The genetic control of antibody formation

Studies of the molecular biology of lymphoid cells have markedly increased our understanding of how millions of different antibodies can be synthesized by a single animal. To date, the most detailed understanding has been achieved for the mouse, primarily because of the relatively greater experimental availability of this species. These studies, as well as those involving other species, have shown that the complete genes for antibody polypeptide chains are assembled from disparate genetic elements which are originally widely separated in the genome. The assembly process itself, together with the coding information present in the germ line genetic elements, contributes to the diversity of structure (and thus combining specificities) shown by mature antibody molecules. Specifically, the diversity of structure characteristic of antibody variable regions is due to three distinct mechanisms: innate variability of germ line genes; mismatching of individual gene segments during their somatic rearrangement leading to junctional diversity; and somatic mutation in variable region genetic material during or after the rearrangement. These processes lead to the wide array of combining specificities that permit the humoral immune system of a mature animal to interact with essentially any non-self antigen which it encounters. Complex genetic rearrangements are also responsible for the class switching phenomenon long known to be characteristic of the humoral immune response. A form of homologous recombination between constant region genes, possibly mediated by specific "switching" enzymes, is now believed to be involved in this phenomenon. It is also currently believed that the restriction of gene rearrangement processes to one of the two possible chromosomes of a diploid pair in each cell is responsible for the phenomenon of allelic exclusion that has long been associated with the normal functioning of mammalian B-cells.     

Immunoglobulin structure and function: genetic control of antibody diversity

Recent studies of the molecular biological characteristics of lymphoid cells have markedly increased our understanding of how millions of different antibodies can be synthesized by an individual mammal. In particular, studies have shown how antibody genes are arranged and rearranged within B-lymphocyte clones to provide each cell clone with antibody of defined specificity for antigen. The process involves the assembly, from disparate genetic elements, of a complete antibody gene that will code for an antibody protein. The assembly process, in itself, also provides mechanisms for generating the diversity of antibody variable region structure (that part of an antibody molecule that actually binds antigen) that is essential to a full role for humoral immunity in host defense mechanisms. Specifically, the diversity of structure characteristic of mature antibodies derives from 3 distinct mechanisms: innate variability of germ-line genes; mismatching of individual gene segments during their somatic rearrangement leading to junctional diversity; and somatic mutation in variable region genetic material during or after the rearrangement. Thus, it is now clearly understood that several processes are involved in explaining the origin of the antigen-combining diversity of antibody proteins. Certain "lottery-like" aspects of these genetic processes add to the combinatorial possibilities that are characteristic of the humoral immune system.     

Immunoglobulin genes and diversity: what we have learned from domestic animals

ABSTRACT: This review focuses on the diversity of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes and Ig isotypes that are expressed in domestic animals. Four livestock species--cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses--express a full range of Ig heavy chains (IgHs), including mu, delta, gamma, epsilon, and alpha. Two poultry species (chickens and ducks) express three IgH isotypes, mu, upsilon, and alpha, but not delta. The kappa and lambda light chains are both utilized in the four livestock species, but only the lambda chain is expressed in poultry. V(D)J recombination, somatic hypermutation (SHM) and gene conversion (GC) are three distinct mechanisms by which immunoglobulin variable region diversity is generated. Different domestic animals may use distinct means to diversify rearranged variable regions of Ig genes.     

Somatic hypermutation leads to diversification of the heavy chain immunoglobulin repertoire in cattle

The availability of unique variable (VH), diversity (D), and joining (JH) gene segments in the vertebrate germline determines the extent to which a primary immunoglobulin (Ig) repertoire can be generated through combinatorial rearrangement. Although bovine D segments possess unusual properties, the diversity of the primary Ig heavy chain (IgH) repertoire in cattle is restricted by the dominance of a single family of germline VH genes of limited number and diversity. Cattle therefore must employ other diversification strategies in order to generate a functional IgH repertoire, the main candidates being gene conversion and somatic hypermutation. In considering these possibilities, we predicted that if somatic hypermutation was active during B lymphocyte development, the process would introduce nucleotide substitutions to the VDJ exon and also non-coding region lying downstream of the rearranged JH segment. In contrast, our expectation was that gene conversion would show a greater tendency to confine modification to the IgH coding sequence, leaving intron regions substantially unmodified. An analysis of rearranged IgH sequences from cattle of different ages revealed that the diversification of germline sequences could be observed in very young calves and that substitution frequency increased with age. The age-dependent accumulation of mutations was particularly apparent in the second IgH complementarity-determining region (CDR2). Single base substitutions were found to predominate, with purines targeted more frequently than pyrimidines and transitions favoured over transversions. In non-coding regions, mutations were detected at a normalised frequency that was indistinguishable from that observed in CDR2. These data are consistent with a process of IgH diversification driven predominantly by somatic hypermutation.     

Managing helminths of ruminants in organic farming

The use of anthelmintics is strongly limited in organic farming. This may induce a change in the intensity (no of worms) and diversity (proportions of species) of helminth infection. Helminths remain a major preoccupation in organic sheep farming: high levels of infection have been recorded on several farms and helminth diversity is always higher. The helminth infection in milk cattle of northern Europe is controlled and diversity is higher in organic farms, as recorded in sheep. The role of helminth diversity on intensity is still unclear. Grazing management is one of the means to controlling helminths. The use of safe pastures for calves and sheep after weaning is one of the major components of control. The use of alternate or mixed grazing is common for cattle in northern countries but is uncommon for sheep in France. Grazing management is not sufficient to controlling infection in sheep and conventional anthelmintic treatments are performed. Additionally, alternative treatments are used. The alternative therapies based on phytotherapy or homeopathy are largely recommended in organic farming but do not have any demonstrated efficacy. More research is needed to evaluate such therapies.     

藏系绵羊、新疆细毛羊及阿勒泰羊mtDNA D-loop基因序列分析及系统进化研究简

为研究藏系绵羊的贾洛、红原、欧拉3个类群与新疆细毛羊、阿勒泰羊的遗传多样性及系统进化关系,试验对该5个类群89个绵羊个体的mtDNA D-loop区全序列进行测序分析。结果显示,该5个绵羊类群89个个体总共发现有168个多态性位点,单一多态位点（singleton variable sites） 82个,简约信息位点（parsimony informative sites）86个,碱基A+T的平均含量达到了62.5%,明显高于C+G（37.5%）,共检测到70种单倍型,核苷酸多样性（Pi）在0.01040～0.02892之间,单倍型多样性在0.640～1.000之间,平均核苷酸差异数（K）为18.340,Tajima’s D中性检验发现这5个类群均不显著。通过构建NJ进化树结果表明,在藏系绵羊中红原类群与欧拉类群的亲缘关系最近,其次藏系绵羊中贾洛类群才与红原、欧拉类群聚为一类,再依次聚类的为新疆细毛羊、欧洲摩弗伦羊、东方盘羊;盘羊与羱羊单独聚为一类。该5个类群存在明显的3个母系起源。     

Microbiota characterization of sheep milk and its association with somatic cell count using 16s rRNA gene sequencing

This work aimed to use 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing with the Illumina MiSeq platform to describe the milk microbiota from 50 healthy Assaf ewes. The global observed microbial community for clinically healthy milk samples analysed was complex and showed a vast diversity. The core microbiota of the sheep milk includes five genera: Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus and Escherichia/Shigella. Although there are some differences, some of these genera are common with the microbiota core pattern of milk from other species, especially with dairy cows. The microbial composition of the studied samples, based on the definition of amplicon sequence variants, was analysed through a correlation network. A preliminary analysis by grouping the milk samples based on their somatic cell count (SCC), which is considered an indicator of subclinical mastitis (SM), showed certain differences for the core of the samples identified as SM. The differences in the microbiota diversity pattern among samples might also suggest that subclinical mastitis would be associated with the significant increase in some genera that are inhabitants of the mammary gland and a remarkable concomitant reduction in the microbial diversity. Additionally, we have also presented here a preliminary analysis to assess the impact of the sheep milk microbiome on SCC, as an indicator of subclinical mastitis. The results here reported provide a first characterization of the sheep milk microbiota and settle the basis for future studies in this field.     

绵羊羊角形态与遗传调控机制的研究进展

绵羊是较早驯化的家畜之一，可为人类提供肉、毛、奶等产品，因而在我国畜牧产业中占有重要的地位。由于各地自然环境的差异和社会需要的不同，经长期的选择形成了数百个外表特征和生理习性各具特色的绵羊品种。羊角作为绵羊品种的特征性表型，承担着双重功能，发达的羊角不仅有利于公羊个体提高其在种群内的地位，拥有优先交配权，还可以有效抵御天敌的攻击，使群体免受捕食伤害；然而，随着规模化养殖的推广，羊角的存在已不利于舍内饲养管理，进而对绵羊品种的培育工作提出了新要求。目前，羊角虽在实际生产和品种培育工作中受到广泛关注，但其形态多样性及遗传调控机制的研究尚显不足。本文根据我国现有绵羊品种，对角的数量和形态、发育过程、遗传调控机制等方面的研究进行了综述，不仅能为后期鉴别绵羊羊角多样性的突变位点和主效基因提供参考，也可为绵羊的新品种培育奠定相关的理论基础。     

山东3个绵羊品种线粒体细胞色素b基因的系统进化研究

本文测定了小尾寒羊、大尾寒羊、洼地绵羊共3个品种部分线粒体DNA细胞色素b 基因片段,并以鲁北白山羊为外群,应用NJ法构建分子系统树。结果显示: 44 个位点检出变异,绵羊群体变异度为0.0102,线粒体DNA多态性相对贫乏,推测3个品种具有共同母系祖先;洼地绵羊与大尾寒羊关系较近,与小尾寒羊亲缘关系最远。     

绵羊第6号染色体微卫星标记的研究进展

微卫星标记是目前应用广泛的分子遗传标记技术,其在绵羊遗传育种中有着十分重要的作用。通过国内外对绵羊第6号染色体微卫星标记的研究结果进行分析,发现绵羊的多胎性状、体重性状、产毛性状密切相关,微卫星标记主要分布在第6号染色体上,而且第6号染色体上丰富的微卫星标记有利于评定绵羊的亲缘关系及遗传多样性,对于指导绵羊品种选育及遗传多样性评价具有重要的指导意义。     

转基因克隆绵羊的亲子鉴定

利用IASG上公布的绵/山羊的11个微卫星标记,鉴定转基因克隆羊与供体细胞系和代孕母羊间的亲子关系。结果表明转基因克隆羊与供体细胞系之间11个微卫星标记的基因型一致,而与代孕母羊基因型差异很大,由此确定转基因克隆羊来源于供体细胞系。     

中国西南地区5个地方绵羊群体mtDNA遗传多样性及系统进化研究

采用PCR—SSCP技术及mtDNA D-loop序列分析相结合的方法，对我国云南昭通绵羊、腾冲绵羊、宁蒗绵羊及西藏的多玛绵羊、江孜绵羊5个地方绵羊群体共232个个体进行遗传多样性及系统进化分析。PCR-SSCP分析显示，在西藏的多玛绵羊和江孜绵羊中均检测到线粒体编码区的Cytb和ND2基因的3种单倍型A、B和C，且在西藏的多玛绵羊、江孜绵羊中C单倍型比例高于B型；而在云南的昭通绵羊、腾冲绵羊和宁蒗绵羊中只检测到单倍型A和B。根据不同的单倍型从5个群体中筛选出39个样品进行mtDNAD-loop区克隆测序，经过系统进化分析揭示西藏绵羊存在A、B、C3种mtDNA单倍型；而云南绵羊只存在A、B2种mtDNA单倍型。以上基于PCR-SSCP和D-loop区序列的分析结果一致提示西藏绵羊有3个母系来源，云南绵羊有2个母系来源。基于mtDNAD-loop序列的多态性分析结果显示西藏多玛绵羊和江孜绵羊的单倍型多样度（Hd）、核苷酸多样度（Pi）及平均核苷酸差异数（k）均高于云南3个地方绵羊品种，提示西藏绵羊遗传多样性较丰富，云南绵羊遗传多样性相对贫乏。     

我国主要地方绵羊品种遗传亲缘关系

利用 10种 10碱基的随机引物 ,分析了我国 8个地方绵羊品种计 88只绵羊的随机扩增多态 DNA。结果表明 ,我国地方绵羊品种基因组 DNA多态位点百分率为 81.36 % ,群体平均遗传多样性指数为 1.3370 ,具有丰富的群体遗传多样性。但滩羊、小尾寒羊、藏绵羊和蒙古羊群体遗传多样性程度较低 ,应加强保种措施。群体遗传分化指数为0 .9172 ,说明遗传变异主要存在于群体间。品种间的分子聚类关系基本上反映了品种间的遗传亲缘关系 ,与品种的形成历史及我国地方绵羊的起源进化学说基本一致 ,具有相同来源的蒙古羊、乌珠穆沁羊、小尾寒羊和湖羊的分子聚类关系表明 ,4个地方绵羊品种间已经有了明显的遗传分化 ,小尾寒羊、乌珠穆沁羊间遗传分化较低 ,湖羊与蒙古羊之间相对较高 ,而小尾寒羊和乌珠穆沁羊与湖羊和蒙古羊之间的遗传分化最高     

Mitochondrial DNA diversity and the origin of Chinese indigenous sheep

Large-scale mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequences data from previous studies were investigated to obtain genetic information which contributes to a better understanding of the genetic diversity and history of modern sheep. In this study, we analyzed mtDNA D-loop sequences of 963 individuals from 16 Chinese indigenous breeds that distributed seven geographic regions. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all three previously defined haplogroups A, B, and C were found in all breeds among different regions except in Southwest China mountainous region, which had only the A and B haplogroups. The weak phylogeographic structure was observed among Chinese indigenous sheep breeds distribution regions and this could be attributable to long-term strong gene flow among regions induced by the human migration, commercial trade, and extensive transport of sheep. The estimation of demographic parameters from mismatch analyses showed that haplogroups A and B had at least one demographic expansion of indigenous sheep in China.     

Genetic structure and diversity among sheep breeds in the United States: identification of the major gene pools

Understanding existing levels of genetic diversity of sheep breeds facilitates in situ and ex situ conservation activities. A comprehensive evaluation of US sheep breeds has not been previously performed; therefore, we evaluated the genetic diversity among and within 28 US sheep breeds. Both major and minor breeds were included in the analysis and consisted of 666 animals from 222 producers located in 38 states. The level of within-breed genetic diversity was variable and not dependent upon status of a breed as a major or minor breed. Bayesian cluster analysis indicated the breeds were grouped more by physiological differences (meat vs. wool production) rather than geographic origin. Results suggest several actionable items to improve in situ and ex situ conservation. The results clearly identify breeds in need of increased in situ and ex situ management (e.g., Hog Island and Karakul) and allow several suggestions for in situ management of flocks. Conversely, several of the breeds appear genetically similar and therefore require less emphasis on collecting germplasm samples for the gene bank. Commercially important breeds (e.g., Rambouillet and Suffolk) were found to have substantial variation, which should enable breeders to proceed, unencumbered by genetic diversity concerns, with selection strategies that maximize profit.     

蒙古羊不同尾椎数相关选择信号的挖掘研究

通过对比不同尾椎数的蒙古绵羊群体在基因组上的遗传分化水平,对全基因组选择信号、蒙古羊尾长性状的相关基因及可能的突变位点进行检测,试图解析尾椎形成的分子机制。基于全基因组重测序数据,使用两组群间的遗传分化系数(Fst)和遗传多样性比率(pi ratio)检测尾椎选择信号,将Fst值和pi ratio较大的染色体区段作为受选择候选区域。结果表明,共找到76个选择区域,这些区域分别落在了尾脂肪沉积和骨骼发育的QTL上,进一步对这些候选区域所包含的63个基因进行基因功能及通路的注释分析,富集到骨骼再生相关的Wnt和FGF信号通路,同时发现LRP6等功能候选基因。该研究确定了与尾椎数相关的受选择区域,推测不同尾椎数蒙古绵羊群体的形成可能由非基因编码区域的一个或者多个突变造成。     

褪黑素合成酶AANAT/ASMT基因过表达绵羊生物安全评价研究

旨在研究乳腺过表达褪黑素合成酶基因AANAT和ASMT（HIOMT）绵羊的生物安全性,基于本实验室前期建立的乳腺过表达褪黑素合成酶基因AANAT和ASMT（HIOMT）绵羊模型,追踪阳性转基因绵羊的生长性状数据,分析血液及尿液生理生化指标,对肠道微生物、乳中褪黑素水平及乳成分进行检测。结果表明：1）阳性转基因绵羊0、6和12月龄的体重、体长、身高和胸围4项生长指标与普通绵羊均无显著差异（P>0.05）;2）阳性绵羊血液总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白、胆固醇含量和各类型细胞数量以及尿液中亚硝酸盐、蛋白质和葡萄糖含量等指标均属正常,且与普通绵羊均无显著差异（P>0.05）;3）菌群测序结果表明,阳性绵羊及普通绵羊肠道微生物群落组成及优势菌群均无显著差异（P>0.05）;4）转基因绵羊血液褪黑素表达水平与普通绵羊无显著差异（P>0.05）,夜间褪黑素水平显著高于白天（P<0.05）;乳中褪黑素水平极显著高于普通绵羊（P<0.01）,乳糖含量显著高于对照羊（P<0.05）,体细胞数极显著低于普通绵羊（P<0.01）。综上所述,乳腺过表达AANAT和ASMT（HIOMT）转基因绵羊的生长发育、诸多生理生化指标、肠道微生物菌群等与对照组绵羊相比均无显著差异。此外,转基因绵羊乳中褪黑素和乳糖含量较高,体细胞数含量较低,可能是乳腺中褪黑素发挥抗炎作用,降低了乳中体细胞数。     

Isolation and sequence of sheep immunoglobulin E heavy-chain complementary DNA.

A complementary DNA (cDNA) corresponding to sheep immunoglobulin E heavy (IgE H) chain messenger RNA (mRNA) was isolated and sequenced. A fragment of sheep IgE constant H (epsilon)-chain was initially synthesized using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single-stranded cDNA prepared from the mRNA of parasite-stimulated sheep lymph nodes. This fragment was then used to probe a cDNA library, again prepared from a parasite-stimulated lymph node. A recombinant clone containing cDNA encoding a sheep IgE H-chain of 1802 base pairs was isolated and the H-chain cDNA-sequenced. The nucleotide sequence was found to code for a complete sheep IgE H-chain, consisting of both variable (V) and constant (C) regions. When the amino acid sequence derived from the nucleotide sequence was compared to other species epsilon-chains, interesting homologies and differences between corresponding domains were found, including conservation in cysteine and tryptophan residues and variable glycosylation sites.