In search of new targets for plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels: promise of human-mouse comparative genomics

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2006 Oct;16(7):220-34. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2006.04.003.

Abstract

Many lines of evidence suggest that raising plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels may inhibit, perhaps even reverse, atherosclerosis. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis has been performed in both humans and mice. So far, approximately 40 high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-regulating QTLs have been identified in each species. To compare human and mouse HDL-C QTLs, we generate human-mouse comparative chromosome maps based on homologous genes in humans and mice. The comparative maps reveal that most human and mouse HDL-C QTLs are concordant, which suggests that identifying the underlying QTL genes in mice will facilitate identifying their homologs in humans. The maps also help to narrow QTLs by mouse-human homologous QTL comparison. By using a combination of classic genetic approaches and newer bioinformatics tools (including comparative genomics as highlighted in this study), identifying new drug targets for plasma HDL-C levels holds more promise than ever.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Coronary Disease / blood
  • Coronary Disease / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Genomics*
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / blood*
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Quantitative Trait Loci / genetics

Substances

  • Lipoproteins, HDL