A region on equine chromosome 13 is linked to recurrent airway obstruction in horses.

Authors: Jost U, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Dolf G, Swinburne J E, Ramseyer A, Bugno M, Burger D, Blott S, Gerber V

Journal: Equine veterinary journal

DOI: 10.2746/042516407x171110 PubMed: 17520975Log in to save

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Genetic Mapping of Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Horses Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) represents a complex respiratory disease in horses influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, making it functionally analogous to human asthma. Researchers conducted a genome-wide linkage analysis to investigate whether the interleukin-4 receptor alpha chain (IL4RA) gene—previously implicated in human asthmatic pathogenesis—contributes to disease susceptibility in equines. Their findings identified a significant quantitative trait locus on equine chromosome 13 associated with RAO, providing molecular evidence that genetic factors do indeed underpin this common airway condition. For practitioners managing RAO cases, these results suggest that genetic screening and breeding selection may become viable tools for reducing disease prevalence within populations, whilst also opening avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions based on individual genetic profiles. Understanding the heritable component of RAO strengthens the case for integrated management strategies that combine environmental control with informed breeding decisions and selective use of anti-inflammatory protocols in genetically susceptible animals.

Read the full abstract on PubMed

Practical Takeaways

•Genetic testing for chromosome 13 markers may help identify horses predisposed to RAO, allowing for preventive management strategies
•Environmental control remains critical even for genetically susceptible horses, as RAO involves both genetic and environmental factors
•Selective breeding away from RAO-associated genetic variants on chromosome 13 could reduce disease incidence in populations

Key Findings

•A region on equine chromosome 13 is linked to recurrent airway obstruction in horses
•IL4RA (interleukin 4 receptor a chain) is a candidate gene for RAO based on its role in human asthma development
•RAO is dependent on complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors

Conditions Studied

recurrent airway obstruction (rao)

Related References

Comparison of genomic and proteomic data in recurrent airway obstruction affected horses using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis®.

Racine Julien, Gerber Vinzenz, Feutz Marybeth Miskovic, Riley C Paige, Adamec Jiri, Swinburne June E, Couetil Laurent L(2011)BMC veterinary research

Differential Gene Expression Profiles and Selected Cytokine Protein Analysis of Mediastinal Lymph Nodes of Horses with Chronic Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) Support an Interleukin-17 Immune Response.

Korn Alexandra, Miller Donald, Dong Lynn, Buckles Elizabeth Louise, Wagner Bettina, Ainsworth Dorothy Marie(2015)PloS one

Expression of toll-like receptor 2 mRNA in bronchial epithelial cells is not induced in RAO-affected horses.

Berndt A, Derksen F J, Venta P J, Karmaus W, Ewart S, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan V, Robinson N E(2009)Equine veterinary journal

Impaired Cell Cycle Regulation in a Natural Equine Model of Asthma.

Pacholewska Alicja, Jagannathan Vidhya, Drögemüller Michaela, Klukowska-Rötzler Jolanta, Lanz Simone, Hamza Eman, Dermitzakis Emmanouil T, Marti Eliane, Leeb Tosso, Gerber Vincent(2015)PloS one

Increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1α expression in lung cells of horses with recurrent airway obstruction.

Toussaint Marie, Fievez Laurence, Desmet Christophe J, Pirottin Dimitri, Farnir Frédéric, Bureau Fabrice, Lekeux Pierre(2012)BMC veterinary research