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Mapping of a blood pressure quantitative trait locus to chromosome 15q in a Chinese population.

Blood pressure is a complex trait of pivotal biological importance, in which 20-50% of interindividual variation is genetically determined. Whereas genes have been identified in several rare Mendelian forms of hypertension, little progress has been made in understanding the genetics of blood pressure variation in the general population. Recently, we screened the human genome using rural Chinese sibling pairs with extreme blood pressure and identified suggestive linkage for two chromosomal regions. By refining the trait definition and genotyping additional markers, we detected significant linkage (maximum lod score = 3.77) near D15S203 in lower extreme diastolic blood pressure sibling pairs. Using a second independent data set from the same geographical area, we marginally replicated ( P = 0.05) this result, suggesting that this locus is very likely to be involved in the regulation of diastolic blood pressure.

Adult↗

Quantitative trait locus mapping of human blood pressure to a genetic region at or near the lipoprotein lipase gene locus on chromosome 8p22.

Resistance to insulin-mediated glucose disposal is a common finding in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), as well as in nondiabetic individuals with hypertension. In an effort to identify the generic loci responsible for variations in blood pressure in individuals at increased risk of insulin resistance, we studied the distribution of blood pressure in 48 Taiwanese families with NIDDM and conducted quantitative sib-pair linkage analysis with candidate loci for insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure control. We found no evidence for linkage of the angiotensin converting enzyme locus on chromosome 17, nor the angiotensinogen and renin loci on chromosome 1, with either systolic or diastolic blood pressures. In contrast, we obtained significant evidence for linkage or systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic blood pressure, to a genetic region at or near the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) locus on the short arm of chromosome 8 (P = 0.002, n = 125 sib-pairs, for the haplotype generated from two simple sequence repeat markers within the LPL gene). Further strengthening this linkage observation, two flanking marker loci for LPL locus, D8S261 (9 cM telomeric to LPL locus) and D8S282 (3 cM centromeric to LPL locus), also showed evidence for linkage with systolic blood pressure (P = 0.02 and 0.0002 for D8S261 and D8S282, respectively). Two additional centromeric markers (D8S133, 5 cM from LPL locus, and NEFL, 11 cM from LPL locus) yielded significant P values of 0.01 and 0.001, respectively. Allelic variation around the LPL gene locus accounted for as much as 52-73% of the total interindividual variation in systolic blood pressure levels in this data set. Thus, we have identified a genetic locus at or near the LPL gene locus which contributes to the variation of systolic blood pressure levels in nondiabetic family members at high risk for insulin resistance and NIDDM.

Adult↗

A quantitative trait locus for recognition of foreign eggs in the host of a brood parasite.

Avian brood parasites reduce the reproductive output of their hosts and thereby select for defence mechanisms such as ejection of parasitic eggs. Such defence mechanisms simultaneously select for counter-defences in brood parasites, causing a coevolutionary arms race. Although coevolutionary models assume that defences and counter-defences are genetically influenced, this has never been demonstrated for brood parasites. Here, we give strong evidence for genetic differences between ejector and nonejectors, which could allow the study of such host defence at the genetic level, as well as studies of maintenance of genetic variation in defences. Briefly, we found that magpies, that are the main host of the great spotted cuckoo in Europe, have alleles of one microsatellite locus (Ase64) that segregate between accepters and rejecters of experimental parasitic eggs. Furthermore, differences in ejection rate among host populations exploited by the brood parasite covaried significantly with the genetic distance for this locus.

Animals↗

Aedes aegypti: a quantitative trait locus (QTL) influencing filarial worm intensity is linked to QTL for susceptibility to other mosquito-borne pathogens.

Because intensity of infection was significantly increased in a substrain of Aedes aegypti selected for susceptibility to the filarial worm, Brugia malayi, experiments were designed to assess numbers of microfilariae (mf) ingested and midgut penetration by mf in this susceptible substrain as compared to a refractory substrain selected from the same parental stock. Refractory mosquitoes ingested significantly fewer mf than susceptible mosquitoes and significantly fewer numbers of mf penetrated through refractory midguts as compared to susceptible midguts. In 16.7% of the refractory midguts, no mf were able to penetrate the midgut and in three refractory mosquitoes over 250 mf were ingested, but no mf penetrated the midgut. These results indicate that permissiveness of the midgut for penetration by microfilariae can determine not only parasite intensity, but also prevalence of infection. The genetic basis for ingestion of mf and midgut penetration was assessed using restriction fragment length polymorphism markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. This mapping identified a QTL on chromosome 2, idb[2,LF181] (idb, intensity determinant for Brugia), that seems to influence ingestion ability. This QTL is linked to a previously identified QTL for susceptibility to B. malayi, fsb[2,LF98], as well as to loci for susceptibility to the malaria parasite, Plasmodium gallinaceum, and yellow fever virus. These results suggest that this region of chromosome 2 contains one or more genes that influence susceptibility of A. aegypti to several mosquito-transmitted pathogens.

Aedes↗

A quantitative trait locus influencing free plasma protein S levels on human chromosome 1q: results from the Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia (GAIT) project.

OBJECTIVE: Protein S (PS) is a component of the protein C anticoagulant system. PS deficiency is associated with myocardial infarction and venous thromboembolism, two highly prevalent causes of death in industrialized nations. As part of the Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia (GAIT) project, we conducted a genome-wide linkage screen to localize genes influencing variation in free PS (fPS) plasma levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: fPS levels were measured in 397 individuals in 21 Spanish families. A total of 363 highly informative microsatellite markers were genotyped to provide a 10-cM genetic map, and variance component linkage methods were used. A region on chromosome 1q32, flanked by markers D1S425 and D1S213, showed strong evidence of linkage with fPS levels (LOD score, 4.07; nominal P=7.5x10(-6); genome-wide P=0.0024). This region contains two positional candidate genes, the complement component 4-binding protein alpha and beta chains, which encode the principal binding protein for PS. Suggestive evidence for linkage was also observed on chromosomes 11p and 19p. CONCLUSIONS: These results represent one of the first genomic screens for quantitative variation in a component of the hemostatic pathway and provide strong evidence for a locus on chromosome 1q influencing fPS levels.

Adolescent↗

Identification of a quantitative trait locus on rat chromosome 4 that is strongly linked to femoral neck structure and strength.

Risk factors for osteoporotic hip fracture include reduced bone mineral density and poor structure of the femoral neck, both of which are heritable traits. Previously, we showed that despite similar body size, Fischer 344 (F344) rats have significantly different skeletal traits compared with Lewis (LEW) rats. To identify a gene or genes regulating fracture risk at the femoral neck, we mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for femoral neck density and structure phenotypes using a 595 F2 progeny derived from the inbred F344 and LEW strains of rats. Femoral neck phenotypes included volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), neck width, femoral neck cross-sectional area and polar moment of inertia (Ip). A 20-cM genome-wide scan was performed using 118 microsatellite markers and linkage analysis was conducted to identify chromosomal regions harbor QTL for femoral neck phenotypes. Strong evidence of linkage (P<0.01) to femoral neck vBMD was observed on chromosomes (Chrs) 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 15. QTL affecting femoral neck structure and biomechanical properties were detected only on Chr 4 where the F344 alleles were shown to improve femoral neck structure, whereas these alleles had no effect on bone measurements at the lumbar spine and only modest effects at the femoral midshaft. In contrast, QTL on Chrs 1, 2 and 10 affected multiple skeletal sites. Several QTL regions in this study are homologous to human chromosomal regions, where linkage to femoral neck and related phenotypes has been reported previously. These findings represent an important first step in localizing and identifying genes that influence hip fragility.

Animals↗

On the Metropolis-Hastings acceptance probability to add or drop a quantitative trait locus in Markov chain Monte Carlo-based Bayesian analyses.

The Metropolis-Hastings algorithm used in analyses that estimate the number of QTL segregating in a mapping population requires the calculation of an acceptance probability to add or drop a QTL from the model. Expressions for this acceptance probability need to recognize that sets of QTL are unordered such that the number of equivalent sets increases with the factorial of the QTL number. Here, we show how accounting for this fact affects the acceptance probability and review expressions found in the literature.

Algorithms↗

A quantitative trait locus analysis of natural genetic variation for Drosophila melanogaster oxidative stress survival.

Little is known about natural genetic variation for survival under oxidative stress conditions or whether genetic variation for oxidative stress survival is associated with that for life-history traits. We have investigated survival in a high-oxygen environment at 2 adult densities using a set of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) isolated from a natural population of Drosophila melanogaster. Female and male oxidative stress survival was highly correlated. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for oxidative stress survival were identified on both autosomes. These QTLs were sometimes sex or density specific but were most often not. QTLs were identified that colocalize to the same region of the genome as longevity in other studies using the same set of RILs. We also determined early-age egg production and found QTLs for this trait, but there was no support for an association between oxidative stress survival and egg production.

Age Factors↗

A major quantitative trait locus determining serum leptin levels and fat mass is located on human chromosome 2.

Obesity is a major predisposing factor for the development of several chronic diseases including non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Leptin is a serum protein which is secreted by adipocytes and thought to play a role in the regulation of body fat. Leptin levels in humans have been found to be highly correlated with an individual's total adiposity. We performed a genome-wide scan and conducted multipoint linkage analysis using a general pedigree-based variance component approach to identify genes with measurable effects on quantitative variation in leptin levels in Mexican Americans. A microsatellite polymorphism, D2S1788, mapped to chromosome 2p21 (approximately 74 cM from the tip of the short arm) and showed strong evidence of linkage with serum leptin levels with a lod score of 4.95 (P = 9 x 10(-7)). This locus accounted for 47% of the variation in serum leptin levels, with a residual additive genetic component contributing an additional 24%. This region contains several potential candidate genes for obesity, including glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Our results show strong evidence of linkage of this region of chromosome 2 with serum leptin levels and indicate that this region could contain an important human obesity gene.

Adipose Tissue↗

High-resolution mapping and functional analysis of se2.1: a major stigma exsertion quantitative trait locus associated with the evolution from allogamy to autogamy in the genus Lycopersicon.

The degree to which stigmas are exserted above the stamen in flowers is a key determinant of cross-pollination (and hence allogamy) in many plant species. Most species in the genus Lycopersicon are obligate or facultative outcrossers and bear flowers with highly exserted stigmas. In contrast, the cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) bears flowers with flush or inserted stigmas promoting self-fertilization. It has been observed that a major QTL, se2.1, on chromosome 2 is responsible for a large portion of phenotypic variation for this trait and that mutation(s) at this locus were likely involved in the evolution from allogamy to autogamy in this genus. To understand the genetic and molecular basis of stigma exsertion, we have conducted a high-resolution mapping at the chromosome region harboring the se2.1 QTL. The results indicate that this is a compound locus, comprising at least five tightly linked genes, one controlling style length, three controlling stamen length, and the other affecting anther dehiscence, a taxonomic character used to distinguish Lycopersicon species from other solanaceous species. This cluster of genes may represent the vestiges of an ancient coadapted gene complex in controlling mating behavior.

Alleles↗

Meat quality traits were unaffected by a quantitative trait locus affecting leg composition traits in Texel sheep.

A QTL affecting leg muscle and fat traits has been identified within the New Zealand Texel population. The QTL maps to a region on OAR 2 with a two-marker haplotype test established at markers BULGE20 and BM81124. These markers encompass the likely position of Growth Differentiation Factor 8 (GDF8). The pleiotropic effects of this QTL on meat quality traits are tested. Objective measures of meat quality including pH, color (L*, a*, and b*), and tenderness (as assessed by Warner-Bratzler shear force measurements) were assessed on longissimus and semi-membranosus muscles of 540 progeny from six Texel sires. Four of these sires were subsequently identified as segregating for leg muscle and fat traits. For these segregating sires, comparison of progeny that had inherited the favorable haplotype from their sire with those that had received the alternate haplotype revealed no significant differences in the meat quality traits assessed. This finding suggests that the muscling QTL does not have pleiotropic effects on meat quality. A general scan for meat quality QTL was carried out using genotype data for eight markers from FCB128 to RM356 flanking 122cM of OAR 2 using Haley-Knott regression. This analysis revealed two QTL for a single sire. A QTL detected in the region of Marker INRA40 for color L* mapped to a site close to the muscling QTL, but there was evidence to suggest it is at a distinct locus. The QTL in the region of Marker RM356 might map distal to Marker RM356, as no peak was observed. This QTL, which seems to affect pH, color a*, color b*, and Warner-Bratzler shear measurements, requires further characterization.

Animals↗

A major quantitative trait locus on mouse chromosome 3 is involved in disease susceptibility in different colitis models.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Mice with a disrupted gene for the G-protein alpha inhibitory 2 chain ( Gnai2 -/- ) develop a spontaneous colitis resembling human inflammatory bowel disease. Disease expression differs markedly between inbred strains of mice, indicating genetic control of disease susceptibility. We performed a genome-wide screen to localize the chromosomal regions regulating disease expression. METHODS: A total of 284 F2 mice derived from resistant C57BL/6J Gnai2 -/- mice and susceptible C3H/HeN Gnai2 -/- mice were analyzed in a genome-wide screen for colitis susceptibility and severity. RESULTS: A highly significant locus on chromosome 3 (Gpdc1) contributed to colitis susceptibility and severity (likelihood ratio statistics [LRS] = 32.4; LOD score = 7; P < 1.0 x 10(-5)). The peak linkage of this locus at 62 cM colocalizes exactly with a previously identified locus controlling colitis susceptibility in interleukin-10-deficient mice. In addition, evidence for linkage with a locus on chromosome 1 (Gpdc2 ; LRS = 19.7; LOD = 4.3) was found, and the 2 loci interacted epistatically (combined LRS = 68.2). A third locus (Gpdc3) was found on chromosome 9 and this locus interacted epistatically with a locus on chromosome 7, which by itself did not have an effect on the trait. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of a major locus on chromosome 3 that controls susceptibility to spontaneous colitis in 2 different gene-knockout models indicates that this locus harbors a gene(s) that plays a key role in maintaining mucosal homeostasis. Identification of this gene(s) may contribute to further understanding of the mechanisms underlying human inflammatory bowel disease.

Animals↗

Positional cloning of the major quantitative trait locus underlying lung tumor susceptibility in mice.

Pulmonary adenoma susceptibility 1 (Pas1), located on chromosome 6, is the major locus affecting inherited predisposition to lung tumor development in mice. We have fine mapped the Pas1 locus to a region of approximately 0.5 megabases by using congenic strains of mice, constructed by placing the Pas1 region of chromosome 6 from A/J mice onto the genetic background of C57BL/6J mice. Systematic characterization of Pas1 candidates establishes the Las1 (lung adenoma susceptibility 1) and Kras2 (Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene 2) genes as primary candidates for the Pas1 locus. Clearly, Kras2 affects lung tumor progression only, and Las1 is likely to affect lung tumor multiplicity.

Adenoma↗

Haplotype sharing refines the location of an imprinted quantitative trait locus with major effect on muscle mass to a 250-kb chromosome segment containing the porcine IGF2 gene.

We herein describe the fine mapping of an imprinted QTL with major effect on muscle mass that was previously assigned to distal SSC2p in the pig. The proposed approach exploits linkage disequilibrium in combination with QTL genotyping by marker-assisted segregation analysis. By identifying a haplotype shared by all "Q" chromosomes, we map the QTL to an approximately 250-kb chromosome segment containing INS and IGF2 as the only known paternally expressed genes. This considerably reinforces the candidacy of these genes, justifying their detailed analysis.

Animals↗

Automated measurement of mouse freezing behavior and its use for quantitative trait locus analysis of contextual fear conditioning in (BALB/cJ x C57BL/6J)F2 mice.

The most commonly measured mouse behavior in fear conditioning tests is freezing. A technical limitation, particularly for genetic studies, is the method of direct observation used for quantifying this response, with the potential for bias or inconsistencies. We report the use of a computerized method based on latency between photobeam interruption measures as a reliable scoring criterion in mice. The different computer measures obtained during contextual fear conditioning tests showed high correlations with hand-scored freezing; r values ranged from 0.87 to 0.94. Previously reported strain differences between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J in context-dependent fear conditioning were also detected by the computer-based system. In addition, the use of computer-scored freezing of 199 (BALB/cJ x C57BL/6J)F2 mice enabled us to detect a suggestive gender-dependent chromosomal locus for contextual fear conditioning on distal chromosome 8 by QTL analysis. Automation of freeze scoring would significantly increase efficiency and reliability of this learning and memory test.

Animals↗

Quantitative trait locus dissection in congenic strains of the Goto-Kakizaki rat identifies a region conserved with diabetes loci in human chromosome 1q.

Genetic studies in human populations and rodent models have identified regions of human chromosome 1q21-25 and rat chromosome 2 showing evidence of significant and replicated linkage to diabetes-related phenotypes. To investigate the relationship between the human and rat diabetes loci, we fine mapped the rat locus Nidd/gk2 linked to hyperinsulinemia in an F2 cross derived from the diabetic (type 2) Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat and the Brown Norway (BN) control rat, and carried out its genetic and pathophysiological characterization in BN.GK congenic strains. Evidence of glucose intolerance and enhanced insulin secretion in a congenic strain allowed us to localize the underlying diabetes gene(s) in a rat chromosomal interval of approximately 3-6 cM conserved with an 11-Mb region of human 1q21-23. Positional diabetes candidate genes were tested for transcriptional changes between congenics and controls and sequence variations in a panel of inbred rat strains. Congenic strains of the GK rats represent powerful novel models for accurately defining the pathophysiological impact of diabetes gene(s) at the locus Nidd/gk2 and improving functional annotations of diabetes candidates in human 1q21-23.

Animals↗

Quantitative trait locus mapping of fitness-related traits in Drosophila melanogaster.

We examined the genetic architecture of four fitness-related traits (reproductive success, ovariole number, body size and early fecundity) in a panel of 98 Oregon-R x 2b3 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Highly significant genetic variation was observed in this population for female, but not male, reproductive success. The cross-sex genetic correlation for reproductive success was 0.20, which is not significantly different from zero. There was significant genetic variation segregating in this cross for ovariole number, but not for body size or early fecundity. The RILs were genotyped for cytological insertion sites of roo transposable elements, yielding 76 informative markers with an average spacing of 3.2 cM. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting female reproductive success and ovariole number were mapped using a composite interval mapping procedure. QTL for female reproductive success were located at the tip of the X chromosome between markers at cytological locations 1B and 3E; and on the left arm of chromosome 2 in the 30D-38A cytological region. Ovariole number QTL mapped to cytological intervals 62D-69D and 98A-98E, both on the third chromosome. The regions harbouring QTL for female reproductive success and ovariole number were also identified as QTL for longevity in previous studies with these lines.

Analysis of Variance↗

Objective prioritization of positional candidate genes at a quantitative trait locus for pre-eclampsia on 2q22.

Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) is a common, serious medical disorder of human pregnancy. Familial association of PE/E has been recognized for decades, but the genetics are complex and poorly understood. In an attempt to identify PE/E susceptibility genes, we embarked on a positional cloning strategy using 34 Australian and New Zealand PE/E pedigrees. An initial 10-cM resolution genome scan revealed a putative susceptibility locus spanning a broad region on chromosome 2 that overlaps an independently determined linkage signal seen in Icelandic PE pedigrees. Subsequent fine mapping using 25 additional short tandem repeat (STR) markers in this region and non-parametric multipoint linkage analysis did not change the overall position. Under a strict diagnosis of PE, we obtained significant evidence of linkage on 2q with a peak log-of-odds ratio score (LOD) of 3.43 near marker D2S151 at 155 cM. To prioritize positional candidate genes at the 2q locus for detailed analysis, we applied an objective prioritization strategy that integrates quantitative bioinformatics, assessment of differential gene expression and association analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Highest priority was assigned to the activin receptor gene ACVR2. This gene also showed >10-fold differential gene expression in human decidual tissue from normotensive and PE individuals. We genotyped five known SNPs in this gene in our pedigrees and performed tests for association and linkage disequilibrium. One SNP (rs1424954) showed strong preliminary evidence of association with PE (P = 0.007), whereas two others (rs1364658 and rs1895694) exhibited nominal evidence (P < 0.05). Haplotype analysis revealed no additional association information. There was evidence of weak linkage disequilibrium among these SNPs. The highest observed LD occurred between the two strongest associated SNPs, suggesting that the observed signals may be the signature of an observed functional variant.

Activin Receptors, Type II↗