背景:蛋壳斑点表型是家禽生产中的重要性状,因为它们会影响蛋壳质量。然而,斑点蛋壳的遗传结构仍不清楚。在这项研究中,我们确定了蛋壳斑点的遗传力,并在28周时对纯种罗德岛红(RIR)母鸡进行了全基因组关联研究(GWAS),以检测与蛋壳斑点相关的潜在基因组位点和候选基因.
结果:28周时蛋壳斑点的遗传力为0.35,散斑水平与其他蛋壳品质性状的表型相关性不相关。我们检测到311个SNP(6个显著,和305个暗示性相关)和39个与蛋壳斑点相关的候选基因。基于路径分析,39个候选基因主要参与α-亚麻酸代谢,亚油酸代谢,醚脂质代谢,GnRH信号通路,血管平滑肌收缩,和MAPK信号通路。最终,十个基因,LOC423226,SPTBN5,EHD4,LOC77155,TYRO3,ITPKA,DLL4,PLA2G4B,PLA2G4EL5和PLA2G4EL6被认为是与免疫调节相关的最有希望的基因。钙运输,和磷脂代谢,而其在产蛋鸡中的功能需要进一步研究。
结论:本研究为了解蛋壳斑点的遗传基础提供了新的见解,对蛋壳品质的遗传改良具有实际应用价值。
BACKGROUND: Eggshell speckle phenotype is an important trait in poultry production because they affect eggshell quality. However, the genetic architecture of speckled eggshells remains unclear. In this
study, we determined the heritability of eggshell speckles and conducted a genome-wide association
study (GWAS) on purebred Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens at 28 weeks to detect potential genomic loci and candidate genes associated with eggshell speckles.
RESULTS: The heritability of eggshell speckles was 0.35 at 28 weeks, and the speckle level is not related to other eggshell quality traits in terms of phenotypic correlation. We detected 311 SNPs (6 significantly, and 305 suggestively associated) and 39 candidate genes associated with eggshell speckles. Based on the pathway analysis, the 39 candidate genes were mainly involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, GnRH signaling pathway, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and MAPK signaling pathway. Ultimately, ten genes, LOC423226, SPTBN5, EHD4, LOC77155, TYRO3, ITPKA, DLL4, PLA2G4B, PLA2G4EL5, and PLA2G4EL6 were considered the most promising genes associated with eggshell speckles that were implicated in immunoregulation, calcium transport, and phospholipid metabolism, while its function in laying hens requires further studies.
CONCLUSIONS: This
study provides new insights into understanding the genetic basis of eggshell speckles and has practical application value for the genetic improvement of eggshell quality.