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D'Alessandro E, Giosa D, Sapienza I, Giuffrè L, Cigliano RA, Romeo O, Zumbo A. Whole genome SNPs discovery in Nero Siciliano pig. Genet Mol Biol 2019; 42:594-602. [PMID: 31188930 PMCID: PMC6905442 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2018-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autochthonous pig breeds represent an important genetic reserve to be utilized mainly for the production of typical products. To explore its genetic variability, here we present for the first time whole genome sequencing data and SNPs discovered in a male domestic Nero Siciliano pig compared to the last pig reference genome Sus scrofa11.1.A total of 346.8 million paired reads were generated by sequencing. After quality control, 99.03% of the reads were mapped to the reference genome, and over 11 million variants were detected.Additionally, we evaluated sequence diversity in 21 fitness-related loci selected based on their biological function and/or their proximity to relevant QTLs. We focused on genes that have been related to environmental adaptation and reproductive traits in previous studies regarding local breeds. A total of 6,747 variants were identified resulting in a rate of 1 variant every ~276 bases. Among these variants 1,132 were novel to the dbSNP151 database. This study represents a first step in the genetic characterization of Nero Siciliano pig and also provides a platform for future comparative studies between this and other swine breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico D'Alessandro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Division of Animal Production, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Giosa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Sapienza
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Division of Animal Production, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Letterio Giuffrè
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Division of Animal Production, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) - Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zumbo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Division of Animal Production, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Effects of GnRHR polymorphisms on sperm quality in Chinese water buffalo. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 186:37-43. [PMID: 28919177 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) plays a critical physiological role in animal reproduction and is a potential marker for improving sperm quality. In the present study, eight SNPs (g.539T>C, g.640A>G, g.655T>C, g.707T>C, g.812A>G, g.18951A>T g.16867T>C and g.18953Indel GGCAAAGTAA) were detected in the GnRHR gene from one-hundred-sixty-five water buffalo by direct sequencing and identification of overlapping peaks. All SNPs were associated significantly with the ejaculate volume and two genes (g.655T>C and g.707T>C) were correlated with sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, three haplotypes (H1:TAI, H2:CT-, and H3:TT-) were identified by linkage disequilibrium analysis and were composed of four combined genotypes. Notably, buffalo with the combined genotypes H1H2 and H1H3 had the higher ejaculate volume compared to the other combined genotypes. Among the eight SNPs and four combined genotypes, the deletion of GGCAAAGTAA at position 18953bp in GnRHR was associated significantly with a higher ejaculate volume. Moreover, the GGCAAAGTAA deletion may lead to the miR8661 binding failure and subsequent changes in GnRHR gene expression. In the present study, we demonstrate that there is a significant association between SNPs in the GnRHR gene and the sperm ejaculate volume of Chinese water buffalo. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to address the association between the SNPs in the GnRHR gene and the sperm quality of Chinese buffalo.
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Bjelobaba I, Janjic MM, Tavcar JS, Kucka M, Tomić M, Stojilkovic SS. The relationship between basal and regulated Gnrhr expression in rodent pituitary gonadotrophs. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 437:302-311. [PMID: 27569529 PMCID: PMC6364298 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic GnRH together with gonadal steroids and activins/inhibin regulate its receptor gene (Gnrhr) expression in vivo, which leads to crucial changes in GnRHR numbers on the plasma membrane. This is accompanied by alterations in the gonadotroph sensitivity and responsiveness during physiologically relevant situations. Here we investigated basal and GnRH-regulated Gnrhr expression in rodent pituitary gonadotrophs in vitro. In pituitary cells from adult animals cultured in the absence of GnRH and steroid hormones, the Gnrhr expression was progressively reduced but not completely abolished. The basal Gnrhr expression was also operative in LβT2 immortalized gonadotrophs never exposed to GnRH. In both cell types, basal transcription was sufficient for the expression of functional GnRHRs. Continuous application of GnRH transiently elevated the Gnrhr expression in cultured pituitary cells followed by a sustained fall without affecting basal transcription. Both basal and regulated Gnrhr transcriptions were dependent on the protein kinase C signaling pathway. The GnRH-regulated Gnrhr expression was not operative in embryonal pituitary and LβT2 cells and was established neonatally, the sex-specific response patterns were formed at the juvenile-peripubertal stage and there was a strong correlation between basal and regulated gene expression during development. Thus, the age-dependent basal and regulated Gnrhr transcription could account for the initial blockade and subsequent activation of the reproductive system during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Bjelobaba
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4510, United States
| | - Marija M Janjic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4510, United States
| | - Jovana S Tavcar
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4510, United States
| | - Marek Kucka
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4510, United States
| | - Melanija Tomić
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4510, United States
| | - Stanko S Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4510, United States.
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McDonald EA, Smith JE, Cederberg RA, White BR. Divergent activity of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene promoter among genetic lines of pigs is partially conferred by nuclear factor (NF)-B, specificity protein (SP)1-like and GATA-4 binding sites. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:36. [PMID: 27356969 PMCID: PMC4928339 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binding of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to its receptor (GnRHR) on gonadotropes within the anterior pituitary gland is essential to reproduction. In pigs, the GnRHR gene is also located near a genetic marker for ovulation rate, a primary determinant of prolificacy. We hypothesized that pituitary expression of the GnRHR gene is alternatively regulated in genetic strains with elevated ovulation rates (Chinese Meishan and Nebraska Index) vs. standard white crossbred swine (Control). METHODS Luciferase reporter vectors containing 5118 bp of GnRHR gene promoter from either the Control, Index or Meishan swine lines were generated. Transient transfection of line-specific, full length, deletion and mutation constructs into gonadotrope-derived αT3-1 cells were performed to compare promoter activity and identify regions necessary for divergent regulation of the porcine GnRHR gene. Additionally, transcription factors that bind the GnRHR promoter from each line were identified with electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). RESULTS Dramatic differences in luciferase activity among Control, Index and Meishan promoters (19-, 27- and 49-fold over promoterless control, respectively; P < 0.05) were established. A single bp substitution (-1690) within a previously identified upstream enhancer (-1779/-1667) bound GATA-4 in the Meishan promoter and the p52/p65 subunits of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the homologous Control/Index promoters. Transient transfection of vectors containing block replacement mutations of either the GATA-4 or NF-κB binding sites within the context of their native promoters resulted in a 50 and 60 % reduction of luciferase activity, respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, two single-bp substitutions in the Meishan compared to Control/Index promoters resulted in binding of the p52 and p65 subunits of NF-κB and a specificity protein 1 (SP1)-like factor (-1235) as well as GATA-4 (-845). Vectors containing the full-length Meishan promoter harboring individual mutations spanning these regions reduced luciferase activity by 25 and 20 %, respectively, compared to native sequence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Elevated activity of the Meishan GnRHR gene promoter over Control/Index promoters in αT3-1 cells is partially due to three single nucleotide polymorphisms resulting in the unique binding of GATA-4 (-1690), the p52/p65 subunits of NF-kB in combination with a SP1-like factor (-1235), and GATA-4 (-845).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. McDonald
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE USA
- Present address: Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI USA
| | - Jacqueline E. Smith
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE USA
- Present address: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO USA
| | - Rebecca A. Cederberg
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE USA
| | - Brett R. White
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE USA
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Sato S, Kikuchi T, Uemoto Y, Mikawa S, Suzuki K. Effect of candidate gene polymorphisms on reproductive traits in a Large White pig population. Anim Sci J 2016; 87:1455-1463. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Sato
- National Livestock Breeding Center; Nishigo Fukushima Japan
| | | | | | - Satoshi Mikawa
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences; Tsukuba Ibaraki Japan
| | - Keiichi Suzuki
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science; Tohoku University; Sendai Miyagi Japan
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Cederberg RA, Smith JE, McDonald EA, Lee C, Perkins AR, White BR. Activity of the porcine gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene promoter is partially conferred by a distal gonadotrope specific element (GSE) within an upstream enhancing region, two proximal GSEs and a retinoid X receptor binding site. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:45. [PMID: 25981521 PMCID: PMC4461931 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor (GnRHR) numbers on gonadotropes within the anterior pituitary gland represents a critical point for control of reproductive function. Binding of GnRH to its receptor regulates follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release and levels of this G-protein coupled receptor on the surface of gonadotropes determines their sensitivity to GnRH pulses. While transcriptional regulation of this gene has been studied in mice, rats, humans and sheep, little is known about its regulation in the pig, an important agricultural species and human research model. METHODS We isolated 5118 bp of 5' flanking sequence for the porcine GnRHR gene and generated luciferase reporter vectors. Deletion and mutation constructs were evaluated in gonadotrope-derived alphaT3-1 cells to determine regions important for gene transcription. Additionally, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) were performed to identify transcription factors binding to the GnRHR promoter. RESULTS Transient transfections revealed that the GnRHR promoter was functional in alphaT3-1 cells but not in cells of non-gonadotrope origin. Mutation of the highly conserved gonadotrope specific element (GSE) located at -179/-171 of proximal promoter completely ablated luciferase activity, whereas mutation of another GSE at -315/-310 reduced activity by 34%. Consistent with this, EMSAs using alphaT3-1 nuclear extracts and a steroidogenic factor (SF)1 antibody confirmed SF1 binding to both GSEs. EMSAs also demonstrated that a retinoid X receptor (RXR) binding site at -279/-274 binds RXRalpha and RXRbeta and mutation of this site eliminated promoter activity. Transient transfection of alphaT3-1 cells with reporter vectors containing selective removal of 5' flanking region for the porcine GnRHR gene indicated that the -1915/-1431 segment was important for promoter activity. Definition of this region via transfection assays and EMSAs revealed an upstream enhancing region located at -1779/-1667 that increases porcine GnRHR gene expression in alphaT3-1 cells and includes a SF1 binding site at -1760/-1753. CONCLUSIONS Porcine GnRHR promoter activity in alphaT3-1 cells is partially conferred by a distal GSE, two proximal GSEs and a RXR binding site. Basal gonadotrope expression of the porcine GnRHR gene uniquely involves three GSEs and RXR is newly identified as a regulator of GnRHR promoter activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Cederberg
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
| | - Jacqueline E Smith
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA.
| | - Emily A McDonald
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Chanho Lee
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
| | - Amy R Perkins
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
- Current address: Arizona Andrology Laboratory and Cryobank, Tuscon, AZ, USA.
| | - Brett R White
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
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Wu X, Yan M, Wan X, Lian S, Li A. Cloning and tissue expression profiling of theGnRHRgene of the Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata): polymorphism and association with egg-laying performance. Br Poult Sci 2015; 56:164-74. [DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2014.997674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Chen X, Li A, Chen W, Wei J, Fu J, Wang A. Differential Gene Expression in Uterine Endometrium During Implantation in Pigs1. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:52. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.123075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Hernandez SC, Finlayson HA, Ashworth CJ, Haley CS, Archibald AL. A genome-wide linkage analysis for reproductive traits in F2 Large White × Meishan cross gilts. Anim Genet 2014; 45:191-7. [PMID: 24456574 PMCID: PMC4282129 DOI: 10.1111/age.12123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Female reproductive performance traits in pigs have low heritabilities thus limiting improvement through traditional selective breeding programmes. However, there is substantial genetic variation found between pig breeds with the Chinese Meishan being one of the most prolific pig breeds known. In this study, three cohorts of Large White × Meishan F2 cross-bred pigs were analysed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) with effects on reproductive traits, including ovulation rate, teat number, litter size, total born alive and prenatal survival. A total of 307 individuals were genotyped for 174 genetic markers across the genome. The genome-wide analysis of the trait-recorded F2 gilts in their first parity/litter revealed one QTL for teat number significant at the genome level and a total of 12 QTL, which are significant at the chromosome-wide level, for: litter size (three QTL), total born alive (two QTL), ovulation rate (four QTL), prenatal survival (one QTL) and teat number (two QTL). Further support for eight of these QTL is provided by results from other studies. Four of these 12 QTL were mapped for the first time in this study: on SSC15 for ovulation rate and on SSC18 for teat number, ovulation rate and litter size.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Hernandez
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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Dall'Olio S, Fontanesi L, Buttazzoni L, Baiocco C, Gallo M, Russo V. Association study between single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes and reproduction traits in Italian Large White sows. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Schang AL, Quérat B, Simon V, Garrel G, Bleux C, Counis R, Cohen-Tannoudji J, Laverrière JN. Mechanisms underlying the tissue-specific and regulated activity of the Gnrhr promoter in mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:162. [PMID: 23248618 PMCID: PMC3521148 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The GnRH receptor (GnRHR) plays a central role in the development and maintenance of reproductive function in mammals. Following stimulation by GnRH originating from the hypothalamus, GnRHR triggers multiple signaling events that ultimately stimulate the synthesis and the periodic release of the gonadotropins, luteinizing-stimulating hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) which, in turn, regulate gonadal functions including steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. The concentration of GnRHR at the cell surface is essential for the amplitude and the specificity of gonadotrope responsiveness. The number of GnRHR is submitted to strong regulatory control during pituitary development, estrous cycle, pregnancy, lactation, or after gonadectomy. These modulations take place, at least in part, at the transcriptional level. To analyze this facet of the reproductive function, the 5' regulatory sequences of the gene encoding the GnRHR have been isolated and characterized through in vitro and in vivo approaches. This review summarizes results obtained with the mouse, rat, human, and ovine promoters either by transient transfection assays or by means of transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean-Noël Laverrière
- *Correspondence: Jean-Noël Laverrière, Physiologie de l’Axe Gonadotrope, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC CNRS 4413, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Bâtiment Buffon, case courrier 7007, 4 rue MA Lagroua Weill-Hallé, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France. e-mail:
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SATO S, HAYASHI T, KOBAYASHI E. Fine mapping the number of corpora lutea quantitative trait loci on SSC3: Analysis of the porcine follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene. Anim Sci J 2011; 82:633-41. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2011.00899.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Yang WC, Li SJ, Xie YH, Tang KQ, Hua GH, Zhang CY, Yang LG. Two novel SNPs of the type I gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor gene and their associations with superovulation traits in Chinese Holstein cows. Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2010.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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An X, Han D, Hou J, Li G, Wang J, Yang M, Song Y, Zhou G, Wang Y, Ling L, Yan Q, Cao B. GnRHR gene polymorphisms and their effects on reproductive performance in Chinese goats. Small Rumin Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2009.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Li K, Ren J, Xing Y, Zhang Z, Ma J, Guo Y, Huang L. Quantitative trait loci for litter size and prenatal loss in a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian resource population. Anim Genet 2009; 40:963-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2009.01931.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Improvement in litter size has become of great interest in pig industry as good fecundity is directly related to a sow's productive life. Genetic regulation of litter size is complex and the main component traits so far defined are ovulation rate, embryonic survival, uterus capacity, foetal survival and pre-weaning losses. Improvements using concepts of the quantitative genetics let expect only slow genetic progress due to its low heritability of approximately 0.09 for number of piglets born alive. Marker assisted selection allows to dissect litter size in its component traits and using molecular genetic markers for the components of litter size traits promises more progress and advantages in optimum balancing of the different physiological mechanisms influencing litter size. In this review, efforts being made to unravel the genetic determinants of litter size are accounted and discussed. For litter size traits, more than 50 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped and in more than 12 candidate genes associations confirmed. The number of useful candidate genes is much larger as shown by expression profiles and in addition, much more QTL can be assumed. These functional genomic approaches, both QTL mapping and candidate gene analysis, have to be merged for a better understanding of a wider application across different pig breeds and lines. Newly developed tools based on microarray techniques comprising DNA variants or expressed tags of many genes or even the whole genome appear useful for in depth understanding of the genetics of litter size in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
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Yuan JF, Moaeen-ud-Din M, Gong YZ, Peng XL, Yang LG, Feng YP, Liu J, Hu B, Affara NA, Jafer O, Zhang SJ. Identification of mutations of zona pellucida glycoprotein (ZP3) and its association with pig reproductive traits. J Anim Breed Genet 2007; 124:144-9. [PMID: 17550356 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2007.00651.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is a complex trait, controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Genetic improvement of this trait is important for animal breeders to improve the animal's production efficiency. Apart from genetic factors, animal production can be affected by environmental factors, i.e. the nursing ability of the sow, which is in turn affected directly by effective teat number (teats producing milk normally, TN) and number of piglets born alive (NBA). The objective of this study was to find new mutations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the Zona Pellucida glycoprotein gene (ZP3) using Single Strand Chain Polymorphism (SSCP) and nucleotide sequencing and to investigate association between genetic variations and sow reproductive traits. We identified 13 new SNPs from exon 1, two new SNPs from intron 2, one SNP from intron 6 and a 18 bp (GCACGTGGTCCTCCTGG)-deletion/insertion from intron 2 of the ZP3 gene. Five out of these mutations were selected to genotype in five different breeds (Small Meishan, Qingping, Duroc, Landrace and Large White) and association with reproductive traits in European breeds (Duroc, Landrace and Large White). The sows with genotype AA had more 1.11 piglets NBA than of the sows with genotype AB (p < 0.05) in the 18 bp deletion/insertion of intron 2, while non-significant associations between the other mutations and reproductive traits (NBA and TN) were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Yuan
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, HuaZhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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WU X, LI HF, YAN MJ, TANG QP, CHEN KW, WANG JY, GAO YS, TU YJ, YU YB, ZHU WQ. Associations of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor (GnRHR) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) Genes' Polymorphisms with Egg-Laying Traits in Wenchang Chicken. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1671-2927(07)60075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Buske B, Sternstein I, Brockmann G. QTL and candidate genes for fecundity in sows. Anim Reprod Sci 2006; 95:167-83. [PMID: 16460893 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2005] [Revised: 12/12/2005] [Accepted: 12/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fecundity in pigs is a trait of major economic interest but low heritability. For the improvement of fecundity, genetic markers for selection are desirable and therefore, several searches for genetic variation influencing fecundity have been performed. The aim of this review is to compare and to evaluate all published QTL analyses and candidate gene approaches concerning reproductive traits in sows. For this purpose, we present a comprehensive cytogenetic map comprising 54 QTL and 11 candidate genes with influence on reproductive traits. The evaluation and comparison of the results showed similarities, but also marked differences among studies. Reasons for different results are multicausal and are due to differences between resource populations, number of evaluated animals, mating systems, measured phenotypical traits and environmental influences. We could show that chromosome 8 and to a lower extend chromosome 7 are the most important chromosomes with regard to reproductive traits in pigs. For further research, fine mapping of the identified QTL regions is necessary in order to confirm and to narrow the most likely chromosomal intervals. Although difficult to perform, an advance would be a standardization of the experimental setup in particular, in respect to the collection of phenotypic data. Furthermore, we suggest to publish the information on further identified QTL and candidate genes as comprehensive and accurate as possible in order to allow a more transparent comparison and collation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Buske
- Humboldt-University of Berlin, Agricultural and Horticultural Faculty, Institute of Animal Sciences, Department of Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, 10115 Berlin, Invalidenstr. 42, Germany.
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Lin CL, Ponsuksili S, Tholen E, Jennen DGJ, Schellander K, Wimmers K. Candidate gene markers for sperm quality and fertility of boar. Anim Reprod Sci 2006; 92:349-63. [PMID: 16242873 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2004] [Revised: 04/14/2005] [Accepted: 05/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Candidate genes gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GNRHR), prolactin (PRL), prolactin receptor (PRLR), follicle-stimulating hormone beta (FSHB), luteinizing hormone beta (LHB), follistatin (FST), inhibin alpha (INHA), inhibin beta A (INHBA) and inhibin beta B (INHBB) were investigated for their association with sperm quality traits of sperm concentration (SCON), motility (MOT), semen volume per ejaculate (VOL), plasma droplets rate (PDR), abnormal sperm rate (ASR) and fertility traits of non return rate (NRR) and number of piglets born alive (NBA). The experimental material included 356 boars of Pietrain (PI) and Pietrain x Hampshire (PI x HA). Analysis of variance revealed significant association of GNRHR with MOT (P = 0.0161), PDR (P = 0.0048) and ASR (P = 0.0201), INHBA was found to have significant effects on PDR (P = 0.0318) and ASR (P = 0.0067), INHBB was significant (P = 0.0360) for SCON trait. FSHB, FST, INHA, PRL, PRLR and LHB had no significant effects on any trait in this experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Lin
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
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Hapgood JP, Sadie H, van Biljon W, Ronacher K. Regulation of expression of mammalian gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor genes. J Neuroendocrinol 2005; 17:619-38. [PMID: 16159375 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2005.01353.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), acting via its cognate GnRH receptor (GnRHR), is the primary regulator of mammalian reproductive function, and hence GnRH analogues are extensively used in the treatment of hormone-dependent diseases, as well as for assisted reproductive techniques. In addition to its established endocrine role in gonadotrophin regulation in the pituitary, evidence is rapidly accumulating to support the expression and functional roles for two forms of GnRHR (GnRHR I and GnRHR II) in multiple and diverse extra-pituitary mammalian tissues and cells. These findings, together with findings indicating that mutations of the GnRHR are linked to the disease hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and that GnRHRs play a direct role in neuronal migration and reproductive cancers, have presented new therapeutic targets and intensified research into the structure, function and mechanisms of regulation of expression of GnRHR genes. The present review focuses on the current knowledge on tissue-specific and hormonal regulation of transcription of mammalian GnRH receptor genes. Emerging insights, such as the discovery of diverse regulatory mechanisms in pituitary and extra-pituitary cell types, nonclassical mechanisms of steroid regulation, the use of composite elements for cell-specific expression, the increasing profile of hormones involved in regulation, the complexity of kinase pathways that target the GnRHR I gene, as well as species-differences, are highlighted. Although further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms of regulation of expression of GnRHR I and GnRHR II genes, the GnRHR is emerging as a potential target gene for facilitating cross-talk between neuroendocrine, immune and stress-response systems in multiple tissues via autocrine, paracrine and endocrine signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Hapgood
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa.
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King AH, Jiang Z, Gibson JP, Haley CS, Archibald AL. Mapping quantitative trait loci affecting female reproductive traits on porcine chromosome 8. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:2172-9. [PMID: 12606397 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.012955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of the genetic control of porcine female reproductive performance would offer the opportunity to utilize natural variation and improve selective breeding programs through marker-assisted selection. The Chinese Meishan is one of the most prolific pig breeds known, farrowing three to five more viable piglets per litter than the European Large White breed. This difference in prolificacy is attributed to the Meishan's superior prenatal survival levels. The present study utilized a three-generation cross in which the founder grandparental animals were purebred Meishan and Large White pigs in a scan for quantitative trait loci (QTL) on porcine chromosome 8 (SSC8) associated with reproductive performance. Reproductive traits, including number of corpora lutea (ovulation rate), teat number, litter size, and prenatal survival, were recorded for as many as 220 F2 females. Putative QTL for the related traits of litter size and prenatal survival were identified at the distal end of the long arm of SSC8. A physiological candidate gene, SPP1, was found to lie within the 95% confidence interval of these QTL. A suggestive QTL for teat number was revealed on the short arm of SSC8. The present study demonstrates, to our knowledge, the first independent confirmation of QTL for fecundity on SSC8, and these QTL regions provide a crucial starting point in the search for the causal genetic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie H King
- Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PS, United Kingdom.
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