Molecular genetic analysis of atherosclerosis and atrial thrombosis rat model spontaneously induced by hypoactivity

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We tried to identify genetic alterations responsible for atherosclerosis and atrial thrombosis with cerebral infarction spontaneously induced by hypoactivity in the SPORTS (Spontaneously Running Tokushima-Shikoku) rat model and molecular mechanisms of preventive effects of exercise on these phenotypes. We modified our self-made rat exon capture system and linkage analysis system, and identified a set of candidate responsible genes using these systems. Genome-wide expression analysis of vascular system also identified candidate genes associated with these phenotypes. In addition, we established systems to determine DNA methylation status and modify genome structure in rats. However, specific gene(s) and molecular mechanisms responsible for those phenotypes were unable to be determined even though using integrated analysis of omics data, suggesting that unknown genomic alterations and/or polygene-environment interactions contribute to acquire these phenotypes in this model.