Effects of single and combined genotypes of MC4R and POU1F1 genes on two production traits in Langshan chicken

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of single and combined genotypes of MC4R and POU1F1 genes in Chinese well-known indigenous chicken (Langshan chicken) population. Genetic variants within MC4R gene and POU1F1 gene were screened through PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods. A C/T mutation at nt 944 in MC4R gene (NC_006089.2:g. 944C>T) and a G/A mutation at nt 3109 in POU1F1 gene (NC_006088.2:g. 3109 G>A) were identified. Associations between the mutations of the two genes with two production traits were analyzed. The results showed that, at MC4R locus, individuals with BB and AB genotypes had highly significantly higher body weight at 16 weeks (p < 0.01) than did those with the AA genotype. And, individuals within AA and AB genotypes had significantly higher egg numbers at 300 days (p < 0.05). At POU1F1 locus, individuals with CD genotype had higher body weight at 16 weeks and egg numbers at 300 days (p < 0.05). Furthermore, combined genotypes from these two loci were found to be associated with egg numbers at 300 days (p < 0.05). The individuals within combined genotype AB/CD had higher egg production. Therefore, variations identified within the MC4R and POU1F1genes are suitable for future use in identifying chickens with the genetic potential of higher body weight and reproductive traits, at least in the population of Langshan chickens.

Association of Melanocortin 4 Receptor gene polymorphism with growth traits in Bligon goat

“…This role has been shown to be evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates (Andersone et al, 2016). Allele and genotype distribution of MC4R gene have been described by many researchers in monogastric and polygastric animal such as in chicken (Yan et al, 2013), pig (Piorkoswka et al, 2010Davoli et al, 2012;Zhang et al, 2017), sheep (Song et al, 2014;Wang et al, 2015), cattle (Huang et al, 2010;Liu et al, 2010;Maharani et al, 2018) and buffalo (Deng et al, 2016).…”

Synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the MC4R gene that are significantly associated with milk production traits in water buffaloes

“…The 1426G>A mutation in the MC4R gene has been associated with feed intake, growth, fatness, and carcass composition in porcine individuals (Van den Maagdenberg et al 2007;Piórkowska et al, 2010). Similarly, many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified that are associated with body weight, carcass weight, and back fat thickness in cattle (Liu et al, 2010), sheep (Song et al, 2012), and chicken (Yan et al, 2013).…”

Three novel MC4R SNPs associated with growth traits in Hu sheep and East Friesian×Hu crossbred sheep

“…In Hu sheep, four MC4R SNPs in the 3 -UTR of MC4R were also identified (Song et al, 2012). Numerous studies also have revealed that SNPs of MC4R gene were associated with physical and qualitative traits in chicken (Huo Mingdong and Hui, 2006;Yan et al, 2013) and rabbits (Jiang et al, 2008). The role of MC4R in feed intake and obesity in many livestock species suggests that it may be an important genetic marker for the growthrelated traits in the sheep.…”