Genetic variance in environmental sensitivity for milk and milk quality in Walloon Holstein cattle

in Book of Abstracts of the 63rd Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (2012)

Genetic variants in REC8, RNF212, and PRDM9 influence male recombination in cattle.

in PLoS Genetics (2012), 8(7), 1002854

We use >250,000 cross-over events identified in >10,000 bovine sperm cells to perform an extensive characterization of meiotic recombination in male cattle. We map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL ... [more ▼]

We use >250,000 cross-over events identified in >10,000 bovine sperm cells to perform an extensive characterization of meiotic recombination in male cattle. We map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) influencing genome-wide recombination rate, genome-wide hotspot usage, and locus-specific recombination rate. We fine-map three QTL and present strong evidence that genetic variants in REC8 and RNF212 influence genome-wide recombination rate, while genetic variants in PRDM9 influence genome-wide hotspot usage. [less ▲]

Genetic variation and evolution in the genus Apodemus (Muridae : Rodentia)

in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (2002), 75(3), 395-419

Genetic variation was studied using protein electrophoresis of 28-38 gene loci in 1347 specimens of Apodemus agrarius, A. peninsulac, A. flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, A. alpicola, A. uralensis, A. cf ... [more ▼]

Genetic variation was studied using protein electrophoresis of 28-38 gene loci in 1347 specimens of Apodemus agrarius, A. peninsulac, A. flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, A. alpicola, A. uralensis, A. cf. hyrcanicus, A. hermonensis, A. m. mystacinus and A. in. epimelas, representing 121 populations from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Mean values of heterozygosity per locus for each species ranged from 0.02 to 0.04. Mean values of Nei's genetic distance (D) between the taxa ranged from 0.06 (between A. flavicollis and A. alpicola) to 1.34 (between A. uralensis and A. agrarius). The highest values of D were found between A. agrarius and other Apodemus species (0.62-1.34). These values correspond to those generally observed between genera in small mammals. Our data show that A. agrarius and A. peninsulae are sister species, well-differentiated from other taxa. High genetic distance between A. m. mystacinus and A. m. epimelas leads us to consider them distinct species and sister taxa to other Western Palaearctic species of the subgenus Sylvaemus. The data also suggest a recent separation of members of the latter group from a common ancestor, and subsequent rapid radiation, making it difficult to infer phylogenetic relationships. Some taxonomic implications of the results are discussed further. (C) 2002 The Linnean Society of London. [less ▲]

Genetic variation in PLAG1 associates with early life body weight and peripubertal weight and growth in Bos taurus.

in Animal Genetics (2012), 43(5), 591-4

Variation at the pleiomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) locus has recently been implicated in the regulation of stature and weight in Bos taurus. Using a population of 942 outbred Holstein-Friesian dairy ... [more ▼]

Variation at the pleiomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) locus has recently been implicated in the regulation of stature and weight in Bos taurus. Using a population of 942 outbred Holstein-Friesian dairy calves, we report confirmation of this effect, demonstrating strong association of early life body weight with PLAG1 genotype. Peripubertal body weight and growth rate were also significantly associated with PLAG1 genotype. Growth rate per kilogram of body weight, daily feed intake, gross feed efficiency and residual feed intake were not significantly associated with PLAG1 genotype. This study supports the status of PLAG1 as a key regulator of mammalian growth. Further, the data indicate the utility of PLAG1 polymorphisms for the selection of animals to achieve enhanced weight gain or conversely to aid the selection of animals with lower mature body weight and thus lower maintenance energy requirements. [less ▲]

Genetic variation in the familial Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) and risk for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

in PLoS ONE (2009), 4(9), 7154

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) gene (MEFV) encodes pyrin, a major regulator of the inflammasome platform controlling caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta processing. Pyrin has ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) gene (MEFV) encodes pyrin, a major regulator of the inflammasome platform controlling caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta processing. Pyrin has been shown to interact with the gene product of NLRP3, NALP3/cryopyrin, also an important active member of the inflammasome. The NLRP3 region was recently reported to be associated with Crohn's disease (CD) susceptibility. We therefore sought to evaluate MEFV as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility gene. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: MEFV colonic mucosal gene expression was significantly increased in experimental colitis mice models (TNBS p<0.0003; DSS p<0.006), in biopsies from CD (p<0.02) and severe ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (p<0.008). Comprehensive genetic screening of the MEFV region in the Belgian exploratory sample set (440 CD trios, 137 UC trios, 239 CD cases, 96 UC cases, and 107 healthy controls) identified SNPs located in the MEFV 5' haplotype block that were significantly associated with UC (rs224217; p = 0.003; A allele frequency: 56% cases, 45% controls), while no CD associations were observed. Sequencing and subsequent genotyping of variants located in this associated haplotype block identified three synonymous variants (D102D/rs224225, G138G/rs224224, A165A/rs224223) and one non-synonymous variant (R202Q/rs224222) located in MEFV exon 2 that were significantly associated with UC (rs224222: p = 0.0005; A allele frequency: 32% in cases, 23% in controls). No consistent associations were observed in additional Canadian (256 CD trios, 91 UC trios) and Scottish (495 UC, 370 controls) sample sets. We note that rs224222 showed marginal association (p = 0.012; G allele frequency: 82% in cases, 70% in controls) in the Canadian sample, but with a different risk allele. None of the NLRP3 common variants were associated with UC in the Belgian-Canadian UC samples and no significant interactions were observed between NLRP3 and MEFV that could explain the observed flip-flop of the rs224222 risk allele. CONCLUSION: The differences in association levels observed between the sample sets may be a consequence of distinct founder effects or of the relative small sample size of the cohorts evaluated in this study. However, the results suggest that common variants in the MEFV region do not contribute to CD and UC susceptibility. [less ▲]

Genetic variation of Viola calaminaria, an endemic metallophyte

in Proceedings of the GfÖ: Lanscapes, ecosystems and populations: dynamics, functions and conservation (2005)

The zinc violet, Viola calaminaria (DC) Lej., is a rare threatened species in Belgium which is endemic to metalliferous sites. Yours aims were to assess the genetic structure of the species at the scale ... [more ▼]

The zinc violet, Viola calaminaria (DC) Lej., is a rare threatened species in Belgium which is endemic to metalliferous sites. Yours aims were to assess the genetic structure of the species at the scale of its distribution range, including differentiation with related taxa Viola guesphalica and to examine the influence of population size and recent colonisation events on population genetic structure in order to identify conservation priorities. The analysis of genetic variation (Amova) showed a strong population differentiation (Fst = 0.26) with a regional group differentiation. The V. guestfalica population exhibits the larger differentiation (Fst = 0.19). The levels of population genetic diversity (Hs) varied from 0.21 to 0.29. Mean genetic differentiation among ancient populations (Fst =0.26) is higher than genetic differentiation among recent populations (Fst =0.18) while any difference appears on genetic diversity. This strong population differentiation suggests a low gene flow between populations but sufficient within population to maintain high level of diversity. For management, the result implies a hierarchical conservation strategy including small population. New populations had as much genetically importance than old populations. No foundation effects were detected in the recent populations. These populations probably result from multiple colonization effects from more than one source population. Finally, even if some V. calaminaria populations exhibit a similar level of genetic differentiation of V. guestfalica population, this one appeared as a particular genetic pool. [less ▲]

Genetic, molecular and clinical features of familial isolated pituitary adenomas.

in Hormone Research (2009), 71(Suppl 2), 116-122

Pituitary adenomas occur in a familial setting in about 5% of all cases, and over half of these are due to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and Carney's complex (CNC). Non-MEN1/CNC familial ... [more ▼]

Pituitary adenomas occur in a familial setting in about 5% of all cases, and over half of these are due to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and Carney's complex (CNC). Non-MEN1/CNC familial pituitary tumours of all tumour phenotypes, known as familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA), were first described in the late 1990s. Clinical features of FIPA differ from those of sporadic pituitary adenomas, as patients with FIPA have a younger age at diagnosis and larger tumours. About 15% of patients with FIPA have mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein gene (AIP), which indicates that FIPA may have a diverse genetic pathophysiology. This article describes the clinical features of FIPA, the tumour pathologies found in this setting and the genetic/molecular data that have recently been reported in FIPA. [less ▲]

Genetical metabolomics of flavonoid biosynthesis in Populus: a case study

in Plant Journal (2006), 47(2), 224-237

Genetical metabolomics [metabolite profiling combined with quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis] has been proposed as a new tool to identify loci that control metabolite abundances. This concept was ... [more ▼]

Genetical metabolomics [metabolite profiling combined with quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis] has been proposed as a new tool to identify loci that control metabolite abundances. This concept was evaluated in a case study with the model tree Populus. Using HPLC, the peak abundances were analyzed of 15 closely related flavonoids present in apical tissues of two full-sib poplar families, Populus deltoides cv. S9-2 x P. nigra cv. Ghoy and P. deltoides cv. S9-2 x P. trichocarpa cv. V24, and correlation and QTL analysis were used to detect flux control points in flavonoid biosynthesis. Four robust metabolite quantitative trait loci (mQTL), associated with rate-limiting steps in flavonoid biosynthesis, were mapped. Each mQTL was involved in the flux control to one or two flavonoids. Based on the identities of the affected metabolites and the flavonoid pathway structure, a tentative function was assigned to three of these mQTL, and the corresponding candidate genes were mapped. The data indicate that the combination of metabolite profiling with QTL analysis is a valuable tool to identify control points in a complex metabolic pathway of closely related compounds. [less ▲]

Genetically engineered polypeptides as a new tool for inorganic nano-particles separation in water based media

in Journal of Materials Chemistry (2011), 21

The present paper relates a method for the separation of an insoluble inorganic powder out of a mixture of several insoluble powders with different chemical compositions, using genetically engineered ... [more ▼]

The present paper relates a method for the separation of an insoluble inorganic powder out of a mixture of several insoluble powders with different chemical compositions, using genetically engineered inorganic binding peptides (GEPI). GEPI are small peptides that recognize and specifically bind an inorganic solid material. This GEPI is anchored to magnetic beads for easy recovery of the powder of interest from the mixture. [less ▲]

Genetics and genomics of energy balance measured in milk using mid-infrared spectroscopy

in Book of Abstracts of the 63rd Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (2012, August)