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Yang H, Zhu M, Wang M, Zhou H, Zheng J, Qiu L, Fan W, Yang J, Yu Q, Yang Y, Zhang W. Genome-wide comparative analysis reveals selection signatures for reproduction traits in prolific Suffolk sheep. Front Genet 2024; 15:1404031. [PMID: 38911299 PMCID: PMC11193351 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1404031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The identification of genome-wide selection signatures can reveal the potential genetic mechanisms involved in the generation of new breeds through natural or artificial selection. In this study, we screened the genome-wide selection signatures of prolific Suffolk sheep, a new strain of multiparous mutton sheep, to identify candidate genes for reproduction traits and unravel the germplasm characteristics and population genetic evolution of this new strain of Suffolk sheep. Whole-genome resequencing was performed at an effective sequencing depth of 20× for genomic diversity and population structure analysis. Additionally, selection signatures were investigated in prolific Suffolk sheep, Suffolk sheep, and Hu sheep using fixation index (F ST) and heterozygosity H) analysis. A total of 5,236.338 Gb of high-quality genomic data and 28,767,952 SNPs were obtained for prolific Suffolk sheep. Moreover, 99 selection signals spanning candidate genes were identified. Twenty-three genes were significantly associated with KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology terms related to reproduction, growth, immunity, and metabolism. Through selective signal analysis, genes such as ARHGEF4, CATIP, and CCDC115 were found to be significantly correlated with reproductive traits in prolific Suffolk sheep and were highly associated with the mTOR signaling pathway, the melanogenic pathway, and the Hippo signaling pathways, among others. These results contribute to the understanding of the evolution of artificial selection in prolific Suffolk sheep and provide candidate reproduction-related genes that may be beneficial for the establishment of new sheep breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
| | - Mengting Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Mingyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Huaqian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Lixia Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
| | - Wenhua Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jinghui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
| | - Qian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
| | - Yonglin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
| | - Wenzhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
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Peña-Delgado V, Noya A, Carvajal-Serna M, Canto F, Sánchez MC, Letosa E, Vicente A, Morato I, Macías Á, Abecia JA, Casao A, Pérez-Pe R. Genotyping of rams based on melatonin receptor 1A gene polymorphisms: a tool in sire selection? Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23235. [PMID: 38753960 DOI: 10.1071/rd23235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Several polymorphisms in the melatonin receptor 1A gene (MTNR1A ) have been related to reproductive performance in ovine. Aims To investigate the effect of the Rsa I and Mnl I polymorphisms on ram seminal quality. Methods Eighteen Rasa Aragonesa rams were genotyped for the Rsa I (C/C, C/T, T/T) and Mnl I (G/G, G/A, A/A) allelic variants of the MTNR1A gene. Individual ejaculates were analysed once a month throughout the whole year. Sperm motility, morphology, membrane integrity, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phosphatidylserine (PS) inversion, DNA fragmentation and capacitation status were assessed. The effect of the season and polymorphisms on seminal quality was evaluated by mixed ANOVA. Key results Both polymorphisms had an effect on membrane integrity and viable spermatozoa with low levels of ROS and without PS translocation, and Rsa I also on motile and DNA-intact spermatozoa. An interaction between both polymorphisms was found, pointing to a negative effect on seminal quality of carrying the T or A allele in homozygosity. Differences were higher in the reproductive than in the non-reproductive season. Conclusions Mutations substituting C by T and G by A at Rsa I and Mnl I polymorphic sites, respectively, in the MTNR1A gene in rams could decrease the seminal quality. Implications Genotyping of rams based on melatonin receptor 1A could be a powerful tool in sire selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Peña-Delgado
- Grupo BIOFITER-IUCA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Veterinaria, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Agustí Noya
- Grupo BIOFITER-IUCA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Veterinaria, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Melissa Carvajal-Serna
- Grupo BIOFITER-IUCA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Veterinaria, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Francisco Canto
- Grupo BIOFITER-IUCA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Veterinaria, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Carmen Sánchez
- Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, Centro de Transferencia Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Barrio de Movera, 580, 50194 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva Letosa
- Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, Centro de Transferencia Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Barrio de Movera, 580, 50194 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Vicente
- Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, Centro de Transferencia Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Barrio de Movera, 580, 50194 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Morato
- Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, Centro de Transferencia Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Barrio de Movera, 580, 50194 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ángel Macías
- Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Rasa Aragonesa (ANGRA), Cabañera Real, s/n, 50800 Zuera, Spain
| | - José Alfonso Abecia
- Grupo BIOFITER-IUCA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Veterinaria, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adriana Casao
- Grupo BIOFITER-IUCA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Veterinaria, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosaura Pérez-Pe
- Grupo BIOFITER-IUCA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Veterinaria, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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Abuzahra M, Wijayanti D, Effendi MH, Mustofa I, Lamid M. Association of melatonin receptor 1 A with litter size in sheep: A review. F1000Res 2024; 12:900. [PMID: 38322310 PMCID: PMC10844802 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.134890.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Sheep are a valuable livestock species worldwide, providing meat, milk, and various dairy products. This article aims to review the latest literature on the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene as a potential candidate gene associated with reproductive traits, particularly the litter size trait in sheep, by searching various databases for available literature. Studies have shown that different parts of the MTNR1A gene play various roles in sheep. By identifying marker genes associated with reproductive traits in MTNR1A polymorphisms linked to the litter size trait, breeders can achieve a faster selection response in sheep breeding by recognizing the genomic region where these genes are located and understanding their physiological functions. Therefore, highlighting the literature on these functions and their association with reproductive traits may contribute to improving the genetic makeup during sheep breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dwi Wijayanti
- Department of Animal Science, Perjuangan University of Tasikmalaya, Tasikmalaya, West Java, 46115, Indonesia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Mustofa Helmi Effendi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Imam Mustofa
- Department of Veterinary Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Mirni Lamid
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
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Antonopoulou D, Giantsis IA, Symeon GK, Avdi M. Association of MTNR1A and GDF9 gene allelles with the reproductive performance, response to oestrus induction treatments and prolificacy, in improved and non-improved local indigenous sheep breeds. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1532-1541. [PMID: 37668279 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Sheep farming plays a crucial role for Mediterranean countries, wherefrom a plethora of dairy products is produced. Yet, numerous indigenous sheep breeds in temperate latitudes such as the Mediterranean present a serious drawback that milk production is impaired by the seasonality of reproduction. Towards the efforts for reduction of this phenomenon, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare different oestrus synchronization treatments, as well as to associate two genes alleles', namely the MTNR1A and the GDF9, with the response to those treatments. Three indigenous breeds were investigated (Florina, Chios and Karagouniko sheep) and inside each breed three different oestrus synchronization treatments were applied (A: intravaginal sponges, B: GNRH use and C: male effect). In group A, Florina ewes expressed oestrus at 90% in July and fecundity was 85%. Karagouniko and Chios ewes exhibited an oestrus expression of 100% with fecundity rates at 95% and 99%, respectively. In group B, Florina ewes expressed oestrus at 60% with fecundity at 57%, Karagouniko ewes expressed oestrus at 65% with fecundity at 54%, whereas Chios breed animals expressed oestrus at 87% with fecundity rate at 85%. In group C, 68% of the Florina breed expressed oestrus 20-25 days post ram induction, whereas this proportion was 84% and 94%, for Karagouniko and Chios breed, respectively. For the molecular analysis, partial segments of the two genes were sequenced and analysed, whereas alleles were scored based on the detected SNPs. All frequencies of the four detected SNPs in MTNR1A gene were statistically and significantly different in ewes that expressed oestrus in comparison with ewes that did not express oestrus in Florina and Karagouniko breeds concerning all treatments. Two SNP's were detected in GDF9 gene, G1 and FecG , from which, only the FecG mutation exhibited statistically significant difference in twins and triplets than in singles in Florina and Karagouniko breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai Antonopoulou
- Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, Greece
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis A Giantsis
- Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, Greece
| | - George K Symeon
- Research Institute of Animal Science, HAO-Demeter, Giannitsa, Greece
| | - Melpomeni Avdi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Oster N, Szewczuk MA, Zych S, Stankiewicz T, Błaszczyk B, Wieczorek-Dąbrowska M. Association between Polymorphism in the Janus Kinase 2 ( JAK2) Gene and Selected Performance Traits in Cattle and Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2470. [PMID: 37570280 PMCID: PMC10416845 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) tyrosine kinase is an essential component of signal transduction of the class II cytokine receptors, including the growth hormone receptor. Therefore, it may play a crucial role in the signaling pathway of the somatotropic axis, which influences growth, development, and reproductive traits in ruminants. For this purpose, for three breeds of cattle (Hereford, Angus, and Limousin; a total of 781 individuals), two polymorphic sites located in exon 16 (rs210148032; p.Ile704Val, within pseudokinase (JH2)) and exon 23 (silent mutation rs211067160, within JH1 kinase domain) were analyzed. For two breeds of sheep (Pomeranian and Suffolk; 333 individuals in total), two polymorphic sites in exon 6 (rs160146162 and rs160146160; encoding the FERM domain) and one polymorphic site in exon 24 of the JAK2 gene (rs160146116; JH1 kinase domain) were genotyped. In our study, the associations examined for cattle were inconclusive. However, Hereford and Limousin cattle with genotypes AA (e16/RsaI) and AA (e23/HaeIII) tended to have the highest body weight and better daily gains (p ≤ 0.05). No clear tendency was observed in the selected reproductive traits. In the case of sheep, regardless of breed, individuals with the AA (e6/EarI), GG (e6/seq), and AA (e24/Hpy188III) genotypes had the highest body weights and daily gains in the study periods (p ≤ 0.01). The same individuals in the Pomeranian breed also had better fertility and lamb survival (p ≤ 0.01). To the best of our knowledge, these are the first association studies for all these polymorphic sites. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the JAK2 gene can serve as genetic markers for growth and selected reproductive traits in ruminants given that they are further investigated in subsequent populations and analyzed using haplotype and/or combined genotype systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Oster
- Department of Monogastric Animal Science, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pommeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Anna Szewczuk
- Department of Monogastric Animal Science, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pommeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Sławomir Zych
- Laboratory of Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Stankiewicz
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (T.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Barbara Błaszczyk
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (T.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Marta Wieczorek-Dąbrowska
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Kraków, Experimental Department, Kołbacz, 1 Warcisława Street, 74-106 Stare Czarnowo, Poland
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He X, Wang W, Sun W, Chu M. Photoperiod Induces DNA Methylation Changes in the Melatonin Receptor 1A Gene in Ewes. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1917. [PMID: 37370427 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that MTNR1A plays an essential role in the estrus cycle and seasonal reproduction changes in sheep. However, few people have focused on the DNA methylation of MTNR1A by season or photoperiod. In this study, using qPCR and Western blotting, we measured the MTNR1A expression in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized and estradiol-treated (OVX + E2) sheep under different photoperiod treatment conditions. Subsequently, the core promoter of the MTNR1A gene was identified, and its methylation level in sheep exposed to different photoperiod treatments was measured by pyrosequencing. The results showed that MTNR1A gene expression significantly differed between the short 42-day photoperiod (SP42) and the LP42 or combined SP-LP42 treatment groups (p < 0.05). In addition, we determined that the core MTNR1A promoter region was within 540 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site (TSS) and that the DNA methylation levels at CpG sites in the SP42 vs. LP42 and SP42 vs. SP-LP42 groups significantly differed. Finally, a significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) between gene expression and DNA methylation levels was revealed, suggesting that photoperiod may induce DNA methylation of the MTNR1A gene and thus change its expression. The findings provide valuable bases for the further study of seasonal reproduction in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Analysis of MTNR1A Genetic Polymorphisms and Their Association with the Reproductive Performance Parameters in Two Mediterranean Sheep Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030448. [PMID: 36766337 PMCID: PMC9913639 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sheep farming plays an important economic role, and it contributes to the livelihoods of many rural poor in several regions worldwide and particularly in Tunisia. Therefore, the steady improvement of ewes' reproductive performance is a pressing need. The MTNR1A gene has been identified as an important candidate gene that plays a key role in sheep reproduction and its sexual inactivity. It is involved in the control of photoperiod-induced seasonality mediated by melatonin secretion. The aim of this study was to identify SNPs in the MTNR1A gene in two Tunisian breeds, Barbarine (B) and Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO). DNA extracted from the blood of 77 adult ewes was sequenced. Selected ewes were exposed to adult fertile rams. A total of 26 SNPs were detected; 15 SNPs in the promoter region and 11 SNPs in the exon II were observed in both (B) and (QFO) breeds. The SNP rs602330706 in exon II is a novel SNP detected for the first time only in the (B) breed. The SNPs rs430181568 and rs40738822721 (SNP18 and SNP20 in our study, respectively) were totally linked in this study and can be considered a single marker. DTL was associated with SNP18 and SNP20 in (B) ewes (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was detected between the three genotypes (G/G, G/A, and A/A) at these two SNPs. Fertility rate and litter size parameters were not affected by SNP18 and SNP20. There was an association between these two polymorphisms and (B) lambs' birth weights (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ewes with the A/A genotype gave birth to lambs with a higher weight compared to the other two genotypes for this breed (p < 0.05). There was not an association between SNP 18 and SNP20 and (QFO) ewes' reproductive parameters. These results might be considered in future sheep selection programs for reproductive genetic improvement.
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Reproductive Resumption in Winter and Spring Related to MTNR1A Gene Polymorphisms in Sarda Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212947. [PMID: 36359071 PMCID: PMC9654450 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to evaluate the association between the SNPs rs430181568 and rs407388227 located in the MTNR1A gene with the reproductive recovery of Sarda sheep in different months of ram introduction in the flock (February, March, April and May). In order to address this research gap, we selected two farms, each of which consisted of approximately 1000 animals; a total of 800 ewes (400 for each farm) were genotyped for the two single nucleotide polymorphisms rs430181568 and rs407388227 located in the exon 2 of the MTNR1A. These SNPs are completely linked; thus, each genotype of rs430181568 corresponded to the same genotype for rs407388227. Among the genotyped animals, 240 individuals were selected and divided into four homogeneous groups (A, B, C and D) of 60 subjects, each group based on age (range 3−6 years old), body condition score (BCS) (range 2.0−4.0) and genotype (20 ewes carrying CC/CC, 20 CT/CT and 20 TT/TT genotype). The dates of the ram introduction in each group were 15 February, 15 March, 15 April and 15 May, respectively. In all groups, the lambing date and the number of lambs born from 150 to 220 days after the ram introduction were recorded. In all the groups, the genotypes CC/CC and CT/CT of the polymorphism (rs430181568 and rs407388227) showed the greatest fertility (the ratio between the number of lambed ewes and the ewes exposed to the rams) (p < 0.01) and the shortest distance between ram introduction to lambing (p < 0.01), compared with the TT/TT genotype. In conclusion, we determined that the polymorphisms rs430181568 and rs407388227 were associated with reproductive recovery, after ram introduction, even in February and March, months subsequent to the photorefractoriness period.
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Pulinas L, Starič J, Cosso G, Curone G, Mura MC, Carcangiu V, Luridiana S. MTNR1A gene polymorphisms and reproductive recovery after seasonal anoestrus in different Mediterranean sheep breeds. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 236:106905. [PMID: 34922186 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the effect of MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on reproductive performance in ewes of one Italian and two Slovenian dairy sheep breeds (Sarda, Istrian Premenka and Boska, respectively) which were located at different latitudes, and 2) to highlight if the different season of the male placement with females that was utilized in the different breeding systems in Sardinia (Italy) and Slovenia resulted in different effects of these polymorphisms on reproductive functions. Reproductively mature ewes (n = 100) from each breed were utilized to conduct the study. To evaluate the reproductive efficiency, lambing dates and number of lambs born were recorded per ewe; additionally, the duration in days from ram placement with ewes to lambing (DRPEL), litter size and the fertility rate were determined based on lambing dates. In each breed, there were eight nucleotide variations within the MTNR1A gene exon II, two of which (g.17355358 and g.17355171), respectively, resulted in a valine to isoleucine, and alanine to aspartic acid substitution, in amino acid sequence. The SNPs at position g.17355452 and g.17355458 were determined to have effects on reproductive performance. Genotypes C/C and C/T at g.17355452 in Bovska and Sarda and genotype A/A at g.17355458 in Istrian Pramenka were associated with a greater fertility and a lesser duration in days from ram placement with ewes to lambing. These findings confirmed that the nucleotide sequences of the MTNR1A gene could affect reproductive functions of Mediterranean sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pulinas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - J Starič
- Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals - Section for Ruminants, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - G Cosso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - G Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - M C Mura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - V Carcangiu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - S Luridiana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Cosso G, Nehme M, Luridiana S, Pulinas L, Curone G, Hosri C, Carcangiu V, Mura MC. Detection of Polymorphisms in the MTNR1A Gene and Their Association with Reproductive Performance in Awassi Ewes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020583. [PMID: 33672405 PMCID: PMC7926687 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on the reproductive performance in Awassi sheep, which is an important and widespread breed in developing Mediterranean countries. A total of 31 SNPs was detected, 5 of which caused amino acid changes. Two of the found SNPs were found to be totally linked and associated with an advanced reproductive recovery in ewes carrying the C allele. The obtained results could be useful for improving reproductive management in developing Mediterranean areas. Abstract The economy in Mediterranean areas is tightly linked to the evolution of the sheep-farming system; therefore, improvement in ewe’s reproductive performance is essential in the developing countries of this area. MTNR1A is the gene coding for Melatonin receptor 1 (MT1), and it is considered to be involved in the reproductive activity in sheep. The aims of this study were: (1) identifying the polymorphisms from the entire MTNR1A coding region and promoter in Lebanese Awassi sheep flocks, and (2) investigating the association between the found polymorphisms and the reproductive performance, assessed as lambing rate, litter size, and days to lambing (DTL). The study was conducted in two districts of Lebanon, where 165 lactating ewes, aged 5.2 ± 1.5 years, with body condition score (BCS) 3.3 ± 0.4, were chosen and exposed to adult and fertile rams. From 150 to 220 days after ram introduction, lambing dates and litter sizes were registered. This study provided the entire coding region of the MTNR1A receptor gene in the Awassi sheep breed. Thirty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, five of which were missense mutations. The H2, H3, and H4 haplotypes were associated with lower DTL (p < 0.05), as well as the SNPs rs430181568 and rs40738822721, named from now on SNP20 and SNP21, respectively. These SNPs were totally linked and can be considered as a single marker. The ewes carrying the C allele at both these polymorphic sites advanced their reproductive recovery (p < 0.05). These results are essential for improving reproductive management and obtaining advanced lambing in Awassi ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cosso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine of Sassari, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.C.); (S.L.); (L.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Michella Nehme
- Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Kaslik, Jounieh 446, Lebanon;
| | - Sebastiano Luridiana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine of Sassari, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.C.); (S.L.); (L.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Luisa Pulinas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine of Sassari, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.C.); (S.L.); (L.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine of Milan, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Chadi Hosri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh, Beirut 14/6573, Lebanon;
| | - Vincenzo Carcangiu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine of Sassari, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.C.); (S.L.); (L.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Maria Consuelo Mura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine of Sassari, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.C.); (S.L.); (L.P.); (V.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-079-229-437; Fax: +39-079-229-592
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