Breed-specific gene expression profiles and DNA methylation patterns in calves infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP)

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Johne's disease (JD) is a widespread and economically important chronic inflammatory disease ofthe small intestine of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The prevalence of JD in Canada is estimated to be between 10 and 40% in dairy herds, which accounts for nearly 15 million dollars to the dairy industry, alone. Differences in the susceptibility to MAP infection appear to exist amongst dairy breeds, with Jerseys being more susceptible than the Holstein breed. In humans, a potential link between MAP exposure and Crohn's disease suggests that this pathogen also appears an impOltant food safety concern. Therefore, it is important that the dairy industry develops strategies for reducing the incidence of MAP infections in dairy cattle, and genetic selection might be one such approach. In order to do this, we are