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The dopamine D2 receptor gene polymorphisms associated with chicken broodiness
1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China.
Poultry Science
|February 26, 2010
Summary
The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene influences chicken broodiness. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), A-16105G and T+619C, are significantly associated with broodiness traits in chickens.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Quantitative Genetics
Background:
- Chicken broodiness is a complex polygenic trait influenced by autosomal genes.
- The prolactin gene is a known factor, but the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene's role remains less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic influence of the DRD2 gene on chicken broodiness.
- To analyze linkage disequilibrium, genetic diversity, and identify potential marker single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with broodiness.
Main Methods:
- Assayed 27 DRD2 gene variations in 456 chickens across 6 populations.
- Performed linkage disequilibrium analyses, tag SNP selection, and genetic diversity observations.
- Conducted association analyses using 2-tailed tests and identified significant SNPs in Ningdu Sanhuang chickens (NDH).
Main Results:
- Linkage disequilibrium patterns varied across populations, with faster decay in Red Jungle Fowls, Xinghua, and NDH.
- Seven potential broodiness-associated variations were identified based on allelic frequencies and genotype distributions.
- Significant associations were found between SNP A-16105G and broody frequency, and SNP T+619C and broodiness duration (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The DRD2 gene is a relevant candidate for genetic studies on chicken broodiness.
- SNPs A-16105G and T+619C show potential as molecular markers for breeding programs aimed at modulating broodiness in chickens.
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