Briefly, based on previously described criteria, the total quantity of 38 candidate genes located on six chromosomes was selected

Briefly, based on previously described criteria, the total quantity of 38 candidate genes located on six chromosomes was selected. and GGAZ. The function of the genes was consequently identified based on the NCBI, KEGG, Gene Ontology and InnateDB databases. Results As a result, the core panel of 38 genes participating in metabolic pathways Rabbit Polyclonal to CDON of innate immune response was proposed. Most of them were assigned to chromosomes: GGA14, GGA5, GGA6 and GGAZ (13, 9, 8 and 5 genes, respectively). These candidate genes encode proteins expected to play a role in (i) proliferation, differentiation and function of B lymphocytes; (ii) TLR signalling pathway, and (iii) MAP signalling cascade. Conclusions Proposed set of candidate genes is recommended to be included in the follow-up studies to model genetic networks of innate humoral immune response in chicken. Background Humoral innate immunity in vertebrates that establishes the 1st barrier against pathogens consists of two basic mechanisms C natural antibodies (NAbs) and match system. Expanding the knowledge on this field of avian immunology might be of help to overcome the difficulties in poultry market, battling constantly with diseases outbreaks eg. Avian Influenza [1]. In chicken, the level of NAbs proved to be heritable [2]. However, the genetic dedication of NAbs is not fully described as it lacks information on which genes can be considered as the regulators in the complicated network of NAbs creation and function. This study contributes to the finding of genetic dedication of humoral innate immunity as it lists the proposed positional and practical candidate genes that have the putative impact on the NAb phenotype. Methods Chromosomal areas for candidate gene analysis were initially selected based on the location of the QTL associated with the NAb titres directed against LPS (lipopolysaccharide), LTA (lipoteichoic acid) and KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanine) antigens in chicken. This step was performed based on results from two self-employed studies, i.e. ? Study 1 C LPS and LTA NAb QTL detection study [3]; ? Study 2 C LPS and LTA NAb QTL validation study; KLH NAb detection study (data not published). Study 2 was carried out within a new chicken reference populace, set-up like a F2 mix between commercially selected breed (WL, White colored Leghorn) and a Polish, unselected native chicken breed (GP, Green-legged Partridgelike). For a candidate gene analysis reported here, the chromosomal regions of interest included QTL associated with LPS and LTA NAb titres that had been detected in study 1 and consecutively validated in study 2 as well as QTL associated with KLH NAb titres that had been detected in study 2. These QTL were located in the following poultry chromosomes: GGA5, GGA6, GGA9, GGA14, GGA18 and GGAZ. The regions of interest were designated based on the physical location of the microsatellite markers flanking the QTLs. The list of candidate genes within the QTL areas was prepared based on NCBI database [4], and gene function was assessed with KEGG [5], InnateDB URMC-099 [6] and Gene Ontology [7]. The genes achieving both the criteria, i.e. location within the QTL areas & function in innate immunity (including signalling pathways and B cell function) were outlined in a panel of the candidate genes associated with humoral innate immune response. Results The results URMC-099 of the candidate gene analysis are offered in Table ?Table1.1. Briefly, based on previously explained criteria, the total quantity of 38 candidate genes located on six chromosomes was selected. The highest quantity of the candidate genes (13 genes) was located on GGA14; 9 genes were found on GGA5 and 8 C on GGA6. Lower quantity of candidate genes were found on GGAZ (5 genes), on GGA18 (2 genes) and on the GGA9 URMC-099 (1 gene). Table 1 Positional and practical candidate genes associated with innate humoral immune response gene is responsible for B cells proliferation [8]. gene affects B cell development, which was completely inhibited in and genes are responsible for maintenance of adult B cells function. Knocked out mice (both and manifestation and function, such as and pointed out a number of genes that activate MAPK cascade, a key signalling pathway initiated by TLR, for example and and Volume 5 Product 4, 2011: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Animal Genomics for Animal Health (AGAH 2010). The full contents of the supplement are available on-line at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1753-6561/5?issue=S4..