The use of the SLC16A1 gene as a potential marker to predict race performance in Arabian horses

Abstract

Background Arabian horses are commonly believed to be one of the oldest and the most popular horse breeds in the world, characterized by favourable stamina traits and exercise phenotypes. During intensive training, the rates of lactate production and utilization are critical to avoid muscle fatigue and a decrease in exercise performance. The key factor determining transmembrane lactate transport is the monocarboxylate transporter 1 protein coded for by the SLC16A1 gene. The aim of the present research was to identify polymorphisms in the coding sequence and UTRs in the equine SLC16A1 gene and to evaluate their potential association with race performance traits in Arabian horses. Based on RNA-seq data, SNPs were identified and genotyped using PCR-RFLP or PCR-HRM methods in 254 Arabian horses that competed in flat races. An association analysis between polymorphisms and racing results was performed. Results Novel polymorphisms in the equine SLC16A1 locus have been identified (missense and 5’UTR variants: g.55601543C > T and g.55589063 T > G). Analysis showed a significant association between the 5’UTR polymorphism and several racing results as follows: the possibility of winning first or second place, the number of races in which horses started and total financial benefits. The analysis also showed differences in genotype distribution depending on race distance. In the studied population, the shorter distance races were only won by TT horses. The GG and TG horses took first and second places in middle- and long-distance races, and the percentage of winning heterozygotes increased from 19.5 to 27% at the middle and long distances, respectively. The p.Val432Ile (g.55601543C > T) polymorphism was not significantly related to the analysed racing results. Conclusion Our results showed that g.55589063 T > G polymorphism affected the possibility of winning first or second place and of competing in more races. The different distribution of genotypes depending on race distance indicated the possibility of using a SNP in the SLC16A1 gene as a marker to predict the best race distance for a horse. The presented results provide a basis for further research to validate the use of the SLC16A1 gene as a potential marker associated with racing performance.

Common protein-coding variants influence the racing phenotype in galloping racehorse breeds

“…One of the best characterised genes for racing performance in Arabian horses is the SLC16A1 gene encoding the solute carrier family 16 member 1 protein that catalyses the movement of lactate and pyruvate across the plasma membrane 8 , 9 , 102 . In humans, genetic variants in the gene are used to predict athletic performance, in particular high-intensity exercise, and power ability 103 , 104 .…”

“…Among track racing Arabians there is evidence of recent Thoroughbred crossbreeding, presumably for the introduction of speed, with some horses having up to 60% Thoroughbred ancestry 7 . Although considered a highly polygenic trait, sequence variants at several genes have been reported to be directly associated with performance traits in the Arabian breed [7][8][9][10] .…”

Detecting fatigue of sport horses with biomechanical gait features using inertial sensors

“…Several studies showed an unusual increase in exercise load results in an increased risk of injury, as the body has not adapted to the earlier exercise responses [3][4][5]. In addition, fatigue has several consequences on the performance [6][7][8], health and welfare of the horse [9]. In severe cases, fatigue can cause horses to collapse and result in sudden death during competitions [10].…”

The Blood and Muscle Expression Pattern of the Equine TCAP Gene during the Race Track Training of Arabian Horses

“…These findings led to further investigation and evaluation of RNA-Seq-based single nucleotide polymorphisms, located within the most significant deregulated differential expressed genes (DEGs), as potential markers for racing abilities in Arabian horses. The genes included SH3RF2 (SH3 domain containing ring finger 2) [6], ACTN3 (actinin alpha-3) [7], and SLC16A6 (monocarboxylate transporter 7) [8,9]. The search for blood-based markers related to performance traits holds interest for many researchers.…”