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Stafuzza NB, Freitas ACD, Mioto MB, Silva RMDO, Fragomeni BDO, Pedrosa VB, Costa RLDD, Paz CCPD. Weighted single-step genome-wide association study and functional enrichment analyses for gastrointestinal nematode resistance traits in Santa Ines sheep. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323:110047. [PMID: 37857178 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110047] [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] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify genomic regions, pathways, and putative candidate genes associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematode in Santa Ines sheep. The phenotypic information comprised 5529 records from 1703 naturally infected animals. After genomic data quality control, 37,511 SNPs from 589 animals were available. The weighted single-step approach for genome-wide association study was performed to estimate the SNP effects and variances accounted by 10-SNP sliding windows. Confirming the polygenic nature of the studied traits, 20, 22, 21, and 19 genomic windows that explained more than 0.5% of the additive genetic variance were identified for fecal egg counts (FEC), Famacha© (FAM), packed cell volume (PCV), and total plasma protein (TPP), respectively. A total of 81, 122, 106, and 101 protein-coding genes were found in windows associated with FEC, FAM, PCV, and TPP, respectively. Several protein-coding genes related to the immune system and inflammatory response functions were identified within those genomic regions, such as ADCY9, ADRB2, BRAF, CADM1, CCL20, CD70, CREBBP, FNBP1, HTR4, IL16, IL22, IL26, MAPK8, NDFIP1, NLRC3, PAK5, PLCB1, PLCB4, ROCK1, TEK, TNFRSF12A, and VAV1. Functional enrichment analysis by DAVID tool also revealed many significant (P < 0.05) pathways and Gene Ontology terms that could be related to resistance to gastrointestinal nematode in Santa Ines sheep, such as chemokine signaling pathway (oas04062), cAMP signaling pathway (oas04024), cGMP-PKG signaling pathway (Oas04022), platelet activation (Oas04611), Rap1 signaling pathway (oas04015), and oxidoreductase activity, acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen (GO:0016705). These results contribute to improving the knowledge of the genetic architecture of resistance to gastrointestinal nematode in Santa Ines sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nedenia Bonvino Stafuzza
- Sustainable Livestock Research Center, Animal Science Institute, 15130-000 São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana Claudia de Freitas
- São Paulo Agency of Agribusiness and Technology, Animal Science Institute, 13380-011 Nova Odessa, SP, Brazil; Agricultural Research Agency of the State of Minas Gerais, 38709-899 Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina B Mioto
- Sustainable Livestock Research Center, Animal Science Institute, 15130-000 São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Victor Breno Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Ponta Grossa, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Lopes Dias da Costa
- São Paulo Agency of Agribusiness and Technology, Animal Science Institute, 13380-011 Nova Odessa, SP, Brazil
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Dixon S, Karrow NA, Borkowski E, Suarez-Vega A, Menzies PI, Kennedy D, Peregrine AS, Mallard BA, Cánovas Á. Identifying hepatic genes regulating the ovine response to gastrointestinal nematodes using RNA-Sequencing. Front Genet 2023; 14:1111426. [PMID: 36873933 PMCID: PMC9981634 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1111426] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are considered the most important disease of grazing sheep and due to increasing anthelmintic resistance, chemical control alone is inadequate. Resistance to Gastrointestinal nematode infection is a heritable trait, and through natural selection many sheep breeds have higher resistance. Studying the transcriptome from GIN-exposed and GIN-unexposed sheep using RNA-Sequencing technology can provide measurements of transcript levels associated with the host response to Gastrointestinal nematode infection, and these transcripts may harbor genetic markers that can be used in selective breeding programs to enhance disease resistance. The objective of this study was to compare liver transcriptomes of sheep naturally exposed to Gastrointestinal nematode s, with either high or low parasite burdens, to GIN-unexposed control sheep in order to identify key regulator genes and biological processes associated with Gastrointestinal nematode infection. Differential gene expression analysis revealed no significant differentially expressed genes (DEG) between sheep with a high or low parasite burden (p-value ≤0.01; False Discovery Rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05; and Fold-Change (FC) of > ±2). However, when compared to the control group, low parasite burden sheep showed 146 differentially expressed genes (64 upregulated and 82 downregulated in the low parasite burden group relative to the control), and high parasite burden sheep showed 159 differentially expressed genes (57 upregulated and 102 downregulated in the low parasite burden group relative to the control) (p-value ≤0.01; FDR ≤0.05; and FC of > ±2). Among these two lists of significant differentially expressed genes, 86 differentially expressed genes (34 upregulated, 52 downregulated in the parasited group relative to the control) were found in common between the two parasite burden groups compared to the control (GIN-unexposed sheep). Functional analysis of these significant 86 differentially expressed genes found upregulated genes involved in immune response and downregulated genes involved in lipid metabolism. Results of this study offer insight into the liver transcriptome during natural Gastrointestinal nematode exposure that helps provide a better understanding of the key regulator genes involved in Gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Dixon
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Niel A Karrow
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Borkowski
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Aroa Suarez-Vega
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Paula I Menzies
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Delma Kennedy
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew S Peregrine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Bonnie A Mallard
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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3
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Attia MM, Soliman SM, Mahmoud MA, Salem MA. Oxidative stress markers, immune-regulating cytokines, and the pathological evaluation of sheep co-infected with Oestrus ovis and Coenuruscerebralis. Microb Pathog 2022; 169:105613. [PMID: 35705111 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the immune response using the immune-regulating cytokines as (IL-1β; MHC-I and MHC-II) associated with co-infected sheep Oestrusovis and Coenurus cerebralisas well as oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde "MDA" and nitric oxide "NO"). So; sheep samples from different regions in Egypt showed different neurological signs, were examined for detection of the cause of the nervous manifestations. Moreover, the O. ovis and C. cerebralis cysts were collected and identified using scanning electron microscopy. The brain tissues were evaluated for different immunological genes such as MHC-I, MHC-II, and Interleukin-1β activity using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) techniques, where the infected sheep showed higher MHC-I gene expression (10-fold), higher MHC-II gene expression (peaked at 25-fold), and higher IL-1β gene expression (14-fold) than the control group. The MDA level was significantly increased. Also, stress marker (nitric oxide) levels were significantly higher in infectedsheep than in negative control one. During gross pathology, migrating larvae of O. ovis andC. cerebralis were noticed In such areas, hemorrhages and patches of clotted blood were noticed. cysts with prominent protoscolices were also observed and were attached to the caudal region near the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Attia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Soliman M Soliman
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Mahmoud
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO.12211, Egypt
| | - Mai A Salem
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211, Giza, Egypt
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4
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Liu J, Tan M, Xu X, Shen T, Zhou Z, Hunt PW, Zhang R. From innate to adaptive immunity: Abomasal transcriptomic responses of merino sheep to Haemonchus contortus infection. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 246:111424. [PMID: 34626695 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111424] [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] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although many important mediators and critical pathways are found to be involved in host immune responses to Haemonchus contortus infection, the initial responses to infection in the naïve and in the previously exposed state have not been compared at the transcriptional level. To further understand the development of adaptive immunity to H. contortus infection, we compared the early abomasal gene expression patterns between a primary and a tertiary challenge for four lines of sheep to discover differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The sheep were from the resistant (R) and susceptible (S) lines of two flocks of sheep selected for divergent responses to gastro-intestinal parasites (HSF and TSF). The flocks have separate origins and were initiated using two different strains of Merino sheep. One of the DEGs, mast cell proteinase 1, had significantly lower expression in tertiary compared to primary infections for all four lines of sheep. This gene was not identified in previous studies where resistant and susceptible sheep samples were compared within infection time points. Comparing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for the two R lines reveals that responses differed very little between the primary and tertiary challenges for HSFR and only two genes were identified, in contrast to the TSFR where there were 134 genes identified including the two identified using the HSFR animals. Similarly, comparing the primary and tertiary challenges for HSFS identified 15 DEGs, whilst for TSFS there were 128 DEGs identified. It is surprising that so few genes respond similarly between the two challenge regimes across the four lines of sheep, and suggests significant differences in immune mechanisms between the two flocks (across the lines) and also between the lines within flocks. Our results offer a quantitative snapshot comparing the transcriptome in the ovine abomasum between primary and tertiary infections with H. contortus in both genetically resistant and susceptible sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- College of Life Science, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei, 435002, China.
| | - Min Tan
- College of Life Science, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei, 435002, China.
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- College of Life Science, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei, 435002, China.
| | - Tingbo Shen
- College of Life Science, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei, 435002, China.
| | - Zihao Zhou
- College of Life Science, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei, 435002, China.
| | - Peter W Hunt
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
| | - Runfeng Zhang
- College of Life Science, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei, 435002, China.
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5
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Aboshady HM, Mandonnet N, Félicité Y, Hira J, Fourcot A, Barbier C, Johansson AM, Jonas E, Bambou JC. Dynamic transcriptomic changes of goat abomasal mucosa in response to Haemonchus contortus infection. Vet Res 2020; 51:44. [PMID: 32178732 PMCID: PMC7074999 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00768-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are one of the major constraints for grazing sheep and goat production worldwide. Genetic selection for resistant animals is a promising control strategy. Whole-transcriptome analysis via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) provides knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for complex traits such as resistance to GIN infections. In this study, we used RNA-seq to monitor the dynamics of the response of the abomasal mucosa of Creole goat kids infected with Haemonchus contortus by comparing resistant and susceptible genotypes. A total of 8 cannulated kids, 4 susceptible and 4 resistant to GIN, were infected twice with 10 000 L3 H. contortus. During the second infection, abomasal mucosal biopsies were collected at 0, 8, 15 and 35 days post-infection (dpi) from all kids for RNA-seq analysis. The resistant animals showed early activation of biological processes related to the immune response. The top 20 canonical pathways of differentially expressed genes for different comparison showed activation of the immune response through many relevant pathways including the Th1 response. Interestingly, our results showed a simultaneous time series activation of Th2 related genes in resistant compared to susceptible kids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeer M Aboshady
- AgroParisTech, Paris, France.,Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Uppsala, Sweden.,URZ Recherches Zootechniques, INRAE, 97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nathalie Mandonnet
- URZ Recherches Zootechniques, INRAE, 97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Yoann Félicité
- URZ Recherches Zootechniques, INRAE, 97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Julien Hira
- URZ Recherches Zootechniques, INRAE, 97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Aurore Fourcot
- URZ Recherches Zootechniques, INRAE, 97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Claude Barbier
- UEPTEA Plateforme Tropicale d'Expérimentation sur l'Animal, INRAE, 97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Anna M Johansson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Jonas
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Uppsala, Sweden
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6
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Aboshady HM, Mandonnet N, Stear MJ, Arquet R, Bederina M, Sarry J, Tosser-Klopp G, Klopp C, Johansson AM, Jonas E, Bambou JC. Transcriptome variation in response to gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218719. [PMID: 31220166 PMCID: PMC6586351 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are a major constraint for small ruminant production. Due to the rise of anthelmintic resistance throughout the world, alternative control strategies are needed. The development of GIN resistance breeding programs is a promising strategy. However, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying genetic resistance might lead to more effective breeding programmes. In this study, we compare transcriptome profiling of abomasal mucosa and lymph node tissues from non-infected, resistant and susceptible infected Creole goats using RNA-sequencing. A total of 24 kids, 12 susceptible and 12 GIN resistant based on the estimated breeding value, were infected twice with 10,000 L3 Haemonchus contortus. Physiological and parasitological parameters were monitored during infection. Seven weeks after the second infection, extreme kids (n = 6 resistant and 6 susceptible), chosen on the basis of the fecal egg counts (FEC), and 3 uninfected control animals were slaughtered. Susceptible kids had significantly higher FEC compared with resistant kids during the second infection with no differences in worm burden, male and female worm count or establishment rate. A higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified in infected compared with non-infected animals in both abomasal mucosa (792 DEG) and lymph nodes (1726 DEG). There were fewer DEG in resistant versus susceptible groups (342 and 450 DEG, in abomasal mucosa and lymph nodes respectively). ‘Cell cycle’ and ‘cell death and survival’ were the main identified networks in mucosal tissue when comparing infected versus non-infected kids. Antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via major histocompatibility complex class I were in the top biological functions for the DEG identified in lymph nodes. The TGFβ1 gene was one of the top 5 upstream DEG in mucosal tissue. Our results are one of the fist investigating differences in the expression profile induced by GIN infection in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeer M. Aboshady
- AgroParisTech, Paris, France
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Uppsala, Sweden
- URZ, Unité de Recherches Zootechniques, INRA, Petit Bourg (Guadeloupe), France
- Department of animal production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nathalie Mandonnet
- URZ, Unité de Recherches Zootechniques, INRA, Petit Bourg (Guadeloupe), France
| | - Michael J. Stear
- La Trobe Univ, Dept Anim Plant & Soil Sci, AgriBio, Ctr AgriBiosci, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rémy Arquet
- PTEA, Plateforme Tropicale d’Expérimentation sur l’Animal, INRA, Petit Bourg (Guadeloupe), France
| | - Malia Bederina
- URZ, Unité de Recherches Zootechniques, INRA, Petit Bourg (Guadeloupe), France
| | - Julien Sarry
- Univ Toulouse, ENVT, INPT, GenPhySE, INRA, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | | | - Christophe Klopp
- INRA, Plateforme Bioinformat Toulouse, Midi Pyrenees UBIA, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Anna M. Johansson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Jonas
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Uppsala, Sweden
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7
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Yu Z, Plowman JE, Maclean P, Wildermoth JE, Brauning R, McEwan JC, Maqbool NJ. Ovine keratome: identification, localisation and genomic organisation of keratin and keratin-associated proteins. Anim Genet 2018; 49:361-370. [DOI: 10.1111/age.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Yu
- AgResearch Ltd; Ruakura Research Centre; Private Bag 3123 Hamilton 3214 New Zealand
| | - J. E. Plowman
- AgResearch Ltd; Lincoln Research Centre; Private Bag 4749 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand
| | - P. Maclean
- AgResearch Ltd; Lincoln Research Centre; Private Bag 4749 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand
| | - J. E. Wildermoth
- AgResearch Ltd; Ruakura Research Centre; Private Bag 3123 Hamilton 3214 New Zealand
| | - R. Brauning
- AgResearch Limited; Invermay Agricultural Centre; Private Bag 50034 Mosgiel 9053 New Zealand
| | - J. C. McEwan
- AgResearch Limited; Invermay Agricultural Centre; Private Bag 50034 Mosgiel 9053 New Zealand
| | - N. J. Maqbool
- AgResearch Ltd; Ruakura Research Centre; Private Bag 3123 Hamilton 3214 New Zealand
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8
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Sweeney T, Hanrahan JP, Ryan MT, Good B. Immunogenomics of gastrointestinal nematode infection in ruminants - breeding for resistance to produce food sustainably and safely. Parasite Immunol 2017; 38:569-86. [PMID: 27387842 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection of ruminants represents a major health and welfare challenge for livestock producers worldwide. The emergence of anthelmintic resistance in important GIN species and the associated animal welfare concerns have stimulated interest in the development of alternative and more sustainable strategies aimed at the effective management of the impact of GINs. These integrative strategies include selective breeding using genetic/genomic tools, grazing management, biological control, nutritional supplementation, vaccination and targeted selective treatment. In this review, the logic of selecting for "resistance" to GIN infection as opposed to "resilience" or "tolerance" is discussed. This is followed by a review of the potential application of immunogenomics to genetic selection for animals that have the capacity to withstand the impact of GIN infection. Advances in relevant genomic technologies are highlighted together with how these tools can be advanced to support the integration of immunogenomic information into ruminant breeding programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sweeney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | - M T Ryan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - B Good
- Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
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9
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McRae KM, Good B, Hanrahan JP, McCabe MS, Cormican P, Sweeney T, O'Connell MJ, Keane OM. Transcriptional profiling of the ovine abomasal lymph node reveals a role for timing of the immune response in gastrointestinal nematode resistance. Vet Parasitol 2016; 224:96-108. [PMID: 27270397 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes are a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in grazing ruminants. The major ovine defence mechanism is acquired immunity, with protective immunity developing over time in response to infection. Nematode resistance varies both within and between breeds and is moderately heritable. A detailed understanding of the genes and mechanisms involved in protective immunity, and the factors that regulate this response, is required to aid both future breeding strategies and the development of effective and sustainable nematode control methods. The aim of this study was to compare the abomasal lymph node transcriptome of resistant and susceptible lambs in order to determine biological processes differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible individuals. Scottish Blackface lambs, with divergent phenotypes for resistance, were challenged with 30,000 Teladorsagia circumcincta larvae (L3), and abomasal lymph nodes recovered at 7 and 14days post-infection (dpi). High-throughput sequencing of cDNA from the abomasal lymph node was used to quantitatively sample the transcriptome with an average of 32 million reads per sample. A total of 194 and 144 genes were differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible lambs at 7 and 14 dpi respectively. Differentially expressed networks and biological processes were identified using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Genes involved in the inflammatory response, attraction of T lymphocytes and binding of leukocytes were more highly expressed in resistant animals at 7 dpi and in susceptible animals at 14 dpi indicating that resistant animals respond to infection earlier than susceptible animals. Twenty-four Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) within 11 differentially expressed genes, were tested for association with gastrointestinal nematode resistance in the Scottish Blackface lambs. Four SNP, in 2 genes (SLC30A2 and ALB), were suggestively associated with faecal egg count. In conclusion, a large number of genes were differentially expressed in the abomasal lymph node of resistant and susceptible lambs responding to gastrointestinal nematode challenge. Resistant Scottish Blackface lambs appear to generate an earlier immune response to T. circumcincta. In susceptible lambs this response appears to be delayed. SNP in 2 differentially expressed genes were suggestively associated with faecal egg count indicating that differentially expressed genes may be considered candidate loci for mediating nematode resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M McRae
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland; Bioinformatics & Molecular Evolution Group, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Barbara Good
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland.
| | - James P Hanrahan
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland.
| | - Matthew S McCabe
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland.
| | - Paul Cormican
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland.
| | - Torres Sweeney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Mary J O'Connell
- Bioinformatics & Molecular Evolution Group, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Orla M Keane
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland.
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10
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Benavides MV, Sonstegard TS, Van Tassell C. Genomic Regions Associated with Sheep Resistance to Gastrointestinal Nematodes. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:470-480. [PMID: 27183838 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic markers for sheep resistance to gastrointestinal parasites have long been sought by the livestock industry as a way to select more resistant individuals and to help farmers reduce parasite transmission by identifying and removing high egg shedders from the flock. Polymorphisms related to the major histocompatibility complex and interferon (IFN)-γ genes have been the most frequently reported markers associated with infection. Recently, a new picture is emerging from genome-wide studies, showing that not only immune mechanisms are important determinants of host resistance but that gastrointestinal mucus production and hemostasis pathways may also play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Curtis Van Tassell
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, US Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, USA
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11
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Ahmed AM, Good B, Hanrahan JP, McGettigan P, Browne J, Keane OM, Bahar B, Mehta J, Markey B, Lohan A, Sweeney T. Variation in the Ovine Abomasal Lymph Node Transcriptome between Breeds Known to Differ in Resistance to the Gastrointestinal Nematode. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124823. [PMID: 25978040 PMCID: PMC4433221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Texel lambs are known to be more resistant to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection than Suffolk lambs, with a greater ability to limit infection. The objectives of this study were to: 1) profile the whole transcriptome of abomasal lymph node tissue of GIN-free Texel and Suffolk lambs; 2) identify differentially expressed genes and characterize the immune-related biological pathways and networks associated with these genes. Abomasal lymph nodes were collected from Texel (n = 6) and Suffolk (n = 4) lambs aged 19 weeks that had been GIN-free since 6 weeks of age. Whole transcriptome profiling was performed using RNA-seq on the Illumina platform. At the time of conducting this study, a well annotated Ovine genome was not available and hence the sequence reads were aligned with the Bovine (UMD3.1) genome. Identification of differentially expressed genes was followed by pathway and network analysis. The Suffolk breed accounted for significantly more of the differentially expressed genes, (276 more highly expressed in Suffolk v 162 in Texel; P < 0.001). The four most significant differentially expressed pathways were all related to immunity and were classified as: Role of Pattern Recognition Receptors in Recognition of Bacteria and Viruses, Activation of IRF by Cytosolic Pattern Recognition Receptors, Role of RIG-I-like Receptors in Antiviral Innate Immunity, and Interferon Signaling. Of significance is the fact that all of these four pathways were more highly expressed in the Suffolk. These data suggest that in a GIN-free environment, Suffolk lambs have a more active immune profile relative to the Texel: this immune profile may contribute to the poorer efficiency of response to a GIN challenge in the Suffolk breed compared to the Texel breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albin M. Ahmed
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Barbara Good
- Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - James P. Hanrahan
- Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Paul McGettigan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John Browne
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Orla M. Keane
- Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Bojlul Bahar
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jai Mehta
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Bryan Markey
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Amanda Lohan
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Torres Sweeney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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12
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McManus C, do Prado Paim T, de Melo CB, Brasil BSAF, Paiva SR. Selection methods for resistance to and tolerance of helminths in livestock. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:56. [PMID: 25350972 PMCID: PMC4211276 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiases are among the most important livestock diseases worldwide, in particular for small ruminants, which are the focus of this review. Resource Allocation Theory implies that high-productivity farm animals proportionate insufficient resources for adequate coping with stressful conditions. Significant differences between breeds and within breeds are seen, as well as genotype vs. environment interactions. With improvement of genetic host resistance to infection, transmission of infection will be impacted. On the other hand, genetic improvement of resilience can lead to a reduction in clinical signs of disease, but not necessarily reduce transmission of infection to other animals. Faecal egg count (FEC) is the main measurement used to evaluate helminthiasis load, despite the fact that the protocols and analytical methods can affect the results, and the FEC data frequently shows aggregative, negative skewed distribution, and a high coefficient of variation. Mass selection where heritability is generally medium to low generally produces slow results and low economic returns. Many studies have been published linking resistance to nematodes in livestock to Quantitative Trait Loci and most studies have concentrated on chromosomes where the major histocompatibility complex region is located. Nevertheless, these complex traits have been seen to be affected by thousands of variants that each has a small effect. More recent studies have shown that genome-wide selection strategies can be useful in selecting animals for improved production and resistance traits in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concepta McManus
- Vice-Coordinator INCT-Pecuaria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Zootecnia, Av. Bento Gonçalves, CEP 91540-000 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, 70910-900 Asa Norte, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Tiago do Prado Paim
- INCT - Pecuaria, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30161-970 Belo Horizonte, Brazil - Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano - Campus Iporá, Avenida Oeste s/n, saída para Piranhas, CEP 76.200-000 Iporá, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Barros de Melo
- Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, 70910-900 Asa Norte, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil - INCT - Pecuaria, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30161-970 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Samuel R Paiva
- Secretaria de Relações Internacionais, Embrapa, Final W5 Norte, 70770-901 Brasília, Brazil - EMBRAPA Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Final W5 Norte, 70770-901 Brasília, Brazil
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13
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Current status for gastrointestinal nematode diagnosis in small ruminants: where are we and where are we going? J Immunol Res 2014; 2014:210350. [PMID: 25258718 PMCID: PMC4166451 DOI: 10.1155/2014/210350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites pose a significant economic burden particularly in small ruminant production systems. Anthelmintic resistance is a serious concern to the effective control of GIN parasites and has fuelled the focus to design and promote sustainable control of practices of parasite control. Many facets of sustainable GIN parasite control programs rely on the ability to diagnose infection both qualitatively and quantitatively. Diagnostics are required to determine anthelmintic efficacies, for targeted treatment programs and selection of animals for parasite resistant breeding. This review describes much of the research investigated to date to improve the current diagnostic for the above practices which is based on counting the number of parasite eggs in faeces.
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McRae KM, McEwan JC, Dodds KG, Gemmell NJ. Signatures of selection in sheep bred for resistance or susceptibility to gastrointestinal nematodes. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:637. [PMID: 25074012 PMCID: PMC4124167 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal nematodes are one of the most serious causes of disease in domestic ruminants worldwide. There is considerable variation in resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes within and between sheep breeds, which appears to be due to underlying genetic diversity. Through selection of resistant animals, rapid genetic progress has been demonstrated in both research and commercial flocks. Recent advances in genome sequencing and genomic technologies provide new opportunities to understand the ovine host response to gastrointestinal nematodes at the molecular level, and to identify polymorphisms conferring nematode resistance. Results Divergent lines of Romney and Perendale sheep, selectively bred for high and low faecal nematode egg count, were genotyped using the Illumina® Ovine SNP50 BeadChip. The resulting genome-wide SNP data were analysed for selective sweeps on loci associated with resistance or susceptibility to gastrointestinal nematode infection. Population differentiation using FST and Peddrift revealed sixteen regions, which included candidate genes involved in chitinase activity and the cytokine response. Two of the sixteen regions identified were contained within previously identified QTLs associated with nematode resistance. Conclusions In this study we identified fourteen novel regions associated with resistance or susceptibility to gastrointestinal nematodes. Results from this study support the hypothesis that host resistance to internal nematode parasites is likely to be controlled by a number of loci of moderate to small effects. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-637) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John C McEwan
- AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Research Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand.
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15
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Ajayi OO, Adefenwa MA, Agaviezor BO, Ikeobi CON, Wheto M, Okpeku M, Amusan SA, Yakubu A, De Donato M, Peters SO, Imumorin IG. A novel TaqI polymorphism in the coding region of the ovine TNXB gene in the MHC class III region: morphostructural and physiological influences. Biochem Genet 2013; 52:1-14. [PMID: 23877191 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-013-9622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The tenascin-XB (TNXB) gene has antiadhesive effects, functions in matrix maturation in connective tissues, and localizes to the major histocompatibility complex class III region. We hypothesized that it may influence adaptive physiological response through an effect on blood vessel function. We identified a novel g.1324 A→G polymorphism at a TaqI recognition site in a 454 bp fragment of ovine TNXB and genotyped it in 150 Nigerian sheep using PCR-RFLP. The missense mutation changes glutamic acid (GAA) to glycine (GGA). Among SNP genotypes, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in body weight and fore cannon bone length. Interaction effects of breed, SNP genotype, and geographic location had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on chest girth. The SNP genotype was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with physiological traits of pulse rate and skin temperature. The observed effect of this novel polymorphism may be mediated through its role in connective tissue biology, requiring further association and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyeyemi O Ajayi
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
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16
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The immunology and genetics of resistance of sheep to Teladorsagia circumcincta. Vet Res Commun 2013; 37:171-81. [PMID: 23430701 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-013-9559-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Teladorsagia circumcincta is one of the most economically important gastrointestinal nematode parasites of sheep in cool temperate regions, to which sheep show genetically-varying resistance to infection. This is a very common parasite and viable sheep production requires the extensive use of anthelmintic drugs. However, the emergence of drug-resistant parasites has stimulated the search for alternative control strategies to curb production losses. Lambs become infected soon after weaning and begin to control parasite burden within 8-10 weeks of continual infection. This control is an acquired characteristic mediated by the development of parasite-specific antibodies. This paper describes the immunology associated with resistance and susceptibility, focussing on differential T cell activation that regulates the production of specific effector mechanisms. It continues by summarizing the methods used to identify genes that could be exploited as molecular markers of selection for resistance. In particular it focusses on the link between understanding the molecular immunology of infection and the identification of candidate genes for selection.
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17
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Sayre BL, Harris GC. Systems genetics approach reveals candidate genes for parasite resistance from quantitative trait loci studies in agricultural species. Anim Genet 2011; 43:190-8. [PMID: 22404355 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2011.02231.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A systems genetics approach combining pathway analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and gene expression information has provided strong evidence for common pathways associated with genetic resistance to internal parasites. Gene data, collected from published QTL regions in sheep, cattle, mice, rats and humans, and microarray data from sheep, were converted to human Entrez Gene IDs and compared to the KEGG pathway database. Selection of pathways from QTL data was based on a selection index that ensured that the selected pathways were in all species and the majority of the projects overall and within species. Pathways with either up- and down-regulated genes, primarily up-regulated genes or primarily down-regulated genes, were selected from gene expression data. After comparing the data sets independently, the pathways from each data set were compared and the common set of pathways and genes was identified. Comparisons within data sets identified 21 pathways from QTL data and 66 pathways from gene expression data. Both selected sets were enriched with pathways involved in immune functions, disease and cell responses to signals. The analysis identified 14 pathways that were common between QTL and gene expression data, and four directly associated with IFNγ or MHCII, with 31 common genes, including three MHCII genes. In conclusion, a systems genetics approach combining data from multiple QTL and gene expression projects led to the discovery of common pathways associated with genetic resistance to internal parasites. This systems genetics approach may prove significant for the discovery of candidate genes for many other multifactorial, economically important traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Sayre
- Department of Biology, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA 23806, USA.
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18
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Yu Z, Wildermoth JE, Wallace OAM, Gordon SW, Maqbool NJ, Maclean PH, Nixon AJ, Pearson AJ. Annotation of sheep keratin intermediate filament genes and their patterns of expression. Exp Dermatol 2011; 20:582-8. [PMID: 21554405 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01274.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Keratin IF (KRT) and keratin-associated protein genes encode the majority of wool and hair proteins. We have identified cDNA sequences representing nine novel sheep KRT genes, increasing the known active genes from eight to 17, a number comparable to that in the human. However, the absence of KRT37 in the type I family and the discovery of type II KRT87 in sheep exemplify species-specific compositional differences in hair KRT genes. Phylogenetic analysis of hair KRT genes within type I and type II families in the sheep, cattle and human genomes revealed a high degree of consistency in their sequence conservation and grouping. However, there were differences in the fibre compartmentalisation and keratinisation zones for the expression of six ovine KRT genes compared with their human orthologs. Transcripts of three genes (KRT40, KRT82 and KRT84) were only present in the fibre cuticle. KRT32, KRT35 and KRT85 were expressed in both the cuticle and the fibre cortex. The remaining 11 genes (KRT31, KRT33A, KRT33B, KRT34, KRT36, KRT38-39, KRT81, KRT83 and KRT86-87) were expressed only in the cortex. Species-specific differences in the expressed keratin gene sets, their relative expression levels and compartmentalisation are discussed in the context of their underlying roles in wool and hair developmental programmes and the distinctive characteristics of the fibres produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Yu
- Growth and Development Section, AgResearch Ruakura, Hamilton, New Zealand.
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19
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Structural and functional characterisation of the ovine interferon gamma (IFNG) gene: Its role in nematode resistance in Rasa Aragonesa ewes. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 141:100-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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20
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The influence of MHC and immunoglobulins a and e on host resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. J Parasitol Res 2011; 2011:101848. [PMID: 21584228 PMCID: PMC3092517 DOI: 10.1155/2011/101848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode parasites in farmed animals are of particular importance due to their effects on production. In Australia, it is estimated that the direct and indirect effects of parasite infestation cost the animal production industries hundreds of millions of dollars each year. The main factors considered by immunologists when studying gastrointestinal nematode infections are the effects the host's response has on the parasite, which immunological components are responsible for these effects, genetic factors involved in controlling immunological responses, and the interactions between these forming an interconnecting multilevel relationship. In this paper, we describe the roles of immunoglobulins, in particular IgA and IgE, and the major histocompatibility complex in resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in sheep. We also draw evidence from other animal models to support the involvement of these immune components. Finally, we examine how IgA and IgE exert their influence and how methods may be developed to manage susceptible animals.
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21
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Hassan M, Hanrahan JP, Good B, Mulcahy G, Sweeney T. A differential interplay between the expression of Th1/Th2/Treg related cytokine genes in Teladorsagia circumcincta infected DRB1*1101 carrier lambs. Vet Res 2011; 42:45. [PMID: 21385411 PMCID: PMC3060872 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-42-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial debate exists on whether the immune response between sheep resistant and susceptible to gastrointestinal nematodes can be differentiated into a Th1 and Th2 phenotype. The present study addresses the hypothesis that variation in resistance to Teladorsagia circumcincta between DRB1*1101 (associated with reduced faecal egg count and worm burden) carriers and non-carriers is due to a differential interplay in the expression of Th1/Th2 and regulatory T (Treg) related cytokine genes. Lambs from each genotype were either slaughtered at day 0 (un-infected control) or infected with 3 × 104 Teladorsagia circumcincta L3 and slaughtered at 3, 7, 21, and 35 days later. Lambs carrying the DRB1*1101 allele had a significantly lower worm burden (P < 0.05) compared to the non-carriers. Abomasal mucosal cytokine gene expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and comparison made for time and genotype effects. The response generated varied through the course of infection and was affected by genotype. DRB1*1101 carriers had an up-regulated expression of the Th1-related cytokine genes (IL-1β, TNFα, and IFN-γ) at day 3, but this was replaced by an up-regulated expression of Th2-related cytokine genes (IL-10 and IL-13) and Treg-related cytokine genes (IL-2RA-CD25, TGFα, TGFβ, Arg2, MIF and FOXP3) by day 7. Conversely, in the non-carriers these changes in gene expression were delayed until days 7 and 21 post infection (pi), respectively. It is concluded that resistance to Teladorsagia circumcincta in animals carrying the DRB1*1101 allele is influenced by an earlier interplay between Th1, Th2 and T regulatory immune response genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musa Hassan
- School of Agriculture, Food Science, and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin, Ireland.
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22
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Pemberton JM, Beraldi D, Craig BH, Hopkins J. Digital gene expression analysis of gastrointestinal helminth resistance in Scottish blackface lambs. Mol Ecol 2011; 20:910-9. [PMID: 21324010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2010.04992.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Digital gene expression (DGE) analysis offers a route to gene discovery which by-passes the need to develop bespoke arrays for nonmodel species, and is therefore a potentially valuable tool for molecular ecologists. Scottish blackface sheep, which vary in resistance to the common abomasal parasitic nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta, were trickle-infected with L3 larvae over 3 months to mimic the natural progression of infection. DGE was performed on abomasal lymph node tissue after the resolution of infection in resistant animals. Susceptible (low resistance) animals showed a large number of differentially expressed genes associated with inflammation and cell activation, but generally few differentially regulated genes in either the susceptible or the resistant group were directly involved in the adaptive immune function. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that both resistance and susceptibility are active responses to infection and that susceptibility is associated with dysfunction in T cell differentiation and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Pemberton
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK.
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23
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Forrest RHJ, Zhou H, Fang Q, Smyth A, Frampton CM, Hickford JGH. No evidence for a universal association between variation in faecal egg count for a mixed field-challenge of gastrointestinal parasites and the presence of the Ovar-DQA1 null haplotype in sheep. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2010; 135:303-5. [PMID: 20097431 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2009] [Revised: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We tested the association of the Ovar-DQA1 null haplotype with faecal egg count (FEC) in 4676 male lambs sourced from 185 different sire-lines and four breeds. For each lamb a faecal sample was collected at weaning (approx. 4 months of age) and mid-autumn (approx. 9 months of age) and each was typed for the presence of Ovar-DQA1 null. General Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) were used to analyse the relationship between FEC and Ovar-DQA1 null, both across and within breeds. Two models were used, the first testing the effect of the presence/absence of Ovar-DQA1 null and the second testing the effect of the number of copies of Ovar-DQA1 null present in an animal's genotype (i.e. dominant/recessive or additive effects). Across the breeds, no significant effect of the presence of Ovar-DQA1 null on FEC for Nematodirus sp., Strongyle genera, or total FEC was detected at either 4 or 9 months of age using either of the models. Within breeds, significant associations were detected at 4 months in South African Meat Merinos, with the presence of Ovar-DQA1 null in an animal's genotype being associated with a lower strongyle (absent: n=23, geometric mean=135epg; present: n=10, geometric mean=67epg; P=0.025) and total FEC (absent: n=23, geometric mean=220epg; present: n=10, geometric mean=121epg; P=0.017). These associations were not detected at 9 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H J Forrest
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Eastern Institute of Technology, Private Bag 1201, Napier, New Zealand
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Expression of genes in gastrointestinal and lymphatic tissues during parasite infection in sheep genetically resistant or susceptible to Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus. Int J Parasitol 2010; 40:417-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Stear MJ, Boag B, Cattadori I, Murphy L. Genetic variation in resistance to mixed, predominantly Teladorsagia circumcincta nematode infections of sheep: from heritabilities to gene identification. Parasite Immunol 2009; 31:274-82. [PMID: 19388948 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2009.01105.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In cool temperate areas, such as Scotland, sheep are infected by a variety of nematodes but the dominant nematode is Teladorsagia circumcincta. Resistant animals have one or more of the following features: fewer adult nematodes, more inhibited larvae, shorter adult nematodes and decreased production of nematode eggs. In lambs at the end of the first grazing season, the heritability of adult worm length is very strong, whereas the heritability of egg production is moderate. The heritability of worm number is low while there is no detectable genetic variation in the number of inhibited larvae. The major mechanisms underlying resistance to T. circumcincta appear to be the IgA mediated suppression of worm growth and the mast cell mediated regulation of worm number. Mast cell responses are slow to develop, possibly because they are responsible for protein loss and reduced growth of the host. Two genes have been repeatedly associated with resistance to T. Circumcincta: the MHC class II DRB1 locus on chromosome 20 and the interferon-gamma locus on chromosome 3. Although the causative mutations are still unknown both genes are plausible candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Stear
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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