Characterization of A Homozygous Deletion of Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis Genes in Horse Chromosome 29 as A Risk Factor for Disorders of Sex Development and Reproduction.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This study investigates a certain genetic deletion in horses, which might be a risk factor for Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) and reproductive issues. Researchers found that 79% of horses with this homozygous deletion in their chromosomes experienced abnormal development or reproductive problems.
Research Objective and Background
The study aimed to identify potential genetic causes for Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) and reproductive problems in horses. It is known that these disorders are not uncommon among the horse population, though information about their molecular origins is scarce. The specific focus for this research was a ~200 kb deletion in chromosome 29, a region known to contain genes vital to steroid hormone biosynthesis, including androgens and estrogens. Similar mutations in humans have been associated with DSDs.
Methodology
- The researchers began by studying the deletion boundaries, sequence properties, and gene content in selected horses with this homozygous deletion and control groups. This involved using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and whole genome sequencing.
- From a sample of 940 horses, the researchers conducted deletion analysis. This sample included 622 horses with DSDs and reproductive problems and 318 normal controls.
Key Findings
- Of the 67 horses identified with the homozygous deletion, around 79% showed abnormal traits in terms of development or reproduction.
- The deletion was found in nearly 4% of the normal horses, 1% of global warmblood horses and ponies, and around 7% of draught breeds. These figures were derived from studying the deletion in populations using published data.
- 8-9% of abnormal horses were homozygous for the deletion. The highest incidence (9.4%) occurred among cryptorchid horses (male horses with one or both testicles undescended).
Conclusion
The researchers concluded that the homozygous deletion in chromosome 29 could be a risk factor for equine DSDs and reproductive disorders. This conclusion is based on observing the abnormal phenotype in carrier horses, the functionally important gene content, and the relatively low incidence in the general horse population.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Breeding
- Chromosomes / genetics
- Disorders of Sex Development / genetics
- Disorders of Sex Development / pathology
- Genotype
- Gonadal Steroid Hormones / biosynthesis
- Gonadal Steroid Hormones / genetics
- Homozygote
- Horses / genetics
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
- Reproduction / genetics
- Reproduction / physiology
- Risk Factors
- Sequence Deletion / genetics
- Sexual Development / genetics
Conflict of Interest Statement
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Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Castaneda C, Radović L, Felkel S, Juras R, Davis BW, Cothran EG, Wallner B, Raudsepp T. Copy number variation of horse Y chromosome genes in normal equine populations and in horses with abnormal sex development and subfertility: relationship of copy number variations with Y haplogroups.. G3 (Bethesda) 2022 Dec 1;12(12).
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