Expression analysis, single nucleotide polymorphisms within SIRT4 and SIRT7 genes and their association with body size and meat quality traits in Qinchuan cattle

Abstract

Silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) proteins, or sirtuins, are nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylases that connect metabolism with longevity in lower organisms. In mammals, there are seven Sir2 homologs, namely, silent information regulators (SIRT1-7). SIRT4 and SIRT7 genes play a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism, cellular growth and metabolism. This suggests that they are potential candidate genes for affecting body size and meat quality traits in animals. Hence, this study aimed to detect genetic variations of both SIRT4 and SIRT7 bovine genes in Qinchuan cattle, and to evaluate the effect of these variations on economically important body size and meat quality traits. Expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) indicated that SIRT4 and SIRT7 were broadly expressed in all thirteen studied tissues. The expression of SIRT4 was higher in liver, muscle, and in subcutaneous fat tissue. In the case of SIRT7, the expression was higher in lung, abomasum, and subcutaneous fat. Using DNA sequencing, a total of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within SIRT4 and SIRT7 genes in 468 Qinchuan cattle. These included one novel SNP within 3´ untranslated regions (UTR) of SIRT4 (SNP1: g.13915A>G) and two novel synonymous substitutions in SIRT7 (SNP2: g.3587C>T and SNP3: g.3793T>C). Statistical analyses indicated that all three SNPs could significantly influence some body size and meat quality traits in Qinchuan cattle. These novel findings will provide a background for application of bovine SIRT4 and SIRT7 genes in the selection program of Chinese cattle.

Genetic variations in the sheep <i>SIRT7</i> gene and their correlation with body size traits

“…In mammals, polymorphisms of the SIRT7 gene are involved in human longevity (Donlon et al, 2018), highaltitude adaptation (Y. , and Parkinson's disease (Jesús et al, 2013). Because of the key role of SIRT7 in regulating lipid metabolism (Yoshizawa et al, 2014;Tang et al, 2015), glucose metabolism (Jiang et al, 2017;Ye et al, 2017), and cell growth or differentiation, the relationship between the polymorphisms tested and sheep growth traits were also analyzed.…”

Advances of Molecular Markers and Their Application for Body Variables and Carcass Traits in Qinchuan Cattle

“…That showed that the SIRT7 gene behaved as a key enzyme for lipid metabolism, which could be related to deposition of lipids in mammals. Previously, in Qinchuan cattle, two SNPs were identified in the SIRT7 gene (exon 6 and exon 7): SNP2 (g.3587C > T) and SNP3 (g.3793T > C), which are linked with body traits and meat quality [15]. Furthermore, SNP2 (g.3587C > T) was determined in the SIRT7 gene, and it was concluded that it can be linked with body size traits including a higher hip width and greater ultrasound loin muscle area in Qinchuan cattle [11,15].…”

“…Previously, in Qinchuan cattle, two SNPs were identified in the SIRT7 gene (exon 6 and exon 7): SNP2 (g.3587C > T) and SNP3 (g.3793T > C), which are linked with body traits and meat quality [15]. Furthermore, SNP2 (g.3587C > T) was determined in the SIRT7 gene, and it was concluded that it can be linked with body size traits including a higher hip width and greater ultrasound loin muscle area in Qinchuan cattle [11,15]. Additionally, the same Chinese researchers found that the local cattle with an SNP3-C 3C3 genotype (g.3793T > C) had a significantly higher hip width, body length, ultrasound loin muscle area, chest circumference, and back fat thickness compared with those with the SNP3-T 3T3 genotype ( p < 0.05).…”

“…It is proposed that SIRT6 controls the development of the animal body and modulates lipid and glucose metabolism on a local and systemic level [14]. The SIRT7 gene affects the traits related to growth and meat quality in Qinchuan cattle [15]. The ABHD5 gene is a catalyst of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), which has an important function in triglyceride metabolism.…”