New candidate genes associated with fat thickness in russian meat merino sheep

Abstract

Identification of candidate genes and genetic markers associated with meat productivity in sheep using genome-wide association searches (genome-wide association studies, GWAS) is a promising area of genetic research. We conducted a genome-wide search for associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with thicker fat in the lumbar region in Russian beef Merino sheep. The object of the study was rams aged 12 months (n = 50). Fat density is achieved at the 1st–2nd lumbar spine level using a portable ultrasound scanner. Animal genotyping was done using Ovine Infinium HD BeadChip 600K DNA biochips. As a result of GWAS, 14 SNPs belonging to the trait “fat thickness” were identified in sheep of the Russian meat Merino breed. Most SNPs were located in the intergenic space. One SNP is localized in the exon, and two - in the intron of genes. Three substitutions are near the small nuclear RNA gene and one near the non-coding RNA gene. Based on the analyzed SNPs in the genome, five new candidate genes were proposed that are associated with growth in the lumbar region in Russian beef Merino sheep: KCNH8, MTERF4, RYBP, NDST3, ENSOARG00000004203. The study’s goal should be to study the structure of these genes for the mechanism of their action on animal phenotypes, and the identified SNPs can be used as new molecular markers in breeding work.