A novel locus for dilated cardiomyopathy maps to canine chromosome 8

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the most common form of cardiomyopathy, often leads to heart failure and sudden death. While a substantial proportion of DCMs are inherited, mutations responsible for the majority of DCMs remain unidentified. A genome-wide linkage study was performed to identify the locus responsible for an autosomal recessive inherited form of juvenile DCM (JDCM) in Portuguese water dogs using 16 families segregating the disease. Results link the JDCM locus to canine chromosome 8 with two-point and multipoint lod scores of 10.8 and 14, respectively. The locus maps to a 3.9-Mb region, with complete syntenic homology to human chromosome 14, that contains no genes or loci known to be involved in the development of any type of cardiomyopathy. This discovery of a DCM locus with a previously unknown etiology will provide a new gene to examine in human DCM patients and a model for testing therapeutic approaches for heart failure.     

Evaluation of the titin-cap gene (TCAP) as candidate for dilated cardiomyopathy in Irish wolfhounds

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardial disorder characterized by left ventricular dilatation and impaired systolic contraction. Irish wolfhounds (IW) and other large breed dogs are most commonly disposed to DCM. We analyzed the titin-cap (TCAP, telethonin) gene as candidate for DCM. Genomic DNA was analyzed in eight DCM affected and five DCM-free IWs. cDNA was sequenced in one DCM-affected IW and two unaffected dogs, one Tibetan terrier and one Dachshund. Compared to the Boxer reference sequence, one sequence difference was identified in the 3'UTR and two in the intron sequence. In the IWs the sequences were monomorphic. In order to rule out a breed-specific haplotype that predisposes to DCM, the polymorphisms were genotyped in 24 Elo dogs, a breed mix established from nine different breeds. The analysis showed that the mutations were not restricted to IW. Moreover, 80% of the Elos were homozygous for the IW haplotype. We conclude that TCAP can most likely be eliminated as cause for DCM in IWs.     

Complex segregation analysis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Irish wolfhounds

The objective of the present study was to analyse the mode of inheritance for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Irish wolfhounds using regressive logistic models by testing for mechanisms of genetic transmission. Insights from this spontaneous animal model should aid importantly in understanding basic pathogenic mechanisms with regard to genetics and molecular biology of DCM in humans. Moreover, a procedure for the simultaneous prediction of breeding values and the estimation of genotype probabilities for DCM is expected to markedly improve breeding programmes. Results of cardiovascular examinations of 1018 dogs carried out between 1987 and 2003 by one veterinarian were analysed. Data of 878 dogs from 531 litters in 147 different kennels were used for complex segregation analyses. Pedigree information was available for more than 15 generations. Male dogs were affected significantly more often by DCM than female dogs. The segregation analysis showed that among all other tested models a mixed monogenic-polygenic model including a sex-dependent allele effect best explained the segregation of affected animals in the pedigrees. A pure monogenic inheritance of DCM could be significantly rejected in favour of the major gene and most general model. The gene action of the major gene was significantly different between female and male dogs.     

Choroideremia-locus maps between DXS3 and DXS11 on Xq

Summary Choroideremia is a progressive tapetochoroidal dystrophy with X-linked transmission leading frequently to blindness in affected males. The choroideremia-locus (TCD) has recently been assigned to the long arm of the X chromosome by linkage to polymorphic DNA markers. In order to further define the location of the gene defect, two families segregating for choroideremia were examined for DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms. A search was undertaken for linkage with cloned DNA probes from the proximal short and long arm as well as from the mid-portion of the long arm of the X chromosome. Our data suggest that the most plausible gene order on the Xq is: Xcen-DXYS1-DXS3-TCD-DXS11-Xqter.     

Mutations in TRIOBP, which encodes a putative cytoskeletal-organizing protein, are associated with nonsyndromic recessive deafness

In seven families, six different mutant alleles of TRIOBP on chromosome 22q13 cosegregate with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness. These alleles include four nonsense (Q297X, R788X, R1068X, and R1117X) and two frameshift (D1069fsX1082 and R1078fsX1083) mutations, all located in exon 6 of TRIOBP. There are several alternative splice isoforms of this gene, the longest of which, TRIOBP-6, comprises 23 exons. The linkage interval for the deafness segregating in these families includes DFNB28. Genetic heterogeneity at this locus is suggested by three additional families that show significant evidence of linkage of deafness to markers on chromosome 22q13 but that apparently have no mutations in the TRIOBP gene.     

Incidence and origin of "null" alleles in the (AC)n microsatellite markers.

Twenty-three (AC)n repeat markers from chromosome 16 were typed in the parents of the 40 CEPH (Centre d''Etude du Polymorphisme Humain) families. Where parents were informative, the entire families were then typed. There were seven markers in which null alleles were demonstrated, as recognized by the apparent noninheritance, by a sib, of a parental allele. Four of these markers showed a null allele in a single sibship, while in the other three at least 30% of the CEPH sibships were shown to have a null allele segregating. One null allele was sequenced and shown to be the result of an 8-bp deletion occurring within the priming sequence for PCR amplification of the (AC)n repeats. In gene mapping or in application to diagnosis, the presence of a segregating null allele will not corrupt the linkage data but could result in loss of information. In isolated instances a segregating null allele may be interpreted as nonpaternity. The presence of a null allele may generate misleading data when individuals are haplotyped to determine the presence of linkage disequilibrium with a disease gene.     

A primary genetic map of the pericentromeric region of the human X chromosome

We report a genetic linkage map of the pericentromeric region of the human X chromosome, extending from Xp11 to Xq13. Genetic analysis with five polymorphic markers, including centromeric alpha satellite DNA, spanned a distance of approximately 38 cM. Significant lod scores were obtained with linkage analysis in 26 families from the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain, establishing estimates of genetic distances between these markers and across the centromere. Physical mapping experiments, using a panel of somatic cell hybrids segregating portions of the X chromosome due to translocations or deletions, are in agreement with the multilocus linkage analysis and indicate the order Xp11 . . . DXS7(L1.28)-TIMP- DXZ1(alpha satellite, cen)- DXS159(cpX73)-PGK1 . . . Xq13. The frequency of recombination in the two approximately 20-cM intervals flanking alpha satellite on either chromosome arm was roughly proportional to the estimated physical distance between markers; no evidence for a reduced crossover frequency was found in the intervals adjacent to the centromere. However, significant interfamilial variations in recombination rates were noted in this region. This primary map should be useful both as a foundation for a higher resolution centromere-based linkage map of the X chromosome and in the localization of genes to the pericentromeric region.     

Absence of Linkage Between Human Obesity and the Mouse Agouti Homologous Region (20q11.2) or Other Markers Spanning Chromosome 20q

XU, WEIZHEN, DANIELLE R REED, YUAN DING AND R ARLEN PRICE. Absence of linkage between human obesity and the mouse agouti homologous region (20q11.2) or other markers spanning chromosome 20q. Obes Res. Mutant alleles of the agouti gene cause obesity in the mouse and the homologous gene in humans has been mapped to chromosome 20q11.2. An allelic variant of the agouti gene could account for obesity in humans and we tested this hypothesis by genotyping 210 sibling pairs from 45 families segregating an obesity phenotype. Using sibling pair linear regression analysis, evidence for linkage between obesity and markers flanking the agouti locus and other markers spanning chromosome 20q was assessed. We found no correlation between identity-by-descent at these markers and obesity differences within pairs. In the mouse, obesity caused by mutations of the agouti gene develops later in life, so a subset of families with adult-onset obesity were also tested for linkage, with negative results. Although it is not possible to exclude alleles of the agouti gene as a contributor to obesity in humans, the absence of positive linkage in this study suggests that either the agouti gene has small effects or the allele frequency is low.     

An integrated genetic and physical map for the malaria vector Anopheles funestus

We have constructed a genetic map of the major African malaria vector, Anopheles funestus, using genetic markers segregating in F(2) progeny from crosses between two strains colonized from different field sites. Genotyping was performed on 174 progeny from three families using 33 microsatellite markers, a single RFLP, and 15 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci. Four linkage groups were resolved and these were anchored to chromosomes X and 2 and chromosomal arms 3R and 3L by comparison with a physical map of this species. Five markers were linked to the X chromosome, 16 markers to chromosome 2, and 10 and 11 markers to chromosomal arms 3R and 3L, respectively. This significantly increases the number of chromosomally defined genetic markers for this species and will facilitate the identification of genes controlling epidemiologically important traits such as resistance to insecticides or vector competence.     

Close linkage between X-linked ectodermal dysplasia and a cloned DNA sequence detecting a two allele restriction fragment length polymorphism in the region Xp11-q12

Summary EDA (ectodermal dysplasia, anhidrotic) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by hypohidrosis, hypoor anodontia, and hypotrichosis. A possible linkage between the gene for EDA and a number of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) spread over the X chromosome was investigated in two Danish families segregating EDA. No recombination between the gene for EDA and our probe pTAK8, which detects a two allele polymorphism in the region Xp11-q12, was found in nine informative meiotic events (seven of which are phase known), giving a maximal lod score of 2.41 at a recombination fraction of 0.00. This juxtacentromeric location of the gene for EDA agrees well with the linkage data obtained with the other markers used in this study.     

Gene of X-chromosomal congenital stationary night blindness is closely linked to DXS7 on Xp

Summary Congenital stationary night blindness is characterized by disturbed or absent night vision that is always present at or shortly after birth and nonprogressive. The X-linked form of the disease (CSNBX; McKusick catalog no. 31050) differs from the autosomal types in that the former is frequently associated with myopia. X-chromosome-specific polymorphic DNA markers were used to carry out linkage analysis in three European families segregating for CSNBX. Close linkage without recombination was found between the disease locus and the anonymous locus DXS7, mapped to Xp11.3, assigning the mutation to the proximal short arm of the X chromosome. Linkage data obtained with markers flanking DXS7 provided further support for this localization of the gene locus. Thus, in addition to retinitis pigmentosa and Norrie disease, CSNBX represents the third well-known hereditary eye disease the locus of which is mapped on the proximal Xp and closely linked to DXS7.     

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: close linkage with markers from the distal long arm of the human X chromosome

Summary Ten families with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) have been analysed for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). A search for linkage was performed using various chromosome-specific single-copy DNA probes of known regional assignment to the human X chromosome. Close linkage was found between the disease locus and the markers DXS52, DXS15, DXS134 and the F8 gene. This result assigns the NDI gene to the subtelomeric region of the long arm of the X chromosome. The regional localization of the gene by the identification of closely linked markers should have repercussions for genetic counselling and prevention in NDI families.     

Multiple Loci are associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in Irish wolfhounds

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a highly prevalent and often lethal disease in Irish wolfhounds. Complex segregation analysis indicated different loci involved in pathogenesis. Linear fixed and mixed models were used for the genome-wide association study. Using 106 DCM cases and 84 controls we identified one SNP significantly associated with DCM on CFA37 and five SNPs suggestively associated with DCM on CFA1, 10, 15, 21 and 17. On CFA37 MOGAT1 and ACSL3 two enzymes of the lipid metabolism were located near the identified SNP.     

Genetic mapping of aphicarus -- a sex-linked locus controlling a wing polymorphism in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)

We have initiated research to determine the genetic basis of a male wing polymorphism in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Previous studies showed that this polymorphism is controlled by a single biallelic locus, which we name aphicarus (api), on the X chromosome. Our objectives were to confirm that api segregates as a polymorphism of a single gene on the X chromosome, and to obtain molecular markers flanking api that can be used as a starting point for high-resolution genetic and physical mapping of the target region, which will ultimately allow the cloning of api. We have established an F2 population segregating for api and have generated X-linked AFLP markers. The segregation pattern of api in the F2 population shows that the male wing polymorphism segregates as a polymorphism of a single gene, or set of closely linked genes on the X chromosome. Using a subset of 78 F2 males, we have constructed a linkage map of the chromosomal region encompassing api using seven AFLP markers. The map spans 74.1 cM and we have mapped api to an interval of 10 cM. In addition, we confirmed X linkage of our AFLP markers and api by using one X-linked marker developed in an earlier study. Our study presents the first mapping of a gene with known function in aphids, and the results indicate that target gene mapping in aphids is feasible.     

Linkage to Tourette syndrome is excluded for red-cell acid phosphatase (ACP1) and flanking markers on chromosome 2pter-2p23

A recent linkage study of Tourette syndrome with markers in the distal region of chromosome 2p gave a contradictory result with red-cell acid phosphatase (ACP1) compared to the nearby anonymous DNA markers. A modifier gene that is suspected of leading to reduced penetrance of the gene that causes the degenerative neurologic disorder Joseph disease has been hypothesized to lie on chromosome 2p25 near the ACP1 locus. Because Tourette syndrome (TS) has also been shown to have reduced sex-specific penetrance, ACP1 typings were performed on 12 families segregating TS, and pair-wise linkage analysis was carried out. Linkage was excluded for nearly 15 cM on either side of the ACP1 locus. Unpublished exclusion data from several laboratories permit exclusion of a linkage group extending from 2pter to 2p23. Furthermore, no support for the presence of any type of modifier of TS gene expression could be seen in these data.     

Localization of the mouse Mcf-2 (Dbl) protooncogene within a conserved linkage group on the mouse X chromosome

A mouse cDNA probe homologous to the human MCF2 transforming sequence has been identified and partially cloned, and is used here to localize the gene on the mouse X chromosome. The human gene has been physically mapped to within 60 kb of the gene for coagulation factor IX, within a large conserved linkage group between the mouse and human genomes which extends from HPRT to G6PD on the X chromosomes of both mammalian species. In situ hybridization of the mouse Mcf-2 probe onto mouse metaphase chromosomes indicates that this gene lies in the same region of the X chromosome as Cf-9, the mouse gene for coagulation factor IX. Moreover, segregation of species-specific genomic DNA polymorphisms for Mcf-2 and Cf-9 in a total of 203 individuals derived from two large interspecific mouse backcross populations (which are also segregating for 17 other X-linked molecular markers) demonstrates that the mouse genes are separated by only 0.5 +/- 0.5 cM. Despite this short distance we were able to order Mcf-2 and Cf-9 relative to one another and other genes in this region. The mouse gene order Hprt-Cf-9-Mcf-2-G6pd predicts a similar ordering of genes on the human X chromosome, a gene order which has only recently been demonstrated by physical mapping. Thus, the map location and linkage relationships of the Mcf-2 gene are similar in man and mouse, and this unique protooncogenic locus is part of a conserved linkage group on the mammalian X chromosome.     

X-linked dominant hypophosphatemia is closely linked to DNA markers DXS41 and DXS43 at Xp22

Summary Two families with X-linked dominant hypophosphatemia (McKusick No. ^*30780) were investigated for linkage of the disease locus with several marker genes defined by cloned, single-copy DNA sequences derived from defined regions of the X chromosome. Close linkage was found with DNA markers DXS41 (p99-6) and DXS43 (pD2) at Xp22, suggesting a location of the HPDR gene on the distal short arm of the X chromosome.     

Mapping of the gene for X-linked liver glycogenosis due to phosphorylase kinase deficiency to human chromosome region Xp22.

X-linked liver glycogenosis (XLG) is a glycogenosis due to deficient activity of phosphorylase kinase (PHK) in liver. PHK consists of four different subunits, alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Although it is unknown whether liver and muscle PHK subunits are encoded by the same genes, the muscle alpha subunit (PHKA) gene was a likely candidate gene for the mutation responsible for this X-linked liver glycogenosis as it was assigned to the X chromosome at q12-q13. Linkage analysis with X-chromosomal polymorphic DNA markers was performed in two families segregating XLG. First, multipoint linkage analysis excluded the muscle PHKA region as the site of the XLG mutation. Second, evidence was obtained for linkage between the XLG locus and DXS197, DXS43, DXS16, and DXS9 with two-point peak lod scores Zmax = 6.64, 3.75, 1.30, and 0.88, all at theta max = 0.00, respectively. Multipoint linkage results and analysis of recombinational events indicated that the mutation responsible for XLG is located in Xp22 between DXS143 and DXS41.     

A gene for X-linked optic atrophy is closely linked to the Xp11.4-Xp11.2 region of the X chromosome.

The aim of this study was to identify the chromosomal location of the disease-causing gene in a family apparently segregating X-linked optic atrophy. A large family of 45 individuals with a four-generation history of X-linked optic atrophy was reexamined in a full ophthalmic as well as electrophysiological examination. A DNA linkage analysis of the family was undertaken in order to identify the chromosomal location of the disease-causing gene. Linkage analysis was performed with 26 markers that spanned the entire X chromosome. The affected males showed very early onset and slow progression of the disease. Ophthalmic study of the female carriers did not reveal any abnormalities. Close linkage without recombination was found at the MAOB locus (maximum LOD score [Zmax] 4.19). The Zmax - 1 support interval was found at a recombination fraction of .076 distal and .018 proximal to MAOB. Multipoint linkage analysis placed the optic atrophy-causing gene in the Xp11.4-p11.21 interval between markers DXS993 and DXS991, whereas any other localization along the X chromosome could be excluded.     

Evaluation of 15 candidate genes for dilated cardiomyopathy in the Newfoundland dog

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the myocardium, which causes heart failure and premature death. It has been described in humans and several domestic animals. In the Newfoundland dog, DCM is an autosomal dominant disease with late onset and reduced penetrance. We analyzed 15 candidate genes for their involvement in DCM in the Newfoundland dog. Polymorphic microsatellite markers and single Nucleotide Polymorphisms were genotyped in 4 families of Newfoundland dogs segregating dilated cardiomyopathy for the genes encoding alpha-cardiac actin (ACTC), caveolin (CAVI), cysteine-rich protein 3 (CSRP3), LIM-domain binding factor 3 (LDB3), desmin (DES), lamin A/C (LMNA), myosin heavy polypeptide 7 (MYH7), delta-sarcoglycan (SGCD), troponin I (TNNTI3), troponin T (TNNT2), alpha-tropomyosin (TPMI), titin (TTN) and vinculin (VCL). A Logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of less than -2.0 in 2-point linkage analysis indicated exclusion of all but 2 genes, encoding CSRP3 and DES. A (LOD) score between -1.5 and -2.0 for CSRP3 and DES makes these genes unlikely causes of DCM in this dog breed. For the phospholamban (PLN) and titin cap (TTN) genes, a direct mutation screening approach was used. DNA sequence analysis of all exons showed no evidence that these genes are involved in DCM in the Newfoundland dog.