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Understanding molecular mechanisms of vertebral number of variations on Mongolian sheep using candidate genes analysis |
Chimgee Purev1,* 
, Huiguang Wu2,3,4
, Khosbayar Lkhagva5
, Odbayar Tumendemberel6,7
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1Technology Incubator, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 13330, Mongolia
2College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225100, China
3Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225100, China
4Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225100, China
5Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Mongolian National Center of Livestock Genebank, Khongor soum, Darkhan-Uul 45000, Mongolia
6Fish Genetics Laboratory, Pacific States of Marine Fisheries Commission and Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Eagle, ID 83616, USA
7Conservation Genetics Laboratory, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA |
Correspondence:
Chimgee Purev, Tel: +976-99159594, Fax: +976-11-261001, Email: pchimgee@mas.ac.mn
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Received: 5 April 2024 • Revised: 1 May 2024 • Accepted: 4 July 2024 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the genetic link between variations in vertebral number and meat production traits, such as body weight and body measurements (body length, body height, heart girth, and shin width) in Mongolian (Bayantsagaan) sheep. Additionally, we examined the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes, particularly vertnin (VRTN), nuclear receptor subfamily 6, group A, member 1 (NR6A1), and synapse differentiation-inducing 1-like (SYNDIG1L), with vertebral number variations and their potential impact on meat production traits.
Methods
The study involved 220 Bayantsagaan sheep from Bayantsagaan soum, Tov province, Mongolia, including 104 sheep with extra vertebrae group and 116 individuals with typical vertebral number as the control group. Morphological data, including body weight and body measurements, were collected, and genetic samples were obtained. The impact of vertebral number on morphological traits was estimated using a general linear model. The SNPs in the VRTN, NR6A1, and SYNDIG1L genes were sequenced, and their association with vertebral number was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.
Results
Bayantsagaan sheep with extra vertebrae were, on average, 4.45 kg heavier and exhibited higher variability in body size traits compared to the control group. Four polymorphic sites were identified at the VRTN gene, with one polymorphic locus (VRTN1716) showing a significant association with vertebrae number and body size. Sheep with C/C genotype at VRTN1716 locus, had more vertebrae and larger body size compared to other genotypes.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that variations in vertebral number and VRTN gene polymorphisms are linked to favorable meat production traits in Bayantsagaan sheep. The identified SNP (VRTN1716) associated with vertebral number and body size offers the potential for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. These results provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of meat production traits in Bayantsagaan sheep and may contribute to the development of more efficient breeding strategies. |
| Keywords:
Extra Vertebrae; Genetic Association; Mongolian Sheep; VRTN Gene |
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