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Equine veterinary journal2007; 39(3); 236-241; doi: 10.2746/042516407x171110

A region on equine chromosome 13 is linked to recurrent airway obstruction in horses.

Abstract: REASONS FOR STUDY: Equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is probably dependent on a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors and shares many characteristic features with human asthma. Interleukin 4 receptor a chain (IL4RA) is a candidate gene because of its role in the development of human asthma, confirmation of this association is therefore required. Methods: The equine BAC clone containing the IL4RA gene was localised to ECA13q13 by the FISH method. Microsatellite markers in this region were investigated for possible association and linkage with RAO in 2 large Warmblood halfsib families. Based on a history of clinical signs (coughing, nasal discharge, abnormal breathing and poor performance), horses were classified in a horse owner assessed respiratory signs index (HOARSI 1-4: from healthy, mild, moderate to severe signs). Four microsatellite markers (AHT133, LEX041, VHL47, ASB037) were analysed in the offspring of Sire 1 (48 unaffected HOARSI 1 vs. 59 affected HOARSI 2-4) and Sire 2 (35 HOARSI 1 vs. 50 HOARSI 2-4), age 07 years. Results: For both sires haplotypes could be established in the order AHT133-LEXO47-VHL47-ASB37. The distances in this order were estimated to be 2.9, 0.9 and 2.3 centiMorgans, respectively. Haplotype association with mild to severe clinical signs of chronic lower airway disease (HOARSI 2-4) was significant in the offspring of Sire 1 (P = 0.026) but not significant for the offspring of Sire 2 (P = 0.32). Linkage analysis showed the ECA13q13 region containing IL4RA to be linked to equine chronic lower airway disease in one family (P<0.01), but not in the second family. Conclusions: This supports a genetic background for equine RAO and indicates that IL4RA is a candidate gene with possible locus heterogeneity for this disease. Conclusions: Identification of major genes for RAO may provide a basis for breeding and individual prevention for this important disease.
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Publication Date: 2007-05-25 PubMed ID: 17520975DOI: 10.2746/042516407x171110Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses a study on horses that identifies a link between a region on equine chromosome 13 and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), a condition similar to human asthma. The primary focus of the study is an exploration of the possible association of the interleukin 4 receptor a chain (IL4RA) gene with RAO due its role in human asthma.

Study Purpose

  • The paper discusses the need for the study in the context of the genetic factors that possibly influence equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).
  • The authors postulate that RAO is likely the result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental elements.
  • The focus of the research is the role of the interleukin 4 receptor a chain (IL4RA) gene, which may be essential in the development of RAO given its known contributions to human asthma.
  • The aim of the research is to examine the equine IL4RA gene and its role in equine RAO in an effort to confirm this association.

Methods

  • To position the IL4RA gene on the equine chromosome, the authors utilized the Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) method. The gene was found in ECA13q13 on chromosome 13.
  • The study focused on two large Warmblood families. The classification of horses was based on clinical evaluations of symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, abnormal breathing, and poor performance.
  • The researchers used a method called the Horse Owner Assessed Respiratory Signs Index (HOARSI) to classify the severity of each horse’s condition. The criteria ranged from healthy to severe signs.
  • Four markers in the ECA13q13 region (AHT133, LEX041, VHL47, ASB037) were studied in the offspring of two sires, which comprised of infected and unaffected horses.

Outcomes

  • The researchers created haplotypes (combinations of genes inherited together) and found an association between these marker profiles and RAO symptoms.
  • In offspring of one sire (Sire 1), the results indicated a significant association with chronic lower airway disease.
  • No such significant association was found in the offspring of the second sire.
  • The region ECA13q13 containing IL4RA showed a linkage to chronic lower airway disease in the family of Sire 1, but not in the other family.

Conclusion

  • The study highlights the genetic underpinnings of equine RAO and puts forward IL4RA as a potential gene involved in the condition. The research results suggest that IL4RA could be a candidate gene for RAO, though the gene’s role may vary across different horse populations (locus heterogeneity).
  • The discovery of primary genes influencing RAO might enable the development of targeted breeding strategies and preventative measures for this health condition in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Jost U, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Dolf G, Swinburne JE, Ramseyer A, Bugno M, Burger D, Blott S, Gerber V. (2007). A region on equine chromosome 13 is linked to recurrent airway obstruction in horses. Equine Vet J, 39(3), 236-241. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516407x171110

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 39
Issue: 3
Pages: 236-241

Researcher Affiliations

Jost, U
  • Equine Clinic, Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Berne, Vetsuisse-Faculty Berne, Linggassstrasse 124, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
Klukowska-Rötzler, J
    Dolf, G
      Swinburne, J E
        Ramseyer, A
          Bugno, M
            Burger, D
              Blott, S
                Gerber, V

                  MeSH Terms

                  • Airway Obstruction / genetics
                  • Airway Obstruction / veterinary
                  • Animals
                  • Chromosome Mapping / methods
                  • Chromosome Mapping / veterinary
                  • Genetic Linkage
                  • Haplotypes
                  • Horse Diseases / genetics
                  • Horses
                  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / veterinary
                  • Interleukin-4 / genetics
                  • Male
                  • Microsatellite Repeats
                  • Receptors, Interleukin-4 / genetics
                  • Receptors, Interleukin-4 / metabolism
                  • Recurrence

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