Targeted imputation of sequence variants and gene expression profiling identifies twelve candidate genes associated with lactation volume, composition and calving interval in dairy cattle.

摘要: Dairy cattle are an interesting model for gaining insights into the genes responsible large variation between and within mammalian species in protein fat content of their milk volume. Large numbers phenotypes these traits available, as well full genome sequence key founders modern dairy populations. In twenty target QTL regions affecting production traits, we imputed variant genotypes a population 16,721 Holstein Jersey with excellent phenotypes. Association testing was used to identify variants each region, gene expression data were possible candidates. There statistical support or close BTRC, MGST1, SLC37A1, STAT5A, STAT5B, PAEP, VDR, CSF2RB, MUC1, NCF4, GHDC associated production, EPGN calving interval. Of candidates, analysis RNA-Seq demonstrated that GHDC, STAT5A highly differentially expressed mammary gland compared 15 other tissues. For nine regions, most significant non-coding DNA. Genomic predictions third breed (Australian Reds) using only candidate some more accurate than genomic from 632,003 common SNP on Bovine HD array. The identified this study candidates improving could be investigated novel biological mechanisms driving lactation mammals.