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Topic:Genetics
Genetics in horses encompasses the study of hereditary traits and the genetic makeup that influences various characteristics and health conditions in equine populations. This field involves the analysis of genes and their functions, inheritance patterns, and the impact of genetic variations on traits such as coat color, performance ability, and susceptibility to diseases. Research in equine genetics employs techniques such as genome mapping, sequencing, and genetic testing to identify specific genes and mutations associated with these traits. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the genetic basis of equine traits, the methodologies used in genetic research, and the implications for breeding, health management, and conservation of horse breeds.
Molecular characterisation of equid alphaherpesvirus 1 strains isolated from aborted fetuses in Poland. Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is one of the main infectious causative agents of abortion in mares and can also be associated with stillbirth, neonatal foal death, rhinopneumonitis in young horses and a neurological disorder called equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The neuropathogenicity of the virus was shown to be significantly higher in EHV-1 strains that carry a single nucleotide point (SNP) mutation in the ORF30, which encodes a catalytic subunit of viral DNA polymerase (ORF30 D). Another gene, ORF68 is frequently used for phylogenetic analysis of EHV-1. 27 EHV-1 strains iso...
MicroRNA characterization in equine induced pluripotent stem cells. Cell reprogramming has been well described in mouse and human cells. The expression of specific microRNAs has demonstrated to be essential for pluripotent maintenance and cell differentiation, but not much information is available in domestic species. We aim to generate horse iPSCs, characterize them and evaluate the expression of different microRNAs (miR-302a,b,c,d, miR-205, miR-145, miR-9, miR-96, miR-125b and miR-296). Two equine iPSC lines (L2 and L3) were characterized after the reprogramming of equine fibroblasts with the four human Yamanaka's factors (OCT-4/SOX-2/c-MYC/KLF4). The plurip...
Simultaneous miRNA and mRNA Transcriptome Profiling of Differentiating Equine Satellite Cells Treated with Gamma-Oryzanol and Exposed to Hydrogen Peroxide. Gamma-oryzanol (GO) is a popular supplement for performance horses, dogs, and humans. Previous studies indicated that GO supplementation decreases creatine kinase activity and lactate level after exercise and may affect oxidative stress in Thoroughbred horses. GO may change genes expression in equine satellite cells (ESC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of GO on miRNA, gene expression, oxidative stress, and cell damage and viability in differentiating ESC pretreated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). ESCs were obtained from a young horse's skeletal muscle. ESCs were pre-i...
The effect of insulin on equine lamellar basal epithelial cells mediated by the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor. In horses and ponies, insulin dysregulation leading to hyperinsulinemia may be associated with increased risk of laminitis, and prolonged infusion of insulin can induce the condition. It is unclear whether insulin may have a direct or indirect effect on the lamellar tissues. Insulin is structurally related to insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and can bind the IGF-1 receptor, albeit at a lower affinity than IGF-1. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed lamellar tissue sections from six normal horses, euthanised for non-research purposes, using an anti-IGF-1 receptor ant...
Isolation and comparison of Arcanobacterium hippocoleae isolates from the genital tract of 15 mares. The present study reports the isolation of A. hippocoleae from genital swabs of 15 apparently healthy mares (at least one had an abortion one month earlier) and describes the genotypic and phenotypic characterisation of these strains. The mares were of eight different breeds with a thoroughbred dominance and came from 11 breeding farms located in the French region of Brittany. 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the species' identification by comparing it with reference strain A. hippocoleae CIP 106850. Some degree of natural divergence within A. hippocoleae was observed by 16S rRNA sequencing ...
Sequence and functional variability of Toll-like receptor 9 gene in equines. Significant structural differences in the extracellular domain of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) account for species-specific recognition of its ligand CpG-ODN sequences. TLR9 is extensively studied in human, mice and some domestic animals. The recognition ability appears to be utilized differently by various species and breeds, but so far no comprehensive study exists about the equine TLR9 gene. We characterized TLR9 sequences of Marwari and Zanskari breeds of horses and Poitu donkey. We sequenced and identified the protein coding regions of equine TLR9 and compared with other animals and human ...
MicroRNA fingerprints in serum and whole blood of sarcoid-affected horses as potential non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. Serum and whole blood microRNA (miRNA) fingerprints have been proposed as a new class of non-invasive human cancer biomarkers. In this study, we compared equine sarcoid (ES) disease-specific serum and whole blood miRNA fingerprints and correlated them to miRNA expression in sarcoid tissue. After high throughput sequencing, miRNA differential expression analysis between six ES-affected and five control horses was carried out in serum and whole blood using a DESeq algorithm, accounting for the influence of hemolysis and the white blood cell count. Target gene, pathway prediction and enrichment a...
Expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα in the retained placenta of mares. Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is a prevalent postpartum disease in mares. During parturition, various proinflammatory cytokines are released in the placenta, which further facilitates uterine contractions, expulsion of the fetus and fetal membranes. We hypothesized that an altered inflammatory response in mares results in retained fetal membranes. Samples of the endometrium and the allantochorion were collected from 15 mares with RFM and from 29 control mares within 2 h of foal delivery. Next, the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα proteins was analyzed by Real Time PCR and Western b...
Ethics in animal breeding. Ethical breeding involves the use of healthy animals true to their species in behaviour and physical appearance, and when applicable, showing a sustainable performance. The concerns for the species/breed are essential parts of the breeding goals, including preservation of genetic resources within the species/breed, and the health and welfare of the individual animal. Ethical and welfare considerations were often not prioritized in developing new breeds of production or companion animals. As a result, animal breeding practices are increasingly becoming part of the debate on animal welfare. In c...
X monosomy in the endangered Kiso horse breed detected by a parentage test using sex chromosome linked genes and microsatellites. A routine parentage test as part of a conservation program for Kiso horses identified a possible sex chromosome anomaly in a 7 months-old filly because of an aberrant result using LEX3, an X-linked marker. We then analyzed X-linked markers (LEX26, TKY38, and TKY270), Y-linked markers (Eca.YH12, Eca.YM2, Eca.YA16, and the sex-determining region Y gene), and an X/Y marker (Amelogenin gene). This analysis demonstrated that the filly had not inherited an X chromosome from her sire. A karyotyping analysis confirmed that the filly was 63,XO. As it was suspected that the horse would be sterile, we av...
Genealogical and morphological analysis of Lusitano Purebred horses participating at international Dressage competitions. The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) ranks horses participating in dressage tests resulting in a prestigious list where equestrians would like to see their horses ranked. The main objective of this study was to analyze morphological and genealogical differences between Lusitano horses (LPB) participating at international events and those ranked by FEI, considering pedigree information. For this study, 324 LPB participating in dressage competitions were analyzed. Thirty-two were ranked at FEI. The pedigree was reconstructed up to 1148 animals. For analyses, the complete pedigree (CP) a...
Variation in the MC1R, ASIP, and MATP genes responsible for coat color in Kiso horse as determined by SNaPshot™ genotyping. Kiso horse is a breed of Japanese native horses. In this study, to clarify coat color gene variation in Kiso horses, we used SNaPshot™ genotyping to evaluate variation in MC1R, ASIP, and MATP genes at the Extension (E), Agouti (A), and Cream dilution (C) loci. The coat color of 149 horses was documented. The coat color of 140, 3, and 6 horses was bay, chestnut, and buckskin, respectively. Furthermore, the frequency of alleles E, e, A, a, C, and Cr was 0.80, 0.20, 0.86, 0.14, 0.98, and 0.02, respectively. Current status of coat color genes in Kiso horses was clarified, and this information wi...
Gut microbiome composition is associated with spatial structuring and social interactions in semi-feral Welsh Mountain ponies. Microbiome composition is linked to host functional traits including metabolism and immune function. Drivers of microbiome composition are increasingly well-characterised; however, evidence of group-level microbiome convergence is limited and may represent a multi-level trait (i.e. across individuals and groups), whereby heritable phenotypes are influenced by social interactions. Here, we investigate the influence of spatial structuring and social interactions on the gut microbiome composition of Welsh mountain ponies. We show that semi-feral ponies exhibit variation in microbiome composition ...
Morphological and genetic diversity of Pura Raza Español horse with regard to the coat colour. Gene mutations influencing melanocytes also impact on physiological and behavioural functions. In this study, we investigated their association with four different coat colours in the Pura Raza Español (PRE) horse using morphological traits and molecular datasets. Four different subpopulations were identified according to individual coat colour: grey, bay, chestnut and black. Coat colour significantly associated with morphological measurements. Observed and expected heterozygosity values were low in grey compared with the other three subpopulations, suggesting the presence of unique ancestral...
Galectins-1 and-3 Increase in Equine Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis. Galectins are potent regulators of cell adhesion, growth and apoptosis in diverse cell types, including chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts. Elevations in synovial fluid galectin-3 have been observed in rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and experimental inflammatory arthritis in animal models, whereas galectin-1 is thought to be protective. Less is known about galectins-1 and-3 in osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was: (1) to determine whether galectin-1 and-3 synovial fluid concentrations and synovial membrane and cartilage histochemical staining we...
Spread of the emerging equine-like G3P[8] DS-1-like genetic backbone rotavirus strain in Brazil and identification of potential genetic variants. In 2013, the equine-like G3P[8] DS-1-like rotavirus (RVA) strain emerged worldwide. In 2016, this strain was reported in northern Brazil. The aims of the study were to conduct a retrospective genetic investigation to identify the possible entry of these atypical strains in Brazil and to describe their distribution across a representative area of the country. From 2013 to 2017, a total of 4226 faecal samples were screened for RVA by ELISA, PAGE, RT-PCR and sequencing. G3P[8] represented 20.9 % (167/800) of all RVA-positive samples, further subdivided as equine-like G3P[8], DS-1-like (11.0 %...
Nicotine-sensitive acetylcholine receptors are relevant pharmacological targets for the control of multidrug resistant parasitic nematodes. The control of parasitic nematodes impacting animal health relies on the use of broad spectrum anthelmintics. However, intensive use of these drugs has led to the selection of resistant parasites in livestock industry. In that respect, there is currently an urgent need for novel compounds able to control resistant parasites. Nicotine has also historically been used as a de-wormer but was removed from the market when modern anthelmintics became available. The pharmacological target of nicotine has been identified in nematodes as acetylcholine-gated ion channels. Nicotinic-sensitive acetylcholin...
Improved reference genome for the domestic horse increases assembly contiguity and composition. Recent advances in genomic sequencing technology and computational assembly methods have allowed scientists to improve reference genome assemblies in terms of contiguity and composition. EquCab2, a reference genome for the domestic horse, was released in 2007. Although of equal or better quality compared to other first-generation Sanger assemblies, it had many of the shortcomings common to them. In 2014, the equine genomics research community began a project to improve the reference sequence for the horse, building upon the solid foundation of EquCab2 and incorporating new short-read data, lon...
Identification and expression analysis of a novel miRNA derived from ERV-E1 LTR in Equus caballus. Horses (Equus caballus) have been domesticated and bred to enhance speed, strength, and agility. Members of the Equus caballus Endogenous Retrovirus (EqERV) family affect several of these abilities in horses. EqERV elements have been integrated in the horse genome during evolution and generate repeat elements such as long terminal repeats (LTRs). LTR sequences are involved in retrovirus replication and play an essential function in post-transcriptional control mechanisms, such as by providing binding sites for microRNAs (miRNAs) or generating miRNA precursors. In this study, we identified a no...
The deletion of the ORF1 and ORF71 genes reduces virulence of the neuropathogenic EHV-1 strain Ab4 without compromising host immunity in horses. The equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) ORF1 and ORF71 genes have immune modulatory effects in vitro. Experimental infection of horses using virus mutants with multiple deletions including ORF1 and ORF71 showed promise as vaccine candidates against EHV-1. Here, the combined effects of ORF1 and ORF71 deletions from the neuropathogenic EHV-1 strain Ab4 on clinical disease and host immune response were further explored. Three groups of EHV-1 naïve horses were experimentally infected with the ORF1/71 gene deletion mutant (Ab4ΔORF1/71), the parent Ab4 strain, or remained uninfected. In comparison t...
Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Clonal Relationship of Tetracycline Resistance Genes in netF-Positive Clostridium perfringens. NetF-producing type A Clostridium perfringens, a pathotype of C. perfringens, causes necrotizing enteritis in neonatal foals and necrotizing and hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs. Recent core genome multilocus sequence typing study revealed that netF+ C. perfringens strains belong to two distinct clonal populations (clonal complexes I and II). There are no reports on susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs of isolates from this pathotype. The susceptibility to 13 different antimicrobial drugs of 49 netF+ strains recovered from foals or dogs with necrotizing enteritis in Canada, the United States, an...
Structure and gene cluster of the O antigen of Escherichia coli F17, a candidate for a new O-serogroup. Escherichia coli F17 isolated from horse feces was studied in respect to the O antigen (O polysaccharide) structure and genetics. The lipopolysaccharide was isolated by phenol-water extraction of bacterial cells and cleaved by mild acid hydrolysis to yield the O polysaccharide, which was studied by sugar analysis and selective solvolysis with CFCOH along with one- and two-dimensional H and C NMR spectroscopy. The O polysaccharide was found to have a branched pentasaccharide repeat (O-unit) containing one residue each of d-galactose, d-mannose, l-rhamnose, d-glucuronic acid, and N-acetyl-d-gluc...
Induction of Recombinant Lectin Expression by an Artificially Constructed Tandem Repeat Structure: A Case Study Using Bryopsis plumosa Mannose-Binding Lectin. Lectin is an important protein in medical and pharmacological applications. Impurities in lectin derived from natural sources and the generation of inactive proteins by recombinant technology are major obstacles for the use of lectins. Expressing recombinant lectin with a tandem repeat structure can potentially overcome these problems, but few studies have systematically examined this possibility. This was investigated in the present study using three distinct forms of recombinant mannose-binding lectin from (BPL2)-i.e., the monomer (rD1BPL2), as well as the dimer (rD2BPL2), and tetramer (rD4...
A multinested PCR for detection of the equine piroplasmids Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. Two haemoparasites, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, cause equine piroplasmosis (EP), one of the most prevalent tick-borne diseases in horses. The main aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a multinested PCR (mn-PCR) for simultaneous detection of the equine piroplasmids T. equi and B. caballi, by amplification of five genetic markers (18S rRNA, β-tubulin, cytB, EMA-1 and RAP-1). This novel assay detected a high prevalence of equine piroplasmids in 235 horse blood samples collected in Castilla-León and Extremadura, Spain. The overall prevalence of infection with equine pirop...
Distribution, Diversity, and Evolution of Endogenous Retroviruses in Perissodactyl Genomes. The evolution of mammalian genomes has been shaped by interactions with endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). In this study, we investigated the distribution and diversity of ERVs in the mammalian order , with a view to understanding their impact on the evolution of modern equids (family ). We characterize the major ERV lineages in the horse genome in terms of their genomic distribution, ancestral genome organization, and time of activity. Our results show that subsequent to their ancestral divergence from rhinoceroses and tapirs, equids acquired four novel ERV lineages. We show that two of these ER...
Role of homocysteine metabolism in animal reproduction: A review. Homocysteine (Hcy) is a thiol-containing essential amino acid, important for the growth of cells and tissues. Several hypotheses exist regarding Hcy toxicity in humans; Hcy is involved in protein structural modifications, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity induction and is therefore associated with several pathological conditions in humans. In veterinary science, knowledge regarding Hcy has increased recently due to several studies; however, many aspects remain undiscovered. Many details remain unknown regarding the effect of Hcy levels on pregnancy and the optimal management of pathological ...
Cell Identity, Proliferation, and Cytogenetic Assessment of Equine Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. The aim of the present work was to determine proliferation capacity, immunophenotype and genome integrity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from horse umbilical cord blood (UCB) at passage stage 5 and 10. Passage 4 cryopreserved UCB-MSCs from six unrelated donors were evaluated. Immunophenotypic analysis of UCB-MSC revealed a cell identity consistent with equine MSC phenotype by high expression of CD90, CD44, CD29, and very low expression of CD4, CD11a/18, CD73, and MHC class I and II antigens. Proliferative differences were noted among the UCB-MSC cultures. UCB-MSCs karyotype characteristic...
Anti-Müllerian hormone and ovarian aging in mares. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is used as a marker of follicle population numbers and potential fertility in several species including horses but limited data exist across the lifespan. No one has decreased ovarian reserve experimentally to investigate whether a corresponding, quantitative decrease in AMH results. Concentrations of AMH across the lifespan were compiled from 1101 equine females sampled from birth to >33 years of age. Young and old mares (averaging 6 and 19 years) were hemi-ovariectomized and circulating AMH was assessed before and daily thereafter for 15 days. The remaining o...
Chronic iron overload causing haemochromatosis and hepatopathy in 21 horses and one donkey. Iron toxicosis is rarely reported in horses and chronic excessive oral iron intake has not been reported to cause clinical symptoms in equids. Objective: This case series describes 21 genetically unrelated horses and one donkey with chronic iron overload causing haemochromatosis and hepatopathy. Methods: Case series. Methods: All equids showing clinical signs compatible with chronic liver disease presented to Utrecht University and diagnosed with iron overload and haemochromatosis based on histopathological evaluation of liver tissue and/or blood transferrin saturation levels of >80% and pr...
