Polymorphisms of the bovine growth differentiation factor 9 gene associated with superovulation performance in Chinese Holstein cows

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) belongs to the transforming growth factor β superfamily and plays a critical role in ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate. We examined the bovine GDF9 gene polymorphism and analyzed its association with superovulation performance. Based on the sequence of the bovine GDF9 gene, six pairs of primers were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms of two exons and intron 1 of GDF9 using polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism. Only the products amplified by primer 3-1 displayed polymorphisms. Sequencing revealed two mutations of A485T and A625T in intron 1 of the GDF9 gene in 171 Chinese Holstein cows treated for superovulation. Association analysis showed that these two single nucleotide polymorphisms of A485T and A625T had significant effects Effects of GDF9 variants on superovulation performance on the number of transferable embryos (P < 0.05), and the A625T polymorphism was significantly associated with the total number of ova (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant additive effect on the number of transferable embryos was detected in polymorphisms of A485T (P < 0.05). This study is the first to identify two polymorphisms in bovine GDF9 and describe their correlation with superovulation traits in Chinese Holstein cows.

Effects of polymorphisms in the bovine growth differentiation factor 9 gene on sperm quality in Holstein bulls

“…However, studies examining mutations in bovine GDF9 are relatively rare. Tang et al (2013) first detected the two SNPs A485TA and A625C in GDF9 and reported significant associations with superovulation traits. In the present study, these two SNPs were detected in Holstein bulls.…”

“…We selected two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), A485TA and A625T (Tang et al, 2013), which are located in intron 1 of the bovine GDF9 gene, to evaluate their effects on the quality traits of sperm from 129 Holstein bulls. Primer sequences (F: 5'-AACAGAAGCC ACCTCTACAAC-3' and R: 5'-CTGGACAAGATGCTAACCTC-3') and reaction conditions for these two polymorphisms were selected according to a previous study (Tang et al, 2013).…”

“…Primer sequences (F: 5'-AACAGAAGCC ACCTCTACAAC-3' and R: 5'-CTGGACAAGATGCTAACCTC-3') and reaction conditions for these two polymorphisms were selected according to a previous study (Tang et al, 2013). These polymorphisms were genotyped by sequencing according to Tang et al (2013).…”

Polymorphism of the inhibin βA gene and its relationship with superovulation traits in Chinese Holstein cows

“…The variables were considered repeated measures as each variable was measured in two to four successive treatments (Yang et al, 2012). Their effects on superovulation traits including TNO, NDE, NTE, and NUO were analyzed using the general linear model procedure and were compared using the Duncan multiple range test (SAS 8.1) (Tang et al, 2013). Only factors with significant effects (genotype, season, and age; P < 0.05) were fitted in the final statistical model:…”

“…Superovulation traits were significantly influenced by age and season (all P < 0.05) (see Tang et al, 2013). The INHβA genotype had no significant influence on superovulation traits in Chinese Holstein cows (P > 0.05).…”