Analysis of multiple polymorphisms in the bovine neuropeptide Y5 receptor gene and structural modelling of the encoded protein

Abstract

The neuropeptide Y 5 receptor (NPY5R) plays an important role in the regulation of appetite and feeding behaviour in mammals by modulating the effect of the neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y. As single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation in the bovine NPY5R gene is likely to influence the expression and/or function of this gene, the objectives of this study were to identify SNPs in the bovine NPY5R gene and to predict their functional role in the expression and physico-chemical characteristics of the protein product. Nineteen novel SNPs were identified in a 2.1 kb genomic region of the NPY5R gene in a total of 419 beef cattle from 13 Bos taurus breeds and eight Bos indicus animals. Four of these SNPs were non-synonymous (Met → Ile, Leu → Phe, Pro → Leu, Arg → Stop codon), while 10 were synonymous. Of particular interest was one non-synonymous SNP (c.1090C>T) that introduced a stop codon in the third intracellular loop of the NPY5R molecule. This stop codon is predicted to create a truncated NPY5R molecule with different physico-chemical properties compared to the native NPY5R protein. A further four SNPs were located in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and one in the 3'UTR. Two of the 5'UTR SNPs affected putative transcription factor binding sites (GATA binding factor and snRNA-activating protein complex). In conclusion, regulatory and functional SNPs were identified in the bovine NPY5R gene. These include SNPs which potentially modify transcription factor binding sites as well as SNPs that cause amino acid changes and premature termination of the NPY5R protein. Such polymorphisms are likely to play vital physiological roles in the neuropeptide Y mediated appetite, feed intake and energy homeostasis in cattle.

Multi-breed genome-wide association studies across countries for electronically recorded behavior traits in local dual-purpose cows

“…Consequently, only a limited number of potential candidate genes significantly associated with cattle behavior traits were identified [7]. Alam et al [8] detected polymorphisms of the bovine neuropeptide Y5 receptor gene ( NPY5R ), which regulates appetite and feeding behavior in beef cattle. Similar mechanisms for polymorphisms of the melanocortin 4 receptor gene ( MC4R ), i.e., influences on feed intake capacity and feeding behavior, were reported in Korean Hanwoo cattle [9].…”

Characterization and Computational Investigation of Polymorphisms in the TIR Domain of the TLR4 Protein in Holsteins Raised in Turkey

“…The Hope server determined that the mutant residue (Ile674) was both bigger and more hydrophobic than the wild residue (Thr674). The hydrophilic properties of amino acids in protein sequences regulate protein conformation and folding 48 . The more hydrophobic mutant residue may cause a loss of hydrogen bonds and disruption of correct folding 49,50 .…”

GWAS and eQTL analysis identifies a SNP associated with both residual feed intake and GFRA2 expression in beef cattle

“…Each of these genes, OPRM1 , OR5M10 and NKAIN2 have a neurological function. There is evidence from bovine studies 71 , 72 that there is significant neurological control of food consumption. The association of these neurological genes with ADG in this cohort of beef cattle may further indicate that feeding behaviour in cattle may also be subject to some degree of neurological control 73 .…”