Infertility and candidate gene markers for fertility in stallions: a review.
Abstract: Stallion fertility is of high economic importance for the horse industry. The discovery of molecular mechanisms affecting fertility will be facilitated by the horse genome assembly and the development of novel tools for analysing complex genetic traits. Genetic markers in candidate genes, such as CRISP3, SPATA1 and INHBA, in breeding stallions have been associated with pregnancy rate per oestrus in mares. This paper reviews candidate autosomal, X and Y genes for stallion fertility, including genes encoding hormones and their receptors of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, proteins of the seminal plasma, proteins involved in spermatozoa-ovum binding and genes influencing sexual development, as well as Y-specific genes. Their chromosomal location and gene structure are described, based on the horse genome assembly EquCab2.0 and a resource for markers located within or in close vicinity to the candidate genes (including pre-designed primer sequences). The application of genetic markers in improving stallion fertility for breeding and management is discussed.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2009-08-26 PubMed ID: 19713135DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.07.024Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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The research article revolves around the identification of genetic markers in stallions that are associated with fertility. The researchers used the horse genome assembly to find the molecular mechanisms affecting fertility, and identified certain genes such as CRISP3, SPATA1 and INHBA that impact pregnancy rates in mares.
Understanding Infertility in Stallions
- Stallion fertility is crucial for the economic viability of the horse breeding industry. Efficient breeding depends on the fertility of stallions, which in turn relies on complicated genetic factors.
- This research aims to uncover these genetic factors by studying molecular mechanisms linked to fertility. The development of modern tools for genes analysis has made the process easier and more precise.
Role of Specific Genes in Fertility
- The research found three significant genetic markers for fertility: CRISP3, SPATA1, and INHBA. These genes have been directly associated with the pregnancy rate per oestrus in mares, offering a tangible genetic link to fertility.
- Researchers went a step further to review autosomal, X and Y genes that might play a role in stallion fertility. These includes genes producing hormones and their receptors of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, seminal plasma proteins, proteins involved in spermatozoa-ovum binding, genes influencing sexual development, and Y-specific genes.
Chromosomal Location and Gene Structure
- The location and structure of these genes on the chromosome were described using the horse genome assembly, EquCab2.0. This assembly acts as a significant resource for researchers to understand the genetic landscape of horses better and locate these candidate genes.
- Additionally, the study provided resource for markers located within or in close vicinity to the candidate genes. Even pre-designed primer sequences were included to aid further investigation.
Application of Genetic Markers in the Breeding Industry
- The study concluded by exploring possible applications of these genetic markers in the breeding process. Improved understanding of these markers could potentially enhance the management and breeding of stallions, increasing pregnancy rates and thus economic gains for the industry.
Cite This Article
APA
Giesecke K, Sieme H, Distl O.
(2009).
Infertility and candidate gene markers for fertility in stallions: a review.
Vet J, 185(3), 265-271.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.07.024 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Fertility / genetics
- Genetic Association Studies / veterinary
- Genetic Markers / genetics
- Genome
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / physiology
- Male
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Li L, Zhang L, Zhang Z, Keyhani NO, Xin Q, Miao Z, Zhu Z, Wang Z, Qiu J, Zheng N. Comparative transcriptome and histomorphology analysis of testis tissues from mulard and Pekin ducks. Arch Anim Breed 2020;63(2):303-313.
- Liang G, Yan J, Guo J, Tang Z. Identification of Ovarian Circular RNAs and Differential Expression Analysis between MeiShan and Large White Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jun 29;10(7).
- Mantovani R, Folla F, Pigozzi G, Tsuruta S, Sartori C. Genetics of Lifetime Reproductive Performance in Italian Heavy Draught Horse Mares. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jun 23;10(6).
- Zhang L, Zhen J, Huang Q, Liu H, Li W, Zhang S, Min J, Li Y, Shi L, Woods J, Chen X, Shi Y, Liu Y, Hess RA, Song S, Zhang Z. Mouse spermatogenesis-associated protein 1 (SPATA1), an IFT20 binding partner, is an acrosomal protein. Dev Dyn 2020 Apr;249(4):543-555.
- Sievers J, Distl O. Genomic Patterns of Homozygosity and Genetic Diversity in the Rhenish German Draught Horse. Genes (Basel) 2025 Mar 11;16(3).
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