Polymorphisms of coding region of BMPR-IB gene and their relationship with litter size in sheep

Abstract

The bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB (BMPR-IB) was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of sheep. Nine pairs of primers (P1-P9) were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of exons 1-4 and 6-10 of the BMPR-IB gene in both high (Small Tail Han and Hu sheep) and low prolificacy breeds (Texel and Chinese Merino sheep) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Only the products amplified by primers P2, P5, P6, P7, P8 and P9 displayed polymorphisms. The present study identified 22 SNPs in partial coding regions of ovine BMPR-IB, in which 20 SNPs were reported for the first time. In total of the 22 mutations, 18 DNA variations were originated from the Hu breed, three were found in the Small Tail Han breed (two of them were found in other sheep breeds), three in the Chinese Merino breed, and none in the Texel breed. These results preliminarily demonstrated that BMPR-IB is a major gene affecting the hyperprolificacy in Small Tail Han and Hu sheep, and could be used as a molecular genetic marker for early auxiliary selection for hyperprolificacy in sheep.

Experimental selection for body size at age modifies early-life history traits and muscle gene expression in adult zebrafish

“…It is possible, however, that ovulation and fecundity are regulated not solely at the ligands but also at the receptor level. For example, polymorphisms in bmpr1b correlated well with distinct breeds of sheep in which different prolificacy rates were observed (Chu et al, 2011). However, bmp receptors also recognize and bind a number of ligands from the TGF- family (Koenig et al, 1994;Penton et al, 1994).…”

Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of mRNAs and microRNAs in Dorset and Small Tail Han sheep to explore the regulation of fecundity

“…Dorset is the most common white-faced breed in the United States, and the Small Tail Han sheep are excellent local breeds in China because of their hyperprolificacy and year-round estrus (Chu et al, 2011). A variety of mutations in genes of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily have been identified and found to affect sheep ovulation rate and litter size, including BMPR1B, BMP15, and GDF9.…”

Molecular characterization, expression, polymorphism of NR5A2 and its relationship with litter size in Hu sheep

“…At present, IGF1 (He et al, 2012), FSHR (Chu et al, 2012a), KISS-1/GPR54 (Chu et al, 2012b), PPNR (Guan et al, 2011), INHBB (Chu et al, 2011a) and BMPR-IB (Chu et al, 2011b) have been identified as candidate genes affecting Hu sheep fecundity. However, until now, no gene with a major effect on reproduction has been identified.…”