Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in titin gene with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle

Abstract

BackgroundMarbling defined by the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat is an economically important trait of beef cattle in Japan. We have recently reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the endothelial differentiation, sphingolipid G-protein-coupled receptor, 1 (EDG1) gene were associated with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle. As well as EDG1, the titin (TTN) gene, involved in myofibrillogenesis, has been previously shown to possess expression difference in musculus longissimus muscle between low-marbled and high-marbled steer groups, and to be located within genomic region of a quantitative trait locus for marbling. Thus TTN was considered as a positional functional candidate for the gene responsible for marbling. In this study, we explored SNP in TTN and analyzed association of the SNP with marbling.FindingsA SNP in the promoter region of TTN, referred to as g.231054C>T, was the only difference detected between high- and low-marbled steer groups. The SNP was associated with marbling in 3 experiments using 101 sires (P = 0.004), 848 paternal half-sib progeny steers from 5 sires heterozygous for the g.231054C>T (P = 0.046), and 820 paternal half-sib progeny steers from 3 sires homozygous for C allele at the g.231054C>T (P = 0.051), in Japanese Black beef cattle. The effect of genotypes of the SNP on subcutaneous fat thickness was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionThese findings suggest that in addition to the EDG1 SNPs, the TTN SNP polymorphism is associated with marbling and may be useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase the levels of marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle. Further replicate studies will be needed to confirm the allelic association observed here, and to expand the results to evaluate all possible genotypic combinations of alleles.

Whole-genome resequencing of Hanwoo (Korean cattle) and insight into regions of homozygosity

“…The TTN gene plays a role in myofibrillogenesis and is associated with marbling [22]. Moreover, the 231054C>T variant within the promoter region of TTN is associated with a marbling trait and is differentially expressed between high- and low-marbling muscle samples [23]. However, many NS/SS/Is likely affect the function of titin, which acts as a molecular spring for the passive elasticity of muscles [24].…”

A genome‐wide association study for fat‐related traits computed by image analysis in Japanese Black cattle

“…; Yamada et al . ,,,). These findings suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with BMS on these genes would be useful for effective marker‐assisted selection to increase marbling levels in Japanese Black cattle.…”

Novel SNPs in the Ankyrin 1 gene and their association with beef quality traits

“…Polymorphisms in other genes e.g. MYPN, MHC, TTN have been correlated with water holding capacity, tenderness and marbling but not commercialised (Grzes et al, 2007;Jiao, Zan, Liu, Wang, & Guo, 2010;Yamada et al, 2009). There is thus a gap in knowledge and a need for further research on muscle-related genes that may be relevant for meat quality.…”