Expression of genes related to mitochondrial function in Nellore cattle divergently ranked on residual feed intake

Abstract

Several measures have been proposed to investigate and improve feed efficiency in cattle. One of the most commonly used measure of feed efficiency is residual feed intake (RFI), which is estimated as the difference between actual feed intake and expected feed intake based on the animal's average live weight. This measure permits to identify and select the most efficient animals without selecting for higher mature weight. Mitochondrial function has been indicated as a major factor that influences RFI. The analysis of genes involved in mitochondrial function is therefore an alternative to identify molecular markers associated with higher feed efficiency. This study analyzed the expression of PGC1α, TFAM, UCP2 and UCP3 genes by quantitative real-time PCR in liver and muscle tissues of two groups of Nellore cattle divergently ranked on RFI values in order to evaluate the relationship of these genes with RFI. In liver tissue, higher expression of TFAM and UCP2 genes was observed in the negative RFI group. Expression of PGC1α gene did not differ significantly between the two groups, whereas UCP3 gene was not expressed in liver tissue. In muscle tissue, higher expression of TFAM gene was observed in the positive RFI group. Expression of PGC1α, UCP2 and UCP3 genes did not differ significantly between the two groups. These results suggest the use of TFAM and UCP2 as possible candidate gene markers in breeding programs designed to increase the feed efficiency of Nellore cattle.

Global liver gene expression differences in Nelore steers with divergent residual feed intake phenotypes

“…Other candidate genes previously described as functioning in the determination of traits related to feed efficiency were also found in this analysis [ 17 - 22 ]. For example, the fatty acid-binding protein 1 ( FABP1 ) also known as liver-type fatty acid-binding protein ( L-FABP ) was up-regulated in the LRFI group.…”

The biochemistry of feed efficiency, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial function, an animal and molecular approach

“…In addition, because mitochondria are responsible for producing approximately 90% of the energy for the cell, how efficiently this process is conducted has implications in animal growth and development . In this context, several studies focus on the association between mitochondrial function, UCP activity, and FE of beef cattle Fonseca et al, 2015), poultry and livestock species ).…”

“…Transcription factors and other genes encoding mitochondrial proteins may be critical determinants of cellular function associated with the phenotypic expression of FE Sherman et al, 2008). A study regarding molecular markers of FE evaluated the differential expression (mRNA levels) of genes involved with mitochondrial function (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-α [PGC-1α], mitochondrial transcription factor A [TFAM], and UCPs) in Nellore cattle divergently ranked by residual feed intake (RFI) (Fonseca et al, 2015), one of the most common indexes to measure FE. This study showed differences (high versus low RFI) in the expression levels of the UCP2 (liver) and TFAM (liver and muscle), suggesting that UCP2 and TFAM are possible candidate gene markers in breeding programs designed to increase the FE of Nellore cattle.…”

“…In this context, a study evaluated the differential expression of genes involved in mitochondrial function such as PGC1α, TFAM, and UCPs, and showed differences in the mRNA expression levels of the UCP2 gene in hepatic tissue of Nellore cattle divergently ranked by RFI (Fonseca et al, 2015). Thus, the investigation of genes involved in mitochondrial function and energy metabolism such as UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3 should be considered in future studies.…”

Estudo da influência genética da herança citoplasmática em características de interesse econômico de bovinos da raça Nelore

“…A principal razão para incorporação do efeito de linhagem citoplasmática nos modelos estatísticos para eficiência alimentar, além de ser uma característica importante para produção animal, está diretamente ligada com as funções mitocondriais ARTHUR, 2009;FONSECA et al, 2015;DAVIS et al, 2016). O componente de linhagem citoplasmática (Lc²) foi responsável por 1,4; 1,6; 1,1 e 2,1% como porção da variância fenotípica total, respectivamente, para IMS, GMD, CA e CAR.…”