Heritable Chondrodystrophy in California Condors: Inferring Cause and Development of Carrier Tests
The California condor Gymnogyps californianus is among the first endangered avian species under captive management for which genetic and genomic investigation technologies are being developed and used. A genetic form of chondrodystrophy in condors was previously identified that appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive allele. Homozygous affected embryos die in the egg and demonstrate abnormal dwarfism due to a number of bone and cartilage malformations.
The ongoing research project is aimed at (i) initiating development of a genetic map of the California condor, (ii) evaluating the candidate genes responsible for heritable chondrodystrophy, and (iii) producing a carrier test for individuals possessing the gene. To address genome research and genetic management of California condors, we have begun to develop genetic, cytogenetic, and comparative maps as a prerequisite for identification of candidate loci for the chondrodystrophy mutation. The whole genome sequence information and other resources available for the chicken and other species are used.
We produced a highly redundant California condor genomic BAC library that was used to construct a first-generation chicken-condor comparative physical map and to identify specific condor BACs carrying candidate genes for chondrodystrophy. Sequencing and characterization of candidate loci are underway that will enable us to identify carriers of the chondrodystrophy allele and provide tools for improved genetic management of this disease.
