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14 pages, 1071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single-Locus and Multi-Locus Genome-Wide Association Studies Identify Genes Associated with Liver Cu Concentration in Merinoland Sheep

by Olusegun O. Adeniyi, Ivica Medugorac, Ewa Grochowska, Rolf-Alexander Düring and Gesine Lühken

Genes 2023, 14(5), 1053; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14051053 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2647

Abstract

Economic losses due to copper intoxication or deficiency is a problem encountered by sheep farmers. The aim of this study was to investigate the ovine genome for genomic regions and candidate genes responsible for variability in liver copper concentration. Liver samples were collected [...] Read more.

Economic losses due to copper intoxication or deficiency is a problem encountered by sheep farmers. The aim of this study was to investigate the ovine genome for genomic regions and candidate genes responsible for variability in liver copper concentration. Liver samples were collected from slaughtered lambs of the Merinoland breed from two farms, and used for measurement of copper concentration and genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 45,511 SNPs and 130 samples were finally used for analysis, in which single-locus and several multi-locus GWAS (SL-GWAS; ML-GWAS) methods were employed. Gene enrichment analysis was performed for identified candidate genes to detect gene ontology (GO) terms significantly associated with hepatic copper levels. The SL-GWAS and a minimum of two ML-GWAS identified two and thirteen significant SNPs, respectively. Within genomic regions surrounding identified SNPs, we observed nine promising candidate genes such as DYNC1I2, VPS35, SLC38A9 and CHMP1A. GO terms such as lysosomal membrane, mitochondrial inner membrane and sodium:proton antiporter activity were significantly enriched. Genes involved in these identified GO terms mediate multivesicular body (MVB) fusion with lysosome for degradation and control mitochondrial membrane permeability. This reveals the polygenic status of this trait and candidate genes for further studies on breeding for copper tolerance in sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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12 pages, 1173 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Genome-Wide Scan of Wool Production Traits in Akkaraman Sheep

by Yunus Arzik, Mehmet Kizilaslan, Sedat Behrem, Stephen N. White, Lindsay M. W. Piel and Mehmet Ulas Cinar

Genes 2023, 14(3), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14030713 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3690

Abstract

The objective of this study was to uncover the genetic background of wool quality, a production trait, by estimating genomic heritability and implementing GWAS in Akkaraman sheep. The wool characteristics measured included fibre diameter (FD) and staple length (SL) at the age of [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to uncover the genetic background of wool quality, a production trait, by estimating genomic heritability and implementing GWAS in Akkaraman sheep. The wool characteristics measured included fibre diameter (FD) and staple length (SL) at the age of 8 months and yearling fibre diameter (YFD), yearling staple length (YSL) and yearling greasy fleece weight (YGFW) at 18 months of age. Animals were genotyped using the Axiom 50 K Ovine Genotyping Array. Maximum likelihood estimations of a linear mixed model (LMM) were used to estimate genomic heritability, where GWAS was conducted following a score test of each trait. Genomic heritability estimates for the traits ranged between 0.22 and 0.63, indicating that phenotypes have a moderate range of heritability. One genome- and six chromosome-wide significant SNPs were associated with the wool traits in Akkaraman lambs. Accordingly, TRIM2, MND1, TLR2, RNF175, CEP290, TMTC3, RERE, SLC45A1, SOX2, MORN1, SKI, FAAP20, PRKCZ, GABRD, CFAP74, CALML6 and TMEM52 genes as well as nine uncharacterized regions (LOC101118971, LOC105609137, LOC105603067, LOC101122892, LOC106991694, LOC106991467, LOC106991455, LOC105616534 and LOC105609719) were defined as plausible candidates. The findings of this study shed light on the genetics of wool quality and yield for the Akkaraman breed and suggests targets for breeders during systematic breeding programmes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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15 pages, 1298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Analysis of Gastrointestinal Parasite Resistance in Akkaraman Sheep

by Yunus Arzik, Mehmet Kizilaslan, Stephen N. White, Lindsay M. W. Piel and Mehmet Ulaş Çınar

Genes 2022, 13(12), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13122177 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2948

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used as an effective tool to understand the genetics of complex traits such as gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) resistance. The aim of this study was to understand the genetics of gastrointestinal parasite (nematodes, Moniezia spp., Eimeria spp. [...] Read more.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used as an effective tool to understand the genetics of complex traits such as gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) resistance. The aim of this study was to understand the genetics of gastrointestinal parasite (nematodes, Moniezia spp., Eimeria spp.) resistance in Akkaraman sheep by performing genomic heritability estimations and conducting GWAS to uncover responsible genomic regions. This is one of the first studies to examine the genetic resistance of Akkaraman sheep to the tapeworm parasite. The samples from 475 animals were genotyped using the Axiom 50K Ovine Genotyping Array. Genomic heritability estimates ranged from 0.00 to 0.34 for parasite resistance traits. This indicates that measured phenotypes have low to moderate heritability estimates. A total of two genome-wide significant SNP associated with TNEM3 and ATRNL1 genes and 10 chromosome-wide significant SNPs related with 10 genes namely NELL1, ST6GALNAC3, HIPK1, SYT1, ALK, ZNF596, TMCO5A, PTH2R, LARGE1, and SCG2 were suggested as candidates for parasite resistance traits. The majority of these candidate genes were involved in several basic biological processes that are essential and important for immune system functions and cellular growth; specifically, inflammatory responses, cellular transport, cell apoptosis, cell differentiation, histone de-acetylation, and endocytosis. These results have implications for animal breeding program studies due to the effect that the genetic background has on parasite resistance, which underlies many productive, health, and wellness-related traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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18 pages, 5908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals the Genomic Characteristics and Selection Signatures of Hainan Black Goat

by Qiaoling Chen, Yuan Chai, Wencan Zhang, Yiwen Cheng, Zhenxing Zhang, Qi An, Si Chen, Churiga Man, Li Du, Wenguang Zhang and Fengyang Wang

Genes 2022, 13(9), 1539; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13091539 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3466

Abstract

Goats have become one of the most adaptive and important livestock species distributed in developing countries in recent years. The Hainan Black goat is a native goat breed of the Hainan region that is generally well-liked by the local population and is thus [...] Read more.

Goats have become one of the most adaptive and important livestock species distributed in developing countries in recent years. The Hainan Black goat is a native goat breed of the Hainan region that is generally well-liked by the local population and is thus raised in large numbers. However, the genomic diversity and selective signals of the Hainan Black goat have not been clearly elucidated yet. Therefore, in this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing of 16 Hainan Black goats and compared the results with those of 71 goats of 6 other breeds from different geographic regions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic analysis identified seven lineages for all goats. Hainan Black goats showed the most similarity with Leizhou goats and the least similarity with Boer goats. Selective sweep analysis identified candidate genes associated with various functions, including immune resistance to disease (TNFAIP2 (TNF alpha induced protein 2) and EXOC3L4 (exocyst complex component 3 like 4)), melanin biosynthetic process (CDH15 (cadherin 15), ASIP (agouti signaling protein), and PARD3 (par-3 family cell polarity regulator)), and light sensitivity (CNGB3 (cyclic nucleotide gated channel subunit beta 3) and CNBD1 (cyclic nucleotide binding domain containing 1)), underlying strong selection signatures in Hainan Black goats. The melanin biosynthetic process, circadian entrainment, regulation of cyclic adenosine 3,5-monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated signaling, and the Rap-1 signaling pathway were significantly enriched in Hainan Black and Alashan Cashmere goats. This result may be important for understanding each trait. Selection signature analysis revealed candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes correlated with the traits of Hainan Black goats. Collectively, our results provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of specific traits correlated with the Hainan island climate, artificial selection in certain local goat breeds, and the importance of protecting breed resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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15 pages, 7122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Parameters and Genomic Regions Underlying Growth and Linear Type Traits in Akkaraman Sheep

by Mehmet Kizilaslan, Yunus Arzik, Stephen N. White, Lindsay M. W. Piel and Mehmet Ulas Cinar

Genes 2022, 13(8), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13081414 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3701

Abstract

In the current study, the genetic architecture of growth and linear type traits were investigated in Akkaraman sheep. Estimations of genomic heritability, genetic correlations, and phenotypic correlations were implemented for 17 growth and linear type traits of 473 Akkaraman lambs by the univariate [...] Read more.

In the current study, the genetic architecture of growth and linear type traits were investigated in Akkaraman sheep. Estimations of genomic heritability, genetic correlations, and phenotypic correlations were implemented for 17 growth and linear type traits of 473 Akkaraman lambs by the univariate and multivariate analysis of animal mixed models. Correspondingly, moderate heritability estimates, as well as high and positive genetic/phenotypic correlations were found between growth and type traits. On the other hand, 2 genome-wide and 19 chromosome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be associated with the traits as a result of animal mixed model-based genome-wide association analyses. Accordingly, we propose several genes located on different chromosomes (e.g., PRDM2, PTGDR, PTPRG, KCND2, ZNF260, CPE, GRID2, SCD5, SPIDR, ZNF407, HCN3, TMEM50A, FKBP1A, TLE4, SP1, SLC44A1, and MYOM3) as putative quantitative trait loci for the 22 growth and linear type traits studied. In our study, specific genes (e.g., TLE4, PTGDR, and SCD5) were found common between the traits studied, suggesting an interplay between the genetic backgrounds of these traits. The fact that four of the proposed genes (TLE4, MYOM3, SLC44A1, and TMEM50A) are located on sheep chromosome 2 confirms the importance of these genomic regions for growth and morphological structure in sheep. The results of our study are therefore of great importance for the development of efficient selection indices and marker-assisted selection programs, as well as for the understanding of the genetic architecture of growth and linear traits in sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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14 pages, 2530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Genome-Wide Search for Candidate Genes of Meat Production in Jalgin Merino Considering Known Productivity Genes

by Alexander Krivoruchko, Alexander Surov, Antonina Skokova, Anastasiya Kanibolotskaya, Tatiana Saprikina, Maxim Kukharuk and Olesya Yatsyk

Genes 2022, 13(8), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13081337 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

In a group of Jalgin merino rams with no significant influence on the dispersion of the phenotypes of known productivity genes (MSTN, MEF2B, FABP4, etc.), a genome-wide search for associations of individual polymorphisms with intravital indicators of meat productivity [...] Read more.

In a group of Jalgin merino rams with no significant influence on the dispersion of the phenotypes of known productivity genes (MSTN, MEF2B, FABP4, etc.), a genome-wide search for associations of individual polymorphisms with intravital indicators of meat productivity was performed. Using the Ovine Infinium HD BeadChip 600K, 606,000 genome loci were evaluated. Twenty-three substitutions were found to be significantly associated with external measurements of the body and ultrasonic parameters. This made it possible to describe 14 candidate genes, the structural features of which can cause changes in animal phenotypes. No closely spaced genes were found for two substitutions. The identified polymorphisms were found in the exons, introns, and adjacent regions of the following genes and transcripts: CDCA2, ENSOARG00000014477, C4BPA, RIPOR2, ENSOARG00000007198, ENSOARG00000026965 (LincRNA), ENSOARG00000026436 (LincRNA), ENSOARG00000026782 (LincRNA), TENM3, RTL8A, MOSPD1, RTL8C, RIMS2, and P4HA3. The detected genes affect the metabolic pathways of cell differentiation and proliferation and are associated with the regulation of the immune system. This confirms their possible participation in the formation of the phenotypes of productivity parameters in animals and indicates the need for further study of the structure of candidate genes in order to identify their internal polymorphisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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25 pages, 4229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA ceRNA Network Involved in Sheep Prolificacy: An Integrated Approach

by Masoumeh Sadeghi, Abolfazl Bahrami, Aliakbar Hasankhani, Hamed Kioumarsi, Reza Nouralizadeh, Sarah Ali Abdulkareem, Farzad Ghafouri and Herman W. Barkema

Genes 2022, 13(8), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13081295 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4043 | Correction

Abstract

Understanding the molecular pattern of fertility is considered as an important step in breeding of different species, and despite the high importance of the fertility, little success has been achieved in dissecting the interactome basis of sheep fertility. However, the complex mechanisms associated [...] Read more.

Understanding the molecular pattern of fertility is considered as an important step in breeding of different species, and despite the high importance of the fertility, little success has been achieved in dissecting the interactome basis of sheep fertility. However, the complex mechanisms associated with prolificacy in sheep have not been fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to use competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks to evaluate this trait to better understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for fertility. A competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of the corpus luteum was constructed between Romanov and Baluchi sheep breeds with either good or poor genetic merit for prolificacy using whole-transcriptome analysis. First, the main list of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNA related to the corpus luteum that alter with the breed were extracted, then miRNA–mRNA and lncRNA–mRNA interactions were predicted, and the ceRNA network was constructed by integrating these interactions with the other gene regulatory networks and the protein–protein interaction (PPI). A total of 264 mRNAs, 14 lncRNAs, and 34 miRNAs were identified by combining the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. In total, 44, 7, 7, and 6 mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and crucial modules, respectively, were disclosed through clustering for the corpus luteum ceRNA network. All these RNAs involved in biological processes, namely proteolysis, actin cytoskeleton organization, immune system process, cell adhesion, cell differentiation, and lipid metabolic process, have an overexpression pattern (Padj < 0.01). This study increases our understanding of the contribution of different breed transcriptomes to phenotypic fertility differences and constructed a ceRNA network in sheep (Ovis aries) to provide insights into further research on the molecular mechanism and identify new biomarkers for genetic improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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18 pages, 4131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Capturing Genetic Diversity and Selection Signatures of the Endangered Kosovar Balusha Sheep Breed

by Olusegun O. Adeniyi, Rebecca Simon, Hysen Bytyqi, Waltraud Kugler, Hajrip Mehmeti, Kaltrina Berisha, Mojca Simčič, Mohamed Magdy and Gesine Lühken

Genes 2022, 13(5), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13050866 - 12 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2997

Abstract

There is a growing concern about the loss of animal genetic resources. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity and potential peculiarity of the endangered Kosovar sheep breed Balusha. For this purpose, a dataset consisting of medium-density SNP chip [...] Read more.

There is a growing concern about the loss of animal genetic resources. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity and potential peculiarity of the endangered Kosovar sheep breed Balusha. For this purpose, a dataset consisting of medium-density SNP chip genotypes (39,879 SNPs) from 45 Balusha sheep was generated and compared with SNP chip genotypes from 29 individuals of a second Kosovar breed, Bardhoka. Publicly available SNP genotypes from 39 individuals of the relatively closely located sheep breeds Istrian Pramenka and Ruda were additionally included in the analyses. Analysis of heterozygosity, allelic richness and effective population size was used to assess the genetic diversity. Inbreeding was evaluated using two different methods (F_IS, F_ROH). The standardized F_ST (d_i) and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XPEHH) methods were used to detect signatures of selection. We observed the lowest heterozygosity (H_O = 0.351) and effective population size (Ne₅ = 25, Ne₅₀ = 228) for the Balusha breed. The mean allelic richness levels (1.780–1.876) across all analyzed breeds were similar and also comparable with those in worldwide breeds. F_ROH estimates (0.023–0.077) were highest for the Balusha population, although evidence of decreased inbreeding was observed in F_IS results for the Balusha breed. Two Gene Ontology (GO) TERMs were strongly enriched for Balusha, and involved genes belonging to the melanogenesis and T cell receptor signaling pathways, respectively. This could result from selection for the special coat color pattern of Balusha (black head) and resistance to certain infectious diseases. The analyzed diversity parameters highlight the urgency to preserve the local Kosovar Balusha sheep as it is clearly distinguished from other sheep of Southeastern Europe, has the lowest diversity level and may harbor valuable genetic variants, e.g., for resistance to infectious diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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14 pages, 7383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The SNP-Based Profiling of Montecristo Feral Goat Populations Reveals a History of Isolation, Bottlenecks, and the Effects of Management

by Elisa Somenzi, Gabriele Senczuk, Roberta Ciampolini, Matteo Cortellari, Elia Vajana, Gwenola Tosser-Klopp, Fabio Pilla, Paolo Ajmone-Marsan, Paola Crepaldi and Licia Colli

Genes 2022, 13(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13020213 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3652

Abstract

The Montecristo wild goat is an endangered feral population that has been on the homonymous island in the Tuscan Archipelago since ancient times. The origins of Montecristo goats are still debated, with authors dating their introduction either back to Neolithic times or between [...] Read more.

The Montecristo wild goat is an endangered feral population that has been on the homonymous island in the Tuscan Archipelago since ancient times. The origins of Montecristo goats are still debated, with authors dating their introduction either back to Neolithic times or between the 6th and 13th century of the Common Era. To investigate the evolutionary history and relationships of this population we assembled a 50K SNP dataset including 55 Mediterranean breeds and two nuclei of Montecristo goats sampled on the island and from an ex situ conservation project. Diversity levels, gene flow, population structure, and genetic relationships were assessed through multiple approaches. The insular population scored the lowest values of both observed and expected heterozygosity, highlighting reduced genetic variation, while the ex situ nucleus highlighted a less severe reduction. Multivariate statistics, network, and population structure analyses clearly separated the insular nucleus from all other breeds, including the population of Montecristo goats from the mainland. Moreover, admixture and gene flow analyses pinpointed possible genetic inputs received by the two Montecristo goat nuclei from different sources, while Runs of Homozygosity (ROHs) indicated an ancient bottleneck/founder effect in the insular population and recent extensive inbreeding in the ex situ one. Overall, our results suggest that Montecristo goats experienced several demographic fluctuations combined with admixture events over time and highlighted a noticeable differentiation between the two nuclei. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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13 pages, 2047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Epigenetic Clocks for Key Ruminant Species

by Alex Caulton, Ken G. Dodds, Kathryn M. McRae, Christine Couldrey, Steve Horvath and Shannon M. Clarke

Genes 2022, 13(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13010096 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3398

Abstract

Robust biomarkers of chronological age have been developed in humans and model mammalian species such as rats and mice using DNA methylation data. The concept of these so-called “epigenetic clocks” has emerged from a large body of literature describing the relationship between genome-wide [...] Read more.

Robust biomarkers of chronological age have been developed in humans and model mammalian species such as rats and mice using DNA methylation data. The concept of these so-called “epigenetic clocks” has emerged from a large body of literature describing the relationship between genome-wide methylation levels and age. Epigenetic clocks exploit this phenomenon and use small panels of differentially methylated cytosine (CpG) sites to make robust predictions of chronological age, independent of tissue type. Here, we present highly accurate livestock epigenetic clocks for which we have used the custom mammalian methylation array “HorvathMammalMethyl40” to construct the first epigenetic clock for domesticated goat (Capra hircus), cattle (Bos taurus), Red (Cervus elaphus) and Wapiti deer (Cervus canadensis) and composite-breed sheep (Ovis aries). Additionally, we have constructed a ‘farm animal clock’ for all species included in the study, which will allow for robust predictions to be extended to various breeds/strains. The farm animal clock shows similarly high accuracy to the individual species’ clocks (r > 0.97), utilizing only 217 CpG sites to estimate age (relative to the maximum lifespan of the species) with a single mathematical model. We hypothesise that the applications of this livestock clock could extend well beyond the scope of chronological age estimates. Many independent studies have demonstrated that a deviation between true age and clock derived molecular age is indicative of past and/or present health (including stress) status. There is, therefore, untapped potential to utilize livestock clocks in breeding programs as a predictor for age-related production traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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14 pages, 14639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Nonsense Variant in CCDC65 Gene Causes Respiratory Failure Associated with Increased Lamb Mortality in French Lacaune Dairy Sheep

by Maxime Ben Braiek, Carole Moreno-Romieux, Charlotte Allain, Philippe Bardou, Arnaud Bordes, Frédéric Debat, Cord Drögemüller, Florence Plisson-Petit, David Portes, Julien Sarry, Némuel Tadi, Florent Woloszyn and Stéphane Fabre

Genes 2022, 13(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13010045 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4140

Abstract

We recently demonstrated that the Lacaune deficient homozygous haplotype 6 (LDHH6) potentially hosts a recessive perinatal lethal mutation in Lacaune dairy sheep mapped on OAR3. In the present study, we have analyzed the whole-genome sequences of two Lacaune ram heterozygous carriers of LDHH6. [...] Read more.

We recently demonstrated that the Lacaune deficient homozygous haplotype 6 (LDHH6) potentially hosts a recessive perinatal lethal mutation in Lacaune dairy sheep mapped on OAR3. In the present study, we have analyzed the whole-genome sequences of two Lacaune ram heterozygous carriers of LDHH6. After variant calling and filtering against the variants of 86 non-carrier rams, we have identified a single nucleotide variant (SNV) in the two LDHH6 carriers whose variant allele induced a premature stop codon (p.Glu111*) in the Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 65 (CCDC65) gene. CCDC65 is involved in the assembly of the nexin-dynein regulatory complex for the formation of microtubules in ciliated cells. In order to identify the phenotype in homozygous sheep, we generated at-risk matings (n = 17) between rams and ewes heterozygous for the candidate variant in CCDC65. A total of 16 lambs were born alive with five genotyped as homozygous carriers. The homozygous lambs suffered from respiratory problems, and four of them died within the first month of life. At necropsy, we observed a broad hepatization of lung lobes possibly induced by infectious pneumonia. The management of this lethal recessive allele (frequency of 0.06) through reasoned mating in the Lacaune sheep selection schemes could reduce lamb mortality by 2%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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17 pages, 1305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Tools for the Identification of Loci Associated with Facial Eczema in New Zealand Sheep

by Kathryn M. McRae, Suzanne J. Rowe, Patricia L. Johnson, Hayley J. Baird, Neil G. Cullen, Matthew J. Bixley, Jeffrey E. Plowman, Santanu Deb-Choudhury, Rudiger Brauning, Neville C. Amyes, Ken G. Dodds, Sheryl-Anne N. Newman, John C. McEwan and Shannon M. Clarke

Genes 2021, 12(10), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12101560 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3222

Abstract

Facial eczema (FE) is a significant metabolic disease that affects New Zealand ruminants. Ingestion of the mycotoxin sporidesmin leads to liver and bile duct damage, which can result in photosensitisation, reduced productivity and death. Strategies used to manage the incidence and severity of [...] Read more.

Facial eczema (FE) is a significant metabolic disease that affects New Zealand ruminants. Ingestion of the mycotoxin sporidesmin leads to liver and bile duct damage, which can result in photosensitisation, reduced productivity and death. Strategies used to manage the incidence and severity of the disease include breeding. In sheep, there is considerable genetic variation in the response to FE. A commercial testing program is available for ram breeders who aim to increase tolerance, determined by the concentration of the serum enzyme, gamma-glutamyltransferase 21 days after a measured sporidesmin challenge (GGT21). Genome-wide association studies were carried out to determine regions of the genome associated with GGT21. Two regions on chromosomes 15 and 24 are reported, which explain 5% and 1% of the phenotypic variance in the response to FE, respectively. The region on chromosome 15 contains the β-globin locus. Of the significant SNPs in the region, one is a missense variant within the haemoglobin subunit β (HBB) gene. Mass spectrometry of haemoglobin from animals with differing genotypes at this locus indicated that genotypes are associated with different forms of adult β-globin. Haemoglobin haplotypes have previously been associated with variation in several health-related traits in sheep and warrant further investigation regarding their role in tolerance to FE in sheep. We show a strategic approach to the identification of regions of importance for commercial breeding programs with a combination of discovery, statistical and biological validation. This study highlights the power of using increased density genotyping for the identification of influential genomic regions, combined with subsequent inclusion on lower density genotyping platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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11 pages, 1262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analysis for Early Growth-Related Traits of the Locally Adapted Egyptian Barki Sheep

by Ibrahim Abousoliman, Henry Reyer, Michael Oster, Eduard Murani, Ismail Mohamed and Klaus Wimmers

Genes 2021, 12(8), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12081243 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3524

Abstract

Sheep play a critical role in the agricultural and livestock sector in Egypt. For sheep meat production, growth traits such as birth and weaning weights are very important and determine the supply and income of local farmers. The Barki sheep originates from the [...] Read more.

Sheep play a critical role in the agricultural and livestock sector in Egypt. For sheep meat production, growth traits such as birth and weaning weights are very important and determine the supply and income of local farmers. The Barki sheep originates from the northeastern coastal zone of Africa, and due to its good adaptation to the harsh environmental conditions, it contributes significantly to the meat production in these semi-arid regions. This study aimed to use a genome-wide SNP panel to identify genomic regions that are diversified between groups of individuals of Egyptian Barki sheep with high and low growth performance traits. In this context, from a phenotyped population of 140 lambs of Barki sheep, 69 lambs were considered for a genome-wide scan with the Illumina OvineSNP50 V2 BeadChip. The selected lambs were grouped into divergent subsets with significantly different performance for birth weight and weaning weight. After quality control, 63 animals and 40,383 SNPs were used for analysis. The fixation index (F_ST) for each SNP was calculated between the groups. The results verified genomic regions harboring some previously proposed candidate genes for traits related to body growth, i.e., EYA2, GDF2, GDF10, MEF2B, SLC16A7, TBX15, TFAP2B, and TNNC2. Moreover, novel candidate genes were proposed with known functional implications on growth processes such as CPXM2 and LRIG3. Subsequent association analysis showed significant effects of the considered SNPs on birth and weaning weights. Results highlight the genetic diversity associated with performance traits and thus the potential to improve growth traits in the Barki sheep breed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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12 pages, 1667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analyses Reveal Genetic Convergence of Prolificacy between Goats and Sheep

by Lin Tao, Xiaoyun He, Yanting Jiang, Yufang Liu, Yina Ouyang, Yezhen Shen, Qionghua Hong and Mingxing Chu

Genes 2021, 12(4), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12040480 - 26 Mar 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3694

Abstract

The litter size of domestic goats and sheep is an economically important trait that shows variation within breeds. Strenuous efforts have been made to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying prolificacy in goats and sheep. However, there has been a paucity of research on [...] Read more.

The litter size of domestic goats and sheep is an economically important trait that shows variation within breeds. Strenuous efforts have been made to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying prolificacy in goats and sheep. However, there has been a paucity of research on the genetic convergence of prolificacy between goats and sheep, which likely arose because of similar natural and artificial selection forces. Here, we performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses to identify the genetic convergence of prolificacy between goats and sheep. By combining genomic and transcriptomic data for the first time, we identified this genetic convergence in (1) positively selected genes (CHST11 and SDCCAG8), (2) differentially expressed genes (SERPINA14, RSAD2, and PPIG at follicular phase, and IGF1, GPRIN3, LIPG, SLC7A11, and CHST15 at luteal phase), and (3) biological pathways (genomic level: osteoclast differentiation, ErbB signaling pathway, and relaxin signaling pathway; transcriptomic level: the regulation of viral genome replication at follicular phase, and protein kinase B signaling and antigen processing and presentation at luteal phase). These results indicated the potential physiological convergence and enhanced our understanding of the overlapping genetic makeup underlying litter size in goats and sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 4822 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Complex and Diverse Genetic Architecture of the Absence of Horns (Polledness) in Domestic Ruminants, including Goats and Sheep

by Rebecca Simon, Cord Drögemüller and Gesine Lühken

Genes 2022, 13(5), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13050832 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9002

Abstract

Horns are the most obvious common feature of Bovidae. The naturally occurring absence of horns in these species, also known as polledness, is of surprisingly heterogeneous nature, although they are Mendelian traits. This review compares in detail the molecular differences among the causes [...] Read more.

Horns are the most obvious common feature of Bovidae. The naturally occurring absence of horns in these species, also known as polledness, is of surprisingly heterogeneous nature, although they are Mendelian traits. This review compares in detail the molecular differences among the causes of inherited polledness in the domestic ruminant species of cattle, yak, sheep, and goat based on the causal gene variants that have been discovered in recent years. The genetic causes for the lack of horns in small ruminants seem not only to be more complex, e.g., in sheep, breed-specific characteristics are still unexplained, but in goats, there is also the associated disorder of intersexuality—polled intersex syndrome (PIS). In connection with animal welfare and the associated discussion about a legal ban on the dehorning of all farm animals, naturally hornless animals and the causal genetic variants are of increasing research interest in the age of genome editing. However, the low acceptance of genetic engineering in livestock, especially in European societies, limits its use in food-producing animals. Therefore, genotype-based targeted selection of naturally occurring variants is still a widely used method for spreading this desired trait within and across populations, at least in cattle and sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Small Ruminants)

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