Genetic variation in the porcine myogenin gene locus

The myogenin (MYOG) gene fulfills a key function in muscle differentiation by controlling the onset of myoblast fusion and the establishment of myofibers. In meat-producing animals like pigs and cattle, myofiber numbers have been related to growth capacity. We have characterized the porcine MYOG gene to detect genetic variation at this locus and to relate it to growth characteristics. MYOG gene fragments were isolated by PCR on genomic DNA and by screening a genomic library with a mixture of the four human MyoD cDNA fragments. Both the exons and promoter region were very similar to the human and mouse genes. Southern blot analysis of 105 unrelated pigs revealed three polymorphic MspI sites, located in the promoter region, the second intron, and at the 3' side of the gene. PCR-RFLP tests detecting four MYOG alleles were developed. PCR analysis of a panel of pig-rodent somatic cell hybrids confirmed the genetic localization of MYOG on pig Chromosome (Chr) 9. The PCR-RFLP tests and microsatellite markers on Chr 9 offer the possibility to genotype large numbers of pigs for studies of genetic linkage to meat deposition and growth characteristics.