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Becker GM, Thorne JW, Burke JM, Lewis RM, Notter DR, Morgan JLM, Schauer CS, Stewart WC, Redden RR, Murdoch BM. Genetic diversity of United States Rambouillet, Katahdin and Dorper sheep. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:56. [PMID: 39080565 PMCID: PMC11290166 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00905-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Managing genetic diversity is critically important for maintaining species fitness. Excessive homozygosity caused by the loss of genetic diversity can have detrimental effects on the reproduction and production performance of a breed. Analysis of genetic diversity can facilitate the identification of signatures of selection which may contribute to the specific characteristics regarding the health, production and physical appearance of a breed or population. In this study, breeds with well-characterized traits such as fine wool production (Rambouillet, N = 745), parasite resistance (Katahdin, N = 581) and environmental hardiness (Dorper, N = 265) were evaluated for inbreeding, effective population size (Ne), runs of homozygosity (ROH) and Wright's fixation index (FST) outlier approach to identify differential signatures of selection at 36,113 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). RESULTS Katahdin sheep had the largest current Ne at the most recent generation estimated with both the GONe and NeEstimator software. The most highly conserved ROH Island was identified in Rambouillet with a signature of selection on chromosome 6 containing 202 SNPs called in an ROH in 50 to 94% of the individuals. This region contained the DCAF16, LCORL and NCAPG genes that have been previously reported to be under selection and have biological roles related to milk production and growth traits. The outlier regions identified through the FST comparisons of Katahdin with Rambouillet and Dorper contained genes with known roles in milk production and mastitis resistance or susceptibility, and the FST comparisons of Rambouillet with Katahdin and Dorper identified genes related to wool growth, suggesting these traits have been under natural or artificial selection pressure in these populations. Genes involved in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways were identified in all FST breed comparisons, which indicates the presence of allelic diversity between these breeds in genomic regions controlling cytokine signaling mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS In this paper, we describe signatures of selection within diverse and economically important U.S. sheep breeds. The genes contained within these signatures are proposed for further study to understand their relevance to biological traits and improve understanding of breed diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M Becker
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Jacob W Thorne
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M University, San Angelo, TX, USA
| | - Joan M Burke
- USDA, ARS, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, Booneville, AR, USA
| | - Ronald M Lewis
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - David R Notter
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Christopher S Schauer
- Hettinger Research Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Hettinger, ND, USA
| | - Whit C Stewart
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - R R Redden
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M University, San Angelo, TX, USA
| | - Brenda M Murdoch
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
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Vera B, Navajas EA, Peraza P, Carracelas B, Van Lier E, Ciappesoni G. Genomic Regions Associated with Resistance to Gastrointestinal Parasites in Australian Merino Sheep. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:846. [PMID: 39062624 PMCID: PMC11276604 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070846] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions and genes associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in Australian Merino sheep in Uruguay, using the single-step GWAS methodology (ssGWAS), which is based on genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) obtained from a combination of pedigree, genomic, and phenotypic data. This methodology converts GEBVs into SNP effects. The analysis included 26,638 animals with fecal egg count (FEC) records obtained in two independent parasitic cycles (FEC1 and FEC2) and 1700 50K SNP genotypes. The comparison of genomic regions was based on genetic variances (gVar(%)) explained by non-overlapping regions of 20 SNPs. For FEC1 and FEC2, 18 and 22 genomic windows exceeded the significance threshold (gVar(%) ≥ 0.22%), respectively. The genomic regions with strong associations with FEC1 were located on chromosomes OAR 2, 6, 11, 21, and 25, and for FEC2 on OAR 5, 6, and 11. The proportion of genetic variance attributed to the top windows was 0.83% and 1.9% for FEC1 and FEC2, respectively. The 33 candidate genes shared between the two traits were subjected to enrichment analysis, revealing a marked enrichment in biological processes related to immune system functions. These results contribute to the understanding of the genetics underlying gastrointestinal parasite resistance and its implications for other productive and welfare traits in animal breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Vera
- Sistema Ganadero Extensivo, INIA Las Brujas, Canelones 90200, Uruguay; (B.V.); (E.A.N.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Elly A. Navajas
- Sistema Ganadero Extensivo, INIA Las Brujas, Canelones 90200, Uruguay; (B.V.); (E.A.N.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Pablo Peraza
- Sistema Ganadero Extensivo, INIA Las Brujas, Canelones 90200, Uruguay; (B.V.); (E.A.N.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Beatriz Carracelas
- Sistema Ganadero Extensivo, INIA Las Brujas, Canelones 90200, Uruguay; (B.V.); (E.A.N.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Elize Van Lier
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Pasturas, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Avda. Garzón 780, Montevideo 12900, Uruguay;
- Estación Experimental Facultad de Agronomía Salto, Salto 50000, Uruguay
| | - Gabriel Ciappesoni
- Sistema Ganadero Extensivo, INIA Las Brujas, Canelones 90200, Uruguay; (B.V.); (E.A.N.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
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Niciura SCM, Cardoso TF, Ibelli AMG, Okino CH, Andrade BG, Benavides MV, Chagas ACDS, Esteves SN, Minho AP, Regitano LCDA, Gondro C. Multi-omics data elucidate parasite-host-microbiota interactions and resistance to Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:102. [PMID: 38429820 PMCID: PMC10908167 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06205-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The integration of molecular data from hosts, parasites, and microbiota can enhance our understanding of the complex biological interactions underlying the resistance of hosts to parasites. Haemonchus contortus, the predominant sheep gastrointestinal parasite species in the tropics, causes significant production and economic losses, which are further compounded by the diminishing efficiency of chemical control owing to anthelmintic resistance. Knowledge of how the host responds to infection and how the parasite, in combination with microbiota, modulates host immunity can guide selection decisions to breed animals with improved parasite resistance. This understanding will help refine management practices and advance the development of new therapeutics for long-term helminth control. METHODS Eggs per gram (EPG) of feces were obtained from Morada Nova sheep subjected to two artificial infections with H. contortus and used as a proxy to select animals with high resistance or susceptibility for transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of the abomasum and 50 K single-nucleotide genotyping. Additionally, RNA-seq data for H. contortus were generated, and amplicon sequence variants (ASV) were obtained using polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of bacterial and archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA genes from sheep feces and rumen content. RESULTS The heritability estimate for EPG was 0.12. GAST, GNLY, IL13, MGRN1, FGF14, and RORC genes and transcripts were differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible animals. A genome-wide association study identified regions on chromosomes 2 and 11 that harbor candidate genes for resistance, immune response, body weight, and adaptation. Trans-expression quantitative trait loci were found between significant variants and differentially expressed transcripts. Functional co-expression modules based on sheep genes and ASVs correlated with resistance to H. contortus, showing enrichment in pathways of response to bacteria, immune and inflammatory responses, and hub features of the Christensenellaceae, Bacteroides, and Methanobrevibacter genera; Prevotellaceae family; and Verrucomicrobiota phylum. In H. contortus, some mitochondrial, collagen-, and cuticle-related genes were expressed only in parasites isolated from susceptible sheep. CONCLUSIONS The present study identified chromosome regions, genes, transcripts, and pathways involved in the elaborate interactions between the sheep host, its gastrointestinal microbiota, and the H. contortus parasite. These findings will assist in the development of animal selection strategies for parasite resistance and interdisciplinary approaches to control H. contortus infection in sheep.
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Cunha SMF, Lam S, Mallard B, Karrow NA, Cánovas Á. Genomic Regions Associated with Resistance to Gastrointestinal Nematode Parasites in Sheep-A Review. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:187. [PMID: 38397178 PMCID: PMC10888242 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) can be a major constraint and global challenge to the sheep industry. These nematodes infect the small intestine and abomasum of grazing sheep, causing symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, hypoproteinemia, and anemia, which can lead to death. The use of anthelmintics to treat infected animals has led to GIN resistance, and excessive use of these drugs has resulted in residue traced in food and the environment. Resistance to GINs can be measured using multiple traits, including fecal egg count (FEC), Faffa Malan Chart scores, hematocrit, packed cell volume, eosinophilia, immunoglobulin (Ig), and dagginess scores. Genetic variation among animals exists, and understanding these differences can help identify genomic regions associated with resistance to GINs in sheep. Genes playing important roles in the immune system were identified in several studies in this review, such as the CFI and MUC15 genes. Results from several studies showed overlapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with multiple traits measuring resistance to GINs, mainly FEC. The discovery of genomic regions, positional candidate genes, and QTLs associated with resistance to GINs can help increase and accelerate genetic gains in sheep breeding programs and reveal the genetic basis and biological mechanisms underlying this trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samla Marques Freire Cunha
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Bonnie Mallard
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Niel A. Karrow
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (S.M.F.C.); (S.L.); (B.M.); (N.A.K.)
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Liu X, Chen W, Huang B, Wang X, Peng Y, Zhang X, Chai W, Khan MZ, Wang C. Advancements in copy number variation screening in herbivorous livestock genomes and their association with phenotypic traits. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1334434. [PMID: 38274664 PMCID: PMC10808162 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1334434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) have garnered increasing attention within the realm of genetics due to their prevalence in human, animal, and plant genomes. These structural genetic variations have demonstrated associations with a broad spectrum of phenotypic diversity, economic traits, environmental adaptations, epidemics, and other essential aspects of both plants and animals. Furthermore, CNVs exhibit extensive sequence variability and encompass a wide array of genomes. The advancement and maturity of microarray and sequencing technologies have catalyzed a surge in research endeavors pertaining to CNVs. This is particularly prominent in the context of livestock breeding, where molecular markers have gained prominence as a valuable tool in comparison to traditional breeding methods. In light of these developments, a contemporary and comprehensive review of existing studies on CNVs becomes imperative. This review serves the purpose of providing a brief elucidation of the fundamental concepts underlying CNVs, their mutational mechanisms, and the diverse array of detection methods employed to identify these structural variations within genomes. Furthermore, it seeks to systematically analyze the recent advancements and findings within the field of CNV research, specifically within the genomes of herbivorous livestock species, including cattle, sheep, horses, and donkeys. The review also highlighted the role of CNVs in shaping various phenotypic traits including growth traits, reproductive traits, pigmentation and disease resistance etc., in herbivorous livestock. The main goal of this review is to furnish readers with an up-to-date compilation of knowledge regarding CNVs in herbivorous livestock genomes. By integrating the latest research findings and insights, it is anticipated that this review will not only offer pertinent information but also stimulate future investigations into the realm of CNVs in livestock. In doing so, it endeavors to contribute to the enhancement of breeding strategies, genomic selection, and the overall improvement of herbivorous livestock production and resistance to diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Changfa Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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Hou B, Hai Y, Buyin B, Hasi S. Research progress and limitation analysis of RNA interference in Haemonchus contortus in China. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1079676. [PMID: 36908509 PMCID: PMC9998686 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1079676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic and economically important parasitic nematode that affects small ruminants worldwide. While omics studies hold great promise, there are fewer research tools available for analyzing subsequent gene function studies. RNA interference (RNAi) technology offers a solution to this problem, as it especially allows for the knockout or shutting off of the expression of specific genes. As a result, RNAi technology has been widely used to explore gene function and disease treatment research. In this study, we reviewed the latest advancements in RNAi research on Haemonchus contortus in China, with the aim of providing a reference for the identification of key genes involved in growth and development, anthelmintic resistance, diagnostic markers, and diagnostic drug targets for the treatment of Haemonchus contortus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hou
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ying Hai
- Wushen Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Ordos, China
| | - Buhe Buyin
- Wushen Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Ordos, China
| | - Surong Hasi
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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