Heritable Polymorphism in Bovine PRNP Linked to BSE
Author Information
Author(s): Eric M. Nicholson, Brian W. Brunelle, Juergen A. Richt, Marcus E. Kehrli Jr, Justin J. Greenlee
Primary Institution: National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, Iowa, USA
Hypothesis
Is the E211K polymorphism in the bovine prion gene a heritable trait associated with BSE?
Conclusion
The E211K polymorphism is a heritable trait in cattle, suggesting that BSE may be transmitted genetically.
Supporting Evidence
- Both the 2006 US atypical BSE animal and its offspring were found to carry the E211K polymorphism.
- The E211K polymorphism is analogous to a human genetic TSE mutation.
- This study is the first to provide evidence of a heritable form of BSE in cattle.
Takeaway
Scientists found a change in a gene in cows that could be passed down, which might mean BSE can be inherited, not just caught from food.
Methodology
DNA from a 2-year-old heifer and a BSE-positive animal was sequenced to analyze the prion gene.
Limitations
No parental information for the BSE case limits understanding of the polymorphism's inheritance.
Participant Demographics
The study involved a 2-year-old heifer and its BSE-positive parent.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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