Sequencing of canine 5-hydroxytriptamine receptor (5-HTR) 1B, 2A, 2C genes and identification of polymorphisms in the 5-HTR1B gene

Polymorphisms of human genes encoding 5-hydroxytriptamine (serotonin) receptors (5-HTRs) are thought to be associated with psychiatric disorders and behavioral traits. In the present study, we searched for corresponding polymorphisms in the dog and compared allelic frequencies for the canine 5-HTR1B, 5-HTR2A, and 5-HTR2C genes among five canine breeds. The canine genes consisted of the following: 5-HTR1B, 1170 bp; 5-HTR2A, 1413 bp; and 5-HTR2C, 1377 bp. All of these genes were highly homologous with the human genes. We found six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5-HTR1B gene (G57A, A157C, G246A, C660G, T955C, and G1146C). Genotyping of the respective SNPs revealed that there were inter-breed variations in the genotypes and allelic frequencies for four out of the six identified SNPs, suggesting that further analyses of the polymorphisms of the 5-HTR1B gene would be useful in order to gain an understanding of the genetic background underlying the diversified behavioral traits among canine species.     

Polymorphisms in the canine glutamate transporter-1 gene: identification and variation among five dog breeds

Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are important for terminating glutamatergic neurotransmission and protect central nervous system (CNS) neurons from glutamatergic excitotoxicity. We selected these genes as targets that may relate to canine behavioral traits. After screening four EAAT genes (glutamate transporter-1; GLT-1, excitatory amino acid transporter 4; EAAT4, excitatory amino acid carrier; EAAC1, glutamate/aspartate transporter; GLAST) for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we identified two silent SNPs (C129T and T471C) in the GLT-1 gene. We genotyped 193 dogs of 5 breeds and found significant variation among breeds in these two SNPs in GLT-1. The C129T polymorphism was not observed in Malteses and Miniature Schnauzers. These results suggest that polymorphisms in the GLT-1 gene may be useful markers for examining how the genetic background relates to the behavioral traits of dogs.     

Polymorphisms in the canine glucocorticoid receptor alpha gene (NR3C1α)

Corticosteroids are one of the most extensively used class of therapeutic agents in dogs. In human patients, response to corticosteroid therapy has been correlated with the presence of certain polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1). Depending on the polymorphism present, patients may show either increased sensitivity to glucocorticoid‐induced adverse effects or resistance to their therapeutic effects. Because response to corticosteroid therapy in dogs can also be variable and unpredictable, we hypothesized that genetic variability exists in the canine NR3C1 gene. The aim of this study was to sequence the coding regions of the canine NR3C1 gene in a representative sample of dogs. Samples from 97 dogs from four previously identified genetic groupings of domestic breeds (Asian/Ancient, Herding, Hunting, and Mastiff) were sequenced and evaluated. Four exons contained polymorphisms and four exons showed no variation from the reference sequence. A total of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified including four synonymous SNPs and two nonsynonymous SNPs (c.811A>T and c.2111T>C). No dogs were homozygous for either variant allele, while 23 dogs were heterozygous for the c.811A>T allele and 2 were heterozygous for c.2111T>C allele. The amino acid changes caused by c.811A>T (serine to cysteine) and c.2111T>C (isoleucine to threonine) were both predicted by in silico analysis to be ‘probably damaging’ to structure and function of the resulting protein. We conclude that NR3C1 polymorphisms occur in dogs and may cause individual variation in response to corticosteroid therapy.     

Association of MYF5 and KLF15 gene polymorphisms with carcass traits in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

1. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exons of the myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) and Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) genes were identified and analysed by using DNA sequencing methods in 60 female domestic pigeons (Columba livia).

2. Five SNPs (T5067A, C5084T, C5101T, T5127A and C5154G) were detected in exon 3 of MYF5 and 6 SNPs (C1398T, C1464T, G1542A, C1929T, G1965A and A2355G) were found in exon 2 of KLF15, respectively. The analysis revealed three genotypes, in which the AA genotype was dominant and the A allele showed a dominant advantage.

3. For the MYF5 gene, the C5084T and T5127A SNP genotypes were significantly associated with carcass traits of pigeons. Within those two SNPs, the BB genotype showed relatively higher trait association values than those of AA or AB genotypes. No significant association was observed between the KLF15 SNP genotypes and carcass traits.

4. These results indicated that the MYF5 gene is a potential major gene affecting carcass traits in domestic pigeons. The BB genotype of the C5084T and T5127A SNPs could be a potential candidate genetic marker for marker-assisted selection in pigeon.

     

Single-nucleotide polymorphism identification in the caprine myostatin gene

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of MSTN gene amplified from 35 goats representing 17 Chinese indigenous goat breeds and five imported goat breeds were sequenced to identify the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of a 379‐bp fragment including part of intron 2 and exon 3 of MSTN gene. A total of eight SNPs (A1980G, G1981C, A1982G, G1984T, A2121G, T2124C, G2174A and A2246G) were identified among the sequenced goats. The SNPs found are all located in intron 2 except for A2246G, which was a synonymous mutation in exon 3. Four haplotypes were sorted from these eight SNPs, of which, haplotype I (AGAGATGA) and haplotype II (GCGTGTAA) are the two main haplotypes with the frequency of 77.8% and 14.8% respectively. The SNPs found at positions 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 2121 might be linked to inheritance completely.     

用PCR-SSCP方法检测猪Toll样受体4(TLR4)基因外显子3的SNP

Toll样受体(TLRs)能识别各种微生物成分并诱导免疫反应。作为TLR家族中一员的TLR4是识别革兰氏阴性菌内毒素-脂多糖(LPS)的主要受体,其多态性与动物对相关病原的免疫力有着明显的相关性。本文利用PCR-SSCP并结合PCR产物双向测序的方法,对梅山猪、新淮猪、大白猪、长白猪和杜洛克猪共203个样本TLR4基因外显子3部分片段的单核苷核多态性进行了研究。结果检测到了5个SNP,分别是T611A,G826A,G960A,G962A和C1027A,其中有4个非同义的SNP,有2个SNP的氨基酸性质发生了改变。猪TLR4的SNP出现频率在各猪种中有差异,其中T611A仅在新淮猪和大白猪中检测到,而G826A和C1027A仅分别在新淮猪和大白猪中检测到。     

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms within exon 1 of the canine mu-opioid receptor gene

Objective  To determine the presence and frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exon 1 of the canine mu-opioid receptor (MOR) gene.
Study design  Prospective genetic analysis.
Animals  Seventy-five dogs of various breeds.
Methods  DNA was isolated from dog blood. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify exon 1 of the canine MOR gene using primers derived from a published sequence. PCR products of anticipated size were identified by gel electrophoresis, isolated and sequenced.
Results  Two SNPs were found within the examined region. One is 15 base pairs (bp) upstream (C-15A) of the protein-coding portion of the gene. The second is at position 207 (C207T); a synonymous mutation predicting unaltered protein sequence. The overall prevalence of the C-15A SNP was 43% (64/150 alleles). The overall prevalence of the C207T SNP was 26% (39/150 alleles).
Conclusions and clinical relevance  Absence of haplotypes containing both an adenosine at position −15 and a thymine at position 207 suggests that these polymorphisms occurred independently from each other. How these SNPs influence variations in responses seen after opioid administration to dogs remain to be determined, however, our data indicates the C-15A SNP may play a role in opioid dysphoria.     

水貂ASIP基因单倍型检测及其皮肤组织mRNA差异表达分析

试验旨在探究鼠灰色（agouti signaling protein，ASIP）基因单核苷酸多态性（single nucleotide polymorphisms，SNPs）形成的单倍型及皮肤组织差异表达mRNA对水貂被毛色素沉积的影响。通过PCR扩增、Sanger测序技术对金州黑水貂、红眼白水貂和名威银蓝水貂ASIP基因进行SNPs单倍型检测分析，利用实时荧光定量PCR技术检测3种毛色皮肤组织ASIP基因的表达量，分析单倍型及mRNA差异表达与毛色表型的相关性。结果表明，301个样本中共检测到10个SNPs，内含子2中4个SNPs （G18A、A159G、G235T、C1189T）共形成10种单倍型（Hap1~Hap10），其中Hap1（GAGC）和Hap2（GAGT）是3种不同毛色水貂群体的共享单倍型；部分内含子3中6个SNPs （C252T、A290C、G298C、A340G、T343C、T379C）形成4种单倍型（Hap1~Hap4），且Hap2（CCCGCC）是名威银蓝水貂群体的主体单倍型。5个位点（A290C、G298C、A340G、T343C、T379C）均处于完全连锁不平衡状态。实时荧光定量PCR检测显示，金州黑水貂和名威银蓝水貂ASIP基因mRNA表达量分别是红眼白水貂的1.25和0.95倍，三者间差异不显著（P>0.05）。研究结果初步提示，ASIP基因调控水貂不同毛色表型形成的分子机制可能存在差异。     

Association analysis between variants in bovine progesterone receptor gene and superovulation traits in Chinese Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to identify a predictor to forecast superovulation response on the basis of associations between superovulation performance and gene polymorphism. The PCR-RFLP method was applied to detect two reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of G59752C and T81637C (rs41614030) located in introns 3 and 4 of the bovine progesterone receptor (PGR) gene in 171 Chinese Holstein cows treated for superovulation and evaluate its associations with superovulation traits. In polymorphic locus 81637, all cows without superovulation response were g.81637TC and g.81637TT genotypes. Association analysis showed that these two SNPs had significant effects on the total number of ova (TNO) (p<0.05), and the T81637C polymorphism was significantly associated with the number of transferable embryos (p<0.05). In addition, significant additive effects (p<0.05) on TNO were detected in the polymorphisms of G59752C and T81637C. These results showed for the first time that the G59752C and T81637C polymorphisms in PGR gene were associated with superovulation traits and indicated that PGR gene can be used as a predictor for superovulation in Chinese Holstein cows.     

水貂生长激素基因多态性与体质量性状的关联分析

以水貂的生长激素基因(GH)作为候选基因,采用单链构象多态性和DNA测序的方法检测GH基因单核苷酸多态性(SNPs),并针对该群体特点建立合适的统计分析模型,探讨GH基因多态性与体质量性状的相关性。结果表明,C→A突变产生的3种基因型间的水貂个体体质量存在一定的差异(P0.05),BB基因型个体与AA基因型个体之间有一定的差异(P0.05)。T→A和C→G突变没有导致氨基酸的变化,DD基因型个体体质量平均值要高于CC基因型,但产生的3种基因型对水貂体质量的影响没有显著性差异(P0.05)。统计各基因型之间的组合给水貂体质量带来的影响时,发现不同基因型之间的组合对所检测水貂样本的体质量有影响(P0.05)。     

Association of polymorphisms for nuclear receptor coactivator 1 gene with egg production traits in the maternal line of Shaobo hens

1. The objectives of the study were to find polymorphic sites and elucidate the association between SNPs in the nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1) gene and reproductive traits. 2. SNPs were detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing. Four SNPs were detected, including T10155007A, T10125838C, G10118492A and G10109315T. Three polymorphisms were associated with total egg production at the age of 300 d and the G10109315T polymorphism was associated with age at first egg. 3. In conclusion, the NCOA1 gene can be used as a molecular marker for reproductive traits in hens.     

Association of PCSK1 gene polymorphisms with abdominal fat content in broilers

Protein proteolytic enzymes (Proprotein Convertase, PC) is a Ca²⁺‐dependent serine protease family, whose main function is to cleave precursors of biologically inactive proteins or peptide chains into active functional molecules. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) gene is mainly expressed in nerve and endocrine tissues. In this study, PCSK1 was selected as an important candidate gene for abdominal fat content in broilers. We cloned the exon region of chicken PCSK1 gene and found six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Association analysis was carried out and we found that the polymorphisms of these six SNPs were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in G19 and G20 populations. Five of these SNPs were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in G19 and G20 combined population. The polymorphism of these five SNPs was significantly correlated with the abdominal fat content of AA broilers. Together, our study demonstrated that c.927T>C, c.1880C>T, c.*900G>A, and c.*1164C>T were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in populations used in this study, which means that these SNPs in PCSK1 gene could be used as candidate markers to select lean broiler lines.     

3个贵州地方鸡种NKX2-5基因多态性及生物信息学分析

以高脚鸡、威宁鸡、乌蒙乌骨鸡(含白壳蛋鸡和绿壳蛋鸡)3个贵州地方鸡种为研究对象,构建品种DNA池,扩增NKX2-5基因第1外显子全部序列及第2内含子部分序列,采用直接测序法对3个品种(4个群体)的NKX2-5基因进行单核苷酸多态性检测,利用生物信息学软件预测不同多态性位点对NKX2-5基因mRNA二级结构、蛋白质二级结构的影响.结果表明,在3个品种(4个群体)中共检测到G108A、T288C、C400T、T420G和G429A 5个SNPs位点,其中,G108A位于非编码区;T288C、C400T位于第1外显子区;T420G和G429A位于内含子区.T288C和C400T均为错义突变,T288C突变导致丝氨酸(Ser)变为脯氨酸(Pro)、C400T突变导致丙氨酸(Ala)变为缬氨酸(Val),SNPs位点对于NKX2-5基因mRNA二级结构、蛋白质二级结构有一定影响.     

4个绵羊品种Leptin基因部分片段的SNPs分析

利用PCR-SSCP技术对萨福克、道塞特、特克塞尔及滩羊4个绵羊品种358个个体Leptin基因2、3外显子进行多态性分析,共检测到7个SNPs,其中新发现5个SNPs。测序结果表明,在外显子2上无突变。内含子2上存在99位碱基由A突变为G;115位碱基由G突变为A;150位碱基由C突变为T;171位碱基由C突变为T。外显子3上,存在271位碱基由G突变为A,使编码的Arg转变为Gln;316位碱基由C突变为A,使编码的Pro转变为Gln;387位碱基由G突变为T,使编码的Val转变为Leu。     

红眼白水貂FSHβ和NCOA1基因多态性及其与繁殖性状的相关分析

本研究旨在检测红眼白水貂促卵泡激素β（follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit,FSHβ）和核受体辅激活蛋白1（nuclear receptor coactivator 1,NCOA1）基因多态性与繁殖性状的关系。采用单链构象多态性（SSCP）和DNA测序相结合的方法检测了红眼白水貂215个个体的单核苷酸多态性,针对红眼白水貂群体的特点建立合适的统计分析模型,利用SAS 9.4统计软件对候选基因进行多态性分析,并采用最小二乘法分析了总产仔数和产活仔数的遗传效应。结果表明,在红眼白水貂FSHβ基因上存在2个多态位点,分别为内含子1处的g.1228G > A突变和外显子2处的g.1866T > C突变;在NCOA1基因上存在1个多态位点,为第6外显子处g.151536T > C突变。在红眼白水貂群体中,FSHβ基因的优势基因为B等位基因,NCOA1基因的优势基因为A等位基因;FSHβ基因g.1228G > A位点的AA和AB基因型个体在总产仔数、产活仔数上均极显著高于BB基因型（P < 0.01）,g.1866T > C位点在总产仔数和产活仔数上呈现BB > AB > AA的趋势;NCOA1基因的AB基因型个体的总产仔数和产活仔数均极显著高于AA基因型（P < 0.01）;g.151536T > C与g.1228G > A的合并基因型对繁殖性状有显著影响（P < 0.05）。因此,可以利用以上突变位点对红眼白水貂的繁殖性状进行标记辅助选择研究。     

The SNP genotypes of growth hormone gene associated with reproductive traits in Tsaiya ducks

Our previous cDNA microarray study showed that the growth hormone (GH) gene may involve in the duck egg formation process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between GH genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and reproductive traits of Tsaiya ducks. Primer pairs for the coding region in the GH were designed based on the duck genomic sequence. Polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand polymorphism (SSCP) and were verified by DNA sequencing. Nineteen SNPs were identified in the duck GH gene, of which three coding SNPs (C3169T, C3700T and C5058G) were genotyped to investigate the associations with reproductive traits. The results showed that each SNP was associated with at least one duck fertility-related trait (p < 0.05). Haplotypes constructed on these three SNPs were associated with fertility rate (FR) and maximum duration of fertility (MDF) (p < 0.05). In particular, diplotype H1H1 was dominant for FR and MDF. This suggested that GH gene polymorphisms are associated with duck fertility-related traits. The SNPs in this gene may be used as potential markers for marker-assisted selection.     

New SNPs in the IGF2 gene and association between this gene and backfat thickness and lean meat content in Large White pigs

IGF2‐in3‐G3072A is a causative mutation for paternally expressed quantitative trait loci on the p arm of porcine chromosome 2 with substantial effect on muscle growth and backfat thickness. The linkage disequilibrium between IGF2‐in3‐G3072A and IGF2‐in7‐G162C (IGF2‐NciI) in four breeds and associations between these polymorphisms and growth and meat performance in pigs of the Large White breed were analysed. A significant effect of these polymorphisms on backfat thickness and lean meat content was found. In addition, we identified two new single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in intron 7 of the gene. The existence of complete linkage disequilibrium between IGF2‐in3‐G3072A locus in the population under study where the locus segregated and SNPs in intron 7 of the IGF2 gene detectable with simple and reliable polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques (G162C, C179G and G186T) offer possibilities to use these SNPs for genotyping of quantitative trait nucleotide in Large White and Landrace breeds.     

Assessment of Genetic Variability in the Coding Sequence of Melatonin Receptor Gene (MTNR1A) in Tropical Arid Sheep Breeds of India

Seasonal behaviour in sheep, which varies in tropical and temperate environmental conditions, is a matter of study, because it can provide a clue to address the problem of seasonality in sheep. Melatonin receptor is the membrane‐bound G‐coupled receptor, sensing the message of photoperiodic cues thorough melatonin. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) studies were carried out to assess the variability of gene at G612A and C606T SNPs in MTNR1A gene, which have been studied to be markers for out‐of‐season breeding. Allelic frequency distribution corresponded to higher frequency of GG and CC genotype, in tropical arid sheep breed in comparison with temperate region sheep breed. PCR amplification of MTNR1A gene of 30 animals was performed and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identification was carried out using Lasergene software. Seven SNPs/mutations were identified, but most of them were synonymous, except the one G706A, leading to substitution of valine by isoleucine. Polyphen‐2 analysis of G706A mutation revealed that it is a benign mutation. Two important SNPs C426T and G555A, which were identified in temperate sheep breeds, could not be traced in Magra and Marwari breeds of sheep. Thus, the Magra and Marwari breeds of tropical, arid region demonstrated the presence of both polymorphic SNPs markers G612A and C606T, associated with out‐of‐season breeding. GG and CC genotypes were having a higher prevalence in the studied population.     

兴义鸭肌肉生长抑制素基因多态性与屠宰性状的相关性分析

为了解兴义鸭肌肉生长抑制素(myostatin,MSTN)基因SNPs与屠宰性状的相关性,本研究采用基因克隆及PCR产物直接测序的方法,将MSTN基因作为鸭屠宰性状的候选基因,对兴义鸭的MSTN基因外显子进行多态性检测.结果表明,在60个兴义鸭个体中筛选出8个SNPs,其中,第1外显子有5个突变位点:SNP1(G77A)、SNP2(A91G)、SNP3(G130A)、SNP4(C325T)和SNP5(C331T);在第2外显子中并未发现突变位点;第3外显子有3个突变位点:SNP6(C206T)、SNP7(A235G)和SNP8(C256A);对这8个SNPs与屠宰性状进行关联性分析,结果并未达到显著水平(P>0.05).本研究结果可丰富MSTN基因的研究数据,为鸭的育种提供参考.     

Novel polymorphisms of the IGF1R gene and their association with average daily gain in Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The objective of this study was to detect insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) polymorphisms, their allele, and genotype frequencies and to determine associations between these polymorphisms and growth traits in Egyptian water buffalo. Three loci of the IGF1R coding region were amplified by RT-PCR and, subsequently, subjected to sequence analysis, followed by single-strand conformation polymorphism to identify different allelic patterns. A total of 11 novel polymorphisms were detected; 6 SNPs among Egyptian water buffaloes and 5 polymorphisms compared with Indian buffalo (Y12700). Three of those polymorphisms; GAG Indel polymorphism, C261G, and G263C SNPs, were nonsynonymous mutations. The GAG Indel polymorphism led to deletion of E (glutamic) amino acid (aa) in the IGF1R of Egyptian water buffaloes compared with Indian buffalo. However, C261G SNP, which replaced A (alanine) by G (glycine) aa, and G263C SNP, which changed A (alanine) to P (proline) aa, were detected among Egyptian water buffaloes. Three different single-strand conformation polymorphism patterns were observed in exon 21: CC/CC, GG/GG, and CG/GC with frequencies of 0.291, 0.253, and 0.556, respectively. The heterozygous animals (CG/GC) had a higher ADG than homozygous animals (CC/CC and GG/GG) from birth to 6 mo of age. We conclude that the heterozygous haplotype, C261G/G263C, in exon 21 of the IGF1R gene is associated with the ADG during the early stages of life (from birth to 6 mo of age) and could be used as a genetic marker for selection of growth traits in Egyptian buffalo.