SNP Based Association Mapping of Dog Stereotypes

Phenotypic stereotypes are traits, many of which are polygenic that have been stringently selected to conform to specific criteria. In dogs, C, familiaris, stereotypes result from breed standards set for conformation, performance (behaviors), etc. As a consequence, phenotypic values measured on a few individuals are representative of the breed stereotype. We used DNA samples isolated from 148 dog breeds to associate SNP markers with breed stereotypes. Using size as a trait to test the method, we identified six significant loci (QTLs) on five chromosomes, implicating candidate genes appropriate to regulation of size (e.g. IGF1, IGF2BP2 SMAD2 etc.). Analysis of other morphological stereotypes, also under extreme selection, identified many additional significant loci. Less well documented data for behavioral stereotypes tentatively identified loci for herding, pointing, boldness and trainability. Four significant loci were identified for longevity, a breed characteristic not under direct selection, but inversely correlated with breed size. The strengths and limitations of the approach are discussed as well as its potential to identify loci regulating the within-breed incidence of specific polygenic diseases.

Key Words: QTL mapping, association, dog breed, longevity, morphology

Online ISS 1091-6490
Copyright 2008 by the Genetics Society of America
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