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

Reasons for study: Equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is probably dependent on a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors and shares many characteristic features with human asthma. Interleukin 4 receptor a chain (IL4RA) is a candidate gene because of its role in the development of human asthma, confirmation of this association is therefore required. Methods: The equine BAC clone containing the IL4RA gene was localised to ECA13q13 by the FISH method. Microsatellite markers in this region were investigated for possible association and linkage with RAO in 2 large Warmblood halfsib families. Based on a history of clinical signs (coughing, nasal discharge, abnormal breathing and poor performance), horses were classified in a horse owner assessed respiratory signs index (HOARSI 1-4: from healthy, mild, moderate to severe signs). Four microsatellite markers (AHT133, LEX041, VHL47, ASB037) were analysed in the offspring of Sire 1 (48 unaffected HOARSI I vs. 59 affected HOARSI 2-4) and Sire 2 (35 HOARSI 1 vs. 50 HOARSI 2-4), age >= 7 years. Results: For both sires haplotypes could be established in the order AHT133-LEX047-VHL47-ASB37. The distances in this order were estimated to be 2.9, 0.9 and 2.3 centiMorgans, respectively. Haplotype association with mild to severe clinical signs of chronic lower airway disease (HOARSI 2-4) was significant in the offspring of Sire I (P = 0.026) but not significant for the offspring of Sire 2 (P = 0.32). Linkage analysis showed the ECA13q13 region containing IL4RA to be linked to equine chronic lower airway disease in one family (P < 0.01), but not in the second family. Conclusions: This supports a genetic background for equine RAO and indicates that IL4RA is a candidate gene with possible locus heterogeneity for this disease. Potential relevance: Identification of major genes for RAO may provide a basis for breeding and individual prevention for this important disease.