Polymorphisms in BMPRIB gene affect litter size in Chinese indigenous sheep breed
Futao Mo, Weibo Sun, Liping Zhang, Xiaoyan Zhang, Yongfu La, Fan Xiao, Jianlei Jia, Jipeng Jin
Abstract
The BMPRIB gene belongs to the TGF-β superfamily and is considered to be a regulator of sheep reproductive performance. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of BMPRIB gene in the Small Tail Han, Hu, Mongolian, Oula, Gansu Alpine Fine-wool, Dorper and Australian White sheep were detected by Sanger sequencing. Five SNPs (rs427897187 G > A, rs418841713 A > G, rs159952533 T > C, rs429416173 C > A and rs403555643 A > G) of BMPRIB gene were identified. For rs427897187 G > A, further analysis revealed that genotype GG and GA had 0.26 (p < 0.05) and 0.33 (p < 0.05) litter size less than those with genotype AA in Oula sheep. For rs403555643 A > G, further analysis revealed that genotype GG and AG had 0.65 (p < 0.05) and 0.38 (p < 0.05) litter size more than those with genotype AA in Oula sheep, and genotype GG had 0.56 (p < 0.05) litter size more than those with genotype AA in Mongolian sheep. The results showed that rs427897187 G > A and rs403555643 A > G are potential molecular markers wich could improve litter size of Chinese indigenous sheep and be used in Chinese indigenous sheep breeding.