Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Meat Quality Traits in a Porcine Large White × Minzhu Intercross Population

• Main Author: Weizhen Luo, Duxue Cheng, Shaokang Chen, Ligang Wang, Yong Li, Xiaojun Ma, Xin Song, Xin Liu, Wen Li, Jing Liang, Hua Yan, Kebin Zhao, Chuduan Wang, Lixian Wang, Longchao Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ivyspring International Publisher 2012-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Biological Sciences
• Online Access: http://www.biolsci.org/v08p0580.htm

<p>Pork quality is an economically important trait and one of the main selection criteria for breeding in the swine industry. In this genome-wide association study (GWAS), 455 pigs from a porcine Large White &#215; Minzhu intercross population were genotyped using the Illumina PorcineSNP60K Beadchip, and phenotyped for intramuscular fat content (IMF), marbling, moisture, color L*, color a*, color b* and color score in the longissimus muscle (LM). Association tests between each trait and the SNPs were performed via the Genome Wide Rapid Association using the Mixed Model and Regression-Genomic Control (GRAMMAR-GC) approach. From the Ensembl porcine database, SNP annotation was implemented using <i>Sus scrofa</i> Build 9. A total of 45 SNPs showed significant association with one or multiple meat quality traits. Of the 45 SNPs, 36 were located on SSC12. These significantly associated SNPs aligned to or were in close approximation to previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) and some were located within introns of previously reported candidate genes. Two haplotype blocks ASGA0100525-ASGA0055225-ALGA0067099-MARC0004712-DIAS0000861, and ASGA0085522-H3GA0056170 were detected in the significant region. The first block contained the genes <i>MYH1</i>, <i>MYH2</i> and <i>MYH4</i>. A SNP (ASGA0094812) within an intron of the <i>USP43</i> gene was significantly associated with five meat quality traits. The present results effectively narrowed down the associated regions compared to previous QTL studies and revealed haplotypes and candidate genes on SSC12 for meat quality traits in pigs.</p>