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Fine mapping of the MAPT locus using quantitative trait analysis identifies possible causal variants in Alzheimer's disease.

In addition to senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, suggesting a clear involvement of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) in AD. Recent findings, suggesting that the H1c haplotype is associated with increased risk, now also implicate MAPT genetically. In this study, we aim to clarify this association by a fine mapping approach using both a traditional phenotypic association analysis and a quantitative trait (QT) analysis using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau protein levels in the German population. Here, we report that both methodologies identify that the H1c haplotype may play important role in AD (AD risk, P=0.007, uncorrected; CSF tau levels, P=0.027, uncorrected). Further, the use of a sliding window approach in the QT analysis allowed for the narrowing down of the region where a probable causal variant may be located. The data suggest that this may lie at or within close proximity to the rs242557 single nucleotide polymorphism as association with CSF tau levels seems to be primarily driven by rs242557 in a gene dosage-dependent manner (trend model: P=0.002, uncorrected). These findings provide functional evidence to support the genetic association of MAPT with AD.

Aged↗

Genetic mapping of allometric scaling laws.

Many biological processes, from cellular metabolism to population dynamics, are characterized by particular allometric scaling relationships between rate and size (power laws). A statistical model for mapping specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that are responsible for allometric scaling laws has been developed. We present an improved model for allometric mapping of QTLs based on a more general allometry equation. This improved model includes two steps: (1) use model II regression analysis to estimate the parameters underlying universal allometric scaling laws, and (2) substitute the estimated allometric parameters in the mixture-based mapping model to obtain the estimation of QTL position and effects. This model has been validated by a real example for a mouse F2 progeny, in which two QTLs were detected on different chromosomes that determine the allometric relationship between growth rate and body weight.

Algorithms↗

Genetics of Cd36 and the hypertension metabolic syndrome.

Although genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for complex traits related to hypertension is relatively straightforward, the identification of QTL at the molecular level has proven far more difficult. By combining techniques of gene mapping and gene expression profiling with studies in congenic and transgenic strains, a specific molecular defect in the Cd36 fatty acid transporter has been identified that contributes to the pathogenesis of 2 complex traits in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), namely, insulin resistance and disordered fatty acid metabolism. After mapping QTL linked to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia to the telomeric region of SHR chromosome 4, gene expression studies were used to identify candidate genes within the target chromosome segment that were differentially expressed in white adipose tissue between SHR congenic strains. This led to the identification of a major mutation in the SHR gene encoding Cd36, a fatty acid transporter involved in the transmembrane transport of long-chain fatty acids. The role for mutant Cd36 in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia was confirmed by rescuing the abnormal metabolic phenotypes through transgenic expression of wild-type Cd36 on the SHR background. These findings show that a primary defect in fatty acid transport can promote disordered carbohydrate metabolism in the SHR and show the power of advanced genome technologies for identifying QTL at the molecular level.

Animals↗

Quantitative trait loci affecting methamphetamine responses in BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains.

Individual differences in most behavioral and pharmacological responses to abused drugs are dependent on both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic influences on the complex phenotypes related to drug abuse have been difficult to study using classical genetic analyses. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping is a method that has been used successfully to examine genetic contributions to some of these traits by correlating allelic variation in polymorphic genetic markers of known chromosomal location with variation in drug-response phenotypes. We evaluated several behavioral responses to multiple doses of methamphetamine (METH) in C57BL/6J (B6), DBA/2J (D2), and 25 of their recombinant inbred (BXD RI) strains. Stereotyped chewing, horizontal home cage activity, and changes in body temperature after 0, 4, 8, or 16 mg/kg METH, as well as stereotyped climbing behavior after 16 mg/kg METH, were examined. Associations (p < 0.01) between METH sensitivity and allelic status at multiple microsatellite genetic markers were subsequently determined for each response. QTLs were provisionally identified for each phenotype, some unique to a particular behavior and others that appeared to influence multiple phenotypes. Candidate genes suggested by these analyses included several that mapped near genes relevant for the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and glutamate. The locations of QTLs provisionally identified by this analysis were compared with QTLs hypothesized in other studies to influence methamphetamine- and cocaine-related phenotypes. In several instances, QTLs appeared to overlap, which is consistent with idea that common neural substrates underlie some responses to psychostimulants.

Alleles↗

Fine mapping of polymorphic alcohol-related quantitative trait loci candidate genes using interval-specific congenic recombinant mice.

BACKGROUND: The inbred long-sleep (ILS) and inbred short-sleep (ISS) strains of mice are widely studied as a model of initial sensitivity to alcohol. Recently, a large comparative DNA sequencing study of candidate genes located within the four Lore quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex in ILS and ISS mice has identified eight genes that contain coding region differences corresponding to amino acid changes. Here, recently developed interval-specific congenic recombinant mice (ISCRs) have been used to map these genes in relationship to newly narrowed QTL regions. METHODS: Regions of candidate genes containing DNA differences corresponding to previously identified amino acid changes between ISS and ILS mice were amplified from either genomic DNA or complementary DNA from ISCR mice using polymerase chain reaction. The products were purified and directly sequenced to determine the genotypes for each polymorphism. On the basis of these genotypic data, each candidate gene was determined to be located either within or outside of recently narrowed Lore QTL intervals. RESULTS: Of these eight candidates with protein-coding differences, five are now excluded from their respective Lore intervals. The other three (Znf142, Ptprn, and Znf133) have been localized to the narrowed QTL intervals. CONCLUSIONS: These three central nervous system genes (Znf142, Ptprn, and Znf133) represent promising candidates for involvement in the differential sensitivity to alcohol exhibited between ILS and ISS mice. This study also demonstrates how the combination of high-throughput comparative gene sequencing and concomitant genetic fine mapping of QTL regions with ISCRs can be an effective tool for accelerating the process of moving from QTL to gene.

Alcoholism↗

Deciphering the genetic architecture of a multivariate phenotype.

A heritable multivariate quantitative phenotype comprises several correlated component phenotypes that are usually pleiotropically controlled by a set of major loci and environmental factors. One approach to decipher the genetic architecture of a multivariate phenotype, in particular to map the underlying loci, is to reduce the dimensionality of the data by means of a data reduction technique, such as principal component analysis. The extracted principal components are then analyzed in conjunction with marker data to map the underlying loci. We have examined the efficiency of this approach with and without taking into account the correlation structure of the multivariate phenotype when extracting principal components. We have assumed that genome-wide scan data on sibpairs are available for low-density (widely spaced) and high-density markers. Using extensive simulations, based on three models of the multivariate phenotype, we have shown that although ignoring the correlation structure of the multivariate phenotype does not have any serious impact on the efficiency of mapping the underlying trait loci in wide marker intervals, there is a significant adverse effect of this practice for fine-mapping. We, therefore, recommend that the correlation structure of the multivariate phenotype be carefully examined to decide on the strategy of extracting principal components for deciphering the genetic architecture of the multivariate phenotype.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Mapping of QTLs for androgenetic response based on a molecular genetic map of x Triticosecale Wittmack.

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for androgenetic response were mapped in a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from the F1 hybrid of 2 unrelated varieties of triticale, 'Torote' and 'Presto'. A molecular marker linkage map of this cross was previously constructed using 73 DH lines. This map contains 356 markers (18 random amplified 5 polymorphic DNA, 40 random amplified microsatellite polymorphics, 276 amplified fragment length polymorphisms, and 22 simple sequence repeats) and was used for QTL analysis. The genome was well covered, and of the markers analysed, 336 were located in 21 linkage groups (81.9%) identified using SSR markers. The map covered a total length of 2465.4 cM with an average of 1 marker for each 6.9 cM. The distribution of the markers was not homogeneous across the 3 genomes, with 50.7% detected in the R genome. Several QTLs were found for the following variables related to the androgenetic response: number of embryos/100 anthers; plants regenerated from 100 embryos; number of green plants/total number of plants; and number of green plants/1000 anthers. Two were detected on chromosome 6B and 4R, which together had a 30% total influence on the induction of embryos. Another was found on 6B and on the unidentified LG1; these influenced the production of total plants from haploid embryo cultures. One QTL on chromosome 3R determined the photosynthetic viability of the haploid plantlets regenerated from microspores. Other QTLs were found on chromosomes 1B, 1R, 4R, and 7R, which helped the control of the final androgenetic response (the number of plantlets obtained for every 1000 anthers cultured).

Chromosome Mapping↗

Exclusion of the swine leukocyte antigens as candidate region and reduction of the position interval for the Sus scrofa chromosome 7 QTL affecting growth and fatness.

Pig chromosome 7 (SSC 7) has been shown to be rich in QTL affecting performance and quality traits. Most studies mapped the QTL close to the swine leukocyte antigens (SLA), which has a large effect on adaptability and natural selection. Previous comparative mapping studies suggested that the 15-cM region limited by markers LRA1 (mapped at 55 cM) and S0102 (mapped at 70 cM) contains hundreds of genes. To decrease the number of candidate genes, we improved the mapping resolution with a genetic chromosome dissection through a backcross recombinant progeny test program between Meishan (MS) and European (EU; i.e., Large White or Landrace) breeds. Three first-generation backcross--(EU x MS) x EU--and two second-generation backcross--([EU x MS] x EU) x EU--sires carrying a recombination in the QTL mapping interval were progeny-tested (i.e., measured for a total of 44 growth, fatness, carcass and meat quality traits). Progeny family size varied from 29 to 119 pigs. Animals were genotyped for markers covering the region of interest. Progeny-test results allowed the QTL interval to be decreased from 15 to 20 cM down to 10 cM, and even less than 6 cM if we assumed that the EU pigs used in this study share only one QTL allele. Except for a putative QTL affecting some carcass composition traits, the SLA is excluded as a candidate region, suggesting that it might be possible to apply a marker-assisted selection strategy for this QTL, while controlling SLA allele diversity. The strong QTL effects remaining in animals with only 12.5% (issued from first-generation backcross boars) and 6.25% (issued from second-generation back-cross boars) Meishan genetic background shows that epistatic interactions are likely to be limited. Finally, the QTL does not have strong effects on meat quality traits.

Adipose Tissue↗

Quantitative genetic analysis of copia retrotransposon activity in inbred Drosophila melanogaster lines.

The rates of transcription and transposition of retrotransposons vary between lines of Drosophila melanogaster. We have studied the genetics of differences in copia retrotransposon activity by quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. Ninety-eight recombinant inbred lines were constructed from two parental lines exhibiting a 10-fold difference in copia transcript level and a 100-fold difference in transposition rate. The lines were scored for 126 molecular markers, copia transcript level, and rate of copia transposition. Transcript level correlated with copia copy number, and the difference in copia copy number between parental lines accounted for 45.1% of copia transcript-level difference. Most of the remaining difference was accounted for by two transcript-level QTL mapping to cytological positions 27B-30D and 50F-57C on the second chromosome, which accounted for 11.5 and 30.4%, respectively. copia transposition rate was controlled by interacting QTL mapping to the region 27B-48D on the second and 61A-65A and 97D-100A on the third chromosome. The genes controlling copia transcript level are thus not necessarily those involved in controlling copia transposition rate. Segregation of modifying genes, rather than mutations, might explain the variability in copia retrotransposon activity between lines.

Animals↗

Quantitative trait nucleotide analysis using Bayesian model selection.

Although much attention has been given to statistical genetic methods for the initial localization and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), little methodological work has been done to date on the problem of statistically identifying the most likely functional polymorphisms using sequence data. In this paper we provide a general statistical genetic framework, called Bayesian quantitative trait nucleotide (BQTN) analysis, for assessing the likely functional status of genetic variants. The approach requires the initial enumeration of all genetic variants in a set of resequenced individuals. These polymorphisms are then typed in a large number of individuals (potentially in families), and marker variation is related to quantitative phenotypic variation using Bayesian model selection and averaging. For each sequence variant a posterior probability of effect is obtained and can be used to prioritize additional molecular functional experiments. An example of this quantitative nucleotide analysis is provided using the GAW12 simulated data. The results show that the BQTN method may be useful for choosing the most likely functional variants within a gene (or set of genes). We also include instructions on how to use our computer program, SOLAR, for association analysis and BQTN analysis.

Bayes Theorem↗

Polymorphism identification, RH mapping, and association analysis with the anxiety trait of the equine serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) gene.

Equine anxiety trait is considered an important temperament in various situations, including riding, training, and daily care. This study examined the polymorphism of the equine serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) gene as a candidate genetic element influencing equine anxiety trait. The sequence of the coding region of this gene was highly homologous with those of other mammals, and four single nucleotide polymorphisms were found by comparing the sequences of ten genetically unrelated thoroughbred horses. Radiation hybrid mapping revealed that this gene was located 26.92 cR from neurofibromin 1 on ECA 11. Using two-year-old thoroughbred horses (n=67), the association of these polymorphisms with the anxiety trait was examined, but no significant association was identified between each haplotype of the serotonin transporter gene and the anxiety score.

Alleles↗

A microsatellite-based genetic linkage map of the waterflea, Daphnia pulex: On the prospect of crustacean genomics.

We describe the first genetic linkage map for Daphnia pulex using 185 microsatellite markers, including 115 new markers reported in this study. Our approach was to study the segregation of polymorphisms in 129 F2 progeny of one F1 hybrid obtained by crossing two genetically divergent lineages of Daphnia isolated from two Oregon populations. The map spanned 1206 Kosambi cM and had an average intermarker distance of 7 cM. Linkage groups ranged in size from 7 to 185 cM and contained 4 to 27 markers. The map revealed 12 linkage groups corresponding to the expected number of chromosomes and covers approximately 87% of the genome. Tests for random segregation of alleles at individual loci revealed that 21% of the markers showed significant transmission ratio distortion (primarily homozygote deficiency) likely due to markers being linked to deleterious recessive alleles. This map will become the anchor for the physical map of the Daphnia genome and will serve as a starting point for mapping single and quantitative trait loci affecting ecologically important phenotypes. By mapping 342 tentative orthologous gene pairs (Daphnia/Drosophila) into the Daphnia linkage map, we facilitate future comparative projects.

Animals↗

Telomere length as a quantitative trait: genome-wide survey and genetic mapping of telomere length-control genes in yeast.

Telomere length-variation in deletion strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to identify genes and pathways that regulate telomere length. We found 72 genes that when deleted confer short telomeres, and 80 genes that confer long telomeres relative to those of wild-type yeast. Among identified genes, 88 have not been previously implicated in telomere length control. Genes that regulate telomere length span a variety of functions that can be broadly separated into telomerase-dependent and telomerase-independent pathways. We also found 39 genes that have an important role in telomere maintenance or cell proliferation in the absence of telomerase, including genes that participate in deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis, sister chromatid cohesion, and vacuolar protein sorting. Given the large number of loci identified, we investigated telomere lengths in 13 wild yeast strains and found substantial natural variation in telomere length among the isolates. Furthermore, we crossed a wild isolate to a laboratory strain and analyzed telomere length in 122 progeny. Genome-wide linkage analysis among these segregants revealed two loci that account for 30%-35% of telomere length-variation between the strains. These findings support a general model of telomere length-variation in outbred populations that results from polymorphisms at a large number of loci. Furthermore, our results laid the foundation for studying genetic determinants of telomere length-variation and their roles in human disease.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Behavior genetic analyses of drug withdrawal.

Many studies with rodent models have illustrated the role of genetic factors in determining the severity of ethanol withdrawal. In studies using inbred mouse strains and mice selectively bred for drug sensitivity, a consistent finding has been that genotypes susceptible to alcohol withdrawal are also susceptible to withdrawal from other drugs with CNS depressant effects. A new method for rough genetic mapping of genes associated with withdrawal, quantitative trait loci (QTL) gene mapping, has recently been employed in the BXD RI recombinant inbred mouse series. Several QTLs are associated with alcohol withdrawal: One such QTL on Chromosome 1 is described. An area of Chromosome 2 contains a QTL marker for a gene affecting withdrawal from acute and chronic ethanol, nitrous oxide, and high-pressure neurological syndrome Type I clonic convulsions.

Animals↗

Novel linkage mapping approach using DNA pooling in human and animal genetics. II. Detection of quantitative traits loci in dairy cattle.

Selective DNA pooling is an advanced methodology for linkage mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in farm animals. The principle is based on densitometric estimates of marker allele frequency in pooled DNA samples of phenotypically extreme individuals from half-sib, backcross and F(2) experimental designs in farm animals. This methodology provides a rapid and efficient analysis of a large number of individuals with short tandem repeat markers that are essential to detect QTL through the genome - wide searching approach. Several strategies involving whole genome scanning with a high statistical power have been developed for systematic search to detect the quantitative traits loci and linked loci of complex traits. In recent studies, greater success has been achieved in mapping several QTLs in Israel-Holstein cattle using selective DNA pooling. This paper outlines the currently emerged novel strategies of linkage mapping to identify QTL based on selective DNA pooling with more emphasis on its theoretical pre-requisite to detect linked QTLs, applications, a general theory for experimental half-sib designs, the power of statistics and its feasibility to identify genetic markers linked QTL in dairy cattle. The study reveals that the application of selective DNA pooling in dairy cattle can be best exploited in the genome-wide detection of linked loci with small and large QTL effects and applied to a moderately sized half-sib family of about 500 animals.

Animals↗

QTL mapping analysis of plant height and ear height of maize (Zea mays L.).

Genetic map containing 103 microsatellite loci obtained on 200 F2 plants derived from the cross R15 x 478 was used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in maize. QTL were characterized in a population of 200 F2:4 lines, derived from selfing the F2 plants, and were evaluated with two replications in two environments. QTL determinations were made from the mean of these two environments. Plant height (PH) and ear height (EH) were measured. Using composite interval mapping (CIM) method, a total of 14 distinct QTLs were identified: nine for PH and five for EH. Additive, partial dominance, dominance, and overdominance actions existed among all detected QTL affecting plant height and ear height. The QTL explained 78.27% of the phenotypic variance of PH and 41.50% of EH. The 14 QTLs displayed mostly dominance or partial dominance gene action and mapped to chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 8 and 9.

Chromosome Mapping↗

QTL mapping for genetic determinants of lipoprotein cholesterol levels in combined crosses of inbred mouse strains.

To identify additional loci that influence lipoprotein cholesterol levels, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in offspring of PERA/EiJxI/LnJ and PERA/EiJxDBA/2J intercrosses and in a combined data set from both crosses after 8 weeks of consumption of a high fat-diet. Most QTLs identified were concordant with homologous chromosomal regions that were associated with lipoprotein levels in human studies. We detected significant new loci for HDL cholesterol levels on chromosome (Chr) 5 (Hdlq34) and for non-HDL cholesterol levels on Chrs 15 (Nhdlq9) and 16 (Nhdlq10). In addition, the analysis of combined data sets identified a QTL for HDL cholesterol on Chr 17 that was shared between both crosses; lower HDL cholesterol levels were conferred by strain PERA. This QTL colocalized with a shared QTL for cholesterol gallstone formation detected in the same crosses. Haplotype analysis narrowed this QTL, and sequencing of the candidate genes Abcg5 and Abcg8 confirmed shared alleles in strains I/LnJ and DBA/2J that differed from the alleles in strain PERA/EiJ. In conclusion, our analysis furthers the knowledge of genetic determinants of lipoprotein cholesterol levels in inbred mice and substantiates the hypothesis that polymorphisms of Abcg5/Abcg8 contribute to individual variation in both plasma HDL cholesterol levels and susceptibility to cholesterol gallstone formation.

Alleles↗

Heterozygosities of 735 microsatellite markers and background linkage disequilibrium in the Korean population.

Suitability of a specific population for linkage disequilibrium mapping studies of complex traits may be assessed by investigating the background linkage disequilibrium (BLD). We are unaware of studies for quantifying the degree of BLD in the Korean population, although the population may be a good candidate for mapping of complex trait genes through whole-genome association studies. It is useful to investigate the properties of genetic isolates in East Asia and to compare them to genetic isolates in Europe. We analyzed the extent of BLD in the Korean population using 735 microsatellite markers and compared the results with the Icelander population, which is one of the European expanded genetic isolates. The Korean population exhibited a level of BLD comparable with the Icelander population. The inference of population structure using the model with admixture showed that each individual has allele copies originating from K populations in equal proportions. Therefore, we believe that factors other than genetic distance, such as recent admixture, have not contributed to the level of BLD. Our results showed that the Korean population, which is an expanded population with no evidence of admixture, has a BLD level comparable with the Icelander population. Therefore, the Korean population can be used for fine mapping of either complex traits or monogenic diseases.

Adult↗