Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CCNA2 gene and its association with wool density in Rex rabbits

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The Rex rabbit is a typical fur breed. Wool density, hair length, wool fineness, and hide area are the main indices of fur quality. We previously found that the CCNA2 gene plays an important role in hair follicle initiation and development, and it is involved in the distinctive wool density of the Rex rabbit. It is an important candidate gene for wool density selection through markerassisted selection. We conducted an association study to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CCNA2 gene and their ligands associated with wool density. Using PCR-RFLP technology, we discovered two SNPs (129G>A and 1140G>C) of the CCNA2 gene. Allele frequencies of these two SNPs were investigated and evaluated by the χ 2 test in 100 Rex rabbits. The two SNPs were both in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We also looked for a potential association of these SNPs with fur traits in 100 Rex rabbits. Rex rabbits with the GG genotype had significantly higher wool density (P < 0.01) than those with other genotypes; the other three fur traits did not differ significantly among the genotypes. In conclusion, the two SNPs of the CCNA2 gene affect wool density in the Rex rabbit.

Analysis of Histology and Long Noncoding RNAs Involved in the Rabbit Hair Follicle Density using RNA Sequencing

“…Wool density is one of the most important indices to evaluate the quality of the fur of the Wan strain Angora rabbit [6]. Hair follicle density determines wool density [1].…”

Rabbits – their domestication and molecular genetics of hair coat development and quality

“…Any abnormalities in the expression of these genes may strongly affect hair follicle initiation and development (Cheng et al . 2011a, 2011b).…”

“…Another important gene in hair follicle initiation and development is CCNA2 , which is also responsible for wool density (Chen et al . 2011a). The function of secreted frizzled‐related protein 2 (SFRP2) in hair development is to inhibit keratinocyte proliferation (Fig.…”

“…Abnormalities in the expression of CCNA2 , BMP2 , IGF‐1 , TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 genes are said to take part in the regulation of hair follicle initiation and development, which leads to the wool of Rex rabbits having varying densities in different parts of the animal’s body (Chen et al . 2011a, 2011b, 2017).…”

“…An association study of SNPs within the CCNA2 gene and their ligands associated with wool density has identified two SNPs (129G>A and 1140G>C) of the CCNA2 gene (Chen et al . 2011a). These two SNPs of the CCNA2 gene affect wool density in the Rex rabbit.…”