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Genome-wide scan for myopia in the Old Order Amish.

PURPOSE: To identify myopia susceptibility genes influencing common myopia in 34 Old Order Amish families, a genetically well-defined founder population. DESIGN: A prospective study of families with myopia consisting of a minimum of two individuals affected with myopia. METHODS: Extended families consisting of at least two siblings affected with myopia were ascertained. A genome-wide linkage scan using 387 markers was conducted by the Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). Linkage analyses were conducted with parametric (autosomal dominant, fixed penetrance model) and nonparametric methods. Model-free linkage analysis was also performed maximizing over penetrance and over dominance (that is, fitting a wide range of both dominant and recessive models). RESULTS: Under the fixed penetrance model, the maximum two-point heterogeneity LOD score (HLOD) was 1.59 at D20S451 and the maximum multipoint HLOD was 1.92 at D6S1021. The nonparametric maximum multipoint (NPL) at D3S2427 had a P-value of .0005. Under the model-free analysis, multipoint heterogeneity LOD scores of 2.03 were observed on both chromosomes 8 (under a recessive model between D8S1130 and D8S1106) and X (under a recessive model between DXS6800 and DXS6789). Reanalyses of chromosomes 3, 6, 8, 20, and X using the best penetrance models resulted in maximum multipoint HLODs of 1.84 at D3S3053; 1.84 at D3S2427; 2.04 at D8S1130; and 2.34 at DXS6800. CONCLUSIONS: The locus on chromosome 8p23 independently confirms a report by Hammond and associates mapping a myopia quantitative trait loci (QTL) to this region.

Adolescent↗

Locating Ath8, a locus for murine atherosclerosis susceptibility and testing several of its candidate genes in mice and humans.

A previous study revealed that the difference in susceptibility to atherosclerotic lesions between inbred mouse strains SM/J and NZB/BlNJ was determined by one major locus (Ath8). In this study a (SM/J x NZB/BlNJ) F(1) x SM/J backcross localized Ath8 by quantitative trait locus mapping to chromosome 4 with a suggestive LOD score of 2.7. This quantitative trait locus (QTL) was confirmed using an (SM/J x NZB/BlNJ) intercross; Ath8 mapped to a 23cM region with a significant LOD score of 3.6. The genes for toll-like receptor 4 (T1r4), arachidonic acid epoxygenase (Cyp2j5), and angiopoietin-like protein 3 (Angptl3) map to this region. These candidate genes were analyzed for expression and sequence differences in the mouse and for associations with cardiovascular traits in human. Sequence analysis of Angptl3 shows a base pair substitution in SM, the susceptible strain, giving rise to an amino acid change in the fibrinogen homology domain of the protein. We found a significant association between ANGPTL3 and atherosclerotic lesions (P < 0.05) in human. These results suggest that Angptl3 is involved in atherosclerosis susceptibility in both mouse and human.

Animals↗

Heterosis: revisiting the magic.

Heterosis results in the phenotypic superiority of a hybrid over its parents with respect to traits such as growth rate, reproductive success and yield. This hybrid vigor is determined by non-mutually exclusive mechanisms, including dominance complementation, overdominance and epistasis. Heterotic genes responsible for elevating crop yields are now being sought using genomics, particularly transcriptomics, but with contradictory results. Because heterosis is an environmentally modified quantitative phenotype, genomic analyses alone will not suffice. Future research should focus on integrating genomic tools in a framework of comprehensive quantitative trait locus (QTL)-based phenotyping, followed by map-based cloning. This 'phenomics' approach should identify loci controlling heterotic phenotypes, and improve understanding of the role of heterosis in evolution and the domestication of crop plants.

Animals↗

AtALMT1, which encodes a malate transporter, is identified as one of several genes critical for aluminum tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Aluminum (Al) tolerance in Arabidopsis is a genetically complex trait, yet it is mediated by a single physiological mechanism based on Al-activated root malate efflux. We investigated a possible molecular determinant for Al tolerance involving a homolog of the wheat Al-activated malate transporter, ALMT1. This gene, named AtALMT1 (At1g08430), was the best candidate from the 14-member AtALMT family to be involved with Al tolerance based on expression patterns and genomic location. Physiological analysis of a transferred DNA knockout mutant for AtALMT1 as well as electrophysiological examination of the protein expressed in Xenopus oocytes showed that AtALMT1 is critical for Arabidopsis Al tolerance and encodes the Al-activated root malate efflux transporter associated with tolerance. However, gene expression and sequence analysis of AtALMT1 alleles from tolerant Columbia (Col), sensitive Landsberg erecta (Ler), and other ecotypes that varied in Al tolerance suggested that variation observed at AtALMT1 is not correlated with the differences observed in Al tolerance among these ecotypes. Genetic complementation experiments indicated that the Ler allele of AtALMT1 is equally effective as the Col allele in conferring Al tolerance and Al-activated malate release. Finally, fine-scale mapping of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for Al tolerance on chromosome 1 indicated that AtALMT1 is located proximal to this QTL. These results indicate that AtALMT1 is an essential factor for Al tolerance in Arabidopsis but does not represent the major Al tolerance QTL also found on chromosome 1.

Aluminum↗

Sex-specific quantitative trait loci govern susceptibility to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelination.

Susceptibility to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelination (TMEVD), a mouse model for multiple sclerosis (MS), is genetically controlled. Through a mouse-human comparative mapping approach, identification of candidate susceptibility loci for MS based on the location of TMEVD susceptibility loci may be possible. Composite interval mapping (CIM) identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling TMEVD severity in male and female backcross populations derived from susceptible DBA/2J and resistant BALBc/ByJ mice. We report QTL on chromosomes 1, 5, 15, and 16 affecting male mice. In addition, we identified two QTL in female mice located on chromosome 1. Our results support the existence of three linked sex-specific QTL on chromosome 1 with opposing effects on the severity of the clinical signs of TMEV-induced disease in male and female mice.

Animals↗

Hybrid breakdown caused by substitution of the X chromosome between two mouse subspecies.

Hybrid breakdown is a type of reproductive failure that appears after the F2 generation of crosses between different species or subspecies. It is caused by incompatibility between interacting genes. Genetic analysis of hybrid breakdown, particularly in higher animals, has been hampered by its complex nature (i.e., it involves more than two genes, and the phenotype is recessive). We studied hybrid breakdown using a new consomic strain, C57BL/6J-X(MSM), in which the X chromosome of C57BL/6J (derived mostly from Mus musculus domesticus) is substituted by the X chromosome of the MSM/Ms strain (M. m. molossinus). Males of this consomic strain are sterile, whereas F1 hybrids between C57BL/6J and MSM/Ms are completely fertile. The C57BL/6J-X(MSM) males showed reduced testis weight with variable defects in spermatogenesis and abnormal sperm head morphology. We conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for these traits to map the X-linked genetic factors responsible for the sterility. This analysis successfully detected at least three distinct loci for the sperm head morphology and one for the testis weight. This study revealed that incompatibility of interactions of X-linked gene(s) with autosomal and/or Y-linked gene(s) causes the hybrid breakdown between the genetically distant C57BL/6J and MSM/Ms strains.

Animals↗

Genetic loci that control vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis is regulated by the balance between angiogenic stimulators and inhibitors. Numerous reports have demonstrated that tumors induce aggressive angiogenesis by up-regulating the production of angiogenesis stimulating growth factors to overcome the baseline levels of endogenous inhibitors. However, the possibility of large differences in the host's responsiveness to angiogenic factors has been largely overlooked. Using the corneal micropocket neovascularization assay, we have observed >10-fold differences in responsiveness to either basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) among various mouse strains. The inheritance pattern observed for these traits supported a QTL (quantitative trait locus) approach to mapping the genes responsible for the differences in angiogenic responsiveness. To overcome variability in the assay, we used recombinant inbred lines to map this phenotype. In the BXD series of recombinant inbred mouse strains, we have mapped the regions responsible for regulating VEGF-induced angiogenesis using both composite interval mapping and multiple interval mapping. Both approaches link VEGF responsiveness to regions on chromosomes 2 (near D2Mit6) and 10 (near D10Mit20). Candidate angiogenesis-related genes in these regions include those for collagen XVIII/endostatin, matrix metalloproteinase 11, integrin beta2, prostaglandin D2 synthase, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

Animals↗

Large-scale identification of single-feature polymorphisms in complex genomes.

We have developed a high-throughput genotyping platform by hybridizing genomic DNA from Arabidopsis thaliana accessions to an RNA expression GeneChip (AtGenome1). Using newly developed analytical tools, a large number of single-feature polymorphisms (SFPs) were identified. A comparison of two accessions, the reference strain Columbia (Col) and the strain Landsberg erecta (Ler), identified nearly 4000 SFPs, which could be reliably scored at a 5% error rate. Ler sequence was used to confirm 117 of 121 SFPs and to determine the sensitivity of array hybridization. Features containing sequence repeats, as well as those from high copy genes, showed greater polymorphism rates. A linear clustering algorithm was developed to identify clusters of SFPs representing potential deletions in 111 genes at a 5% false discovery rate (FDR). Among the potential deletions were transposons, disease resistance genes, and genes involved in secondary metabolism. The applicability of this technique was demonstrated by genotyping a recombinant inbred line. Recombination break points could be clearly defined, and in one case delimited to an interval of 29 kb. We further demonstrate that array hybridization can be combined with bulk segregant analysis to quickly map mutations. The extension of these tools to organisms with complex genomes, such as Arabidopsis, will greatly increase our ability to map and clone quantitative trait loci (QTL).

Arabidopsis↗

Expressed sequence tags for the chicken genome from a normalized 10-day-old white leghorn whole-embryo cDNA library. 3. DNA sequence analysis of genetic variation in commercial chicken populations.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have emerged as a major class of DNA markers with the advantage of permitting the development of high-density genetic maps adequate for quantitative trait loci (QTL) identification by linkage-disequilibrium analysis. Here we describe results of a relatively high-depth survey of chicken broiler and layer populations for SNPs in targeted genomic regions of chicken expressed sequence tag (EST) sites. The sequences scanned, representing the composite sequence of 12 amplified fragments for a total of 6489 bp, were randomly distributed, occurring on six different chromosomes or linkage groups in the chicken genome. Although one of the genomic DNA sequences did not match the reference cDNA sequence, another contained an intron that separated two putative exons. The number of SNPs observed within each of the 12 EST-targeted genomic regions ranged from 0 to 10 for a total of 44 and a frequency of 0.7%. About 70% of the polymorphisms were shared between layer and broiler populations. The average heterozygosity within the populations ranged from 0.15 to 0.48, with the layer populations showing the higher heterozygosity. SNPs and oligonucleotides described will provide a resource for genetic analysis in commercial chicken populations. The data appear to indicate that the relative frequency of SNPs in the targeted regions scanned is higher than the frequency reported for any of the other regions scanned to date in other eukaryotic genomes. Additionally, the results suggest that the use of DNA pools may offer an efficient approach to SNP detection in chickens, as has been shown in other vertebrates.

Animals↗

Genetic predisposition to 4NQO-induced tongue carcinogenesis in the rat.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the genetic basis of predisposition to 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced tongue cancers (TCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have reported that inbred Dark-Agouti (DA) strain rats were highly susceptible to 4NQO-induced TCs, whereas Wistar/Furth (WF) rats were resistant to tongue squamous cell carcinomas induced by oral administration of 4NQO. Using size and number of the tumours as quantitative parameters, responsible host loci were analysed by an interval mapping of F2 intercross of DA and WF given carcinogenic regimen. Also, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at these loci was analysed in tongue cancers in (DA x WF) F1. RESULTS: We identified and mapped 5 significant quantitative trait loci (QTL), the Tongue squamous cell carcinoma 1-5 (Tscc1-5), and several other suggestive QTL that determine susceptibility to 4NQO-induced TC. Study of TCs induced in (DA x WF)F1 rats revealed a high frequency of LOH in the chromosomal regions of Tscc2, 3, and 4 and also of suggestive QTL on chromosomes 5 and 6. The fact that LOH was found only in larger TCs indicates that LOH occurred in the process of tumour progression. In most LOH, the allele of the resistant WF strain was lost, suggesting that these loci may encode tumour suppressor genes. In larger TCs, in addition to LOH, point mutations and the methylation of possible candidate genes were accumulated. CONCLUSION: These observations indicate that the 4NQO-induced TC in the rat is a multifactorial disease of a polygenic trait. This model will be useful to understand the complicated genetic basis of predisposition to oral cancers.

4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide↗

Genomic structure and an alternative transcript of bovine mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase gene (GPAM).

GPAM maps in BTA26q22, where several QTLs affecting milk production, milk fat and protein content have been mapped. On the basis of the QTL location, the GPAM gene could be considered a good candidate gene for the mentioned traits. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase mitochondrial (GPAM) is the enzyme that catalyses the initial and committed step of glycerolipid synthesis and, therefore, it is a potential site for triacylglycerol synthesis regulation. In this study, the structure of the cDNA and the genomic DNA of the bovine GPAM gene were determined and the expression of its mRNA was studied. The cDNA of the gene was cloned by RT-PCR, 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The GPAM mRNA sequence contains a 2,475-bp coding region and a 3,689-bp 3' UTR. Its ORF encoded for an 825-amino acid protein and has an 89% homology with the coding regions of previously characterized mouse and human GPAM genes. The predicted amino acid sequence had an 89 and 93% similarity with mouse and human GPAM proteins, respectively. Using a 5' RACE strategy, two different 5' UTRs were cloned. Northern blot analysis confirmed the presence of two different transcripts. Adipose tissues and lung had the highest levels of GPAM mRNA expression, whereas it was barely detectable in liver. This expression pattern differs with those of non-ruminant animals where liver is one of the tissues with higher GPAM mRNA expression level.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Genetic mapping of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) applied to the detection of QTLs for alpha-acid content.

The map locations and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were estimated for alpha-acid content in hop (Humulus lupulus L.) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite marker (simple sequence repeat (SSR)) genetic linkage maps constructed from a double pseudotestcross. The mapping population consisted of 111 progeny from a cross between the German hop cultivar 'Magnum', which exhibits high levels of alpha-acids, and a wild Slovene male hop, 2/1. The progeny segregated quantitatively for alpha-acid content determined in 2002, 2003, and 2004. The maternal map consisted of 96 markers mapped on 14 linkage groups defining 661.90 cM of total map distance. The paternal map included 70 markers assigned to 12 linkage groups covering 445.90 cM of hop genome. QTL analysis indicated 4 putative QTLs (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, and alpha4) on linkage groups (LGs) 03, 01, 09, and 03 of the female map, respectively. QTLs explained 11.9%-24.8% of the phenotypic variance. The most promising QTL to be used in marker-assisted selection is alpha2, the peak of which colocated exactly with the AFLP marker. Three chalcone synthase-like genes (chs2, chs3, and chs4) involved in hop bitter acid synthesis mapped together on LG04 of the female map. Saturation of the maps, particularly the putative QTL regions, will be carried out using SSR markers, and the stability of the QTLs will be tested in the coming years.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Chromosomal anchoring of linkage groups and identification of wing size QTL using markers and FISH probes derived from microdissected chromosomes in Nasonia (Pteromalidae: Hymenoptera).

Nasonia vitripennis is a small parasitic hymenopteran with a 50-year history of genetic work including linkage mapping with mutant and molecular markers. For the first time we are now able to anchor linkage groups to specific chromosomes. Two linkage maps based on a hybrid cross (N. vitripennis x N. longicornis) were constructed using STS, RAPD and microsatellite markers, where 17 of the linked STS markers were developed from single microdissected banded chromosomes. Based on these microdissections we anchored all linkage groups to the five chromosomes of N. vitripennis. We also verified the chromosomal specificity of the microdissection through in situ hybridization and linkage analyses. This information and technique will allow us in the future to locate genes or QTL detected in different mapping populations efficiently and fast on homologous chromosomes or even chromosomal regions. To test this approach we asked whether QTL responsible for the wing size in two different hybrid crosses (N. vitripennis x N. longicornis and N. vitripennis x N.giraulti) map to the same location. One QTL with a major effect was found to map to the centromere region of chromosome 3 in both crosses. This could indicate that indeed the same gene/s is involved in the reduction of wing in N. vitripennis and N. longicornis.

Animals↗

Evidence for multiple alleles at the DGAT1 locus better explains a quantitative trait locus with major effect on milk fat content in cattle.

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) for milk fat percentage has been mapped consistently to the centromeric region of bovine chromosome 14 (BTA14). Two independent studies have identified the nonconservative mutation K232A in the acylCoA-diacylglycerol-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene as likely to be causal for the observed variation. Here we provide evidence for additional genetic variability at the same QTL that is associated with milk fat percentage variation within the German Holstein population. Namely, we show that alleles of the DGAT1 promoter derived from the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism are associated with milk fat content in animals homozygous for the allele 232A at DGAT1. Our results present another example for more than two trait-associated alleles being involved in a major gene effect on a quantitative trait. The segregation of multiple alleles affecting milk production traits at the QTL on BTA14 has to be considered whenever marker-assisted selection programs are implemented in dairy cattle. Due to the presence of a potential transcription factor binding site in the 18mer element of the VNTR, the variation in the number of tandem repeats of the 18mer element might be causal for the variability in the transcription level of the DGAT1 gene.

Acyltransferases↗

Regulatory variation at glypican-3 underlies a major growth QTL in mice.

The genetic basis of variation in complex traits remains poorly understood, and few genes underlying variation have been identified. Previous work identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) responsible for much of the response to selection on growth in mice, effecting a change in body mass of approximately 20%. By fine-mapping, we have resolved the location of this QTL to a 660-kb region containing only two genes of known function, Gpc3 and Gpc4, and two other putative genes of unknown function. There are no non-synonymous polymorphisms in any of these genes, indicating that the QTL affects gene regulation. Mice carrying the high-growth QTL allele have approximately 15% lower Gpc3 mRNA expression in kidney and liver, whereas expression differences at Gpc4 are non-significant. Expression profiles of the two other genes within the region are inconsistent with a factor responsible for a general effect on growth. Polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region of Gpc3 are strong candidates for the causal sequence variation. Gpc3 loss-of-function mutations in humans and mice cause overgrowth and developmental abnormalities. However, no deleterious side-effects were detected in our mice, indicating that genes involved in Mendelian diseases also contribute to complex trait variation. Furthermore, these findings show that small changes in gene expression can have substantial phenotypic effects.

Aging↗

Fine-mapping milk production quantitative trait loci on BTA6: analysis of the bovine osteopontin gene.

Bovine chromosome six (BTA6) harbors up to six quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing the milk production of dairy cattle. In stark contrast to human, there is long-range linkage disequilibrium in dairy cattle, which has previously made it difficult to identify the mutations underlying these QTL. Using 38 microsatellite markers in a pedigree of 3,147 Holstein bulls, we fine mapped regions of BTA6 that had previously been shown to harbor QTL. Next, we sequenced a 12.3-kb region harboring Osteopontin, a positional candidate for the statistically most significant of the identified QTL. Nine mutations were identified, and only genotypes for the OPN3907 indel were concordant with the QTL genotypes of eight bulls that were established by segregation analysis. Four of these mutations were genotyped, and a joint linkage/linkage disequilibrium mapping analysis was used to demonstrate the existence of only two functionally distinct clusters of haplotypes within the QTL region, which were uniquely defined by OPN3907 alleles. We estimate a probability of 0.40 that no other mutation within this region is concordant with the QTL genotypes of these eight bulls. Finally, we demonstrate that the motif harboring OPN3907, which is upstream of the promoter and within a region known to harbor tissue-specific osteopontin regulatory elements, is moderately conserved among mammals. The motif was not retrieved from database queries and may be a novel regulatory element.

Alleles↗

Conservation of gene function in the solanaceae as revealed by comparative mapping of domestication traits in eggplant.

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for domestication-related traits were identified in an interspecific F(2) population of eggplant (Solanum linnaeanum x S. melongena). Although 62 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified in two locations, most of the dramatic phenotypic differences in fruit weight, shape, color, and plant prickliness that distinguish cultivated eggplant from its wild relative could be attributed to six loci with major effects. Comparison of the genomic locations of the eggplant fruit weight, fruit shape, and color QTL with the positions of similar loci in tomato, potato, and pepper revealed that 40% of the different loci have putative orthologous counterparts in at least one of these other crop species. Overall, the results suggest that domestication of the Solanaceae has been driven by mutations in a very limited number of target loci with major phenotypic effects, that selection pressures were exerted on the same loci despite the crops' independent domestications on different continents, and that the morphological diversity of these four crops can be explained by divergent mutations at these loci.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Association mapping of kernel size and milling quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars.

Association mapping is a method for detection of gene effects based on linkage disequilibrium (LD) that complements QTL analysis in the development of tools for molecular plant breeding. In this study, association mapping was performed on a selected sample of 95 cultivars of soft winter wheat. Population structure was estimated on the basis of 36 unlinked simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The extent of LD was estimated on chromosomes 2D and part of 5A, relative to the LD observed among unlinked markers. Consistent LD on chromosome 2D was <1 cM, whereas in the centromeric region of 5A, LD extended for approximately 5 cM. Association of 62 SSR loci on chromosomes 2D, 5A, and 5B with kernel morphology and milling quality was analyzed through a mixed-effects model, where subpopulation was considered as a random factor and the marker tested was considered as a fixed factor. Permutations were used to adjust the threshold of significance for multiple testing within chromosomes. In agreement with previous QTL analysis, significant markers for kernel size were detected on the three chromosomes tested, and alleles potentially useful for selection were identified. Our results demonstrated that association mapping could complement and enhance previous QTL information for marker-assisted selection.

Chromosome Mapping↗