Identification of parental line specific effects of MLF2 on resistance to coccidiosis in chickens

Direct and indirect contributions of molecular genetics to farm animal welfare: a review

Since domestication, farm animals have played a key role to increase the prosperity of humankind, while animal welfare (AW) is debated even today. This paper aims to comprehensively review the contributions of developing molecular genetics to farm animal welfare (FAW) and to raise awareness among both scientists and farmers about AW. Welfare is a complex trait affected by genetic structure and environmental factors. Therefore, the best welfare status can be achieved not only to enhance environmental factors such as management and feeding practices, but also the genetic structure of animals must be improved. In this regard, advances in molecular genetics have made great contributions to improve the genetic structure of farm animals, which has increased AW. Today, by sequencing and/or molecular markers, genetic diseases may be detected and eliminated in local herds. Additionally, genes related to diseases or adaptations are investigated by molecular techniques, and the frequencies of desired genotypes are increased in farm animals to keep welfare at an optimized level. Furthermore, stress on animals can be reduced with DNA extraction from stool and feather samples which reduces physical contact between animals and veterinarians. Together with molecular genetics, advances in genome editing tools and biotechnology are promising to improve FAW in the future.

Genetic analysis of SNPs in the MLF2 and TCR-β genes for growth traits in Korean native chickens

The myeloid leukemia factor 2 (MLF2) and T-cell receptor β (TCR-β) genes are associated the development of resistance towards coccidiosis infection. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on these genes (SNP_892 and intron 7 (10) of MLF2 and SNP_88, 434, and 561 of TCR-β) were identified and considered to be the genetic markers for resistance to coccidiosis. In this study, we investigated the association between these SNPs and the body weight of Korean native chicken (KNC) and the possibility of using these SNPs as genetic markers for improving growth in KNCs. KNC specimens (798) were genotyped using high-resolution melting analysis, and single-marker association tests were performed; body weights of KNC were also measured every 2 weeks. Three SNPs [892 and intron 7 (10) of MLF2 and 88 of TCR-β] had significant associations with body weight in some period of growth of KNC. Further, 2 SNPs (434 and 561) of TCR-β were linked and significantly associated with the overall growth of KNCs. Conclusively, the findings of the present study suggested that SNPs in the MLF2 and TCR-β genes could be used as combinations of genetic markers for selecting high growth performance specimens of KNCs.

Extraintestinal manifestations of celiac disease: 33-mer gliadin binding to glutamate receptor GRINA as a new explanation

We propose a biochemical mechanism for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity that may rationalize many of the extradigestive disorders not explained by the current immunogenetic model. Our hypothesis is based on the homology between the 33-mer gliadin peptide and a component of the NMDA glutamate receptor ion channel - the human GRINA protein - using BLASTP software. Based on this homology the 33-mer may act as a natural antagonist interfering with the normal interactions of GRINA and its partners. The theory is supported by numerous independent data from the literature, and provides a mechanistic link with otherwise unrelated disorders, such as cleft lip and palate, thyroid dysfunction, restless legs syndrome, depression, ataxia, hearing loss, fibromyalgia, dermatitis herpetiformis, schizophrenia, toxoplasmosis, anemia, osteopenia, Fabry disease, Barret's adenocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, urinary incontinence, recurrent miscarriage, cardiac anomalies, reduced risk of breast cancer, stiff person syndrome, etc. The hypothesis also anticipates better animal models, and has the potential to open new avenues of research.