Effect of selection for eventing on the MSTN gene in Brazilian sport horses.
Abstract: Polymorphisms in MSTN have previously been associated with equine performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify variants in intron 1 in 16 Brazilian Sport Horses selected for competition in eventing and their possible effects of selection on performance. Among the nine variants identified, eight had already been reported in previous studies or genomic databases, although they showed differences in frequencies when compared with other horse breeds. Moreover, a new mutation was identified in two horses, both in heterozygous form. Considering the absence of molecular studies in this valuable Brazilian breed, these findings represent an important contribution to the characterization of its genetic profile and may possibly aid in further genotype-phenotype association studies.
Publication Date: 2018-03-23 PubMed ID: 29593445PubMed Central: PMC5865066DOI: 10.1294/jes.29.21Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the effect of selection for competitive eventing on the MSTN gene in Brazilian Sport Horses. Nine variations of the MSTN gene were identified, with one being a previously unidentified mutation. These findings could be valuable for future studies on genotypic-phenotypic relationships in this breed.
Understanding the MSTN Gene and Its Function
- The MSTN gene, known as Myostatin, is a protein that plays a key role in the regulation of muscle mass development in animals. Polymorphisms (differences in the same gene across different individuals or species) in MSTN have been associated with differences in equine performance. As such, its study is of interest to researchers looking to understand genetic influences on horse performance.
Objectives and Methodology of the Study
- The purpose of the research was to identify different variations in a specific part (intron 1) of the MSTN gene in a group of 16 Brazilian Sport Horses selected for their prowess in eventing – a competitive equestrian discipline that combines different horse riding activities.
- The researchers were also interested in determining if these variations had any effect on the performance of the horses in eventing.
Results of the Study
- The study identified nine variations in the MSTN gene, eight of which had previously been reported in scientific literature or genomic databases. This means that these variants are not unique to Brazilian Sport Horses and can be found in other breeds too.
- However, there were differences in the frequency (how commonly a particular variant occurs) of these eight known variations compared to other horse breeds, which could indicate an effect on performance exclusive to the Brazilian Sport Horses.
- Most notably, the researchers discovered a new mutation in the MSTN gene that had not been previously identified. This mutation was found in two of the horses, both in a heterozygous form (one normal copy and one mutated copy of the gene). The potential impact of this new variation on horse performance is not known, but its discovery adds to the genetic diversity observed within the breed.
Significance of the Research
- With limited molecular studies conducted on the Brazilian Sport horse breed, these findings contribute to the understanding of its genetic profile.
- The identification of these MSTN gene variants could aid future genotype-phenotype association studies, providing valuable insights into the genetic factors that may influence performance traits in these horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Padilha FGF, El-Jaick KB, de Castro L, Moreira ADS, Ferreira AMR.
(2018).
Effect of selection for eventing on the MSTN gene in Brazilian sport horses.
J Equine Sci, 29(1), 21-24.
https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.29.21 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24230-340, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20211-040, Brasil.
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brasil.
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24230-340, Brasil.
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Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- O'Hara V, Cowan A, Riddell D, Massey C, Martin J, Piercy RJ. A highly prevalent SINE mutation in the myostatin (MSTN) gene promoter is associated with low circulating myostatin concentration in Thoroughbred racehorses. Sci Rep 2021 Apr 12;11(1):7916.
- Kim SW, Jo A, Im J, Lee HE, Kim HS. Expression analysis of miR-221-3p and its target genes in horses. Genes Genomics 2019 Apr;41(4):459-465.
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