GLIS1, a potential candidate gene affect fat deposition in sheep tail

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Animal Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Fat deposition in sheep tails is a complex trait.
• Mongolian (MG) and Small Tail Han (STH) sheep are fat-tailed breeds, while DairyMeade and East Friesian (DS) are thin-tailed breeds.
• Understanding the genetic basis of tail fatness is important for sheep breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify candidate genes associated with sheep tail fat deposition using population genomics.
• To investigate the genetic differences between fat-tailed and thin-tailed sheep breeds.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing of Mongolian sheep (MG), Small Tail Han sheep (STH), and Dairy/East Friesian sheep (DS).
• Population genomics analysis to detect selective signatures.
• Identification of genetic variations, including point mutations.

Main Results:

• Selective signature analysis identified GLIS1, LOC101117953, PDGFD, and T in divergent regions between DS and STH-MG sheep.
• A nonsynonymous mutation in GLIS1 (g.27807636G>T) was found in STH-MG sheep, causing a Pro to Thr substitution.
• GLIS1 is a pro-adipogenic factor potentially involved in mesodermal cell differentiation and tail fat deposition.

Conclusions:

• The GLIS1 gene and its variations are key genetic factors influencing fat deposition in sheep tails.
• This study provides novel insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying species-specific traits in sheep tails.
• Findings can inform future breeding strategies for desirable fat deposition traits in sheep.