Fine mapping of Lvm1: a quantitative trait locus controlling heart size independently of blood pressure

We have previously reported a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on rat chromosome 2 that influences heart size independently of blood pressure (Left Ventricular Mass Locus 1; Lvm1). The recent release of the rat genome sequence allowed us to retest and refine this relatively broad QTL with a view to identifying within it candidate genes worthy of structural investigation. We sought to achieve this ‘fine mapping’ by increasing the marker density within the interval and undertaking a linkage analysis in a previously defined population of F2 hybrids generated from inbred spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) of the Okamoto strain and Fischer rat (F344) progenitors. We were able to reconfirm and resolve Lvm1 from its original width of approximately 45 to 15 cM. By reference to the ENSEBL rat genome data bank, we identified within Lvm1 27 known genes, 109 predicted genes and 7 pseudogenes. Of the known genes, candidates include potential regulators of cardiac growth, a sodium channel and calcium channel as well as the fibroblast growth factor 2 gene. Located nearby the Lvm1 locus was the gene for the angiotensin Type 1B receptor. Given the evidence that the ligand for the angiotensin Type 1B receptor—angiotensin II—is a potent cardiotroph, we also consider this gene a potential candidate. The identification of the precise allelic variant(s) within Lvm1 involved in the control of pressure-independent cardiac growth awaits further molecular studies.