title: The association of genetic variations in the promoter region of myostatin gene with growth traits in Duroc pigs.
abstract: Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) are important factors for assessing productivity in farm animals. Myostatin (MSTN), previously called GDF8, is a member of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. It is a negative regulator for both embryonic development and adult homeostasis of skeletal muscle. In this study, the genotypes of MSTN g.435G > A and g.447A > G SNPs in Duroc pigs were determined. The 435GG/447AA individually had significantly higher ADG (P < 0.01), body weight at 70 d (P < 0.05) and 150 d (P < 0.01), and a lower age at 110 kg (P < 0.01) than 435AA/447GG individuals. Dose dependent genetic additive effects were found for the negative effects of the 435A/447 G allele for ADG and body weight on 70 d and 150 d. The 435A/447 G allele also increased the age at 110 kg about 1.47 and 4.53% for 1 and 2 copies, respectively. The MSTN 435 G/447A allele increased the age at 110 kg about 1.41 and 4.47% for 1 and 2 copies, respectively. Overall, the two mutated MSTN 435A/447G allele had negative effects on ADG (P < 0.01), body weight at 70 d (P < 0.05), and 150 d (P < 0.001) and increased the age at 110 kg (P < 0.001). The present study provided evidence that MSTN g.435G > A and g.447A > G affected growth in Duroc pigs. The effects of the mutated alleles were additive with the maximal effects resulting from two copies of the wild-type allele. Selection for the 435 G/447A allele is expected to increase ADG, body weight and decrease the age at 110 kg in Duroc pigs and might be used in porcine breeding programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Po-An
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Tu
authors.forename: Jen-Wen
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Shiau
authors.forename: Shih-Torng
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: En-Chung
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Ming-Che
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Pei-Hwa
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004435:Eating / Q000235:genetics; D055435:Myostatin / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D034421:Sus scrofa / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D055435:Myostatin