Contribution to the comparative map between humans and pigs

Molecular characterization, expression and mapping of porcine LMP2 and MECL-1 genes

Low molecular mass polypeptides 2 (LMP2) and Multicatalytic endopeptidase complex subunit (MECL-1) are two of three catalytic beta-type subunits of the 20s proteasome and upon interferon gamma-induction. LMP2 is critical for the production of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I ligand and T-lymphocytes. The LMP2 gene is located in the MHC region, but MECL-1 is located outside the MHC region. They are involved in the antigen presentation and are important candidate genes for an initial exploration of relationships between the antigen processing genes and disease resistance. In this report, the porcine LMP2 and MECL-1 cDNA were cloned and A 5099 bp LMP2 genomic DNA structure was identified, then two single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the exon2 and exon5 of LMP2 gene in 367 individuals. The LMP2 and MECL-1 genes putative protein included 219,274 amino acids, respectively. Alignment and phylogenetic of predicted porcine LMP2 and MECL-1 amino acid sequence with their homologies were analyzed. Tissues expression of LMP2 and MECL-1 mRNA were observed by real time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) method, the results revealed MECL-1 expressed widely in all tissues, but LMP2 was not detected in muscle. The porcine MECL-1 gene was mapped to chromosome 6, closely linked to microsatellite SW1108 (LOD = 4.09, 84cR) by radiation hybrid panel.

Genome-wide linkage analysis of inguinal hernia in pigs using affected sib pairs

BACKGROUND

Inguinal and scrotal hernias are of great concern to pig producers, and lead to poor animal welfare and severe economic loss. Selection against these conditions is highly preferable, but at this time no gene, Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL), or mode of inheritance has been identified in pigs or in any other species. Therefore, a complete genome scan was performed in order to identify genomic regions affecting inguinal and scrotal hernias in pigs. Records from seedstock breeding farms were collected. No clinical examinations were executed on the pigs and there was therefore no distinction between inguinal and scrotal hernias. The genome scan utilised affected sib pairs (ASP), and the data was analysed using both an ASP test based on Non-parametric Linkage (NPL) analysis, and a Transmission Disequilibrium Test (TDT).

RESULTS

Significant QTLs (p < 0.01) were detected on 8 out of 19 porcine chromosomes. The most promising QTLs, however, were detected in SSC1, SSC2, SSC5, SSC6, SSC15, SSC17 and SSCX; all of these regions showed either statistical significance with both statistical methods, or convincing significance with one of the methods. Haplotypes from these suggestive QTL regions were constructed and analysed with TDT. Of these, six different haplotypes were found to be differently transmitted (p < 0.01) to healthy and affected pigs. The most interesting result was one haplotype on SSC5 that was found to be transmitted to hernia pigs with four times higher frequency than to healthy pigs (p < 0.00005).

CONCLUSION

For the first time in any species, a genome scan has revealed suggestive QTLs for inguinal and scrotal hernias. While this study permitted the detection of chromosomal regions only, it is interesting to note that several promising candidate genes, including INSL3, MIS, and CGRP, are located within the highly significant QTL regions. Further studies are required in order to narrow down the suggestive QTL regions, investigate the candidate genes, and to confirm the suggestive QTLs in other populations. The haplotype associated with inguinal and scrotal hernias may help in achieving selection against the disorder.