Short communication: a mutation in the 3' untranslated region diminishes microRNA binding and alters expression of the OLR1 gene

Effects of SNPs and alternative splicing within HGF gene on its expression patterns in Qinchuan cattle

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.

Conclusion

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.

Scavenger receptors and non-coding RNAs: relevance in atherogenesis

Scavenger receptors (SRs), which recognize modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by oxidation or acetylation, are a group of receptors on plasma membrane of macrophages and other cell types. These receptors by facilitating modified LDL uptake are a primary step in the intracellular accumulation of modified LDL and formation of fatty streak. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of functional RNA nucleotides that are not translated into protein, and include microRNAs (miRs), snoRNAs, siRNAs, snRNAs, exRNAs, piRNAs, and the long ncRNAs (lncRNAs). Recently, ncRNAs have received much attention due to their effects in a variety of disease states such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and cancers. A host of ncRNAs, such as miRs and lncRNAs, have been found to be involved in the regulation of SRs and the inflammatory cascade and subsequently atherosclerosis. Here, we review this important area to create interest in this growing field among researchers and clinicians alike.

Association of ADIPOQ, OLR1 and PPARGC1A gene polymorphisms with growth and carcass traits in Nelore cattle

In beef cattle farming, growth and carcass traits are important for genetic breeding programs. Molecular markers can be used to assist selection and increase genetic gain. The ADIPOQ, OLR1 and PPARGC1A genes are involved in lipid synthesis and fat accumulation in adipose tissue. The objective of this study was to identify polymorphisms in these genes and to assess the association with growth and carcass traits in Nelore cattle. A total of 639 animals were genotyped by PCR-RFLP for rs208549452, rs109019599 and rs109163366 in ADIPOQ, OLR1 and PPARGC1A gene, respectively. We analyzed the association of SNPs identified with birth weight, weaning weight, female yearling weight, female hip height, male yearling weight, male hip height, loin eye area, rump fat thickness, and backfat thickness. The OLR1 marker was associated with rump fat thickness and weaning weight (P < 0.05) and the PPARGC1 marker was associated with female yearling weight.