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Published on: May 15, 2019
Polymorphisms in chicken extracellular fatty acid binding protein gene
Zhi-yuan Zhao1, Li Zhang, Bing-wang Du
1Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, People's Republic of China.
Molecular Biology Reports
|June 22, 2011
Summary
Researchers identified 35 novel genetic variations in the chicken extracellular fatty acid binding protein gene (Ex-FABP). A specific Ex-FABP mutation (C4715T) is linked to increased subcutaneous fat thickness in male chickens.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Poultry Science
Background:
- Extracellular fatty acid binding protein (Ex-FABP) plays a role in fatty acid metabolism.
- Understanding genetic variations in Ex-FABP can inform strategies for improving chicken meat quality and fat deposition.
- Genetic polymorphism studies are crucial for identifying markers associated with economically important traits in livestock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic polymorphism of the chicken Ex-FABP gene.
- To identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the Ex-FABP gene and its regulatory regions.
- To analyze the association of Ex-FABP variations with fat deposition traits in chicken.
Main Methods:
- Screening of coding regions, intron-exon boundaries, and flanking regions of the chicken Ex-FABP gene using PCR-SSCP.
- Sequence analysis to identify and characterize single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
- Genotyping and statistical association analysis of identified SNPs with subcutaneous fat thickness in three chicken breeds.
Main Results:
- Identified 35 novel SNPs in the chicken Ex-FABP gene: 25 in introns, 7 in coding regions, and 3 in the 5'UTR.
- Two coding SNPs resulted in missense mutations, while five did not alter amino acid sequences.
- A specific polymorphism (C4715T mutation in exon 5) was significantly associated with increased subcutaneous fat and skin thickness in male chickens (TT genotype vs. CC genotype, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The identified genetic variations in the Ex-FABP gene may influence its activity and function.
- The Ex-FABP gene is a potential candidate locus or linked to a quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting fat deposition and metabolism in chickens.
- These findings provide a basis for developing gene markers to improve fatty acid metabolism and deposition traits in poultry breeding programs.
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