p28, a first in class peptide inhibitor of cop1 binding to p53

BACKGROUND

A 28 amino-acid (aa) cell-penetrating peptide (p28) derived from azurin, a redox protein secreted from the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, produces a post-translational increase in p53 in cancer cells by inhibiting its ubiquitination.

METHODS

In silico computational simulations were used to predict motifs within the p53 DNA-binding domain (DBD) as potential sites for p28 binding. In vitro direct and competitive pull-down studies as well as western blot and RT-PCR analyses were used to validate predictions.

RESULTS

The L1 loop (aa 112-124), a region within the S7-S8 loop (aa 214-236) and T140, P142, Q144, W146, R282 and L289 of the p53DBD were identified as potential sites for p28 binding. p28 decreased the level of the E3 ligase COP1 >80%, in p53wt and p53mut cells with no decrease in COP1 in p53dom/neg or p53null cells. Brief increases in the expression of the E3 ligases, TOPORS, Pirh2 and HDM2 (human double minute 2) in p53wt and p53mut cells were in response to sustained increases in p53.

CONCLUSION

These data identify the specific motifs within the DBD of p53 that bind p28 and suggest that p28 inhibition of COP1 binding results in the sustained, post-translational increase in p53 levels and subsequent inhibition of cancer cell growth independent of an HDM2 pathway.

A first-in-class, first-in-human, phase I trial of p28, a non-HDM2-mediated peptide inhibitor of p53 ubiquitination in patients with advanced solid tumours

Background:

This first-in-human, phase I clinical trial of p28 (NSC745104), a 28-amino-acid fragment of the cupredoxin azurin, investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary activity of p28 in patients with p53⁺ metastatic solid tumours.

Methods:

A total of 15 patients were administered p28 i.v. as a short infusion three times per week for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week rest under an accelerated titration 3+3 dose escalation design until either a grade 3-related adverse event occurred or the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached. Single-dose and steady-state serum pharmacokinetics were characterised. Assessments included toxicity, best objective response by RECIST 1.1 Criteria, and overall survival.

Results:

No patients exhibited any dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), significant adverse events or exhibited an immune response (IgG) to the peptide. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and MTD were not reached. Seven patients demonstrated stable disease for 7–61 weeks, three a partial response for 44–125 weeks, and one a complete response for 139 weeks. Three patients are still alive at 158, 140, and 110 weeks post therapy completion.

Conclusion:

p28 was tolerated with no significant adverse events. An MTD was not reached. Evidence of anti-tumour activity indicates a highly favourable therapeutic index and demonstrates proof of concept for this new class of non-HDM2-mediated peptide inhibitors of p53 ubiquitination.

A high-resolution comparative map of porcine chromosome 4 (SSC4)

We used the IMNpRH2(12,000-rad) RH and IMpRH(7,000-rad) panels to integrate 2019 transcriptome (RNA-seq)-generated contigs with markers from the porcine genetic and radiation hybrid (RH) maps and bacterial artificial chromosome finger-printed contigs, into 1) parallel framework maps (LOD ≥ 10) on both panels for swine chromosome (SSC) 4, and 2) a high-resolution comparative map of SSC4, thus and human chromosomes (HSA) 1 and 8. A total of 573 loci were anchored and ordered on SSC4 closing gaps identified in the porcine sequence assembly Sscrofa9. Alignment of the SSC4 RH with the genetic map identified five microsatellites incorrectly mapped around the centromeric region in the genetic map. Further alignment of the RH and comparative maps with the genome sequence identified four additional regions of discrepancy that are also suggestive of errors in assembly, three of which were resolved through conserved synteny with blocks on HSA1 and HSA8.

Role of selection and inbreeding on the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Sinclair swine

This paper reports the quantitative analysis of the historical database of a herd of Sinclair swine affected by cutaneous malignant melanoma. The herd was under partial and non-systematic selection for melanoma susceptibility (animals having at least one tumour during the first 6 weeks of life). Weighted selection differentials for the number of tumours at birth and the number of tumours at 6 weeks were generally positive and between -0.43 and 4.76 tumours for the number of tumours at 6 weeks. Estimates of the heritability for number of tumours at birth and at 6 weeks using 1934 animals were 0.27 (+/-0.03) and 0.25 (+/-0.03), respectively. The estimate of the genetic correlation between these two traits was 0.95 (+/-0.03). Genetic trends were positive for the number of tumours at birth and at 6 weeks. In spite of positive selection differentials and a moderate heritability, there was a negative phenotypic trend in the number of tumours. Natural selection might be acting in a direction opposite to artificial selection in the Sinclair herd. The slopes of the regression of the number of tumours at birth, at 6 weeks, and melanoma susceptibility on individual inbreeding coefficients were non-significant, indicating no evidence of dominance. The number of live-born pigs was lower in litters from parents susceptible to the disease (p < 0.01).

The sequence of porcine alpha s1-casein cDNA: evidence for protein variants generated by altered RNA splicing

A cDNA library was constructed from mRNA isolated from lactating porcine mammary gland and screened with a bovine alpha s1-casein cDNA clone. Three classes of cDNA isolated varied in the number of bases within the coding region. The full length porcine alpha s1-casein cDNA is 1124bp and codes a preprotein of 206 amino acids. The other two classes of alpha s1-casein cDNA lacked 18bp and 60bp respectively when compared to the 1124-bp cDNA sequence. PCR amplification confirmed the presence of these sequences in total RNA. These differences appear to be due to altered RNA splicing.

Sequence of porcine beta-lactoglobulin cDNA

cDNAs encoding porcine beta-lactoglobulin were isolated and sequenced. The porcine beta-lactoglobulin cDNA is 768bp in length and encodes a pre-protein of 178 amino acids. One additional cDNA clone was found to encode an additional amino acid (lysine) in the mature protein.

Cloning and sequencing of the porcine kappa-casein cDNA

cDNA clones encoding porcine kappa-casein were isolated and sequenced. The porcine kappa-casein cDNA is 851 bp in length and encodes a preprotein of 188 amino acids.

The swine leucocyte antigen (SLA) complex and Sinclair swine cutaneous malignant melanoma

Cutaneous malignant melanoma of Sinclair swine (SSCM) is an inherited neoplasm present at birth in a majority of affected animals. We have characterized the swine leucocyte antigen (SLA) complex of the Sinclair herd at Texas A & M University using a one-way mixed lymphocyte test and found that one particular haplotype, arbitrarily identified as haplotype B, is associated with the expression of SSCM. Only a single dose of the B haplotype is required for a dominant allele at a 'tumour initiator' locus to be fully penetrant. In addition, swine homozygous for haplotype B develop more primary tumours between birth and weaning than those heterozygous for the B haplotype. Taken together, these findings indicate that tumour initiation, in utero, and expression between birth and weaning may involve different mechanisms.

The sequence of porcine beta-casein cDNA

Porcine cDNAs clones encoding beta-casein were isolated and sequenced. The porcine beta-casein cDNA is 1100bp in length, excluding the poly(A) tail, and encodes a preprotein of 232 amino acids.

Cloning and sequencing of the porcine lactoferrin cDNA

cDNA clones encoding the entire porcine lactoferrin protein were isolated and sequenced. The porcine lactoferrin cDNA sequence presented here is 2259bp in length and encodes a leader peptide of 19 amino acids and a mature protein of 684 amino acids. Comparisons with other lactoferrins indicate a single glycosylation site. The iron- and anion-binding sites, and the cysteine residues involved in disulphide bonds, are conserved between the lactoferrin proteins.

High-resolution comprehensive radiation hybrid maps of the porcine chromosomes 2p and 9p compared with the human chromosome 11

We are constructing high-resolution, chromosomal 'test' maps for the entire pig genome using a 12,000-rad WG-RH panel (IMNpRH2(12,000-rad))to provide a scaffold for the rapid assembly of the porcine genome sequence. Here we present an initial, comparative map of human chromosome (HSA) 11 with pig chromosomes (SSC) 2p and 9p. Two sets of RH mapping vectors were used to construct the RH framework (FW) maps for SSC2p and SSC9p. One set of 590 markers, including 131 microsatellites (MSs), 364 genes/ESTs, and 95 BAC end sequences (BESs) was typed on the IMNpRH2(12,000-rad) panel. A second set of 271 markers (28 MSs, 138 genes/ESTs, and 105 BESs) was typed on the IMpRH(7,000-rad) panel. The two data sets were merged into a single data-set of 655 markers of which 206 markers were typed on both panels. Two large linkage groups of 72 and 194 markers were assigned to SSC2p, and two linkage groups of 84 and 168 markers to SSC9p at a two-point LOD score of 10. A total of 126 and 114 FW markers were ordered with a likelihood ratio of 1000:1 to the SSC2p and SSC9p RH(12,000-rad) FW maps, respectively, with an accumulated map distance of 4046.5 cR(12,000 )and 1355.2 cR(7,000 )for SSC2p, and 4244.1 cR(12,000) and 1802.5 cR(7,000) for SSC9p. The kb/cR ratio in the IMNpRH2(12,000-rad) FW maps was 15.8 for SSC2p, and 15.4 for SSC9p, while the ratio in the IMpRH(7,000-rad) FW maps was 47.1 and 36.3, respectively, or an approximately 3.0-fold increase in map resolution in the IMNpRH(12,000-rad) panel over the IMpRH(7,000-rad) panel. The integrated IMNpRH(12,000-rad) andIMpRH(7,000-rad) maps as well as the genetic and BAC FPC maps provide an inclusive comparative map between SSC2p, SSC9p and HSA11 to close potential gaps between contigs prior to sequencing, and to identify regions where potential problems may arise in sequence assembly.

The value of DNA paternity identification in beef cattle: Examples from Nevada's free-range ranches1

The feasibility and economic value of DNA paternity identification were investigated and illustrated using Nevada beef cattle operations. A panel of 15 microsatellites was genotyped in 2,196 animals from 8 ranches with a total of 31,571 genotypes. Probabilities of exclusion for each marker within ranch and across ranches were computed. Joint probabilities of exclusion for the 15 microsatellites were also determined, resulting in values over 0.99 for any individual ranch and across ranches. Dropping 1 or 2 microsatellites with the lowest probabilities of exclusion resulted in joint probabilities greater than 0.99 and with marginal reduction compared with the probabilities with 15 microsatellites. Formulas for benefit-cost analysis for a DNA paternity identification program in beef cattle were derived. Genotyping 15 microsatellites with 20 calves per sire resulted in benefits of $1.71 and $2.44 per dollar invested at bull culling rates of 0.20 and 0.30, respectively. The breakpoints for the program to be profitable occurred when the ratio of the price of 1 kg of calf liveweight over the cost of genotyping 1 microsatellite was greater than 1.1 for a bull culling rate of 0.30. Benefit-cost analysis was also derived under incomplete DNA paternity identification using a lower number of DNA markers than necessary to achieve joint probabilities of exclusion of 0.99. Approximately a 20% increase in the benefit-cost ratio was achieved using 10 vs. 12 microsatellites with incomplete paternity identification. The greater the number of bulls in the operation, the lower the benefit-cost ratio of the paternity testing program. Low probabilities of exclusion and a high number of bulls in the beef operation reduced the benefit-cost ratio dramatically. The DNA paternity identification programs are feasible and may be profitable for free-range beef cattle operations.

Genomic structure and transcript variants of the bovine DAZL gene

The Deleted in AZoospermia Like (DAZL) gene is a member of the DAZ family and encodes an RNA-binding protein that is expressed in prenatal and postnatal germ cells of males and females. In the human, there are five highly-related members in the DAZ family, four (DAZ1-4) on the Y chromosome and one (DAZL) on an autosome (HSA3). Mutations in these genes have been linked to severe spermatogenic failure and infertility in men. In the present study, we have cloned and characterized the bovine DAZL (bDAZL) gene. The full-length bDAZL cDNA is predicted to encode a protein of 295 amino acids with an RNA recognition motif. The deduced protein sequence of bDAZL is 96 and 97% similar to human and mouse DAZL, respectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) maps bDAZL to the distal region on BTA1q. The bDAZL gene consists of 11 exons and 10 introns. A bDAZL pseudogene was identified on BTA16. Expression analysis of bDAZL in 13 different tissues by RT-PCR shows that two transcripts, variant 1 (2,996 bp) and variant 2 (1,373 bp), of the bDAZL gene are detected only in testis mRNA. The variants probably result from alternative RNA splicing as variant 1 contains an additional 1,623-bp insertion in the 3' UTR. Our results lay the groundwork for possible single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and functional studies of the DAZL gene in cattle.

DEVELOPMENT OF 90 NEW BOVINE MICROSATELLITE LOCI

Polymorphic genetic markers are important tools in the construction of comprehensive genetic maps. This paper reports on the isolation and characterization of 90 new bovine microsatellite (ms) loci from enriched genomic libraries. The sequence of one clone (locus MNB-85) showed significant similarity to an intron of the human promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) gene. Screening of bovine and porcine somatic cell panels places the bovine PLZF homolog on BTA-15 and the porcine PLZF homolog on SSC-9. The 90 new microsatellite loci increase the number of microsatellites available for cattle by >5%.

Characterization and RH mapping of bovine microsatellites generated from a microdissected BTA20-specific DNA library

Bovine chromosome 20 (BTA20) is associated with several quantitative trait loci (QTL) for meat tenderness, birth weight, milk yield and composition. Fine mapping of these QTL requires the development of additional informative markers to increase the resolution of the BTA20 genetic and physical maps. A BTA20-specific library was constructed by means of microdissection and microcloning, and screened for dinucleotide repeats with (CA)16 and (GT)16 oligos. A total of 60 new microsatellites (MS) were developed and characterized for polymorphism using the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) bovine reference family, of which 53 markers were informative in this family. The number of alleles for these loci varied from 1 to 14, with an average of 6.5. Thirty-three of these MSs, together with 105 markers previously mapped to BTA20, were scored on a 7000-rad cattle-hamster whole-genome radiation hybrid panel (SUNbRH), resulting in a high-resolution RH7000 rad map for BTA20.

Bovine Y chromosome microsatellite polymorphisms

Thirty-eight bovine Y chromosome (BTAY) microsatellites (MS) were assessed for polymorphisms in DNA samples obtained from 17 unrelated bulls. Thirty-three of these microsatellites are new and were used for the construction of a first generation radiation hybrid map for BTAY (Liu et al., 2002). Five MS had been previously reported and were used as positive controls. Fourteen out of 38 MS were found to be polymorphic; the remaining 24 were uninformative among the animals tested. The number of hemizygous loci per MS within individual ranged from two to over 20. Seven MS presented smear- or ladder-like bands, a unique feature for Y chromosome multi-copy hemizygous MS loci. The locus length variance, within individual, ranged from 2 to 42 bp corresponding to the MS with the minimum and maximum number of loci observed, respectively. Within the 14 polymorphic MS, the five pseudoautosomal MS, on average, were more polymorphic (35.3%) than the nine Y-specific MS (19.6%). Haplotypes resulting from combinations of these polymorphic loci will provide a powerful tool for future studies on the origin of domestic cattle and the evolution of bovid species.

High-resolution genetic map of bovine chromosome 29 through focused marker development

Chromosome-specific libraries aid in the development of genetic maps and focus marker development in areas of the genome with identified quantitative trait loci (QTL). A small-insert BTA29 library constructed by microdissection of a 1:29 Rb-fusion cell line, was screened for dinucleotide repeats (CA)(15) and/or (GA)(15) with the goal of generating new genetic markers for this, the smallest bovine autosome. A total of 90 primer pairs were designed and 82 of these successfully amplified bovine genomic DNA by PCR. In addition to these 82 loci, primer pairs were developed for nine putative genes identified from the sequenced clones by BLAST searches of GenBank. A somatic cell panel was used to test for synteny of the new loci with two previously mapped BTA29 markers located on the MARC bovine linkage map. A total of 75 of the 82 microsatellite (ms) loci were integrated into the MARC bovine linkage map. Linkage analysis placed 69 ms markers on BTA29, five on BTAX and one on BTA1. Combined results of the somatic cell and linkage analyses place 79 new markers (ms and gene-related) on BTA29, six loci on BTAX and two loci on BTA1. The results of this effort significantly increase the marker density on BTA29, expanding the ability to fine map QTL associated with this chromosome.

Development of 47 new microsatellite markers from a BTA6 library

Chromosome-specific libraries provide a means to isolate genetic markers from specific chromosomal regions. A small-insert BTA6 library, constructed by microdissection, was screened for dinucleotide repeats (CA)15 and (GA)15. A total of 47 new microsatellite loci were developed and tested for polymorphism and informativeness using the MARC bovine mapping family.

Interval mapping of carcass and meat quality traits in a divergent swine cross

An autosomal scan of the swine genome with 119 polymorphic microsatellite (ms) markers and data from 116 F2 barrows of the University of Illinois Meishan x Yorkshire Swine Resource Families identified genomic regions with effects on variance in carcass composition and meat quality at nominal significance (p-value <0.05). Marker intervals on chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 8 and 12 (SSC1, SSC6, SSC7, SSC8, SSC12) with phenotypic effects on carcass length, 10th rib backfat thickness, average backfat thickness, leaf fat, loin eye area and intramuscular fat content confirm QTL effects identified previously based on genome wide significance (p-value <0.05). Several marker intervals included nominally significant (p-value <0.05) dominance effects on leaf fat, 10th rib backfat thickness, loin eye area, muscle pH and intramuscular fat content.

Isolation of 105 microsatellite loci from an ovine genomic library enriched for microsatellites

This paper reports on the development of a small-insert (approximately 700 bp) total-genomic library for sheep specifically designed for enrichment for microsatellite (ms) loci. Four enriched libraries were prepared by amplification of the primary library with CA15, CA11, TG15 and TG11 oligonucleotide primers. A total of 11,020 clones was recovered, screened for dinucleotide repeats and over 500 positive clones sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated low clone redundancy and yielded 105 new ovine ms loci. Seventy-two percent of the new loci were found to be polymorphic in the sires of the AgResearch International Mapping Flock (IMF). The 105 new microsatellite loci increase the number of microsatellites available for sheep by >7%.

Development and mapping of microsatellites from a microdissected BTA 11-specific DNA library

A chromosome-specific library was developed for Bos taurus autosome 11 by chromosome microdissection and microcloning using a bovine primary fibroblast culture, obtained from a t(X;23) heifer, that spontaneously developed a translocation chromosome involving bovine chromosome 11. The library was screened using (AC)12 oligos, positive clones selected, sequenced and primers developed to generate bovine chromosome 11-specific microsatellite markers. This study suggests that chromosome-specific libraries have great potential for development of microsatellite markers for the construction of marker-saturated linkage maps for each chromosome.

Comparative analysis of microsatellite loci in chicken and turkey

Cross-species amplification of 520 chicken microsatellite markers was tested by polymerase chain reaction with genomic DNA of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Each primer pair was tested at six different combinations of annealing temperature and MgCl2 concentration. A total of 280 (54%) of the primer pairs produced amplification products. The majority of these products were similar, if not identical in size to those expected based on the fragment sizes of the corresponding chicken loci. Structure of the dinucleotide repeat and flanking sequences was examined for 13 turkey fragments (amplified with chicken primers) and 5 chicken fragments (amplified with turkey primers). Sequence analysis found a wide array of mutations between species in addition to differences in repeat length. To estimate the usefulness of the amplified loci for genetic mapping in the turkey, allelic polymorphism was determined for 57 of the 280 amplified loci. A total of 20 of 57 markers (35%) were polymorphic with an average of 1.4 alleles per locus. The results of this study suggest that approximately 20% of the chicken microsatellite markers will be useful for mapping the turkey genome.

Cytogenetic assignment of 53 microsatellites from the USDA-MARC porcine genetic map

This study provides 53 new fluorescent in situ hybridization cytogenetic assignments for microsatellite markers linked on the swine genetic map. Forty microsatellites are physically assigned for the first time. The chromosomal locations of eight markers were either confirmed or refined, while five loci were assigned to locations different from those given in previous reports. Markers were selected to provide physical anchors based on their presumed proximity to centromeres or telomeres and at approximately 30 cM intervals across the genetic map. The number of physical anchors for pig (SSC) chromosomes 8, 15, and 18 linkage groups was significantly improved. Centromeric regions were localized to areas less than 10 cM for SSC 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Although the recombination rate was generally higher across small biarmed chromosomes and lowest for large acrocentric chromosomes, two regions with particularly low (1q2.1-->q2.9 and 13q2.3-->q4.1) and three regions with extremely high (5p1.5-->p1.2, 6p1.4-->p1.3, and 12p1.5-->p1.4) rates of recombination were detected. These assignments represent an overall 10% increase in the number of physically assigned markers in Sus scrofa and more than a 20% increase in the number of Type II loci assigned to the pig cytogenetic map.

Identification and radiation hybrid mapping of members of the porcine proteasome/ubiquitin system

We report the identification and radiation hybrid mapping of members of the proteasome/ubiquitin system in pigs that, so far, have only been identified in humans and cattle. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were constructed from ten oligo(dT)-primed individually tagged, directionally cloned and normalized cDNA libraries from peripheral blood cells (PBC), spleen (Sp), thymus (Th), lymph node (LN) and bone marrow (BM) from immunologically naive and challenged pigs as part of an implant-associated orthopedic infection model. The ESTs mapped using the 7000 rad IMpRH panel (Hawken et al., 1999) were ubiquitin fusion-degradation 1 like protein (UFD1L), ubiquitin activating enzyme E1 and ubiquitin-S27a fusion protein which mapped to porcine chromosomes 14, 7 and X, respectively.

Utility of chicken-specific microsatellite primers for mapping the turkey genome

As part of the University of Minnesota's initiative to map the turkey genome, we are currently evaluating chicken microsatellite loci for use in mapping the turkey genome. To date, 141 primer pairs have been tested for amplification at six different combinations of temperature and MgCl2 concentration. Microsatellite primer pairs from the Chicken Comprehensive Mapping Kit #2, and additional unpublished chromosome 1 and 2 primers were screened. Analyzable PCR products were produced from 78 of the 141 (55%) primer combinations. In the majority of cases (68%), PCR fragments obtained from the turkey were similar in size to respective chicken loci. The presence of dinucleotide repeats (CA/TG repeats) was determined by Southern hybridization with a (TG)15, oligonucleotide probe. Five of 12 (41.63%) turkey fragments hybridized under low stringency conditions. The length of the dinucleotide repeats in the turkey, relative to the chicken sequences, were found to correspond directly with hybridization intensity. Amplification of homologous loci was confirmed by direct sequencing and subsequent alignment of the turkey and chicken sequences. The results of this study indicate that the use of chicken-specific microsatellite primers will rapidly and significantly enhance construction of a genetic map for the turkey.

A first-generation porcine whole-genome radiation hybrid map

A whole-genome radiation hybrid (WG-RH) panel was used to generate a first-generation radiation map of the porcine (Sus scrofa) genome. Over 900 Type I and II markers were used to amplify the INRA-University of Minnesota porcine Radiation Hybrid panel (IMpRH) comprised of 118 hybrid clones. Average marker retention frequency of 29.3% was calculated with 757 scorable markers. The RHMAP program established 128 linkage groups covering each chromosome (n = 19) at a lod >/= 4.8. Fewer than 10% of the markers (59) could not be placed within any linkage group at a lod score >/=4.8. Linkage group order for each chromosome was determined by incorporating linkage data from the swine genetic map as well as physical assignments. The current map has an estimated ratio of approximately 70 kb/cR and a maximum theoretical resolution of 145 kb. This initial map forms a template for establishing accurate YAC and BAC contigs and eventual positional cloning of genes associated with complex traits.

A genomic scan of porcine reproductive traits reveals possible quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for number of corpora lutea

Reproductive traits have low heritabilities, are expressed in only one sex, and are not measurable until sexual maturity (Avalos and Smith, Anim Prod 44:153, 1987). Using traditional methods, selection for reproductive traits is relatively less effective than selecting for growth or carcass traits. Traits most affected by a small number of genes with major effects rather than many genes with small effects are most amenable to MAS. As part of our porcine genome scan to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of economic importance in marker-assisted selective (MAS) breeding programs, we examined 8 reproductive and farrowing traits in the University of Illinois (UI) Meishan x Yorkshire Resource Family. Gilts were genotyped with 119 microsatellite markers (MS) with intervals averaging 24 cM over all 18 porcine autosomes. F-ratios supporting QTL location were calculated by the least squares regression method. Results suggestive of linkage at the 5% genome-wide level were observed for the number of stillborn piglets on Chromosome (Chr) 4 (SSC4) (p-value = 0.0001), corpora lutea on SSC8 (p-value = 0.00027), and gestation length on SSC9 (p-value = 0.00019). Results for additional loci relevant to litter size, number of corpora lutea on SSC15 and 7 (p-value = 0.0029 and 0.0028 at 107 and 150 cM, respectively), gestation length on SSC15 and 1 (p-value = 0.0017 and 0.0069 at 96 and 166 cM, respectively), uterine length on SSC7 and 5 (p-value = 0.0044 and 0.0075 at 148 and 1 cM, respectively) and piglets born per litter on SSC6 (p-value = 0.0075 at 102 cM), were not statistically significant at the 5% genome-wide level. Thus, the use of a linked marker to facilitate selection for reproductive traits has considerable potential. By using linked markers, selection can be applied to both sexes before sexual maturity, making genetic selection considerably more efficient and less costly.

Interval mapping of growth in divergent swine cross

A genomic scan of 18 swine autosomal chromosomes was constructed with 119 polymorphic microsatellite (ms) markers to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for 11 growth traits in the University of Illinois Meishan x Yorkshire Swine Resource Family. A significant QTL effect was found for post-weaning average daily gain (ADG) between 5.5 and 56 kg of body weight that mapped between markers SW373 and SW1301 near the telomere of Chromosome (Chr) 1 q (SSC1). This QTL effect had a nominal (pointwise) p-value of 0.000007, a genome wide p-value of 0.012, and accounted for 26% of the F2 phenotypic variance. The same chromosome region also had significant effects on ADG between birth and 56 kg body weight (p-value =. 000227), and on ADG between 35 and 56 kg (p-value =.00077). These observations suggest that a significant QTL for post-weaning growth resides on SSC1.

Identification and genetic mapping of bovine chemokine genes expressed in epithelial cells

RNA fingerprinting by arbitrarily primed (RAP)-PCR was used to identify two bovine genes that were differentially expressed in epithelial cells during an inflammatory response. RNA fingerprints revealed two differentially amplified transcripts when monolayers of Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells were stimulated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in combination with cycloheximide (CX). Sequence analysis showed that both transcripts encoded members of the alpha C-X-C chemokine family; one was interleukin 8 (IL-8), and the other was a protein closely related to bovine growth-regulated protein (GRO)-gamma (89% identical). The latter putative epithelial cell inflammatory protein was designated ECIP-1. IL-8 and ECIP-1 genes were placed on the cattle genetic map with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers amplified from genomic DNA. Multi-point linkage analysis indicated that the gene locations were indistinguishable from those of serum albumin (ALB) and vitamin D-binding protein (GC) on bovine Chromosome (BTA) 6. In humans, ALB and GC are located near IL-8, GRO-gamma, and seven other alpha chemokines on Chr 4 (HSA 4q11-4q13), suggesting that this gene cluster has been conserved on BTA6. These results provide a starting point for characterizing allelic variation in chemokine genes and their role in the pathogenesis of bacterial infections in cattle.

Designs of reference families for the construction of genetic linkage maps

The reference family panel is the foundation of a gene mapping program because it affects the cost and quality of the genetic linkage maps, and should be designed to yield reliable linkage detection and locus ordering at minimal gene mapping cost. A map cost function was defined as the number of genotypes required per marker per unit of genome coverage and was used to obtain optimal designs with respect to linkage detection. An ordering reliability function was defined as the likelihood ratio of the most likely order to the second most likely order of genetic markers and was used to find optimal designs with respect to locus ordering. Optimum levels of recombination frequency were found to be in the neighborhood of 0.11-0.15 for linkage detection and were in the region of 0.05-0.20 for locus ordering. Therefore, recombination frequencies optimal for linkage detection are also optimal for locus ordering. Based on the optimal detection levels, sample size (number of offspring) and map cost requirements were derived for six representative designs, assuming gender-specific linkage maps and two alleles with equal frequency for each marker. The sample size required for linkage detection ranged from 168 to 432 offspring for full-sib designs and ranged from 350 to 600 offspring for half-sib designs depending on the family size and the target LOD score, with corresponding minimal map costs of 10-20 genotypes per marker per centiMorgan map coverage. Locus ordering generally requires more genotypes than linkage detection. For full-sib designs, meioses from both genders should be used for locus ordering even when the maps are gender-specific. For half-sib designs, additional families may be needed for locus ordering. Sample size for ordering closely linked loci as required by positional cloning were provided. Effects of family size, grandparents, and marker polymorphism on design efficiency were analyzed.

Evolution of the trappin multigene family in the Suidae

Trappins are a group of secretory proteins containing a WAP motif with an anchoring domain. Previous studies showed that their genes, especially those of pig, have undergone rapid evolution, which produced trappins with a broad spectrum of actions. To understand the evolution of such a rapidly evolving multigene family, we isolated trappin genes of the Artiodactyla, including pig, wart hog, collared peccary, hippopotamus, and cow, by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two genes newly isolated from wart hog are orthologs of trappin-1 (SPAI) and trappin-2 (elafin), the others are novel members of the trappin family and named trappins-6 to 11. The divergence of the sequences is greatest in the region that encodes the reactive site, and intron sequences appear to be more highly conserved than the protein-coding sequences, especially among the pig paralogs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the trappin multigene family members of pig were generated through gene duplication after the divergence of the Suidae (pig and wart hog) and Tayassuidae (collared peccary). Similarities in the gene structure with seminal vesicle clotting proteins (REST) and WAP motif-containing proteins suggest that trappins are naturally occurring fusion proteins created through exon shuffling between ancestral REST and WAP motif-coding genes.

Evaluation of the ovine callipyge locus: I. Relative chromosomal position and gene action

Genotypic and phenotypic data were collected to estimate chromosomal position of the callipyge (CLPG) gene and to test gene action. Nine Dorset rams of extreme muscling phenotype and 114 Romanov ewes composed the grandparent generation of a resource flock of 362 F2 lambs segregating at the CLPG locus. The parent generation consisted of eight F1 sires and 138 F1 dams. The F2 lambs were serially slaughtered in six groups at 3-wk intervals starting at 23 wk of age to allow comparisons at different end points. A linkage group of 25 marker loci (mean of 708 informative meioses per marker) spanning 87.2 cM was developed and improved the previous known coverage and precision of marker order and interval distance from available maps of ovine chromosome 18. Probabilities of each CLPG genotype were calculated at 1-cM intervals (0 to 107 cM). Statistical models included effects of year, sex, sire, regressions on genotypic probabilities, and genotype-specific linear and quadratic regressions on appropriate covariates. Orthogonal contrasts of CLPG genotypic effects evaluated additive, maternal dominance, and paternally derived polar overdominance models of gene action. The most parsimonious model did not include the additive and maternal dominance genetic contrasts. From analyses of four key traits, a consensus for position of CLPG was obtained at 86 cM relative to the most centromeric marker. An F-test with 3 df representing polar overdominance was maximum at position 86 cM (F = 407.4; P < .00001) with leg score as the dependent variable. These results are consistent with assignment of the CLPG locus to the telomeric region of chromosome 18 and support the polar overdominance model of gene action proposed by Cockett et al. (1996). Furthermore, recombinant individuals with definitive phenotypes confined the position of CLPG to a 3.9-cM interval, facilitating positional cloning experiments.

Livestock variation of linked microsatellite markers in diverse swine breeds

A panel of nine framework microsatellites (MS) linked to the Calcium Release Channel (CRC) locus on swine chromosome 6 (SSC6) was developed from the consensus genetic map. MS were screened across groups of unrelated animals from Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc, Landrace and Meishan swine breeds. Unique MS alleles for Yorkshire, Duroc, Landrace and Meishan breeds, and statistically significant (P < .05) associations between breeds and allele frequencies were found for each MS. Although breed marker heterozygosities ranged from 0.0 (S0035 in Duroc) to 0.92 (S0087 in Meishan), Correspondence Analysis identified MS alleles uniquely associated with either the Meishan breed, western breeds or alleles common to all breeds. Furthermore, an overall marker heterozygosity of < 0.70 demonstrates the need for multiple MS panels to accommodate reduced within-breed differences for identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL), marker assisted selection (MAS) programs or parental identification in commercial breeds.

Resolving the genetics of resistance to infectious diseases

The genetics of resistance to disease is an area of great interest in agriculturally important plant and animal species. Selective breeding for resistance to pathogens in plants, animals and insects has demonstrated that resistance and susceptibility to pathogens are controlled by both genetic and environmental factors. The immune loci causally involved in susceptibility and resistance to disease are currently unknown. However, novel enabling molecular technologies promise to assist in unravelling the genetics of the host response to infectious diseases in new ways, and ultimately to improve seed stock genetics.

A second-generation linkage map of the sheep genome

A genetic map of Ovis aries (haploid n = 27) was developed with 519 markers (504 microsatellites) spanning approximately 3063 cM in 26 autosomal linkage groups and 127 cM (female specific) of the X Chromosome (Chr). Genotypic data were merged from the IMF flock (Crawford et al., Genetics 140, 703, 1995) and the USDA mapping flock. Seventy-three percent (370/504) of the microsatellite markers on the map are common to the USDA-ARS MARC cattle linkage map, with 27 of the common markers derived from sheep. The number of common markers per homologous linkage group ranges from 5 to 22 and spans a total of 2866 cM (sex average) in sheep and 2817 cM in cattle. Marker order within a linkage group was consistent between the two species with limited exceptions. The reported translocation between the telomeric end of bovine Chr 9 (BTA 9) and BTA 14 to form ovine Chr 9 is represented by a 15-cM region containing 5 common markers. The significant genomic conservation of marker order will allow use of linkage maps in both species to facilitate the search for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in cattle and sheep.

Microsatellite evolution: testing the ascertainment bias hypothesis

Previous studies suggest the median allele length of microsatellites is longest in the species from which the markers were derived, suggesting that an ascertainment bias was operating. We have examined whether the size distribution of microsatellite alleles between sheep and cattle is source dependent using a set of 472 microsatellites that can be amplified in both species. For those markers that were polymorphic in both species we report a significantly greater number of markers (P < 0.001) with longer median allele sizes in sheep, regardless of microsatellite origin. This finding suggests that any ascertainment bias operating during microsatellite selection is only a minor contributor to the variation observed.

Evaluating evolutionary divergence with microsatellites

We report the use of microsatellites (MS) to track the recent evolution of swine. Allelic frequencies for nine MS loci linked on swine chromosome 6 (SSC6) representing four western and one Chinese swine breeds were used to estimate genetic distances and times of breed divergence. A phylogenetic tree was constructed which partitioned into western and Meishan breed branches. Yorkshire and Hampshire breeds exhibited the most recent divergence with a calculated distance of 391 years. The oldest divergence, of 2,227 years, was between Meishan and Hampshire swine. Estimates of breed divergence are consistent with historical records. Additional analysis suggests that polymorphic MS linked on a single chromosome are sufficient to determine evolutionary relationships within a single species.

Mapping genes located on human chromosomes 2 and 12 to porcine chromosomes 15 and 5

Informative microsatellites associated with two genes on HSA12 (lysozyme, LYZ; tumour necrosis factor receptor, TNFR) and one gene on HSA2 (glutamic acid decarboxylase 1, GAD1) were mapped in the US Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) swine reference population and the physical assignment of a-lactalbumin (LALBA) was determined. A comparative map for HSA2 and HSA12 with SSC15 and SSC5, respectively, was developed by combining the results from this study with published type I loci mapped in both species. One rearrangement between HSA2 and SSC15 was detected while the number of rearrangements between HSA12 and SSC5 were numerous. These results indicated that conservation of synteny does not imply a conservation of gene order and that additional type I markers need to be mapped in the pig to fully understand the chromosomal rearrangements that occurred during the evolution of mammals.

Mapping 28 erythrocyte antigen, plasma protein and enzyme polymorphisms using an efficient genomic scan of the porcine genome

One hundred and fifty-four microsatellite markers were selected for genomic scanning of the porcine genome and were grouped into amplification sets to reduce the cost and labour required. Thirty amplification sets had two markers (duplex), 20 sets had three markers (triplex) and five sets had four markers (quadruplex) while 14 markers were analysed separately. The selection criteria for microsatellites were: ease of scoring, level of polymorphism, genetic location and ability to be genotyped in a multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The selected microsatellites were chosen to span the entire genome flanked by the porcine linkage map with intervals between adjacent markers of 15-20 cM where possible. The utility of this set of markers was demonstrated by linkage analyses with loci controlling blood plasma protein and red cell enzyme polymorphisms (n = 13), erythrocyte antigens (n = 15), the S blood group, coat colour and ryanodine receptor from 174 backcross Meishan-White Composite pigs. These loci displayed various forms of inheritance and most (24 loci) have been placed in linkage groups. Significant two-point linkages (lod > 3.0) were detected for each polymorphic marker. These results provide the first linkage assignments for phosphoglucomutase (PGM2) and erythrocyte antigen F (EAF) to SSC8; and serum amylase (AMY) and erythrocyte antigen I (EAI) to SSC18. All of the remaining polymorphic loci (n = 24) mapped to previously identified regions confirming earlier results. Most of the markers used in this study should be useful in resource populations of various breed crosses as the number of alleles detected in a multibreed reference population was one of the selection criteria.

Comparative mapping of human chromosome 2 identifies segments of conserved synteny near the bovine mh locus

The "double-muscling" (mh) locus has been localized to an interval between the centromere and the microsatellite marker TGLA44 on bovine Chromosome (Chr) 2 (BTA2). We identified segments of conserved synteny that correspond to this region of BTA2 by assigning large genomic clones containing bovine homologs of seven genes from the long arm of human Chr 2 (HSA2q). Polymorphic markers developed from these clones integrated the physical and linkage maps of BTA2 from 2q12 to 2q44 and extended genetic coverage towards the centromere. This comparative analysis suggests the mh locus resides on HSA2q near both the protein C and collagen type III alpha-1 genes. Overall, our data reveal a complex rearrangement of gene order between BTA2q12-44 and HSA2q14-37 that underscores the need to establish boundaries of conserved synteny when applying comparative mapping information to identify genes or traits of interest.

Extensive genomic conservation of cattle microsatellite heterozygosity in sheep

We report the evaluation of 1036 bovine microsatellite primer pairs for their suitability as linkage markers in sheep. Approximately 58% (605/1036) of bovine primer pairs amplified a locus in sheep. Sixty-seven per cent (409/605) of amplified loci were detected as polymorphic. Marker heterozygosity, allele number and range of allele sizes were significantly lower in sheep than cattle sampled in this study. However, median fragment size was similar. These data suggest that high-resolution comparative linkage maps between closely related species can be constructed relatively efficiently.

Linkage assignment of eleven genes to the porcine genome

We report comparative linkage mapping of eleven genes in the swine genome by RFLP analysis. These genes include: Acid phosphatase type 5 (ACP5), Cholecystokinin Type B Receptor (CCKBR), Antibiotic Peptide (FALL39), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R), Integrin Alpha M (ITGAM), Integrin Beta 2 (ITGbeta2), Opioid Receptor Mu-1 (OPRM1), Pro-hormone Converter (PC1/3), Retinol Binding Protein 3 (RBP3), Ribosomal DNA (RNR1), and Zona Pellucida Glycoprotein 1 (ZP1). The CCKBR and ITGbeta2 loci define the ends of the linkage groups on Chromosomes (Chro) (SSC) 9p and 13qter, respectively.