scholarly journals Whole-genome resequencing reveals candidate mutations for pig prolificacy

2017 ◽  
Vol 284 (1869) ◽  
pp. 20172437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Ting Li ◽  
Meng-Meng Zhang ◽  
Qi-Gang Li ◽  
Hui Tang ◽  
Li-Fan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Diversity ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Trait Locus ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Whole Genome Resequencing

Changes in pig fertility have occurred as a result of domestication, but are not understood at the level of genetic variation. To identify variations potentially responsible for prolificacy, we sequenced the genomes of the highly prolific Taihu pig breed and four control breeds. Genes involved in embryogenesis and morphogenesis were targeted in the Taihu pig, consistent with the morphological differences observed between the Taihu pig and others during pregnancy. Additionally, excessive functional non-coding mutations have been specifically fixed or nearly fixed in the Taihu pig. We focused attention on an oestrogen response element (ERE) within the first intron of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type-1B gene ( BMPR1B ) that overlaps with a known quantitative trait locus (QTL) for pig fecundity. Using 242 pigs from 30 different breeds, we confirmed that the genotype of the ERE was nearly fixed in the Taihu pig. ERE function was assessed by luciferase assays, examination of histological sections, chromatin immunoprecipitation, quantitative polymerase chain reactions, and western blots. The results suggest that the ERE may control pig prolificacy via the cis-regulation of BMPR1B expression. This study provides new insight into changes in reproductive performance and highlights the role of non-coding mutations in generating phenotypic diversity between breeds.

Molecular evidence of vector-borne pathogens coinfecting dogs from Poland

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Rymaszewska ◽  
Małgorzata Adamska
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Group I ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pathogenic Agents

Ticks of the genusIxodesare vectors for many pathogens, includingBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato,Anaplasma phagocytophilumandRickettsiaspp., and may also serve as vectors forBartonellaspp. However, the role of ticks inBartonellatransmission requires additional studies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether coinfection with two or more vector-borne pathogens can occur in the following three groups of dogs: I — dogs with suspected borreliosis (N = 92), II — dogs considered healthy (N = 100), and III — dogs with diagnosed babesiosis (N = 50). Polymerase chain reactions were performed to detect DNA ofAnaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsiaspp. andBartonellaspp. in the blood of dogs. In dogs of Group I, the DNA of bothA. phagocytophilumandBartonellasp. was detected (14% and 1%, respectively). In eight dogs, coinfection was indicated:A. phagocytophilumorBartonellasp. withB. burgdorferis.l. (the presence of antibodies against and/or DNAB. burgdorferis.l.). In the case of five dogs positive forA. phagocytophilumDNA, no coinfection withB. burgdorferis.l. was shown. In Group II, the DNA ofA. phagocytophilumwas detected in four dogs. In Group III, no pathogenic agents possibly transmitted by ticks were confirmed. No DNA ofR. helveticawas detected in any of the groups studied.

scholarly journals Variants in BMP7 and BMP15 3’-UTRs Associated with Reproductive Traits in a Large White Pig Population

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin ◽  
Du ◽  
Li ◽  
Pan ◽  
Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Mutations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Large White ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Pooled Dna ◽  
Trait Locus ◽  
Whole Genome Resequencing ◽  
Weight Trait ◽  
Large White Pig

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) and BMP15, which encode members of the BMP family, have been identified by whole-genome resequencing as breeding-related genes that overlap with a known quantitative trait locus for reproductive traits. In this study, we investigated the effects of variants at the BMP7 and BMP15 gene loci on sow reproductive traits. We isolated 669 and 1213 bp sequences of the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of the porcine BMP7 and BMP15 genes, respectively, and detected several RNA regulatory elements, such as miRNA response elements and AU-rich elements. Pooled DNA sequencing identified two novel point mutations (viz., BMP7 c.1569A>G and BMP15 c.2366G>A) in the 3’-UTR. Association analysis showed that the c.1569A>G polymorphism was associated with the litter weight trait in a Large White pig population. Furthermore, analysis of the combined genetic effects revealed that AA/GA and AG/GG were the favorable combined genotypes for the total number of piglets born (TNB) and the total number of piglets born alive (NBA), whereas. Together, our findings confirm that BMP7 and BMP15 are candidate genes for porcine reproductive performance.

Functional role of bone morphogenetic protein-4 in isolated canine parietal cells

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (3) ◽  
pp. G607-G614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hildegard Nitsche ◽  
Saravanan Ramamoorthy ◽  
Mahdi Sareban ◽  
Nonthalee Pausawasdi ◽  
Andrea Todisco
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Parietal Cell ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Parietal Cells ◽  
Morphological Transformation ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Mapk Activation ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Atpase Gene

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 is an important regulator of cellular growth and differentiation. Expression of BMP-4 has been documented in the gastric mucosa. We reported that incubation of canine parietal cells with EGF for 72 h induced both parietal cell morphological transformation and inhibition of H+/K+-ATPase gene expression through MAPK-dependent mechanisms. We explored the role of BMP-4 in parietal cell maturation and differentiation. Moreover, we investigated if BMP-4 modulates the actions of EGF in parietal cells. H+/K+-ATPase gene expression was examined by Northern blots and quantitative RT-PCR. Acid production was assessed by measuring the uptake of [14C]aminopyrine. Parietal cell apoptosis was quantitated by Western blots with anti-cleaved caspase 3 antibodies and by counting the numbers of fragmented, propidium iodide-stained nuclei. MAPK activation and Smad1 phosphorylation were measured by Western blots with anti-phospho-MAPK and anti-phospho-Smad1 antibodies. Parietal cell morphology was examined by immunohistochemical staining of cells with anti-H+/K+-ATPase α-subunit antibodies. BMP-4 stimulated Smad1 phosphorylation and induced H+/K+-ATPase gene expression. BMP-4 attenuated EGF-mediated inhibition of H+/K+-ATPase gene expression and blocked EGF induction of both parietal cell morphological transformation and MAPK activation. Incubation of cells with BMP-4 enhanced histamine-stimulated [14C]aminopyrine uptake. BMP-4 had no effect on parietal cell apoptosis, whereas TGF-β stimulated caspase-3 activation and nuclear fragmentation. In conclusion, BMP-4 promotes the induction and maintenance of a differentiated parietal cell phenotype. These findings may provide new clues for a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate gastric epithelial cell growth and differentiation.

scholarly journals High number of asymptomatic dogs as leptospiral carriers in an endemic area indicates a serious public health concern

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (9) ◽  
pp. 1852-1854 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. SANT'ANNA ◽  
A. S. VIEIRA ◽  
J. GRAPIGLIA ◽  
W. LILENBAUM
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
Polymerase Chain

SUMMARYAsymptomatic dogs can be potential hosts of leptospirosis. However, the extension of this phenomenon in endemic areas has not yet been clearly defined. This study is aimed at evaluating the role of asymptomatic dogs as carriers of Leptospira in an endemic area of Brazil. A total of 131 male dogs without apparent leptospirosis symptoms were included in the study based on clinical and hematologic exams. Serum and urine samples were collected for microscopic agglutination tests (MAT) and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) targeted the LipL32 gene, respectively. Forty-two dogs (32·1%) presented seroreactivity (titres ⩾100). The serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae was predominant, representing 92·7% of the seropositive samples. Overall, leptospiral DNA was detected on 26 urine samples (19·8%). PCR positivity was more common (28·6%) on seropositive dogs than on seronegative (15·7%) ones. Nevertheless, MAT was not correlated to PCR (P > 0·05). Age was not associated with seroreactivity, but dogs older than 5 years of age had 4·07 more chances (odds ratio) of being carriers (PCR positive) than younger ones. Although the fact of knowing that asymptomatic dogs can act as leptospiral carriers is not new, the extension of this fact is impressive in an endemic region, and its role and impact on public health cannot be neglected.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A RHABDOMYOSARCOMA WITH SYSTEMIC METASTASIS IN AN AVIAN LEUKOSIS VIRUS (ALV) INFECTED CHICKEN

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (01) ◽  
pp. 47-52
Author(s):  
Wen-Ta Li ◽  
Chian-Ren Jeng ◽  
Chen-Hsuan Liu ◽  
Victor Fei Pang ◽  
Ching-Ho Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Present Report ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Neuron Specific Enolase ◽  
Pectoral Muscle ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Neoplastic Cells ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
S 100

Immunohistochemistry features and cross-reactivity of commercially available antibodies are poorly understood in avian species. Here, we present a confirmative diagnosis of a rare systemically metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma in a seven-month-old male domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus). The animal had multiple grey to dark-red masses in the pectoral muscle, coelomic cavity, and multiple visceral organs. Microscopically, these masses were composed of spindloid neoplastic cells arranged into interwoven and patternless arrays with the presence of binucleated to multinucleated and karyomegalic neoplastic cells. A systemically metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma associated with avian leukosis viruses (ALV) infection was diagnosed by immunohistochemically demonstrating neoplastic cells dispersedly positive for desmin and p27 major capsid protein of ALVs, but diffusely negative for cytokeratin, vimentin, [Formula: see text]-smooth muscle actin, MyoD1, S-100, and neuron-specific enolase. These tumors and internal organs were further characterized positive for subgroups A, B, C, D, or E ALVs, but negative for subgroup J ALV, by polymerase chain reactions. The report suggests the potential of using IHC for a confirmative diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and ALV infection in chickens. The role of endogenous and exogenous ALVs in the rhabdomyosarcoma is also discussed in the present report.

Do We Need Basic Research in Cardiac Surgery?

2016 ◽  
Vol 66 (01) ◽  
pp. 002-006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Schlensak ◽  
David Schibilsky ◽  
Gloria Faerber ◽  
Torsten Doenst
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Basic Science ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Cardiac Surgeons

Thinking about the daily practice of cardiac surgery, genetically altered mouse models, polymerase chain reactions, western blots, and other laboratory tools are the last that comes to mind. It is, therefore, not surprising that the pursuit of such basic science activities by practicing surgeons and those in training is often limited. However, there is an innate connection between these two seemingly different disciplines. To address and visualize this connection, we propose the following three hypotheses. First, cardiac surgery would not be at its present level of expertise without fundamental contributions of basic science. Second, without practicing cardiac surgeons performing basic research and translating their results to clinical practice next to their daily work, our ability to care for cardiac surgery patients would be poorer. Third, basic science training for those aiming to become practicing cardiac surgeons improves their ability to properly care for their patients. Finally, we will discuss some potentially even unexpected implications for our currently changing daily clinical practice.

Abstract 167: Mir-195-3p/-5p Decrease Cardiac Fibroblast Proliferation and the Transdifferentiation into Myofibroblasts

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shutong Shen ◽  
Xiuzhi Wang ◽  
Dongjie Xu ◽  
Lichan Tao ◽  
Xiaoting Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Target Gene ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblast ◽  
Immunofluorescent Staining ◽  
Fibroblast Proliferation ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) contribute to many essential physiological and pathological processes including fibrosis. This study aims at investigating the role of miR-195-3p/-5p in cardiac fibroblast proliferation and the transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Methods and results: In isolated primary neonatal cardiac fibrobasts (NRCFs), forced expression of miR-195-3p/-5p with agomiRs could attenuate fibrobast proliferation as determined by EdU and Ki67 staining while inhibition of miR-195-3p/-5p with antagomiRs could increase fibrobast proliferation. By quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs) and western blotting (WB), α-SMA (a marker of myofibroblast transdifferentiation) was found to be suppressed in the miR-195-3p/-5p agomiR-treated NRCFs at both mRNA and protein levels, while was increased in the miR-195-3p/-5p antagomiR-treated NRCFs. Moreover, Chek-1 was identified as a target gene of miR-195-3p/-5p responsible for cardiac fibroblast proliferation and the transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts by RT-PCR and WB and immunofluorescent staining. Silencing of Chek-1 attenuates cardiac fibroblast proliferation and the transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts as detected by α-SMA/EDU staining. In addition, Chek-1 mediated the effects of miR-195-3p/-5p in cardiac fibroblast proliferation and the transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Conclusion: Therefore, miR-195-3p/-5p might be promising therapeutic targets for cardiac fibrosis.

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