Assignment of the horse grey coat colour gene to ECA25 using whole genome scanning

The dominant grey coat colour gene of horses has been mapped using a whole genome scanning approach. Samples from a large half-sibling pedigree of Thoroughbred horses were utilized in order to map the grey coat colour locus, G. Multiplex groups of microsatellite markers were developed and used to efficiently screen the horse genome at a resolution of approximately 22 cM, based on an estimated map length for the horse genome of 2720 cM. The grey gene was assigned to chromosome 25 (ECA25), one of the smaller acrocentric horse chromosomes. Based on the current state of knowledge of conserved synteny and coat colour genetics in other mammalian species, there are no obvious candidate genes for the grey gene in the region.     

Linkage of the grey coat colour locus to microsatellites on horse chromosome 25

The progressive loss of colour in the hair of grey horses is controlled by a dominantly inherited allele at the Grey locus (GG). In this study, two paternal Quarter Horse (QH) families segregating for the GG allele were genotyped with a set of 101 microsatellite markers spanning the 31 autosomes and the X chromosome. This genome scan demonstrated linkage of Grey to COR018 (RF=0.02, LOD=12.04) on horse chromosome 25 (ECA25). Further chromosome-specific analysis of seven total QH families confirmed the linkage of Grey to a group of ECA25 markers and the map order of NVHEQ43-(0.24)-UCDEQ405-(0.09)-COR080-(0.05)-GREY-(0.14)-UCDEQ464 was produced. Although G was found to be linked to TXN and COR018 in the chromosome-specific analysis, the data were not sufficiently informative to place either marker on our ECA25 map with significant LODs. Our results excluded the equine tyrosinase related protein 1 (TYRP1) and melanocyte protein 17 (Pmel17) genes as possible candidates for the grey phenotype in horses.     

Childhood absence epilepsy in 8q24: refinement of candidate region and construction of physical map

Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), one of the common idiopathic generalized epilepsies, accounts for 8 to 15% of all childhood epilepsies. Inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, frequent absence attacks start in early or midchildhood and disappear by 30 years of age or may persist through life. Recently, we mapped the locus for CAE persisting with tonic-clonic seizures to chromosome 8q24 (ECA1) by genetic linkage analysis. As a further step in the identification of the ECA1 gene, we constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome- and yeast artificial chromosome-based physical map for the 8q24 region, spanning about 3 Mb between D8S1710 and D8S523. Accurately ordered STS markers within the physical map aided in the analysis of haplotypes and recombinations and reduced the ECA1 region to 1.5 Mb flanked by D8S554 and D8S502. Pairwise analysis in six families confirmed linkage with a pooled lod score of 4.10 (θ = 0) at D8S534. The sequence-ready physical map as well as the narrowed candidate region described here should contribute to the identification of the ECA1 gene.     

Assignment of 115 genes from HSA9 and HSA14 to SSC1q by RH mapping to generate a dense human-pig comparative map

A large number of significant QTL for economically important traits including average daily gain have been located on SSC1q, which, as shown by chromosome painting, corresponds to four human chromosomes (HSA9, 14, 15 and 18). To provide a comprehensive comparative map for efficient selection of candidate genes, 81 and 34 genes localized on HSA9 and HSA14 respectively were mapped to SSC1q using a porcine 7000-rad radiation hybrid panel (IMpRH). This study, together with the cytogenetic map (http://www2.toulouse.inra.fr/lgc/pig/cyto/genmar/htm/1GM.HTM), demonstrates that SSC1q2.1-q2.13 corresponds to the region ranging from 44.6 to 63.2 Mb on HSA14q21.1-q23.1, the region from 86.5 to 86.8 Mb on HSA15q24-q25, the region from 0.9 to 27.2 Mb on HSA9p24.3-p21, the region from 35.1 to 38.0 Mb on HSA9p13, the region from 70.3 to 79.3 Mb on HSA9q13-q21 and the region from 96.4 to 140.0 Mb on HSA9q22.3-q34. The conserved synteny between HSA9 and SSC1q is interrupted by at least six sites, and the synteny between HSA14 and SSC1q is interrupted by at least one site.     

FISH mapping of the IGF2 gene in horse and donkey—detection of homoeology with HSA11

Three genomic subclones derived from a phage clone containing the equine IGF2 gene were used to FISH map the gene on horse (ECA) and donkey (EAS) metaphase chromosomes. The gene mapped on ECA 12q13 band and is the first locus mapped to this horse chromosome. In donkey the gene mapped very terminal on the long arm of one small submetacentric chromosome that shows almost identical DAPI-banding pattern with ECA12. This is the first locus mapped in donkey genome. Cross species chromosome painting of equine metaphase chromosomes with human Chromosome (Chr) 11-specific probe showed homoeology of this human chromosome with ECA12 and ECA7. The novel ECA12 comparative painting results are thus in accordance with the localization of the equine IGF2 gene. Comparison of the hitherto known physical locations of IGF2 in different species, viz. human, cattle, sheep, horse, and donkey, shows that this gene tends to maintain a terminal location on the chromosome arm. Received: 12 January 1997 / Accepted: 17 March 1997     

Fine mapping of the muscular dystrophy (AM) gene on chicken chromosome 2q

Our previous studies revealed that the genetic locus for chicken muscular dystrophy of abnormal muscle (AM) mapped to chromosome 2q, and that the region showed conserved synteny with human chromosome 8q11-24.3. In the current study, we mapped the chicken orthologues of genes from human chromosome 8q11-24 in order to identify the responsible gene. Polymorphisms in the chicken orthologues were identified in the parents of the resource family. Twenty-three genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were mapped to chicken chromosome 2 by linkage analysis. The detailed comparative map shows a high conservation of synteny between chicken chromosome 2q and human chromosome 8q. The AM locus was mapped between [inositol(myo)-1(or4)-monophosphatase 1] (IMPA1) gene and [core-binding factor, runt domain, alpha-subunit 2; translocated to 1; cyclin D-related] (CBFA2T1) gene. The genes located between IMPA1 and CBFA2T1 are the most likely candidates for chicken muscular dystrophy.     

Analyses of beta-1 syntrophin, syndecan 2 and gem GTPase as candidates for chicken muscular dystrophy.

Despite intensive studies of muscular dystrophy of chicken, the responsible gene has not yet been identified. Our recent studies mapped the genetic locus for abnormal muscle (AM) of chicken with muscular dystrophy to chromosome 2q using the Kobe University (KU) resource family, and revealed the chromosome region where the AM gene is located has conserved synteny to human chromosome 8q11-24.3, where the beta-1 syntrophin (SNTB1), syndecan 2 (SDC2) and Gem GTPase (GEM) genes are located. It is reasonable to assume those genes might be candidates for the AM gene. In this study, we cloned and sequenced the chicken SNTB1, SDC2 and GEM genes, and identified sequence polymorphisms between parents of the resource family. The polymorphisms were genotyped to place these genes on the chicken linkage map. The AM gene of chromosome 2q was mapped 130 cM from the distal end, and closely linked to calbindin 1 (CALB1). SNTB1 and SDC2 genes were mapped 88.5 cM distal and 27.6 cM distal from the AM gene, while the GEM gene was mapped 18.5 cM distal from the AM gene and 9.1 cM proximal from SDC2. Orthologues of SNTB1, SDC2 and GEM were syntenic to human chromosome 8q. SNTB1, SDC2 and GEM did not correspond to the AM gene locus, suggesting it is unlikely they are related to chicken muscular dystrophy. However, this result also suggests that the genes located in the proximal region of the CALB1 gene on human chromosome 8q are possible candidates for this disease.     

Integrated genetic and physical map of the 1q31-->q32.1 region, encompassing the RP12 locus, the F13B and HF1 genes, and the EEF1AL11 and RPL30 pseudogenes.

The gene for autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP12) with preserved para-arteriolar retinal pigment epithelium was previously mapped close to the F13B gene in region 1q31-->q32.1. A 4-Mb yeast artificial chromosome contig spanning this interval was constructed to facilitate cloning of the RP12 gene. The contig comprises 25 sequence-tagged sites, polymorphic markers, and single-copy probes, including five newly obtained probes. The contig orders the F13B and HF1 genes, as well as five expressed sequence tags, with respect to the integrated genetic map of this region. Homozygosity mapping resulted in refinement of the candidate gene locus for RP12 to a 1. 3-cM region. Currently, approximately 1 Mb of the contig is represented in P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC) clones. Direct screening of a cDNA library derived from neural retina with PACs resulted in identification of the human elongation factor 1alpha pseudogene (EEF1AL11) and a human ribosomal protein L30 pseudogene (RPL30). A physical and genetic map covering the entire RP12 candidate gene region was constructed.     

Selection signatures in Shetland ponies

Shetland ponies were selected for numerous traits including small stature, strength, hardiness and longevity. Despite the different selection criteria, Shetland ponies are well known for their small stature. We performed a selection signature analysis including genome‐wide SNPs of 75 Shetland ponies and 76 large‐sized horses. Based upon this dataset, we identified a selection signature on equine chromosome (ECA) 1 between 103.8 Mb and 108.5 Mb. A total of 33 annotated genes are located within this interval including the IGF1R gene at 104.2 Mb and the ADAMTS17 gene at 105.4 Mb. These two genes are well known to have a major impact on body height in numerous species including humans. Homozygosity mapping in the Shetland ponies identified a region with increased homozygosity between 107.4 Mb and 108.5 Mb. None of the annotated genes in this region have so far been associated with height. Thus, we cannot exclude the possibility that the identified selection signature on ECA1 is associated with some trait other than height, for which Shetland ponies were selected.     

Physical and transcriptional map of a 3-Mb region of mouse chromosome 1 containing the gene for the neural tube defect mutant loop-tail (Lp)

The Lp mouse mutant provides a model for the severe human neural tube defect (NTD), cranio-rachischisis. To identify the Lp gene, a positional cloning approach has been adopted. Previously, linkage analysis in a large intraspecific backcross was used to map the Lp locus to distal mouse chromosome 1. Here we report a detailed physical map of this region. The interval surrounding Lp has been cloned in a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) contig consisting of 63 clones spanning approximately 3.2 Mb. Fifty sequence tagged sites (STSs) have been used to construct the contig and establish marker order across the interval. Based on the high level of conserved synteny between distal mouse chromosome 1 and human 1q21-q24, many of these STSs were designed from expressed sequences identified by cross-screening human and mouse databases of expressed sequence tags. Added to other known genes in the region, a total of 29 genes were located and ordered within the contig. Seven novel polymorphisms were identified within the region, allowing refinement of the genetic map and a reduction in the size of the physical interval containing the Lp gene. The Lp interval, between D1Mit113 and Tagln2, can be spanned by two nonchimeric overlapping YACs that define a physical distance of approximately 1 Mb. Within this region, 10 potential candidate genes have been mapped. The materials and genes described here will provide a resource for the identification and further study of the mutated Lp gene that causes this severe neural tube defect and will provide candidates for other defects known to map to the homologous region on human chromosome 1q.     

A genome-wide association study reveals loci influencing height and other conformation traits in horses

The molecular analysis of genes influencing human height has been notoriously difficult. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for height in humans based on tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of samples so far revealed ～200 loci for human height explaining only 20% of the heritability. In domestic animals isolated populations with a greatly reduced genetic heterogeneity facilitate a more efficient analysis of complex traits. We performed a genome-wide association study on 1,077 Franches-Montagnes (FM) horses using ～40,000 SNPs. Our study revealed two QTL for height at withers on chromosomes 3 and 9. The association signal on chromosome 3 is close to the LCORL/NCAPG genes. The association signal on chromosome 9 is close to the ZFAT gene. Both loci have already been shown to influence height in humans. Interestingly, there are very large intergenic regions at the association signals. The two detected QTL together explain ～18.2% of the heritable variation of height in horses. However, another large fraction of the variance for height in horses results from ECA 1 (11.0%), although the association analysis did not reveal significantly associated SNPs on this chromosome. The QTL region on ECA 3 associated with height at withers was also significantly associated with wither height, conformation of legs, ventral border of mandible, correctness of gaits, and expression of the head. The region on ECA 9 associated with height at withers was also associated with wither height, length of croup and length of back. In addition to these two QTL regions on ECA 3 and ECA 9 we detected another QTL on ECA 6 for correctness of gaits. Our study highlights the value of domestic animal populations for the genetic analysis of complex traits.     

Assignment of the growth hormone gene locus to 19q26-qter in cattle and to 11q25-qter in sheep by in situ hybridization

The growth hormone gene locus (GH) of cattle and sheep was mapped to a chromosomal region in each species by using in situ hybridization. The probe employed was an 830-bp cDNA sequence from the ovine growth hormone gene. Based on QFQ chromosome preparations, our results show that the GH locus is on cattle chromosome 19 in the region of bands q26-qter and in sheep on chromosome region 11q25-qter. The GH assignments together with previous localizations of type I cytokeratin genes (KRTA) and one homeobox (HOX2) gene in cattle and one type I cytokeratin gene (KRTA) in sheep identify a strongly conserved chromosomal segment on human chromosome 17, bovine chromosome 19, and sheep chromosome 11.     

Cloning, genomic structure, and expression profiles of TULIP1 (GARNL1), a brain-expressed candidate gene for 14q13-linked neurological phenotypes, and its murine homologue

Previously, we have described the clinical and molecular characterization of a de novo 14q13.1-q21.1 microdeletion, less than 3.5 Mb in size, in a patient with severe microcephaly, psychomotor retardation, and other clinical anomalies. Here we report the characterization of the genomic structure of the human tuberin-like protein gene 1 (TULIP1; approved gene symbol GARNL1), a CpGisland-associated, brain-expressed candidate gene for the neurological findings in our patient, and its murine homologue. The human TULIP1 gene was mapped to chromosome band 14q13.2 by fluorescence in situ hybridization of BAC clone RP11-355C3 (GenBank Accession No. AL160231), containing the 3' region of the gene. TULIP1 spans about 271 kb of human genomic DNA and is divided into 41 exons. An untranscribed, processed pseudogene of TULIP1 was found on human chromosome band 9q31.1. The active locus TULIP1, encoding a predicted protein of 2036 amino acids, is expressed ubiquitously in pre- and postnatal human tissues. The murine homologue Tulip1 spans about 220 kb of mouse genomic DNA and is also divided into 41 exons, encoding a predicted protein of 2035 amino acids. No pseudogene could be found in the available mouse sequence data. Several splicing variants were found. Considering the location, expression profile, and predicted function, TULIP1 is a strong candidate for several neurological features seen in 14q deletion patients. Additionally we searched for mutations in the coding region of TULIP1 in subjects from a family with idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC; Fahr disease), previously linked to chromosome 14q. We identified two novel SNPs in the intron-exon boundaries; however, they did not segregate only with affected subjects in the predicted model of an autosomal dominant disease such as IBGC.     

A sequence-ready BAC/PAC contig and partial transcript map of approximately 1.5 Mb in human chromosome 17q25 comprising multiple disease genes

Hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (HNA) is an autosomal dominant recurrent neuropathy mapped to a 4-cM interval on chromosome 17q25 between the short tandem repeat (STR) markers D17S1603 and D17S802. Chromosome 17q25 in general and the 4-cM HNA region in particular are also implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of tumors (tylosis with esophageal cancer, sporadic breast and ovarian tumors) and harbor a psoriasis susceptibility locus. Initial attempts to construct a yeast artificial chromosome contig failed. Therefore, we have now constructed a complete P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contig of the region flanked by the STR markers D17S1603 and D17S802. The contig contains 22 PAC and 64 BAC clones and covers a physical distance of approximately 1. 5 Mb. A total of 83 sequence-tagged site (STS) markers (10 known STSs and STRs, 56 STSs generated from clone end-fragments, 12 expressed sequence tags, and 5 known genes) were mapped on the contig, resulting in an extremely dense physical map with approximately 1 STS per 20 kb. This sequence-ready PAC and BAC contig will be pivotal for the positional cloning of the HNA gene as well as other disease genes mapping to this region.     

Refinement of a quantitative trait locus on equine chromosome 5 responsible for fetlock osteochondrosis in Hanoverian warmblood horses

In this report, we provide 29 new informative microsatellites distributed over a region of 21 Mb on horse chromosome (ECA) 5 and refine a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for fetlock osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) to a genome-wide significant interval between 78.03 and 90.23 Mb on ECA5. Genotyping was performed in 211 Hanoverian warmblood horses from 14 paternal half-sib groups. Within this OCD-QTL, collagen type XXIV alpha 1 was identified as a potential functional candidate gene for equine osteochondrosis. This report is a further step towards unravelling the genes that cause equine osteochondrosis.     

A BAC contig map over the proximal approximately 3.3 Mb region of horse chromosome 21

A total of 207 BAC clones containing 155 loci were isolated and arranged into a map of linearly ordered overlapping clones over the proximal part of horse chromosome 21 (ECA21), which corresponds to the proximal half of the short arm of human chromosome 19 (HSA19p) and part of HSA5. The clones form two contigs - each corresponding to the respective human chromosomes - that are estimated to be separated by a gap of approximately 200 kb. Of the 155 markers present in the two contigs, 141 (33 genes and 108 STS) were generated and mapped in this study. The BACs provide a 4-5x coverage of the region and span an estimated length of approximately 3.3 Mb. The region presently contains one mapped marker per 22 kb on average, which represents a major improvement over the previous resolution of one marker per 380 kb obtained through the generation of a dense RH map for this segment. Dual color fluorescence in situ hybridization on metaphase and interphase chromosomes verified the relative order of some of the BACs and helped to orient them accurately in the contigs. Despite having similar gene order and content, the equine region covered by the contigs appears to be distinctly smaller than the corresponding region in human (3.3 Mb vs. 5.5-6 Mb) because the latter harbors a host of repetitive elements and gene families unique to humans/primates. Considering limited representation of the region in the latest version of the horse whole genome sequence EquCab2, the dense map developed in this study will prove useful for the assembly and annotation of the sequence data on ECA21 and will be instrumental in rapid search and isolation of candidate genes for traits mapped to this region.