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Clinical Examination Protocol to Detect Atypical and Classical Scrapie in Sheep
Published on: January 19, 2014
p.Asn176Lys and p.Met137Thr dimorphisms of the PRNP gene significantly decrease the susceptibility to classical
C Maestrale1, A Carta, S Attene
1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Animal Genetics
|August 27, 2009
Summary
Sheep with specific PRNP gene variations (ARQ/ARQ genotype) show reduced susceptibility to scrapie. Dimorphisms like p.Asn176Lys and p.Met137Thr offer the most protection against this prion disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Genetics
- Prion Diseases
Background:
- Scrapie is a fatal prion disease affecting sheep and goats.
- The PRNP gene plays a crucial role in scrapie susceptibility.
- Sarda breed sheep with the ARQ/ARQ genotype are commonly studied for scrapie resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate scrapie susceptibility in Sarda sheep with the ARQ/ARQ genotype and additional PRNP gene polymorphisms.
- To identify specific PRNP gene variations that confer resistance to scrapie.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 256 scrapie-affected sheep and 320 negative controls from 24 flocks.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk associated with different PRNP genotypes and dimorphisms.
Main Results:
- Sheep with ARQ/ARQ genotype and additional dimorphisms showed a lower risk of scrapie compared to ARQ/ARQ (wildtype).
- Heterozygous or homozygous p.Asn176Lys and p.Met137Thr dimorphisms were associated with the lowest scrapie susceptibility.
- The p.Arg154His dimorphism also significantly reduced risk, while p.Leu141Phe showed a non-significant protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Specific PRNP gene dimorphisms significantly influence scrapie susceptibility in Sarda sheep.
- Identifying these genetic markers can aid in breeding programs to enhance flock resistance to scrapie.
