MSTN genotype (g.66493737C/T) association with speed indices in Thoroughbred racehorses.
Abstract: Sequence variation at the equine myostatin gene (MSTN) locus has previously been shown to have a singular genomic influence on optimum race distance in Thoroughbred racehorses. Myostatin, encoded by the MSTN gene, is a member of the TGF-β superfamily that regulates skeletal muscle development in a range of mammalian species including the horse. In the Thoroughbred, the C-allele at the g.66493737C/T SNP has been found at significantly higher frequency in subgroups of the population that are suited to fast, short distance, sprint races and also influences body composition phenotypes. We investigated the influence of the g.66493737C/T SNP on speed indexes measured in a cohort of n = 85 Thoroughbred horses-in-training. We found significant associations between genotypes at the g.66493737C/T SNP and all measured speed variables: Dist(6) [distance travelled during 6 s before and after maximal velocity (V(max)); P = 0.0040], V(maxt) (duration at V(max); P = 0.0249), V(max) (P = 0.0265), Dist(6b) (distance travelled during 6 s before V(max); P = 0.0032), and Dist(6a)(distance travelled during 6 s after V(max); P = 0.0317). For each measure, horses with the C/C and C/T genotypes outperformed T/T horses, indicating the requirement for at least one C-allele to improve speed. For the most significantly associated variables (Dist(6) and Dist(6b)) the C/C cohort performed better than the T/T cohort with the heterozygotes intermediate, indicating a dose-dependent manifestation. These findings clearly indicate that variation at the MSTN gene influences speed in Thoroughbred horses.
Publication Date: 2011-10-20 PubMed ID: 22016373DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00793.2011Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study shows that variations in the MSTN gene have been linked to optimal race distance and speed in thoroughbred racehorses. Specifically, the C-allele of the g.66493737C/T SNP in the MSTN gene is seen in higher frequency in horses suited for short and fast races.
Background and Focus of the Study
- The researchers focused on a gene known as the equine myostatin gene (MSTN) in thoroughbred racehorses.
- The MSTN gene is a part of the TGF-β superfamily which is responsible for regulating muscle development in various species, including horses.
- Previous research indicated that variations in the MSTN gene, specifically the C-allele of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) labeled as g.66493737C/T, were frequently found in the population of thoroughbred horses that typically perform well in fast, short-distance races.
- With this background, the research aimed to investigate the effect of this SNP on various speed indices measured in a group of 85 thoroughbred horses during their training.
Major Findings
- The research found significant associations between the g.66493737C/T SNP and various speed variables such as distance traveled before and after reaching maximum speed, the duration at maximum speed, and the maximum speed itself.
- Horses with the C/C and C/T genotypes outperformed those with the T/T genotype, indicating that at least one C-allele is beneficial for speed.
- In more comparison, horses with the C/C genotype performed better than the T/T genotype, with C/T genotypes having intermediate performances. This suggests that the effect on racing speed could be dose-dependent – with more presence of C-allele having more impact.
Conclusion
- The research concludes that variations at the MSTN gene, specifically the C-allele of the g.66493737C/T SNP, do have a clear influence on the speed of thoroughbred horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Hill EW, Fonseca RG, McGivney BA, Gu J, MacHugh DE, Katz LM.
(2011).
MSTN genotype (g.66493737C/T) association with speed indices in Thoroughbred racehorses.
J Appl Physiol (1985), 112(1), 86-90.
https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00793.2011 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland. emmeline.hill@ucd.ie
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Genetic Variation
- Genotype
- Horses
- Male
- Myostatin / genetics
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Running / physiology
- Sports / physiology
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