[Molecular screening of MC4R gene and association with fat traits in pig resource family]
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Published on: September 22, 2020
Gui-Lan Liu1, Si-Wen Jiang, Yuan-Zhu Xiong
1Key Laboratory of Pig Genetics and Breeding of the Agricultural Ministry, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Abstract:
Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in the regulation of human obesity. It can cooperate with leptin, neuropeptide Y(NPY) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) to regulate body weight and feeding. Inactivation of this receptor by gene targeting in mice results in a maturity onset obesity syndrome associated with hyperphagic, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, as well as decreased linear growth and adult obesity. Multiple alignments of the sequences from individuals of several pig lines identified a single nucleotide substitution(G-->A) at position 298 of the seventh transmembrane domain. In present study, polymorphism distribution of MC4R gene fragment in resource population was studied using PCR-RFLP method based on the enzyme Taq I. The genotype was analyzed with the phenotype of the slaughtered individuals. The results showed that the frequencies of MC4R genotype varied in different breeds. The correlation analysis demonstrated the genotype of MC4R was in significant relation with back-fat thickness on thorax-waist, buttock and the average back-fat thickness, as well as with the width and area of longissmus dorsi (LD), and the percentage of skin. MC4R gene plays a role mainly in the pattern of dominant effect, and all the additive effects were not significant.
Insights
The Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) gene influences pig traits like back fat and muscle growth. Specific MC4R gene variations are linked to these economically important production characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Animal Science
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- The Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) is crucial for regulating body weight and feeding behavior in mammals.
- MC4R gene mutations are linked to obesity and metabolic disorders in humans and mice.
- Understanding MC4R gene variations in livestock can inform breeding strategies for improved production traits.
Purpose:
- To investigate the distribution of MC4R gene polymorphisms in a pig resource population.
- To analyze the association between MC4R genotypes and economically important production traits in pigs.
Summary:
- A single nucleotide polymorphism (G-->A) at position 298 in the MC4R gene was identified in pigs.
- PCR-RFLP analysis revealed varying frequencies of MC4R genotypes across different pig breeds.
- MC4R genotype significantly correlated with back-fat thickness, longissimus dorsi muscle dimensions, and skin percentage, primarily through a dominant effect.
Impact:
- Identifies specific MC4R gene variants associated with desirable meat production traits in pigs.
- Provides insights into the genetic basis of fat deposition and muscle development in swine.
- Supports the potential use of MC4R genotyping in marker-assisted selection for pig breeding programs aiming to enhance carcass quality.
