Association between the MUC4 g.243A > G polymorphism and immune and production traits in Large White pigs

Authors: YING LIU, XUE MEI YIN, RI WEI XIA, YONG JIU HUO, GUO QIANG ZHU, SHENG LONG WU, WEN BIN BAO

Abstract: PCR-RFLP analysis of intron 17 of the MUC4 gene was conducted in Large White pigs and associations with cytokine levels (IFN-?, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TGF-ß, and TNF-?), production traits (100-kg-weight day age, back-fat depth, and eye muscle depth), and reproductive performance within different litters (total number born, number born alive, number in live weaning litter) were analyzed with the aim of identifying genetic markers of disease resistance. The results revealed AA, AG, and GG genotypes, with an A243G mutation identified in the GG genotype. Correlation analysis indicated that IL-8 and IL-10 levels and 100-kg-weight day age were significantly higher in the GG genotype compared with AA and AG genotypes (P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in IL-8 and IL-10 levels or 100-kg-weight day age for AA and AG genotypes. The levels of other cytokine levels and reproductive performance from the first to fourth litter did not significantly differ among the 3 genotypes (P > 0.05). These data indicate that MUC4 g.243A>G may enhance the antidisease capability and affect the growth rate of groups in the fattening period of Large White pigs without detrimental influences on resistance to disease, other production traits, and reproductive performance.

Keywords: Swine, MUC4 gene, genetic marker, immunity index, economic traits

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