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Quantitative trait loci and candidate genes regulating HDL cholesterol: a murine chromosome map.

OBJECTIVE: Summarizing the many discovered mouse and human quantitative trait loci (QTL) for high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) levels is important for guiding future research on the genetic regulation of HDL concentrations and for finding gene targets for upregulating HDL levels in mice and humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: We summarized the 27 QTL and candidate genes associated with HDL-C concentrations in mice and plotted them on a mouse chromosome map. We also summarized the 22 human QTL for HDL-C levels and compared them with those of the mouse by comparative genomics. At least part of the mouse homologies for 18 of the 22 human HDL-C QTL were within the murine HDL-C QTL. CONCLUSIONS: Murine QTL for HDL-C levels may predict their homologous location in humans, and their underlying genes may be appropriate genes to test in humans.

Animals↗

A microsatellite marker based linkage map of tobacco.

We report the first linkage map of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) generated through microsatellite markers. The microsatellite markers were predominantly derived from genomic sequences of the Tobacco Genome Initiative (TGI) through bioinformatics screening for microsatellite motives. A total of 684 primer pairs were screened for functionality in a panel of 16 tobacco lines. Of those, 637 primer pairs were functional. Potential parents for mapping populations were evaluated for their polymorphism level through genetic similarity analysis. The similarity analysis revealed that the known groups of tobacco varieties (Burley, Flue-cured, Oriental and Dark) form distinct clusters. A mapping population, based on a cross between varieties Hicks Broad Leaf and Red Russian, and consisting of 186 F2 individuals, was selected for mapping. A total of 282 functional microsatellite markers were polymorphic in this population and 293 loci could be mapped together with the morphological trait flower color. Twenty-four tentative linkage groups spanning 1,920 cM could be identified. This map will provide the basis for the genetic mapping of traits in tobacco and for further analyses of the tobacco genome.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Locating a blood pressure quantitative trait locus within 117 kb on the rat genome: substitution mapping and renal expression analysis.

Previously, a blood pressure (BP) quantitative trait locus (QTL) on rat chromosome 9 (RNO9) was localized to a <2.4 cM interval using congenic strains generated by introgressing segments of RNO9 from the Dahl salt-resistant (R) rat into the background of the Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat. Renal gene expression using Affymetrix gene chips was profiled on S and a congenic strain spanning the 2.4-cM BP QTL interval. This analysis identified 20 differentially expressed genes/expressed sequence tags. Of these, the locus with the greatest differential expression (30- to 35-fold) was regulated endocrine-specific protein 18 (Resp18), which also mapped in the 2.4-cM BP QTL interval. Additional substitution mapping located the QTL to <0.4 cM or approximately 493 kb. This newly defined QTL region still included Resp18. Nucleotide variants were identified between S and R genomic DNA of Resp18 in the coding, 5' regulatory and 3' untranslated regions. The coding sequence variation (T/C) occurs in exon 2 and predicts an amino acid change (Ile/Val) in the protein product. Resp18 was considered a differentially expressed positional candidate for the QTL. To fine-map the BP QTL, we constructed a congenic strain with a smaller introgressed region. Compared with the S rat, this strain (1) had significantly lower BP, (2) did not contain the R form of Resp18, and (3) did not retain the rather spectacular differential expression of Resp18. Together, these results demonstrate that a BP QTL independent of Resp18 exists within the newly defined 117-kb QTL region on RNO9.

Animals↗

Effect of genetic cross on the detection of quantitative trait loci and a novel approach to mapping QTLs.

A genome-wide scan was conducted in two F(2) intercrosses, C57BL/6J (B6)xDBA/2J (D2) and BALB/cJ (C)xLP/J (LP), for three different phenotypes: basal locomotor activity, ethanol-induced locomotor activity, and haloperidol-induced catalepsy. For basal activity, significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs, LOD> or =4.3) were detected on chromosomes 9 and 19 for the CxLP intercross and chromosome 1 for the B6xD2 intercross. Significant QTLs for ethanol-induced activation were detected on chromosome 6 for the CxLP intercross, and on chromosomes 1 and 2 for the B6xD2 intercross. For haloperidol-induced catalepsy, significant QTLs were detected on chromosome 14 (two different QTLs) in the CxLP intercross, and chromosomes 1 and 9 in the B6xD2 intercross. These data illustrate the importance of the genetic cross for QTL detection. Finally, the data reported here, and elsewhere, are also used to demonstrate a novel approach to QTL detection and localization.

Animals↗

Analysis of natural allelic variation at flowering time loci in the Landsberg erecta and Cape Verde Islands ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana.

We have analyzed the flowering behavior of two Arabidopsis ecotypes: the laboratory strain Landsberg erecta (Ler) and an ecotype from the tropical Cape Verde Islands (Cvi). They differ little in their flowering phenotypes and in their responses to photoperiod length changes and to vernalization treatment. However, segregating populations derived from crosses between them showed a much larger variation. An approach of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) grown under three environments differing in day-length and/or vernalization treatment has been used to detect and locate flowering loci. Four main QTLs were identified, designated early day-length insensitive (EDI), flowering F, G, and H (FLF, FLG, and FLH, respectively), to which most of the flowering behavior differences could be attributed. To further characterize the individual loci, near isogenic lines were constructed by introgressing Cvi early alleles of EDI and FLH into the Ler genetic background. EDI-Cvi alleles produce earliness under both long- and short-day photoperiods, rendering Ler plants almost day-length neutral. In addition, RILs were selected to analyze FLF and FLG. These loci interact epistatically and RILs carrying late alleles at FLF and FLG were very responsive to vernalization and showed an increased response to photoperiod length changes. The possible role of these loci for the control of flowering is discussed in the context of the current Arabidopsis model.

Alleles↗

Quantitative genomics of starvation stress resistance in Drosophila.

BACKGROUND: A major challenge of modern biology is to understand the networks of interacting genes regulating complex traits, and the subset of these genes that affect naturally occurring quantitative genetic variation. Previously, we used P-element mutagenesis and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in Drosophila to identify candidate genes affecting resistance to starvation stress, and variation in resistance to starvation stress between the Oregon-R (Ore) and 2b strains. Here, we tested the efficacy of whole-genome transcriptional profiling for identifying genes affecting starvation stress resistance. RESULTS: We evaluated whole-genome transcript abundance for males and females of Ore, 2b, and four recombinant inbred lines derived from them, under control and starved conditions. There were significant differences in transcript abundance between the sexes for nearly 50% of the genome, while the transcriptional response to starvation stress involved approximately 25% of the genome. Nearly 50% of P-element insertions in 160 genes with altered transcript abundance during starvation stress had mutational effects on starvation tolerance. Approximately 5% of the genome exhibited genetic variation in transcript abundance, which was largely attributable to regulation by unlinked genes. Genes exhibiting variation in transcript abundance among lines did not cluster within starvation resistance QTLs, and none of the candidate genes affecting variation in starvation resistance between Ore and 2b exhibited significant differences in transcript abundance between lines. CONCLUSIONS: Expression profiling is a powerful method for identifying networks of pleiotropic genes regulating complex traits, but the relationship between variation in transcript abundance among lines used to map QTLs and genes affecting variation in quantitative traits is complicated.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Interacting quantitative trait loci control loss of peripheral tolerance and susceptibility to autoimmune ovarian dysgenesis after day 3 thymectomy in mice.

Day 3 thymectomy (D3Tx) results in a loss of peripheral tolerance mediated by CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells and the development of autoimmune ovarian dysgenesis (AOD) in A/J and (C57BL/6J x A/J)F(1) (B6AF(1)) hybrids but not in C57BL/6J mice. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) linkage analysis using a B6AF(1) x C57BL/6J backcross population verified Aod1 and Aod2 that were previously mapped as qualitative traits. Additionally, three new QTL intervals, Aod3, Aod4, and Aod5, on chromosomes 1, 2, and 7, respectively, influencing specific subphenotypes of AOD were identified. QTL linkage analysis using the A x B and B x A recombinant inbred lines verified Aod3 and confirmed linkage to H2. Aod5 colocalized with Mater, an ovarian-specific autoantigen recognized by anti-ovarian autoantibodies in the sera of D3Tx mice. Sequence analysis of Mater identified allelic, strain-specific splice variants between A/J and C57BL/6J mice making it an attractive candidate gene for Aod5. Interaction analysis revealed significant epistatic effects between Aod1-5 and Gasa2, a locus associated with susceptibility to D3Tx-induced autoimmune gastritis, as well as with H2. These results indicate that the QTL controlling D3Tx-induced autoimmune phenomenon are both organ specific and more generalized in their effects with respect to the genesis and activity of the immunoregulatory mechanisms maintaining peripheral tolerance.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A quantitative trait locus influencing type 2 diabetes susceptibility maps to a region on 5q in an extended French family.

Type 2 diabetes is a heterogeneous disorder of glucose metabolism characterized by insulin resistance, beta-cell dysfunction, and increased glucose production by the liver. Given the high degree of genetic heterogeneity, multiple genes with small to moderate effects may influence susceptibility to diabetes. To circumvent this limitation, we searched for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that explain the variation in susceptibility of type 2 diabetes in a single extended family, as these individuals are likely to share polymorphisms. We collected genotypic and phenotypic data on 152 individuals ascertained through a multimedia campaign in France to find diabetes-prone families for genetic studies. The effects of genes and covariates (age and sex) on diabetes status were estimated using a threshold model and a maximum likelihood variance component approach. We obtained suggestive evidence of linkage (logarithm of odds [LOD] = 2.4) for diabetes status on chromosome 5q. Within the 1-LOD unit support interval, there are two strong candidates: PCSK1 and CAST. Furthermore, we have obtained a replication (LOD = 1.6) for a QTL for type 2 diabetes on chromosome 11 detected by Hanson and colleagues (1998).

Chromosome Mapping↗

Detection and characterization of amplified fragment length polymorphism markers for clinical mastitis in Canadian Holsteins.

Mastitis is the most frequent, complex, and costly disease in dairy cattle. Genetic improvement of milk production traits has accompanied an increased susceptibility to mastitis. To determine genome-wide quantitative trait locus-linked markers for mastitis resistance, a total of 200 cows, comprising 100 top clinical mastitis- (CM) resistant and 100 top CM-susceptible cows, were screened by selective DNA pooling and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. The AFLP analysis on resistant and susceptible pools using 89 selective primer combinations revealed 27 significant AFLP markers at a false discovery rate (FDR) of < 5%. The most promising AFLP marker was then selected for further characterization. Individual AFLP genotyping of the marker on all selected animals confirmed a significant difference. Sequence analysis detected a single nucleotide polymorphism (A<-->G) responsible for the AFLP polymorphism, which was named CGIL4. The PCR-RFLP analysis indicated that the frequency of allele A was significantly higher in the resistant group. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the marker was significantly associated with somatic cell score, CM residual values, and production traits. Radiation hybrid mapping assigned the marker to Bos taurus autosome 22. The present study provides promising markers for marker-assisted selection for CM resistance. Our results also demonstrated the capability of AFLP on selective DNA pools as a method for detection of genome regions containing quantitative trait loci.

Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis↗

Independent genome-wide scans identify a chromosome 18 quantitative-trait locus influencing dyslexia.

Developmental dyslexia is defined as a specific and significant impairment in reading ability that cannot be explained by deficits in intelligence, learning opportunity, motivation or sensory acuity. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders in childhood, representing a major educational and social problem. It is well established that dyslexia is a significantly heritable trait with a neurobiological basis. The etiological mechanisms remain elusive, however, despite being the focus of intensive multidisciplinary research. All attempts to map quantitative-trait loci (QTLs) influencing dyslexia susceptibility have targeted specific chromosomal regions, so that inferences regarding genetic etiology have been made on the basis of very limited information. Here we present the first two complete QTL-based genome-wide scans for this trait, in large samples of families from the United Kingdom and United States. Using single-point analysis, linkage to marker D18S53 was independently identified as being one of the most significant results of the genome in each scan (P< or =0.0004 for single word-reading ability in each family sample). Multipoint analysis gave increased evidence of 18p11.2 linkage for single-word reading, yielding top empirical P values of 0.00001 (UK) and 0.0004 (US). Measures related to phonological and orthographic processing also showed linkage at this locus. We replicated linkage to 18p11.2 in a third independent sample of families (from the UK), in which the strongest evidence came from a phoneme-awareness measure (most significant P value=0.00004). A combined analysis of all UK families confirmed that this newly discovered 18p QTL is probably a general risk factor for dyslexia, influencing several reading-related processes. This is the first report of QTL-based genome-wide scanning for a human cognitive trait.

Child↗

Estimation of variance components of quantitative traits in inbred populations.

Use of variance-component estimation for mapping of quantitative-trait loci in humans is a subject of great current interest. When only trait values, not genotypic information, are considered, variance-component estimation can also be used to estimate heritability of a quantitative trait. Inbred pedigrees present special challenges for variance-component estimation. First, there are more variance components to be estimated in the inbred case, even for a relatively simple model including additive, dominance, and environmental effects. Second, more identity coefficients need to be calculated from an inbred pedigree in order to perform the estimation, and these are computationally more difficult to obtain in the inbred than in the outbred case. As a result, inbreeding effects have generally been ignored in practice. We describe here the calculation of identity coefficients and estimation of variance components of quantitative traits in large inbred pedigrees, using the example of HDL in the Hutterites. We use a multivariate normal model for the genetic effects, extending the central-limit theorem of Lange to allow for both inbreeding and dominance under the assumptions of our variance-component model. We use simulated examples to give an indication of under what conditions one has the power to detect the additional variance components and to examine their impact on variance-component estimation. We discuss the implications for mapping and heritability estimation by use of variance components in inbred populations.

Algorithms↗

A new method for identifying informative genetic markers in selectively bred rats.

Microsatellite length polymorphisms are useful for the mapping of heritable traits in rats. Over 4000 such microsatellites have been characterized for 48 inbred rat strains and used successfully to map phenotypes that differ between strains. At present, however, it is difficult to use this microsatellite database for mapping phenotypes in selectively bred rats of unknown genotype derived from outbred populations because it is not immediately obvious which markers might differ between strains and be informative. We predicted that markers represented by many alleles among the known inbred rat strains would also be most likely to differ between selectively bred strains derived from outbred populations. Here we describe the development and successful application of a new genotyping tool (HUMMER) that assigns "heterozygosity" (Het) and "uncertainty" (Unc) scores to each microsatellite marker that corresponds to its degree of heterozygosity among the 48 genotyped inbred strains. We tested the efficiency of HUMMER on two rat strains that were selectively bred from an outbred Sprague-Dawley stock for either high or low activity in the forced swim test (SwHi rats and SwLo rats, respectively). We found that the markers with high Het and Unc scores allowed the efficient selection of markers that differed between SwHi and SwLo rats, while markers with low Het and Unc scores typically identified markers that did not differ between strains. Thus, picking markers based on Het and Unc scores is a valuable method for identifying informative microsatellite markers in selectively bred rodent strains derived from outbred populations.

Animals↗

Quantitative genetic analysis of natural variation in body size in Drosophila melanogaster.

Latitudinal, genetic variation in body size is a commonly observed phenomenon in many invertebrate species and is shaped by natural selection. In this study, we use a chromosome substitution and a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approach to identify chromosomes and genomic regions associated with adaptive variation in body size in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster from the extreme ends of clines in South America and Australia. Chromosome substitution revealed the largest effects on chromosome three in both continents, and minor effects on the X and second chromosome. Similarly, QTL analysis of the Australian cline identified QTL with largest effects on the third chromosome, with smaller effects on the second. However, no QTL were found on the X chromosome. We also compared the coincidence of locations of QTL with the locations of five microsatellite loci previously shown to vary clinally in Australia. Permutation tests using both the sum of the LOD scores and the sum distance to nearest QTL peak revealed there were no significant associations between locations of clinal markers and QTL's. The lack of significance may, in part, be due to broad QTL peaks identified in this study. Future studies using higher resolution QTL maps should reveal whether the degree of clinality in microsatellite allele frequencies can be used to identify QTL in traits that vary along an environmental gradient.

Animals↗

Studies of congenic lines in the Brown Norway rat model of Th2-mediated immunopathological disorders show that the aurothiopropanol sulfonate-induced immunological disorder (Aiid3) locus on chromosome 9 plays a major role compared to Aiid2 on chromosome 10.

Brown Norway (BN) rats treated with aurothiopropanol-sulfonate (Atps) constitute a model of Th2-mediated immunological disorders associated with elevated IgE responses and renal IgG deposits. Using F(2) offspring between Atps-susceptible BN and Atps-resistant Lewis rats, we had previously mapped three quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 9, 10, and 20 for which BN alleles increased susceptibility to Atps-induced immunological disorders (Aiid). In this study we have used congenic lines for the latter two quantitative trait loci, formerly called Atps2 and Atps3 and now named Aiid2 (chromosome 10) and Aiid3 (chromosome 9), for fine mapping and characterization of their impact on Atps-triggered reactions. In Aiid2 congenic lines, the gene(s) controlling part of the IgE response to Atps was mapped to an approximately 7-cM region, which includes the IL-4 cytokine gene cluster. Two congenic lines in which the introgressed segments shared only a portion of this 7-cM region, showed an intermediate IgE response, indicating the involvement of several genes within this region. Results from BN rats congenic for the Lewis Aiid3 locus, which we mapped to a 1.2-cM interval, showed a stronger effect of this region. In this congenic line, the Atps-triggered IgE response was 10-fold lower than in the BN parental strain, and glomerular IgG deposits were either absent or dramatically reduced. Further genetic and functional dissections of these loci should provide insights into pathways that lead to Th2-adverse reactions.

Animals↗

Gene actions of QTLs affecting several agronomic traits resolved in a recombinant inbred rice population and two backcross populations.

To understand the types of gene action controlling seven quantitative traits in rice, we carried out quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in order to distinguish between the main-effect QTLs (M-QTLs) and digenic epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) responsible for the trait performance of 254 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from rice varieties Lemont/Teqing and two backcross hybrid (BCF1) populations derived from these RILs. We identified 44 M-QTL and 95 E-QTL pairs in the RI and BCF1 populations as having significant effects on the mean values and mid-parental heterosis of heading date, plant height, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, panicle length, spikelet number and spikelet fertility. The E-QTLs detected collectively explained a larger portion of the total phenotypic variation than the M-QTLs in both the RI and BCF1 populations. In both BCF1 populations, over-dominant (or under-dominant) loci were more important than additive and complete or partially dominant loci for M-QTLs and E-QTL pairs, thereby supporting prior findings that overdominance resulting from epistatic loci are the primary genetic basis of inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) plasma concentration is influenced by multiple ACE-linked quantitative trait nucleotides.

Circulating angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) is a highly heritable trait, and a major component of the genetic variance maps to the region of the ACE gene. The strong effect of the locus, and the interest in ACE as a candidate gene for cardiovascular disorders, has led to extensive investigation of its relationship to the ACE phenotype, providing one of the most complete examples of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in humans. Resequencing of ACE followed by haplotype analysis in families of British and French origin has shown that the genetic variants that are primarily associated with the ACE trait map to an 18 kb interval flanked by two intragenic, ancestral recombination breakpoints. This critical interval contains dozens of ACE-associated variants in Caucasians, but identification of which of these directly influence ACE concentration is ambiguous because of the almost complete linkage disequilibrium in European populations. In a complementary sequencing and genotyping study of individuals from West African families, we show that this population has much greater haplotype diversity across the gene. Through analysis of the contrasting relationships of the trait phenotype with haplotypes that carry different allelic combinations from those observed in Caucasians, we demonstrate that (at least) two major intragenic sites within the critical interval and (at least) one minor promoter site are associated with the ACE quantitative trait through additive effects. These results point to the importance of analysing diverse populations with different gene genealogies in gene-association studies.

Black People↗

Fine mapping of the FT1 locus for soybean flowering time using a residual heterozygous line derived from a recombinant inbred line.

Fine-mapping of loci related to complex quantitative traits is essential for map-based cloning. A residual heterozygous line (RHL) of soybean (Glycine max) derived from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) was used for fine-mapping FT1, which is a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) responsible for soybean flowering time. The residual heterozygous line RHL1-156 was selected from the RILs that were derived from two distantly related varieties, Misuzudaizu and Moshidou Gong 503. The genome of RHL1-156 contains a heterozygous segment (approximately 17 cM) surrounding the FT1 locus but is homozygous in other regions, including three other loci affecting flowering time. A large segregating population of 1,006 individuals derived by selfing of RHL1-156 included two homozygous genotypes for the nearest marker of FT1 whose flowering time differed by 26 days. No continuous range of phenotypes was observed, in contrast to the F2 population, suggesting that a single FT1 locus affected the flowering time in the RHL1-156 line. Linkage analysis revealed that the FT1 locus mapped as a single Mendelian factor between two tightly linked DNA markers, Satt365 and GM169, at distances of approximately 0.1 cM and 0.4 cM, respectively. Our results show that a RHL derived from RILs can be used to fine-map a QTL and that RHLs can be an efficient tool for a systematic fine-mapping of QTLs.

Breeding↗

Integrating genetic and gene expression data: application to cardiovascular and metabolic traits in mice.

The millions of common DNA variations that occur in the human population, or among inbred strains of mice and rats, perturb the expression (transcript levels) of a large fraction of the genes expressed in a particular tissue. The hundreds or thousands of common cis-acting variations that occur in the population may in turn affect the expression of thousands of other genes by affecting transcription factors, signaling molecules, RNA processing, and other processes that act in trans. The levels of transcripts are conveniently quantitated using expression arrays, and the cis- and trans-acting loci can be mapped using quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, in the same manner as loci for physiologic or clinical traits. Thousands of such expression QTL (eQTL) have been mapped in various crosses in mice, as well as other experimental organisms, and less detailed maps have been produced in studies of cells from human pedigrees. Such an integrative genetics approach (sometimes referred to as "genetical genomics") is proving useful for identifying genes and pathways that contribute to complex clinical traits. The coincidence of clinical trait QTL and eQTL can help in the prioritization of positional candidate genes. More importantly, mathematical modeling of correlations between levels of transcripts and clinical traits in genetic crosses can allow prediction of causal interactions and the identification of "key driver" genes. An important objective of such studies will be to model biological networks in physiologic processes. When combined with high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mapping, it should be feasible to identify genes that contribute to transcript levels using association analysis in outbred populations. In this review we discuss the basic concepts and applications of this integrative genomic approach to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Animals↗