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Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2019
Quantitative trait locus analysis of circulating adhesion molecules in hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Zuobiao Yuan1, Zhiguang Su, Toru Miyoshi
1Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, MR4 Room 1171, 409 Lane Road, Box 801339, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Molecular Genetics and Genomics : MGG
|August 16, 2008
Summary
Genetic factors influence soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and P-selectin levels in mice. These adhesion molecules correlate with body weight and lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic models.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Circulating soluble adhesion molecules like VCAM-1 and P-selectin are potential biomarkers for atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
- Understanding the genetic basis of these molecules is crucial for predicting and managing related clinical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing plasma levels of soluble VCAM-1 and P-selectin.
- To investigate the relationship between these adhesion molecules, body weight, and lipid profiles in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed on an intercross between C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mouse strains deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE-/-).
- Female F2 mice were fed a western diet for 12 weeks.
- Plasma levels of soluble VCAM-1 and P-selectin were measured and correlated with phenotypic data.
Main Results:
- A significant QTL (sVcam1) on chromosome 9 and suggestive QTLs on chromosomes 5, 13, and 15 were identified for soluble VCAM-1 levels.
- A significant QTL (sSelp1) on chromosome 16 and suggestive QTLs on chromosomes 10 and 13 were identified for soluble P-selectin levels.
- Both VCAM-1 and P-selectin levels showed significant correlations with body weight, total cholesterol, and LDL/VLDL cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- Plasma VCAM-1 and P-selectin levels are complex traits regulated by multiple genes.
- Genetic regulation of these adhesion molecules is partially mediated through effects on body weight and lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic mice.
