1
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Reißmann M, Rajavel A, Kokov ZA, Schmitt AO. Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes after Endurance Runs in Karbadian Horses to Determine Candidates for Stress Indicators and Performance Capability. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1982. [PMID: 38002925 PMCID: PMC10671444 DOI: 10.3390/genes14111982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA sequencing makes it possible to uncover genetic mechanisms that underlie certain performance traits. In order to gain a deeper insight into the genetic background and biological processes involved in endurance performance in horses, the changes in the gene expression profiles induced by endurance runs over long (70 km) and short (15 km) distances in the blood of Kabardian horses (Equus caballus) were analyzed. For the long-distance runs, we identified 1484 up- and 691 downregulated genes, while after short-distance runs, only 13 up- and 8 downregulated genes (FC > |1.5|; p < 0.05) were found. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in processes and pathways that are primarily related to stress response (interleukin production, activation of inflammatory system) but also to metabolism (carbohydrate catabolic process, lipid biosynthesis, NADP metabolic process). The most important genes involved in these processes therefore represent good candidates for the monitoring and evaluation of the performance of horses in order to avoid excessive demands when endurance performance is required, like ACOD1, CCL5, CD40LG, FOS, IL1R2, IL20RA, and IL22RA2, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, for assessing the suitability of a horse for endurance races, like GATA2, GYG1, HIF1A, MOGAT1, PFKFB3, PLIN5, SIK1, and STBD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Reißmann
- Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Abirami Rajavel
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Zaur A. Kokov
- Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Kabardino-Balkarian State University, Chernyshevsky 173, Nalchik 360004, Russia;
| | - Armin O. Schmitt
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August University, Carl-Sprengel-Weg 1, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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2
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Han H, McGivney BA, Allen L, Bai D, Corduff LR, Davaakhuu G, Davaasambuu J, Dorjgotov D, Hall TJ, Hemmings AJ, Holtby AR, Jambal T, Jargalsaikhan B, Jargalsaikhan U, Kadri NK, MacHugh DE, Pausch H, Readhead C, Warburton D, Dugarjaviin M, Hill EW. Common protein-coding variants influence the racing phenotype in galloping racehorse breeds. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1320. [PMID: 36513809 PMCID: PMC9748125 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04206-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Selection for system-wide morphological, physiological, and metabolic adaptations has led to extreme athletic phenotypes among geographically diverse horse breeds. Here, we identify genes contributing to exercise adaptation in racehorses by applying genomics approaches for racing performance, an end-point athletic phenotype. Using an integrative genomics strategy to first combine population genomics results with skeletal muscle exercise and training transcriptomic data, followed by whole-genome resequencing of Asian horses, we identify protein-coding variants in genes of interest in galloping racehorse breeds (Arabian, Mongolian and Thoroughbred). A core set of genes, G6PC2, HDAC9, KTN1, MYLK2, NTM, SLC16A1 and SYNDIG1, with central roles in muscle, metabolism, and neurobiology, are key drivers of the racing phenotype. Although racing potential is a multifactorial trait, the genomic architecture shaping the common athletic phenotype in horse populations bred for racing provides evidence for the influence of protein-coding variants in fundamental exercise-relevant genes. Variation in these genes may therefore be exploited for genetic improvement of horse populations towards specific types of racing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haige Han
- grid.411638.90000 0004 1756 9607Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Equine Research Center, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018 China
| | - Beatrice A. McGivney
- grid.496984.ePlusvital Ltd, The Highline, Dun Laoghaire Business Park, Dublin, A96 W5T3 Ireland
| | - Lucy Allen
- grid.417905.e0000 0001 2186 5933Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6JS UK
| | - Dongyi Bai
- grid.411638.90000 0004 1756 9607Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Equine Research Center, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018 China
| | - Leanne R. Corduff
- grid.496984.ePlusvital Ltd, The Highline, Dun Laoghaire Business Park, Dublin, A96 W5T3 Ireland
| | - Gantulga Davaakhuu
- grid.425564.40000 0004 0587 3863Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Peace Avenue 54B, Ulaanbaatar, 13330 Mongolia
| | - Jargalsaikhan Davaasambuu
- Ajnai Sharga Horse Racing Team, Encanto Town 210-11, Ikh Mongol State Street, 26th Khoroo, Bayanzurkh district Ulaanbaatar, 13312 Mongolia
| | - Dulguun Dorjgotov
- grid.440461.30000 0001 2191 7895School of Industrial Technology, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Ulaanbaatar, 661 Mongolia
| | - Thomas J. Hall
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin D04 V1W8 Ireland
| | - Andrew J. Hemmings
- grid.417905.e0000 0001 2186 5933Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6JS UK
| | - Amy R. Holtby
- grid.496984.ePlusvital Ltd, The Highline, Dun Laoghaire Business Park, Dublin, A96 W5T3 Ireland
| | - Tuyatsetseg Jambal
- grid.440461.30000 0001 2191 7895School of Industrial Technology, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Ulaanbaatar, 661 Mongolia
| | - Badarch Jargalsaikhan
- grid.444534.60000 0000 8485 883XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 14210 Mongolia
| | - Uyasakh Jargalsaikhan
- Ajnai Sharga Horse Racing Team, Encanto Town 210-11, Ikh Mongol State Street, 26th Khoroo, Bayanzurkh district Ulaanbaatar, 13312 Mongolia
| | - Naveen K. Kadri
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - David E. MacHugh
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin D04 V1W8 Ireland ,grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin D04 V1W8 Ireland
| | - Hubert Pausch
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Animal Genomics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Carol Readhead
- grid.20861.3d0000000107068890Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125 USA
| | - David Warburton
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA
| | - Manglai Dugarjaviin
- grid.411638.90000 0004 1756 9607Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Equine Research Center, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018 China
| | - Emmeline W. Hill
- grid.496984.ePlusvital Ltd, The Highline, Dun Laoghaire Business Park, Dublin, A96 W5T3 Ireland ,grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin D04 V1W8 Ireland
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3
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Schrurs C, Blott S, Dubois G, Van Erck-Westergren E, Gardner DS. Locomotory Profiles in Thoroughbreds: Peak Stride Length and Frequency in Training and Association with Race Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233269. [PMID: 36496790 PMCID: PMC9741461 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Racehorses competing in short (i.e., ‘sprinters’), middle- or longer-distance (i.e., ‘stayers’) flat races are assumed to have natural variation in locomotion; sprinters having an innately shorter stride than stayers. No study has objectively tested this theory. Here, racehorses (n = 421) were categorised as sprinters, milers or stayers based on known race distance (n = 3269 races). Stride parameters (peak length and frequency) of those racehorses were collected from prior race-pace training sessions on turf (n = 2689; ‘jumpout’, n = 1013), using a locomotion monitoring device. Pedigree information for all 421 racehorses was extracted to three-generations. In training, sprinters had a shorter stride of higher frequency and covered consecutive furlongs faster than stayers (p < 0.001). Relatively short or longer stride did not predict race success, but stayers had greater race success than sprinters (p < 0.001). Peak stride length and frequency were moderately heritable (h2 = 0.15 and 0.20, respectively). In conclusion, differences in stride were apparent between sprinters and stayers (e.g., shorter stride in sprinters) during routine training, even after accounting for their pedigree. Objective data on stride characteristics could supplement other less objectively obtained parameters to benefit trainers in the appropriate selection of races for each individual racehorse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Schrurs
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (D.S.G.)
| | - Sarah Blott
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | | | | | - David S. Gardner
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (D.S.G.)
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4
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Abstract
Thoroughbred horses have been selected for racing performance for more than 400 years. Despite continued selection, race times have not improved significantly during the past 60 years, raising the question of whether genetic variation for racing performance still exists. Studies using phenotypes such as race time, money earned, and handicapping, however, demonstrate that there is extensive variation within these traits and that they are heritable. Even so, these are poor measures of racing success since Thoroughbreds race at different ages and distances and on different types of tracks, and some may not race at all. With the advent of genomic tools, DNA variants are being identified that contribute to racing success. Aside from strong associations for myostatin variants with best racing distance, weak to modest associations with racing phenotypes are reported for other genomic regions. These data suggest that diverse genetic strategies have contributed to producing a successful racehorse, and genetic variation contributing to athleticism remains important. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Bailey
- MH Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; ,
| | - Jessica L Petersen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA;
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5
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Pira E, Vacca GM, Dettori ML, Piras G, Moro M, Paschino P, Pazzola M. Polymorphisms at Myostatin Gene ( MSTN) and the Associations with Sport Performances in Anglo-Arabian Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:964. [PMID: 33808485 PMCID: PMC8065447 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One hundred and eighty Anglo-Arabian horses running 1239 races were sampled for the present study. DNA was extracted from the blood and myostatin gene, MSTN, was genotyped. Moreover, prizes won and places were achieved for the 1239 races to perform association analyses between the different genotypes and sport traits. Two SNPs already reported in previous studies regarding the Thoroughbred breed, rs69472472 and rs397152648, were revealed as polymorphic. The linkage disequilibrium analysis investigating the haplotype structure of MSTN did not evidence any association block. Polymorphism at SNP rs397152648, previously known as g.66493737 T>C, significantly influenced sport traits, with heterozygous horses TC showing better results than homozygotes TT. The portion of variance due to the random effect of the individual animal, and the other phenotypic effects of sex, percentage of Arabian blood and race distance, computed together with the genotype at MSTN in the statistical models, exerted a significant influence. Hence, this information is useful to improve knowledge of the genetic profile of Anglo-Arabian horses and a possible selection for better sport performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Pira
- Local Health Authority 7 Pedemontana, Via dei Lotti 40, 36061 Bassano del Grappa, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Massimo Vacca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.V.); (M.L.D.); (P.P.)
| | - Maria Luisa Dettori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.V.); (M.L.D.); (P.P.)
| | - Gianpiera Piras
- Local Health Authority of Oristano, Via Carducci 35, 09170 Oristano, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Moro
- Local Health Authority of Nuoro, Via Amerigo Demurtas 1, 08110 Nuoro, Italy;
| | - Pietro Paschino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.V.); (M.L.D.); (P.P.)
| | - Michele Pazzola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.V.); (M.L.D.); (P.P.)
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6
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Bruschetta G, D'Ascola A, Medica P, Ferlazzo AM. Physical Exercise Affects Serotoninergic System in Horse Leukocytes. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 88:102969. [PMID: 32303327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) may induce metabolic effects in different cell types, including leukocytes. In horses, 5-HT is involved in physiological and behavioral functions. Physical exercise is known to increase the amounts of 5-HT both in brain and periphery, but so far, the signal mechanism in response to exercise is not known. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a racehorse intensive training session on plasma 5-HT levels, serotonin transporter (SERT), 5HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT7 receptor, interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In particular, the research was carried out on 12 trained horses performing daily training. Plasma 5-HT levels were analyzed in platelet-poor plasma fraction by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at T0, T1, and T2 (pretraining, 30 minutes post-training, and 2 hours post-training session), respectively. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated to perform real-time polymerase chain reaction for the evaluation of SERT, 5-HT receptor, and cytokine mRNA levels. The results showed significantly increased levels of plasma 5-HT, 5HT1A, and 5-HT2A and significantly decreased levels of SERT, 5-HT1B, 5-HT7, and both cytokine mRNAs in PBMC at T1, compared with T0 and T2. The results were confirmed by in vitro experiment. Training may induce a lower degree of 5-HT storage and, therefore, a higher plasma 5-HT concentrations. Leukocyte 5-HT receptor mRNAs seem strongly influenced by the exercise. Observed changes suggest a transient neuroendocrinological response to the exercise. A better understanding of the influence of physical exercise on serotoninergic system could have potential application for the implementation of training protocols in racing horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bruschetta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela D'Ascola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Medica
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Physiology Unit, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Alida Maria Ferlazzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy.
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7
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Selection in Australian Thoroughbred horses acts on a locus associated with early two-year old speed. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227212. [PMID: 32049967 PMCID: PMC7015314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoroughbred horse racing is a global sport with major hubs in Europe, North America, Australasia and Japan. Regional preferences for certain traits have resulted in phenotypic variation that may result from adaptation to the local racing ecosystem. Here, we test the hypothesis that genes selected for regional phenotypic variation may be identified by analysis of selection signatures in pan-genomic SNP genotype data. Comparing Australian to non-Australian Thoroughbred horses (n = 99), the most highly differentiated loci in a composite selection signals (CSS) analysis were on ECA6 (34.75–34.85 Mb), ECA14 (33.2–33.52 Mb and 35.52–36.94 Mb) and ECA16 (24.28–26.52 Mb) in regions containing candidate genes for exercise adaptations including cardiac function (ARHGAP26, HBEGF, SRA1), synapse development and locomotion (APBB3, ATXN7, CLSTN3), stress response (NR3C1) and the skeletal muscle response to exercise (ARHGAP26, NDUFA2). In a genome-wide association study for field-measured speed in two-year-olds (n = 179) SNPs contained within the single association peak (33.2–35.6 Mb) overlapped with the ECA14 CSS signals and spanned a protocadherin gene cluster. Association tests using higher density SNP genotypes across the ECA14 locus identified a SNP within the PCDHGC5 gene associated with elite racing performance (n = 922). These results indicate that there may be differential selection for racing performance under racing and management conditions that are specific to certain geographic racing regions. In Australia breeders have principally selected horses for favourable genetic variants at loci containing genes that modulate behaviour, locomotion and skeletal muscle physiology that together appear to be contributing to early two-year-old speed.
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8
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McGivney BA, Han H, Corduff LR, Katz LM, Tozaki T, MacHugh DE, Hill EW. Genomic inbreeding trends, influential sire lines and selection in the global Thoroughbred horse population. Sci Rep 2020; 10:466. [PMID: 31949252 PMCID: PMC6965197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57389-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Thoroughbred horse is a highly valued domestic animal population under strong selection for athletic phenotypes. Here we present a high resolution genomics-based analysis of inbreeding in the population that may form the basis for evidence-based discussion amid concerns in the breeding industry over the increasing use of small numbers of popular sire lines, which may accelerate a loss of genetic diversity. In the most comprehensive globally representative sample of Thoroughbreds to-date (n = 10,118), including prominent stallions (n = 305) from the major bloodstock regions of the world, we show using pan-genomic SNP genotypes that there has been a highly significant decline in global genetic diversity during the last five decades (FIS R2 = 0.942, P = 2.19 × 10-13; FROH R2 = 0.88, P = 1.81 × 10-10) that has likely been influenced by the use of popular sire lines. Estimates of effective population size in the global and regional populations indicate that there is some level of regional variation that may be exploited to improve global genetic diversity. Inbreeding is often a consequence of selection, which in managed animal populations tends to be driven by preferences for cultural, aesthetic or economically advantageous phenotypes. Using a composite selection signals approach, we show that centuries of selection for favourable athletic traits among Thoroughbreds acts on genes with functions in behaviour, musculoskeletal conformation and metabolism. As well as classical selective sweeps at core loci, polygenic adaptation for functional modalities in cardiovascular signalling, organismal growth and development, cellular stress and injury, metabolic pathways and neurotransmitters and other nervous system signalling has shaped the Thoroughbred athletic phenotype. Our results demonstrate that genomics-based approaches to identify genetic outcrosses will add valuable objectivity to augment traditional methods of stallion selection and that genomics-based methods will be beneficial to actively monitor the population to address the marked inbreeding trend.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haige Han
- Plusvital Ltd, The Highline, Dun Laoghaire Business Park, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leanne R Corduff
- Plusvital Ltd, The Highline, Dun Laoghaire Business Park, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lisa M Katz
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Teruaki Tozaki
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - David E MacHugh
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emmeline W Hill
- Plusvital Ltd, The Highline, Dun Laoghaire Business Park, Dublin, Ireland.
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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9
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Farries G, Gough KF, Parnell AC, McGivney BA, McGivney CL, McGettigan PA, MacHugh DE, Katz LM, Hill EW. Analysis of genetic variation contributing to measured speed in Thoroughbreds identifies genomic regions involved in the transcriptional response to exercise. Anim Genet 2019; 50:670-685. [PMID: 31508842 DOI: 10.1111/age.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite strong selection for athletic traits in Thoroughbred horses, there is marked variation in speed and aptitude for racing performance within the breed. Using global positioning system monitoring during exercise training, we measured speed variables and temporal changes in speed with age to derive phenotypes for GWAS. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that genetic variation contributes to variation in end-point physiological traits, in this case galloping speed measured during field exercise tests. Standardisation of field-measured phenotypes was attempted by assessing horses exercised on the same gallop track and managed under similar conditions by a single trainer. PCA of six key speed indices captured 73.9% of the variation with principal component 1 (PC1). Verifying the utility of the phenotype, we observed that PC1 (median) in 2-year-old horses was significantly different among elite, non-elite and unraced horses (P < 0.001) and the temporal change with age in PC1 varied among horses with different myostatin (MSTN) g.66493737C>T SNP genotypes. A GWAS for PC1 in 2-year-old horses (n = 122) identified four SNPs reaching the suggestive threshold for association (P < 4.80 × 10-5 ), defining a 1.09 Mb candidate region on ECA8 containing the myosin XVIIIB (MYO18B) gene. In a GWAS for temporal change in PC1 with age (n = 168), five SNPs reached the suggestive threshold for association and defined candidate regions on ECA2 and ECA11. Both regions contained genes that are significantly differentially expressed in equine skeletal muscle in response to acute exercise and training stimuli, including MYO18A. As MYO18A plays a regulatory role in the skeletal muscle response to exercise, the identified genomic variation proximal to the myosin family genes may be important for the regulation of the response to exercise and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Farries
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - K F Gough
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - A C Parnell
- Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University, Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - B A McGivney
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland.,Plusvital Ltd, Dun Laoghaire Industrial Estate, Pottery Road, Dublin, A96 KW29, Ireland
| | - C L McGivney
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - P A McGettigan
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - D E MacHugh
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - L M Katz
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - E W Hill
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland.,Plusvital Ltd, Dun Laoghaire Industrial Estate, Pottery Road, Dublin, A96 KW29, Ireland
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10
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Hill EW, McGivney BA, Rooney MF, Katz LM, Parnell A, MacHugh DE. The contribution of myostatin (MSTN) and additional modifying genetic loci to race distance aptitude in Thoroughbred horses racing in different geographic regions. Equine Vet J 2019; 51:625-633. [PMID: 30604488 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Race distance aptitude in Thoroughbred horses is highly heritable and is influenced largely by variation at the myostatin gene (MSTN). OBJECTIVES In addition to MSTN, we hypothesised that other modifying loci contribute to best race distance. STUDY DESIGN Using 3006 Thoroughbreds, including 835 'elite' horses, which were >3 years old, had race records and were sampled from Europe/Middle-East, Australia/New Zealand, North America and South Africa, we performed genome-wide association (GWA) tests and separately developed a genomic prediction algorithm to comprehensively catalogue additive genetic variation contributing to best race distance. METHODS 48,896 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes were generated from high-density SNP genotyping arrays. Heritability estimates, tests of GWA and genomic prediction models were derived for the phenotypes: average race distance, best race distance for elite, nonelite and all winning horses. RESULTS Heritability estimates were high ( h m 2 = 0.51, best race distance - elite; h m 2 = 0.42, best race distance - nonelite; h m 2 = 0.40, best race distance - all) and most of the variation was attributed to the MSTN gene. MSTN locus SNPs were the most strongly associated with the trait and included BIEC2-438999 (ECA18:66913090; P = 4.51 × 10-110 , average race distance; P = 2.33 × 10-42 , best race distance - elite). The genomic prediction algorithm enabled the inclusion of variation from all SNPs in a model that partitioned horses into short and long cohorts following assignment of MSTN genotype. Additional genes with minor contributions to best race distance were identified. MAIN LIMITATIONS The nongenetic influence of owner/trainer decisions on placement of horses in suitable races could not be controlled. CONCLUSIONS MSTN is the single most important genetic contributor to best race distance in the Thoroughbred. Employment of genetic prediction models will lead to more accurate placing of horses in races that are best suited to their inherited genetic potential for distance aptitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- E W Hill
- Plusvital Ltd, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - B A McGivney
- Plusvital Ltd, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - M F Rooney
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - L M Katz
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A Parnell
- UCD Insight Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D E MacHugh
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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