Heterogeneity and linkage of equine C4 and steroid 21-hydroxylase genes.
Abstract: The fourth component of complement (C4) is polymorphic in most species studied, and is encoded by a gene or genes within the MHC. In man and mouse there are two closely linked C4 and steroid 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) genes. Therefore we have used Southern blotting to determine whether equine C4 and 21-OH genes are linked. C4 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was found with the enzymes EcoRI and BamHI. Comparison of the sizes of EcoRI-digested fragments of genomic DNA hybridizing with C4 and 21-OH probes revealed that equine C4 and 21-OH genes are separated by no more than 13 kb. Further, there is no evidence of C4 and 21-OH gene duplication in the horse. Segregation of ELA and different polymorphic forms of equine C4 suggest that C4 and 21-OH genes are within the MHC. It is likely that equine MHC supratypes will provide improved markers of disease susceptibility.
Publication Date: 1987-08-01 PubMed ID: 2900855DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-313x.1987.tb00387.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Diagnosis
- Disease control
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Etiology
- Disease Management
- Disease Outbreaks
- Disease Prevalence
- Disease Surveillance
- Disease Transmission
- Disease Treatment
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Genes
- Genetics
- Horses
- Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Procedure
- Veterinary Research
- Veterinary Science
Summary
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The research study investigates the relationship and genetic linkage between equine C4 and steroid 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) genes. The researchers were able to determine through Southern blotting and other genetic analysis techniques that these genes are closely linked and contained within the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of horses.
Understanding the Context: The Importance of C4 and 21-OH genes
- The study focuses on two genes: the fourth component of complement (C4) and steroid 21-hydroxylase (21-OH). These genes play significant roles within many species.
- The C4 gene is essential in the immune response, while the 21-OH gene is crucial in steroid synthesis. Their locations within the genome and their interaction with other genes are vital for understanding genetic susceptibility to certain diseases.
Research methodology: Using Modern Genetic Techniques
- Methods such as Southern blotting were used to identify and isolate particular sequences within DNA samples. On application to the equine C4 and 21-OH genes, these techniques allowed researchers to assess whether these two were linked within horses’ genetic makeup.
- Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) – a technique where DNA is cut into fragments and the resultant pattern studied – was used in the study to analyze the size and arrangement of these genes.
The Findings: Equine C4 and 21-OH Genes are Linked
- The study found a close genetic linkage between the equine C4 and 21-OH genes. They appear to be separated by no more than 13 kilobases (kb).
- The study also suggested that there might not be a gene duplication for the C4 and 21-OH genes in horses – meaning each gene exists as a single copy per haploid genome.
- The results also suggest that the C4 and 21-OH genes in horses are contained within the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), a significant part of the immune system.
Implications of the Study
- If the C4 and 21-OH genes can be identified as being part of the MHC in horses, they could act as markers for disease susceptibility.
- This research can provide a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind certain equine diseases and potentially lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments.
Cite This Article
APA
Kay PH, Dawkins RL, Bowling AT, Bernoco D.
(1987).
Heterogeneity and linkage of equine C4 and steroid 21-hydroxylase genes.
J Immunogenet, 14(4-5), 247-253.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-313x.1987.tb00387.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Royal Perth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Western Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Complement C4 / genetics
- DNA Restriction Enzymes
- Genes
- Genetic Linkage
- Horses / genetics
- Immunologic Techniques
- Lymphocytes / immunology
- Major Histocompatibility Complex
- Nucleic Acid Hybridization
- Pedigree
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
- Steroid 21-Hydroxylase / genetics
- Steroid Hydroxylases / genetics
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Horiuchi Y, Kawaguchi H, Figueroa F, O'hUigin C, Klein J. Dating the primigenial C4-CYP21 duplication in primates.. Genetics 1993 May;134(1):331-9.
- Ren XD, Dodds AW, Law SK. The thioester and isotypic sites of complement component C4 in sheep and cattle.. Immunogenetics 1993;37(2):120-8.
- Cameron PU, Tabarias HA, Pulendran B, Robinson W, Dawkins RL. Conservation of the central MHC genome: PFGE mapping and RFLP analysis of complement, HSP70, and TNF genes in the goat.. Immunogenetics 1990;31(4):253-64.
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