Polymorphisms in 5’-upstream region of the myostatin gene in four chicken breeds and its relationship with growth traits in the Bian chicken

Abstract

Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor-β family with a key role in inhibition of muscle growth by negative regulation of both myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the 5’-upstream region of the myostatin gene were detected by single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing in the Bian, Jinghai, Youxi and Arbor Acre chickens. Four novel mutations (G673A, G985C, G1085A, and A1278T) were detected. Only one locus (A1278T) displayed polymorphism in the Bian chicken, and thus, three genotypes (QQ, QR, and RR) were formed. Association analysis showed that the Bian chicken of the RR and QR genotypes had significantly higher body weight than those of the QQ genotype (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) from 14 to 18 weeks of age. The novel mutation (A1278T) could be a useful molecular marker for planning improvements in the growth traits of the Bian chicken.

Key words: Bian chicken, myostatin gene, polymorphism, growth traits.