Connections Between Gene Polymorphism and Fetlock and Hock Measurements in Polish Sport Horses.
Abstract: Finding the causative mutations for musculoskeletal system development and health status is of a higher priority for all sport horse breeders' associations. Of the regulating proteins involved in animal ossification, 15 gene polymorphisms were chosen to be identified as connected with the nine fetlock and 14 hock bone structures measurements of 198 horses. All measurements were taken using X-rays of the limbs, which were available at the beginning and end of the horse training. The analysis of variance (GLM, SAS program) was performed taking into account identified training and horse-connected characteristics, and gene polymorphism. The larger size of the bone structure was achieved in the fetlock for the heterozygotes of , , , , and . The heterozygotes were superior to homozygotes in the hock for the following genes: , , , and . The lower homozygote values were obtained for GG in in fetlock measurements, TT for in fetlock, TT for in fetlock, CC for in the hock, TT for in the hock, and TT for in the hock than their opposite homozygote and heterozygote variants. and are expressed in the same way for most of the bone structures in both joints.
Publication Date: 2025-10-02 PubMed ID: 41096909PubMed Central: PMC12525504DOI: 10.3390/ijms26199645Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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Overview
- This study investigates how variations in specific genes (gene polymorphisms) relate to the size and structure of fetlock and hock bones in Polish Sport Horses.
- The research aims to identify genetic factors that influence bone development, which is important for breeding healthy and well-performing sport horses.
Background and Purpose
- Musculoskeletal health and bone development are critical traits for sport horses, impacting their performance and longevity.
- Gene polymorphisms—variations in DNA sequence among individuals—can affect the regulation of bone growth and ossification (bone formation).
- Identifying specific gene variants linked to favorable bone traits helps breeders select horses with better structural conformation and health.
Gene Selection and Traits Measured
- The study focused on 15 gene polymorphisms that code for proteins regulating bone development.
- Measurements were taken from X-rays of fetlock and hock joints in 198 horses at both the start and end of their training period.
- Researchers measured 9 different fetlock bone structures and 14 hock bone structures, enabling detailed analysis of joint anatomy.
Methodology
- Statistical analysis used was Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) via a General Linear Model (GLM) in the SAS program.
- The analysis accounted for variables related to the horses themselves and their training regimes to isolate the impact of gene polymorphisms.
- Polymorphisms were categorized as homozygotes (two identical alleles) or heterozygotes (two different alleles) for comparison.
Key Findings
- Heterozygous genotypes in several genes were linked to larger bone size in fetlock joints, indicating a possible advantage of carrying different alleles.
- Similarly, heterozygotes were superior in bone size in the hock for a different set of genes.
- Certain homozygous genotypes showed smaller bone measurements compared to their alternative homozygote or heterozygote forms, suggesting specific alleles might negatively affect bone structure.
- Two genes showed consistent expression patterns influencing most bone structures in both joint regions, implying their significant role in overall bone development.
Implications for Breeding
- The results suggest that maintaining genetic diversity at key loci might favor optimal bone growth in sport horses.
- Breeders can use information about these polymorphisms to select animals likely to have stronger and better-developed fetlock and hock joints.
- Such genetic insights can contribute to improving the musculoskeletal health and performance potential of Polish Sport Horses.
Limitations and Further Research
- The study focuses on a specific horse population (Polish Sport Horses), so findings may not generalize across all breeds.
- Further research is required to identify the exact causative mutations and understand how these polymorphisms mechanistically influence bone development.
- Long-term studies on how these genetic factors affect injury rates and performance could provide additional valuable insights for breeders.
Cite This Article
APA
Lewczuk D, Wypchło M, Hecold M, Buczkowska R, Korwin-Kossakowska A.
(2025).
Connections Between Gene Polymorphism and Fetlock and Hock Measurements in Polish Sport Horses.
Int J Mol Sci, 26(19), 9645.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199645 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology PAN, ul. Postępu 36A, 05-551 Magdalenka, Poland.
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology PAN, ul. Postępu 36A, 05-551 Magdalenka, Poland.
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, ul. W. K. Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warszawa, Poland.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, ul. Nowourysnowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, ul. Nowourysnowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland.
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology PAN, ul. Postępu 36A, 05-551 Magdalenka, Poland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Poland
Grant Funding
- N R12 0037 06 / a National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR)
- 2011/01/B/NZ2/00893 / a National Science Centre
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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