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RXFP2 gene variation drives horn sexual differences and polledness in sheep
Xiliu Hu1, Buying Han2, Dehui Liu3
1Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810001, China; School of Life Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China.
Genomics
|April 10, 2026
Summary
This study identified key genetic variants (SNP28, SNP57) influencing sheep horn size and polled traits. SNP28 is crucial for horn regulation, while SNP57 shows sex-specific effects, offering valuable insights for sheep breeding.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Sheep Breeding
- Population Genetics
Background:
- The RXFP2 gene plays a role in sheep horn development.
- Understanding genetic variations is crucial for improving sheep traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic variants in the RXFP2 gene associated with horn traits in sheep.
- To investigate the genetic basis of horn size, polledness, and scurs in different sheep breeds.
Main Methods:
- Deep sequencing of the RXFP2 gene in three sheep breeds.
- Association analysis, including GMDR and LASSO, to identify significant variant loci.
- Loci interaction, linkage disequilibrium, and population genetics analyses.
Main Results:
- Four significant variant loci (SNP25, SNP57, SNP70, SNP28) were identified.
- SNP28 is crucial for horn trait regulation; SNP57 contributes to larger horn size with a sex-specific effect.
- SNP70 is linked to polled trait and potentially cryptorchidism; SNP25 is unrelated to horn traits.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variants in RXFP2 significantly influence sheep horn traits.
- SNP28 and SNP57 are key genetic markers for horn size in sheep.
- These findings offer valuable genetic tools for targeted sheep breeding programs.
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