Genetic variability in myostatin (MSTN) and ryanodine (RYR1) receptor genes in crossbred pigs Youna x Pietrain

Radostina St.Grigorova, Katerina Stefanova, Milena Bozhilova-Sakova

Abstract: The aim of present study was investigation of genetic variability in myostatin and ryanodine receptor genes in pigs. 26 male and female crossbred pigs Youna x Pietrain were studied, they were part of the Institute of animal science – Kostinbrod, Bulgaria. Genomic DNA was extracted from hair by manual purification kit. PCR amplification and RFLP analysis were carried out. Specific restriction enzymes were used as fallowed: TaqI for MSTN/exon3, DraI for MSTN/promoter and HhaI for RYR1 locus. The fragments were separated by agarose electrophoresis and the obtained results were visualized under UV light. Based on results, promoter of MSTN and RYR1 genes were found to be polymorphic while the exon 3 of MSTN gene was monomorphic. The allelic frequencies in MSTN/promotor region were 0.96 for allele T and 0.04 for A and the genotype frequencies were 0.92 and 0.08 for TT and TA, respectively. Homozygous genotype AA was not found in this herd. In MSTN/exon3 region only allele C and genotype CC were observed. In this population RYR1 locus showed low level of polymorphism. The allelic frequencies were 0.98 for allele N and 0.02 for allele n. Genotype frequencies were 0.96 for homozygous dominant genotype NN and 0.04 for heterozygous genotype Nn. Homozygous recessive genotype nn was not found. Observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity were 0.076 and 0.077 for MSTN/DraI and 0.038 and 0.039 for RYR1, respectively.

Keywords: crossbred pigs Youna x Pietrain; myostatin gene; PCR-RFLP; ryanodine receptor gene

Date published: 2023-04-27