The PLAG1 mRNA expression analysis among genetic variants and relevance to growth traits in Chinese cattle

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) encodes a developmentally regulated zinc finger protein, locating in growth-related QTNs. The mRNA expression of this gene was investigated in different tissues and from two different developmental periods, whilst to explore the functions of PLAG1 in growth traits of cattle. The results showed that PLAG1 was expressed in all examined tissues. However, PLAG1 expression levels in all examined tissues were significantly different between the 5-month fetus and 36-month adult cattle. Our juvenile results indicated PLAG1 is primarily expressed in embryonic tissues of Chinese cattle. Furthermore, two variations were identified. Association analysis revealed that the two variations were associated with growth traits (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). These new findings provide a comprehensive overview of the critical roles of PLAG1 in growth traits modulation and can be highlighted as candidate molecular markers in cattle breeding.

Keywords:

• Cattle
• mRNA expression
• genetic variants
• growth traits
• association analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The Open Fund of Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding [AKLGRCB201700] and Collaborative Innovation Major Project of Research and Production Practical Application for Yangling Demonstration Zone [K3360216067].