Functional Mutations in the VRTN Gene Influence Growth Traits and Meat Quality in Hainan Black Goats

The VRTN (vertebrin) gene plays a crucial role in regulating thoracic vertebral number in mammals; however, its function in goats remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate genetic variations in the VRTN gene in Hainan black goats (HNBGs) and evaluate their associations with growth and meat traits. Using whole-genome and Sanger sequencing, we identified four SNPs in the VRTN gene, including three missense mutations (p.Pro615Ser, p.Arg490Lys, p.Thr476Met) and one synonymous mutation (p.Asp688Asp). Tissue expression profiling revealed high VRTN mRNA expression in skeletal muscle and low expression in internal organs, suggesting a potential role in muscle development. Temporal expression analysis indicated dynamic regulation during growth, with higher expression levels observed in early developmental stages. Association analyses revealed significant correlations between specific SNPs and key traits, including body length, chest circumference, carcass weight, and meat quality parameters. Notably, the p.Pro615Ser mutation was associated with a 0.441-fold reduction in VRTN expression and showed strong associations with multiple traits, underscoring its functional importance. These findings demonstrate that VRTN polymorphisms influence growth and muscle development in HNBGs, providing valuable insights for marker-assisted selection in goat breeding.