Polymorphism of the retinol-binding protein 4 gene (RBP4) and its association with carcass and meat quality traits in swine

Abstract

To investigate the influence of the retinol-binding protein 4 gene (RBP4) on the carcass and meat quality traits of swine, polymorphism was observed by PCR-SSCP in four Chinese native pig breeds (Huoshouhei, Anqingliubai, Wannanhei, and Wei), that were carefully selected for economic traits. The results revealed one SNP (A>G) of the RBP4 gene in these breeds, excluding Huoshouhei. The AA genotype was the predominant genotype and allele A was the predominant allele with higher frequencies. A further analysis of SNP genotypes associated with carcass and meat quality traits including slaughter rate, average back-fat thickness, eye muscle area, lean percentage, meat color, L* value, a* value, b* value, pH 1 , pH 24 , drip weight loss, intramuscular fat (IMF) content, and shear force was carried out in three pig breeds including Anqingliubai, Wannanhei, and Wei. The results showed that individuals with AA had a higher back-fat thickness and a lower eye muscle area than those with AG and GG. Meanwhile, individuals with AA had a higher a* value than those with AG and GG. However, differences of other traits such as lean percentage, pH, drip weight loss, IMF content, and shear force among different genotypes were irregular. In conclusion, the SNP (A>G) in the porcine RBP4 gene may be a potential genetic marker for back-fat thickness, eye muscle area, and meat color a* value selection in pigs.

Research advances and future perspectives of genomics and genetic improvement in allotetraploid common carp

“…The most significant QTL accounted for over 50% of phenotypic variation. Among the 18 genes annotated in the QTL regions involved in growth or metabolic function, the igf1 and tgf ‐ β receptors have been reported to be significantly associated with FCR in chickens 106,107 . If these candidate markers can prove powerful for phenotypic evaluation in future breeding programmes, this approach will significantly increase the efficiency of carp production.…”

Genomic analysis reveals selection signatures of the Wannan Black pig during domestication and breeding

“…The Wannan Black pig is a typical Chinese indigenous, disease-resistant breed with high fertility, and a crude-feed tolerance that has been bred in the south of Anhui province by artificial selection for a long time. Our previous study about retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene and cholesteryl estertransfer protein (CETP) gene in Wannan black pig revealed that RBP4 was significantly associated with average back-fat thickness and meat color b* value, and identified a mutation in CETP, which had significant effects on the expression in liver and correlated positively with serum lipid and meat fat phenotypes [17,18]. Moreover, other genes and microRNAs related with immune traits and fertility have been identified [19,20].…”