Integrative analysis of the genomic architecture of a complex kidney damage QTL in inbred hypertensive rats implies Tmem63c for translational research
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ABSTRACT: Despite recent advances in genomics, the identification of genes underlying complex diseases remains challenging. Inbred rat strains offer well-established experimental models to support the identification of susceptibility genes for diseases such as kidney damage associated with elevated blood pressure or hypertension. Here, we combined quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in two contrasting inbred rat strains with targeted next generation sequencing (NGS), compartment-specific transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), and phenotype directed follow-up translational analysis.
Project description:Although the evidence for a genetic predisposition to human essential hypertension is compelling, the genetic control of blood pressure (BP) is poorly understood. The Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat is a model for studying the genetic component of BP. Using this model we previously reported the identification of 16 different genomic regions that contain one or more BP quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The proximal region of rat chromosome 1 contains multiple BP QTLs. Of these, we have localized the BP QTL1b region to a 13.5cM (20Mb) region. Interestingly, five additional independent studies in rats and four independent studies in humans have reported genetic linkage for BP control by regions homologous to QTL1b. To view the overall renal transcriptional topography of the positional candidate genes for this QTL, we sought a comparative gene expression profiling between a congenic strain containing QTL1b and control S rats by employing: (1) a saturated QTL1b interval specific oligonucleotide array, and (2) a whole genome cDNA microarray representing 20,465 unique genes that are positioned outside the QTL. Results indicated that 19 out of the 231 positional candidate genes for this QTL are differentially expressed between the two strains tested. Surprisingly, over 1,500 genes outside of QTL1b were differentially expressed between the two rat strains. Integrating the results from the two approaches revealed at least one complex network of transcriptional control initiated by the positional candidate Nr2f2. This network appears to account for the majority of gene expression differences occurring outside of the QTL interval. Further substitution mapping is currently underway to test the validity of each of these differentially expressed positional candidate genes. These results demonstrate the importance of using a saturated oligonucleotide array for identifying and prioritizing differentially expressed positional candidate genes of a BP QTL. Keywords: : rat, hypertension, genetics, polygenic trait, microarray, gene expression
Project description:We aimed to identify gene expression profiles/differences between spontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR) and normotensive rat (BN) in a set of recombinant inbred (RI) strains.
Project description:We aimed to identify gene expression profiles/differences between spontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR) and normotensive rat (BN) in a set of recombinant inbred (RI) strains.
Project description:Severe forms of hypertension are characterized by high blood pressure combined with end-organ damage. Through the development and refinement of a transgenic rat model of malignant hypertension (MH) incorporating the mouse renin gene, we previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 10, which affects malignant hypertension severity and morbidity. We next generated an inducible MH model where the timing, severity and duration of hypertension was placed under the control of the researcher, allowing development of and recovery from end-organ damage to be investigated. We have now generated novel consomic Lewis (L) and Fischer (F) rat strains with inducible hypertension, and additional strains, which are reciprocally congenic for the refined chromosome 10 QTL – FL (Fischer with a Lewis congenic region and LF (Lewis with a Fischer congenic region). We have captured a modifier of end-organ damage within the QTL and, using a range of bioinformatic, biochemical and molecular biological techniques, have identified Angiotensin converting enzyme (Ace) as the modifier of tissue microvascular injury. This SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Project description:BXH/HXB rat recombinant inbred (RI) strains are derived from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR/Ola) and the Brown Norway congenic strains carrying the polydactylyl-luxate mutation (BN-Lx). Tissue from the apex of left ventricle of the heart was disected from 128 RI SHR/Ola and BN-Lx parental strains, RNA was extracted and labelled and hybridised to Affymetrix Rat Genome 230 2.0 Arrays.
Project description:Although the evidence for a genetic predisposition to human essential hypertension is compelling, the genetic control of blood pressure (BP) is poorly understood. The Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat is a model for studying the genetic component of BP. Using this model we previously reported the identification of 16 different genomic regions that contain one or more BP quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The proximal region of rat chromosome 1 contains multiple BP QTLs. Of these, we have localized the BP QTL1b region to a 13.5cM (20Mb) region. Interestingly, five additional independent studies in rats and four independent studies in humans have reported genetic linkage for BP control by regions homologous to QTL1b. To view the overall renal transcriptional topography of the positional candidate genes for this QTL, we sought a comparative gene expression profiling between a congenic strain containing QTL1b and control S rats by employing: (1) a saturated QTL1b interval specific oligonucleotide array, and (2) a whole genome cDNA microarray representing 20,465 unique genes that are positioned outside the QTL. Results indicated that 19 out of the 231 positional candidate genes for this QTL are differentially expressed between the two strains tested. Surprisingly, over 1,500 genes outside of QTL1b were differentially expressed between the two rat strains. Integrating the results from the two approaches revealed at least one complex network of transcriptional control initiated by the positional candidate Nr2f2. This network appears to account for the majority of gene expression differences occurring outside of the QTL interval. Further substitution mapping is currently underway to test the validity of each of these differentially expressed positional candidate genes. These results demonstrate the importance of using a saturated oligonucleotide array for identifying and prioritizing differentially expressed positional candidate genes of a BP QTL. Pairs of Cy5 and Cy3 labeled targets were co-hybridized onto either the oligonucleotide microarray or a custom TIGR rat cDNA array consisting of 26,401 probe elements representing 20,465 unique non-QTL1b genes. A âflip-dyeâ design was used as the experimental method of choice to account for potential dye-bias labeling effects. Seven âflip dyeâ normalized files are submitted for the oligonucleotide array and twelve individual hybridizations are submitted for the cDNA array.
Project description:We have combined large-scale mRNA expression and gene mapping methods to identify genes and loci that control hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) functioning. mRNA expression levels were measured in purified HSC isolated from a panel of densely genotyped recombinant inbred mouse strains. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with variation in expression of thousands of transcripts were mapped. Comparison of the physical transcript position with the location of the controlling QTL identified polymorphic cis-acting stem cell genes. In addition, multiple trans-acting control loci were highlighted that modify expression of large numbers of genes. These groups of co-regulated transcripts identify pathways that specify variation in stem cells. We illustrate this concept with the identification of strong candidate genes involved with HSC turnover. We compared expression QTLs in HSC and brain from the same animals, and document both shared and tissue-specific QTLs. Our data are accessible through WebQTL, a web-based interface that allows custom genetic linkage analysis and identification of co-regulated transcripts. Keywords: other
Project description:Gene-profiling of Tregs across inbred strains. There is a wide inter-individual range in the frequency of FoxP3+ Treg cells, but little is known about the underlying genetic or epigenetic mechanisms. We explored this issue accross inbred strains of mice. During this study, we established the gene expression profiles of Treg cells from the various inbred strains of mice.