Functional and association studies of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene in a Wannan Black pig model

Abstract

Some polymorphisms of the human CETP gene are causally and significantly associated with serum lipids levels; however, the information regarding this gene in pigs is sparse. To evaluate the effects of CETP on blood lipid traits and fat deposition in pig, porcine CETP tissue expression patterns were observed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) first. High expression was detected in liver, spleen, gluteus medius (GM) muscle and backfat. A de novo polymorphism (AF333037:g.795C>T) in the intron 1 region of porcine CETP was identified. This polymorphism was further genotyped by direct sequencing of the PCR products of 390 Wannan Black pigs, a Chinese native breed population. Association analyses at 45 and 300 days of age revealed highly significant associations between CETP genotypes and serum lipid traits. Furthermore, this polymorphism was proved to be associated with differences in liver CETP mRNA levels: pigs at 300 days of age with the TT genotype had higher levels than did those with other genotypes (P = 0.021). Additionally, analysis at 300 days of age showed that GM CETP mRNA expression correlated positively with serum lipids levels as well as with carcass backfat thickness and intramuscular fat content in GM. These results indicate that CETP is involved in serum, adipose and muscle lipid metabolism in pigs. The mechanisms underlying such relationships and their functional implications are worthy of further research.

Animal Models of Neointimal Hyperplasia and Restenosis

“…Important differences are the absence of lipoprotein(a) and the varying CETP activity in the pig ( 109 , 110 ). Hence, high cholesterol levels and the addition of cholic acid to the diet are necessary to induce accelerated atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.…”

Population Structure and Selection Signatures Underlying Domestication Inferred from Genome-Wide Copy Number Variations in Chinese Indigenous Pigs

“…As a small indigenous population, WBP are at risk of extinction. In our previous studies, reproduction-, lipid-, meat-, and immune-related genes were identified in WBP, which could explain a part of the characteristics of WBP [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. However, the above studies are all focused on the effect of SNP in revealing the genetic mechanism of characteristics in WBP.…”

Genome-wide scan for runs of homozygosity identifies candidate genes in Wannan Black pigs

“…Wannan Black pig were historically bred in dark and damp environment and two important factors were chosen for their breeding: reproductive performance and adaptive capacity [ 19 ]. As a native Chinese breed endemic to the local agriculture which exhibits disease resistance, high prolificacy, and high fat deposition [ 20 ], Wannan Black pig makes an important contribution to the local commercial pork production. In our previous work, we identified several candidate genes that have mutations in Wannan Black pigs that are significantly associated with production traits [ 21 – 23 ].…”