Associations Between Newly Discovered Polymorphisms of theCEBPDGENE LOCUS and Body Parameters in Sheep

Abstract

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.

Identification of Selection Signatures and Genetic Diversity in the Sheep

“…As a result of the obtained associations, an important finding is that the CEBPD gene region located in the 31.5-32.5 Mb region on chromosome 9, which is known to be under selection, can serve as a significant marker gene in selection applications conducted in breeding studies focusing on fertility and lamb development characteristics in the Esme breed over the course of several years. As a matter of fact, Trukhachev et al (2016) found that polymorphisms in the CEBPD gene region were associated with body parameters in sheep. These polymorphisms were also suggested as markers for breeding programs aimed at improving meat production.…”

Growth Hormone (GH) Gene Polymorphism and Its Association with Meat Productivity in Two Rough Wool Sheep Breeds Grown in Russia's Dry Zone

“…In recent years, a number of reports have appeared that noted the relationship between the different gene polymorphisms and the meat production of sheep bred in Russia (Gorlov et al 2016;Trukhachev et al 2016Trukhachev et al , 2017Gorlov et al 2018b). The purpose of these studies was to enhance the level and quality of meat production, as well as reduce the cost of feed per unit of production in Russian sheep breeding.…”

A Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Chinese Indigenous Ningxiang Pigs: Genomic Breed Compositions, Runs of Homozygosity, and Beyond

“…Additionally, we identified some genes that simultaneously influence multiple traits. For example, the CEBPD gene has been reported to affect both body parameters [48] and adipogenesis [49]. Watanabe et al [50] highlighted that pleiotropic genes are active in multiple tissues and participate in numerous biological functions within the organism.…”