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Animal genetics2012; 43(6); 810-812; doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2012.02329.x

MSTN genotypes in Thoroughbred horses influence skeletal muscle gene expression and racetrack performance.

Abstract: Myostatin, encoded by the MSTN gene, is a member of the TGF-β superfamily that regulates skeletal muscle development. A MSTN SNP significantly associated with Thoroughbred horse racing phenotypes has recently been identified as well as significant reductions in Thoroughbred skeletal muscle gene expression for three transcripts 400-1500 base pairs downstream of the MSTN gene following a period of training. Together, these findings indicate that MSTN genotypes may influence MSTN gene expression. To investigate this, MSTN mRNA expression was measured in biopsies from the middle gluteal muscle from 60 untrained yearling Thoroughbreds (C/C, n = 15; C/T, n = 28; T/T, n = 17) using two independent real-time qRT-PCR assays. MSTN gene expression was also evaluated in a subset (N = 33) of these animals using samples collected after a ten-month period of training. A significant association was observed between genotype and mRNA abundance for the untrained horses (assay I, P = 0.0237; assay II, P = 0.003559), with the C/C cohort having the highest MSTN mRNA levels, the T/T group the lowest levels and the C/T group intermediate levels. Following training, there was a significant decrease in MSTN mRNA (-3.35-fold; P = 6.9 × 10(-7) ), which was most apparent for the C/C cohort (-5.88-fold, P = 0.001). These data demonstrate the tight relationship between phenotype, genotype and gene expression at the MSTN gene in Thoroughbred racehorses.
© 2012 The Authors, Animal Genetics © 2012 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.
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Publication Date: 2012-02-27 PubMed ID: 22497477DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2012.02329.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates how the variation in the Myostatin (MSTN) gene in Thoroughbred horses affects muscle development, gene expression and racing performance. The study finds a strong correlation between the MSTN genotype and its gene expression, which in turn influences the horse’s racing abilities.

Introduction to MSTN and Its Role

  • The MSTN gene encodes a protein called Myostatin, which belongs to the TGF-β superfamily.
  • This protein plays a crucial role in regulating the development of skeletal muscles. It limits the growth and differentiation of muscle cells, thus controlling muscle size.
  • A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MSTN gene has been found to be significantly associated with Thoroughbred horse racing phenotypes, influencing their performance on the racetrack.
  • Recent findings have also shown reductions in Thoroughbred skeletal muscle gene expression for specific transcripts located close to the MSTN gene after a period of training.

Investigation into MSTN Expression

  • To further understand how MSTN genotypes affect gene expression, the study measured MSTN mRNA expression in muscle biopsies from 60 untrained yearling Thoroughbreds with different MSTN genotypes, using two independent real-time qRT-PCR assays.
  • They also studied the MSTN gene expression in a subset of these animals after a ten-month period of training.
  • The findings from the study demonstrated a significant association between genotype and mRNA abundance.
  • It was found that horses with the C/C genotype had the highest MSTN mRNA levels, those with the T/T genotype had the lowest levels, and those with the C/T genotype had intermediate levels.

Effects of Training on MSTN Expression

  • Strikingly, the study found a significant decrease in MSTN mRNA levels after the horses underwent training.
  • This downturn in MSTN expression was found to be most pronounced in the cohort of horses with the C/C genotype.

Conclusion

  • The study establishes a profound connection between the MSTN genotype and gene expression in Thoroughbred horses.
  • It implies that the MSTN genotype not only affects MSTN gene expression but may also significantly influence racing performance in Thoroughbreds.
  • These findings offer valuable insights to horse breeders and trainers who continuously aim to enhance racing performance in Thoroughbreds.

Cite This Article

APA
McGivney BA, Browne JA, Fonseca RG, Katz LM, Machugh DE, Whiston R, Hill EW. (2012). MSTN genotypes in Thoroughbred horses influence skeletal muscle gene expression and racetrack performance. Anim Genet, 43(6), 810-812. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2052.2012.02329.x

Publication

Animal genetics
ISSN: 1365-2052
NlmUniqueID: 8605704
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 43
Issue: 6
Pages: 810-812

Researcher Affiliations

McGivney, Beatrice A
  • Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, College of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Browne, John A
    Fonseca, Rita G
      Katz, Lisa M
        Machugh, David E
          Whiston, Ronan
            Hill, Emmeline W

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Female
              • Gene Expression
              • Gene Expression Regulation
              • Genotype
              • Horses / genetics
              • Male
              • Motor Activity / genetics
              • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
              • Myostatin / genetics
              • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
              • RNA, Messenger / genetics
              • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

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