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Biomedical subjects

C Bendixen

Publications and source records attributed to C Bendixen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Detection of quantitative trait loci affecting lameness and leg conformation traits in Danish Holstein cattle.

Lameness is an important factor for culling animals. Strong legs and feet improve herd life of dairy cows. Therefore, many countries include leg and feet conformation traits in their breeding programs, often as early predictors of longevity. However, few countries directly measure lameness related traits to include these in a breeding program. Lameness indices in 3 different lactations and 5 leg conformation traits (rear legs side view, rear legs rear view, hock quality, bone quality, and foot angle) were measured on granddaughters of 19 Danish Holstein grandsires with 33 to 105 sons. A genome scan was performed to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) based on the 29 autosomes using microsatellite markers. Data were analyzed across and within families for QTL affecting lameness and leg conformation traits. A regression method and a variance component method were used for QTL detection. Two QTL each for lameness in the first [Bos taurus autosome (BTA); BTA5, BTA26] and second (BTA19, BTA22) lactations were detected. For the 5 different leg conformation traits, 7 chromosome-wise significant QTL were detected across families for rear legs side view, 5 for rear legs rear view, 4 for hock quality, 4 for bone quality, and 1 for foot angle. For those chromosomes where a QTL associated with 2 different traits was detected (BTA1, BTA11, BTA15, BTA26, and BTA27), a multitrait-1-QTL model and a multitrait-2-QTL model were performed to characterize these QTL as single QTL with pleiotropic effects or distinct QTL.

Animals↗

Multitrait quantitative trait Loci mapping for milk production traits in danish Holstein cattle.

The aims of this study were (1) to confirm previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) on bovine chromosomes 6, 11, 14, and 23 in the Danish Holstein cattle population, (2) to assess the pleiotropic nature of each QTL on milk production traits by building multitrait and multi-QTL models, and (3) to include pedigree information on nongenotyped individuals to improve the estimation of genetic parameters underlying the random QTL model. Nineteen grandsire families were analyzed by single-trait (ST) and multitrait (MT) QTL mapping methods. The variance component-based QTL mapping model was implemented via restricted maximum likelihood (REML) to estimate QTL position and parameters. Segregation of the previously identified QTL was confirmed on bovine chromosomes 6, 11, and 14, but not on 23. A highly significant (1% chromosome-wise level) QTL was found on chromosome 6, between 37 and 73 cM. This QTL had a strong effect on protein percentage (PP) and fat percentage (FP) according to ST analyses, and effects on PP, FP, milk yield (MY), fat yield (FY), and protein yield (PY) in MT analyses. A QTL affecting PP was detected on chromosome 11 (at 70 cM) using ST analysis. The MT analysis revealed a second QTL (at 67 cM) approaching significance with an effect on MY. The ST analysis identified a QTL for MY and FP on chromosome 14, between 10 and 24 cM. The extended pedigree (nongenotyped animals) was included to estimate genetic parameters underlying the random QTL model; that is, additive polygenic and QTL variances. In general, the estimates of the QTL variance components were smaller but more precise when the extended pedigree was considered in the analysis.

Animals↗

The genes encoding bovine SP-A, SP-D, MBL-A, conglutinin, CL-43 and CL-46 form a distinct collectin locus on Bos taurus chromosome 28 (BTA28) at position q.1.8-1.9.

Collectins are a group of C-type lectins involved in the innate immune system, where they mediate and modulate clearance of pathogens. The health status of cattle is of major economical and ethical concern; therefore, the study of bovine collectins is of importance. The collectins conglutinin, CL-43 and CL-46 are only present in Bovidae and the characterization of their genes indicates that they are structural descendants of another collectin, lung surfactant protein D (SP-D). In this study, we assembled BAC clones into a contig spanning 330-1150 kb, which includes the bovine genes encoding the collectins SP-A (SFTPA), SP-D (SFTPD), mannan-binding lectin A (MBL1), CL-43 (COLEC9), CL-46 (COLEC13) and conglutinin (COLEC8). In the same contig, we also identified a gene that potentially encodes a novel conglutinin-like collectin (COLEC14). The arrangement of STFPA, SFTPD and MBL1 is homologous to the organization found in humans and mice, whereas the Bovidae-specific collectin genes, COLEC8, COLEC9 and COLEC13, extend from SFTPD. Proximal to the collectin locus at BTA28q1.8-1.9, and included in the contig, we found the microsatellite IDVGA8, which may be a valuable marker for tracking polymorphisms in the linked collectin genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evaluation of the inheritance of the complex vertebral malformation syndrome by breeding studies.

To investigate the congenital complex vertebral malformation syndrome (CVM) in Holstein calves, two breeding studies were performed including 262 and 363 cows, respectively. Cows were selected from the Danish Cattle Database based on pedigree and insemination records. Selected cows were progeny of sires with an established heterozygous CVM genotype and pregnant after insemination with semen from another sire with heterozygous CVM genotype. Following calving the breeders should state, if the calf was normal and was requested to submit dead calves for necropsy. In both studies, significantly fewer CVM affected calves than expected were obtained; a finding probably reflecting extensive intrauterine mortality in CVM affected foetuses. The findings illustrate increased intrauterine mortality as a major potential bias in observational studies of inherited disorders.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Cloning, characterization and chromosomal localization of the Sus scrofa SLC31A1 gene.

Copper is an essential element necessary for normal function of numerous enzymes in all living organisms. Uptake of copper into the cell is thought to occur through the membrane protein, SLC31A1 (CTR1), which has been described in a variety of species including yeast, human and mouse. In this study, we present cloning, gene structure, chromosomal localization and expression pattern of the Sus scrofa SLC31A1 gene, which encodes a 189 amino acid protein. The (SSC) SLC31A1 gene is organized in four exons and spans an approximately 2.3 kb genomic region. We have localized the gene to chromosome 1q28-q2.13 using a somatic cell hybrid panel. This region shows conservation of synteny with human chromosome 9, where the human SLC31A1 (CTR1) gene has been localized. Expression studies suggest that SLC31A1 mRNA is transcribed in all tissues examined.

Animals↗

Cloning and characterization of the bovine EGR4 gene and evaluation as candidate gene for bovine spinal dysmyelination.

Genes of the early growth response (EGR) family encode transcription factors with a highly conserved DNA binding zinc finger domain, which regulate a variety of genes, e.g. late myelin genes. Here, the cloning, genomic structure and expression of the bovine orthologue of the EGR4 gene are reported. The gene consists of two exons and encodes a 482 amino acid protein with a Cys2His2 zinc finger structure. The predicted protein shares between 80 and 87% identity to mouse, rat and human EGR4 proteins and all four species share almost complete identity in the DNA-binding domain. The bovine transcript is alternatively spliced by retaining intronic sequence, giving rise to two different mRNAs differing in three nucleotides and resulting in an extra alanine residue in the longer variant of the predicted protein. The gene was mapped by radiation hybrid (RH) mapping to markers on bovine chromosome 11. EGR4 transcripts were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the frontal cortex and cerebellum, and a low expression level was also detected in the liver. The EGR4 gene was evaluated as a candidate gene for bovine spinal dysmyelination (BSD). Sequencing of the gene from a homozygous affected animal and a heterozygous carrier revealed a single base mutation that leads to an amino acid substitution at residue 322 in EGR4. Genotype analysis of this polymorphism in a pedigree segregating for BSD, as well as in a panel of different cattle breeds, and sequence analysis of the entire coding region suggested that the EGR4 is not the gene responsible for BSD. Furthermore, 87 animals of different cattle breeds were screened for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) resulting in the identification of two SNPs in EGR4.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chromosome location, genomic organization of the porcine COL10A1 gene and model structure of the NC1 domain.

The porcine COL10A1 gene, encoding the alpha1(X) chain of type X collagen, has been sequenced. The gene structure is evolutionarily conserved, consisting of three exons and two introns spanning 7100 bp. Linkage mapping localized the gene to chromosome 1, which is in agreement with human-pig homology maps. Furthermore, protein structure comparison of the functionally important carboxyl domain between species revealed that amino acid changes were few and mainly situated in loop regions.

Animals↗

Elucidation of the molecular basis of a null allele in a rainbow trout microsatellite.

The use of microsatellites for studies of population structure, as markers in genome mapping, and for parentage control has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the presence of null alleles can lead to confounding results when using microsatellites. In the Omy3DIAS microsatellite, the presence of a null allele was discovered by analysis of family material. The null allele was sequenced after amplification with new primers located farther away from the repeat sequence. The null allele was shown to be caused by a deletion of a 4-bp sequence, which was part of a repetitive sequence within one of the primer recognition sites. As this phenomenon has been seen in other cases of null alleles, this observation leads to the recommendation to avoid repetitive sequences of any kind within primer sequences. Allele-specific amplification of the null allele revealed the presence of a single variant of this allele.

Journal Article↗

Molecular dissection of interactions between Rad51 and members of the recombination-repair group.

Recombination is important for the repair of DNA damage and for chromosome segregation during meiosis; it has also been shown to participate in the regulation of cell proliferation. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, recombination requires products of the RAD52 epistasis group. The Rad51 protein associates with the Rad51, Rad52, Rad54, and Rad55 proteins to form a dynamic complex. We describe a new strategy to screen for mutations which cause specific disruption of the interaction between certain proteins in the complex, leaving other interactions intact. This approach defines distinct protein interaction domains and protein relationships within the Rad51 complex. Alignment of the mutations onto the constructed three-dimensional model of the Rad51 protein reveal possible partially overlapping interfaces for the Rad51-Rad52 and the Rad51-Rad54 interactions. Rad51-Rad55 and Rad51-Rad51 interactions are affected by the same spectrum of mutations, indicating similarity between the two modes of binding. Finally, the detection of a subset of mutations within Rad51 which disrupt the interaction with mutant Rad52 protein but activate the interaction with Rad54 suggests that dynamic changes within the Rad51 protein may contribute to an ordered reaction process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complex vertebral malformation in holstein calves.

A recently observed lethal congenital defect of purebred Holstein calves is reported. Eighteen genetically related calves were necropsied. One calf had been aborted on gestation day 159, and the others were delivered between day 250 and day 285. Birth weights were reduced. The defect was characterized by shortening of the cervical and thoracic parts of the vertebral column due to multiple hemivertebrae, fused and misshaped vertebrae, and scoliosis. Symmetrical flexures of the carpal joints and the metacarpophalangeal joint in combination with a slight lateral rotation of the phalanges also were present. Similar low-grade arthrogryposis was present in the posterior limbs. Fifty percent of the calves had heart malformation. Other malformations occurred in a few calves. Complex vertebral malformation (CVM) is proposed as the designation for this defect. A genetic etiology is indicated because cases occurred following breeding between genetically related individuals. Two common ancestors were found; both were former elite sires of US Holstein origin. Because of the widespread international use of semen from sires occurring in the pedigrees of affected calves, CVM is expected to occur in several countries.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Complex vertebral malformation in a holstein calf: report of a case in the USA.

Complex vertebral malformation (CVM), a familial syndrome of Holstein calves, has been reported in aborted fetuses and in prematurely born, stillborn, and neonatal calves. Affected calves have anomalies in the vertebral column, including hemivertebrae, fused and misshapen vertebrae and ribs, scoliosis, and vertebral synostosis. Concurrent low body weight, symmetrical arthrogryposis, and cardiac anomalies have been documented in affected calves. The syndrome was identified and characterized in Holstein cattle in Denmark; however, a global distribution of this genetic disorder is likely based on identification of common ancestral sires widely used for artificial insemination. This is the first documented case of CVM in a Holstein calf in the USA.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[Radiation mapping of the short arm of swine chromosome 2].

In recent years, maps of mammalian genomes have been acquiring increasingly higher resolution. Integration of maps of different types has become possible. As a tool in integrating maps of mammalian genomes of different types, high-resolution mapping with radiation-induced hybrids (RH) is used. Here, we present an RH6000 map of the short arm of porcine chromosome 2. The map contains 15 microsatellites and five genes (for parathyroid hormone, lactate dehydrogenase A, myogenic factor, follicle-stimulating hormone beta, and calpain I). The RH panel was obtained on the basis of a hybrid cell line bearing the single porcine chromosome 2 against the background of mink chromosomes. The mean frequency of preserving markers examined in the panel was 18.3%. Integration of four genes in the panel and a comparison of gene order in homologous regions of human and porcine chromosomes are presented.

Animals↗

Abnormal growth plate function in pigs carrying a dominant mutation in type X collagen.

We have identified a naturally occurring, dominant mutation that causes dwarfism in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa). With a positional candidate gene approach, the dwarf phenotype was shown to be a result of a single amino acid change, G590R, in the alpha1 (X) chain of type X collagen. Type X collagen is a homotrimer of alpha1(X) chains encoded by the COL10A1 gene, which is expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes during the process of endochondral ossification. An amino acid substitution at the equivalent position in human type X collagen, G595E, has previously been shown to cause Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (SMCD), which is a relatively mild skeletal disorder associated with dwarfism and growth plate abnormality. Consistent with the clinical phenotype of SMCD patients, radiological and histological examination of the dwarf pigs revealed metaphyseal chondrodysplasia in the long bones. Yeast-based, two-hybrid protein interaction studies and in vitro assembly experiments demonstrated that the amino acid substitution interfered with the ability of the mutated collagen molecules to engage in trimerization. This work establishes that the chondrodysplastic dwarf pigs by genetic, biochemical, radiological and histological criteria provide a valid animal model of SMCD.

Animals↗