Genome-wide linkage analysis and regional fine mapping identified variants in the RYR3 gene as a novel quantitative trait locus for circulating adiponectin in Chinese population

Uncovering structural variants associated with body weight and obesity risk in labrador retrievers: a genome-wide study

Although obesity in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is known to decrease well-being and shorten lifespan, the genetic risk variants associated with canine obesity remain largely unknown. In our study, which focused on the obesity-prone Labrador Retriever breed, we conducted a genome-wide analysis to identify structural variants linked to body weight and obesity. Obesity status was based on a 5-point body condition score (BCS) and the obese dog group included all dogs with a BCS of 5, along with dogs with the highest body weight within the BCS 4 group. Data from whole-gene sequencing of fifty dogs, including 28 obese dogs, were bioinformatically analyzed to identify potential structural variants that varied in frequency between obese and healthy dogs. The seven most promising variants were further analyzed by droplet digital PCR in a group of 110 dogs, including 63 obese. Our statistical evidence suggests that common structural mutations in or near six genes, specifically ALPL, KCTD8, SGSM1, SLC12A6, RYR3, and VPS26C, may contribute to the variability observed in body weight and body condition scores among Labrador Retriever dogs. These findings emphasize the need for additional research to validate the associations and explore the specific functions of these genes in relation to canine obesity.

Calcium signaling in neurodevelopment and pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with complex genetic background. Several genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, copy number variations and single nucleotide polymorphisms have been reported that cause ASD or modify its phenotype. Among signaling pathways that influence pathogenesis of ASD, calcium signaling has a prominent effect.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases with key words "Calcium signaling" and "Autism spectrum disorder".

CONCLUSION

This type of signaling has essential roles in the cell physiology. Endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are the key organelles involved in this signaling. It is vastly accepted that organellar disorders intensely influence the central nervous system (CNS). Several lines of evidence indicate alterations in the function of calcium channels in polygenic disorders affecting CNS. In the current review, we describe the role of calcium signaling in normal function of CNS and pathophysiology of ASD.

QTL mapping of rat blood pressure loci on RNO1 within a homologous region linked to human hypertension on HSA15

Fine-mapping of regions linked to the inheritance of hypertension is accomplished by genetic dissection of blood pressure quantitative trait loci (BP QTLs) in rats. The goal of the current study was to further fine-map two genomic regions on rat chromosome 1 with opposing blood pressure effects (BP QTL1b1 and BP QTL1b1a), the homologous region of which on human chromosome 15 harbors BP QTLs. Two new substrains were constructed and studied from the previously reported BP QTL1b1, one having significantly lower systolic BP by 17 mmHg than that of the salt-sensitive (S) rat (P = 0.007). The new limits of BP QTL1b1 were between 134.09 Mb and 135.40 Mb with a 43% improvement from the previous 2.31 Mb to the current 1.31 Mb interval containing 4 protein-coding genes (Rgma, Chd2, Fam174b, and St8sia2), 2 predicted miRNAs, and 4 lncRNAs. One new substrain was constructed and studied from the previously reported BPQTL1b1a having a significantly higher systolic BP by 22 mmHg (P = 0.006) than that of the S rat. The new limits of BPQTL1b1a were between 133.53 Mb and 134.52 Mb with a 32% improvement from the previous1.45 Mb to the current 990.21 Kb interval containing 1 protein-coding gene, Mctp2, and a lncRNA. The congenic segments of these two BP QTLs overlapped between 134.09 Mb and 134.52 Mb. No exonic variants were detected in any of the genes. These findings reiterate complexity of genetic regulation of BP within QTL regions, where elements beyond protein-coding sequences could be factors in controlling BP.