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Ding D, Zhao Y, Jia Y, Niu M, Li X, Zheng X, Chen H. Identification of novel genes associated with atherosclerosis in Bama miniature pig. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:377-387. [PMID: 38720469 PMCID: PMC11228093 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12412] [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] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease of great concern. However, it is difficult to establish a direct connection between conventional small animal models and clinical practice. The pig's genome, physiology, and anatomy reflect human biology better than other laboratory animals, which is crucial for studying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. METHODS We used whole-genome sequencing data from nine Bama minipigs to perform a genome-wide linkage analysis, and further used bioinformatic tools to filter and identify underlying candidate genes. Candidate gene function prediction was performed using the online prediction tool STRING 12.0. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of proteins encoded by candidate genes. RESULTS We mapped differential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to genes and obtained a total of 102 differential genes, then we used GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis to identify four candidate genes, including SLA-1, SLA-2, SLA-3, and TAP2. nsSNPs cause changes in the primary and tertiary structures of SLA-I and TAP2 proteins, the primary structures of these two proteins have undergone amino acid changes, and the tertiary structures also show slight changes. In addition, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression changes of TAP2 protein in coronary arteries showed a trend of increasing from the middle layer to the inner layer. CONCLUSIONS We have identified SLA-I and TAP2 as potential susceptibility genes of atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of antigen processing and immune response in atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengfeng Ding
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yuqiong Zhao
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yunxiao Jia
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Miaomiao Niu
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xuezhuang Li
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xinou Zheng
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hua Chen
- Laboratory Animal CenterChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
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2
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Phenotypic and Genetic Evidence for a More Prominent Role of Blood Glucose than Cholesterol in Atherosclerosis of Hyperlipidemic Mice. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172669. [PMID: 36078077 PMCID: PMC9455034 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172669] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Apoe-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice on certain genetic backgrounds develop hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and T2D when fed a Western diet. Here, we sought to dissect phenotypic and genetic relationships of blood lipids and glucose with atherosclerotic plaque formation when the vasculature is exposed to high levels of cholesterol and glucose. Male F2 mice were generated from LP/J and BALB/cJ Apoe−/− mice and fed a Western diet for 12 weeks. Three significant QTL Ath51, Ath52 and Ath53 on chromosomes (Chr) 3 and 15 were mapped for atherosclerotic lesions. Ath52 on proximal Chr15 overlapped with QTL for plasma glucose, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride. Atherosclerotic lesion sizes showed significant correlations with fasting, non-fasting glucose, non-fasting triglyceride, and body weight but no correlation with HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and fasting triglyceride levels. Ath52 for atherosclerosis was down-graded from significant to suggestive level after adjustment for fasting, non-fasting glucose, and non-fasting triglyceride but minimally affected by HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and fasting triglyceride. Adjustment for body weight suppressed Ath52 but elevated Ath53 on distal Chr15. These results demonstrate phenotypic and genetic connections of blood glucose and triglyceride with atherosclerosis, and suggest a more prominent role for blood glucose than cholesterol in atherosclerotic plaque formation of hyperlipidemic mice.
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3
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Shi LJ, Tang X, He J, Shi W. Genetic Evidence for a Causal Relationship between Hyperlipidemia and Type 2 Diabetes in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116184. [PMID: 35682864 PMCID: PMC9181284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet studies with statins and candidate genes suggest that circulating lipids may protect against T2D development. Apoe-null (Apoe-/-) mouse strains develop spontaneous dyslipidemia and exhibit a wide variation in susceptibility to diet-induced T2D. We thus used Apoe-/- mice to elucidate phenotypic and genetic relationships of circulating lipids with T2D. A male F2 cohort was generated from an intercross between LP/J and BALB/cJ Apoe-/- mice and fed 12 weeks of a Western diet. Fasting, non-fasting plasma glucose, and lipid levels were measured and genotyping was performed using miniMUGA arrays. We uncovered a major QTL near 60 Mb on chromosome 15, Nhdlq18, which affected non-HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels under both fasting and non-fasting states. This QTL was coincident with Bglu20, a QTL that modulates fasting and non-fasting glucose levels. The plasma levels of non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were closely correlated with the plasma glucose levels in F2 mice. Bglu20 disappeared after adjustment for non-HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. These results demonstrate a causative role for dyslipidemia in T2D development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. Shi
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (L.J.S.); (J.H.)
| | - Xiwei Tang
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA;
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (L.J.S.); (J.H.)
| | - Weibin Shi
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (L.J.S.); (J.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +434-243-9420; Fax: +434-982-5680
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4
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Chagari B, Shi LJ, Dao E, An A, Chen MH, Bao Y, Shi W. Genetic connection of carotid atherosclerosis with coat color and body weight in an intercross between hyperlipidemic mouse strains. Physiol Genomics 2022; 54:166-176. [PMID: 35384748 PMCID: PMC9109791 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00006.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis in the carotid artery is a major cause of ischemic stroke and has a strong genetic component. The aim of this study was to identify genetic factors contributing to carotid atherosclerosis. 154 female F2mice were generated from an intercross between LP/J and BALB/cJ Apoe-null (Apoe-/-) mice and fed 12 weeks of Western diet. Atherosclerotic lesions, body weight, and coat color were measured and genotyping was performed using miniMUGA arrays. A significant QTL on chromosome (Chr) 7, named Cath20, and 5 suggestive QTL on Chr 6, 12, 13, 15, and X were identified for carotid lesions. Three significant QTL, Bwfq2, Bw1n, Bwtq6, on Chr 2, 7, and 15 were identified for body weight. Two significant QTL, Chop2 and Albc2, on Chr 4 and 7 were identified for coat color, with Tyr, encoding tyrosinase, being the causal gene of Albc2. Cath20 coincided precisely with QTL Bw1n and Albc2 on Chr7. Carotid lesion sizes were significantly correlated with body weight and graded coat color in F2 mice. Cath20 on Chr7 disappeared after adjustment for coat color but remained after adjustment for body weight. These results demonstrate genetic connections of carotid atherosclerosis with body weight and coat color in hyperlipidemic mice and suggest a potential role for Tyr in carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilhan Chagari
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Lisa J Shi
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Evelyn Dao
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Alexander An
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Mei-Hua Chen
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Yongde Bao
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Weibin Shi
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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5
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Shi LJ, Chagari B, An A, Chen MH, Bao Y, Shi W. Genetic Connection between Hyperglycemia and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Hyperlipidemic Mice. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030510. [PMID: 35328064 PMCID: PMC8950324 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major risk for atherosclerosis and its complications. Apoe-null (Apoe−/−) mouse strains exhibit a wide range of variations in susceptibility to T2D and carotid atherosclerosis, with the latter being a major cause of ischemic stroke. To identify genetic connections between T2D and carotid atherosclerosis, 145 male F2 mice were generated from LP/J and BALB/cJ Apoe−/− mice and fed 12 weeks of a Western diet. Atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid arteries, fasting, and non-fasting plasma glucose levels were measured, and genotyping was performed using miniMUGA arrays. Two significant QTL (quantitative trait loci) on chromosomes (Chr) 6 and 15 were identified for carotid lesions. The Chr15 QTL coincided precisely with QTL Bglu20 for fasting and non-fasting glucose levels. Carotid lesion sizes showed a trend toward correlation with fasting and non-fasting glucose levels in F2 mice. The Chr15 QTL for carotid lesions was suppressed after excluding the influence from fasting or non-fasting glucose. Likely candidate genes for the causal association were Tnfrsf11b, Deptor, and Gsdmc2. These results demonstrate a causative role for hyperglycemia in the development of carotid atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. Shi
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (L.J.S.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Bilhan Chagari
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (L.J.S.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Alexander An
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (L.J.S.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Mei-Hua Chen
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (L.J.S.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Yongde Bao
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA;
| | - Weibin Shi
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (L.J.S.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (M.-H.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Correspondence:
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6
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Grainger AT, Pilar N, Li J, Chen MH, Abramson AM, Becker-Pauly C, Shi W. Identification of Mep1a as a susceptibility gene for atherosclerosis in mice. Genetics 2021; 219:6377788. [PMID: 34849841 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab160] [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] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of heart attack, ischemic stroke and peripheral arterial disease, and genetic factors involved remain mostly unidentified. We previously identified a significant locus on mouse chromosome 17 for atherosclerosis, Ath49, in an intercross between BALB/c and SM strains. Ath49 partially overlaps in the confidence interval with Ath22 mapped in an AKR × DBA/2 intercross. Bioinformatics analysis prioritized Mep1a, encoding meprin 1α metalloendopeptidase, as a likely candidate gene for Ath49. To prove causality, Mep1a-/-Apoe-/- mice were generated and compared with Mep1a+/+Apoe-/- mice for atherosclerosis development. Mep1a was found abundantly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions but not in healthy aorta and liver of mice. Mep1a-/- Apoe-/- mice exhibited significant reductions in both early and advanced lesion sizes. Loss of Mep1a led to decreased necrosis but increased macrophage and neutrophil contents in advanced lesions, reduced plasma levels of CXCL5 and an oxidative stress biomarker. In addition, Mep1a-/- mice had significantly reduced triglyceride levels on a chow diet. Thus, Mep1a is a susceptibility gene for atherosclerosis and aggravates atherosclerosis partially through action on oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Grainger
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.,Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Nathanael Pilar
- Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mei-Hua Chen
- Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Ashley M Abramson
- Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | | | - Weibin Shi
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.,Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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7
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Regional Variation in Genetic Control of Atherosclerosis in Hyperlipidemic Mice. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:4679-4689. [PMID: 33109727 PMCID: PMC7718748 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a polygenic disorder that often affects multiple arteries. Carotid arteries are common sites for evaluating subclinical atherosclerosis, and aortic root is the standard site for quantifying atherosclerosis in mice. We compared genetic control of atherosclerosis between the two sites in the same cohort derived from two phenotypically divergent Apoe-null (Apoe -/-) mouse strains. Female F2 mice were generated from C57BL/6 (B6) and C3H/He (C3H) Apoe -/- mice and fed 12 weeks of Western diet. Atherosclerotic lesions in carotid bifurcation and aortic root and plasma levels of fasting lipids and glucose were measured. 153 genetic markers across the genome were typed. All F2 mice developed aortic atherosclerosis, while 1/5 formed no or little carotid lesions. Genome-wide scans revealed 3 significant loci on chromosome (Chr) 1, Chr15, 6 suggestive loci for aortic atherosclerosis, 2 significant loci on Chr6, Chr12, and 6 suggestive loci for carotid atherosclerosis. Only 2 loci for aortic lesions showed colocalization with loci for carotid lesions. Carotid lesion sizes were moderately correlated with aortic lesion sizes (r = 0.303; P = 4.6E-6), but they showed slight or no association with plasma HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, or glucose levels among F2 mice. Bioinformatics analyses prioritized Cryge as a likely causal gene for Ath30, Cdh6 and Dnah5 as causal genes for Ath22 Our data demonstrate vascular site-specific effects of genetic factors on atherosclerosis in the same animals and highlight the need to extend studies of atherosclerosis to sites beyond aortas of mice.
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8
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Fuller DT, Grainger AT, Manichaikul A, Shi W. Data on genetic linkage of oxidative stress with cardiometabolic traits in an intercross derived from hyperlipidemic mouse strains. Data Brief 2020; 29:105165. [PMID: 32025547 PMCID: PMC6997804 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The data presented here are related to the research article, entitled Genetic linkage of oxidative stress with cardiometabolic traits in an intercross derived from hyperlipidemic mouse strains, published in Atherosclerosis 2019 Dec 3;293:1–10 (D. Fuller, A.T. Grainger, A. Manichaikul, W. Shi). The supporting materials include original genotypic and phenotypic data obtained from 266 female F2 mice derived from an intercross between C57BL/6 (B6) and BALB/cJ (BALB) Apoe−/- mice. F2 mice were fed 12 weeks of Western diet, starting at 6 weeks of age. Plasma levels of HDL, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) and atherosclerosis in the aortic root and the left carotid artery were measured. 127 microsatellite markers across the entire genome were genotyped. The data is provided in the format ready for QTL analysis with J/qtl and MapManager QTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela T Fuller
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrew T Grainger
- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ani Manichaikul
- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Weibin Shi
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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9
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Fuller DT, Grainger AT, Manichaikul A, Shi W. Genetic linkage of oxidative stress with cardiometabolic traits in an intercross derived from hyperlipidemic mouse strains. Atherosclerosis 2019; 293:1-10. [PMID: 31821957 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Oxidative stress is associated with cardiometabolic traits in observational studies, yet the underlying causal relationship remains unclear. Apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe-/-) mice develop significant hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia on a Western diet. Here we conducted linkage analysis to investigate genetic connections between cardiometabolic traits and oxidative stress. METHODS 266 female F2 mice were generated from an intercross between C57BL/6 (B6) and BALB/c (BALB) Apoe-/- mice and fed 12 weeks of Western diet. Plasma levels of HDL, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) and atherosclerosis in aortic root and left carotid artery were measured. 127 microsatellite markers across the genome were genotyped. RESULTS One significant locus at 78.3 cM on chromosome (Chr) 1 (LOD score: 3.85), named Mda1, and two suggestive loci near 60.3 cM on Chr1 (LOD score: 2.32, named Mda2 due to replication in a separate cross) and 19.6 cM on Chr4 (LOD score: 2.34) were identified for MDA levels. Mda1 coincided precisely with loci for LDL, triglyceride, glucose, and body weight and overlapped with a locus for atherosclerosis in the aortic root. Plasma LDL, triglyceride, and glucose explained 25.5, 19.2, and 24.2% of the variation in MDA levels of F2 mice, respectively. After correction for triglyceride or LDL, QTLs for MDA on Chr1 and Chr4 disappeared. QTLs on Chr1 disappeared, remained on Chr4, and additional QTLs on Chr12 and Chr13 were detected after correction for glucose. The QTL on Chr12, named Mda3, had a significant LOD score of 8.034 and peaked 62.22 at cM. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a causative role for cardiometabolic traits in oxidative stress and identified hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia as a major driver of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela T Fuller
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrew T Grainger
- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ani Manichaikul
- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Weibin Shi
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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10
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Wang X, Huang R, Zhang L, Li S, Luo J, Gu Y, Chen Z, Zheng Q, Chao T, Zheng W, Qi X, Wang L, Wen Y, Liang Y, Lu L. A severe atherosclerosis mouse model on the resistant NOD background. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/10/dmm033852. [PMID: 30305306 PMCID: PMC6215432 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex disease affecting arterial blood vessels and blood flow that could result in a variety of life-threatening consequences. Disease models with diverged genomes are necessary for understanding the genetic architecture of this complex disease. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice are highly polymorphic and widely used for studies of type 1 diabetes and autoimmunity. Understanding atherosclerosis development in the NOD strain is of particular interest as human atherosclerosis on the diabetic and autoimmune background has not been successfully modeled. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to genetically disrupt apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression on the pure NOD background, and compared phenotype between single-gene-deleted mice and double-knockout mutants with reference to ApoE-deficient C57BL/6 mice. We found that genetic ablation of Ldlr or Apoe in NOD mice was not sufficient to establish an atherosclerosis model, in contrast to ApoE-deficient C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for over 12 weeks. We further obtained NOD mice deficient in both LDLR and ApoE, and assessed the severity of atherosclerosis and immune response to hyperlipidemia in comparison to ApoE-deficient C57BL/6 mice. Strikingly, the double-knockout NOD mice treated with a HFD developed severe atherosclerosis with aorta narrowed by over 60% by plaques, accompanied by destruction of pancreatic islets and an inflammatory response to hyperlipidemia. Therefore, we succeeded in obtaining a genetic model with severe atherosclerosis on the NOD background, which is highly resistant to the disease. This model is useful for the study of atherosclerosis in the setting of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xugang Wang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Lichen Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Saichao Li
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Yanrong Gu
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Zhijun Chen
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Qianqian Zheng
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Tianzhu Chao
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Laboratory of Mouse Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Wenping Zheng
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Xinhui Qi
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Yinhang Wen
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Yinming Liang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China .,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Laboratory of Mouse Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Liaoxun Lu
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China .,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China.,Laboratory of Mouse Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Province 453003, China
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11
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Polygenic Control of Carotid Atherosclerosis in a BALB/cJ × SM/J Intercross and a Combined Cross Involving Multiple Mouse Strains. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:731-739. [PMID: 28040783 PMCID: PMC5295616 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.037879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries is a major cause of ischemic stroke, which accounts for 85% of all stroke cases. Genetic factors contributing to carotid atherosclerosis remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify chromosomal regions harboring genes contributing to carotid atherosclerosis in mice. From an intercross between BALB/cJ (BALB) and SM/J (SM) apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe-/-) mice, 228 female F2 mice were generated and fed a "Western" diet for 12 wk. Atherosclerotic lesion sizes in the left carotid artery were quantified. Across the entire genome, 149 genetic markers were genotyped. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis revealed eight loci for carotid lesion sizes, located on chromosomes 1, 5, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 18. Combined cross-linkage analysis using data from this cross, and two previous F2 crosses derived from BALB, C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ strains, identified five significant QTL on chromosomes 5, 9, 12, and 13, and nine suggestive QTL for carotid atherosclerosis. Of them, the QTL on chromosome 12 had a high LOD score of 9.95. Bioinformatic analysis prioritized Arhgap5, Akap6, Mipol1, Clec14a, Fancm, Nin, Dact1, Rtn1, and Slc38a6 as probable candidate genes for this QTL. Atherosclerotic lesion sizes were significantly correlated with non-HDL cholesterol levels (r = 0.254; p = 0.00016) but inversely correlated with HDL cholesterol levels (r = -0.134; p = 0.049) in the current cross. Thus, we demonstrated the polygenic control of carotid atherosclerosis in mice. The correlations of carotid lesion sizes with non-HDL and HDL suggest that genetic factors exert effects on carotid atherosclerosis partially through modulation of lipoprotein homeostasis.
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Garrett NE, Grainger AT, Li J, Chen MH, Shi W. Genetic analysis of a mouse cross implicates an anti-inflammatory gene in control of atherosclerosis susceptibility. Mamm Genome 2017; 28:90-99. [PMID: 28116503 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nearly all genetic crosses generated from Apoe-/- or Lldlr-/- mice for genetic analysis of atherosclerosis have used C57BL/6 J (B6) mice as one parental strain, thus limiting their mapping power and coverage of allelic diversity. SM/J-Apoe -/- and BALB/cJ-Apoe -/- mice differ significantly in atherosclerosis susceptibility. 224 male F2 mice were generated from the two Apoe -/- strains to perform quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of atherosclerosis. F2 mice were fed 5 weeks of Western diet and analyzed for atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root. Genome-wide scans with 144 informative SNP markers identified a significant locus near 20.2 Mb on chromosome 10 (LOD score: 6.03), named Ath48, and a suggestive locus near 49.5 Mb on chromosome 9 (LOD: 2.29; Ath29) affecting atherosclerotic lesion sizes. Using bioinformatics tools, we prioritized 12 candidate genes for Ath48. Of them, Tnfaip3, an anti-inflammatory gene, is located precisely underneath the linkage peak and contains two non-synonymous SNPs leading to conservative amino acid substitutions. Thus, this study demonstrates the power of forward genetics involving the use of a different susceptible strain and bioinformatics tools in finding atherosclerosis susceptibility genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman E Garrett
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrew T Grainger
- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mei-Hua Chen
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Weibin Shi
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA. .,Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA. .,University of Virginia, Snyder Bldg Rm 266, 480 Ray C. Hunt Dr, P.O. Box 801339, Fontaine Research Park, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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Grainger AT, Jones MB, Li J, Chen MH, Manichaikul A, Shi W. Data on genetic analysis of atherosclerosis identifies a major susceptibility locus in the major histocompatibility complex of mice. Data Brief 2016; 9:1067-1069. [PMID: 27921078 PMCID: PMC5126130 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2016.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The data presented here are related to the research article, entitled Genetic analysis of atherosclerosis identifies a major susceptibility locus in the major histocompatibility complex of mice, published in Atherosclerosis 2016;254:124 (A.T. Grainger, M.B. Jones, J. Li, M.H. Chen, A. Manichaikul, W. Shi, 2016) [1]. The supporting materials include original genotypic and phenotypic data obtained from 206 female F2 mice derived from an intercross between BALB and SMJ inbred mice. The F2 mice were fed 12 weeks of Western diet, starting at 6 weeks of age. Atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic root of each mouse is the sum of the top 8 lesion areas. The data is provided in the format required for determining QTLs using two independent programs, J/QTL and PLINK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Grainger
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael B Jones
- Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mei-Hua Chen
- Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ani Manichaikul
- Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Weibin Shi
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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