A missense mutation (rs209302038) of KRT9 gene associated with heat stress in Chinese cattle

Abstract

Type I keratin 9 encoded by the KRT9 gene serves an important special function either in the mature palmar and plantar skin tissue. The changes in skin conditions and thickening of the outer layer of the skin may be affected by environmental variables. A missense mutation rs209302038 (NC_037346.1: g.41782870 G > A) was detected in KRT9, which changing the isoleucine into valine. This study aimed to identify the frequency of allele in this locus in Chinese indigenous cattle, and analyze the connection with heat stress. Our results indicated that the frequency of allele A gradually decreases from south to north, while the frequency of G allele showed the opposite pattern. Further analysis of the association of the different genotypes with three climate factors, which showed that the genotypes (GG, GA, AA) were significantly related to climatic conditions (p < 0.01). Therefore, we speculated that the mutation of the rs209302038 in Chinese indigenous cattle might be a genetic marker to detect heat stress.

Keywords:

• KRT9 gene
• Chinese indigenous cattle
• heat stress
• SNP

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA [CARS-37], the Program of Yunling Scholar, and the Young and Middle-aged Academic Technology Leader Backup Talent Cultivation Pro-gram in Yunnan Province, China [No. 2018HB045], Yunnan Provincial Major S&T Project [No. 2019ZG007 and 2019ZG011] and the Doctoral Startup Project of Chuxiong Normal University [No. BSQD2101].