1
|
Bugno-Poniewierska M, Jankowska M, Raudsepp T, Kowalska K, Pawlina-Tyszko K, Szmatola T. Molecular cytogenetic screening of sex chromosome abnormalities in young horse populations. Equine Vet J 2024. [PMID: 38785417 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal abnormalities occur in the equine population at a rate of approximately 2%. The use of molecular cytogenetic techniques allows a more accurate identification of chromosomal abnormalities, especially those with a low rate of abnormal metaphases, demonstrating that the actual incidence in equine populations is higher. OBJECTIVES Estimation of the number of carriers of karyotypic abnormalities in a sample from a population of young horses of various breeds, using molecular cytogenetic techniques. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS Venous blood samples were collected from 500 young horses representing 5 breeds (Purebred Arabian, Hucul, Polish primitive horse [Konik], Małopolska, Coldblood, Silesian). Chromosomes and DNA were obtained from blood lymphocytes and evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and PCR, using probes and markers for the sex chromosomes and select autosomes. RESULTS Nineteen horses, 18 mares and 1 stallion, were diagnosed with different chromosomal abnormalities: 17 cases of mosaic forms of sex chromosome aneuploidies with a very low incidence (0.6%-4.7%), one case of a SRY-negative 64,XY sex reversal mare, and one mare with X-autosome translocation. The percentage of sex chromosomal aberrations was established as 3.8% in the whole population, 6.08% in females and 0.49% in males. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited sample size, confined to horses from Poland. CONCLUSIONS The rate of sex chromosomal abnormalities we identified was almost double that reported in previous population studies that used classical chromosome staining techniques. FISH allowed the detection of aneuploid cell lines which had a very low incidence. The FISH technique is a faster and more precise method for karyotype examination; however, it is usually focused on only one or two chromosomes while banding karyotyping includes the entire chromosome set.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Bugno-Poniewierska
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Jankowska
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kowalska
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
| | - Klaudia Pawlina-Tyszko
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szmatola
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
- Centre of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cieslak J, Mackowski M, Skrzetuska W, Fidos-Tama E, Siwinska N, Szczerbal I. A case of non-mosaic X trisomy (65,XXX) in a Thoroughbred mare confirmed by cytogenetic and molecular analysis. J Appl Genet 2024; 65:395-398. [PMID: 38368284 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
A 9-year-old Thoroughbred mare with normal external genitalia and regular oestrus symptoms was gynecologically examined prior to insemination. This primary examination revealed the presence of a hypoplastic uterus and the lack of normal ovaries, and the mare was therefore subjected to more detailed diagnostics, including endocrinological, genetic, and clinical tests. Diagnostic imaging with the use of ultrasonography and endoscopy confirmed the underdevelopment of internal genitalia. Analysis of circulating sex hormones revealed very low concentrations of progesterone and oestradiol. Finally, cytogenetic analysis showed the presence of non-mosaic X trisomy (65,XXX), an aneuploidy of sex chromosomes that is rarely detected in horses. This finding was also confirmed by molecular methods, including highly sensitive droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and microsatellite markers genotyping. Our study reveals the need for gynaecological and genetic evaluation of broodmares, even if their phenotype (including developed external genitalia and oestrus symptoms) shows no signs of potential abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Cieslak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Mackowski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | - Weronika Skrzetuska
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Natalia Siwinska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Izabela Szczerbal
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Prevalence of Sex-Related Chromosomal Abnormalities in a Large Cohort of Spanish Purebred Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030539. [PMID: 36766428 PMCID: PMC9913619 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal abnormalities are largely associated with fertility impairments in the domestic horse. To date, over 600 cases of individuals carrying abnormal chromosome complements have been reported, making the domestic horse the species with the highest prevalence. However, studies analyzing the prevalence of chromosomal diseases in whole populations are scarce. We, therefore, employed a two-step molecular tool to screen and diagnose chromosomal abnormalities in a large population of 25,237 Pura Raza Español horses. Individuals were first screened using short tandem repeats parentage testing results and phenotypic evaluations. Those animals showing results suggesting chromosomal abnormalities were re-tested using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based diagnostic methodology to accurately determine the chromosomal complements. Thirteen individuals showed a positive screening, all of which were diagnosed as chromosomally abnormal, including five 64,XY mares with sex development disorders (DSD) and four cases of blood chimerism (two male/female and two female/female cases). In addition, we detected one Turner and one Klinefelter syndrome and two individuals carrying complex karyotypes. The overall prevalence in the entire population was ~0.05%, with the prevalence of 64,XY DSD and blood chimerism ~0.02% and ~0.016%, respectively. However, the overall results should be taken with caution since the individuals carrying Turner syndrome (in full (63,X) or mosaic (mos 63,X/64,XX) forms) cannot be detected due to limitations in the methodology employed. Finally, the lack of agreement between populational studies performed using karyotyping or molecular methods is discussed. To our knowledge, this is the largest populational study performed evaluating the prevalence of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in the domestic horse.
Collapse
|
4
|
Arroyo E, Patiño C, Ciccarelli M, Raudsepp T, Conley A, Tibary A. Clinical and Histological Features of Ovarian Hypoplasia/Dysgenesis in Alpacas. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:837684. [PMID: 35400100 PMCID: PMC8990812 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.837684] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpacas have a high incidence of congenital reproductive tract abnormalities, including ovarian hypoplasia/dysgenesis. Diagnosis of this condition is often challenging. The present study describes the clinical, ultrasonographic, and histologic features of ovarian hypoplasia/dysgenesis syndrome in 5 female alpacas. Additionally, serum AMH levels were compared between female alpacas diagnosed with ovarian hypoplasia/dysgenesis and a group of reproductively sound females (n = 11). The syndrome was suspected based on the presence of an infantile uterus and lack of ovaries by ultrasonography and laparoscopy. All females had normal female karyotype (n = 74 XX), but one presented a minute chromosome. The ovaries from these cases showed 3 main histological classifications: hypoplasia (n = 2), dysgenesis (n = 2), and dysplasia (n = 1). Serum AMH levels in affected females were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of reproductively sound control females. In conclusion, Serum AMH level may be helpful in the rapid diagnosis of ovarian hypoplasia/dysgenesis syndrome in alpacas. Furthermore, this syndrome in alpacas presents a variety of histological features. Different mechanisms may be involved in the derangement of ovarian differentiation. Further studies are needed to elucidate the causes of the syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Arroyo
- Comparative Theriogenology Section, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Cristian Patiño
- Comparative Theriogenology Section, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Michela Ciccarelli
- Comparative Theriogenology Section, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Alan Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ahmed Tibary
- Comparative Theriogenology Section, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Ahmed Tibary
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pirosanto Y, Laseca N, Valera M, Molina A, Moreno-Millán M, Bugno-Poniewierska M, Ross P, Azor P, Demyda-Peyrás S. Screening and detection of chromosomal copy number alterations in the domestic horse using SNP-array genotyping data. Anim Genet 2021; 52:431-439. [PMID: 34013628 DOI: 10.1111/age.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of infertility in horses. However, they are difficult to detect using automated methods. Here, we propose a simple methodology based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-array data that allows us to detect the main chromosomal abnormalities in horses in a single procedure. As proof of concept, we were able to detect chromosomal abnormalities in 33 out of 268 individuals, including monosomies, chimerisms, and male and female sex-reversions, by analyzing the raw signal intensity produced by an SNP array-based genotyping platform. We also demonstrated that the procedure is not affected by the SNP density of the array employed or by the inbreeding level of the individuals. Finally, the methodology proposed in this study could be performed in an open bioinformatic environment, thus permitting its integration as a flexible screening tool in diagnostic laboratories and genomic breeding programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Pirosanto
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118 s/n, La Plata, 1900, Argentina.,IGEVET (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP, Calle 60 y 118 s/n, La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - N Laseca
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Genético Veterinario, Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, CN IV KM 396, Edificio Gregor Mendel, Campus Rabanales, Córdoba, 14071, España
| | - M Valera
- Departamento de Agronomía, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Universidad de Sevilla, Ctra. de Utrera km 1, Sevilla, 41013, España
| | - A Molina
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Genético Veterinario, Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, CN IV KM 396, Edificio Gregor Mendel, Campus Rabanales, Córdoba, 14071, España
| | - M Moreno-Millán
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Genético Veterinario, Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, CN IV KM 396, Edificio Gregor Mendel, Campus Rabanales, Córdoba, 14071, España
| | - M Bugno-Poniewierska
- Katedra Rozrodu, Anatomii i Genomiki Zwierząt Wydział Hodowli i Biologii Zwierząt, Uniwersytet Rolniczy im. Hugona Kołłątaja w Krakowie, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | - P Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - P Azor
- Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española (ANCCE), Edif. Indotorre · Avda. del Reino Unido 11, pl. 3ª 2, Sevilla, 41012, España
| | - S Demyda-Peyrás
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118 s/n, La Plata, 1900, Argentina.,IGEVET (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP, Calle 60 y 118 s/n, La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nowacka-Woszuk J, Mackowski M, Stefaniuk-Szmukier M, Cieslak J. The equine graying with age mutation of the STX17 gene: A copy number study using droplet digital PCR reveals a new pattern. Anim Genet 2021; 52:223-227. [PMID: 33550611 DOI: 10.1111/age.13044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The equine graying with age causative mutation in the syntaxin-17 gene (STX17) has been known for over a decade, but proper genotyping of this variant remains challenging due to its molecular character (4.6-kb tandem duplication). Precise information on gray mutation status is important for horse breeders and veterinarians, since gray homozygous horses are more prone to developing aggressive melanoma tumors than heterozygotes. Since recent studies have confirmed that droplet digital PCR is a valuable technique for copy number analysis, we decided to investigate whether this method can be used for accurate genotyping of the horse graying-related variant and established the copy numbers of the 4.6-kb fragment in the available cohort (n = 75) of gray and nongray horses of various breeds. Surprisingly, we found that our STX17 genotype results varied from what has been previously published, suggesting that gray phenotype is associated with the presence of six (GG) or four (Gg) copies of studied region. All the examined nongray horses (gg) have the two copies of these fragments. This new pattern and its inheritance were also confirmed by an analysis conducted for the Polish Warmblood horse family. We noted no further copy number variation in the entire tested samples set. Our study confirmed the usefulness and accuracy of droplet digital PCR for genotyping STX17 gene variant. Further studies on a broader range of materials are needed to fully understand the origin and molecular structure of the graying causative mutation in the horse STX17.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| | - M Mackowski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland.,Horse Genetic Markers Laboratory, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| | - M Stefaniuk-Szmukier
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | - J Cieslak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Laseca N, Anaya G, Peña Z, Pirosanto Y, Molina A, Demyda Peyrás S. Impaired Reproductive Function in Equines: From Genetics to Genomics. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:393. [PMID: 33546520 PMCID: PMC7913728 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility is one of the key factors in the economic and productive success of the equine industry. Despite this, studies on the genetic causes affecting reproductive performance are scarce, especially in mares, where the genetic architecture of the reproductive traits is extremely complex. Today, with the increasing availability of new genomic methodologies for this species, we are presented with an interesting opportunity to understand the genetic basis of equine reproductive disorders. These include, among others, novel techniques for detecting chromosomal abnormalities, whose association with infertility in horses was established over 50 years ago; new sequencing technologies permitting an accurate detection of point mutations influencing fertility, as well as the study of inbreeding and molecular homozygosity, which has been widely suggested as one of the main causes of low reproductive performance in horses. Finally, over the last few years, reproductive performance has also been associated with copy number variants and candidate genes detected by genome-wide association studies on fertility traits. However, such studies are still scarce, probably because they depend on the existence of large and accurate phenotypic datasets of reproductive and/or fertility traits, which are still difficult to obtain in equines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Laseca
- Departamento de genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales Ctra, Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (N.L.); (G.A.); (Z.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Gabriel Anaya
- Departamento de genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales Ctra, Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (N.L.); (G.A.); (Z.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Zahira Peña
- Departamento de genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales Ctra, Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (N.L.); (G.A.); (Z.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Yamila Pirosanto
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina;
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), CCT-La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Antonio Molina
- Departamento de genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales Ctra, Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (N.L.); (G.A.); (Z.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Sebastián Demyda Peyrás
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina;
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), CCT-La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hahn K, Conze TM, Wollanke B, Distl O, Goehring LS, Witte TS. Urogenital Hypoplasia and X Chromosome Monosomy in a Draft Horse Filly. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 96:103318. [PMID: 33349405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A 5-month-old draft horse filly was presented with incontinence and severe perivulvar dermatitis, which developed during the previous 2 months. Left-sided ectopic ureter entering in the caudal vaginal lumen, signs of cervix hypoplasia, and urine accumulation in the uterus were found during initial vaginal endoscopy. Therefore, a left ureter-nephrectomy was conducted under general anesthesia. Additionally, a cytogenetic examination was performed, which showed a XO monosomy with a 63,X/64,XX mosaic. This is the first case report presenting a chromosome abnormality in a draft horse filly combined with a left-sided ectopic ureter. Cytogenetic evaluation is recommended in any female horse with developmental abnormalities of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or with irregularities of estrus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Hahn
- Equine Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Theresa M Conze
- Equine Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lutz S Goehring
- Equine Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja S Witte
- Equine Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tonekaboni FR, Narenjisani R, Staji H, Ahmadi-Hamedani M. Comparison of Cell-Free Fetal DNA Plasma Content Used to Sex Determination Between Three Trimesters of Pregnancy in Torkaman Pregnant Mare. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 95:103273. [PMID: 33276922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This investigation aimed to compare the cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) plasma present in three trimesters of pregnancy in Torkaman pregnant mare. Peripheral blood samples of 32 pregnant mares in three trimesters of pregnancy were collected in tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid at three time points. Circulating cffDNA was extracted from 3 mL of maternal plasma. Using outer and inner primers, a conventional polymerase chain reaction was performed for the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene present in the Y chromosome. Of the total 32 Torkaman pregnant mares, 24 were carrying male fetuses and eight were carrying female fetuses. In total, the accuracy of the test was 48.75%, 68.75%, and 75% in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. The sensitivities were 25%, 58.32%, and 66.66%, respectively, whereas their specificities were 100% in all trimesters. In conclusion, the SRY gene can permit the detection of equine fetal sex with good accuracy through cffDNA analysis in maternal plasma just in the third trimester of pregnancy, although specificity in all duration of pregnancy was 100%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Narenjisani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Hamid Staji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mahmood Ahmadi-Hamedani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|