Evidence map›Paper›PMID 29940849›Full record

ArticleBMC genomics2018

Genome data uncover four synergistic key regulators for extremely small body size in horses.

Julia Metzger, Janina Rau, Fanny Naccache, Laura Bas Conn, Gabriella Lindgren, Ottmar Distl

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC genomics, 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 16 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
16citing papers in PubMed
8.1field-weighted citation impact, top 2% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

16 citing papers in PubMed, 67 citations in OpenAlex.

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  5. Genomic Insights into Post-Domestication Expansion and Selection of Body Size in Ponies.Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2025
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors at 2 institutions in 2 countries.

Julia MetzgerInstitute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
Janina RauUnit of Reproductive Medicine of the Clinics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
Fanny NaccacheInstitute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
Laura Bas ConnDepartment of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
Gabriella LindgrenDepartment of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
Ottmar DistlInstitute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany. ottmar.distl@tiho-hannover.de.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3516-836X
University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation · DESwedish University of Agricultural Sciences · SE

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMiniature size in horses represents an extreme reduction of withers height that originated after domestication. In some breeds, it is a highly desired trait representing a breed- or subtype-specific feature. The genomic changes that emerged due to strong-targeted selection towards this distinct type remain unclear.

resultsComparisons of whole-genome sequencing data from two Miniature Shetland ponies and one standard-sized Shetland pony, performed to elucidate genetic determinants for miniature size, revealed four synergistic variants, limiting withers height to 34.25 in. (87 cm). Runs of homozygosity regions were detected spanning these four variants in both the Miniature Shetland ponies and the standard-sized Shetland pony. They were shown to be characteristic of the Shetland pony breed, resulting in a miniature type under specific genotypic combinations. These four genetic variants explained 72% of the size variation among Shetland ponies and related breeds. The length of the homozygous regions indicate that they arose over 1000 years ago. In addition, a copy number variant was identified in DIAPH3 harboring a loss exclusively in ponies and donkeys and thus representing a potential height-associated variant.

conclusionThis study reveals main drivers for miniature size in horses identified in whole genome data and thus provides relevant candidate genes for extremely short stature in mammals.

Indexed as

AnimalsBody SizeEquidaeGenomicsGenotypeHigh-Throughput Nucleotide SequencingHorsesPhenotypePolymorphism, Single NucleotideBody sizeHorseMiniatureNext generation sequencingPonyROHSynergism

Identifiers

PMID29940849
PMCPMC6019228
OpenAlexW2810635947

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.