Award details

Analysis of relationship between scrapie disease phenotypes and PrP gene regulation, PrP protein expression and PrP allotype combination

Reference	BBS/E/A/00001651
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Wilfred Goldmann
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The Roslin Institute
Department	The Roslin Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	72,620
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2007
End date	31/03/2010
Duration	36 months

Abstract

It is established that PrP genotype represents a crucial element determining scrapie susceptibility of scrapie and BSE in sheep. For this reason we have ensured that all sheep from TSE challenge experiments in the Neuropathogenesis Division have their PrP genotype confirmed by sequence analysis. All breeding flocks have been supplied with PrP genotypes. To understand the genetics of `anomalous¿ sheep or new scrapie strains, we have studied the association between targeting of specific genotypes by scrapie and additional genetic factors, such as the SPRN gene. We derived complete genotypes, based on additional polymorphisms within the ORF. Our investigation into differences between the genetics of oral scrapie/BSE challenges (including natural scrapie) different of ic./sc. challenges are underway. We have shown that polymorphisms in the PrP open reading frame are common in domesticated populations of ruminants such as sheep and goats, but appear to be less common in wild populations such as deer. Further studies are necessary to evaluate this difference. The question of whether domestication increased the genetic variation is important in the context of current breeding programmes. We have targeted wild rodents captured on our farm, American deer from CWD areas and carnivores for PrP genotyping. New polymorphisms have been detected. We have determined the shadoo ORF sequence in ruminants and deer to investigate its role in scrapie disease.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	Animal Health, Neuroscience and Behaviour, TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies)
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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