Geolodía: a yearly successful organization of 54 geological fieldtrips in a weekend oriented to nongeologists Geolodía: Why and how to organize 54 geological fieldtrips in a weekend oriented to nongeologists?

Depto. de Mineralogía y PetrologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEpu

Short communication. IL-1 family members as possible candidate genes affecting economically important traits in cattle

Health problems in cattle cause considerable economic losses for the producers. Proinflammatory cytokines have been shown to play important roles in different aspects of animal health and production. In the present work, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist genes (IL1B and IL1RN, respectively) have been localized on bovine chromosome 11 (BTA11q22). The precise location for IL1RN is reported and discrepancies concerning the exact position of IL1B (BTA 11q22 or BTA 11q23/11q24) are solved. In addition, the BTA11q22 region has been shown to carry several quantitative trait loci intervals affecting cattle production. Thus, it may be interesting to consider these two cytokines in order to develop more efficient breeding schemes and improve the accuracy and intensity of selection programs.Los problemas sanitarios causan grandes pérdidas económicas a los ganaderos. Se ha demostrado que las citoquinas proinflamatorias desempeñan importantes papeles en distintos aspectos relacionados con la salud y la producción animal. En este trabajo se han localizado los genes que codifican para la interleuquina-1 beta y el antagonista del receptor de la interleuquina-1 (IL1B y IL1RN, respectivamente) en el cromosoma 11 bovino (BTA11q22). De este modo, se ha establecido la localización precisa de IL1RN y se han resuelto las discrepancias alrededor de la posición exacta de IL1B (BTA 11q22 ó BTA 11q23/11q24). Además, se ha visto que la región BTA11q22 es portadora de varios intervalos cromosómicos que afectan a caracteres productivos de interés en ganadería. De manera que sería interesante tener en cuenta estas dos citoquinas a la hora de desarrollar eficientes esquemas de producción y de mejorar la precisión y la intensidad de los programas de selección

Influence of the Temperature and the Genotype of the HSP90AA1 Gene over Sperm Chromatin Stability in Manchega Rams

The present study addresses the effect of heat stress on males' reproduction ability. For that, we have evaluated the sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) by SCSA of ejaculates incubated at 37°C during 0, 24 and 48 hours after its collection, as a way to mimic the temperature circumstances to which spermatozoa will be subject to in the ewe uterus. The effects of temperature and temperature-humidity index (THI) from day 60 prior collection to the date of semen collection on DFI were examined. To better understand the causes determining the sensitivity of spermatozoa to heat, this study was conducted in 60 males with alternative genotypes for the SNP G/C−660 of the HSP90AA1 promoter, which encode for the Hsp90α protein. The Hsp90α protein predominates in the brain and testis, and its role in spermatogenesis has been described in several species. Ridge regression analyses showed that days 29 to 35 and 7 to 14 before sperm collection (bsc) were the most critical regarding the effect of heat stress over DFI values. Mixed model analyses revealed that DFI increases over a threshold of 30°C for maximum temperature and 22 for THI at days 29 to 35 and 7 to 14 bsc only in animals carrying the GG−660 genotype. The period 29–35 bsc coincide with the meiosis I process for which the effect of the Hsp90α has been described in mice. The period 7–14 bsc may correspond with later stages of the meiosis II and early stages of epididymal maturation in which the replacement of histones by protamines occurs. Because of GG−660 genotype has been associated to lower levels of HSP90AA1 expression, suboptimal amounts of HSP90AA1 mRNA in GG−660 animals under heat stress conditions make spermatozoa DNA more susceptible to be fragmented. Thus, selecting against the GG−660 genotype could decrease the DNA fragmentation and spermatozoa thermal susceptibility in the heat season, and its putative subsequent fertility gainsPublishe

Polymorphisms in the bovine HSP90AB1 gene are associated with heat tolerance in Thai indigenous cattle

Heat shock proteins act as molecular chaperones that have preferentially been transcribed in response to severe perturbations of the cellular homeostasis such as heat stress. Here the traits respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), pack cell volume (PCV) and the individual heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) were recorded as physiological responses on heat stress (environmental temperatures) in Bos taurus (crossbred Holstein Friesian; HF) and B. indicus (Thai native cattle: White Lamphun; WL and Mountain cattle; MT) animals (n = 47) in Thailand. Polymorphisms of the heat shock protein 90-kDa beta gene (HSP90AB1) were evaluated by comparative sequencing. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified, i.e. three in exons 10 and 11, five in introns 8, 9, 10 and 11, and one in the 3′UTR. The exon 11 SNP g.5082C>T led to a missense mutation (alanine to valine). During the period of extreme heat (in the afternoon) RR and RT were elevated in each of the three breeds, whereas the PCV decreased. Mountain cattle and White Lamphun heifers recorded significantly better physiologic parameters (p < 0.05) in all traits considered, including or particularly HTC than Holstein Friesian heifers. The association analysis revealed that the T allele at SNP g.4338T>C within intron 3 improved the heat tolerance (p < 0.05). Allele T was exclusively found in White Lamphun animals and to 84% in Mountain cattle. Holstein Friesian heifers revealed an allele frequency of only 18%. Polymorphisms within HSP90AB1 were not causative for the physiological responses; however, we propose that they should at least be used as genetic markers to select appropriate breeds for hot climates

The first report of RPSA polymorphisms, also called 37/67 kDa LRP/LR gene, in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although polymorphisms of <it>PRNP</it>, the gene encoding prion protein, are known as a determinant affecting prion disease susceptibility, other genes also influence prion incubation time. This finding offers the opportunity to identify other genetic or environmental factor (s) modulating susceptibility to prion disease. Ribosomal protein SA (<it>RPSA</it>), also called 37 kDa laminin receptor precursor (LRP)/67 kDa laminin receptor (LR), acts as a receptor for laminin, viruses and prion proteins. The binding/internalization of prion protein is dependent for LRP/LR.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To identify other susceptibility genes involved in prion disease, we performed genetic analysis of <it>RPSA</it>. For this case-control study, we included 180 sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) patients and 189 healthy Koreans. We investigated genotype and allele frequencies of polymorphism on <it>RPSA </it>by direct sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We observed four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including -8T>C (rs1803893) in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of exon 2, 134-32C>T (rs3772138) in the intron, 519G>A (rs2269350) in the intron and 793+58C>T (rs2723) in the intron on the <it>RPSA</it>. The 519G>A (at codon 173) is located in the direct PrP binding site. The genotypes and allele frequencies of the <it>RPSA </it>polymorphisms showed no significant differences between the controls and sporadic CJD patients.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results suggest that these <it>RPSA </it>polymorphisms have no direct influence on the susceptibility to sporadic CJD. This was the first genetic association study of the polymorphisms of <it>RPSA </it>gene with sporadic CJD.</p

Microsatellite based genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered Spanish Guadarrama goat breed

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Assessing genetic biodiversity and population structure of minor breeds through the information provided by neutral molecular markers, allows determination of their extinction risk and to design strategies for their management and conservation. Analysis of microsatellite loci is known to be highly informative in the reconstruction of the historical processes underlying the evolution and differentiation of animal populations. Guadarrama goat is a threatened Spanish breed which actual census (2008) consists of 3057 females and 203 males distributed in 22 populations more or less isolated. The aim of this work is to study the genetic status of this breed through the analysis of molecular data from 10 microsatellites typed in historic and actual live animals.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean expected heterozygosity across loci within populations ranged from 0.62 to 0.77. Genetic differentiation measures were moderate, with a mean F_STof 0.074, G_STof 0.081 and R_STof 0.085. Percentages of variation among and within populations were 7.5 and 92.5, respectively. Bayesian clustering analyses pointed out a population subdivision in 16 clusters, however, no correlation between geographical distances and genetic differences was found. Management factors such as the limited exchange of animals between farmers (estimated gene flow Nm = 3.08) mostly due to sanitary and social constraints could be the major causes affecting Guadarrama goat population subdivision.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Genetic diversity measures revealed a good status of biodiversity in the Guadarrama goat breed. Since diseases are the first cause affecting the census in this breed, population subdivision would be an advantage for its conservation. However, to maintain private alleles present at low frequencies in such small populations minimizing the inbreeding rate, it would necessitate some mating designs of animals carrying such alleles among populations. The systematic use of molecular markers will facilitate the comprehensive management of these populations, which in combination with the actual breeding program to increase milk yield, will constitute a good strategy to preserve the breed.</p

Genetic diversity in the Churra tensina and Churra lebrijana endangered Spanish sheep breeds and relationship with other Churra group breeds and Spanish mouflon

The aim of the present study was to estimate the genetic intra-breed variability of Churra tensina and Churra lebrijana endangered breeds and to establish genetic relationships with Churra, Latxa and Merino breeds, as well as Spanish mouflon, by using 28 microsatellite markers, to provide useful information for their conservation. Allele frequencies and heterozygosity revealed high genetic variation in the two endangered breeds despite their small population size. Estimates of inbreeding coefficient (FIS) were significant for all breeds studied, except for Churra lebrijana breed. The highest inbreeding coefficient (FIS=0.143) was found in the Spanish mouflon. Genetic differentiation tests (FST=0.121) and assignment of individuals to populations indicated the existence of defined breed populations, and low genetic flow between these breeds. The highest pairwise Reynolds distance (DR) values were observed between Mouflon and the domestic sheep breeds. Considering only domestic sheep breeds, the Churra lebrijana breed showed the highest pairwise DR values. The lowest values were found between Latxa and the other domestic sheep, except for Churra lebrijana. Results of pairwise DR values, as well as phylogenetic tree and bottleneck analysis showed an important genetic isolation of the Churra lebrijana breed from the other Churra types, and genetic signatures of a demographic bottleneck. Finally, structure analysis of populations detected a population subdivision in the Latxa sheep breed. In conclusion, this study presents valuable insight into the existing genetic variability of two Spanish endangered breeds, as well as the first study in Spanish mouflon based on microsatellite analysis. The high degree of variability demonstrated in Churra tensina and Churra lebrijana implies that these populations are rich reservoirs of genetic diversity. © 2010 Elsevier B.V

Fine mapping of genes on sheep chromosome 1 and their association with milk traits

On the basis of comparative mapping between cattle/sheep and human for milk trait quantitative trait loci (QTL) on BTA3/OAR1, annexin A9 (ANXA9) and solute carrier family 27 (fatty acid transporter), member 3 (SLC27A3) were selected as candidate genes for fat content (FC) in sheep milk. Two other genes in the same region, cingulin (CGN) and acid phosphatase 6, lysophosphatidic (ACP6), were also considered. DNA fragments of 1931 and 2790 bp corresponding to ANXA9 and SLC27A3 respectively were isolated, and 14 and 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) respectively were found in each gene. ANXA9, SLC27A3, CGN and ACP6 were localized to chromosome 1 between INRA006 and AE57 by linkage mapping using the International Mapping Flock. Across-family analyses of a daughter design comprising 13 sire families revealed significant sire and SLC27A3 genotype-nested-within-sire effects for FC. Within-family analyses indicated significant regression coefficients for FC in four of six heterozygous sires. These results could reflect the existence of a QTL for FC linked to SLC27A3 in sheep. © 2006 International Society for Animal Genetics

Nota corta. Miembros de la familia IL-1 como posibles genes candidato que afectan a rasgos de importancia económica en el ganado vacuno

Health problems in cattle cause considerable economic losses for the producers. Proinflammatory cytokines have been shown to play important roles in different aspects of animal health and production. In the present work, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist genes (IL1B and IL1RN, respectively) have been localized on bovine chromosome 11 (BTA11q22). The precise location for IL1RN is reported and discrepancies concerning the exact position of IL1B (BTA 11q22 or BTA 11q23/11q24) are solved. In addition, the BTA11q22 region has been shown to carry several quantitative trait loci intervals affecting cattle production. Thus, it may be interesting to consider these two cytokines in order to develop more efficient breeding schemes and improve the accuracy and intensity of selection programs.Los problemas sanitarios causan grandes pérdidas económicas a los ganaderos. Se ha demostrado que las citoquinas proinflamatorias desempeñan importantes papeles en distintos aspectos relacionados con la salud y la producción animal. En este trabajo se han localizado los genes que codifican para la interleuquina-1 beta y el antagonista del receptor de la interleuquina-1 (IL1B y IL1RN, respectivamente) en el cromosoma 11 bovino (BTA11q22). De este modo, se ha establecido la localización precisa de IL1RN y se han resuelto las discrepancias alrededor de la posición exacta de IL1B (BTA 11q22 ó BTA 11q23/11q24). Además, se ha visto que la región BTA11q22 es portadora de varios intervalos cromosómicos que afectan a caracteres productivos de interés en ganadería. De manera que sería interesante tener en cuenta estas dos citoquinas a la hora de desarrollar eficientes esquemas de producción y de mejorar la precisión y la intensidad de los programas de selección

Isolation, mapping and identification of SNPs for four genes (ACP6, CGN, ANXA9, SLC27A3) from a bovine QTL region on BTA3

On the basis of fine mapping of a quantitative trait loci region of BTA3 for milk fat content, an examination of the comparative map between cattle and human indicates that the annexin 9 protein gene (ANXA9) and the fatty acid transport protein type 3 gene (SLC27A3) are two strong candidate genes. The objective of the present study is to isolate, map and characterize these genes and identify polymorphisms that could be further utilized in linkage or association studies. Furthermore, two new genes which are in the same region, cingulin protein gene (CGN) and lysophosphatidic acid phosphatase protein gene (ACP6) were studied. DNA fragments (869, 1778, 1933 and 2618 bp) corresponding to partial sequences of ACP6, CGN, ANXA9 and SLC27A3 genes were isolated. Direct sequencing of PCR products amplified from different cattle breeds revealed 1, 4, 4 and 2 SNPs for ACP6, CGN, ANXA9 and SLC27A3, respectively. For ANXA9 one SNP was located in exon 5 (A→G 951) resulting in an amino acid change from histidine to arginine. Finally, ACP6, CGN, ANXA9 and SLC27A3 genes were located on chromosome 3 between ILSTS096 and BMS819 markers, in a region in which quantitative trait loci (QTL) for several milk traits have been described. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG