Association of a Cac8I polymorphism in the IGF1 gene with growth traits in Indian goats

Production performance analysis of sheep MSTN gene C2361T locus

The myostatin (MSTN) gene exhibits significant nucleotide sequence variations in sheep, impacting growth characteristics and muscular traits of the body. However, its influence on specific growth traits in some sheep remains to be further elucidated. This study utilized single nucleotide polymorphism sequence analysis to investigate the role of the MSTN gene in meat production performance across four sheep breeds: Charolais sheep, Australian White sheep, crossbreeds of Australian White and Small-tailed Han, and crossbreeds of Charolais and Small-tailed Han. At a SNP locus of the MSTN gene, the C2361T site was identified, with three genotypes detected: CC, CT, and TT, among which CC predominated. Gene substitution effect analysis revealed that replacing C with T could elevate the phenotypic value. Comparative analysis of data from different genotypes within the same breed highlighted the superiority of CC and TT genotypes in phenotypic values, underscoring the significance of specific genotypes in influencing key traits. Contrasting the performance of different genotypes across breeds, Charolais sheep and Charolais Han hybrids demonstrated superiority across multiple indicators, offering valuable insights for breeding new sheep varieties. Analysis of gender effects on growth characteristics indicated that ewes exhibited significantly wider chest, waist, and hip widths compared to rams, while rams displayed better skeletal growth and muscle development. Additionally, the MSTN gene also exerted certain effects on lamb growth characteristics, with the CC genotype closely associated with weight. These findings not only contribute crucial insights for sheep breeding but also pave the way for future research exploring the interaction of this gene with others.

Association analysis between Acetyl-Coenzyme A Acyltransferase-1 gene polymorphism and growth traits in Xiangsu pigs

Introduction

Acetyl-Coenzyme A Acyltransferase-1 (ACAA1) is a peroxisomal acyltransferase involved in fatty acid metabolism. Current evidence does not precisely reveal the effect of the ACAA1 gene on pig growth performance.

Methods

The present study assessed the mRNA expression levels of the ACAA1 gene in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney of 6-month-old Xiangsu pigs and in the longissimus dorsi muscle at different growth stages (newborn, 6 months and 12 months of age) using RT-qPCR. The relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ACAA1 gene and growth traits in 6-month-old and 12-month-old Xiangsu pigs was investigated on 184 healthy Xiangsu pigs using Sanger sequencing.

Results

The ACAA1 gene was expressed in heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and longissimus dorsi muscle of 6-month-old pigs, with the highest level of expression in the liver. ACAA1 gene expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle decreased with age (p < 0.01). In addition, four SNPs were identified in the ACAA1 gene, including exon g.48810 A>G (rs343060194), intron g.51546 T>C (rs319197012), exon g.55035 T>C (rs333279910), and exon g.55088 C>T (rs322138947). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05) was found for the four SNPs, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed a strong LD between g.55035 T>C (rs333279910) and g.55088 C>T (rs322138947) (r 2 = 1.000). Association analysis showed that g.48810 A>G (rs343060194), g.51546 T>C (rs319197012), g.55035 T>C (rs333279910), and g.55088 C>T (rs322138947) varied in body weight, body length, body height, abdominal circumference, leg and hip circumference and living backfat thickness between 6-month-old and 12-month-old Xiangsu pigs.

Conclusion

These findings strongly demonstrate that the ACAA1 gene can be exploited for marker-assisted selection to improve growth-related phenotypes in Xiangsu pigs and present new candidate genes for molecular pig breeding.

The effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor gene single nucleotide polymorphism on growth and milk production traits in two native Indian tropical goat breeds

Insulin like growth factor1(IGF-1) is an essential growth factor that mediates the growth-promoting functions of pituitary growth hormone. Insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that mediates the actions of IGF1. Therefore, IGF1R is a candidate gene for examining SNPs linked with growth and production traits. The objective of this study was to detect the c.546 + 179170A > T transversion in intron 2 of the gene encoding IGF1R in two goat breeds, Attappady Black and Malabari, and examine the association of this polymorphism with growth and milk production. For the identification of the SNP, the T-ARMS-PCR was utilized. All three genotypes were present in the two investigated breeds. The polymorphism was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) linked with growth traits. At birth, 3 and 6 months of age, Attappady goats with the AT genotype had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weights than those with the AA and TT genotypes. Malabari goats with the AT genotype had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weights at birth and at 3 months of age. The genotypes of the IGF1R gene had no effect on total or peak milk production. Therefore, this SNP could be used as a molecular marker in selection of meat-producing goat breeds.HIGHLIGHTSc.546 + 179170A > T IGF1R transversion was detected using T-ARMS-PCR in two indigenous goat breeds from Kerala.Attappady Black and Malabari goat breeds of Kerala possessed all the three genotypesIn these breeds, there was a significant correlation between this SNP, c.546 + 179170A > T IGF1R, and body weight.In both the breeds, there was no association between this SNP and milk production traits.

Haplotype structure of MSTN, IGF1, and BMP2 genes in Tunisian goats (Capra hircus) and their association with morphometric traits

The aim of the present study was to evaluate variability and haplotype structure of twenty-eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at myostatin (MSTN), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) genes. Association between the polymorphic SNPs and morphometric traits was performed on a population of 263 Tunisian goats. The SNPs analyzed were all polymorphic (except one), and the three genes had different haplotype structures. Significant association of SNPs at MSTN with head length was highlighted in the Tunisian goats. The variability at IGF1 gene was associated with body length, ear length, tail length, and chest depth. For BMP2, significant association was revealed with chest depth. Significant association was also detected between linkage disequilibrium (LD) block 2 at IGF1 with body length. These findings might play a potential role in gene-assisted programs.

Association of PRLR, IGF1, and LEP genes polymorphism with milk production and litter size in Egyptian Zaraibi goat

Studying variation in genes responsible for physiological characters is important to enhance goat productive and reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to detect specific nucleotide polymorphisms in prolactin receptor (PRLR), insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), and leptin (LEP) genes and their correlation with milk production (MP) and litter size (LS) traits in Zaraibi goat. PCR-SSCP products of different patterns of each gene were sequenced and aligned to reveal two mutations (T > C) and (G > A) in 3′UTR of PRLR gene and registered on NCBI with accession numbers OM418863 for TT and OM418864 for CT, while (G > A) variation was registered as OM418861 for GG and OM418862 for AG in exon 10. TT, CT, AG, and GG genotypes were distributed in the studied animals with frequencies 0.43, 0.57, 0.65, and 0.35, respectively. While alleles C, T, A, and G frequencies were 0.28, 0.72, 0.32, and 0.68, respectively. CT and AG genotypes associated significantly (P < 0.05) with higher MP and LS, respectively. By studying the haplotypes of PRLR, C-A and T-A were associated with the highest and the lowest level of MP, respectively. For LS, T-A and C-G showed significant correlation with the highest and the lowest rate, respectively. Regarding IGF1 gene, two polymorphisms were detected; T74C at exon 4 which registered on NCBI as OM418860, and combined mutations as ins. G470, A531G, and T534C (PP genotype) at 5′ flanking region that registered as OM418859. For LEP, only one polymorphism was found in intron 2 (G281A) which submitted to NCBI as OM418855. All detected polymorphisms have shown to be involved in regulating the MP or LS as reproductive traits in goat.

Candidate Genes and Their Expressions Involved in the Regulation of Milk and Meat Production and Quality in Goats (Capra hircus)

Simple Summary

During the present decade, highly selected caprine farming has increased in popularity due to the hardiness and adaptability inherent to goats. Recent advances in genetics have enabled the improvement in goat selection efficiency. The present review explores how genetic technologies have been applied to the goat-farming sector in the last century. The main candidate genes related to economically relevant traits are reported. The major source of income in goat farming derives from the sale of milk and meat. Consequently, yield and quality must be specially considered. Meat-related traits were evaluated considering three functional groups (weight gain, carcass quality and fat profile). Milk traits were assessed in three additional functional groups (milk production, protein and fat content).

Abstract

Despite their pivotal position as relevant sources for high-quality proteins in particularly hard environmental contexts, the domestic goat has not benefited from the advances made in genomics compared to other livestock species. Genetic analysis based on the study of candidate genes is considered an appropriate approach to elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of the expression of functional traits. This is especially relevant when such functional traits are linked to economic interest. The knowledge of candidate genes, their location on the goat genetic map and the specific phenotypic outcomes that may arise due to the regulation of their expression act as a catalyzer for the efficiency and accuracy of goat-breeding policies, which in turn translates into a greater competitiveness and sustainable profit for goats worldwide. To this aim, this review presents a chronological comprehensive analysis of caprine genetics and genomics through the evaluation of the available literature regarding the main candidate genes involved in meat and milk production and quality in the domestic goat. Additionally, this review aims to serve as a guide for future research, given that the assessment, determination and characterization of the genes associated with desirable phenotypes may provide information that may, in turn, enhance the implementation of goat-breeding programs in future and ensure their sustainability.

Genetic Polymorphisms of IGF1 and IGF1R Genes and Their Effects on Growth Traits in Hulun Buir Sheep

The identification of candidate genes and genetic variations associated with growth traits is important for sheep breeding. Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) are well-accepted candidate genes that affect animal growth and development. The current study attempted to assess the association between IGF1 and IGF1R genetic polymorphisms and growth traits in Hulun Buir sheep. To achieve this goal, we first identified three and ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exons of IGF1 and IGF1R in Hulun Buir sheep and then constructed six haplotypes of IGF1R based on linkage disequilibrium, respectively. Association studies were performed between SNPs and haplotypes of IGF1 and IGF1R with twelve growth traits in a population encompassing 229 Hulun Buir sheep using a general linear model. Our result indicated three SNPs in IGF1 were significantly associated with four growth traits (p < 0.05). In IGF1R, three SNPs and two haplotype blocks were significantly associated with twelve growth traits (p < 0.05). The combined haplotype H5H5 and H5H6 in IGF1R showed the strong association with 12 superior growth traits in Hulun Buir sheep (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we identified SNPs and haplotype combinations associated with the growth traits, which provided genetic resources for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in Hulun Buir sheep breeding.

Tissue expression profile, polymorphism of IGF1 gene and its effect on body size traits of Dezhou donkey

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a multifunctional cell proliferation regulator that plays a critical role in regulating animal growth and development. In this study, the expression level of IGF1 gene in different tissues of Dezhou donkey in different periods was investigated by RT-qPCR. Meanwhile, two mutation sites were identified within the IGF1 gene and its effect on body size traits of Dezhou donkey was analysed. The results showed that the expression level of the adult donkey IGF1 gene in heart, liver, spleen, lung, renal and gastric tissues is higher than that of the young donkeys, but the young donkeys are significantly higher in muscle tissues than the adult donkeys. The IGF1-1 and IGF1-2 loci showed a trend that the GG mutant was larger than other genotypes in the growth traits of both male and female donkeys, among which the IGF1-1 loci had a significant association with the chest circumference and chest depth of male donkeys (P < 0.05), and the IGF1-2 loci had a significant association with the chest circumference of female donkeys. Haplotype combination Hap1Hap1 (GG-GG) showed a greater tendency than Hap2Hap2 (AA-GG) combination in terms of growth traits, reflecting that the results were consistent with the analysis results of genotypes, which also proved the analysis results of genotypes and growth traits had certain reliability. In summary, the IGF1 gene is a candidate gene for growth and development, and its polymorphisms can be used as the molecular markers for Dezhou donkey breeding.