The locus for an inherited cataract in sheep maps to ovine chromosome 6.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Cataracts are an important cause of blindness in humans but there are few large animal models available. One of these animal models is Ovine Heritable Cataract, a bilateral cortical cataract which develops after birth. This cataract has been used as a model for human cataracts in drug trials, but the gene responsible for the cataract trait is unknown. A genetic test for cataract would improve the efficiency of the model by predicting which animals would develop cataracts. Identifying the genetic basis of the cataract would indicate its relevance to human cataract.

Methods

A genome scan was performed on 20 sheep chromosomes, representing 86% of the genome, to determine the position of the cataract locus. Additional microsatellite markers were tested on chromosome 6 us

SUBMITTER: Wilson GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3370893 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature