Gene expression and BSE progression in beef cattle

Abstract

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) belongs to a group of neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) which affect many species. From 1986 more than 184,000 cattle in the UK have been confirmed to be infected with this disease, and in Canada total losses to the economy reached $6 billion. This study examines the gene expression in three major innate immunity components: complement system, toll-like receptors, interleukins, and selected proteins of their signaling pathways. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed on caudal medulla samples to identify differentially expressed genes between non-exposed and orally challenged animals. In general, immune genes were down-regulated in comparison to non-challenged animals during first 12 months of disease with a tendency to be up-regulated at terminal stage of BSE. The results from this study provide a basis for further research on the mechanisms modifying immune responses and altering progression of the disease.

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