title: Effects of SNPs and alternative splicing within HGF gene on its expression patterns in Qinchuan cattle.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Identification of genetic variants, including SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), CNVs (Copy Number Variations) and alternative splicing, within functional genes has received increasing attention in animal science research. HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor) is a very important growth factor that works as a mitogen or a morphogen during tissue growth, development and regeneration. However, to date, the functions of genetic variants within the bovine HGF gene, particularly their effects on mRNA expression, have not been determined well.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The present study aimed to perform association analysis between genetic variants and mRNA expression for the bovine HGF gene in Qinchuan cattle using various strategies, including PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism), qPCR (Quantitative Real-time quantitative PCR), TA cloning, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. A total of five SNPs were identified and only SV1 locus significantly affected HGF mRNA expression in fetal skeletal muscle (P < 0.05). Heterozygous genotype individuals showed significantly higher HGF expression (P < 0.05), which was significantly greater in the "CTCCAGGGTT" combined genotype than that in the "CCCCGGGGTT" combined genotype (P < 0.05). In addition, two alternative splicing variations, HGF-W and HGF-M, were identified, which resulted from alternative 3' splice sites of exon 5, and HGF-W showed higher mRNA levels than HGF-M in all tissues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In summary, genetic variations within the HGF gene affected mRNA expression. These findings provide new insight into the molecular characteristics and functions of bovine HGF.
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hanfang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Wenchao
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Bowen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Xianyong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Lan
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Chuzhao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lei
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116 China.
authors.forename: Xintang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chen
keywords: Alternative splicing; Expression; HGF; Qinchuan cattle; SNPs