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Rubin CJ, Hodge M, Naboulsi R, Beckman M, Bellone RR, Kallenberg A, J'Usrey S, Ohmura H, Seki K, Furukawa R, Ohnuma A, Davis BW, Tozaki T, Lindgren G, Andersson L. An intronic copy number variation in Syntaxin 17 determines speed of greying and melanoma incidence in Grey horses. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7510. [PMID: 39209879 PMCID: PMC11362437 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51898-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Greying with age phenotype in horses involves loss of hair pigmentation whereas skin pigmentation is not reduced, and a predisposition to melanoma. The causal mutation was initially reported as a duplication of a 4.6 kb intronic sequence in Syntaxin 17. The speed of greying varies considerably among Grey horses. Here we demonstrate the presence of two different Grey alleles, G2 carrying two tandem copies of the duplicated sequence and G3 carrying three. The latter is by far the most common allele, probably due to strong selection for the striking white phenotype. Our results reveal a remarkable dosage effect where the G3 allele is associated with fast greying and high incidence of melanoma whereas G2 is associated with slow greying and low incidence of melanoma. The copy number expansion transforms a weak enhancer to a strong melanocyte-specific enhancer that underlies hair greying (G2 and G3) and a drastically elevated risk of melanoma (G3 only). Our direct pedigree-based observation of the origin of a G2 allele from a G3 allele by copy number contraction demonstrates the dynamic evolution of this locus and provides the ultimate evidence for causality of the copy number variation of the 4.6 kb intronic sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl-Johan Rubin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - McKaela Hodge
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rakan Naboulsi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Rebecca R Bellone
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Angelica Kallenberg
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Stephanie J'Usrey
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hajime Ohmura
- Racehorse hospital, Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Seki
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Risako Furukawa
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Aoi Ohnuma
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Brian W Davis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Teruaki Tozaki
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Gabriella Lindgren
- Department of Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Leif Andersson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
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2
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Zscherpe P, Kalbitz J, Weber LA, Paschke R, Mäder K, von Rechenberg B, Cavalleri JMV, Meißner J, Klein K. Potent drug delivery enhancement of betulinic acid and NVX-207 into equine skin in vitro - a comparison between a novel oxygen flow-assisted transdermal application device and microemulsion gels. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:202. [PMID: 38755639 PMCID: PMC11097577 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04064-1] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gray horses are predisposed to equine malignant melanoma (EMM) with advancing age. Depending on the tumor's location and size, they can cause severe problems (e.g., defaecation, urination, feeding). A feasible therapy for EMM has not yet been established and surgical excision can be difficult depending on the location of the melanoma. Thus, an effective and safe therapy is needed. Naturally occurring betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene and its synthetic derivate, NVX-207 (3-acetyl-betulinic acid-2-amino-3-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-propanoate) are known for their cytotoxic properties against melanomas and other tumors and have already shown good safety and tolerability in vivo. In this study, BA and NVX-207 were tested for their permeation potential into equine skin in vitro in Franz-type diffusion cell (FDC) experiments after incubation of 5 min, 30 min and 24 h, aiming to use these formulations for prospective in vivo studies as a treatment for early melanoma stages. Potent permeation was defined as reaching or exceeding the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of BA or NVX-207 for equine melanoma cells in equine skin samples. The active ingredients were either dissolved in a microemulsion (ME) or in a microemulsion gel (MEG). All of the formulations were transdermally applied but the oil-in-water microemulsion was administered with a novel oxygen flow-assisted (OFA) applicator (DERMADROP TDA). RESULTS All tested formulations exceeded the IC50 values for equine melanoma cells for BA and NVX-207 in equine skin samples, independently of the incubation time NVX-207 applied with the OFA applicator showed a significant time-dependent accumulation and depot-effect in the skin after 30 min and 24 h (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS All tested substances showed promising results. Additionally, OFA administration showed a significant accumulation of NVX-207 after 30 min and 24 h of incubation. Further in vivo trials with OFA application are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Zscherpe
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Jutta Kalbitz
- Biosolutions Halle GmbH, Weinbergweg 22, Halle (Saale), 06120, Germany
| | - Lisa A Weber
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, Hannover, 30559, Germany
| | - Reinhard Paschke
- BioCenter, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, Halle (Saale), 06120, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale), 06120, Germany
| | - Brigitte von Rechenberg
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
- Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Jessika-M V Cavalleri
- Equine Internal Medicine, Clinical Centre for Equine Health and Research, Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni), Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria.
| | - Jessica Meißner
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, Hannover, 30559, Germany
| | - Karina Klein
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
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3
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Giovannini S, Strillacci MG, Bagnato A, Albertini E, Sarti FM. Genetic and Phenotypic Characteristics of Belted Pig Breeds: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3072. [PMID: 37835678 PMCID: PMC10571877 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Belted pig breeds have unique, distinguishing phenotypic characteristics. This review summarises the current knowledge on pig breeds displaying a belted coat pattern. Belts of different widths and positions around the animal's trunk characterise specific pig breeds from all around the world. All the breeds included in the present paper have been searched through the FAO domestic animal diversity information system (DAD-IS), Every country was checked to identify all breeds described as having black or red piebald coat pattern variations. Advances in genomic technologies have made it possible to identify the specific genes and genetic markers associated with the belted phenotype and explore the genetic relationships between different local breeds. Thus, the origin, history, and production traits of these breeds, together with all the genomic information related to the mechanism of skin pigmentation, are discussed. By increasing our understanding of these breeds, we can appreciate the richness of our biological and cultural heritage and work to preserve the biodiversity of the world's animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Giovannini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; (E.A.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Maria Giuseppina Strillacci
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessandro Bagnato
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Emidio Albertini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; (E.A.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Francesca Maria Sarti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; (E.A.); (F.M.S.)
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Pinto C, Aluai-Cunha C, Santos A. The human and animals' malignant melanoma: comparative tumor models and the role of microbiome in dogs and humans. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:87-103. [PMID: 36662668 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the most progressively occurring incident cancer is melanoma. The mouse is the most popular model in human melanoma research given its various benefits as a laboratory animal. Nevertheless, unlike humans, mice do not develop melanoma spontaneously, so they need to be genetically manipulated. In opposition, there are several reports of other animals, ranging from wild to domesticated animals, that spontaneously develop melanoma and that have cancer pathways that are similar to those of humans. The influence of the gut microbiome on health and disease is being the aim of many recent studies. It has been proven that the microbiome is a determinant of the host's immune status and disease prevention. In human medicine, there is increasing evidence that changes in the microbiome influences malignant melanoma progression and response to therapy. There are several similarities between some animals and human melanoma, especially between canine and human oral malignant melanoma as well as between the gut microbiome of both species. However, microbiome studies are scarce in veterinary medicine, especially in the oncology field. Future studies need to address the relevance of gut and tissue microbiome for canine malignant melanoma development, which results will certainly benefit both species in the context of translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Pinto
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar of the University of Porto (ICBAS-UP)
| | - Catarina Aluai-Cunha
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar of the University of Porto (ICBAS-UP)
| | - Andreia Santos
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar of the University of Porto (ICBAS-UP)
- Animal Science and Study Centre (CECA), Food and Agragrian Sciences and Technologies Institute (ICETA), Apartado, Porto, Portugal
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5
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Equine Melanocytic Tumors: A Narrative Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020247. [PMID: 36670786 PMCID: PMC9855132 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult grey horses have a high incidence of melanocytic tumors. This article narratively reviews the role of some genetic features related to melanoma formation in horses, such as STX17 mutation, ASIP or MITF alterations, and the link between the graying process and the development of these tumors. A clear system of clinical and pathological classification of melanocytic tumors in naevus, dermal melanoma, dermal melanomatosis and anaplastic malignant melanoma is provided. Clinical and laboratorial methods of diagnosing are listed, with fine needle aspiration and histopathology being the most relevant. Relevance is given to immunohistochemistry, describing potentially important diagnostic biomarkers such as RACK1 and PNL2. Different therapeutical options available for equine practitioners are mentioned, with surgery, chemotherapy and electroporation being the most common. This article also elucidatesnew fields of research, perspectives, and new therapeutic targets, such as CD47, PD-1 and COX-2 biomarkers.
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6
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Liang X, Lan J, Xu M, Qin K, Liu H, Sun G, Liu X, Chen Y, He Z. Impact of KIT Editing on Coat Pigmentation and Fresh Meat Color in Yorkshire Pigs. CRISPR J 2022; 5:825-842. [PMID: 36315201 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0039] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The white coat color of Yorkshire pigs is caused by the dominant white I allele, which has been associated with at least one copy of the 450-kb duplication encompassing the entire KIT gene and a splice mutation (G > A) at the first base of intron 17. The splice mutation in KIT has an adverse effect on pigmentation in mice. Therefore, removing the 450 kb duplications harboring the KIT copy with splice mutations is expected to affect Yorkshire pig pigmentation. In this study, we describe the use of a Yorkshire pig kidney cell strain with the I?/IBe-ed genotype, previously created by CRISPR-Cas9, as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer to generate gene-edited Yorkshire pigs. The removal of the 450 kb duplications harboring the KIT copy with splice mutation did not alter the white coat color of Yorkshire pigs, which was confirmed by the absence of fully mature melanocytes and melanin accumulation in the hair follicles. Except for the improved transcription of tyrosinase, and slight increase in microphthalmia transcription factor and tyrosinase-related protein 1 protein expression, there was no significant impact of the removal of splice mutations on genes and signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT) involved in melanogenesis. However, the removal of the 450 kb duplications harboring the KIT copy with splice mutation substantially improved fresh meat color accompanied by significantly increased red blood cell number, which merits further investigation. Our study provides new insights into the role of structural mutations of the KIT gene in the formation of white coat color and erythropoiesis in Yorkshire pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Meina Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaosheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zuyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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7
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Andersson L, Purugganan M. Molecular genetic variation of animals and plants under domestication. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122150119. [PMID: 35858409 PMCID: PMC9335317 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122150119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Domesticated plants and animals played crucial roles as models for evolutionary change by means of natural selection and for establishing the rules of inheritance, originally proposed by Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel, respectively. Here, we review progress that has been made during the last 35 y in unraveling the molecular genetic variation underlying the stunning phenotypic diversity in crops and domesticated animals that inspired Mendel and Darwin. We notice that numerous domestication genes, crucial for the domestication process, have been identified in plants, whereas animal domestication appears to have a polygenic background with no obvious "domestication genes" involved. Although model organisms, such as Drosophila and Arabidopsis, have replaced domesticated species as models for basic research, the latter are still outstanding models for evolutionary research because phenotypic change in these species represents an evolutionary process over thousands of years. A consequence of this is that some alleles contributing to phenotypic diversity have evolved by accumulating multiple changes in the same gene. The continued molecular characterization of crops and farm animals with ever sharper tools is essential for future food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Andersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael Purugganan
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, United Arab Emirates
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8
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Li J, Lee MO, Davis BW, Wu P, Hsieh Li SM, Chuong CM, Andersson L. The crest phenotype in domestic chicken is caused by a 197 bp duplication in the intron of HOXC10. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6062401. [PMID: 33704432 PMCID: PMC8022956 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Crest mutation in chicken shows incomplete dominance and causes a spectacular phenotype in which the small feathers normally present on the head are replaced by much larger feathers normally present only in dorsal skin. Using whole-genome sequencing, we show that the crest phenotype is caused by a 197 bp duplication of an evolutionarily conserved sequence located in the intron of HOXC10 on chromosome 33. A diagnostic test showed that the duplication was present in all 54 crested chickens representing eight breeds and absent from all 433 non-crested chickens representing 214 populations. The mutation causes ectopic expression of at least five closely linked HOXC genes, including HOXC10, in cranial skin of crested chickens. The result is consistent with the interpretation that the crest feathers are caused by an altered body region identity. The upregulated HOXC gene expression is expanded to skull tissue of Polish chickens showing a large crest often associated with cerebral hernia, but not in Silkie chickens characterized by a small crest, both homozygous for the duplication. Thus, the 197 bp duplication is required for the development of a large crest and susceptibility to cerebral hernia because only crested chicken show this malformation. However, this mutation is not sufficient to cause herniation because this malformation is not present in breeds with a small crest, like Silkie chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mi-Ok Lee
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Brian W Davis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Shu-Man Hsieh Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.,Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Leif Andersson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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9
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Nowacka-Woszuk J, Mackowski M, Mantaj W, Stefaniuk-Szmukier M, Cieslak J. Equine STX17 intronic triplication confirmed by droplet digital PCR analysis of its breakpoints. Anim Genet 2021; 52:567-568. [PMID: 33939848 DOI: 10.1111/age.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| | - Mariusz 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
| | - Weronika Mantaj
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| | - Monika Stefaniuk-Szmukier
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | - Jakub Cieslak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
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10
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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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.
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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
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11
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Minnoye L, Taskiran II, Mauduit D, Fazio M, Van Aerschot L, Hulselmans G, Christiaens V, Makhzami S, Seltenhammer M, Karras P, Primot A, Cadieu E, van Rooijen E, Marine JC, Egidy G, Ghanem GE, Zon L, Wouters J, Aerts S. Cross-species analysis of enhancer logic using deep learning. Genome Res 2020; 30:1815-1834. [PMID: 32732264 PMCID: PMC7706731 DOI: 10.1101/gr.260844.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering the genomic regulatory code of enhancers is a key challenge in biology because this code underlies cellular identity. A better understanding of how enhancers work will improve the interpretation of noncoding genome variation and empower the generation of cell type-specific drivers for gene therapy. Here, we explore the combination of deep learning and cross-species chromatin accessibility profiling to build explainable enhancer models. We apply this strategy to decipher the enhancer code in melanoma, a relevant case study owing to the presence of distinct melanoma cell states. We trained and validated a deep learning model, called DeepMEL, using chromatin accessibility data of 26 melanoma samples across six different species. We show the accuracy of DeepMEL predictions on the CAGI5 challenge, where it significantly outperforms existing models on the melanoma enhancer of IRF4 Next, we exploit DeepMEL to analyze enhancer architectures and identify accurate transcription factor binding sites for the core regulatory complexes in the two different melanoma states, with distinct roles for each transcription factor, in terms of nucleosome displacement or enhancer activation. Finally, DeepMEL identifies orthologous enhancers across distantly related species, where sequence alignment fails, and the model highlights specific nucleotide substitutions that underlie enhancer turnover. DeepMEL can be used from the Kipoi database to predict and optimize candidate enhancers and to prioritize enhancer mutations. In addition, our computational strategy can be applied to other cancer or normal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Minnoye
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ibrahim Ihsan Taskiran
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Mauduit
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Fazio
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stem Cell Program and the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Linde Van Aerschot
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gert Hulselmans
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valerie Christiaens
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samira Makhzami
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Monika Seltenhammer
- Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Livestock Sciences (NUWI) - BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Panagiotis Karras
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Oncology KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aline Primot
- CNRS-University of Rennes 1, UMR6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Faculty of Medicine, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Edouard Cadieu
- CNRS-University of Rennes 1, UMR6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Faculty of Medicine, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Ellen van Rooijen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stem Cell Program and the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Oncology KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giorgia Egidy
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRA, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ghanem-Elias Ghanem
- Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leonard Zon
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stem Cell Program and the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Jasper Wouters
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stein Aerts
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Weber LA, Funtan A, Paschke R, Delarocque J, Kalbitz J, Meißner J, Feige K, Kietzmann M, Cavalleri JMV. In vitro assessment of triterpenoids NVX-207 and betulinyl-bis-sulfamate as a topical treatment for equine skin cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241448. [PMID: 33151949 PMCID: PMC7643960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine sarcoid (ES) is the most prevalent skin tumor in equids worldwide. Additionally, aging grey horses frequently suffer from equine malignant melanoma (EMM). Current local therapies targeting these skin tumors remain challenging. Therefore, more feasible topical treatment options should be considered. In order to develop a topical therapy against ES and EMM, betulinyl-bis-sulfamate and NVX-207, derivatives of the naturally occurring betulin and betulinic acid, respectively, were evaluated for their antiproliferative (crystal violet staining assay), cytotoxic (MTS assay) and apoptotic (AnnexinV staining, cell cycle investigations) effects on primary ES cells, EMM cells and equine dermal fibroblasts in vitro. The more potent derivative was assessed for its in vitro penetration and permeation on isolated equine skin within 30 min and 24 h using Franz-type diffusion cells and HPLC analysis. Betulinyl-bis-sulfamate and NVX-207 inhibited the proliferation and metabolism in ES cells, EMM cells and fibroblasts significantly (p < 0.001) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. NVX-207 had superior anticancer effects compared to betulinyl-bis-sulfamate. Both compounds led to the externalization of phosphatidylserines on the cell membrane and DNA fragmentation, demonstrating that the effective mode of action was apoptosis. After 48 h of treatment with NVX-207, the number of necrotic cells was less than 2% in all cell types. Detected amounts of NVX-207 in the different skin layers exceeded the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations calculated by far. Even though data obtained in vitro are auspicious, the results are not unconditionally applicable to the clinical situation. Consequently, in vivo studies are required to address the antitumoral effects of topically applied NVX-207 in ES and EMM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Annabel Weber
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne Funtan
- Biozentrum, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Reinhard Paschke
- Biozentrum, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julien Delarocque
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Jessica Meißner
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manfred Kietzmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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13
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van der Weyden L, Brenn T, Patton EE, Wood GA, Adams DJ. Spontaneously occurring melanoma in animals and their relevance to human melanoma. J Pathol 2020; 252:4-21. [PMID: 32652526 PMCID: PMC7497193 DOI: 10.1002/path.5505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to other cancer types, melanoma incidence has been increasing over the last 50 years, and while it still represents less than 5% of all cutaneous malignancies, melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths, due to its propensity to metastasise. Whilst melanoma most commonly affects the skin, it can also arise in mucosal surfaces, the eye, and the brain. For new therapies to be developed, a better understanding of the genetic landscape, signalling pathways, and tumour–microenvironmental interactions is needed. This is where animal models are of critical importance. The mouse is the foremost used model of human melanoma. Arguably this is due to its plethora of benefits as a laboratory animal; however, it is important to note that unlike humans, melanocytes are not present at the dermal–epidermal junction in mice and mice do not develop melanoma without genetic manipulation. In contrast, there are numerous reports of animals that spontaneously develop melanoma, ranging from sharks and parrots to hippos and monkeys. In addition, several domesticated and laboratory‐bred animals spontaneously develop melanoma or UV‐induced melanoma, specifically, fish, opossums, pigs, horses, cats, and dogs. In this review, we look at spontaneously occurring animal ‘models’ of melanoma and discuss their relevance to the different types of melanoma found in humans. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland..
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Brenn
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AL, Canada
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, The MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Geoffrey A Wood
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - David J Adams
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
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14
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Lindgren G, Naboulsi R, Frey R, Solé M. Genetics of Skin Disease in Horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2020; 36:323-339. [PMID: 32534850 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2020.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine skin diseases are common, causing increased costs and reduced welfare of affected horses.Genetic testing, if available, can complement early detection, disease diagnosis, and clinical treatment and offers horse breeders the possibility to rule out carrier status. The mechanisms of complex disease can be investigated by using the latest state-of-the-art genomic technologies. Genome-based strategies may also serve as an efficient and cost-effective strategy for the management of the disease severity levels, with particular interest in complex traits such as insect bite hypersensitivity, chronic progressive lymphedema, and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Lindgren
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Almas Allé 8, Uppsala 75007, Sweden; Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven Leuven, KasteelparkArenberg 30, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Rakan Naboulsi
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Almas Allé 8, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Rebecka Frey
- AniCura Norsholms Djursjukhus, Norsholm 61791, Sweden
| | - Marina Solé
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Almas Allé 8, Uppsala 75007, Sweden.
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15
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Weber LA, Meißner J, Delarocque J, Kalbitz J, Feige K, Kietzmann M, Michaelis A, Paschke R, Michael J, Pratscher B, Cavalleri JMV. Betulinic acid shows anticancer activity against equine melanoma cells and permeates isolated equine skin in vitro. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:44. [PMID: 32024502 PMCID: PMC7003431 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2262-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine malignant melanoma (EMM) is a frequently occurring dermoepidermal tumor in grey horses. Currently available therapies are either challenging or inefficient. Betulinic acid (BA), a naturally occurring triterpenoid, is a promising compound for cancer treatment. To evaluate the potential of BA as a topical therapy for EMM, its anticancer effects on primary equine melanoma cells and dermal fibroblasts and its percutaneous permeation through isolated equine skin were assessed in vitro. RESULTS BA showed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on both primary equine melanoma cells and fibroblasts in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentrations were obtained 96 h after the beginning of drug exposure (12.7 μmol/L and 23.6 μmol/L for melanoma cells eRGO1 and MelDuWi, respectively, in cytotoxicity assay). High concentrations of the compound were reached in the required skin layers in vitro. CONCLUSION BA is a promising substance for topical EMM treatment. Further clinical studies in horses are necessary to assess safety and antitumoral effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Weber
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessica Meißner
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Julien Delarocque
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jutta Kalbitz
- Biosolutions Halle GmbH, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manfred Kietzmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anne Michaelis
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Reinhard Paschke
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julia Michael
- Skinomics GmbH, Weinbergweg 23, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Pratscher
- University Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- University Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jessika-M V Cavalleri
- University Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Domyan ET, Hardy J, Wright T, Frazer C, Daniels J, Kirkpatrick J, Kirkpatrick J, Wakamatsu K, Hill JT. SOX10 regulates multiple genes to direct eumelanin versus pheomelanin production in domestic rock pigeon. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 32:634-642. [PMID: 30838786 PMCID: PMC6850303 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The domesticated rock pigeon (Columba livia) has been bred for hundreds of years to display an immense variety of ornamental attributes such as feather color and color patterns. Color is influenced by multiple loci that impact the type and amount of melanin deposited on the feathers. Pigeons homozygous for the "recessive red" mutation, which causes downregulation of Sox10, display brilliant red feathers instead of blue/black feathers. Sox10 encodes a transcription factor important for melanocyte differentiation and function, but the genes that mediate its promotion of black versus red pigment are unknown. Here, we present a transcriptomic comparison of regenerating feathers from wild-type and recessive red pigeons to identify candidate SOX10 targets. Our results identify both known and novel targets, including many genes not previously implicated in pigmentation. These data highlight the value of using novel, emerging model organisms to gain insight into the genetic basis of pigment variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Domyan
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
| | - Jeremy Hardy
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
| | - Tanner Wright
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
| | - Cody Frazer
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
| | - Jordan Daniels
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
| | | | | | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Jonathon T Hill
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
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17
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Li L, Liang Y, Zhang D, Wang C, Pan N, Hong J, Xiao H, Xie Z. The 308-nm excimer laser stimulates melanogenesis via the wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in B16 cells. J DERMATOL TREAT 2019; 30:826-830. [PMID: 30661431 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1572861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: The mechanism of the 308-nm excimer laser in vitiligo treatment has not yet been adequately studied. In this study, we explored the role of the 308-nm excimer laser in treatment of vitiligo and the molecular mechanisms underlying melanin biosynthesis in melanocytes after 308-nm excimer laser radiation. Materials and methods: The B16 cells were irradiated at doses of 0 mJ/cm2, 100 mJ/cm2, 300 mJ/cm2 and 600 mJ/cm2 using a 308-nm excimer laser and then cultured for an additional 24, 48 or 72 hours. Melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity in cells were measured by biochemical methods. The expression of tyrosinase, MITF, Wnt3α and β-catenin was analyzed by Western blotting. Results: Cell irradiation with the 308-nm excimer laser not only significantly elevated the melanin content (p < .01) but also stimulated the activity of tyrosinase (p < .01). The expressions of tyrosinase and MITF were also significantly increased in cells after 308-nm excimer laser irradiation. We also defined the signaling pathway by which the 308-nm excimer laser stimulates melanin biosynthesis. Increased Wnt3α and β-catenin expression was observed by Western blot analysis. Conclusion: Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway likely led to the activation of MITF and tyrosinase transcription, as well as, the subsequent induction of melanin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Li
- Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , PR China
| | - Yanping Liang
- Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , PR China
| | - Donghong Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , PR China
| | - Nannan Pan
- Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , PR China
| | - Jiqiong Hong
- Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , PR China
| | - Hewei Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , PR China
| | - Zhi Xie
- Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , PR China
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18
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Liebscher G, Vanchangiri K, Mueller T, Feige K, Cavalleri JMV, Paschke R. In vitro anticancer activity of Betulinic acid and derivatives thereof on equine melanoma cell lines from grey horses and in vivo safety assessment of the compound NVX-207 in two horses. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 246:20-9. [PMID: 26772157 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene, and its derivatives are promising compounds for cancer treatment in humans. Melanoma is not only a problem for humans but also for grey horses as they have a high potential of developing melanoma lesions coupled to the mutation causing their phenotype. Current chemotherapeutic treatment carries the risk of adverse health effects for the horse owner or the treating veterinarian by exposure to antineoplastic compounds. Most treatments have low prospects for systemic tumor regression. Thus, a new therapy is needed. In this in vitro study, Betulinic acid and its two derivatives B10 and NVX-207, both with an improved water solubility compared to Betulinic acid, were tested on two equine melanoma cell lines (MelDuWi and MellJess/HoMelZh) and human melanoma (A375) cell line. We could demonstrate that all three compounds especially NVX-207 show high cytotoxicity on both equine melanoma cell lines. The treatment with these compounds lead to externalization of phosphatidylserines on the cell membrane (AnnexinV-staining), DNA-fragmentation (cell cycle analysis) and activation of initiator and effector caspases (Caspase assays). Our results indicate that the apoptosis is induced in the equine melanoma cells by all three compounds. Furthermore, we succeed in encapsulating the most active compound NVX-207 in 2-Hydroxyprolyl-β-cyclodextrine without a loss of its activity. This formulation can be used as a promising antitumor agent for treating grey horse melanoma. In a first tolerability evaluation in vivo the formulation was administered every one week for 19 consecutive weeks and well tolerated in two adult melanoma affected horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Liebscher
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle, Germany
| | - K Vanchangiri
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Th Mueller
- Department of Hematology/ Oncology, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/ Saale, Germany
| | - K Feige
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Horses, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - J-M V Cavalleri
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Horses, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - R Paschke
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle, Germany.
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19
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van der Weyden L, Patton EE, Wood GA, Foote AK, Brenn T, Arends MJ, Adams DJ. Cross-species models of human melanoma. J Pathol 2015; 238:152-65. [PMID: 26354726 PMCID: PMC4832391 DOI: 10.1002/path.4632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Although transformation of melanocytes to melanoma is rare, the rapid growth, systemic spread, as well as the chemoresistance of melanoma present significant challenges for patient care. Here we review animal models of melanoma, including murine, canine, equine, and zebrafish models, and detail the immense contribution these models have made to our knowledge of human melanoma development, and to melanocyte biology. We also highlight the opportunities for cross-species comparative genomic studies of melanoma to identify the key molecular events that drive this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise van der Weyden
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, The MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Geoffrey A Wood
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alastair K Foote
- Rossdales Equine Hospital, Cotton End Road, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7NN, UK
| | - Thomas Brenn
- Pathology Department, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Mark J Arends
- Centre for Comparative Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - David J Adams
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
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20
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Dorshorst B, Harun-Or-Rashid M, Bagherpoor AJ, Rubin CJ, Ashwell C, Gourichon D, Tixier-Boichard M, Hallböök F, Andersson L. A genomic duplication is associated with ectopic eomesodermin expression in the embryonic chicken comb and two duplex-comb phenotypes. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1004947. [PMID: 25789773 PMCID: PMC4366209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Duplex-comb (D) is one of three major loci affecting comb morphology in the domestic chicken. Here we show that the two Duplex-comb alleles, V-shaped (D*V) and Buttercup (D*C), are both associated with a 20 Kb tandem duplication containing several conserved putative regulatory elements located 200 Kb upstream of the eomesodermin gene (EOMES). EOMES is a T-box transcription factor that is involved in mesoderm specification during gastrulation. In D*V and D*C chicken embryos we find that EOMES is ectopically expressed in the ectoderm of the comb-developing region as compared to wild-type embryos. The confinement of the ectopic expression of EOMES to the ectoderm is in stark contrast to the causal mechanisms underlying the two other major comb loci in the chicken (Rose-comb and Pea-comb) in which the transcription factors MNR2 and SOX5 are ectopically expressed strictly in the mesenchyme. Interestingly, the causal mutations of all three major comb loci in the chicken are now known to be composed of large-scale structural genomic variants that each result in ectopic expression of transcription factors. The Duplex-comb locus also illustrates the evolution of alleles in domestic animals, which means that alleles evolve by the accumulation of two or more consecutive mutations affecting the phenotype. We do not yet know whether the V-shaped or Buttercup allele correspond to the second mutation that occurred on the haplotype of the original duplication event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Dorshorst
- Science for Life Laboratory, Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Dept. of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Carl-Johan Rubin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Chris Ashwell
- Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David Gourichon
- INRA, UE 1295 PEAT Pôle d'Expérimentation Avicole de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Finn Hallböök
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Leif Andersson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Dept. of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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21
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Jiang L, Campagne C, Sundström E, Sousa P, Imran S, Seltenhammer M, Pielberg G, Olsson MJ, Egidy G, Andersson L, Golovko A. Constitutive activation of the ERK pathway in melanoma and skin melanocytes in Grey horses. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:857. [PMID: 25413220 PMCID: PMC4254013 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Constitutive activation of the ERK pathway, occurring in the vast majority of melanocytic neoplasms, has a pivotal role in melanoma development. Different mechanisms underlie this activation in different tumour settings. The Grey phenotype in horses, caused by a 4.6 kb duplication in intron 6 of Syntaxin 17 (STX17), is associated with a very high incidence of cutaneous melanoma, but the molecular mechanism behind the melanomagenesis remains unknown. Here, we investigated the involvement of the ERK pathway in melanoma development in Grey horses. Methods Grey horse melanoma tumours, cell lines and normal skin melanocytes were analyzed with help of indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting for the expression of phospho-ERK1/2 in comparison to that in non-grey horse and human counterparts. The mutational status of BRAF, RAS, GNAQ, GNA11 and KIT genes in Grey horse melanomas was determined by direct sequencing. The effect of RAS, RAF and PI3K/AKT pathways on the activation of the ERK signaling in Grey horse melanoma cells was investigated with help of specific inhibitors and immunoblotting. Individual roles of RAF and RAS kinases on the ERK activation were examined using si-RNA based approach and immunoblotting. Results We found that the ERK pathway is constitutively activated in Grey horse melanoma tumours and cell lines in the absence of somatic activating mutations in BRAF, RAS, GNAQ, GNA11 and KIT genes or alterations in the expression of the main components of the pathway. The pathway is mitogenic and is mediated by BRAF, CRAF and KRAS kinases. Importantly, we found high activation of the ERK pathway also in epidermal melanocytes, suggesting a general predisposition to melanomagenesis in these horses. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that the presence of the intronic 4.6 kb duplication in STX17 is strongly associated with constitutive activation of the ERK pathway in melanocytic cells in Grey horses in the absence of somatic mutations commonly linked to the activation of this pathway during melanomagenesis. These findings are consistent with the universal importance of the ERK pathway in melanomagenesis and may have valuable implications for human melanoma research. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-857) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Golovko
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Analysis of genome-wide copy number variations in Chinese indigenous and western pig breeds by 60 K SNP genotyping arrays. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106780. [PMID: 25198154 PMCID: PMC4157799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) represent a substantial source of structural variants in mammals and contribute to both normal phenotypic variability and disease susceptibility. Although low-resolution CNV maps are produced in many domestic animals, and several reports have been published about the CNVs of porcine genome, the differences between Chinese and western pigs still remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used Porcine SNP60 BeadChip and PennCNV algorithm to perform a genome-wide CNV detection in 302 individuals from six Chinese indigenous breeds (Tongcheng, Laiwu, Luchuan, Bama, Wuzhishan and Ningxiang pigs), three western breeds (Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc) and one hybrid (Tongcheng×Duroc). A total of 348 CNV Regions (CNVRs) across genome were identified, covering 150.49 Mb of the pig genome or 6.14% of the autosomal genome sequence. In these CNVRs, 213 CNVRs were found to exist only in the six Chinese indigenous breeds, and 60 CNVRs only in the three western breeds. The characters of CNVs in four Chinese normal size breeds (Luchuan, Tongcheng and Laiwu pigs) and two minipig breeds (Bama and Wuzhishan pigs) were also analyzed in this study. Functional annotation suggested that these CNVRs possess a great variety of molecular function and may play important roles in phenotypic and production traits between Chinese and western breeds. Our results are important complementary to the CNV map in pig genome, which provide new information about the diversity of Chinese and western pig breeds, and facilitate further research on porcine genome CNVs.
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Piazza S, Abitbol M, Gnirs K, Huynh M, Cauzinille L. Prevalence of deafness and association with coat variations in client-owned ferrets. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014; 244:1047-52. [PMID: 24739114 DOI: 10.2460/javma.244.9.1047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of congenital sensorineural deafness (CSD) and its association with phenotypic markers in client-owned ferrets. DESIGN Epidemiological study. ANIMALS 152 healthy European pet ferrets. PROCEDURES Brainstem auditory evoked response tests were recorded in ferrets during general anesthesia. Phenotypic markers such as sex, coat color and pattern, coat length (Angora or not), and premature graying trait were assessed. RESULTS Overall, 44 of the 152 (29%) ferrets were affected by CSD; 10 (7%) were unilaterally deaf, and 34 (22%) were bilaterally deaf. There was no association between CSD and sex or Angora trait, but a strong association between CSD and white patterned coat or premature graying was identified. All panda, American panda, and blaze ferrets were deaf. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ferrets in this study had a high prevalence of CSD that was strictly associated with coat color patterns, specifically white markings and premature graying. This seemed to be an emerging congenital defect in pet ferrets because white-marked coats are a popular new coat color. Breeders should have a greater awareness and understanding of this defect to reduce its prevalence for the overall benefit of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Piazza
- Department of Neurology, Veterinary Hospital Center FREGIS, 43 ave Aristide Briand, 94110 Arcueil, France
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24
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Abstract
Melanomas are among the most common skin tumors in horses, with prevalence rates reaching as high as 80% in adult gray horses. Most melanocytic tumors are benign at initial presentation; however, if left untreated, up to two-thirds can progress to overt malignant behavior. Standard local treatment options can be used to treat solitary early-stage lesions but do not address the underlying risk of recurrent tumor formation or the transformation to a malignant phenotype. An understanding of the specific molecular genetic factors associated with tumor formation should lead to targeted therapies that can be used to treat or ideally prevent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Phillips
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA.
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25
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Seltenhammer MH, Sundström E, Meisslitzer-Ruppitsch C, Cejka P, Kosiuk J, Neumüller J, Almeder M, Majdic O, Steinberger P, Losert UM, Stöckl J, Andersson L, Sölkner J, Vetterlein M, Golovko A. Establishment and characterization of a primary and a metastatic melanoma cell line from Grey horses. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2013; 50:56-65. [PMID: 23982913 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-013-9678-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Grey horse phenotype, caused by a 4.6 kb duplication in Syntaxin 17, is strongly associated with high incidence of melanoma. In contrast to most human melanomas with an early onset of metastasis, the Grey horse melanomas have an extended period of benign growth, after which 50% or more eventually undergo progression and may metastasize. In efforts to define changes occurring during Grey horse melanoma progression, we established an in vitro model comprised of two cell lines, HoMel-L1 and HoMel-A1, representing a primary and a metastatic stage of the melanoma, respectively. The cell lines were examined for their growth and morphological characteristics, in vitro and in vivo oncogenic potential, chromosome numbers, and expression of melanocytic antigens and tumor suppressors. Both cell lines exhibited malignant characteristics; however, the metastatic HoMel-A1 showed a more aggressive phenotype characterized by higher proliferation rates, invasiveness, and a stronger tumorigenic potential both in vitro and in vivo. HoMel-A1 displayed a near-haploid karyotype, whereas HoMel-L1 was near-diploid. The cell lines expressed melanocytic lineage markers such as TYR, TRP1, MITF, PMEL, ASIP, MC1R, POMC, and KIT. The tumor suppressor p53 was strongly expressed in both cell lines, while the tumor suppressors p16 and PTEN were absent in HoMel-A1, potentially implicating significance of these pathways in the melanoma progression. This in vitro model system will not only aid in understanding of the Grey horse melanoma pathogenesis, but also in unraveling the steps during melanoma progression in general as well as being an invaluable tool for development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Leeb T. The Spanish Riding School and the Haute Ecole of complex trait genetics. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2013; 26:439-40. [PMID: 23923822 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Teixeira RBC, Rendahl AK, Anderson SM, Mickelson JR, Sigler D, Buchanan BR, Coleman RJ, McCue ME. Coat color genotypes and risk and severity of melanoma in gray quarter horses. J Vet Intern Med 2013; 27:1201-8. [PMID: 23875712 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both graying and melanoma formation in horses have recently been linked to a duplication in the STX17 gene. This duplication, as well as a mutation in the ASIP gene that increases MC1R pathway signaling, affects melanoma risk and severity in gray horses. OBJECTIVE To determine if melanoma susceptibility in gray Quarter Horses (QH) is lower than gray horses from other breeds because of decreased MC1R signaling resulting from a high incidence of the MC1R chestnut coat color allele in the QH population. ANIMALS A total of 335 gray QH with and without dermal melanomas. METHODS Blood or hair root samples were collected from all horses for DNA extraction and genotyping for STX17, ASIP, and MC1R genotypes. Age, sex, and external melanoma presence and grade were recorded. The effect of age and genotype on melanoma presence and severity was evaluated by candidate gene association. RESULTS Melanoma prevalence (16%) and grade (0.35) in this QH cohort was lower than that reported in other breeds. Age was significantly associated with melanoma prevalence (P = 5.28 × 10(-11)) and severity (P = 2.2 × 10(-13)). No significant effect of MC1R genotype on melanoma prevalence or severity was identified. An effect of ASIP genotype on melanoma risk was not detected. Low STX17 homozygosity precluded evaluation of the gray allele effect. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Melanoma prevalence and severity is lower in this population of gray QH than what is reported in other breeds. This could be because of the infrequent STX17 homozygosity, a mitigating effect of the MC1R mutation on ASIP potentiation of melanoma, other genes in the MC1R signaling pathway, or differences in breed genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B C Teixeira
- Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN
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28
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Andersson L. Molecular consequences of animal breeding. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2013; 23:295-301. [PMID: 23601626 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The phenotypic diversity in domestic animals provides a unique opportunity to study genotype-phenotype relationships. The identification of causal mutations provides an insight into what types of mutations have contributed to phenotypic evolution in domestic animals. Whole genome sequencing has revealed that fixation of null alleles that inactivate genes, which are essential under natural conditions but disadvantageous on the farm, has not been a common mechanism for genetic adaptation in domestic animals. Numerous examples have been revealed where structural changes cause specific phenotypic effects by altering transcriptional regulation. An emerging feature is also the evolution of alleles by the accumulation of several consecutive mutations which affect gene function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Andersson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Reissmann M, Ludwig A. Pleiotropic effects of coat colour-associated mutations in humans, mice and other mammals. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2013; 24:576-86. [PMID: 23583561 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2013.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The characterisation of the pleiotropic effects of coat colour-associated mutations in mammals illustrates that sensory organs and nerves are particularly affected by disorders because of the shared origin of melanocytes and neurocytes in the neural crest; e.g. the eye-colour is a valuable indicator of disorders in pigment production and eye dysfunctions. Disorders related to coat colour-associated alleles also occur in the skin (melanoma), reproductive tract and immune system. Additionally, the coat colour phenotype of an individual influences its general behaviour and fitness. Mutations in the same genes often produce similar coat colours and pleiotropic effects in different species (e.g., KIT [reproductive disorders, lethality], EDNRB [megacolon] and LYST [CHS]). Whereas similar disorders and similar-looking coat colour phenotypes sometimes have a different genetic background (e.g., deafness [EDN3/EDNRB, MITF, PAX and SNAI2] and visual diseases [OCA2, RAB38, SLC24A5, SLC45A2, TRPM1 and TYR]). The human predilection for fancy phenotypes that ignore disorders and genetic defects is a major driving force for the increase of pleiotropic effects in domestic species and laboratory subjects since domestication has commenced approximately 18,000 years ago.
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Key Words
- AS
- ASIP
- ATRN
- Agouti signalling protein
- Albino
- Angelman syndrome
- Attractin (mahogany)
- BLOC
- Biogenesis of lysosomal organelles complex
- CCSD
- CHS
- CSD
- CSNB
- Canine congenital sensorineural deafness
- Chediak-Higashi syndrome
- Coat colour gene
- Congenital sensorineural deafness
- Congenital stationary night blindness
- Disorder
- EDN3
- EDNRB
- Endothelin 3
- Endothelin receptor type B
- Epistasis
- Fitness
- GS
- Griscelli syndrome (type 1 or 2)
- HPS
- HSCR
- Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome with different types
- Hirschsprung disease
- IPE
- Iris pigment epithelium
- KIT
- KIT ligand (steel factor)
- KITLG
- LFS
- LYST
- Lavender foal syndrome
- Lethal
- Leucism
- Lysosomal trafficking regulator
- MC1R
- MCOA
- MCOLN3
- MGRN1
- MITF
- MYO5A
- Mahogunin ring finger 1 (E3 ubiquitin protein ligase)
- Melanocortin 1 receptor
- Melanoma
- Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor
- Mucolipin 3 (TRPML3)
- Multiple congenital ocular anomalies
- Myosin VA (heavy chain 12, myoxin)
- OA
- OCA
- OCA2
- OLWS
- OSTM1
- Ocular albinism
- Oculocutaneous albinism II (pink-eye dilution homolog)
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 1–4
- Osteopetrosis associated transmembrane protein 1 (Grey lethal osteopetrosis)
- Overo lethal white syndrome
- PAX3
- PMEL
- PWS
- Paired box 3
- Pleiotropy
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Premelanosome protein (Pmel17, SILV)
- RAB27A
- RAB27A member RAS oncogene family
- RAB38
- RAB38 member RAS oncogene family
- RPE
- Reproduction
- Retinal pigmented epithelium
- SLC24A5
- SLC2A9
- SLC45A2
- SNAI2
- STX17
- Snail homolog 2 (Drosophila), (SLUG), SOX10, SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 10
- Solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 9
- Solute carrier family 24, member 5
- Solute carrier family 45, member 2, MATP
- Syntaxin 17
- TRPM1
- TYR
- Tameness
- Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 1 (melastatin-1)
- Tyrosinase, TYRP1, Tyrosinase-related protein 1
- V-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, tyrosine kinase receptor (c-kit)
- WS
- Waardenburg syndrome (type 1, type 2 combined with Tietz syndrome type 3 Klein-Waardenburg syndrome, type 4 Waardenburg-Shah syndrome)
- alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone
- αMSH
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Reissmann
- Humboldt University Berlin, Department for Crop and Animal Sciences, Berlin, Germany.
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Curik I, Druml T, Seltenhammer M, Sundström E, Pielberg GR, Andersson L, Sölkner J. Complex inheritance of melanoma and pigmentation of coat and skin in Grey horses. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003248. [PMID: 23408897 PMCID: PMC3567150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The dominant phenotype of greying with age in horses, caused by a 4.6-kb duplication in intron 6 of STX17, is associated with a high incidence of melanoma and vitiligo-like skin depigmentation. However, the progressive greying and the incidence of melanoma, vitiligo-like depigmentation, and amount of speckling in these horses do not follow a simple inheritance pattern. To understand their inheritance, we analysed the melanoma grade, grey level, vitiligo grade, and speckling grade of 1,119 Grey horses (7,146 measurements) measured in six countries over a 9-year period. We estimated narrow sense heritability (h2), and we decomposed this parameter into polygenic heritability (h2POLY), heritability due to the Grey (STX17) mutation (h2STX17), and heritability due to agouti (ASIP) locus (h2ASIP). A high heritability was found for greying (h2 = 0.79), vitiligo (h2 = 0.63), and speckling (h2 = 0.66), while a moderate heritability was estimated for melanoma (h2 = 0.37). The additive component of ASIP was significantly different from zero only for melanoma (h2ASIP = 0.02). STX17 controlled large proportions of phenotypic variance (h2STX17 = 0.18–0.55) and overall heritability (h2STX17/h2 = 0.28–0.83) for all traits. Genetic correlations among traits were estimated as moderate to high, primarily due to the effects of the STX17 locus. Nevertheless, the correlation between progressive greying and vitiligo-like depigmentation remained large even after taking into account the effects of STX17. We presented a model where four traits with complex inheritance patterns are strongly influenced by a single mutation. This is in line with evidence of recent studies in domestic animals indicating that some complex traits are, in addition to the large number of genes with small additive effects, influenced by genes of moderate-to-large effect. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the STX17 mutation explains to a large extent the moderate to high genetic correlations among traits, providing an example of strong pleiotropic effects caused by a single gene. Clarifying the genetic architecture of complex traits is a problem with profound implications for agriculture, biology, and medicine. Using data from Lipizzan horses with the grey coat phenotype, we present an example of a single mutation (intronic duplication in STX17) that explains 18%–55% of phenotypic variation in four complex traits, while polygenic background additive effects also explain 11%–57% of phenotypic variation. This study provides a prime example of complex traits being influenced by genes of moderate-to-large effect and supports further the evidence of recent studies in domestic animals that some complex traits are, in addition to the large number of genes with small additive effects, influenced by genes of moderate-to-large effect. We further show that the STX17 mutation accounts for a large proportion of the estimated genetic correlations between the traits. This case of strong pleiotropic effects of a single mutation on complex traits makes this work of significant general interest for biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ino Curik
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- * E-mail: (IC); (JS)
| | - Thomas Druml
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Seltenhammer
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Sundström
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gerli Rosengren Pielberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Leif Andersson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johann Sölkner
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail: (IC); (JS)
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Svahn AJ, Graeber MB, Ellett F, Lieschke GJ, Rinkwitz S, Bennett MR, Becker TS. Development of ramified microglia from early macrophages in the zebrafish optic tectum. Dev Neurobiol 2013; 73:60-71. [PMID: 22648905 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident macrophage precursors of the brain, are necessary for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and activated by a wide range of pathological stimuli. They have a key role in immune and inflammatory responses. Early microglia stem from primitive macrophages, however the transition from early motile forms to the ramified mature resident microglia has not been assayed in real time. In order to provide such an assay, we used zebrafish transgenic lines in which fluorescent reporter expression is driven by the promoter of macrophage expressed gene 1 (mpeg1; Ellet et al. [2011]: Blood 117(4): e49-e56,). This enabled the investigation of the development of these cells in live, intact larvae. We show that microglia develop from highly motile amoeboid cells that are engaged in phagocytosis of apoptotic cell bodies into a microglial cell type that rapidly morphs back and forth between amoeboid and ramified morphologies. These morphing microglia eventually settle into a typical mature ramified morphology. Developing microglia frequently come into contact with blood capillaries in the brain, and also frequently contact each other. Up to 10 days postfertilization, microglia were observed to undergo symmetric division. In the adult optic tectum, the microglia are highly branched, resembling mammalian microglia. In addition, the mpeg1 transgene also labeled highly branched cells in the skin overlying the optic tectum from 8-9 days postfertilization, which likely represent Langerhans cells. Thus, the development of zebrafish microglia and their cellular interactions was studied in the intact developing brain in real time and at cellular resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Svahn
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 100 Mallett St., Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia
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Abstract
Domestication of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and subsequent selection have resulted in dramatic phenotypic changes in domestic pigs for a number of traits, including behavior, body composition, reproduction, and coat color. Here we have used whole-genome resequencing to reveal some of the loci that underlie phenotypic evolution in European domestic pigs. Selective sweep analyses revealed strong signatures of selection at three loci harboring quantitative trait loci that explain a considerable part of one of the most characteristic morphological changes in the domestic pig--the elongation of the back and an increased number of vertebrae. The three loci were associated with the NR6A1, PLAG1, and LCORL genes. The latter two have repeatedly been associated with loci controlling stature in other domestic animals and in humans. Most European domestic pigs are homozygous for the same haplotype at these three loci. We found an excess of derived nonsynonymous substitutions in domestic pigs, most likely reflecting both positive selection and relaxed purifying selection after domestication. Our analysis of structural variation revealed four duplications at the KIT locus that were exclusively present in white or white-spotted pigs, carrying the Dominant white, Patch, or Belt alleles. This discovery illustrates how structural changes have contributed to rapid phenotypic evolution in domestic animals and how alleles in domestic animals may evolve by the accumulation of multiple causative mutations as a response to strong directional selection.
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Jabbari A, Petukhova L, Cabral RM, Clynes R, Christiano AM. Genetic basis of alopecia areata: a roadmap for translational research. Dermatol Clin 2012; 31:109-17. [PMID: 23159180 DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2012.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is a recurrent autoimmune type of hair loss that affects about 5.3 million people in the United States alone. Despite being the most prevalent autoimmune disease, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this complex disease are still poorly understood, and rational treatments are lacking. Further efforts are necessary to clearly pinpoint the causes and molecular pathways leading to this disease and to find evidence-based treatments for AA. The authors focus on the central role of genetics for gaining insight into disease pathogenesis and setting the stage for the rational development of novel effective therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jabbari
- Department of Dermatology, Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion, Columbia University, 1150 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Sitaram A, Marks MS. Mechanisms of protein delivery to melanosomes in pigment cells. Physiology (Bethesda) 2012; 27:85-99. [PMID: 22505665 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00043.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate pigment cells in the eye and skin are useful models for cell types that use specialized endosomal trafficking pathways to partition cargo proteins to unique lysosome-related organelles such as melanosomes. This review describes current models of protein trafficking required for melanosome biogenesis in mammalian melanocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Sitaram
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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35
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Sundström E, Imsland F, Mikko S, Wade C, Sigurdsson S, Pielberg GR, Golovko A, Curik I, Seltenhammer MH, Sölkner J, Lindblad-Toh K, Andersson L. Copy number expansion of the STX17 duplication in melanoma tissue from Grey horses. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:365. [PMID: 22857264 PMCID: PMC3443021 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Greying with age in horses is an autosomal dominant trait, associated with loss of hair pigmentation, melanoma and vitiligo-like depigmentation. We recently identified a 4.6 kb duplication in STX17 to be associated with the phenotype. The aims of this study were to investigate if the duplication in Grey horses shows copy number variation and to exclude that any other polymorphism is uniquely associated with the Grey mutation. Results We found little evidence for copy number expansion of the duplicated sequence in blood DNA from Grey horses. In contrast, clear evidence for copy number expansions was indicated in five out of eight tested melanoma tissues or melanoma cell lines. A tendency of a higher copy number in aggressive tumours was also found. Massively parallel resequencing of the ~350 kb Grey haplotype did not reveal any additional mutations perfectly associated with the phenotype, confirming the duplication as the true causative mutation. We identified three SNP alleles that were present in a subset of Grey haplotypes within the 350 kb region that shows complete linkage disequilibrium with the causative mutation. Thus, these three nucleotide substitutions must have occurred subsequent to the duplication, consistent with our interpretation that the Grey mutation arose more than 2,000 years before present. Conclusions These results suggest that the mutation acts as a melanoma-driving regulatory element. The elucidation of the mechanistic features of the duplication will be of considerable interest for the characterization of these horse melanomas as well as for the field of human melanoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Sundström
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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36
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Abstract
Genetic studies of domestic animals are of general interest because there is more phenotypic diversity to explore in these species than in any experimental organism. Some mutations with favourable phenotypic effects have been highly enriched and gone through selective sweeps during the process of domestication and selective breeding. Three such selective sweeps are described in this review. All three mutations are intronic and constitute cis-acting regulatory mutations. Two of the mutations constitute structural changes (one duplication and one copy number expansion). These examples illustrate a general trend that noncoding mutations and structural changes have both contributed significantly to the evolution of phenotypic diversity in domestic animals. How the molecular characterization of trait loci in domestic animals can provide new basic knowledge of relevance for human medicine is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Andersson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, ppsala, Sweden.
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