J Vet Sci.  2018 Jan;19(1):129-135. 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.1.129.

Polymorphism in the serotonin transporter protein gene in Maltese dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease

• Lee CM
• Han JI
• Kang MH
• Kim SG
• Park HM

• KMID: 2402703
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2018.19.1.129

Abstract

Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is the most commonly acquired cardiac disease in dogs. This study evaluated the relationship between genetic variations in the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene of Maltese dogs and DMVD. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from 20 client-owned DMVD Maltese dogs and 10 healthy control dogs, and each exon of the SERT gene was amplified via polymerase chain reaction. The resulting genetic sequences were aligned and analyzed for variations by comparing with reference sequences; the predicted secondary structures of these variations were modeled and cross-verified by applying computational methods. Genetic variations, including five nonsynonymous genetic variations, were detected in five exons. Protein structure and function of the five nonsynonymous genetic variations were predicted. Three of the five polymorphisms were predicted to be probable causes of damage to protein function and confirmed by protein structure model verification. This study identified six polymorphisms of the SERT gene in Maltese dogs with DMVD, suggesting an association between the SERT gene and canine DMVD. This is the first study of SERT mutation in Maltese dogs with DMVD and is considered a pilot study into clinical genetic examination for early DMVD diagnosis.

Keyword

canine; mitral valve; polymorphism; serotonin transporter

MeSH Terms

Animals
Diagnosis
DNA
Dogs*
Exons
Genetic Variation
Heart Diseases
Mitral Valve*
Pilot Projects
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins*
Serotonin*
DNA
Serotonin
Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Predicted three-dimensional structures of serotonin transporter (SERT) proteins by using RaptorX [18]. Normal SERT structure (A) and Val397GLy variation structure (B) were visualized. The green and white portions indicate Val397 and the modified Gly397 positions, respectively. Val, valine; Gly, glycine.

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