. When each reverse primer was in combination with different forward primers, the number of polymorphic primer combinations ranged from two to eleven. The reverse primers SA4 or EM6 produced identical polymorphic bands when combined with all the forward primers tested. These bands might be amplified by the reverse primers. The polymorphic bands amplified from OD3ME11 co-segregated in the F2 population. The utilization of these characteristics in our research was discussed.

Cucumis sativus↗

Experimental models of multifactorial epilepsies: the EL mouse and mice susceptible to audiogenic seizures.

This chapter reviews two well-characterized mouse epilepsy models with a multifactorial etiology, the epileptic EL mouse and mice susceptible to audiogenic seizures (AGS). Multifactorial disorders are quantitative traits where the action of more than one gene together with environmental factors contributes to the disease phenotype. The EL (epilepsy) mouse has been studied extensively as a genetic model for idiopathic complex partial seizures in humans. EL seizures are associated with an intense hippocampal gliosis in the absence of obvious neuronal loss and an elevated calcium-dependent release of aspartate that is present both before and after seizure onset. The inheritance of epilepsy is complex and several seizure frequency quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been mapped. Much of this genetic complexity may arise from the influence of environmental factors, including the seizure testing procedure, seizure history, and age. AGS, which are violent sound-induced convulsions, are considered a genetic model for generalized brainstem or reflex epilepsies. AGS susceptibility can arise as an inherited trait in some mouse strains or can be induced in genetically resistant strains from environmental factors (e.g., prior acoustic stimulation). AGS susceptibility and long-term potentiation (LTP) may also share common mechanisms. Several Asp genes have been mapped that influence AGS susceptibility. The expression of one of these can be modified by genomic imprinting and another has been identified as the X-linked 5-HT2e serotonin receptor. The genetic dissection of convulsive behavior in EL and AGS susceptible mice could help identify candidate genes for human multifactorial epilepsies.

Animals↗

A large-insert porcine library with sevenfold genome coverage: a tool for positional cloning of candidate genes for major quantitative traits.

A porcine genomic bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was constructed by cloning partial EcoRI-digested high-molecular-weight DNA from a Korean native boar into the EcoRI site of the pBACe3.6 vector. The library consists of about 165,000 clones with an average insert size of 125 kb, representing about seven genome equivalents of coverage. About 130,000 clones (corresponding to fivefold genome coverage) were arrayed in 14 superpools which were organized as four dimensional pools. The library was further characterized by PCR screening of 38 microsatellite probes. An average of 4.84 positive clones were selected per marker. This indicates that the library is unbiased and will be useful for initiating fine scale physical mapping of major QTL in pigs. The library is being used to isolate specific clones by screening with type I and type II marker clones located in the QTL region affecting intramuscular fat content on SSC6.

Animals↗

PAPPA2, an enzyme that cleaves an insulin-like growth-factor-binding protein, is a candidate gene for a quantitative trait locus affecting body size in mice.

Identifying genes responsible for quantitative variation remains a major challenge. We previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting body size that segregated between two inbred strains of mice. By fine mapping, we have refined the location of this QTL to a genomic region containing only four protein-coding genes. One of these genes, PAPPA2, is a strong candidate because it codes for an enzyme that cleaves insulin-like growth-factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5), an important stimulator of bone formation. Among littermates that segregate only for the four-gene region, we show that the QTL has a significant effect on the circulating levels of IGFBP-5 and IGFBP-3 (the latter subject to limited degradation by PAPPA2), but not on levels of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4, which are not cleaved by PAPPA2. There are 14 nonsynonymous SNPs among QTL alleles, which may affect the activity of the translated protein. The refinement of the target region to four genes and the finding that the QTL affects IGFBP-5 levels suggest that PAPPA2 may be involved with normal postnatal growth. Our mapping results also illustrate the potentially fractal nature of QTL: as we mapped our QTL with increasing resolution, what appeared to be a single QTL resolved into three closely linked QTL (previous work), and then one of these was further dissected into two in this study.

Animals↗

More about quantitative trait locus mapping with diallel designs.

We present a general regression-based method for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) by combining different populations derived from diallel designs. The model expresses, at any map position, the phenotypic value of each individual as a function of the specific-mean of the population to which the individual belongs, the additive and dominance effects of the alleles carried by the parents of that population and the probabilities of QTL genotypes conditional on those of neighbouring markers. Standard linear model procedures (ordinary or iteratively reweighted least-squares) are used for estimation and test of the parameters.

Alleles↗