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Topic:Molecular biology
Molecular biology in horses involves the study of molecular processes and genetic mechanisms that underpin equine physiology and health. This field encompasses the analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules to understand gene expression, genetic variation, and cellular functions in horses. Techniques such as genomic sequencing, gene expression profiling, and molecular diagnostics are employed to explore topics like hereditary diseases, performance traits, and immune responses in equines. This page assembles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that investigate the molecular biology of horses, focusing on genetic research, molecular techniques, and their applications in equine science.
Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in horses in Spain. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of increasing importance in Europe, responsible for Lyme borreliosis and affecting both humans and domestic animals. In horses, infection is often subclinical and difficult to diagnose due to variable clinical presentation and limitations in diagnostic methods. Epidemiological data remain limited in several countries, including Spain. This study aimed to estimate the first nationwide seroprevalence in horses in Spain and to identify associated risk factors. A total of 716 serum samples from clinically healthy horses across 17 au...
Oocyte and Embryo Vitrification in Horses. Vitrification has emerged as a decisive technique in assisted reproductive technology, offering superior cryopreservation outcomes for both oocytes and embryos compared with traditional slow freezing. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the vitrification of equine oocytes and embryos, emphasizing the influence of technical factors, including cryoprotectant selection, exposure time, temperature control, and device volume, on vitrification outcomes. Biological factors such as the oocyte maturation stage, the presence of cumulus cells, and embryo size are also explored, highlighting...
Limited evidence for exposure of horses in the United Kingdom to influenza D virus. Since it was first detected in 2011, antibodies to influenza D virus (IDV) have been found in several species, although cattle are the major host. In cattle, IDV is typically associated with mild respiratory signs, but it is clinically significant as a component of bovine respiratory disease complex. Although antibodies to IDV have been detected in equids, no association of IDV with naturally occurring respiratory disease in horses has yet been demonstrated. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether IDV may be a causal agent of equine respiratory disease in the UK. Methods: Nas...
Cyathostomin species richness and alpha diversity at egg reappearance following fecal egg count-based selective ivermectin treatment. Cyathostomin nematodes are ubiquitous in grazing horses. The overuse of anthelmintics has led to increasing problems with drug resistance to benzimidazoles and pyrantel. Although macrocyclic lactones (ML), such as ivermectin, generally retain the highest efficacy, reduced ML efficacy has increasingly been reported. A shortened egg reappearance period (ERP) is frequently used as an indicator of reduced susceptibility. However, the species-specific response dynamics after ivermectin treatment are inadequately characterized in cyathostomins. The objective of this study was to compare the cyathost...
Transcriptome Sequencing and Differential Expression Analysis of Ovaries from Kazakh Mares During Seasonal Quiescence and Estrus Activation. Kazakh horses are typical seasonal breeders, and ovarian activity is markedly reduced during the non-breeding period. Hormonal stimulation can induce ovarian functional responses during seasonal anestrus; however, the early ovarian transcriptional changes associated with this response remain incompletely understood. In this study, ovarian transcriptome sequencing was performed in 12 Kazakh mares examined during the seasonal anestrous period. The mares were classified into a non-hormonally stimulated seasonal quiescent group (DB, = 6) and a hormone-induced ovarian activation group (DY, = 6) f...
Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Mannheimia haemolytica isolated from nasal samples of horses. The Mannheimia genus, which is part of the upper respiratory tract microbiota, harbours species that have the potential to cause progressive infections, such as haemorrhagic septicaemia and enzootic pneumonia, when the host immune system is suppressed. Among these species, Mannheimia haemolytica is considered the most pathogenic, and horses can be a host for this agent. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mannheimia haemolytica in horses with and without respiratory clinical signs and to assess the potential pathogenic significance of isolates recovered from animals through serot...
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Horses From Northern and Eastern China: Investigation of Associated Risk Factors and Assessment of Zoonotic Potential. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic microsporidian threatening public health, yet epidemiological data on equine infections in China are scarce despite frequent human-horse contact. In this study, 412 fresh horse fecal samples were collected from four Chinese regions covering four rearing systems and were screened for E. bieneusi internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences via nested PCR, with risk factor and phylogenetic analyses conducted. The overall infection prevalence reached 15.0% (62/412), varying geographically from 9.7% (Wenzhou) to 29.3% (Qiqihar). Foals <1 year and male horses ex...
Ortholog-specific Spatial Expression of Vanins in the Respiratory Tract of Horses. Equine asthma (EA) is the most prevalent chronic respiratory disease in horses, but molecules thought to be relevant in its pathogenesis are not yet fully understood. Recently, increased Vanin-1 (VNN1) levels were found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from horses with severe EA. Human VNN1 is known as a pantetheinase, which is associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma, but the equine vanins (eVNNs) are uncharacterized. We identified the domain architecture of eVNN in silico and analyzed its tissue expression in healthy horses using RT-PCR (=5) and in situ hybridization (=3). Recombin...
Molecular Survey and Genetic Characterization of Tetratrichomonas buttreyi and Pentatrichomonas hominis in Horses in Shanxi Province, Northern China. Trichomonads include species of veterinary and zoonotic importance, yet infections with trichomonads in horses remain uncharacterized in Shanxi Province, Northern China. In the present study, we conducted a molecular survey of and using 631 horse fecal samples collected from Datong, Taiyuan, and Yuncheng cities in Shanxi Province between March and June 2023. Nested PCR assays targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene were used to detect the two trichomonad species. The overall molecular prevalences were 3.7% (23/631; 95% CI, 2.5-5.5%) for and 0.8% (5/631; 95% CI, 0.3-1.9%) f...
Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of equine influenza in Colombia. In 2022, Colombia experienced an outbreak of equine influenza (EI) that primarily affected competition horses. Despite the epidemiological relevance of equine influenza virus (EIV) in the country, no previous phylogenetic or phylogeographic analyses based on complete genomes have been reported. Objective: To perform phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of complete EIV genomes obtained from horses with clinical signs in two Colombian regions between 2020 and 2023. Methods: Molecular epidemiological study based on whole-genome sequencing and evolutionary analyses. Methods: Nasopharyngeal sa...
Circulating Cell-Free RNA Reflects Immune-Associated and Airway Remodeling Signatures in Equine Asthma. Circulating cell-free RNA (cfRNA) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive biomarker capable of capturing transcripts originating from multiple tissues and cell types, but its utility in chronic inflammatory airway diseases remains poorly understood. Equine asthma (EA), a naturally occurring respiratory disease that shares key clinical and immunopathological features with human asthma, provides a valuable comparative model for evaluating plasma cfRNA in this context. We performed transcriptomic profiling of plasma cfRNA from horses with EA and healthy controls and compared these findings ...
Non-coding RNA profiles associated with equine osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) by regulating gene expression related to inflammation, chondrocyte apoptosis, and extracellular matrix degradation. In horses, OA is a leading cause of lameness and poor performance, with no current treatments halting disease progression and no clear biomarker available. Although some studies have investigated expression profiles of ncRNAs in equine OA, there is a need to systematically review previous efforts and synthesize information to identify potential ncRNAs to target in future research. Unassigned: The sear...
Comparative genomics of Standardbred horses reveals candidate regions under selection for harness racing performance. Harness racing performance in horses is a complex polygenic trait influenced by genetic background, breeding history, training, and environment. Understanding genomic patterns shaped by long-term artificial selection provides insights into performance-related traits and breed-specific genomic variation. Objective: This study aimed to characterize genomic differentiation, population structure, and candidate genomic regions potentially influenced by historical selection in Standardbred horses using comparative whole-genome sequencing involving diverse horse breeds. Methods: Whole-genome sequenci...
Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy-associated mutations in equine herpesvirus 1 DNA polymerase confer the ability to replicate at elevated temperatures. Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), caused by equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), poses a major threat to the equine industry because of its devastating impact on animal welfare and athletic performance. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), G2254, in ORF30 (UL30), which encodes the viral DNA polymerase, has been used as a marker of neuropathogenic EHV-1 strains, although its contribution to EHM pathogenesis remains controversial. In addition, other ORF30 SNPs have been reported in association with EHM, but their functional significance is unclear. Clinical observations indicate tha...
Microbiological, Molecular Diagnosis and Antimicrobial Resistance of Bordetella bronchiseptica in the Equine Reproductive Tract in Brazil. The genus Bordetella comprises 16 species of aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, with the most notable being B. pertussis, B. parapertussis and B. bronchiseptica. The latter stands out for its ability to infect various hosts, causing both respiratory and reproductive issues, such as endometritis and infertility in mares. These infections impair reproductive efficiency and facilitate the spread of the pathogen among susceptible animals. Objective: The present study aimed to report the isolation and molecular diagnosis of B. bronchiseptica associated with endometritis and infertility in mares in Bra...
Comparative analysis of the karyotypes of Equus caballus and Equus asinus in the context of contemporary genomic data. Karyotypes of species within the genus Equus display considerable variation in chromosome number and are characterised by numerous structural rearrangements that have played a pivotal role in their evolutionary divergence and speciation. Equus caballus (horse), 2n = 64 and Equus asinus (donkey), 2n = 62, constitute particularly interesting models for comparative studies due to the diversified morphology of their chromosomes, including acrocentric and submetacentric pairs, documented Robertsonian translocations, and centric fusions. In recent decades, widely applied molecular cytogenetic techni...
Genetic variants of EcPV2 E6 and E7 in equine genital and oronasal squamous cell carcinoma. Since its discovery in 2008, equine papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) has been detected in up to 100% of equine genital and up to 40% of equine oronasal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Preliminary sequence data point to the existence of EcPV2 E6 and E7 oncogene variants compared to the British reference sequence from 2008. Objective: To Identify E6 and E7 sequence variations in EcPV2-positive tumours of horses from Continental Europe and Iceland. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: EcPV2 E6 and E7 were amplified from DNA of 60 EcPV2-positive SCCs/SCC precursor lesions. Amplicons were gel-pur...
An experimental multiplex PCR/RT-PCR for detection of the main viruses associated with equine neurological disease. Viral neurological infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality in horses worldwide. Herein, we describe an end-point multiplex PCR/RT-PCR for simultaneous and differential detection of major equine encephalitis-related agents: rabies virus (RABV), equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), alphaviruses [Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and Madariaga virus (MADV)] and flaviviruses [West Nile virus (WNV), Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), Rocio virus (ROCV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (...
First-time description of MHC diversity in Straight Egyptian Arabian horses using immune-linked microsatellite markers. Understanding the immunogenetic structure of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in Arabian horses helps to clarify the population health structure-related phenotypes of this historically influential breed. Straight Egyptian (SE) Arabian horses, which fall under , are of global value but are limited in number, raising concerns about their distribution and the genetic diversity associated with immunity. In this study, we examined 57 Egyptian Arabian horses from two breeding programs: one in Germany (AR-DE) and the other in Qatar (AR-QA). Sixteen polymorphic intra-MHC microsatellite marke...
Leishmania spp. infection in horses in an endemic area of canine leishmaniosis (north-western Algeria). Leishmaniosis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. It affects humans, canids, and rodents in endemic areas and is transmitted through the bites of infected sand flies. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of equine leishmaniosis in horses from Tiaret Province, northwestern Algeria, an area endemic for canine leishmaniosis, and to identify the main risk factors associated with infection. The study included 75 local Barb horses and employed molecular and serological techniques for the detection of Leishmania infection. Among the sampled...
Equine Sarcoid: From BPV-Driven Oncogenesis to Host-Sustained Tumor Persistence. Equine sarcoid is the most common cutaneous neoplasm of equids and represents a distinctive model of virus-associated tumor persistence. Although bovine papillomaviruses, particularly BPV-1 and BPV-2, are recognized as the main etiological agents, viral infection alone does not fully explain the clinical heterogeneity, frequent recurrence, and limited spontaneous regression of these lesions. This review summarizes current evidence on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying equine sarcoid pathogenesis, with emphasis on the interaction between BPV infection, host signaling pathways, tum...
Comparative genomic analysis of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genes in the family Equidae. The oxytocin (OXT) - oxytocin receptor (OXTR) system regulates diverse biological processes including social behavior, stress responses, and processes related to domestication. While OXT is highly conserved, OXTR shows greater variability, which may contribute to species-specific adaptations. Methods: Comparative genomic analyses of OXT and OXTR coding sequences were performed across equid species using available genome assemblies and newly generated sequences obtained by next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum likelihood methods. Selection was assess...
Characterization of Lipizzan Horse Population From Lipica Stud Using Molecular and Pedigree Data. In this study, we analysed genetic diversity, population structure and inbreeding in the Lipica Stud Farm population by integrating pedigree records, microsatellite (STR) and genome-wide SNP data generated using the GGP Equine 70K BeadChip. The dataset comprised 233 horses from the Lipica Stud Farm, which served as the reference population for comparisons of diversity estimates based on pedigree-, STR- and SNP data. The STR data were originally generated for routine parentage verification and were included here to compare inbreeding estimates based on pedigree, STR and genome-wide SNP data. Pe...
Whole-genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Equine Rotavirus A isolated from Jeju Island, Korea. Equine Rotavirus A (ERVA) is a major cause of acute diarrhea in neonatal foals, leading to significant economic losses. Genetic variation and global transmission complicate disease control efforts. Objective: To analyze the complete genome of an ERVA strain from Jeju Island, Korea, and assess its genetic and phylogenetic relationships with global ERVA strains. Methods: Twenty-five fecal and swab samples were collected from diarrheic horses in Jeju during spring and summer 2025. Samples were screened using antigen testing and RT-PCR. One PCR-positive, antigen-test-positive sample was selected f...
Molecular Detection of Anaplasma spp. in Horses From Golestan Province, Northern Iran. Anaplasmosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that affects both humans and many animals. In horses, anaplasmosis manifests as a seasonal, infectious, and febrile disease caused by bacteria of the genus Anaplasma. Since the transmission of this disease is primarily mediated by arthropods such as ticks, it holds significant public health importance. Objective: The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of anaplasmosis in horses in northern Iran (Golestan Province). Methods: A total of 350 blood samples were randomly collected from asymptomatic horses between December 2023 and April 2024...
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the Wnt Gene Family in Donkey (Equus asinus): Phylogenetic Analysis and Expression Profiling. The gene family encodes highly conserved signaling molecules involved in vertebrate development, tissue homeostasis, and cell fate regulation. However, the evolutionary characteristics and potential biological functions of genes in the domestic donkey () remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed the first genome-wide identification and comprehensive characterization of the donkey gene family. A total of 19 genes were identified, consistent with the conserved repertoire reported in other mammalian species. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses revealed strong evolutionary conservat...
Phased T2T horse and donkey assemblies from a mule reveal peculiar equid centromere evolution. We present telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies of a Thoroughbred horse and a donkey derived from their mule offspring. Now adopted and annotated by NCBI as reference genomes, these assemblies resolve previously inaccessible regions, including satellite arrays, duplications, and telomeres. Equids are known to exhibit an uncoupling between satellite DNA and centromeric function. The completeness of these assemblies enabled annotation of both satellite-based and satellite-free centromeres, as well as non-centromeric satellite loci, revealing notable centromeric plasticity. They also allowed de...
Nucleic acid detection and molecular traceability of equine herpesvirus 1 in imported horses. Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 is a major pathogen threatening the global equine industry, causing respiratory disease, abortion, and neurological disease. Unassigned: In April 2024, during routine pathogen screening of a batch of imported quarantine horses from the Netherlands, four out of 20 nasal swab samples tested positive for EHV-1 nucleic acid. Unassigned: The affected horses exhibited only mild respiratory signs. ORF30 SNP typing at nucleotide position 2254 and Sanger sequencing confirmed that all positive samples belonged to the N752 non-neuropathogenic genotype. As virus isolation was unsu...
First Molecular Survey of Equine Adenovirus Type 1 Infection Among Horses in Poland. Equine adenovirus type 1 (EAdV-1) infection has been recognised among horses worldwide. The virus predominantly targets respiratory tract but has also been recovered from other body systems. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of EAdV-1 infection among selected horse populations in Poland and to estimate genetic variability within the viruses obtained. A quantitative PCR assay targeting a partial gene was used to screen 1150 nasal swabs collected from 1145 horses from 19 horse studs throughout Poland. The samples were collected opportunistically between 2012 and 2025. A ...
Isolation, Expansion and Characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Fresh and Cryopreserved Umbilical Cord Tissues in Horse and Dog. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from perinatal tissues represent a promising resource for regenerative medicine due to their proliferative, immunomodulatory, and differentiation properties. Among these tissues, the umbilical cord is considered an accessible and ethically acceptable source of MSCs. This study evaluated the feasibility of whole umbilical cord cryopreservation in canine and equine species and assessed the biological properties of MSCs isolated from cryopreserved tissues compared with fresh samples. Equine Wharton's jelly and canine umbilical cord tissues were processed e...
