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Reich P, Möller S, Stock KF, Nolte W, von Depka Prondzinski M, Reents R, Kalm E, Kühn C, Thaller G, Falker-Gieske C, Tetens J. Genomic analyses of withers height and linear conformation traits in German Warmblood horses using imputed sequence-level genotypes. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:45. [PMID: 38872118 PMCID: PMC11177368 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00914-6] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body conformation, including withers height, is a major selection criterion in horse breeding and is associated with other important traits, such as health and performance. However, little is known about the genomic background of equine conformation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use imputed sequence-level genotypes from up to 4891 German Warmblood horses to identify genomic regions associated with withers height and linear conformation traits. Furthermore, the traits were genetically characterised and putative causal variants for withers height were detected. RESULTS A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for withers height confirmed the presence of a previously known quantitative trait locus (QTL) on Equus caballus (ECA) chromosome 3 close to the LCORL/NCAPG locus, which explained 16% of the phenotypic variance for withers height. An additional significant association signal was detected on ECA1. Further investigations of the region on ECA3 identified a few promising candidate causal variants for withers height, including a nonsense mutation in the coding sequence of the LCORL gene. The estimated heritability for withers height was 0.53 and ranged from 0 to 0.34 for the conformation traits. GWAS identified significantly associated variants for more than half of the investigated conformation traits, among which 13 showed a peak on ECA3 in the same region as withers height. Genetic parameter estimation revealed high genetic correlations between these traits and withers height for the QTL on ECA3. CONCLUSIONS The use of imputed sequence-level genotypes from a large study cohort led to the discovery of novel QTL associated with conformation traits in German Warmblood horses. The results indicate the high relevance of the QTL on ECA3 for various conformation traits, including withers height, and contribute to deciphering causal mutations for body size in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Reich
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Sandra Möller
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kathrin F Stock
- IT Solutions for Animal Production (vit), 27283, Verden, Germany
| | - Wietje Nolte
- Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology, 01468, Moritzburg, Germany
| | | | - Reinhard Reents
- IT Solutions for Animal Production (vit), 27283, Verden, Germany
| | - Ernst Kalm
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, 24098, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christa Kühn
- Institute of Genome Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, 17493, Greifswald - Riems Island, Germany
| | - Georg Thaller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, 24098, Kiel, Germany
| | - Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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Zorc M, Horvat T, Tanšek A, Ferme T, Dovč P. Selection Signatures Reveal Candidate Genes for the Cornish Rex Breed-Specific Phenotype. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:368. [PMID: 38540427 PMCID: PMC10969784 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030368] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Many coat color, behavioral and morphological traits are specific and fixed across cat breeds, with several variants influencing these traits being common among different breeds. In the domestic cat, rexoid mutations have been documented in several breeds. In the Cornish Rex, four bp deletion in the LPAR6 gene has been found to cause a frame shift and a premature stop codon. In addition to the rexoid coat, Cornish Rex cats also have a characteristic head, ear shape and body type. Analysis of the selection signatures in the Cornish Rex genome revealed several regions that are under selective pressure. One of these is located in CFA B4, in the region where the ALX1 gene is located. The ALX1 gene in Burmese cats disrupts the cranial morphogenesis and causes brachycephaly in the heterozygous state. In our study, we confirmed the presence of a deletion in LPAR6 in 20 Cornish Rex and in four F1 hybrids between Cornish Rex and domestic cat. However, we did not confirm the presence of the deletion in ALX1 in Cornish Rex cats. Genome-wide selection signature analysis was performed using ROH islands and integrated haplotype score (iHS) statistics based on publicly available SNP array data of 11 Cornish Rex cats. The selection signatures were detected on chromosomes A1, A3, C2, B1, B4 and D1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter Dovč
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Z.); (T.H.); (A.T.); (T.F.)
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Choudhury MP, Wang Z, Zhu M, Teng S, Yan J, Cao S, Yi G, Liu Y, Liao Y, Tang Z. Genome-Wide Detection of Copy Number Variations Associated with Miniature Features in Horses. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1934. [PMID: 37895283 PMCID: PMC10606273 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) are crucial structural genomic variants affecting complex traits in humans and livestock animals. The current study was designed to conduct a comprehensive comparative copy number variation analysis among three breeds, Debao (DB), Baise (BS), and Warmblood (WB), with a specific focus on identifying genomic regions associated with miniature features in horses. Using whole-genome next-generation resequencing data, we identified 18,974 CNVs across 31 autosomes. Among the breeds, we found 4279 breed-specific CNV regions (CNVRs). Baise, Debao, and Warmblood displayed 2978, 986, and 895 distinct CNVRs, respectively, with 202 CNVRs shared across all three breeds. After removing duplicates, we obtained 1545 CNVRs from 26 horse genomes. Functional annotation reveals enrichment in biological functions, including antigen processing, cell metabolism, olfactory conduction, and nervous system development. Debao horses have 970 genes overlapping with CNVRs, possibly causing their small size and mountainous adaptations. We also found that the genes GHR, SOX9, and SOX11 may be responsible for the miniature features of the Debao horse by analyzing their overlapping CNVRs. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the widespread presence of CNVs in the horse genome. The findings contribute to mapping horse CNVs and advance research on unique miniature traits observed in the Debao horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Panir Choudhury
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Foshan 518124, China; (M.P.C.); (G.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Savar, Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Zihao Wang
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning 530002,China; (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.T.); (J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Min Zhu
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning 530002,China; (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.T.); (J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Shaohua Teng
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning 530002,China; (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.T.); (J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Jing Yan
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning 530002,China; (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.T.); (J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Shuwei Cao
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning 530002,China; (Z.W.); (M.Z.); (S.T.); (J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Guoqiang Yi
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Foshan 518124, China; (M.P.C.); (G.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Yuwen Liu
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Foshan 518124, China; (M.P.C.); (G.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Yuying Liao
- Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning 530001, China
| | - Zhonglin Tang
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Foshan 518124, China; (M.P.C.); (G.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
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Schweinsberg LP, Ehrle A, Schweinsberg U, Meehan L, Noguera Cender A, Lischer CJ. Single-cut osteotomy for correction of a complex multiplanar deformity of the radius in a Shetland pony foal. Vet Surg 2021; 51:148-156. [PMID: 34651322 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the surgical correction of a multiplanar deformity of the radius in a pony using a single-cut osteotomy. STUDY DESIGN Case report. ANIMALS A 9-week-old male Shetland pony foal with a bodyweight of 47 kg. METHODS The foal presented with a complex multiplanar deformity of the right radius. A 3-dimensional model of the bone was created based on computed tomography (CT) imaging. To correct the deformity, the cutting plane for a single-cut osteotomy was calculated following the mathematical approach described by Sangeorzan et al. After osteotomy, the bone was realigned and stabilized with two 4.5 locking compression plates (LCPs). RESULTS Recovery from surgery was uneventful, and the foal remained comfortable. A CT exam 15 weeks after surgery revealed that diaphyseal deformities improved substantially in procurvatum (from 8° to 1°), varus (from 27° to 0°), and rotation (30° to 5°). The operated radius was 2.1 cm shorter than the left. Eighteen-month follow up confirmed a functionally and cosmetically acceptable outcome. CONCLUSION The single-cut osteotomy resulted in the successful correction of a multiplanar equine long-bone deformity with a favorable outcome in a Shetland pony. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Single-cut osteotomy is an alternative surgical technique for the correction of complex diaphyseal long-bone equine deformities. Computed tomography data and the possibility of printing 3D models provides a significant advantage for rehearsing the procedure and for evaluating the correction that was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Ehrle
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Lucy Meehan
- VetCT, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Christoph J Lischer
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Lau EOC, Damiani D, Chehade G, Ruiz-Reig N, Saade R, Jossin Y, Aittaleb M, Schakman O, Tajeddine N, Gailly P, Tissir F. DIAPH3 deficiency links microtubules to mitotic errors, defective neurogenesis, and brain dysfunction. eLife 2021; 10:e61974. [PMID: 33899739 PMCID: PMC8102060 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diaphanous (DIAPH) three (DIAPH3) is a member of the formin proteins that have the capacity to nucleate and elongate actin filaments and, therefore, to remodel the cytoskeleton. DIAPH3 is essential for cytokinesis as its dysfunction impairs the contractile ring and produces multinucleated cells. Here, we report that DIAPH3 localizes at the centrosome during mitosis and regulates the assembly and bipolarity of the mitotic spindle. DIAPH3-deficient cells display disorganized cytoskeleton and multipolar spindles. DIAPH3 deficiency disrupts the expression and/or stability of several proteins including the kinetochore-associated protein SPAG5. DIAPH3 and SPAG5 have similar expression patterns in the developing brain and overlapping subcellular localization during mitosis. Knockdown of SPAG5 phenocopies DIAPH3 deficiency, whereas its overexpression rescues the DIAHP3 knockdown phenotype. Conditional inactivation of Diaph3 in mouse cerebral cortex profoundly disrupts neurogenesis, depleting cortical progenitors and neurons, leading to cortical malformation and autistic-like behavior. Our data uncover the uncharacterized functions of DIAPH3 and provide evidence that this protein belongs to a molecular toolbox that links microtubule dynamics during mitosis to aneuploidy, cell death, fate determination defects, and cortical malformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva On-Chai Lau
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Developmental NeurobiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | - Devid Damiani
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Developmental NeurobiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | - Georges Chehade
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Developmental NeurobiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | - Nuria Ruiz-Reig
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Developmental NeurobiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | - Rana Saade
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Developmental NeurobiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | - Yves Jossin
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Mammalian Development and Cell BiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | | | - Olivier Schakman
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Cell PhysiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | - Nicolas Tajeddine
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Cell PhysiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | - Philippe Gailly
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Cell PhysiologyBrusselsBelgium
| | - Fadel Tissir
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Developmental NeurobiologyBrusselsBelgium
- College of Health and Life Sciences, HBKUDohaQatar
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6
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Rosengren MK, Sigurðardóttir H, Eriksson S, Naboulsi R, Jouni A, Novoa-Bravo M, Albertsdóttir E, Kristjánsson Þ, Rhodin M, Viklund Å, Velie BD, Negro JJ, Solé M, Lindgren G. A QTL for conformation of back and croup influences lateral gait quality in Icelandic horses. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:267. [PMID: 33853519 PMCID: PMC8048352 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07454-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The back plays a vital role in horse locomotion, where the spine functions as a spring during the stride cycle. A complex interaction between the spine and the muscles of the back contribute to locomotion soundness, gait ability, and performance of riding and racehorses. Conformation is commonly used to select horses for breeding and performance in multiple horse breeds, where the back and croup conformation plays a significant role. The conformation of back and croup plays an important role on riding ability in Icelandic horses. However, the genes behind this trait are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with conformation of back and croup in Icelandic horses and to investigate their effects on riding ability. One hundred seventy-seven assessed Icelandic horses were included in the study. A genome-wide association analysis was performed using the 670 K+ Axiom Equine Genotyping Array, and the effects of different haplotypes in the top associated region were estimated for riding ability and additional conformation traits assessed during breeding field tests. RESULTS A suggestive quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the score of back and croup was detected on Equus caballus (ECA) 22 (p-value = 2.67 × 10- 7). Haplotype analysis revealed two opposite haplotypes, which resulted in higher and lower scores of the back and croup, respectively (p-value < 0.001). Horses with the favorable haplotype were more inclined to have a well-balanced backline with an uphill conformation and had, on average, higher scores for the lateral gaits tölt (p-value = 0.02) and pace (p-value = 0.004). This genomic region harbors three genes: C20orf85, ANKRD60 and LOC100056167. ANKRD60 is associated with body height in humans. C20orf85 and ANKRD60 are potentially linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in humans. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the detected QTL for conformation of back and croup is of importance for quality of lateral gaits in Icelandic horses. These findings could result in a genetic test to aid in the selection of breeding horses, thus they are of major interest for horse breeders. The results may also offer a gateway to comparative functional genomics by potentially linking both motor laterality and back inclination in horses with scoliosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Rosengren
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Heiðrún Sigurðardóttir
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Agricultural University of Iceland, Borgarnes, Iceland
| | - Susanne Eriksson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rakan Naboulsi
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ahmad Jouni
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Miguel Novoa-Bravo
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Genética Animal de Colombia Ltda, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Marie Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åsa Viklund
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Brandon D Velie
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Juan J Negro
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Marina Solé
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gabriella Lindgren
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Fang J, Zhang D, Cao JW, Zhang L, Liu CX, Xing YP, Wang F, Xu HY, Wang SC, Ling Y, Wang W, Zhang YR, Zhou HM. Pathways involved in pony body size development. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:58. [PMID: 33461495 PMCID: PMC7814589 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07323-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of body growth in mammals is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the regulatory networks involved in body growth through transcriptomic analysis of pituitary and epiphyseal tissues of smaller sized Debao ponies and Mongolian horses at the juvenile and adult stages. RESULTS We found that growth hormone receptor (GHR) was expressed at low levels in long bones, although growth hormone (GH) was highly expressed in Debao ponies compared with Mongolian horses. Moreover, significant downregulated of the GHR pathway components m-RAS and ATF3 was found in juvenile ponies, which slowed the proliferation of bone osteocytes. However, WNT2 and PLCβ2 were obviously upregulated in juvenile Debao ponies, which led to premature mineralization of the bone extracellular matrix. Furthermore, we found that the WNT/Ca2+ pathway may be responsible for regulating body growth. GHR was demonstrated by q-PCR and Western blot analyses to be expressed at low levels in long bones of Debao ponies. Treatment with WNT antagonistI decreased the expression of WNT pathway components (P < 0.05) in vitro. Transduction of ATDC5 cells with a GHR-RNAi lentiviral vector decreased the expression of the GHR pathway components (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of the IGF-1 gene in the liver was lower in Debao ponies than in Mongolian horses at the juvenile and adult stages. Detection of plasma hormone concentrations showed that Debao ponies expressed higher levels of IGF-1 as juveniles and higher levels of GH as adults than Mongolian horses, indicating that the hormone regulation in Debao ponies differs from that in Mongolian horses. CONCLUSION Our work provides insights into the genetic regulation of short stature growth in mammals and can provide useful information for the development of therapeutic strategies for small size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Fang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Jun Wei Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Chun Xia Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Yan Ping Xing
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Feng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Hong Yang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Shi Chao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Yu Ling
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Yan Ru Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China.
| | - Huan Min Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot, 010018, China.
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de Andrade DGA, Basso RM, Magro AJ, Laufer-Amorim R, Borges AS, de Oliveira-Filho JP. Evaluation of a new variant in the aggrecan gene potentially associated with chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15238. [PMID: 32943661 PMCID: PMC7499210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72192-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses is an autosomal recessive disorder previously associated with four mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) in the aggrecan (ACAN) gene. The aim of this study was to identify additional variants in the candidate ACAN gene associated with chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses. Fifteen dwarf Miniature horses were found to possess only one of the dwarfism-causing variants, and two possessed none of the variants. The ACAN exons (EquCab3.0) of seven dwarf Miniature horses were sequenced. A missense SNP in coding exon 11 (g.95271115A > T, c.6465A > T-RefSeq XM_005602799.2), which resulted in the amino acid substitution p.Leu2155Phe (RefSeq XP_005602856.2), was initially associated with the dwarf phenotype. The variant was tested and found present in 14 dwarf foals as well as one parent of each, and both parents of a dwarf possessing two copies. Genetic testing of 347 phenotypically normal Miniature horses demonstrated that none had more than one of the dwarf alleles or c.6465A > T. However, a study of large breeds revealed the presence of c.6465A > T, which was present in homozygosis in two Mangalarga Marchador horses. We suggest that c.6465A > T as a marker of disequilibrium or complex interactions in the Miniature horse genome could contribute to the associated dwarfism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Martins Basso
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Angelo José Magro
- Institute for Biotechnology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18607-440, Brazil.,School of Agriculture, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18610-034, Brazil
| | - Renée Laufer-Amorim
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Secorun Borges
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18618-681, Brazil
| | - José Paes de Oliveira-Filho
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, 18618-681, Brazil.
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Salek Ardestani S, Aminafshar M, Zandi Baghche Maryam MB, Banabazi MH, Sargolzaei M, Miar Y. Signatures of selection analysis using whole-genome sequence data reveals novel candidate genes for pony and light horse types. Genome 2020; 63:387-396. [PMID: 32407640 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2020-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Natural selection and domestication have shaped modern horse populations, resulting in a vast range of phenotypically diverse breeds. Horse breeds are classified into three types (pony, light, and draft) generally based on their body type. Understanding the genetic basis of horse type variation and selective pressures related to the evolutionary trend can be particularly important for current selection strategies. Whole-genome sequences were generated for 14 pony and 32 light horses to investigate the genetic signatures of selection of the horse type in pony and light horses. In the overlapping extremes of the fixation index and nucleotide diversity results, we found novel genomic signatures of selective sweeps near key genes previously implicated in body measurements including C4ORF33, CRB1, CPN1, FAM13A, and FGF12 that may influence variation in pony and light horse types. This study contributes to a better understanding of the genetic background of differences between pony and light horse types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Salek Ardestani
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran
| | - Mehdi Aminafshar
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Banabazi
- Department of Biotechnology, Animal Science Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization, Karaj 3146618361, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sargolzaei
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada.,Select Sires Inc., Plain City, OH 43064, USA
| | - Younes Miar
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada
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10
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Bai H, Lu H, Wang L, Wang S, Zeng W, Zhang T. SNPs analysis of height traits in Ningqiang pony. Anim Biotechnol 2020; 32:566-572. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1728288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Bai
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongzhao Lu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ling Wang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
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11
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Graves KT, Eberth JE, Bailey E. Heterozygotes for ACAN dwarfism alleles in horses have reduced stature. Anim Genet 2020; 51:420-422. [PMID: 32065671 DOI: 10.1111/age.12921] [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] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Homozygous and compound heterozygous Miniature horses for ACAN alleles D1, D2, D3* and D4 exhibit chondrodysplastic dwarfism (OMIA 001271-9796). In a previous study, the carrier rate for these four alleles, combined, was 26.2%. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether carriers of these dwarfism-causing alleles had a shorter withers height than non-carriers. A total of 245 Miniature horses were tested for these four ACAN alleles and also were measured for withers height. Of these horses, 98 were carriers and 147 were non-carriers. A statistically significant difference of 1.43 inches was observed with the carriers being shorter (P = 1.72E - 11). The range of heights for the two groups overlapped, indicating that other factors, including genes, have an impact on withers height. However, the high carrier rate of these dwarfism-causing variants may be due to selection for decreased height.
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Affiliation(s)
- K T Graves
- Department of Veterinary Science, MH Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - J E Eberth
- Department of Veterinary Science, MH Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - E Bailey
- Department of Veterinary Science, MH Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
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12
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Pu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Han J, Ma Y, Liu X. Identification of Novel lncRNAs Differentially Expressed in Placentas of Chinese Ningqiang Pony and Yili Horse Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E119. [PMID: 31940795 PMCID: PMC7022612 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As a nutrient sensor, the placenta plays a key role in regulating fetus growth and development. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to regulate growth-related traits. However, the biological function of lncRNAs in horse placentas remains unclear. To compare the expression patterns of lncRNAs in the placentas of the Chinese Ningqiang (NQ) and Yili (YL) breeds, we performed a transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. NQ is a pony breed with an average adult height at the withers of less than 106 cm, whereas that of YL is around 148 cm. Based on 813 million high-quality reads and stringent quality control procedures, 3011 transcripts coding for 1464 placental lncRNAs were identified and mapped to the horse reference genome. We found 107 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) between NQ and YL, including 68 up-regulated and 39 down-regulated DELs in YL. Six (TBX3, CACNA1F, EDN3, KAT5, ZNF281, TMED2, and TGFB1) out of the 233 genes targeted by DELs were identified as being involved in limb development, skeletal myoblast differentiation, and embryo development. Two DELs were predicted to target the TBX3 gene, which was found to be under strong selection and associated with small body size in the Chinese Debao pony breed. This finding suggests the potential functional significance of placental lncRNAs in regulating horse body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabin Pu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China; (Y.P.); (Y.Z.)
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China; (Y.P.); (Y.Z.)
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Tian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China;
| | - Jianlin Han
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China;
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Yuehui Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China; (Y.P.); (Y.Z.)
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Xuexue Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China; (Y.P.); (Y.Z.)
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China;
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13
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Iannuzzi A, Braun M, Genualdo V, Perucatti A, Reinartz S, Proios I, Heppelmann M, Rehage J, Hülskötter K, Beineke A, Metzger J, Distl O. Clinical, cytogenetic and molecular genetic characterization of a tandem fusion translocation in a male Holstein cattle with congenital hypospadias and a ventricular septal defect. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227117. [PMID: 31923267 PMCID: PMC6953810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypospadias, disorder of sex development (DSD), is a sporadic congenital abnormality of the genital region in male ruminants, which is characterized by a non-fused urethra during fetal development. Detailed clinical examination classified the hypospadias phenotype of a male Holstein calf studied here as the perineal type. In combined use of cytogenetic analysis and whole genome sequencing, a non-mosaic, pseudo-monosomy 59, XY + tan(18;27) was detected. This chromosomal aberration had its origin in a tandem fusion translocation of the bovine autosomes (BTA) 18 and 27 with an accompanying loss of genomic sequences mainly in the distal end of BTA 18 and the proximal end of BTA 27. The resulting phenotype included hypospadias, growth retardation and ventricular septal defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Iannuzzi
- Institute for the Animal Production System in Mediterranean Environment (ISPAAM), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Braun
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Viviana Genualdo
- Institute for the Animal Production System in Mediterranean Environment (ISPAAM), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Perucatti
- Institute for the Animal Production System in Mediterranean Environment (ISPAAM), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Sina Reinartz
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ioannis Proios
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maike Heppelmann
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rehage
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kirsten Hülskötter
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Metzger
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
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14
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Salek Ardestani S, Aminafshar M, Zandi Baghche Maryam MB, Banabazi MH, Sargolzaei M, Miar Y. Whole-Genome Signatures of Selection in Sport Horses Revealed Selection Footprints Related to Musculoskeletal System Development Processes. Animals (Basel) 2019; 10:ani10010053. [PMID: 31888018 PMCID: PMC7023322 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective breeding has led to gradual changes at the genome level of horses. Deciphering selective pressure patterns is progressive to understand how breeding strategies have shaped the sport horse genome; although, little is known about the genomic regions under selective pressures in sport horse breeds. The major goal of this study was to shed light on genomic regions and biological pathways under selective pressures in sport horses. In this study, whole-genome sequences of 16 modern sport and 35 non-sport horses were used to investigate the genomic selective signals of sport performance, by employing fixation index, nucleotide diversity, and Tajima's D approaches. A total number of 49 shared genes were identified using these approaches. The functional enrichment analysis for candidate genes revealed novel significant biological processes related to musculoskeletal system development, such as limb development and morphogenesis, having been targeted by selection in sport breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Salek Ardestani
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran; (S.S.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Mehdi Aminafshar
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran; (S.S.A.); (M.A.)
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Banabazi
- Department of Biotechnology, Animal Science Research Institute of Iran (ASRI), Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj 3146618361, Iran;
| | - Mehdi Sargolzaei
- Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG2W1, Canada;
- Select Sires Inc., Plain City, OH 43064, USA
| | - Younes Miar
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N5E3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-902-893-6165
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15
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Raudsepp T, Finno CJ, Bellone RR, Petersen JL. Ten years of the horse reference genome: insights into equine biology, domestication and population dynamics in the post-genome era. Anim Genet 2019; 50:569-597. [PMID: 31568563 PMCID: PMC6825885 DOI: 10.1111/age.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The horse reference genome from the Thoroughbred mare Twilight has been available for a decade and, together with advances in genomics technologies, has led to unparalleled developments in equine genomics. At the core of this progress is the continuing improvement of the quality, contiguity and completeness of the reference genome, and its functional annotation. Recent achievements include the release of the next version of the reference genome (EquCab3.0) and generation of a reference sequence for the Y chromosome. Horse satellite‐free centromeres provide unique models for mammalian centromere research. Despite extremely low genetic diversity of the Y chromosome, it has been possible to trace patrilines of breeds and pedigrees and show that Y variation was lost in the past approximately 2300 years owing to selective breeding. The high‐quality reference genome has led to the development of three different SNP arrays and WGSs of almost 2000 modern individual horses. The collection of WGS of hundreds of ancient horses is unique and not available for any other domestic species. These tools and resources have led to global population studies dissecting the natural history of the species and genetic makeup and ancestry of modern breeds. Most importantly, the available tools and resources, together with the discovery of functional elements, are dissecting molecular causes of a growing number of Mendelian and complex traits. The improved understanding of molecular underpinnings of various traits continues to benefit the health and performance of the horse whereas also serving as a model for complex disease across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - C J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - R R Bellone
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - J L Petersen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
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16
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Corbi-Botto CM, Morales-Durand H, Zappa ME, Sadaba SA, Peral-García P, Giovambattista G, Díaz S. Genomic structural diversity in Criollo Argentino horses: Analysis of copy number variations. Gene 2019; 695:26-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.12.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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