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Mutations of MC4R gene and its association with economic traits in Qinchuan cattle

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Abstract

MC4R belongs to a seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor which may regulate body composition and insulin action. Many mutations in the MC4R gene are associated with obesity, energy expenditure and serum triglyceride levels in human and animals. Six mutations in the MC4R gene were identified in our study (-293C>G, -193A>T, -192T>G, -129A>G, -84T>C and 1,069C>G). The -129A>G was significantly associated with live weight (LW) (P < 0.05), Cattle with the genotypes AG and GG had higher LW than genotype AA. The 1,069C>G was significantly associated with LW, carcass weight (CW), backfat thickness and marbling score (MS). Cattle with the genotype GG had higher LW, CW and MS than genotype CC; Cattle with the genotypes GG and CG had higher MS than CC. The results suggested that -129A>G and 1,069C>G SNP of the MC4R gene may be useful as a genetic marker for carcass and meat quality traits in Qinchuan cattle.

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Acknowledgments

This work was found by the National “863” Program of China (No. 2006AA10Z1A1), the Natural Sustaining Program for Agriculture, Forestry, Animal and Plant breeding (No.2006BAD01A10-3), the “13115” Scientific and Technological Innovation Program of Shaanxi Province (No. 2007ZDCY-01) and Talent Foundation for Northwest A&F University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China

    Hongyu Liu, Wanqiang Tian, Linsen Zan, Hongbao Wang & Huan Cui

  2. National Beef Cattle Improvement Centre, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China

    Linsen Zan & Hongbao Wang

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  1. Hongyu Liu
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  2. Wanqiang Tian
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  3. Linsen Zan
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  4. Hongbao Wang
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  5. Huan Cui
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Correspondence to Linsen Zan.

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Liu, H., Tian, W., Zan, L. et al. Mutations of MC4R gene and its association with economic traits in Qinchuan cattle. Mol Biol Rep 37, 535–540 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-009-9706-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-009-9706-0

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