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Genetic architecture underlying variation in extent and remodeling of the collateral circulation

Shiliang Wang1, Hua Zhang, Xuming Dai

  • 1Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and the McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545, USA.

Circulation Research
|June 26, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Genetic factors significantly influence collateral vessel development and remodeling. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 7 controls both collateral number and diameter, highlighting its importance in vascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Arteriole-to-arteriole anastomoses, known as collaterals, act as endogenous bypass vessels, mitigating ischemic tissue injury.
  • Significant strain-dependent variations in collateral extent and remodeling exist in mice, suggesting a strong genetic basis.
  • Similar variations in collateral traits are observed in humans, indicating their clinical relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify specific genetic loci (quantitative trait loci, QTL) that regulate variations in collateral vessel number and diameter.
  • To investigate the genetic control of collateral remodeling in response to occlusive vascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Linkage analysis was performed on 221 C57BL/6xBALB/c F2 progeny to map QTL for collateral number and diameter.
  • Chromosome substitution strain analysis was employed to confirm identified loci.
  • Association mapping within a key QTL interval was conducted using collateral traits from 15 inbred mouse strains.

Main Results:

  • Four QTL for collateral number were identified, including epistatic interactions.
  • A major QTL on chromosome 7 significantly influenced both collateral number (LOD=29) and diameter (LOD=17).
  • A distinct QTL on chromosome 11 was associated with collateral remodeling after middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Conclusions:

  • Collateral extent and remodeling are highly heritable complex traits with significant genetic underpinnings.
  • A predominant QTL on chromosome 7 plays a crucial role in regulating native collateral number and diameter.
Abstract

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