Large‐scale prion protein genotyping in Canadian caribou populations and potential impact on chronic wasting disease susceptibility

摘要: Polymorphisms within the prion protein gene (Prnp) are an intrinsic factor that can modulate chronic wasting disease (CWD) pathogenesis in cervids. Although wild European reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) were infected with CWD, as yet there have been no reports of North American caribou (R. spp.). Previous Prnp genotyping studies on approximately 200 revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at codons 2 (V/M), 129 (G/S), 138 (S/N), 146 (N/n) and 169 (V/M). The impact these CWD transmission is mostly unknown, except for codon 138. Reindeer carrying least one allele encoding asparagine (138NN or 138SN) less susceptible to clinical upon infection by natural routes, majority prions limited extraneural tissues. We sequenced coding region two subspecies (n = 986) from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nunavut Northwest Territories, identify SNPs their frequencies. Genotype frequencies differed significantly between barren-ground t. groenlandicus) woodland caribou) when we excluded Chinchaga herd (p < .05). also found new variants 153 (Y/F) 242 (P/L). Our findings show 138N rare among areas higher risk contact CWD-infected species. As both classified Threatened play significant roles Indigenous culture, history, food security economy, determining genotypes associated susceptibility important future wildlife management measures.