One of the new promising candidate genes defining productive qualities of
sheep is MEF2B. Protein from the MEF2 group encoded by it affects the
production of myostatin and the expression of the genes responsible for the
growth of skeletal muscle fibers. Thus, the knowledge of the MEF2B gene
structure is important for genomic selection. We have studied the structure
of the MEF2B gene at sheep of Severokavkazskaya breed bred in Russia. To
detect alleles we use NimbleGen sequencing technology by Roche (USA). As a
result, it was revealed 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) at the
given breed. The discovered SNPare located in not coding areas. From them 7
polymorphisms are in the area of 5? upstream gene in loci: c.-1713, c.-1319,
c.-839, c.-321, c.-246, c.-161, c.-3; 6 polymorphisms are in introns, loci:
c.55-51, c.258+312, c.258+380, c.259-52, c.452+95, c.452+103, 1 SNP is in 3?
downstream gene, c.
An understanding of what effects particular genes can have on body parameters in productive animals is particularly significant for the process of marker-assisted selection. The gene of transcriptional factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (CEBPD gene) is involved in the process of growth in animals and is known to be a promising candidate for use as a genomic marker. The structure of the CEBPD gene locus was determined using NimbleGen sequencing technology (Roche, USA). The effect of polymorphisms, which were identified using the aforementioned technology, was investigated in 30 rams of the Manych Merino sheep breed. Twenty-two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were detected in the CEBPD gene locus. Significantly, two SNPs, namely, g.315T>G and g.327C>T, have been identified for the first time. It was demonstrated that the complex of linked SNPs, consisting of g.301A>T, g.426T>C, and g.1226T>C, had a negligible effect on body parameters in Manych Merino sheep. Animals with the heterozygous type of SNP g.1142C>T exhibited changes solely in the chest and croup width. The newly discovered SNP g.327C>T was proven to have a negative effect on live weight and body size (p < 0.05) in Manych Merino sheep. Sheep with the heterozygous type of g.562G>A and g.3112C>G SNP complex showed an increase in live weight and dimensions (p < 0.05) compared with those of wild homozygous type. Consequently, SNPs g.327C>T, g.562G>A, and g.3112C>G in the CEBPD gene locus can be successfully used as markers in sheep breeding. Future research will evaluate the influence of the aforementioned SNPs on slaughter indicators for sheep meat production.
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