Association of selected gene polymorphisms with thermotolerance traits in cattle – A review

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a group of proteins that protect cells from harmful oxidative stress. The HSPs family consists of HSP110, HSP100, HSP90, HSP70, HSP60, HSP40, HSP10, and small HSP [33]. Among the HSPs, the proteins of molecular mass 70 kDa, termed HSP70, is the most essential molecular chaperone of primary importance to all mammalian cells, which acts by binding to other cellular proteins and facilitating intracellular transport [34]. HSP70 is produced by the HSP70 gene, characterized by a single exon. The open reading frame of this gene is approximately 1926, and its protein consists of 641 amino acids, of which 92 and 82 are highly basic and acidic amino acids, respectively [35]. Heat shock genes are activated by stressful stimuli, further forming HSPs. The HSP70 expression in heat-stressed dairy animals was found to be the most responsive compared to other HSPs chaperones. Therefore, the HSP70 expression profile could be beneficial as a biomarker to determine the effect of thermal stress in animals [36].

The HSP70 gene family in bovine consists of four genes, including HSP70-1, HSP70-2, HSP70-3, and HSP70-4 [37]. In cattle, both the HSP70-1 and HSP70-2 genes are located on chromosome 23 band 22 (the BoLA region). In contrast, the HSP70-3 gene is located on chromosome 10 band 34, and the HSP70-4 is localized at chromosome 3 band 13 [38]. Gallagher et al [38] screened bovine genomic DNA for hybridization with the HSP70 cDNA in humans. They found that bovine HSP70-1,2 were homologous with human HSPA1 and HSPA1L on chromosome 6p21.3, while bovine HSP70-3 was homologous with a human HSP70 gene on chromosome 14q22-q24 and bovine HSP70-4 was the homolog of the human HSPA-6,-7 genes on chromosome 1.

Figure 1 shows the molecular mechanism for the expression of HSP70 within a cell. A cell undergoes molecular changes when exposed to thermal stress. In this regard, most of the HSP family genes, including HSP70, have crucial cytoprotective effects and are involved in many regulatory pathways related to cell stress response [33]. Besides the behavioral and physiological responses, thermal stress can induce the HSP70 expression [39,40]. However, genetic variation among individual animals may cause varying thermal stress coping capacities. Therefore, understanding the physiological systems that are controlled by genes involved in thermoregulation is important to prioritize variants in genomic selection strategies in addition to understanding the modulation of genotype × environment interaction [41].

Figure 1

Molecular mechanism for the expression of HSP70 within a cell, adapted from Kregel [40]. The HSP70 expression is modulated by some physiological signals like thermal stress, energy depletion, acidosis, and viral infection. These physiological stimuli activate the heat shock factors (HSFs), causing them to seperate from heat shock proteins (HSPs). The HSFs are phosphorylated by protein kinases and form trimers in the cytosol. These HSF trimer complexes enter the nucleus and bind to heat shock elements (HSE) in the promotor region of the HSP70 gene. HSP70 mRNA is then transcribed and leaves the nucleus for the cytosol, where new HSP70 is synthesized. Proposed mechanisms of cellular protection for HSPs include their functioning as molecular chaperones to assist in the assembly and translocation of newly synthesized proteins within the cell and the repair and refolding of damaged (e.g., stress-denatured) proteins.

Xu et al [42] identified 193 differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood samples of Sanhe cattle exposed to severe cold stress (−32°C for 3 h). Out of the 193 candidate genes, the expression of HSP70 significantly increased after cold exposure (p<0.05). An earlier study conducted by Abbas et al [17] on lactating Holstein cows under heat and cold stress observed a significant association between SNPs in the 5′ flanking region of the HSP70 gene and blood biochemical parameters. SNPs A-12G and C181T in the HSP70 gene significantly affected (p<0.05) lactate concentration, while A72G was associated (p<0.05) with lipid peroxide concentration under heat stress conditions, and the same association exists for SNPs A-12G and SNP C131G with dopamine and superoxide dismutase concentrations [17].

Polymorphisms in the HSP70 gene have also been associated with blood biochemistry in Inner-Mongolia Sanhe cattle, a dual-purpose (milk and meat) cattle breed in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China [43]. Among 20 SNPs identified in the HSP70 gene in Sanhe cattle, SNP-42⁻ located in the promoter region and SNPs −105⁺, −181⁺, and −205⁺ localized in the 5′-untranslated region (UTR) have been associated with blood triiodothyronine (T3), while SNP −105⁺ has been associated with blood thyroxine (T4). The SNPs −42⁻ and −205⁺ have been observed to be the causative mutations involved in regulating HSP70 promoter activity [43]. Amino acid changes from aspartate to tyrosine and from aspartate to histidine due to G>T and G>C substitutions, respectively, at 149th of the amplicon (295 bp) in the HSP70 gene in Tharparkar cattle have been identified to produce two alleles (alleles A and B with nucleotides T and C, respectively), in which genotype AA was superior in heat tolerance [44]. Also, the identified SNP was novel and has been submitted to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with GenBank Accession Number JX966362 for allele A and JX966363 for allele B. Onasanya et al [45] in their earlier study identified twelve SNPs of the HSP70 gene in four zebu breeds of Nigeria; White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, Red Bororo, and Ambala. Of the twelve variants, four (C151T, C146T, G90A, and C219A) were unique as they were detected in all the analyzed breeds. The SNP C146T was synonymous, while C151T, G90A, and C219A were non-synonymous mutations, causing changes in the coded proteins from serine to leucine, from alanine to arginine, and from cysteine to threonine, respectively. Regarding the four SNPs, heterozygous animals had lower a heat tolerance coefficient (HTC), suggesting their potential to withstand heat stress than homozygous counterparts [45].

Prihandini et al [46] identified fourteen SNPs in the 5’-UTR of the HSP70 gene in several cattle breeds in Indonesia (Galekan, Bali, Jabres, Belgian Blue×Peranakan Ongole [PO] cross, Rambon, Madura, and PO). The SNPs included C1036T, G1045A, A1058G, C1069T, G1076A, A1096G, G1117A, A1125C, G1128T, T1134C, G1164T, T1204C, C1255T, and C1262T. Among these SNPs, SNP G1045A, T1134C, and T1204C have been associated with the serum concentration of T3 and IGF-I and body condition [47,48], while the SNP A1125C was associated with calving percentages in crossbred Brahman cows [48]. The SNP G1076A identified by Prihandini et al [46] in Indonesian cattle breeds was also observed in South African Nguni crossbred cattle [49]. Six SNPs in the HSP70 gene, including G1045A, G1117A, A1125C, G1128T, T1134C, and T1204C, have been identified in some cattle populations from different countries [46,50–52]. Of the six SNPs, SNP G1128T has been associated with cell viability and gene expression of the HSP70.1 gene in Holstein cattle, in which heterozygous animals showed higher cell viability (p<0.05) and gene expression (p<0.001) compared to homozygous GG [50]. The SNP G1128T was also associated with calving percentages in crossbred Brahman cows [48]. Badri et al [53] found SNP G462T in the coding region of the HSP70 gene in Chinese Holstein cattle with an amino acid substitution at position 154 from glutamine to histidine, which may influence heat tolerance.

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90)

HSP90 is a member of the HSPs family, which has an important biological role in protein translocation and regulation of steroid hormone receptors [36]. The HSP90 is a versatile chaperone protein that maintains cellular integrity and homeostasis during heat stress [39]. This protein is considered a highly conserved and essential stress protein expressed in all eukaryotic cells, comprising 1% to 2% of cellular proteins under non-stress conditions [54]. The HSP90 is the regulator for nearly 100 proteins termed client proteins, involved in signal transduction [54]. Among the HSPs, HSP90 and HSP70 are the two important components of the cellular machinery involved in protein homeostasis and participate in nearly every cellular process. In some chaperone activities the two proteins work together in cellular remodeling functions [55] and act as apoptosis modulators, by interfering with the formation of the apoptosome, thereby reducing cell death during heat shock [56].

When the mammalian cells are exposed to external stress, a way to respond to such stress is by releasing some conserved proteins, such as the HSPs family. Among the HSPs, the HSP90 expression has been associated with the freezing resistance of bull sperm. The higher expression of HSP90 leads to the higher motility and freezing resistance of sperm after freezing-thawing [57]. HSP90 expression in bull spermatozoa gradually declined following freezing-thawing process, thereby affecting sperm quality [58]. There are two major cytoplasmic isoforms of HSP90, including the inducible form (HSP90α or HSP90AA1) and the constitutive form (HSP90β or HSP90AB1), which are constituted by the duplication of genes [27,59]. HSP90AA1 and HSP90AB1 genes have been mapped to bovine chromosome 21 (with 733 amino acids) and 23 (with 724 amino acids), respectively. The HSP90 isoforms contribute to cellular functions, including signal transduction, protein folding, protein degradation, cell survival, and morphological evolution [60].

Certain polymorphisms in the HSP90 gene in various breeds of cattle throughout the world have been identified. Onasanya et al [18] identified four SNPs in the exon 3 of the HSP90 gene in four zebu breeds in Nigeria, i.e., Ambala, Red Bororo, Sokoto Gudali, and White Fulani. The identified SNPs were T116G, G220C, G346A, and G390A. Heterozygous animals showed significantly (p<0.0001) lower BT, RT, RR, and HTC than homozygous animals [18]. The HSP90AB1 gene polymorphisms have also been detected by Charoensook et al [61] in indigenous Thai breed White Lamphun and Mountainas, as well as a crossbred Holstein Friesian. In their studied populations, a total of nine SNPs were observed, one in the 3’-UTR (g.5435T>C), three in exons 10 (g.4374T>G) and 11 (g. 5007T>C and 5082C>T), and five in introns 8 (g. 4029G>C and 4061G>A), 9 (g.4338T>C), 10 (g.4730A>C), and 11 (g.5248C>T). The SNP g. 5082C>T in exon 11 results in an alanine-to-valine amino acid change. Furthermore, the T allele at SNP T4338C in intron 9 significantly improved heat tolerance (p<0.05) [61]. Interestingly, the SNP g.4338T>C has also been detected in Indian breeds of dairy cattle, Sahiwal and Frieswal, in which TT genotype had significantly (p< 0.01) higher HTC than CT and CC genotypes [62].

Genetic analysis of the HSP90AA1 gene in Karan Fries (5/8 Holstein Friesian × 3/8 Tharparkar) showed a point mutation, g.1209A>G in exon 3, which produced three genotypes, i.e., AA, AG, and GG. Association analysis for the SNP g.1209A>G showed that homozygous GG had significantly (p<0.01) lower RR, RT, and HTC than homozygous AA and heterozygous AG [27]. A total of five SNPs of the HSP90AA1 gene were detected in Chinese Holstein cows; one in the promoter (g.−87G>C), three in the coding (g.605A> G, 1662T>G, 2819G>A), and one in 3′-UTR (g.4172A>G) regions [63]. For the g.−87G>C locus, animals having CC genotype had significantly (p<0.01) higher HSP90AA1 mRNA expression than those having GG genotype in stress conditions [63]. Thus, the SNPs detected in the HSP90 gene could be potential molecular markers for thermotolerance in cattle breeding.

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)

Heat shock factors (HSFs) are the main transcription factors that maintain protein homeostasis (proteostasis) and counteract disturbances by regulating heat shock gene transcription [64]. The HSFs are activated in response to stress factors, such as rising temperature, while inactive in non-stressed cells [65]. The HSFs transiently activate the HSPs transcription by binding to their promoters [64]. The HSPs were first observed in Drosophila melanogaster in the early 1960s, as revealed by a “puffing” of genes in the chromosome of recovering cells [66]. The “puffing” has been shown to activate genes encoding the HSPs, which function as molecular chaperones [67]. The HSF family consists of four members in mammals, including HSF1, HSF2, HSF3, and HSF4. Among them, HSF1 is the primary regulator of the heat shock gene transcription in response to stress conditions [68]. The HSF1 gene was mapped to bovine chromosome 14, and appears to be involved in cardiac health, cell functions, stress responses, and DNA damage repair in mammals [19,69]. Animals with an abundance of the HSF1 gene expression have a great capacity to cope with heat stress compared to those with lower expression [70]. Consequently, the HSF1 expression can be used as indicator of thermotolerance in cattle.

Although the importance of the HSF1 gene as a regulator of the heat shock responses, a few studies have been conducted on identifying the HSF1 polymorphisms in cattle when compared to the HSPs family [19,71,72]. Sharma et al [73] characterized the 3’-UTR of the HSF1 gene in Indian cattle breeds, consisting of three SNPs (G1762T, C1811T, and C1983T), and binding sites for several miRNAs. They also noted the abundance expression of most of the miRNAs after heat stress in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the studied animals, which may affect the function of the HSF1 gene in response to heat stress. A total of twelve SNPs of the HSF1 gene were identified in Angus cattle raised in subtropical conditions [72]. Of the twelve, eight were in coding regions with no alteration in the amino acid sequence of the protein, and others were mapped to intron regions with uncharacterized function. Rong et al [19] identified SNP NC_037341.1 g.616087A>G (rs135258919) in the HSF1 gene in 35 Chinese cattle breeds, which produced three genotypes, AA, AG, and GG. The SNP was associated with annual temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and temperature-humidity index (THI) (p<0.01). The mutant allele (G) of the SNP was highly detected in animals raised in regions with more prominent heat stress, suggesting that animals carrying allele G (GG and AG genotypes) may be more tolerant to heat stress than those with allele A (AA genotype) [19]. The genetic polymorphisms of the HSF1 gene were also studied in Chinese Holstein cattle, in which two SNPs (T909C in intron 3 and G4693T in 3′UTR) significantly affected thermotolerance [71]. Based on these SNPs, nine haplotype combinations were constructed. Animals carrying H2H4 haplotype combination (TCTT) showed higher HTC (p<0.05) and lower potassium content in erythrocytes (p<0.01), decreased rate of milk production (p<0.05), and RT (p<0.05) than those carrying H1H3 haplotype combination (TCGG) [71]. Li et al [71] further noted that the 4693-T mutation caused the disruption of microRNA target binding, resulting in the relief of the transcriptional repression that led to the increased HSF gene expression [71]. Furthermore, the SNP G4693T was noted to affect the HSF1 gene expression by influencing the binding of HSFI to bta-miR-484 [74]. Li et al [74] further observed another SNP G1451T, in intron 3 of the HSF1 gene. Still, this SNP was noted to have no effect on thermotolerance.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 4 (EIF2AK4)

The alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor -2 (eIF2α) is a molecule involved in regulating protein synthesis initiation in eukaryotes [75]. The eIF2α is phosphorylated by protein kinases, activated in response to various stress conditions; oxidative stress, heme deficiency, osmotic shock, and heat shock [76]. Eukaryotes have four types of eIF2α kinases, including PKR, HRI, PERK, and EIF2AK4 [20]. Among these, the EIF2AK4 gene represses the translation of most mRNAs in response to stress-induced signals [77]. The EIF2AK4 gene is also known as the general control non-derepressible 2 (GCN2) gene. This gene is activated in response to viral infection and oxidative stress [78,79]. The activation of the EIF2AK4 gene also occurs by binding uncharged transfer RNAs (tRNAs) to the HisRS domain of the protein [80].

Heat exposure in mammals can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage resulting in apoptosis [81]. Edea et al [69] detected candidate genes associated with thermo-tolerance and DNA damage repair, including HSPA4, HSF1, CMPK1, and EIF2AK4. The EIF2AK4 gene plays a central role in regulating gene expression in response to the deprivation of amino acids and glucose [82]. Moreover, the EIF2AK4 gene was noted to activate and mediate cellular response to DNA damaging agents (e.g., UV), viral infections, and nutritional deprivation [83]. A recent study by Wang et al [20] characterized the EIF2AK4 gene in 35 Chinese cattle breeds and two exotic breeds (Angus [Bos taurus] and Burma [Bos indicus]). The investigated Chinese cattle breeds were classified into southern cattle, which genetically belonged to indicine cattle, and northern cattle groups, which were genetically classified as taurine cattle. They noted a novel SNP, NC_037337.1 g.35615224 T>G, located in exon 6 of the EIF2AK4 gene, responsible for a p.Ile205Ser substitution. The frequency of the wild-type allele T (NC_037337.1 g.35615224 T>G) gradually increased from the southern cattle groups to the northern cattle groups, while the mutant allele G showed an opposite pattern. The SNP was also associated with thermotolerance in Chinese cattle, as revealed by the GG genotype, which was generally found in regions with higher AT, RH, and THI [20]. However, the mechanisms by which the EIF2AK4 gene expression affects cattle thermotolerance must be further investigated. As noted by Jiang and Wek [84], the EIF2AK4 gene was also associated with resistance to apoptosis due to UV irradiation. Loss of EIF2AK4 gene significantly increases apoptosis during UV exposure. Furthermore, the EIF2AK4 gene plays a pivotal role in the integrated stress response (ISR) by regulating sensing starvation [85].

Heat shock factor binding protein 1 (HSBP1)

Heat shock factor binding protein 1 (HSBP1) is a novel and conserved protein containing 76 amino acids and two extended arrays of hydrophobic repeats [86]. The HSBP1 interacts with the oligomerization domain of the HSF1 to suppress HSF1's transcriptional activity in response to heat shock [86, 87]. Besides, the HSBP1 also interacts with HSP70 at a later point in the heat shock response relative to the appearance of HSBP1/HSF1 complexes, inhibiting HSF’s capacity to bind DNA and conversion of the trimer to monomer state [86]. At 1.8 A resolution, the HSBP1 contained crystal structure and amino acid residues 6–53, forming a continuous 11-turn long helix [88]. The HSBP1 gene acts as a negative regulator of heat shock responses, thereby affecting the survival of animals when subjected to thermal stress [86]. In mice, although the HSBP1 reduction in embryoid bodies (Ebs) leads to increased HSF1 activity, it causes defects in the organization of the germ layers and a reduction in the expression of definitive endodermal markers [87]. In cattle, genetic polymorphisms of the HSBP1 gene were noted on 930 Chinese Holstein cattle [21]. Consequently, three SNPs (e.g., g.324G> C, g.589C>T, and g.651C>G) formed seven haplotypes and fourteen haplotype combinations. Among the fourteen, the H2H2 haplotype combination had a lower decrease rate of milk yield than the H2H3 haplotype combination (p<0.05). Also, lower potassium content in erythrocytes (PCE) was noted in H2H2 haplotype combination as compared to H2H5 (p<0.05), H4H4 (p<0.05), and H4H5 (p<0.01) haplotype combinations. Moreover, it was noted that the SNP g.651C>G affected thermotolerance in the analyzed cattle; cows carrying GG genotype had lower PCE than CG genotype (p<0.01) [21].

Heat shock protein family B (small) member 8 (HSPB8)

Heat shock protein family B (small) member 8 (HSPB8), also known as HSP22, H11 kinase, or E2IG, is a member of the small HSP family, which is expressed in response to heat shock [89,90]. The HSPB8 is present in the plasma membrane and interacts with the lipid membrane to result in the burial of the tryptophan residues and observable conformational change, thereby interfering with cellular activities such as signal transduction and apoptosis [91]. HSPB8 tends to form small-molecular-mass oligomers and interacts with biological membranes and many different proteins, such as glycolytic enzymes and different protein kinases [92]. Moreover, this protein exists as a monomer in vitro and involves in chaperone-like activity as well [89]. The protein also acts as a positive regulator in the PGF2α-induced synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) in osteoblasts [93]. The HSPB8 gene has been mapped to bovine chromosome 17 (BTA17q24-25) [22]. In mammals, mutations in the gene encoding HSPB8 can lead to the development of various diseases such as myopathies and neuropathies [90]. The HSPB8 expression has also been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction that leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced early brain injury (EBI) [94]. Verma et al [22] analyzed 108 Sahiwal indigenous cattle in India to reveal SNPs within the HSPB8 gene and their association with thermotolerance. Two SNPs (e.g., g.507G>A in exon 1 and g.881T>C in intron 1) were noted, but only SNP g.507G>A significantly affected heat tolerance in the studied cattle. For g.507G>A locus, animals with GA genotype had significantly lower (p<0.01) RR, RT, and HTC than those with GG genotype. Therefore, the GA genotype of SNP g.507G>A of the HSPB8 gene may be advantageous in selecting heat-tolerant animals [22].

Heat shock protein family B (small) member 7 (HSPB7)

The HSPB family is one of the most diverse families within the group of HSP families [95]. The HSPB7 is a member of the HSPB, which is preferentially expressed in cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue [96]. In obese rats, the HSPB7 mRNA expression increases in skeletal muscle and brown and white adipose tissues [97]. The HSPB7 gene appears in oligomeric and dimeric forms (approximately 17 kDa and 40 kDa, respectively) composed of 18.6-kDa monomers [98]. Unlike HSPB1 and HSPB5, that chaperoned heat unfolded substrates and kept them folding competent, HSPB7 did not support refolding [95]. In cattle, the overexpression of HSPB7 improved the H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in adipocytes via increasing the abundance of NFE2 like bZIP transciption factor 2 (NFE212) and its downstream target genes heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) and NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Knockdown of HSPB7 markedly inhibited the expression of NFE2L2, HMOX1, and NQO1 and further exacerbated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress [99]. In humans, HSPB7 knockdown promoted osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) via activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway [100]. Zeng et al [23] explored 774 individuals representing 32 Chinese indigenous cattle breeds to detect the polymorphism in the HSPB7 gene. Consequently, one SNP NC_037329.1: g.136054902 C>G was found, of which the allele C was dominant in northern cattle groups. In contrast, allele G was dominant in southern indicine cattle groups. The SNP was associated with AT, RH, and THI (p<0.01). Animals carrying the allele G had higher T, RH, and THI. Thus, SNP NC_037329.1: g.136054902 C>G might benefit heat-tolerant cattle breeding [23].

Myosin-1a (MYO1A)

Myosin-1a (MYO1A) gene is a candidate gene associated with skin pigmentation in cattle [69]. As reported previously, skin pigmentation is highly related to the BT regulation [101,102]. In the enterocyte microvillus, the MYO1A was considered the most abundant actin-based motor protein interacting with the apical membrane via a highly basic C-terminal tail domain [103]. The MYO1A belongs to one of eight monomeric, membrane-binding, and actin-based motor protein class I myosins, which are highly expressed in vertebrates [104]. It is also a mechanoenzyme previously thought to be located exclusively in the intestinal epithelium [105]. Furthermore, MYO1A plays an important role in the apical membrane movement and structural stability [106] by powering the sliding of the apical membrane along with microvillar actin bundles [107] and regulating membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion, which enables the apical membrane to resist deformation [108].

In cattle, an association of the MYO1A gene polymorphisms with thermotolerance was first described by Jia et al [24] on 1,072 animals from 34 Chinese indigenous cattle breeds, and Angus and Indian zebu. Their study found four SNPs within the MYO1A gene, including rs208210464, rs110123931, rs209999142, and rs135771836. A missense mutation of rs209999142 resulted in an amino acid change from phenylalanine to serine. All the identified SNPs were significantly associated with environmental parameters, including T, RH, THI, and SR. Besides, Hap 1/1 constructed based on the four SNPs was advantageous in selecting heat-tolerant animals [24]. Cao et al [109] reported a novel SNP (rs209559414 or NC_037332.1 g.56390345 A>G) within the MYO1A gene in Chinese indigenous cattle. This SNP was capable of resulting in an amino acid substitution from isoleucine into valine. The frequency of wild allele A decreased gradually from northern cattle (a temperate monsoon climate) to southern cattle (a subtropical monsoon climate), while that of mutant type allele G showed the opposite pattern. A significant association between genotypes for the SNP rs209559414 and climatic conditions (AT, RH, THI, and average annual sunshine hours [100-cloudiness]) was noted [109].

ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 1 (ATP1A1)

ATP1A1 gene is a well-known gene involved in regulating BT during heat stress in cattle [25,110–112]. The ATP1A1 gene has been mapped to bovine chromosome 3, consisting of 22 introns and 23 exons [113]. This gene encoded the alpha-1 chain of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, an integral membrane protein of a heterodimeric enzyme, which mediates cutaneous vasodilation during heat stress by interacting with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) [114,115]. This protein also has an important role in membrane permeability by coupling the transport of three Na⁺ ions outward and two K⁺ ions inward [116]. The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase consists of four isoforms of an α subunit (α1–α4), three isoforms of a β subunit (β1–β3), and FXYD proteins [117]. The four α ATPases include ATP1A1, ATP1A2, ATP1A3, and ATP1A4, encoding for α1, α2, α3, and α4 protein subunits, respectively [118]. Among the α ATPases, the ATP1A1 was highly expressed in erythrocytes and peripheral nerves [115]. It has been reported that the ATP1A1 mRNA expression of dairy cows under heat stress was higher than those under optimal temperature [110].

Numerous research has been undertaken on various breeds of cattle to determine the association between ATP1A1 gene polymorphisms and thermotolerance. Liu et al [25] observed two SNPs, −14103G>A in exon 14 and −14242C>T in intron 14 of the ATP1A1 gene in Holstein cows, which were significantly associated with HTC and RR (p<0.01). Animals with AC genotype were the most tolerant coping with heat stress. A year later, Liu et al [110] discovered a novel synonymous mutation (C2789A) in exon 17 of the ATP1A1 mRNA in Holstein dairy cows, significantly associated with heat resistance. Due to this SNP, cows carrying the CC genotype showed significantly higher heat tolerance than those carrying the CA genotype (p<0.05) [110]. This SNP was also identified in Vrindavani and Tharparkar cattle of India using polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing and associated with heat resistance. Association analysis for this SNP showed that animals with genotype CC showed higher HTC and lower RT than CA and AA genotypes in both breeds [112]. Furthermore, the TT genotype at T27008243C locus in Sahiwal and the AA genotype at 27008223 locus in Karan Fries cows were the most favorable genotypes for heat tolerance [111]. In Cholistani cattle, genetic variant (BB) of the ATP1A1 gene was found to have significant (p<0.05) effect on vaginal temperature [119]. The polymorphism of the ATP1A1 gene has also been associated with productive traits like feed intake in European beef cattle breeds [120].