Molecular cloning, sequence identification, polymorphism and association of the porcine SPATS2L gene

Spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 2-like (<i>SPATS2L</i>) is an important reproduction-related gene. In this study, the full-length cDNA sequence of the porcine <i>SPATS2L</i> gene was cloned through the RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) method. The porcine <i>SPATS2L</i> gene encodes a protein of 559 amino acids which shares high homology with the <i>SPATS2L</i> proteins of seven species: dog (94 %), white-tufted-ear marmoset (91 %), human (92 %), rhesus monkey (92 %), horse (92 %), rat (88 %) and mouse (88 %). This novel porcine gene was assigned to GeneID: 100415809. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the porcine <i>SPATS2L</i> gene has a close genetic relationship with the canine <i>SPATS2L</i> gene. PCR-<i>Pst</i> I-RFLP was established to detect GU474997:c.1687 <i>C</i> > <i>T</i> substitution of porcine <i>SPATS2L</i> gene mRNA, and eight pig breeds displayed obvious genotype and allele frequency differences at this mutation locus. Association of this single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with litter size traits was assessed in Large White (<i>n</i> = 100) and Landrace (<i>n</i> = 100) pig populations, and results demonstrated that this polymorphic locus was significantly associated with the litter size of all parities in Large White sows and Landrace sows (<i>P</i> < 0.01). Therefore, <i>SPATS2L</i> gene could be an useful candidate gene in selection for increasing litter size in pigs.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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