Genetic architecture of reproductive traits in Russian Landrace pigs

Abstract

Relevance. Currently, the development of molecular and population genetics is a relevant task. The need to identify reliable candidate genes is associated with increase in pig population and quality improvement of both breeding and meat products. In this regard, the whole-genome analysis method solves issues of the genetic determination in quantitative and economically important traits.Methods. In this study, the GWAS method was applied to reproductive traits of Landrace sows.Results. 35 reliable candidate genes with biological functionality were identified and described, located near or within the identified significant SNP, responsible for various reproductive traits of sow organisms. Genes were classified into two clusters — 20 genes belonged to Cluster 1, which was responsible for mitochondrial and coupled electron transport, ATP synthesis, as well as binding of fatty acids and tryptophan (AFF4, IL13, IL4, IRF1, SHROOM1, IL-5, UQCRQ, MRPL13, TTR, ENPEP, NOL4, PCDH7, DSG3, RASSF6, ALB, AFP, ANKRD17, SOX9), and 15 genes belonged to Cluster 2, which was associated with response to bacterial and viral infections (YTHDC2, KIF3A, EYA1, DSG2, DSG4, PPIH, RNF125, TRAPPC8, PITX2, KIAA1462, MTPAP, JMJD6, METTL23, SRSF2, and U2AF1).