title: Quantitative trait loci linked to PRNP gene controlling health and production traits in INRA 401 sheep.
abstract: In this study, the potential association of PrP genotypes with health and productive traits was investigated. Data were recorded on animals of the INRA 401 breed from the Bourges-La Sapinière INRA experimental farm. The population consisted of 30 rams and 852 ewes, which produced 1310 lambs. The animals were categorized into three PrP genotype classes: ARR homozygous, ARR heterozygous, and animals without any ARR allele. Two analyses differing in the approach considered were carried out. Firstly, the potential association of the PrP genotype with disease (Salmonella resistance) and production (wool and carcass) traits was studied. The data used included 1042, 1043 and 1013 genotyped animals for the Salmonella resistance, wool and carcass traits, respectively. The different traits were analyzed using an animal model, where the PrP genotype effect was included as a fixed effect. Association analyses do not indicate any evidence of an effect of PrP genotypes on traits studied in this breed. Secondly, a quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection approach using the PRNP gene as a marker was applied on ovine chromosome 13. Interval mapping was used. Evidence for one QTL affecting mean fiber diameter was found at 25 cM from the PRNP gene. However, a linkage between PRNP and this QTL does not imply unfavorable linkage disequilibrium for PRNP selection purposes.
authors.affiliation: INSERM, U.563 CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024 Toulouse Cedex, France. zulma.vitezica@toulouse.inserm.fr
authors.forename: Zulma G
authors.initials: ZG
authors.lastname: Vitezica
authors.forename: Carole R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: Frederic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lantier
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lantier
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schibler
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roig
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: François
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bouix
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Allain
authors.forename: Jean-Claude
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Brunel
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barillet
authors.forename: Jean-Michel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Elsen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006304:Health Status; D011328:Prions / Q000235:genetics*; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics*; D012756:Sheep / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors; D014935:Wool
chemical_list: D011328:Prions