Host susceptibility to periodontitis: mapping murine genomic regions

J Dent Res. 2013 May;92(5):438-43. doi: 10.1177/0022034513484039. Epub 2013 Mar 28.

Abstract

Host susceptibility to periodontal infection is controlled by genetic factors. As a step toward identifying and cloning these factors, we generated an A/J x BALB/cJ F2 mouse resource population. A genome-wide search for Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated with periodontitis was performed. We aimed to quantify the phenotypic response of the progenies to periodontitis by microCT analysis, to perform a genome-wide search for QTL associated with periodontitis, and, finally, to suggest candidate genes for periodontitis. We were able to produce 408 F2 mice. All mice were co-infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria. Six weeks following infection, alveolar bone loss was quantified by computerized tomography (microCT) technology. We found normal distribution of the phenotype, with 2 highly significant QTL on chromosomes 5 and 3. A third significant QTL was found on chromosome 1. Candidate genes were suggested, such as Toll-like receptors (TLR) 1 and 6, chemokines, and bone-remodeling genes (enamelin, ameloblastin, and amelotin). This report shows that periodontitis in mice is a polygenic trait with highly significant mapped QTL.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alveolar Bone Loss / genetics*
  • Alveolar Bone Loss / microbiology
  • Alveolar Bone Loss / pathology
  • Animals
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Coinfection
  • Fusobacterium nucleatum / physiology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Multifactorial Inheritance
  • Periodontitis / genetics*
  • Periodontitis / microbiology
  • Periodontitis / pathology
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis / physiology
  • Quantitative Trait Loci / genetics*