1
|
Empere M, Wang X, Prein C, Aspberg A, Moser M, Oohashi T, Clausen-Schaumann H, Aszodi A, Alberton P. Aggrecan governs intervertebral discs development by providing critical mechanical cues of the extracellular matrix. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1128587. [PMID: 36937743 PMCID: PMC10017878 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1128587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggrecan (ACAN) is localized in the intervertebral disc (IVD) in unique compartment-specific patterns where it contributes to the tissue structure and mechanical function together with collagens. The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the IVD undergoes degenerative changes during aging, misuse or trauma, which inevitably alter the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the tissue. A deeper understanding of these processes can be achieved in genetically engineered mouse models, taking into account the multifaceted aspects of IVD development. In this study, we generated aggrecan insertion mutant mice (Acan iE5/iE5 ) by interrupting exon 5 coding for the G1 domain of ACAN, and analyzed the morphological and mechanical properties of the different IVD compartments during embryonic development. Western blotting using an antibody against the total core protein failed to detect ACAN in cartilage extracts, whereas immunohistochemistry by a G1-specific antibody showed weak signals in vertebral tissues of Acan iE5/iE5 mice. Homozygous mutant mice are perinatally lethal and characterized by short snout, cleft palate and disproportionate dwarfism. Whole-mount skeletal staining and µ-CT analysis of Acan iE5/iE5 mice at embryonic day 18.5 revealed compressed vertebral bodies with accelerated mineralization compared to wild type controls. In Acan iE5/iE5 mice, histochemical staining revealed collapsed extracellular matrix with negligible sulfated glycosaminoglycan content accompanied by a high cellular density. Collagen type II deposition was not impaired in the IVD of Acan iE5/iE5 mice, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Mutant mice developed a severe IVD phenotype with deformed nucleus pulposus and thinned cartilaginous endplates accompanied by a disrupted growth plate structure in the vertebral body. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging demonstrated a denser collagen network with thinner fibrils in the mutant IVD zones compared to wild type. Nanoscale AFM indentation revealed bimodal stiffness distribution attributable to the softer proteoglycan moiety and harder collagenous fibrils of the wild type IVD ECM. In Acan iE5/iE5 mice, loss of aggrecan resulted in a marked shift of the Young's modulus to higher values in all IVD zones. In conclusion, we demonstrated that aggrecan is pivotal for the determination and maintenance of the proper stiffness of IVD and vertebral tissues, which in turn could play an essential role in providing developmental biomechanical cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Empere
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Xujia Wang
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Carina Prein
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Anders Aspberg
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Markus Moser
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Max Planck Society, Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Toshitaka Oohashi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hauke Clausen-Schaumann
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Attila Aszodi
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Paolo Alberton
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Paolo Alberton,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ludwig-Peisker O, Ansel E, Schweizer D, Jagannathan V, Loechel R, Leeb T. PCYT1A Missense Variant in Vizslas with Disproportionate Dwarfism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122354. [PMID: 36553621 PMCID: PMC9777673 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Disproportionate dwarfism phenotypes represent a heterogeneous subset of skeletal dysplasias and have been described in many species including humans and dogs. In this study, we investigated Vizsla dogs that were affected by disproportionate dwarfism that we propose to designate as skeletal dysplasia 3 (SD3). The most striking skeletal changes comprised a marked shortening and deformation of the humerus and femur. An extended pedigree with six affected dogs suggested autosomal recessive inheritance. Combined linkage and homozygosity mapping localized a potential genetic defect to a ~4 Mb interval on chromosome 33. We sequenced the genome of an affected dog, and comparison with 926 control genomes revealed a single, private protein-changing variant in the critical interval, PCYT1A:XM_038583131.1:c.673T>C, predicted to cause an exchange of a highly conserved amino acid, XP_038439059.1:p.(Y225H). We observed perfect co-segregation of the genotypes with the phenotype in the studied family. When genotyping additional Vizslas, we encountered a single dog with disproportionate dwarfism that did not carry the mutant PCYT1A allele, which we hypothesize was due to heterogeneity. In the remaining 130 dogs, we observed perfect genotype-phenotype association, and none of the unaffected dogs were homozygous for the mutant PCYT1A allele. PCYT1A loss-of-function variants cause spondylometaphyseal dysplasia with cone-rod dystrophy (SMD-CRD) in humans. The skeletal changes in Vizslas were comparable to human patients. So far, no ocular phenotype has been recognized in dwarf Vizslas. We propose the PCYT1A missense variant as a candidate causative variant for SD3. Our data facilitate genetic testing of Vizslas to prevent the unintentional breeding of further affected puppies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Odette Ludwig-Peisker
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emily Ansel
- BluePearl Pet Hospital, Raleigh, NC 27616, USA
| | - Daniela Schweizer
- Division of Clinical Radiology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-31-684-23-26
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Leonard AS, Crysnanto D, Fang ZH, Heaton MP, Vander Ley BL, Herrera C, Bollwein H, Bickhart DM, Kuhn KL, Smith TPL, Rosen BD, Pausch H. Structural variant-based pangenome construction has low sensitivity to variability of haplotype-resolved bovine assemblies. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3012. [PMID: 35641504 PMCID: PMC9156671 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30680-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advantages of pangenomes over linear reference assemblies for genome research have recently been established. However, potential effects of sequence platform and assembly approach, or of combining assemblies created by different approaches, on pangenome construction have not been investigated. Here we generate haplotype-resolved assemblies from the offspring of three bovine trios representing increasing levels of heterozygosity that each demonstrate a substantial improvement in contiguity, completeness, and accuracy over the current Bos taurus reference genome. Diploid coverage as low as 20x for HiFi or 60x for ONT is sufficient to produce two haplotype-resolved assemblies meeting standards set by the Vertebrate Genomes Project. Structural variant-based pangenomes created from the haplotype-resolved assemblies demonstrate significant consensus regardless of sequence platform, assembler algorithm, or coverage. Inspecting pangenome topologies identifies 90 thousand structural variants including 931 overlapping with coding sequences; this approach reveals variants affecting QRICH2, PRDM9, HSPA1A, TAS2R46, and GC that have potential to affect phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Leonard
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Danang Crysnanto
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zih-Hua Fang
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P Heaton
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA-ARS, 844 Road 313, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
| | - Brian L Vander Ley
- Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Derek M Bickhart
- Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-ARS, 1925 Linden Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Kristen L Kuhn
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA-ARS, 844 Road 313, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
| | - Timothy P L Smith
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA-ARS, 844 Road 313, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
| | - Benjamin D Rosen
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
| | - Hubert Pausch
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stattin EL, Lindblom K, Struglics A, Önnerfjord P, Goldblatt J, Dixit A, Sarkar A, Randell T, Suri M, Raggio C, Davis J, Carter E, Aspberg A. Novel missense ACAN gene variants linked to familial osteochondritis dissecans cluster in the C-terminal globular domain of aggrecan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5215. [PMID: 35338222 PMCID: PMC8956744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09211-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The cartilage aggrecan proteoglycan is crucial for both skeletal growth and articular cartilage function. A number of aggrecan (ACAN) gene variants have been linked to skeletal disorders, ranging from short stature to severe chondrodyplasias. Osteochondritis dissecans is a disorder where articular cartilage and subchondral bone fragments come loose from the articular surface. We previously reported a missense ACAN variant linked to familial osteochondritis dissecans, with short stature and early onset osteoarthritis, and now describe three novel ACAN gene variants from additional families with this disorder. Like the previously described variant, these are autosomal dominant missense variants, resulting in single amino acid residue substitutions in the C-type lectin repeat of the aggrecan G3 domain. Functional studies showed that neither recombinant variant proteins, nor full-length variant aggrecan proteoglycan from heterozygous patient cartilage, were secreted to the same level as wild-type aggrecan. The variant proteins also showed decreased binding to known cartilage extracellular matrix ligands. Mapping these and other ACAN variants linked to hereditary skeletal disorders showed a clustering of osteochondritis dissecans-linked variants to the G3 domain. Taken together, this supports a link between missense ACAN variants affecting the aggrecan G3 domain and hereditary osteochondritis dissecans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Lena Stattin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Lindblom
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC-C12, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - André Struglics
- Orthopaedics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrik Önnerfjord
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC-C12, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jack Goldblatt
- Genetic Services & Familial Cancer Program of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Abhijit Dixit
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ajoy Sarkar
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tabitha Randell
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mohnish Suri
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cathleen Raggio
- Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Davis
- Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin Carter
- Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anders Aspberg
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC-C12, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
PRKG2 Splice Site Variant in Dogo Argentino Dogs with Disproportionate Dwarfism. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101489. [PMID: 34680883 PMCID: PMC8535654 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dwarfism phenotypes occur in many species and may be caused by genetic or environmental factors. In this study, we investigated a family of nine Dogo Argentino dogs, in which two dogs were affected by disproportionate dwarfism. Radiographs of an affected dog revealed a decreased level of endochondral ossification in its growth plates, and a premature closure of the distal ulnar physes. The pedigree of the dogs presented evidence of monogenic autosomal recessive inheritance; combined linkage and homozygosity mapping assigned the most likely position of a potential genetic defect to 34 genome segments, totaling 125 Mb. The genome of an affected dog was sequenced and compared to 795 control genomes. The prioritization of private variants revealed a clear top candidate variant for the observed dwarfism. This variant, PRKG2:XM_022413533.1:c.1634+1G>T, affects the splice donor site and is therefore predicted to disrupt the function of the PKRG2 gene encoding protein, kinase cGMP-dependent type 2, a known regulator of chondrocyte differentiation. The genotypes of the PRKG2 variant were perfectly associated with the phenotype in the studied family of dogs. PRKG2 loss-of-function variants were previously reported to cause disproportionate dwarfism in humans, cattle, mice, and rats. Together with the comparative data from other species, our data strongly suggest PRKG2:c.1634+1G>T to be a candidate causative variant for the observed dwarfism phenotype in Dogo Argentino dogs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Geiger M, Schoenebeck JJ, Schneider RA, Schmidt MJ, Fischer MS, Sánchez-Villagra MR. Exceptional Changes in Skeletal Anatomy under Domestication: The Case of Brachycephaly. Integr Org Biol 2021; 3:obab023. [PMID: 34409262 PMCID: PMC8366567 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
"Brachycephaly" is generally considered a phenotype in which the facial part of the head is pronouncedly shortened. While brachycephaly is characteristic for some domestic varieties and breeds (e.g., Bulldog, Persian cat, Niata cattle, Anglo-Nubian goat, Middle White pig), this phenotype can also be considered pathological. Despite the superficially similar appearance of "brachycephaly" in such varieties and breeds, closer examination reveals that "brachycephaly" includes a variety of different cranial modifications with likely different genetic and developmental underpinnings and related with specific breed histories. We review the various definitions and characteristics associated with brachycephaly in different domesticated species. We discern different types of brachycephaly ("bulldog-type," "katantognathic," and "allometric" brachycephaly) and discuss morphological conditions related to brachycephaly, including diseases (e.g., brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome). Further, we examine the complex underlying genetic and developmental processes and the culturally and developmentally related reasons why brachycephalic varieties may or may not be prevalent in certain domesticated species. Knowledge on patterns and mechanisms associated with brachycephaly is relevant for domestication research, veterinary and human medicine, as well as evolutionary biology, and highlights the profound influence of artificial selection by humans on animal morphology, evolution, and welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Geiger
- Paleontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich,
Karl-Schmid-Str. 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J J Schoenebeck
- Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University
of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25
9RG, UK
| | - R A Schneider
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San
Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S-1164, San Francisco, CA
94143-0514, USA
| | - M J Schmidt
- Clinic for Small Animals—Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology and Clinical
Neurology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str.
114, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - M S Fischer
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich-Schiller
University Jena, Erbertstr. 1, 07743 Jena,
Germany
| | - M R Sánchez-Villagra
- Paleontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich,
Karl-Schmid-Str. 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Basso RM, Andrade DGA, Alves CEF, Laufer-Amorim R, Borges AS, Oliveira-Filho JP. Aggrecan, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α profiles in the Articular Cartilage of Miniature Horses with Chondrodysplastic Dwarfism. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 103:103643. [PMID: 34281639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dwarfism is a skeletal disorder that causes abnormal growth. In Miniature horses, dwarfism can occur as chondrodysplastic dwarfism, an autosomal recessive disorder associated with five mutations (D1, D2, D3*, D4 and c.6465A > T variant) in the aggrecan (ACAN) gene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of aggrecan (at the gene and protein level) and specific cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the articular cartilage of Miniature horses with chondrodysplastic dwarfism (D4/c.6465A > T genotype). Metatarsal bone samples from eight dwarf Miniature horses were collected for histopathological analysis, and articular cartilage was collected to detect and quantify aggrecan levels through Western blotting and determine the relative expression levels of ACAN, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α through qPCR. All affected animals presented chondrodysplasia-like lesions with disorganization of the chondrocyte layers and reduced the amount of an extracellular matrix. No significant difference in aggrecan expression levels in uncleaved samples from the dwarf and control groups (composed of phenotypically normal animals of similar age and breed (P = .7143)) was found using Western blotting. qPCR revealed that ACAN gene expression was higher in the affected animals than in normal animals (P = .0119). No significant difference in cytokine levels was detected between the groups. Mutant aggrecan may interfere with normal cellular function, leading to chondrodysplasia and the observed phenotypic findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta M Basso
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Danilo G A Andrade
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Carlos E F Alves
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Renée Laufer-Amorim
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S Borges
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Jose P Oliveira-Filho
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jacinto JGP, Häfliger IM, Gentile A, Drögemüller C, Bolcato M. A 6.7 kb deletion in the COL2A1 gene in a Holstein calf with achondrogenesis type II and perosomus elumbis. Anim Genet 2020; 52:244-245. [PMID: 33316082 DOI: 10.1111/age.13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joana G P Jacinto
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy.,Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - Irene M Häfliger
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - Arcangelo Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Cord Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - Marilena Bolcato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
de Andrade DGA, Basso RM, Magro AJ, Laufer-Amorim R, Borges AS, de Oliveira-Filho JP. Evaluation of a new variant in the aggrecan gene potentially associated with chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15238. [PMID: 32943661 PMCID: PMC7499210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72192-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses is an autosomal recessive disorder previously associated with four mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) in the aggrecan (ACAN) gene. The aim of this study was to identify additional variants in the candidate ACAN gene associated with chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses. Fifteen dwarf Miniature horses were found to possess only one of the dwarfism-causing variants, and two possessed none of the variants. The ACAN exons (EquCab3.0) of seven dwarf Miniature horses were sequenced. A missense SNP in coding exon 11 (g.95271115A > T, c.6465A > T-RefSeq XM_005602799.2), which resulted in the amino acid substitution p.Leu2155Phe (RefSeq XP_005602856.2), was initially associated with the dwarf phenotype. The variant was tested and found present in 14 dwarf foals as well as one parent of each, and both parents of a dwarf possessing two copies. Genetic testing of 347 phenotypically normal Miniature horses demonstrated that none had more than one of the dwarf alleles or c.6465A > T. However, a study of large breeds revealed the presence of c.6465A > T, which was present in homozygosis in two Mangalarga Marchador horses. We suggest that c.6465A > T as a marker of disequilibrium or complex interactions in the Miniature horse genome could contribute to the associated dwarfism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Martins Basso
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Angelo José Magro
- Institute for Biotechnology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18607-440, Brazil.,School of Agriculture, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18610-034, Brazil
| | - Renée Laufer-Amorim
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Secorun Borges
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - José Paes de Oliveira-Filho
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18618-681, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Woolley SA, Hayes SE, Shariflou MR, Nicholas FW, Willet CE, O'Rourke BA, Tammen I. Molecular basis of a new ovine model for human 3M syndrome-2. BMC Genet 2020; 21:106. [PMID: 32933480 PMCID: PMC7493961 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00913-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brachygnathia, cardiomegaly and renal hypoplasia syndrome (BCRHS, OMIA 001595–9940) is a previously reported recessively inherited disorder in Australian Poll Merino/Merino sheep. Affected lambs are stillborn with various congenital defects as reflected in the name of the disease, as well as short stature, a short and broad cranium, a small thoracic cavity, thin ribs and brachysternum. The BCRHS phenotype shows similarity to certain human short stature syndromes, in particular the human 3M syndrome-2. Here we report the identification of a likely disease-causing variant and propose an ovine model for human 3M syndrome-2. Results Eight positional candidate genes were identified among the 39 genes in the approximately 1 Mb interval to which the disease was mapped previously. Obscurin like cytoskeletal adaptor 1 (OBSL1) was selected as a strong positional candidate gene based on gene function and the resulting phenotypes observed in humans with mutations in this gene. Whole genome sequencing of an affected lamb (BCRHS3) identified a likely causal variant ENSOARG00000020239:g.220472248delC within OBSL1. Sanger sequencing of seven affected, six obligate carrier, two phenotypically unaffected animals from the original flock and one unrelated control animal validated the variant. A genotyping assay was developed to genotype 583 animals from the original flock, giving an estimated allele frequency of 5%. Conclusions The identification of a likely disease-causing variant resulting in a frameshift (p.(Val573Trpfs*119)) in the OBSL1 protein has enabled improved breeding management of the implicated flock. The opportunity for an ovine model for human 3M syndrome and ensuing therapeutic research is promising given the availability of carrier ram semen for BCRHS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Woolley
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - S E Hayes
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - M R Shariflou
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - F W Nicholas
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - C E Willet
- Sydney Informatics Hub, Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - B A O'Rourke
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, 2568, Australia
| | - I Tammen
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jacinto JGP, Häfliger IM, Letko A, Drögemüller C, Agerholm JS. A large deletion in the COL2A1 gene expands the spectrum of pathogenic variants causing bulldog calf syndrome in cattle. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:49. [PMID: 32894162 PMCID: PMC7487585 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-00548-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital bovine chondrodysplasia, also known as bulldog calf syndrome, is characterized by disproportionate growth of bones resulting in a shortened and compressed body, mainly due to reduced length of the spine and the long bones of the limbs. In addition, severe facial dysmorphisms including palatoschisis and shortening of the viscerocranium are present. Abnormalities in the gene collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1) have been associated with some cases of the bulldog calf syndrome. Until now, six pathogenic single-nucleotide variants have been found in COL2A1. Here we present a novel variant in COL2A1 of a Holstein calf and provide an overview of the phenotypic and allelic heterogeneity of the COL2A1-related bulldog calf syndrome in cattle. Case presentation The calf was aborted at gestation day 264 and showed generalized disproportionate dwarfism, with a shortened compressed body and limbs, and dysplasia of the viscerocranium; a phenotype resembling bulldog calf syndrome due to an abnormality in COL2A1. Whole-genome sequence (WGS) data was obtained and revealed a heterozygous 3513 base pair deletion encompassing 10 of the 54 coding exons of COL2A1. Polymerase chain reaction analysis and Sanger sequencing confirmed the breakpoints of the deletion and its absence in the genomes of both parents. Conclusions The pathological and genetic findings were consistent with a case of “bulldog calf syndrome”. The identified variant causing the syndrome was the result of a de novo mutation event that either occurred post-zygotically in the developing embryo or was inherited because of low-level mosaicism in one of the parents. The identified loss-of-function variant is pathogenic due to COL2A1 haploinsufficiency and represents the first structural variant causing bulldog calf syndrome in cattle. Furthermore, this case report highlights the utility of WGS-based precise diagnostics for understanding congenital disorders in cattle and the need for continued surveillance for genetic disorders in cattle.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Aggrecan is a large proteoglycan that forms giant hydrated aggregates with hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The extraordinary resistance of these aggregates to compression explains their abundance in articular cartilage of joints where they ensure adequate load-bearing. In the brain, they provide mechanical buffering and contribute to formation of perineuronal nets, which regulate synaptic plasticity. Aggrecan is also present in cardiac jelly, developing heart valves, and blood vessels during cardiovascular development. Whereas aggrecan is essential for skeletal development, its function in the developing cardiovascular system remains to be fully elucidated. An excess of aggrecan was demonstrated in cardiovascular tissues in aortic aneurysms, atherosclerosis, vascular re-stenosis after injury, and varicose veins. It is a product of vascular smooth muscle and is likely to be an important component of pericellular matrix, where its levels are regulated by proteases. Aggrecan can contribute to specific biophysical and regulatory properties of cardiovascular ECM via the diverse interactions of its domains, and its accumulation is likely to have a significant role in developmental and disease pathways. Here, the established biological functions of aggrecan, its cardiovascular associations, and potential roles in cardiovascular development and disease are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Koch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Chan Mi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio.,Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Suneel S Apte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Struck AK, Braun M, Detering KA, Dziallas P, Neßler J, Fehr M, Metzger J, Distl O. A structural UGDH variant associated with standard Munchkin cats. BMC Genet 2020; 21:67. [PMID: 32605545 PMCID: PMC7325026 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Munchkin cats were founded on a naturally occurring mutation segregating into long-legged and short-legged types. Short-legged cats showed disproportionate dwarfism (chondrodysplasia) in which all four legs are short and are referred as standard Munchkin cats. Long-legged animals are referred as non-standard Munchkin cats. A previous study using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genome-wide association analysis identified a significantly associated region at 168–184 Mb on feline chromosome (FCA) B1. Results In this study, we validated the critical region on FCA B1 using a case-control study with 89 cats and 14 FCA B1-SNPs. A structural variant within UGDH (NC_018726.2:g.173294289_173297592delins108, Felis catus 8.0, equivalent to NC_018726.3:g.174882895_174886198delins108, Felis catus 9.0) on FCA B1 was perfectly associated with the phenotype of short-legged standard Munchkin cats. Conclusion This UGDH structural variant very likely causes the chondrodysplastic (standard) phenotype in Munchkin cats. The lack of homozygous mutant phenotypes and reduced litter sizes in standard Munchkin cats suggest an autosomal recessive lethal trait in the homozygote state. We propose an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance for the chondrodysplastic condition in Munchkin cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Struck
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marina Braun
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kim Aline Detering
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Dziallas
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jasmin Neßler
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Fehr
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Metzger
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Häfliger IM, Letko A, Murgiano L, Drögemüller C. De novo stop-lost germline mutation in FGFR3 causes severe chondrodysplasia in the progeny of a Holstein bull. Anim Genet 2020; 51:466-469. [PMID: 32239744 DOI: 10.1111/age.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Fifteen cases of chondrodysplasia characterized by disproportionate dwarfism occurred in the progeny of a single Holstein bull. A de novo mutation event in the germline of the sire was suspected as cause. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a single protein-changing variant in the stop codon of FGFR3 gene on chromosome 6. Sanger sequencing of EDTA blood proved that this variant occurred de novo and segregates perfectly with the observed phenotype in the affected cattle family. FGFR3 is an important regulator gene in bone formation owing to its key role in the bone elongation induced by FGFR3-dimers. The detected paternally inherited stop-lost variant in FGFR3 is predicted to add 93 additional amino acids to the protein's C-terminus. This study provides a second example of a dominant FGFR3 stop-lost variant as a pathogenic mutation of a severe form of chondrodysplasia. Even though FGFR3 is known to be associated with dwarfism and growth disorders in human and sheep, this study is the first to describe FGFR3-associated chondrodysplasia in cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I M Häfliger
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - A Letko
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - L Murgiano
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.,Unit of Animal Genomics, GIGA-R and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Stavber L, Hovnik T, Kotnik P, Lovrečić L, Kovač J, Tesovnik T, Bertok S, Dovč K, Debeljak M, Battelino T, Avbelj Stefanija M. High frequency of pathogenic ACAN variants including an intragenic deletion in selected individuals with short stature. Eur J Endocrinol 2020; 182:243-253. [PMID: 31841439 PMCID: PMC7087498 DOI: 10.1530/eje-19-0771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Defining the underlying etiology of idiopathic short stature (ISS) improves the overall management of an individual. OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of pathogenic ACAN variants in selected individuals. DESIGN The single-center cohort study was conducted at a tertiary university children's hospital. From 51 unrelated patients with ISS, the 16 probands aged between 3 and 18 years (12 females) with advanced bone age and/or autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of short stature were selected for the study. Fifteen family members of ACAN-positive probands were included. Exome sequencing was performed in all probands, and additional copy number variation (CNV) detection was applied in selected probands with a distinct ACAN-associated phenotype. RESULTS Systematic phenotyping of the study cohort yielded 37.5% (6/16) ACAN-positive probands, with all novel pathogenic variants, including a 6.082 kb large intragenic deletion, detected by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and exome data analysis. All variants were co-segregated with short stature phenotype, except in one family member with the intragenic deletion who had an unexpected growth pattern within the normal range (-0.5 SDS). One patient presented with otosclerosis, a sign not previously associated with aggrecanopathy. CONCLUSIONS ACAN pathogenic variants presented a common cause of familial ISS. The selection criteria used in our study were suggested for a personalized approach to genetic testing of the ACAN gene in clinical practice. Our results expanded the number of pathogenic ACAN variants, including the first intragenic deletion, and suggested CNV evaluation in patients with typical clinical features of aggrecanopathy as reasonable. Intra-familial phenotypic variability in growth patterns should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Stavber
- Unit for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - T Hovnik
- Unit for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - P Kotnik
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - L Lovrečić
- Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - J Kovač
- Unit for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - T Tesovnik
- Unit for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Bertok
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - K Dovč
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Debeljak
- Unit for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - T Battelino
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Avbelj Stefanija
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Avbelj Stefanija;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Spontaneous Appearance and Transmission of Polydactyly in Dexter Cattle. Case Rep Vet Med 2020; 2020:6407847. [PMID: 32015928 PMCID: PMC6985930 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6407847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 3-yr-old Dexter cow and her yearling Dexter heifer calf exhibited polydactyly. Neither animal was linebred within 5 generations. This cow-calf pair represented the first reported occurrence of polydactyly in Dexter cattle in the US or abroad. Based upon external examination, the cow was classified as having a spontaneous unilateral case of polydactyly with an extra digit along the medial digit of the right front limb and the heifer was classified as having bilateral polydactyly because both front limbs exhibited an extra digit along the medial digit. Radiographic examination confirmed bilateral status of the heifer and revealed bilateral status of the cow. The front feet of the cow and heifer had extra bone formation consistent with an extra digit along the medial digit. Neither animal suffered from limited mobility to date or required hoof treatments. The cow produced a second calf from a different sire, a bull calf that did not appear polydactylous per external examination and was not examined radiographically. The two polydactylous animals will remain in the breeding herd to produce more study calves unless their fitness becomes compromised. Genetic aspects of the cases are discussed.
Collapse
|
17
|
Andrade DGA, Basso RM, Castiglioni MCR, Silva JP, Machado VMV, Laufer-Amorim R, Borges AS, Oliveira-Filho JP. Description of the D4/D4 genotype in Miniature horses with dwarfism. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:99-102. [PMID: 31906815 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719898164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Four causative mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) of chondrodysplastic dwarfism have been described in the equine aggrecan (ACAN) gene. Homozygotes for one of these mutations and heterozygotes for any combination of these mutations exhibit the disproportionate dwarfism phenotype. However, no case description of homozygotes for D4 (D4/D4) has been reported in the literature, to our knowledge. We report 2 Miniature horses with the genotype D4/D4 in the ACAN gene. Clinically, the 2 dwarfs had a domed head that was large compared to the rest of the body, mandibular prognathism, and short and bowed limbs, mainly in the proximal region of the metatarsal bones. Radiographic examination revealed contour irregularities of the subchondral bone in the long bones and confirmed mandibular prognathism; histopathology revealed irregular chondrocyte organization. To determine the genotypes of the horses, we performed DNA extraction from white blood cells, PCR, and Sanger sequencing. Genotyping demonstrated that these 2 animals had the D4/D4 genotype in the ACAN gene. The D4/D4 dwarfs were clinically similar to animals with the other ACAN genotypes reported for this disease. Identification of heterozygous animals makes mating selection possible and is the most important control measure to minimize economic losses and casualties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo G A Andrade
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta M Basso
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria C R Castiglioni
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jeana P Silva
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vânia M V Machado
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renée Laufer-Amorim
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S Borges
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José P Oliveira-Filho
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The second report on spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, aggrecan type: a milder phenotype than originally reported. Clin Dysmorphol 2019; 28:26-29. [PMID: 30124491 PMCID: PMC6276860 DOI: 10.1097/mcd.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
19
|
Sun Y, Liu Y, Sun X, Lin Y, Yin D, Xu S, Yang G. Insights into body size variation in cetaceans from the evolution of body-size-related genes. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:157. [PMID: 31351448 PMCID: PMC6660953 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1461-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cetaceans exhibit an exceptionally wide range of body size, yet in this regard, their genetic basis remains poorly explored. In this study, 20 body-size-related genes for which duplication, mutation, or deficiency can cause body size change in mammals were chosen to preliminarily investigate the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the dramatic body size variation in cetaceans. Results We successfully sequenced 20 body-size-related genes in six representative species of cetaceans. A total of 46 codons from 10 genes were detected and determined to be under strong positive selection, 32 (69.6%) of which were further found to be under radical physiochemical changes; moreover, some of these sites were localized in or near important functional regions. Interestingly, positively selected genes were well matched with body size evolution: for small cetaceans, strong evidence of positive selection was detected at ACAN, OBSL1, and GRB10, within which mutations or duplications could cause short stature; positive selection was found in large cetaceans at CBS and EIF2AK3, which could promote growth, and at the PLOD1 gene, within which mutations could cause tall stature. Importantly, relationship analyses revealed that the evolutionary rate of CBS was positively related to body length and body mass with statistical significance. Additionally, we identified 32 cetacean-specific amino acid changes in 10 genes. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the molecular basis of dramatic body size variation in cetaceans. Our results provide evidence of the positive selection of several body-size-related genes in cetaceans, as well as divergent selection between large or small cetaceans, which suggest cetacean body size variation possibly associated with these genes. In addition, cetacean-specific amino acid changes might have played key roles in body size evolution after the divergence of cetaceans from their terrestrial relatives. Overall, the evolutionary pattern of these body-size-related genes could provide new insights into genetic mechanisms for the body size variation in cetaceans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-019-1461-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yanzhi Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaohui Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yurui Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Daiqing Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Alberton P, Dugonitsch HC, Hartmann B, Li P, Farkas Z, Saller MM, Clausen-Schaumann H, Aszodi A. Aggrecan Hypomorphism Compromises Articular Cartilage Biomechanical Properties and Is Associated with Increased Incidence of Spontaneous Osteoarthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051008. [PMID: 30813547 PMCID: PMC6429589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding the proteoglycan aggrecan (Agc1) is abundantly expressed in cartilage during development and adulthood, and the loss or diminished deposition of the protein results in a wide range of skeletal malformations. Furthermore, aggrecan degradation is a hallmark of cartilage degeneration occurring in osteoarthritis. In the present study, we investigated the consequences of a partial loss of aggrecan in the postnatal skeleton and in the articular cartilage of adult mice. We took advantage of the previously described Agc1tm(IRES-CreERT2) mouse line, which allows for conditional and timely-regulated deletion of floxed, cartilage-expressed genes. As previously reported, the introduction of the CreERT2 cassette in the 3’UTR causes a disruption of the normal expression of Agc1 resulting in a hypomorphic deposition of the protein. In homozygous mice, we observed a dwarf phenotype, which persisted throughout adulthood supporting the evidence that reduced aggrecan amount impairs skeletal growth. Homozygous mice exhibited reduced proteoglycan staining of the articular cartilage at 6 and 12 months of age, increased stiffening of the extracellular matrix at six months, and developed severe cartilage erosion by 12 months. The osteoarthritis in the hypomorph mice was not accompanied by increased expression of catabolic enzymes and matrix degradation neoepitopes. These findings suggest that the degeneration found in homozygous mice is likely due to the compromised mechanical properties of the cartilage tissue upon aggrecan reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Alberton
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, 80533 Munich, Germany.
| | - Hans Christian Dugonitsch
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Bastian Hartmann
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, 80533 Munich, Germany.
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany.
| | - Ping Li
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Zsuzsanna Farkas
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Michael Saller
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Hauke Clausen-Schaumann
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, 80533 Munich, Germany.
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany.
| | - Attila Aszodi
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Munich University of Applied Sciences, 80533 Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Struck AK, Dierks C, Braun M, Hellige M, Wagner A, Oelmaier B, Beineke A, Metzger J, Distl O. A recessive lethal chondrodysplasia in a miniature zebu family results from an insertion affecting the chondroitin sulfat domain of aggrecan. BMC Genet 2018; 19:91. [PMID: 30305023 PMCID: PMC6180608 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0678-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital skeletal malformations represent a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting bone and cartilage development. In cattle, particular chondrodysplastic forms have been identified in several miniature breeds. In this study, a phenotypic characterization was performed of an affected Miniature Zebu calf using computed tomography, necropsy and histopathological examinations, whole genome sequencing of the case and its parents on an Illumina NextSeq 500 in 2 × 150 bp paired-end mode and validation using Sanger sequencing and a Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR assay. Samples from the family of an affected Miniature Zebu with bulldog syndrome including parents and siblings, 42 healthy Miniature Zebu not related with members of the herd and 88 individuals from eight different taurine cattle breeds were available for validation. Results A bulldog-like Miniature Zebu calf showing a large bulging head, a short and compressed body and extremely short and stocky limbs was delivered after a fetotomy. Computed tomography and necropsy revealed severe craniofacial abnormalities including a shortening of the ventral nasal conchae, a cleft hard palate, rotated limbs as well as malformed and fused vertebrae and ribs. Histopathologic examination showed a disorganization of the physeal cartilage with disorderly arranged chondrocytes in columns and a multifocal closed epiphyseal plate. Whole-genome sequencing of this malformed Miniature Zebu calf, its dam and sire and subsequent comparative sequence analysis revealed a one base pair insertion (ACAN:c.5686insC) located within the cartilage development gene aggrecan (ACAN) exclusively homozygous in the affected calf and heterozygous in its parents. This variant was predicted to cause a frameshift (p.Val1898fsTer9) and thus a truncation of the chondroitin sulfate domain as well as a loss of the C-terminal globular domain of ACAN. It perfectly co-segregated with the lethal bulldog syndrome in Miniature Zebus. Conclusions We found a novel mutation in ACAN causing a recessive lethal chondrodysplasia in Miniature Zebu cattle. A diagnostic test for this mutation is now available for Miniature Zebu breeders preventing further cases of bulldog syndrome by targeted matings. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first case of a Miniature Zebu associated with an ACAN mutation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-018-0678-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Struck
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Dierks
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marina Braun
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren Hellige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Wagner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Metzger
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Eberth JE, Graves KT, MacLeod JN, Bailey E. Multiple alleles of ACAN
associated with chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses. Anim Genet 2018; 49:413-420. [DOI: 10.1111/age.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. E. Eberth
- Department of Veterinary Science; MH Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40546 USA
| | - K. T. Graves
- Department of Veterinary Science; MH Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40546 USA
| | - J. N. MacLeod
- Department of Veterinary Science; MH Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40546 USA
| | - E. Bailey
- Department of Veterinary Science; MH Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40546 USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Veitschegger K, Wilson LAB, Nussberger B, Camenisch G, Keller LF, Wroe S, Sánchez-Villagra MR. Resurrecting Darwin's Niata - anatomical, biomechanical, genetic, and morphometric studies of morphological novelty in cattle. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9129. [PMID: 29904085 PMCID: PMC6002398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27384-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Niata was a cattle variety from South America that figured prominently in writings on evolution by Charles Darwin. Its shortened head and other aspects of its unusual morphology have been subject of unsettled discussions since Darwin’s time. Here, we examine the anatomy, cranial shape, skull biomechanics, and population genetics of the Niata. Our results show that the Niata was a viable variety of cattle and exhibited anatomical differences to known chondrodysplastic forms. In cranial shape and genetic analysis, the Niata occupies an isolated position clearly separated from other cattle. Computational biomechanical model comparison reveals that the shorter face of the Niata resulted in a restricted distribution and lower magnitude of stress during biting. Morphological and genetic data illustrate the acquisition of novelty in the domestication process and confirm the distinct nature of the Niata cattle, validating Darwin’s view that it was a true breed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Veitschegger
- Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura A B Wilson
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Beatrice Nussberger
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Glauco Camenisch
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas F Keller
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zoological Museum, University of Zurich, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Department of Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Marcelo R Sánchez-Villagra
- Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Giantin is required for coordinated production of aggrecan, link protein and type XI collagen during chondrogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 499:459-465. [PMID: 29577904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.03.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes a proper micro-environment for cell proliferation, migration and differentiation, as well as playing pivotal roles in developmental processes including endochondral ossification. Cartilage ECM is mainly composed of fibrous proteins, including collagen, proteoglycan, and hyaluronan. Because almost all ECM components are transported by intracellular vesicular transport systems, molecules that mediate vesicle transport are also important for endochondral ossification. Giantin, encoded by the Golgb1 gene, is a tethering factor for coatomer 1 (COPI) vesicles and functions in the cis-medial Golgi compartments. An insertion mutation in the Golgb1 gene, resulting in a lack of giantin protein expression, has been detected in ocd/ocd rats that exhibit a pleiotropic phenotype including osteochondrodysplasia. To reveal the function of giantin in chondrogenesis, the present study assessed the effects of loss of giantin expression on cartilage ECM and Golgi morphology. Giantin was expressed in normal, but not in ocd/ocd, chondrocytes in the epiphyseal areas of embryonic femurs, whereas GM130 was expressed in both normal and ocd/ocd chondrocytes. The staining intensities of safranin O and azan (aniline blue) were reduced and enhanced, respectively, in epiphyseal cartilage of ocd/ocd femurs. Immunostaining showed that levels of type II collagen and fibronectin were comparable in normal and ocd/ocd cartilage. Levels of type XI collagen were higher, while levels of aggrecan, link protein and hyaluronan were lower, in ocd/ocd than in normal cartilage, although semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed similar levels of type XI collagen, aggrecan and link protein mRNAs in normal and ocd/ocd cartilage. Isolated chondrocytes of ocd/ocd and normal rats showed similar immunostaining patterns for cis-, medial-, and trans-Golgi marker proteins, whereas monolayers of ocd/ocd chondrocytes showed reduced levels of aggrecan and link protein and increased level of type XI collagen in spite of similar transcripts levels. These findings suggest that giantin plays a pivotal role in coordinated production of aggrecan, link protein and type XI collagen in chondrocytes, and that loss of giantin causes osteochondrodysplasia with disturbance of these ECM components.
Collapse
|
25
|
Reinartz S, Mohwinkel H, Sürie C, Hellige M, Feige K, Eikelberg D, Beineke A, Metzger J, Distl O. Germline mutation within COL2A1 associated with lethal chondrodysplasia in a polled Holstein family. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:762. [PMID: 29017490 PMCID: PMC5633883 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4153-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The bulldog calf syndrome is a lethal form of the inherited congenital chondrodysplasias. Among the progeny of the polled Holstein bull Energy P cases of lethal chondrodysplasia were observed. Pedigrees of the cases and the frequency of 3/8 cases among the offspring of Energy P at our teaching and experimental farm Ruthe (LuFG Ruthe) supported the assumption of a germline mutation with a mosaic of normal and defective sperm. Results All three malformed calves were examined using necropsy, histopathology and computed tomography scanning. The phenotypic appearance of the affected calves was highly similar; they presented with severe disproportionate dwarfism and reduced body weight. The syndrome was characterized by brachygnathia superior, bilateral palatoschisis, shortening and compression of the body due to malformed vertebrae, in their size reduced and malformed ribs and reduced length of the long bones of the limbs. The bones had small irregular diaphyses and enlarged epiphyses. Whole genome sequencing of one bulldog calf, sperm of its sire Energy P and a normal progeny of Energy P identified a deleterious missense mutation (g.32476082G > A, c.2986G > A, ss2019324576) within COL2A1 on bovine chromosome (BTA) 5. Sanger sequencing confirmed the ss2019324576 variant in the affected calves and sperm of Energy P. This mutation is located within the collagen triple helix repeat and causes an exchange of glycine to serine (p.996G > S) in COL2A1. This private single nucleotide variant (SNV) was present as a gonadal mosaic in sperm of the bull. All affected calves were in a heterozygous state whereas normal half-siblings and all dams of the progeny from Energy P were missing this SNV. Validation in polled Holstein bulls and normal Holstein calves randomly sampled from several herds and from the LuFG Ruthe confirmed this SNV as private. Conclusions The identified spontaneous missense mutation within COL2A1 is most likely the cause of lethal chondrodysplasia in the progeny of Energy P through a dominant negative effect. This example suggests that it would be beneficial to conduct whole genome sequencing of sperm from bulls widely used in artificial insemination in order to detect germline mosaicism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-017-4153-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Reinartz
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hartmut Mohwinkel
- Teaching and Experimental Farm Ruthe, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Ruthe, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Sürie
- Teaching and Experimental Farm Ruthe, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Ruthe, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren Hellige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Deborah Eikelberg
- Institute for Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Institute for Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Metzger
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Boegheim IJM, Leegwater PAJ, van Lith HA, Back W. Current insights into the molecular genetic basis of dwarfism in livestock. Vet J 2017; 224:64-75. [PMID: 28697878 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Impairment of bone growth at a young age leads to dwarfism in adulthood. Dwarfism can be categorised as either proportionate, an overall size reduction without changes in body proportions, or disproportionate, a size reduction in one or more limbs, with changes in body proportions. Many forms of dwarfism are inherited and result from structural disruptions or disrupted signalling pathways. Hormonal disruptions are evident in Brooksville miniature Brahman cattle and Z-linked dwarfism in chickens, caused by mutations in GH1 and GHR. Furthermore, mutations in IHH are the underlying cause of creeper achondroplasia in chickens. Belgian blue cattle display proportionate dwarfism caused by a mutation in RNF11, while American Angus cattle dwarfism is caused by a mutation in PRKG2. Mutations in EVC2 are associated with dwarfism in Japanese brown cattle and Tyrolean grey cattle. Fleckvieh dwarfism is caused by mutations in the GON4L gene. Mutations in COL10A1 and COL2A1 cause dwarfism in pigs and Holstein cattle, both associated with structural disruptions, while several mutations in ACAN are associated with bulldog-type dwarfism in Dexter cattle and dwarfism in American miniature horses. In other equine breeds, such as Shetland ponies and Friesian horses, dwarfism is caused by mutations in SHOX and B4GALT7. In Texel sheep, chondrodysplasia is associated with a deletion in SLC13A1. This review discusses genes known to be involved in these and other forms of dwarfism in livestock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris J M Boegheim
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A J Leegwater
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hein A van Lith
- Division of Animal Welfare and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, NL-3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Back
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dittmer KE, Thompson KG, Hogan T. Severe generalised chondrodysplasia in miniature cattle breeds. N Z Vet J 2017; 65:282-283. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2017.1329036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- KE Dittmer
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Tennant Drive, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - KG Thompson
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Tennant Drive, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - T Hogan
- Vet Services, Dannevirke, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ciepłoch A, Rutkowska K, Oprządek J, Poławska E. Genetic disorders in beef cattle: a review. Genes Genomics 2017; 39:461-471. [PMID: 28458779 PMCID: PMC5387086 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-017-0525-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The main purpose of present review is to describe and organize autosomal recessive disorders (arachnomelia, syndactylism, osteopetrosis, dwarfism, crooked tail syndrome, muscular hyperplasia, glycogen storage disease, protoporphyria), which occur among beef cattle, and methods that can be applied to detect these defects. Prevalence of adverse alleles in beef breeds happens due to human activity—selections of favorable features, e.g. developed muscle tissue. Unfortunately, carriers of autosomal recessive diseases are often characterized by these attributes. Fast and effective identification of individuals, that may carry faulty genes, can prevent economical losses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Ciepłoch
- Department of Animal Improvement, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Karolina Rutkowska
- Department of Animal Improvement, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Jolanta Oprządek
- Department of Animal Improvement, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Ewa Poławska
- Department of Animal Improvement, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Whole-genome sequencing reveals a potential causal mutation for dwarfism in the Miniature Shetland pony. Mamm Genome 2016; 28:143-151. [DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
30
|
Catalina Cabrera L, McNabb BR, Woods SE, Cartoceti AN, Busch RC. Hydrops associated with chondrodysplasia of the fetus in a miniature Scottish Highland cow. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016; 248:552-6. [PMID: 26885599 DOI: 10.2460/javma.248.5.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A 2-year-old primiparous miniature Scottish Highland cow with an unknown breeding date was evaluated for suspected hydrops. CLINICAL FINDINGS Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonographic examination identified a large amount of hypoechoic fluid within an enlarged uterus; the fetus could not be identified. Presence of a severely distended uterus and concerns regarding associated health risks to the cow led to the decision to induce labor. Although fluids were expelled, parturition did not progress further over the following 48 hours. Vaginal examination revealed a partially dilated cervix and an abnormally shaped fetus that was too large to pass vaginally. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Supportive care was provided to the cow, and a stillborn bull calf was delivered by cesarean section. Grossly evident chondrodystrophic dwarfism with hydrocephalus, compatible with so-called bulldog calf malformations, was confirmed by diagnostic imaging and histopathologic evaluation. The cow recovered from surgery uneventfully and was discharged from the hospital the following day. Genetic analysis of DNA from hair roots collected from the sire and dam confirmed both were carriers of an aggrecan-1 gene mutation (bulldog dwarfism1) previously associated with dwarfism and bulldog calf malformations in Dexter cattle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bulldog calf malformations associated with an aggrecan-1 gene mutation in miniature Scottish Highland cattle, confirming that at least 1 genetic mutation associated with this condition is found in cattle breeds other than Dexter. The findings highlighted the clinical importance of testing for known genetic diseases in breeding cattle, particularly among miniature breeds.
Collapse
|
31
|
Gibson BG, Briggs MD. The aggrecanopathies; an evolving phenotypic spectrum of human genetic skeletal diseases. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:86. [PMID: 27353333 PMCID: PMC4924316 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0459-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The large chondroitin sulphated proteoglycan aggrecan (ACAN) is the most abundant non-collagenous protein in cartilage and is essential for its structure and function. Mutations in ACAN result in a broad phenotypic spectrum of non-lethal skeletal dysplasias including spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, familial osteochondritis dissecans and various undefined short stature syndromes associated with accelerated bone maturation. However, very little is currently known about the disease pathways that underlie these aggrecanopathies, although they are likely to be a combination of haploinsufficiency and dominant-negative (neomorphic) mechanisms. This review discusses the known human and animal aggrecanopathies in the context of clinical presentation and potential disease mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth G Gibson
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Michael D Briggs
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK. .,International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Agerholm JS, Menzi F, McEvoy FJ, Jagannathan V, Drögemüller C. Lethal chondrodysplasia in a family of Holstein cattle is associated with a de novo splice site variant of COL2A1. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:100. [PMID: 27296271 PMCID: PMC4906884 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0739-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lethal chondrodysplasia (bulldog syndrome) is a well-known congenital syndrome in cattle and occurs sporadically in many breeds. In 2015, it was noticed that about 12 % of the offspring of the phenotypically normal Danish Holstein sire VH Cadiz Captivo showed chondrodysplasia resembling previously reported bulldog calves. Pedigree analysis of affected calves did not display obvious inbreeding to a common ancestor, suggesting the causative allele was not a rare recessive. The normal phenotype of the sire suggested a dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance or a mosaic mutation. Results Three malformed calves were examined by necropsy, histopathology, radiology, and computed tomography scanning. These calves were morphologically similar and displayed severe disproportionate dwarfism and reduced body weight. The syndrome was characterized by shortening and compression of the body due to reduced length of the spine and the long bones of the limbs. The vicerocranium had severe dysplasia and palatoschisis. The bones had small irregular diaphyses and enlarged epiphyses consisting only of chondroid tissue. The sire and a total of four affected half-sib offspring and their dams were genotyped with the BovineHD SNP array to map the defect in the genome. Significant genetic linkage was obtained for several regions of the bovine genome including chromosome 5 where whole genome sequencing of an affected calf revealed a COL2A1 point mutation (g.32473300 G > A). This private sequence variant was predicted to affect splicing as it altered the conserved splice donor sequence GT at the 5’-end of COL2A1 intron 36, which was changed to AT. All five available cases carried the mutant allele in heterozygous state and all five dams were homozygous wild type. The sire VH Cadiz Captivo was shown to be a gonadal and somatic mosaic as assessed by the presence of the mutant allele at levels of about 5 % in peripheral blood and 15 % in semen. Conclusions The phenotypic and genetic findings are comparable to a previously reported COL2A1 missense mutation underlying lethal chondrodysplasia in the offspring of a mosaic French Holstein sire (Igale Masc). The identified independent spontaneous splice site variant in COL2A1 most likely caused chondrodysplasia and must have occurred during the early foetal development of the sire. This study provides a first example of a dominant COL2A1 splice site variant as candidate causal mutation of a severe lethal chondrodysplasia phenotype. Germline mosaicism is a relatively frequent mechanism in the origin of genetic disorders and explains the prevalence of a certain fraction of affected offspring. Paternal dominant de novo mutations are a risk in cattle breeding, especially because the ratio of defective offspring may be very high and be associated with significant animal welfare problems. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0739-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jørgen S Agerholm
- Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 68, Frederiksberg C, DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Fiona Menzi
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, CH-3001, Switzerland
| | - Fintan J McEvoy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 16, Frederiksberg C, DK-1870, Denmark
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, CH-3001, Switzerland
| | - Cord Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, CH-3001, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
A frameshift mutation in GON4L is associated with proportionate dwarfism in Fleckvieh cattle. Genet Sel Evol 2016; 48:25. [PMID: 27036302 PMCID: PMC4818447 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-016-0207-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low birth weight and postnatal growth restriction are the most evident symptoms of dwarfism. Accompanying skeletal aberrations may compromise the general condition and locomotion of affected individuals. Several paternal half-sibs with a low birth weight and a small size were born in 2013 in the Fleckvieh cattle population. Results Affected calves were strikingly underweight at birth in spite of a normal gestation length and had craniofacial abnormalities such as elongated narrow heads and brachygnathia inferior. In spite of a normal general condition, their growth remained restricted during rearing. We genotyped 27 affected and 10,454 unaffected animals at 44,672 single nucleotide polymorphisms and performed association tests followed by homozygosity mapping, which allowed us to map the locus responsible for growth failure to a 1.85-Mb segment on bovine chromosome 3. Analysis of whole-genome re-sequencing data from one affected and 289 unaffected animals revealed a 1-bp deletion (g.15079217delC, rs723240647) in the coding region of the GON4L gene that segregated with the dwarfism-associated haplotype. We showed that the deletion induces intron retention and premature termination of translation, which can lead to a severely truncated protein that lacks domains that are likely essential to normal protein function. The widespread use of an undetected carrier bull for artificial insemination has resulted in a tenfold increase in the frequency of the deleterious allele in the female population. Conclusions A frameshift mutation in GON4L is associated with autosomal recessive proportionate dwarfism in Fleckvieh cattle. The mutation has segregated in the population for more than 50 years without being recognized as a genetic disorder. However, the widespread use of an undetected carrier bull for artificial insemination caused a sudden accumulation of homozygous calves with dwarfism. Our findings provide the basis for genome-based mating strategies to avoid the inadvertent mating of carrier animals and thereby prevent the birth of homozygous calves with impaired growth. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12711-016-0207-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
34
|
Dittmer KE, Thompson KG. Approach to Investigating Congenital Skeletal Abnormalities in Livestock. Vet Pathol 2015; 52:851-61. [PMID: 25910781 DOI: 10.1177/0300985815579999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Congenital skeletal abnormalities may be genetic, teratogenic, or nutritional in origin; distinguishing among these different causes is essential in the management of the disease but may be challenging. In some cases, teratogenic or nutritional causes of skeletal abnormalities may appear very similar to genetic causes. For example, chondrodysplasia associated with intrauterine zinc or manganese deficiency and mild forms of hereditary chondrodysplasia have very similar clinical features and histologic lesions. Therefore, historical data are essential in any attempt to distinguish genetic and acquired causes of skeletal lesions; as many animals as possible should be examined; and samples should be collected for future analysis, such as genetic testing. Acquired causes of defects often show substantial variation in presentation and may improve with time, while genetic causes frequently have a consistent presentation. If a disease is determined to be of genetic origin, a number of approaches may be used to detect mutations, each with advantages and disadvantages. These approaches include sequencing candidate genes, single-nucleotide polymorphism array with genomewide association studies, and exome or whole genome sequencing. Despite advances in technology and increased cost-effectiveness of these techniques, a good clinical history and description of the pathology and a reliable diagnosis are still key components of any investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K E Dittmer
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K G Thompson
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
de Silva S, Weerathunga US, Pushpakumara TV. Morphometrics and behavior of a wild Asian elephant exhibiting disproportionate dwarfism. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:933. [PMID: 25522959 PMCID: PMC4320573 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dwarfism is a condition characterized by shorter stature, at times accompanied by differential skeletal growth proportions relative to the species-typical physical conformation. Causes vary and are well-documented in humans as well as certain mammalian species in captive or laboratory conditions, but rarely observed in the wild. Case presentation We report on a single case of apparent dwarfism in a free-ranging adult male Asian elephant in Sri Lanka, comparing physical dimensions to those of other males in the population as well as in previous literature. The subject M459 was found to have a shoulder height of approximately 195 cm, is shorter than the average height of typical mature males, with a body length of 218 cm. This ratio of body length to height deviates from what is typically observed, which is approximately 1:1, but was similar to the attributes of a dwarf elephant in captivity documented in 1955. We report on behavior including the surprising observation that M459 appears to have a competitive advantage in intrasexual contests. We discuss how this phenotype compares to cases of dwarfism in other non-human animals. Conclusion M459 exemplifies a rare occurrence of disproportionate dwarfism in a free-ranging wild mammal that has survived to reproductive maturity and appears otherwise healthy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shermin de Silva
- Uda Walawe Elephant Research Project, EFECT, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hedrick PW. Heterozygote Advantage: The Effect of Artificial Selection in Livestock and Pets. J Hered 2014; 106:141-54. [DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esu070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
37
|
Murgiano L, Jagannathan V, Benazzi C, Bolcato M, Brunetti B, Muscatello LV, Dittmer K, Piffer C, Gentile A, Drögemüller C. Deletion in the EVC2 gene causes chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Tyrolean Grey cattle. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94861. [PMID: 24733244 PMCID: PMC3986253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During the summer of 2013 seven Italian Tyrolean Grey calves were born with abnormally short limbs. Detailed clinical and pathological examination revealed similarities to chondrodysplastic dwarfism. Pedigree analysis showed a common founder, assuming autosomal monogenic recessive transmission of the defective allele. A positional cloning approach combining genome wide association and homozygosity mapping identified a single 1.6 Mb genomic region on BTA 6 that was associated with the disease. Whole genome re-sequencing of an affected calf revealed a single candidate causal mutation in the Ellis van Creveld syndrome 2 (EVC2) gene. This gene is known to be associated with chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Japanese Brown cattle, and dwarfism, abnormal nails and teeth, and dysostosis in humans with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of a 2 bp deletion in exon 19 (c.2993_2994ACdel) that led to a premature stop codon in the coding sequence of bovine EVC2, and was concordant with the recessive pattern of inheritance in affected and carrier animals. This loss of function mutation confirms the important role of EVC2 in bone development. Genetic testing can now be used to eliminate this form of chondrodysplastic dwarfism from Tyrolean Grey cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Murgiano
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cinzia Benazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Marilena Bolcato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Barbara Brunetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Luisa Vera Muscatello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Keren Dittmer
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Christian Piffer
- Servizio Veterinario dell'Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige, Bozen, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Cord Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kemper KE, Visscher PM, Goddard ME. Genetic architecture of body size in mammals. Genome Biol 2013; 13:244. [PMID: 22546202 DOI: 10.1186/gb4016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of the heritability for human stature is caused by mutations of small-to-medium effect. This is because detrimental pleiotropy restricts large-effect mutations to very low frequencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Kemper
- Faculty of Land and Environment, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Much of the heritability for human stature is caused by mutations of small-to-medium effect. This is because detrimental pleiotropy restricts large-effect mutations to very low frequencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Kemper
- Faculty of Land and Environment, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
The aggregating proteoglycans of the lectican family are important components of extracellular matrices. Aggrecan is the most well studied of these and is central to cartilage biomechanical properties and skeletal development. Key to its biological function is the fixed charge of the many glycosaminoglycan chains, that provide the basis for the viscoelastic properties necessary for load distribution over the articular surface. This review is focused on the globular domains of aggrecan and their role in anchoring the proteoglycans to other extracellular matrix components. The N-terminal G1 domain is vital in that it binds the proteoglycan to hyaluronan in ternary complex with link protein, retaining the proteoglycan in the tissue. The importance of the C-terminal G3 domain interactions has recently been emphasized by two different human hereditary disorders: autosomal recessive aggrecan-type spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia and autosomal dominant familial osteochondritis dissecans. In these two conditions, different missense mutations in the aggrecan C-type lectin repeat have been described. The resulting amino acid replacements affect the ligand interactions of the G3 domain, albeit with widely different phenotypic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Aspberg
- Department of Biology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Adkins RM, Tylavsky FA, Krushkal J. Newborn umbilical cord blood DNA methylation and gene expression levels exhibit limited association with birth weight. Chem Biodivers 2012; 9:888-99. [PMID: 22589090 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201100395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Most cases of fetal growth retardation are unexplained. These newborns are at high risk of serious illness or death in the neonatal period and exhibit significantly increased risk of specific chronic illnesses later in life. While there are several hypotheses to explain the well-established association between low birth weight and later risk of disease, the true etiology is unknown. To search for molecular patterns that may explain the biological basis for reduced fetal growth in a clinically normal cohort, and possibly provide clues for the lifelong increased risk of disease, we surveyed genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression patterns in the umbilical cord blood of newborns born in Shelby County, TN. While we did not find genome-wide significant associations of birth weight with either leukocytic gene expression or DNA methylation, we did find suggestive associations in several genes with known effects on pre- or postnatal growth and health. As with previous molecular epidemiological studies of birth weight, we did not sample the most biologically relevant tissues in the newborn. However, our discovery of biologically plausible associations in a peripheral tissue suggests that further studies of tissues key to fetal growth regulation are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald M Adkins
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ferreira CR, Burgstaller JP, Perecin F, Garcia JM, Chiaratti MR, Méo SC, Müller M, Smith LC, Meirelles FV, Steinborn R. Pronounced Segregation of Donor Mitochondria Introduced by Bovine Ooplasmic Transfer to the Female Germ-Line1. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:563-71. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.080564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
43
|
Stattin EL, Wiklund F, Lindblom K, Önnerfjord P, Jonsson BA, Tegner Y, Sasaki T, Struglics A, Lohmander S, Dahl N, Heinegård D, Aspberg A. A missense mutation in the aggrecan C-type lectin domain disrupts extracellular matrix interactions and causes dominant familial osteochondritis dissecans. Am J Hum Genet 2010; 86:126-37. [PMID: 20137779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2009.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteochondritis dissecans is a disorder in which fragments of articular cartilage and subchondral bone dislodge from the joint surface. We analyzed a five-generation family in which affected members had autosomal-dominant familial osteochondritis dissecans. A genome-wide linkage analysis identified aggrecan (ACAN) as a prime candidate gene for the disorder. Sequence analysis of ACAN revealed heterozygosity for a missense mutation (c.6907G > A) in affected individuals, resulting in a p.V2303M amino acid substitution in the aggrecan G3 domain C-type lectin, which mediates interactions with other proteins in the cartilage extracellular matrix. Binding studies with recombinant mutated and wild-type G3 proteins showed loss of fibulin-1, fibulin-2, and tenascin-R interactions for the V2303M protein. Mass spectrometric analyses of aggrecan purified from patient cartilage verified that V2303M aggrecan is produced and present in the tissue. Our results provide a molecular mechanism for the etiology of familial osteochondritis dissecans and show the importance of the aggrecan C-type lectin interactions for cartilage function in vivo.
Collapse
|
44
|
A nonsense mutation in cGMP-dependent type II protein kinase (PRKG2) causes dwarfism in American Angus cattle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:19250-5. [PMID: 19887637 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0904513106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, dwarfism was the major genetic defect in U.S. beef cattle. Aggressive culling and sire testing were used to minimize its prevalence; however, neither of these practices can eliminate a recessive genetic defect. We assembled a 4-generation pedigree to identify the mutation underlying dwarfism in American Angus cattle. An adaptation of the Elston-Steward algorithm was used to overcome small pedigree size and missing genotypes. The dwarfism locus was fine-mapped to BTA6 between markers AFR227 and BM4311. Four candidate genes were sequenced, revealing a nonsense mutation in exon 15 of cGMP-dependant type II protein kinase (PRKG2). This C/T transition introduced a stop codon (R678X) that truncated 85 C-terminal amino acids, including a large portion of the kinase domain. Of the 75 mutations discovered in this region, only this mutation was 100% concordant with the recessive pattern of inheritance in affected and carrier individuals (log of odds score = 6.63). Previous research has shown that PRKG2 regulates SRY (sex-determining region Y) box 9 (SOX9)-mediated transcription of collagen 2 (COL2). We evaluated the ability of wild-type (WT) or R678X PRKG2 to regulate COL2 expression in cell culture. Real-time PCR results confirmed that COL2 is overexpressed in cells that overexpressed R678X PRKG2 as compared with WT PRKG2. Furthermore, COL2 and COL10 mRNA expression was increased in dwarf cattle compared with unaffected cattle. These experiments indicate that the R678X mutation is functional, resulting in a loss of PRKG2 regulation of COL2 and COL10 mRNA expression. Therefore, we present PRKG2 R678X as a causative mutation for dwarfism cattle.
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Inherited disorders are of major importance in Holstein-Friesian cattle, a breed that now dominates the global dairy industry. Recent developments in the breed reflect intensive selection programs for production traits, identifying elite sires whose genotypes are rapidly spread worldwide through the use of breeding programs involving advanced reproductive technologies. These elite sires carry mutations responsible for disease. Consequently, the mating of descendants of an elite sire (as with any sire) substantially increases the risk of producing defective progeny. The important inherited disorder citrullinaemia was disseminated globally in the 1970s and first reported in Australian Holstein-Friesians. However, a range of inherited disorders more recently recognised internationally in this breed have remained unreported in Australia, although recent genotyping studies suggest they have probably occurred. A survey of these disorders suggests a decline in surveillance for such diseases in Australia. Clinical and pathological descriptions are presented to enable practitioners and producers to recognise and report these disorders, and a proposal is advanced to establish a health program to manage this issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pa Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kannu P, Bateman JF, Belluoccio D, Fosang AJ, Savarirayan R. Employing molecular genetics of chondrodysplasias to inform the study of osteoarthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 60:325-34. [PMID: 19180483 DOI: 10.1002/art.24251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kannu
- University of Melbourne, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, and Genetic Health Services Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tompson SW, Merriman B, Funari VA, Fresquet M, Lachman RS, Rimoin DL, Nelson SF, Briggs MD, Cohn DH, Krakow D. A recessive skeletal dysplasia, SEMD aggrecan type, results from a missense mutation affecting the C-type lectin domain of aggrecan. Am J Hum Genet 2009; 84:72-9. [PMID: 19110214 PMCID: PMC2668039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2008.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2008] [Revised: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysis of a nuclear family with three affected offspring identified an autosomal-recessive form of spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia characterized by severe short stature and a unique constellation of radiographic findings. Homozygosity for a haplotype that was identical by descent between two of the affected individuals identified a locus for the disease gene within a 17.4 Mb interval on chromosome 15, a region containing 296 genes. These genes were assessed and ranked by cartilage selectivity with whole-genome microarray data, revealing only two genes, encoding aggrecan and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4, that were selectively expressed in cartilage. Sequence analysis of aggrecan complementary DNA from an affected individual revealed homozygosity for a missense mutation (c.6799G --> A) that predicts a p.D2267N amino acid substitution in the C-type lectin domain within the G3 domain of aggrecan. The D2267 residue is predicted to coordinate binding of a calcium ion, which influences the conformational binding loops of the C-type lectin domain that mediate interactions with tenascins and other extracellular-matrix proteins. Expression of the normal and mutant G3 domains in mammalian cells showed that the mutation created a functional N-glycosylation site but did not adversely affect protein trafficking and secretion. Surface-plasmon-resonance studies showed that the mutation influenced the binding and kinetics of the interactions between the aggrecan G3 domain and tenascin-C. These findings identify an autosomal-recessive skeletal dysplasia and a significant role for the aggrecan C-type lectin domain in regulating endochondral ossification and, thereby, height.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart W. Tompson
- Medical Genetics Institute, Steven Spielberg Building, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8723 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Barry Merriman
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Vincent A. Funari
- Medical Genetics Institute, Steven Spielberg Building, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8723 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Maryline Fresquet
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Ralph S. Lachman
- Medical Genetics Institute, Steven Spielberg Building, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8723 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David L. Rimoin
- Medical Genetics Institute, Steven Spielberg Building, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8723 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stanley F. Nelson
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael D. Briggs
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Daniel H. Cohn
- Medical Genetics Institute, Steven Spielberg Building, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8723 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Deborah Krakow
- Medical Genetics Institute, Steven Spielberg Building, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8723 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
|
49
|
Agerholm JS. Inherited disorders of ruminants: the sheep as a model of disease in humans. Vet J 2008; 177:305-6. [PMID: 18294882 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|