Polymorphisms of the IGF1 gene and their association with growth traits, serum concentration and expression rate of IGF1 and IGF1R in buffalo

Research Note: Association of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor gene polymorphism with production performance in Savimalt and French Giant meat-type quails

This study aimed to investigate the association of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with growth traits and carcass traits of quail by PCR amplification and direct sequencing technology. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from 49 female French Giant (FG) quails and 36 female Savimalt (SV) quails as part of this study. Growth traits and carcass traits were measured and assessed for IGF-1R gene analysis in the 2 meat-type quail strains. The results showed that 2 SNPs (A57G and A72T) of the IGF-1R gene were detected in the 2 quail strains. The A57G (P = 0.002) and A72T (P = 0.026) were significantly associated with breastbone length (BBL) in FG. Whereas A57G was significantly associated with chest weight (CW, P = 0.004), BBL (P = 0.009), and body length (BL, P = 0.009) in SV, while A72T was significantly associated with BBL (P = 0.014) and BL (P = 0.028) in SV. Haplotypes based on these 2 SNPs showed significant effects on BBL in FG strain (P = 0.000), and they also had significant effects on CW (P = 0.007), BBL (P = 0.004), and BL (P = 0.001) in SV strain. Additionally, A57G was significantly associated with liver rate (LR) in FG strain (P = 0.017). A72T showed significant associations with dressed carcass weight (DCW, P = 0.048) and breast muscle weight (BMW, P = 0.018) in FG strain. A57G was significantly associated with DCW (P = 0.048), whole net carcass weight (WNCW, P = 0.048), BMW (P = 0.036), and liver muscle rate (LMR, P = 0.003) in SV strain. Haplotypes also displayed significant effects on BMW (P = 0.029) and LMR (P = 0.010) in FG strain. These findings indicated that the IGF-1R gene could serve as a valuable molecular genetic marker for enhancing growth traits and carcass traits in meat-type quails.

Research Note: Association of IGF-1R gene polymorphism with egg quality and carcass traits of quail (Coturnix Japonica)

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene is the main effector of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which plays an important role in growth, development and reproduction of the animal organism. This study aimed to investigate the association of IGF-1R gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with egg quality and carcass traits of quail by direct sequencing. In this study, genomic DNA was extracted from quail blood samples of 46 Chinese yellow (CY) quail, 49 Beijing white (BW) quail and 48 Korean (KO) quail strains. Egg quality and carcass traits were measured and used for IGF-1R gene analysis in 3 quail strains. The results showed that 2 SNPs (A57G and A72T) of the IGF-1R gene were detected in 3 quail strains. The A57G was significantly associated with yolk width (YWI) in BW strain (P < 0.05). Whereas A72T was significantly associated with egg shell thickness (EST) in BW strain (P < 0.05), and significantly associated with egg weight (EW), egg long (EL), and egg short (ES) in KO strain (P < 0.05). Haplotypes based on 2 SNPs showed significant effect on EST in 3 quail strains (P < 0.05), it also has a significant effect on EW in KO strain (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, A72T was significantly associated with liver weight (LW) and dressing percentage (DP) in 3 strains (P < 0.05). Haplotypes showed significant effect on LW (P < 0.05). Therefore, the IGF-1R gene may be a molecular genetic marker to improve egg quality and carcass traits in quails.

Meprin A1 subunit beta gene polymorphism is associated with the length of post-partum anestrus interval in Murrah buffaloes

Postpartum anestrus interval (PPAI) is the interval between parturition and the first postpartum estrus exhibition in animals. Appearance of both normal and PPA buffaloes under the same farm conditions indicates the role of possible genetic predisposition to PPA. To identify the genetic and non-genetic factors associated with PPA in buffaloes, we collected data on PPAI and other 38 non-genetic variables from 575 Murrah buffaloes in the field conditions and identified the PPA associated non-genetic factors in our previous study. To explore the genetic factors associated with the unexplained variation in PPAI residuals, the present study identified 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 candidate genes using Sanger sequencing. Exploration of their association with the PPAI residuals of 50 extreme PPA and 50 normal buffaloes identified the significant (P < 0.01) association of the SNP (g.37219977A>G) in the 3'-UTR region of the Meprin A 1 subunit beta (Mep1b) gene with PPAI, which was further validated (P = 0.058) in a large population sample (n = 417). Bioinformatics analysis of the 3'-UTR region has identified three miRNA, bta-miR-2420, bta-miR-2325b and bta-miR-453 that could regulate Igf-1 in the plasma of animals with different genotypes (GG, AG and AA). The higher Igf-1 levels in the GG genotypes than that of AA and AG genotypes of this SNP (g.37219977A>G) further suggest the association of Mep1b gene with PPA condition in Murrah buffaloes. As a result of this study, we propose that buffaloes with protective alleles at this SNP be selected to improve the herd's reproductive efficiency.

Association of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene polymorphism with the reproductive performance of three dual-purpose chicken breeds

The study was designed to investigate the association of Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene polymorphism with the reproductive performance of FUNAAB-Alpha, Sasso, and Kuroiler dual-purpose chicken breeds. To achieve this, a total of 250 healthy hens were selected at 12 wk of age and were intensively managed in cages for 52 wk. Blood sample was taken from each chicken at the 34th week and genomic DNA was extracted using Qiagentm DNA extraction kit, PCR was used to amplify the DNA fragments, and the PCR products were electrophoresed. Amplicons obtained were digested with restriction enzyme hinf1, and were further electrophoresed on 1.5% agarose gel. Data obtained were analyzed using the General linear model of SAS (2002) version 9.0 to determine the effect of IGF1 gene polymorphism and the distribution of alleles within the breeds. Results show polymorphism of the IGF1 gene and the restriction analysis indicated two alleles; A 58% and C 42% with the identification of genotypes AA, AC, and CC, and genotypic frequency of 22%, 43%, and 35%, respectively. Significant associations were observed between the polymorphism of the IGF1 gene, age of the bird at first lay, and weight of the hen at first lay. Chickens with haplotype CC came earlier into lay compared to those with the other two haplotypes (AA and AC). Therefore, the study suggests that haplotype CC could be used as a genetic marker to select for an improved laying performance in chickens.

Polymorphisms of the PRLR Gene and Their Association with Milk Production Traits in Egyptian Buffaloes

Simple Summary

The two non-synonymous g.11685G>A and g.11773T>C SNPs of PRLR(L2) were significantly associated with milk yield, fat%, and protein%, and mRNA and protein levels of PRL and PRLR in milk somatic cells. GT-animals had the best milk performance; however, AC-animals had inferior milk production. Thus, the selection of buffaloes with GT haplotypes may enhance milk performance in Egyptian buffaloes.

Abstract

Prolactin (PRL) and its receptor (PRLR) were considered as potential genetic markers for milk production and quality traits in cattle. However, little information is available regarding PRLR genetic diversity and association studies with milk traits in Egyptian water buffaloes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to search for mutations in PRLR and determine their associations with milk performance in these animals. Exon3 (E3) and E10 of PRLR were screened for polymorphisms using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing in 400 buffaloes. The associations between haplotypes and milk production (fat%, protein%, lactose%, and solid%) traits as well as mRNA and protein levels of PRL and PRLR were studied. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in E10 were detected: g.11685G>A (p.Ala494Thr) and g.11773T>C (p.Val523Aal). The G and T alleles were wild (ancestral) alleles, while the A and C alleles were mutant alleles. These SNPs resulted in four haplotypes; AC, AT, GC, and GT. Buffaloes with wild GT haplotypes showed significantly higher milk yield, fat% and protein%, mRNA and protein levels of PRL and PRLR in milk somatic cells than other animals. Animals carrying mutant AC haplotype had inferior milk traits and lowest levels of associated mRNAs and proteins. With these results, we could conclude that the selection of buffaloes with wild GT haplotypes for g.11685G>A and g.11773T>C SNPs of the PRLR gene might improve the milk production traits of Egyptian water buffaloes.

Association of GH polymorphisms with growth traits in buffaloes

Members of the somatotrophic axis, especially GH and IGF1, are essential for growth. The association between GH polymorphisms and growth traits was numerously studied in cattle; however, no data are available for such association studies in buffalo. Therefore, this study was conducted to screen for polymorphisms in the GH gene and to study their putative association with growth traits in 200 Egyptian buffaloes. Polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing were applied to look for polymorphisms in 3 loci spanning all exons and introns of buffalo GH. The C (MspI+) >T (MspI-) SNP in intron3, which is well known in cattle, was not detected in the examined buffaloes. However, 2 missense mutations were detected in exon5: one previously detected p.Leu153Val SNP, with very low frequencies for the mutant (Val) allele and one novel p.Asn174His SNP. At weaning age, the p.Leu153Val SNP was significantly associated with weaning body weight and gain with the positive effect of the wild allele (Leu) and higher GH serum, mRNA, and protein levels in animals with Leu/Asn and Leu/His haplotypes. At yearling age, the 2 SNPs associated with yearling weight and gain with positive effect for the mutant (Val and His) alleles with increased GH, and IGF1 serum, mRNA, and protein and GHR mRNA and protein levels in animals with Val/Asn haplotype. Therefore, the selection of Egyptian buffaloes with the Val/Asn haplotype could improve the growth traits of Egyptian buffaloes at yearling age which is the target age for perfect growing.

Association of LEPR polymorphisms with egg production and growth performance in female Japanese quails

This study aimed to screen intron 8 of the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene for polymorphisms in female Japanese quails. Two adjacent novel SNPs (A277G and A304G) were detected using PCR-SSCP and sequencing. These SNPs produced three haplotypes (AA/AA, AG/AG, and GG/GG) that were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with growth and egg production traits. GG/GG haplotype-quails had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower egg production, feed intake, growth performance, lipid profile, serum levels of sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH), and ovarian expressions of survivin, FSHR, and IGF1 than other quails. However, GG/GG quails had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher serum levels of LEP and mRNA levels of LEPR, LEP, and caspase 3 in the hypothalamus and ovaries. These higher levels of LEP/LEPR could not only reduce feed intake and body weight gain but also could induce apoptosis of ovarian cells (as indicated by lower survivin and IGF1 and higher caspase3 expression) which could inhibit the development of the follicles and the release of sex hormones with a subsequent decrease in egg production in GG/GG quails. Therefore, with these results, we suggest selecting Japanese quails with AA/AA and AG/AG haplotypes to improve the reproduction and growth performance of this flock.

Association of GHR Polymorphisms with Milk Production in Buffaloes

Simple Summary

The present study reported two missense mutations in the buffalo GHR gene: A novel (c.380G>A) and (c.836T>A) which was described in previous studies. These two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found to be associated with milk yield, fat %, protein %, and 305 day-milk, fat and protein yield, with higher performance for AA haplotype animals. Therefore, selection of buffaloes with AA haplotype would more likely improve milk production traits. Consequently, this would allow breeders to take more precise selection decisions, leading to significantly higher productivity and profitability within the Egyptian buffalo herds.

Abstract

For its role in the mediation of growth hormone (GH) galactopoietic effect, growth hormone receptor (GHR) was considered a functional candidate gene for milk performance in cattle. However, its genetic variation and potential effect have not been investigated in Egyptian buffaloes. This study aimed to screen GHR for polymorphisms and study their associations with milk traits in Egyptian buffaloes. Polymerase chain reaction, single-strand conformation polymorphism, and sequencing were used to identify mutations in 4 exons (E4–E6 and E8) of the GHR gene in 400 Egyptian buffaloes. No polymorphisms were found in E4, while 2 SNPs (c.380G>A/p.Arg127Lys and c.387C>T/p.Gly129) in E5, one silent mutation (c.435A>G/p.Pro145) in E6, and another missense mutation (c.836T>A/p.Phe279Tyr) in E8 were detected. The c.380G>A SNP in the extracellular domain was associated with milk yield, fat %, protein %, and 305-day milk, fat and protein yield, with higher levels in animals carrying the mutant A allele. The c.836T>A SNP in the transmembrane domain was associated with milk yield, fat %, protein %, and 305-day milk, fat and protein yield, with higher milk yield and lower fat %, protein %, fat and protein yield in the mutant A allele-animals. Interestingly, animals with the two mutant AA alleles produced higher milk yield, fat %, protein %, fat and protein yield, accompanied with upregulated expressions of GHR, GH, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), prolactin (PRL), prolactin receptor (PRLR), β-casein (encoded by CSN2 gene), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1) genes and proteins in milk somatic cells. Therefore, selection of Egyptian buffaloes with mutant AA haplotypes for the novel c.380G>A SNP and the well-known c.836T>A SNP could improve milk yield and quality in buffaloes.

Overlap of Peak Growth Activity and Peak IGF-1 to IGFBP Ratio: Delayed Increase of IGFBPs versus IGF-1 in Serum as a Mechanism to Speed up and down Postnatal Weight Gain in Mice

Forced expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in transgenic mice has clearly revealed inhibitory effects on somatic growth. However, by this approach, it cannot be solved if or how IGFBPs rule insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-dependent growth under normal conditions. In order to address this question, we have used growth-selected mouse models (obese and lean) and studied IGF-1 and IGFBPs in serum with respect to longitudinal growth activity in males and females compared with unselected controls. In mice of both genders, body weights were recorded and daily weight gains were calculated. Between 2 and 54 weeks of age, serum IGF-1 was determined by ELISA and intact IGFBP-2, -3 and -4 were quantified by Western ligand blotting. The molar ratio of IGF-1 to the sum of IGFBP-2 to -4 was calculated for all groups and plotted against the daily weight gain curve. Growth-selected mice are characterized by higher daily weight gains and extended periods of elevated growth activity if compared to matched unselected controls. Therefore, adult mice from the obese and lean groups can achieve more than twofold increased body weight in both genders (p < 0.001). Between 2 and 11 weeks of age, in obese and lean mice of both genders, serum IGF-1 concentrations are increased more prominently if compared to unselected controls (p < 0.001). Instead, substantial decreases of IGFBPs, particularly of IGFBP-2, are observed in males and females of all groups at the age of 2 to 4 weeks (p < 0.001). Due to the strong increase of IGF-1 but not of IGFBPs between two and four weeks of age, the ratio of IGF-1 to IGFBP-2 to -4 in serum significantly increased in all groups and genders (p < 0.05). Notably, the IGF-1 to IGFBP ratio was higher in male and female obese mice if compared to unselected controls (p < 0.05).

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the growth hormone receptor gene and Alu1 polymorphisms in the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 gene as related to meat production in sheep

Aim:

This study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms in genes related to meat production, including growth hormone receptor (GHR) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) genes, in different breeds of sheep, including Barki, Najdi, and Harri.

Materials and Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 75 randomly selected healthy Barki, Najdi, and Harri breeds of sheep, with 25 samples per breed. GHR and DGAT1 genes were identified using a single nucleotide polymorphism assay followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme Alu1.

Results:

The analysis of the GHR gene sequence showed nucleotide substitutions at nt 69 in exon 10 (c.69 G > A); this mutation is considered a transition mutation. The sequences of detected SNPs in the GHR gene in the different sheep breeds were submitted to the GenBank database with accession numbers MG906773 to MG906781. The substitutions at exon 10 (c.69 G > A) results in an alteration to the amino acid (p. Lysine > Arginine). At c.69, the A allele frequency was 0.61, 0.59, and 0.54, while the G allele frequency was 0.39, 0.41, and 0.46, for Barki, Najdi, and Harri breeds, respectively. The genotype AG at nt 69 locus had the highest frequency in the Najdi and Harri sheep. The frequency of AG was 0.62, 0.61, and 0.64, while the frequency of AA was 0.30, 0.28, and 0.22, for Barki, Najdi, and Harri sheep, respectively. After digestion with the restriction enzyme AluI, the DGAT1 locus had two genotypes, CC and CT. The highest frequency, 0.88, was found for allele C, which was detected in Barki breed. The lowest frequency, 0.75, for the same allele was found for Harri.

Conclusions:

The detected CT genotype may explain the moderate intramuscular fat content and muscle marbling in the Barki sheep breed.

Effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 gene on growth traits of Kejobong goat and its growth analysis

AIM

This study aimed to identify the effect of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene on growth, to uncover the genetic marker at the IGF1 gene, and to predict growth performance by analyzing growth models of Kejobong goats based on their genotype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DNA and records of body weight (BW) and body measurements (BM) of Kejobong goats were collected, the IGF1 gene was amplified from the DNA template by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); the PCR products were then sequenced to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Linear mixed model (LMM) was used to analyze the association between SNP and growth traits. Four non-linear growth models were analyzed using non-LMM to describe the growth model and to compare the growth within genotypes.

RESULTS

An SNP at intron 4 (g5752G→C) genotyped into GG and CC was significantly associated with BW and BM. Goats of genotype GG had a significantly higher BW and BM (p<0.05) than those of genotype CC. Growth analysis showed that the von Bertalanffy model was the most fit for describing BW, the Brody model for chest width and hip height, the Gompertz and Logistic models for heart girth, and the von Bertalanffy and Gompertz models for hip width.

CONCLUSION

An SNP at intron 4 of the IGF1 gene was associated with the growth trait and was usable as a genetic marker candidate for improvement of growth traits of Kejobong goats while von Bertalanffy model provides proper and accurate estimates of parameters to describe the growth performance of Kejobong goats.

Association between a novel G94A single nucleotide polymorphism in ATP1A1 gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus among Egyptian patients

Background:

Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase enzyme is essential for nerve cell membrane integrity, and reduction in its activity, probably due to ATP1A1 gene polymorphisms, is related to diabetic neuropathy progression. Therefore, the goal of the existent study is to evaluate the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Egyptian patients with or without neuropathy, search for polymorphism(s) in the highly polymorphic region of ATP1A1 gene, exon 2, and study its (their) associations with T2DM with and without neuropathy.

Materials and Methods:

A total number of 150 individuals were subclassified into healthy controls (n = 30), T2DM without complications (n = 60), and T2DM with neuropathy (n = 60).

Results:

The biochemical results exhibited a significant reduction in fasting C-Peptide and activity of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase in T2DM patients with neuropathy followed by T2DM without complication in comparison with healthy controls. ATP1A1 exon2 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) then digested by the PstI restriction enzyme, and the obtained data from restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR and sequencing revealed the existence of a novel synonymous G94A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at nucleotide 27 in exon 2 of ATP1A1 gene (rs1060366). Diabetic groups had only allele A, while the control group had G allele. Interestingly, individuals carrying AA genotype had a significantly lower Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase, C-peptide, and higher glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c %) than those having GG genotype, suggesting a possible association for this SNP, and this developed phenomenon of not only T2DM but also diabetic neuropathy.

Conclusion:

Thus, allele A of G94A SNP (rs1060366) could be a risk allele for diabetes susceptibility among Egyptian patients.

IGF-1 polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to osteonecrosis of the femoral head among Chinese Han population

The study was performed to investigate the genetic associations of IGF-1 polymorphisms rs35767, rs5742714, and rs972936 with susceptibility to osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) among Chinese Han population.Totally, 101 ONFH patients and 128 healthy controls were enrolled. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was detected with chi-square test in control group. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to estimate the relationship between IGF-1 polymorphisms and ONFH risk. Besides, hyplotype analysis was performed to examine linkage disequilibrium between the studied polymorphisms.Genotype AA and allele A of polymorphism rs35767 were more frequent in control group, and offered protection for ONFH onset (AA: OR = 0.382, 95% CI = 0.158-0.923; A: OR = 0.650, 95% CI = 0.442-0.956). Furthermore, the negative relationship was also observed between ONFH risk and polymorphism rs5742714 under the comparisons CG vs CC, and G vs C (OR = 0.395, 95%CI = 0.199-0.787; OR = 0.346, 95%CI = 0.191-0.627). While the polymorphism rs972936 significantly enhanced the disease risk (CT vs CC: OR = 2.434, 95% CI = 1.184-5.003; TT vs CC: OR = 2.497, 95% CI = 1.040-5.990). Furthermore, haplotype analysis demonstrated that C-T (rs5742714-rs972936) could increase ONFH risk (OR = 2.177, 95% CI = 1.444-3.283), while G-T might be a protective factor for ONFH (OR = 0.472, 95% CI = 0.254-0.878).IGF-1 polymorphisms rs35767, rs5742714, and rs972936 show significant association with ONFH risk.