Experiment
SNP analysis, mRNA microarray analysis and protein expression difference analysis were used to narrow the QTL intervals of 9 previously identified QTLs for HDL cholesterol (Hdlq1, Hdlq20, Hdlq24), gallstone susceptibility (Lith17, Lith19, Lith21) and obesity (Obwq3, Obwq4, Obwq5). This methodology identified a manageable list of potential candidate genes for each QTL.
A panel of 130,000 SNPs for SM/J and NZB/BlNJ reduced the QTL intervals by 40%-72%. Liver mRNA analysis identified 10 genes differentially expressed between SM/J and NZB/BlNJ strains and this finding was confirmed using TaqMan RT-PCR assays. Mass spectrometry analysis of liver proteins identified 45 proteins displaying differential expression between SM/J andNZB/BlNJ.
On mouse Chromosome 1, Apoa2 (92.6 cM), Fh1, and Hsd11b1 were identified as potential candidate genes for Hdlq20 at 96 cM. Apoa2 was identified based on protein expression and SNP coding sequence differences. Apoa2 displays up-regulation in NZB/BlNJ liver proteins comparedto SM/J. Fh1 displays gene coding sequence differences and decreased protein expression in NZB/BlNJ livers compared to SM/J. Hsd11b1 was identified based on decreased protein expression in NZB/BlNJ.
On mouse Chromosome 5, Acads (65 cM) and Scarb1 (68 cM)were identified as potential candidate genes for Hdlq1 (70 cM) and Lith17 (60 cM). Acads was identified on the basis of decreased protein expression in NZB/BlNJ livers compared to SM/J, as well as coding sequence differences. Scarb1 displays coding regionsequence differences and decreased liver mRNA expression in NZB/BlNJ. Scarb1 is located more closely to Hdlq1 and decreased Scarb1 mRNA expression was observed for this QTL.
On mouse Chromosome 6, Pparg (52.7 cM), Rassf4 and Adipor2 (60.7 cM) were identified as potential candidate genes for Hdlq24 (66 cM) and Obwq3 (42 cM). Pparg displays coding sequences differences between NZB/BlNJ and SM/J while Rassf4 displays decreased liver mRNA expression in NZB/BlNJ animals. Adipor2 displays increased liver mRNAexpression in NZB/BlNJ and gene coding sequence differences. Ndufa9 was identified as a QTL for Hdlq24 on the basis of decreased liver protein expression in NZB/BlNJ and coding sequence differences.
On mouse Chromosome 8,Slc10a2 (2 cM) was identifiedasa potential candidate gene for Lith19 (0 cM) on the basis of increased liver mRNA expression in NZB/BlNJ animals compared to SM/J.
On mouse Chromosome 10, Ctgf (17 cM) was identified as a potential candidate gene for Lith21 (24 cM)on the basis of decreased liver mRNA expression in NZB/BlNJ animals compared to SM/J and gene coding sequences differences.
On mouse Chromosome 17, Pgc (30 cM) was identified as a potential candidate for Obwq4 (32 cM).Pgc displays coding sequence differences between NZB/BlNJand SM/J.
Atrnl1 was identified as a candidate for Obwq5 (52 cM) on chromosome 19. Atrnl1 displays increased liver mRNA expression in NZB/BlNJ animals compared to SM/J.
Analysis Tools