Effect of Myostatin SNP on muscle fiber properties in male Thoroughbred horses during training period.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research explores the influence of a gene variant (Myostatin SNP) on muscle development in young Thoroughbred horses during training. The results indicate that different forms of this variant impact muscle growth and related gene expressions, hence, affecting a horse’s suitability for short-distance racing.
Research Purpose and Methodology
The aim of this study was to decipher the impact of the Myostatin gene single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on muscle properties in Thoroughbred horses during a training period. The study focused on a specific variant (g.66493737C/T SNP), which previous research suggested was suited to short-distance racing.
- A group of 27 untrained male Thoroughbred horses, aged 1.5 years, were selected for the study.
- Researchers collected biopsy samples from the middle gluteal muscle of these horses, before and after a 5-month training period.
- Real-time RT-PCR analysis was used to quantify and compare various mRNA expressions in these sample, hence, allowing researchers to study the effects of the Myostatin gene on muscle fiber.
- Immunohistochemical analysis was further employed using the remaining muscle samples to determine the population and area of each fiber type.
Observations and Findings
The study’s observations and findings pertain primarily to the effects of the Myostatin SNP on muscle fiber development and the expression of related genes.
- Researchers found that Myostatin mRNA expressions decreased in all horses regardless of their SNP genotype.
- However, a significant drop was noticed only in those with the C/C genotype after training. This suggested a direct association of muscle fiber hypertrophy and a decrease in Myostatin mRNA expression in C/C genotype horses.
- On the other hand, expressions of VEGFa, PGC1α, and SDHa mRNAs, which are linked to the development of mitochondria and capillaries, were observed to be significantly higher (54-82%) in T/T horses as compared to C/C horses after training.
According to the researchers, the increase in expressions of VEGFa, PGC1α, and SDHa in T/T genotype horses might be indirectly caused by the Myostatin SNP. These findings indicate the influential role of the Myostatin gene in regulating muscle properties and genetic adaptations in Thoroughbred horses during training, which may also dictate their racing aptitudes.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida 1677-1, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan. hiro@yamaguchi-u.ac.jp.
- Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida 1677-1, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan.
- Equine Breeding Science, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, 535-13, Nishicha, Urakawa, Hokkaido, 057-0171, Japan.
- Equine Breeding Science, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, 535-13, Nishicha, Urakawa, Hokkaido, 057-0171, Japan.
- Equine Breeding Science, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, 535-13, Nishicha, Urakawa, Hokkaido, 057-0171, Japan.
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, 1731-2, Tsurutamachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 320-0851, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
- Genotype
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / physiology
- Myostatin / genetics
- Myostatin / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
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