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Quantitative trait loci for obesity- and diabetes-related traits and their dietary responses to high-fat feeding in LGXSM recombinant inbred mouse strains.

Genetic variation in response to high-fat diets is important in understanding the recent secular trends that have led to increases in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The examination of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for both obesity- and diabetes-related traits and their responses to a high-fat diet can be effectively addressed in mouse model systems, including LGXSM recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strains. A wide range of obesity- and diabetes-related traits were measured in animals from 16 RI strains with 8 animals of each sex fed a high- or low-fat diet from each strain. Marker associations were measured at 506 microsatellite markers spread throughout the mouse genome using a nested ANOVA. Locations with significant effects on the traits themselves and/or trait dietary responses were identified after correction for multiple comparisons by limiting the false detection rate. Nonsyntenic associations of marker genotypes were common at QTL locations so that the significant results were limited to loci still significant in multiple QTL models. We discovered 91 QTLs at 39 locations. Many of these locations (n = 31) also showed genetic effects on dietary response, typically because the loci produced significantly larger effects on the high-fat diet. Fat depot weights, leptin levels, and body weight at necropsy tended to map to the same locations and were responsible for a majority of the dietary response QTLs. Basal glucose levels and the response to glucose challenge mapped together in locations distinct from those affecting obesity. These QTL locations form a panel for further research and fine mapping of loci affecting obesity- and diabetes-related traits and their responses to high-fat feeding.

Animals↗

QTL for plant growth and morphology.

Individuals and strains within most species exhibit heritable, and sometimes dramatic, differences in their growth and morphology. Advances in marker genotyping and statistical methods have increased the precision and sensitivity with which the quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are responsible for these differences can be mapped. This has resulted in both a more refined picture of the genetic architecture of many growth traits and the cloning of several of the genes that underlie plant QTL.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Identification of two sex-specific quantitative trait loci in chromosome 11q for hip bone mineral density in Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Chromosome 11q has not only been found to contain mutations responsible for the several Mendelian disorders of the skeleton, but it has also been linked to bone mineral density (BMD) variation in several genome-wide linkage studies. Furthermore, quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting BMD in inbred mice and baboons have been mapped to a region syntenic to human chromosome 11q. The aim of the present study is to determine whether there is a QTL for BMD variation on chromosome 11q in the Chinese population. METHODS: Nineteen microsatellite markers were genotyped for a 75 cM region on 11q13-25 in 306 Chinese families with 1,459 subjects. BMD (g/cm(2)) was measured by DXA. Linkage analyses were performed using the variance component linkage analysis method implemented in Merlin software. RESULTS: For women, a maximum LOD score of 1.62 was achieved at 90.8 cM on 11q21 near the marker D11S4175 for femoral neck BMD; LOD scores greater than 1.0 were observed on 11q13 for trochanter BMD. For men, a maximum LOD score of 1.57 was achieved at 135.8 cM on 11q24 near the marker D11S4126 for total hip BMD. CONCLUSION: We have not only replicated the previous linkage finding on chromosome 11q but also identified two sex-specific QTL that contribute to BMD variation in Chinese women and men.

Bone Density↗

Creation of BAC genomic resources for cocoa ( Theobroma cacao L.) for physical mapping of RGA containing BAC clones.

We have constructed and validated the first cocoa ( Theobroma cacao L.) BAC library, with the aim of developing molecular resources to study the structure and evolution of the genome of this perennial crop. This library contains 36,864 clones with an average insert size of 120 kb, representing approximately ten haploid genome equivalents. It was constructed from the genotype Scavina-6 (Sca-6), a Forastero clone highly resistant to cocoa pathogens and a parent of existing mapping populations. Validation of the BAC library was carried out with a set of 13 genetically-anchored single copy and one duplicated markers. An average of nine BAC clones per probe was identified, giving an initial experimental estimation of the genome coverage represented in the library. Screening of the library with a set of resistance gene analogues (RGAs), previously mapped in cocoa and co-localizing with QTL for resistance to Phytophthora traits, confirmed at the physical level the tight clustering of RGAs in the cocoa genome and provided the first insights into the relationships between genetic and physical distances in the cocoa genome. This library represents an available BAC resource for structural genomic studies or map-based cloning of genes corresponding to important QTLs for agronomic traits such as resistance genes to major cocoa pathogens like Phytophthora spp ( palmivora and megakarya), Crinipellis perniciosa and Moniliophthora roreri.

Cacao↗

Quantitative trait loci affecting peak bone mineral density in mice.

Peak bone mass is a major determinant of risk of osteoporotic fracture. Family and twin studies have found a strong genetic component to the determination of bone mineral density (BMD). However, BMD is a complex trait whose expression is confounded by environmental influences and polygenic inheritance. The number, locations, and effects of the individual genes contributing to natural variation in this trait are all unknown. Experimental animal models provide a means to circumvent complicating environmental factors, and the development of dense genetic maps based on molecular markers now provides opportunities to resolve quantitative genetic variation into individual regions of the genome influencing a given trait (quantitative trait loci, QTL). To begin to identify the heritable determinants of BMD, we have examined genetically distinct laboratory mouse strains raised under strict environmental control. Mouse whole-body bone mineral content by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) correlated strongly with skeletal calcium content by ashing, and peak whole-body BMD by DXA in female mice occurred at approximately 80-90 days of age. We therefore determined mean body weight and peak whole body BMD values in 12-week-old female mice from a panel of 24 recombinant inbred (RI) BXD strains, derived from a cross between C57BL/6 and DBA/2 progenitors. The distribution of body weight and BMD values among the strains clearly indicated the presence of strong genetic influences on both of these traits, with an estimated narrow sense heritability of 60% and 35%, respectively. The patterns of differences in body weight and peak whole body BMD in the BXD strains were then integrated with a large database of genetic markers previously defined in the RI BXD strains to generate chromosome map sites for QTL. After correction for redundancy among the significant correlations, QTL analysis of the BXD RI strain series provisionally identified 10 chromosomal sites linked to peak bone mass development in the female. Several of the identified sites map near genes encoding hormones, structural proteins, and cell surface receptors that are intricately involved in skeletal homeostasis. Four QTL for body weight were also identified. One of these loci was also strongly linked to inherited variation in BMD. This finding suggests that body weight and peak BMD may be influenced by linked genes or perhaps by common genes with pleiotropic effects. Our phenotyping in the RI BXD strains has allowed us to map a number of specific genetic loci strongly related to the acquisition of peak BMD. Confirmation of these findings will likely result in the understanding of which genes control skeletal health.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

A gene controlling sex in grapevines placed on a molecular marker-based genetic map.

Genetic maps of Vitis (2n = 38) have been constructed from an interspecific hybrid population of 58 seedlings of the cross 'Horizon' ('Seyval' x 'Schuyler') x Illinois 547-1 (V. cinerea B9 x V. rupestris B38). The maps were initially constructed based on 277 RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers using a double-pseudotestcross strategy. Subsequently, 25 microsatellites, 4 CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence), and 12 AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers were added to the maps. Another 120 markers, mostly those segregating 3:1, were also assigned but not positioned on the linkage groups in the two maps. The 'Horizon' map consisted of 153 markers covering 1199 cM, with an average map distance of 7.6 cM between markers. The Illinois 547-1 map had 179 markers covering 1470 cM, with an average map distance of 8.1 cM. There were 20 linkage groups in each map, one more than the basic number of chromosomes in grapes. Ten linkage groups in each map were identified as homologous using 16 microsatellite and 2 CAPS markers polymorphic in both parents. A single locus controlling sex in grapes mapped close to a microsatellite marker. These maps provide enough coverage of the genome for QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis and as a starting point for positional gene cloning in grapes.

Chromosome Mapping↗

High-resolution quantitative trait locus analysis reveals multiple diabetes susceptibility loci mapped to intervals<800 kb in the species-conserved Niddm1i of the GK rat.

Niddm1i, a 16-Mb locus within the major diabetes QTL in the diabetic GK rat, causes impaired glucose tolerance in the congenic NIDDM1I strain. Niddm1i is homologous to both human and mouse regions linked with type 2 diabetes susceptibility. We employed multiple QTL analyses of congenic F2 progeny selected for one recombination event within Niddm1i combined with characterization of subcongenic strains. Fine mapping located one hyperglycemia locus within 700 kb (Niddm1i4, P=5x10(-6)). Two adjacent loci were also detected, and the GK allele at Niddm1i2 (500 kb) showed a glucose-raising effect, whereas it had a glucose-lowering effect at Niddm1i3 (400 kb). Most proximally, Niddm1i1 (800 kb) affecting body weight was identified. Experimental data from subcongenics supported the four loci. Sorcs1, one of the two known diabetes susceptibility genes in the region, resides within Niddm1i3, while Tcf7l2 maps outside all four loci. Multiple-marker QTL analysis incorporating the effect of cosegregating QTL as cofactors together with genetically selected progeny can remarkably enhance resolution of QTL. The data demonstrate that the species-conserved Niddm1i is a composite of at least four QTL affecting type 2 diabetes susceptibility and that two adjacent QTL (Niddm1i2GK and Niddm1i3GK) act in opposite directions.

Alleles↗

Analysis of an introgressed Nicotiana tomentosa genomic region affecting leaf number and correlated traits in Nicotiana tabacum.

Germplasm from closely related diploid relatives of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) could be of value for continued genetic modification of this species and for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We examined near isogenic tobacco lines and hybrids differing for an introgressed genomic region from N. tomentosa Ruiz and Pavon designated as Many Leaves that exhibits a large influence on leaf number and correlated traits. Within a 'Red Russian' genetic background, the region acted in an additive to partially dominant fashion to delay flowering time, and increase leaf number, plant height, and green leaf yield. Evidence of epistasis was observed as the region affected these traits to varying degrees in diverse near isogenic hybrids. Fifteen amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers of N. tomentosa origin were mapped within a single linkage group of 34.5 cM using a population of 207 BC(1)F(1) individuals segregating for Many Leaves. Composite interval mapping produced 2-LOD confidence intervals for likely QTL positions influencing leaf number (3.1 cM region), plant height (2.9 cM region), and days to flowering (3.3 cM region). These intervals were overlapping. Results demonstrate that genomic regions with large genetic effects can be transferred to tobacco from closely related diploid relatives, and that sufficient recombination within these regions may permit mapping of genes controlling quantitative traits. Materials and results described here may be useful in future research to gain insight on the genetic control of the transition from vegetative to reproductive development in Nicotiana.

Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis↗

A cytonuclear incompatibility causes anther sterility in Mimulus hybrids.

Multilocus interactions (also known as Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities) are thought to be the major source of hybrid inviability and sterility. Because cytoplasmic and nuclear genomes have conflicting evolutionary interests and are often highly coevolved, cytonuclear incompatibilities may be among the first to develop in incipient species. Here, we report the discovery of cytoplasm-dependent anther sterility in hybrids between closely related Mimulus species, outcrossing M. guttatus and selfing M. nasutus. A novel pollenless anther phenotype was observed in F2 hybrids with the M. guttatus cytoplasm (F2G) but not in the reciprocal F2N hybrids, F1 hybrids or parental genotypes. The pattern of phenotypic segregation in the F2G hybrids and two backcross populations fit a Mendelian single-locus recessive model, allowing us to map the underlying nuclear locus to a small region on LG7 of the Mimulus linkage map. Anther sterility was associated with a 20% reduction in flower size in backcross hybrids and we mapped a major cytoplasm-dependent corolla width QTL with its peak at the anther sterility locus. We argue that the cytonuclear anther sterility seen in hybrids reflects the presence of a cryptic cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and restorer system within the hermaphroditic M. guttatus population and therefore name the anther sterility locus restorer-of-male-fertility (RMF). The genetic mapping of RMF is a first step toward testing hypotheses about the molecular basis, individual fitness consequences, and ecological context of CMS and restoration in a system without stable CMS-restorer polymorphism (i.e., gynodioecy). The discovery of cryptic CMS in a hermaphroditic wildflower further suggests that selfish cytoplasmic evolution may play an important, but often undetected, role in shaping patterns of hybrid incompatibility and interspecific introgression in plants.

Biological Evolution↗

Variance component models for X-linked QTLs.

This paper discusses the theory and implementation of a model for mapping X-linked quantitative trait loci (QTL). As a result of X inactivation, a female's body is subdivided into a number of patches. In each patch one of her two X chromosomes is randomly switched off. This smooths the allelic contributions in a heterozygote and implies that females should show less trait variation than males for an X-linked trait. The latest version of the genetic analysis program Mendel incorporates a simple variance component version of this model. An application to head circumference in autistic children illustrates Mendel in action.

Analysis of Variance↗

The battle of two genomes: genetics of bacterial host/pathogen interactions in mice.

Genetic factors strongly determine the outcome of infectious diseases caused by various pathogens. The molecular mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility in humans, however, remains largely unknown. Complex interactions of multiple genes that control the host response to a pathogen further complicate the picture. Animal models have a tremendous potential to dissect the complex genetic system of host-pathogen interaction into single components. This is particularly true for the mouse, which will continue to develop into an invaluable tool in the identification and cloning of host resistance genes. Three main approaches have been taken to establish mouse models for human infectious diseases: 1) Production of mouse mutants by gene targeting; 2) positional cloning of host-resistance genes in mutant mice; and 3) mapping and characterization of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling the complex aspects of host-pathogen interactions. The contribution of all three methods to the understanding of infectious diseases in humans will be reviewed in this work, with a special emphasis on the studies of resistance/susceptibility mechanism in bacterial infections.

Animals↗

Nitrous oxide antinociception in BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains and identification of quantitative trait loci.

Among inbred mouse strains, DBA/2 mice are unique because of their poor responsiveness to nitrous oxide (N2O) antinociception. As a first step towards identifying candidate genes involved in determining antinociceptive responsiveness to N2O, male mice from the DBA/2 strain, the more responsive C57BL/6 strain, their B6D2F1 offspring, and 22 BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from DBA/2 and C57BL/6 mice were exposed to N2O and evaluated using the acetic acid abdominal constriction test. When exposed to 70% N2O, C57BL/6, DBA/2 and B6D2F1 mice exhibited antinociceptive responses of 78, 22 and 55%, respectively. The BXD RI strains demonstrated varying degrees of responsiveness to N2O. Cluster analysis revealed one cluster of 16 strains approximating the C57BL/6 progenitor (61.9-100% antinociceptive response to 70% N2O) and another of six strains around the DBA/2 progenitor (9.1-40% antinociceptive response to 70% N2O). The robust strain differences permitted screening the strain means with 1492 marker loci previously mapped in BXD RI strains. Using a QTL analysis specifically tailored to existing mouse RI strains, we found associations at the 0.01 level on seven chromosomes with the most promising marker loci being Il2ra, Hbb, Hmg1rs7 and Gsl5 on chromosomes 2, 7, 16 and 19, respectively (P < 0.002).

Animals↗

Polymorphisms of the porcine androgen receptor gene affecting its amino acid sequence and expression level.

Diverse physiological effects of the androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear transcription factor, and its mapping position within a quantitative trait loci (QTL) region on chromosome X propose it as an interesting candidate gene for pig reproduction and performance. Therefore, the aims of this study were isolation of the gene and detection of polymorphisms as a tool for association study and analysis of functional properties of the porcine AR. The mRNA and promoter sequences were obtained and screened for polymorphisms. Based on comparative sequencing, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), TG- and T-insertion/deletetion polymorphisms (INDELs) upstream transcription initiation sites, three SNPs in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR), one microsatellite (CCTTT)n in the intron of 5'-UTR, and a CAG-INDEL in exon 1 were detected. Two haplotypes originated from Duroc and Berlin Miniature Pig were segregating in the DUMI-F2 resource population. Characterization of the porcine AR promoter showed two conserved transcription start sites, a consensus sequence of GC-box and a homopurine/homopyrimidine stretch at similar locations compared to the human, rat and mouse as well as sequences similar to androgen response elements (ARE). The AR mRNA expression levels determined by real-time RT-PCR in various tissues of female pigs were high in ovary (100%) and adrenal gland (83.9% relative to ovary), moderate in uterus (61.6%) and liver (47.4%), and low in pituitary gland (1.3%) as well as in tonsil, muscle, mammary gland, leukocyte and jejunum (less than 1%). Detection of the AR mRNA transcripts in liver revealed that hemizygous males carrying the AR haplotype descended from Berlin Miniature pig had higher relative AR expressions than did those with the Duroc haplotype. Here we showed that the porcine AR is a highly polymorphic gene. Polymorphisms identified in the present study affect the predicted amino acid sequence as well as consensus transcription factor binding sites and are associated with the allele-specific differences of the AR mRNA transcript level in liver, reinforcing AR as a potential candidate gene for traits related to pig reproduction and performance.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Genetic approaches to the improvement of fertility traits in the pig.

One of the major determinants for litter size in pigs is prenatal mortality. It occurs most frequently during the first few weeks of gestation and can be attributed to abnormalities in developmental processes during embryogenesis including trophoblastic elongation and blastocyst implantation. Improvement of litter size has been attempted by means of phenotypic selection. However, another promising approach in pursuit of this aim has been the use of genotypic information. Reproductive traits in general are well-suited for application of marker-assisted selection (MAS). The possibility of exerting selection criteria at the molecular level shortens the generation interval as the selection decision can take place early in the life of an animal. Moreover, in consideration of the sex-limited nature of reproductive traits, genotypic information allows for selection in the gender in which the trait cannot be directly observed. Accordingly, there has been considerable interest in mapping and identifying genes involved in the regulation of reproductive traits and in elucidating their expression patterns. This review offers a comprehensive, if not exhaustive, account of the efforts being made and the approaches currently used in this field. One approach has been to choose candidate genes a priori because of the physiological importance of the proteins they encode and their role in the reproduction of other mammals. The usefulness of candidate genes is then examined by association studies between genetic polymorphisms identified in the respective candidate genes and the phenotypic reproductive traits. The other approach discussed uses pre-existing or designed families for linkage analyses in order to map the location of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the reproductive trait of interest. The results reported were not consistent among different studies but the QTL regions detected may be useful for identification of positional candidate genes in further molecular genetic studies. However, a better understanding of porcine reproduction requires that these functional genomic approaches are merged and integrated with detailed analyses of the proteome to establish linkages between predisposition and physiology.

Animals↗

Self-administration of ethanol: towards the location of predisposing polygenes in quasi-congenic animal models.

Alcohol consumption by C57BL/6By background and BALB/cJ donor strains, and by two recently developed quasi-congenic QTL-introgression strains, which share about 96% of their genes with the background strain, was studied in a limited access paradigm. Alcohol and water were offered for 60 min per day using modified pipettes on a drinking cage. Increasing concentration of alcohol solutions, 3, 6, and 12%, were given for days 1-7, 8-14, and 15-22, respectively. Consumption of the 12% alcohol solution was highest in C57BL/6By (0.72 g/kg/h), lowest in BALB/cJ (0.14 g/kg/h). The B6.Cb4i5 beta 13 quasi-congenic strain, in spite of its genetic similarity to the C57BL/6By background strain, consumed significantly less alcohol (0.41 g/kg/h) than the background strain. The results suggest that polygenes that reduce alcohol consumption were introgressed from the BALB/cJ donor strain into the C57BL/6By background strain, and that the b4i5 series of the B6.C quasi-congenic QTL-introgression strains may be useful in mapping genes that influence alcohol-related behaviors. Locations of the introgressed candidate polygenes were tentatively identified by analyzing microsatellite maps of two of the quasi-congenic strains.

Animals↗

Identification of aluminium-regulated genes by cDNA-AFLP in rice (Oryza sativa L.): aluminium-regulated genes for the metabolism of cell wall components.

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is the major factor limiting crop productivity in acid soils. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of Al toxicity and Al tolerance of rice, cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) was used for identifying Al-regulated genes in roots of an Al-tolerant tropical upland rice, Azucena, and an Al-sensitive lowland rice, IR1552. Nineteen function-known genes were found among 34 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) regulated by Al stress. The results indicate that Al stress could induce the biosynthesis of lignin and other cell wall components in roots. Temporal expression patterns of 14 genes were identified between the two varieties. In silico mapping was performed for all the 33 unique genes. Two genes for a function-unknown protein and for a ubiquitin-like protein, respectively, were mapped on the interval with the common QTL (quantitative trait loci) for Al tolerance in rice on chromosome 1.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

cMYB is involved in the regulation of fetal hemoglobin production in adults.

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling HbF levels has previously been mapped to chromosome 6q23 in an Asian-Indian kindred with beta thalassemia and heterocellular hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). Five protein-coding genes, ALDH8A1, HBS1L, cMYB, AHI1, and PDE7B reside in this 1.5-megabase (Mb) candidate interval of 6q23. To direct sequencing efforts we compared the expression profiles of these 5 genes between 12 individuals with elevated and 14 individuals with normal HbF levels during adult erythropoiesis by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Two genes, cMYB and HBS1L, demonstrated simultaneous transcriptional down-regulation in individuals with elevated HbF levels. Transfection of K562 cells encoding human cDNA of cMYB and HBS1L genes showed that, although overexpression of ectopic cMYB inhibited gamma-globin gene expression, overexpression of HBS1L had no effect. Low levels of cMYB were associated with low cell expansions, accelerated erythroid maturation, and higher number of macrophages in erythroid cell culture. These observations suggest that differences in the intrinsic levels of cMYB may account for some of the variation in adult HbF levels. The possible mechanism of cMYB influencing gamma- to beta-globin switching is discussed.

Adult↗

Chromosome inversions, local adaptation and speciation.

We study the evolution of inversions that capture locally adapted alleles when two populations are exchanging migrants or hybridizing. By suppressing recombination between the loci, a new inversion can spread. Neither drift nor coadaptation between the alleles (epistasis) is needed, so this local adaptation mechanism may apply to a broader range of genetic and demographic situations than alternative hypotheses that have been widely discussed. The mechanism can explain many features observed in inversion systems. It will drive an inversion to high frequency if there is no countervailing force, which could explain fixed differences observed between populations and species. An inversion can be stabilized at an intermediate frequency if it also happens to capture one or more deleterious recessive mutations, which could explain polymorphisms that are common in some species. This polymorphism can cycle in frequency with the changing selective advantage of the locally favored alleles. The mechanism can establish underdominant inversions that decrease heterokaryotype fitness by several percent if the cause of fitness loss is structural, while if the cause is genic there is no limit to the strength of underdominance that can result. The mechanism is expected to cause loci responsible for adaptive species-specific differences to map to inversions, as seen in recent QTL studies. We discuss data that support the hypothesis, review other mechanisms for inversion evolution, and suggest possible tests.

Adaptation, Physiological↗