摘要
Our study used a combined genome-wide association analysis approach to identify genetic markers associated with the weights of seven carcass components in pigs. By integrating single- and multi-locus models, we were able to capture more large-effect single nucleotide polymorphisms that could be used for marker-assisted selection in pig breeding. These findings have important implications for improving the commercial value of pork carcasses in the industry chain. @@@ Lay Summary Carcass cutting is the most effective method for enhancing the commercial value of pork carcasses in the industry chain. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying carcass component weights remain elusive. In this study, we used a combination of single- and multi-locus models to increase the power of genome-wide association analysis. We identified 177 important genetic variants that are potentially promising candidate markers for marker-assisted selection in breeding. Further investigation revealed one quantitative trait locus region and several candidate genes (PPP3CA, CPEB4, ECH1, CACNB2, ZNF217, FGFRL1, CHST11, LRRK2) associated with the weights of seven carcass components in Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire pigs. @@@ In the pork industry chain, carcass cutting is crucial for enhancing the commercial value of pork carcasses. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying carcass component weights remain poorly understood. Here, we used a combined genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach that integrated single- and multi-locus models to map genetic markers and genes associated with the weights of seven carcass components in Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire (DLY) pigs. As multi-locus GWAS captures more single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with large effects than single-locus GWAS, the combined GWAS approach detected more SNPs than using the single-locus model alone. We identified 177 nonredundant SNPs associated with these traits in 526 DLY pigs, including boneless butt shoulder (BBS), boneless picnic shoulder (BPS), boneless leg (BL), belly (BELLY), front fat (FF), rear fat (RF), and skin-on whole loin (SLOIN). Using single-locus GWAS, we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for SLOIN on Sus scrofa chromosome 15 (SSC15). Notably, a single SNP (ASGA0069883) in the proximity of this QTL was consistently detected by all GWAS models (one single-locus and four multi-locus models) and explained more than 4% of the phenotypic variance. Our findings suggest that the involved gene, MYO3B, is proposed to be a strong candidate for SLOIN. Further analysis also identified several candidate genes related to BBS (PPP3CA and CPEB4), BPS (ECH1), FF (CACNB2 and ZNF217), BELLY (FGFRL1), BL (CHST11), and RF (LRRK2). The identified SNPs can be used as molecular markers for the genetic improvement of pork carcasses in the molecular-guided breeding of modern commercial pigs.
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单位华南农业大学; 仲恺农业工程学院; 广东省农业科学院