Whole-Genome Resequencing Identifies Candidate Genes for Tail Fat Deposition in Sheep.

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Genomics
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Excessive adipose tissue in sheep impairs insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance and affecting energy partitioning.
• These metabolic disruptions negatively impact ovine health and overall production efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic basis of divergent lipid metabolism-related traits in sheep.
• To identify genes associated with distinct tail phenotypes (long-fat-tailed vs. short-fat-tailed) using whole-genome resequencing.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome resequencing was performed on 15 individuals from Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep and 15 from Hu sheep breeds.
• Selection signal analysis using FST, XP-CLR, and XP-EHH identified 75 significantly selected regions.
• Functional enrichment analysis was conducted on candidate genes.

Main Results:

• Eight key candidate genes, including DAB1, DPP10, EPHA6, GPC5, KLF12, PAK7, PTPN3, and TENM3, were identified.
• The genes DAB1 and GPC5 were significantly enriched in lipid metabolic processes.
• Two key lipid metabolism-associated genes, DAB1 and GPC5, were identified in relation to divergent tail phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• The study identified DAB1 and GPC5 as crucial genes influencing lipid metabolism and tail phenotypes in sheep.
• Findings offer insights for genetic resource conservation and molecular breeding strategies in sheep populations with divergent tail types.