Polymorphisms of four candidate genes and their correlations with growth traits in blue fox (Alopex lagopus)

• Published in: Gene 2019-10, Vol.717, p.143987-143987, Article 143987
• Main Authors: Yu, Dong-Yue, Wu, Ru-Zi, Zhao, Yao, Nie, Zi-Han, Wei, Lai, Wang, Tian-Yi, Liu, Zhi-Ping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blue fox; Candidate genes; Growth traits; Polymorphism
• ISSN: 0378-1119; 1879-0038
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.143987

To improve the accuracy and genetic progress of blue fox breeding, the relationships between genetic polymorphisms and growth and reproductive traits of the blue fox were investigated. MC4R, MC3R, INHA and INHBA were selected as candidate genes for molecular evolution and statistical analyses. Single-factor variance analyses showed that the MC4R (g.267C > T, g.423C > T, and g.731C > A) and MC3R (g.677C > T) genotypes had significant impacts on body weight, chest circumference, abdominal perimeter and body mass index (BMI) (P  A had significant effects on female fecundity, whereas the different genotypes of INHBA g.404G > T and g.467G > T and the INHA and INHBA combined genotypes had significant effects on male fecundity. The proteins encoded by the open reading frames (ORFs) of different polymorphic loci were predicted and analysed. The aims of this study were to identify genetic markers related to growth and reproduction in the blue fox and to provide an efficient, economical and accurate theoretical approach for auxiliary fox breeding. •Significant differences were present between the Inner Mongolia blue fox and eight other blue fox families according to the chi-square analysis (P