Detection and characterization of SNPs in the LEPR gene by next generation in chickens

• Grant number: 15/10111-0
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): July 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Genetics and Improvement of Domestic Animals
• Principal researcher: Clarissa Boschiero
• Grantee: Priscila Anchieta Trevisoli
• Home Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/08704-0 - Identification of loci of interest for poultry production, AP.TEM

Abstract

Animal genomics has contributed to the development of tools which can be used in breeding programs, such as next-generation sequencing and dense panels of SNPs. These tools can help the discovery of new genes or causal mutations of biological interest and thus contribute to improving the efficiency and quality of animal products. SNP polymorphisms have been associated with various diseases or traits of biological interest, and also they are the basis for animal diversity, then the massive identification of SNPs by next-generation sequencing is an important step. Although comprehensive studies of SNPs throughout the chicken genome have been performed, a more detailed characterization of variations in genes of biological interest is still needed, particularly SNPs located in coding regions with the potential to alter the protein's function. A particular gene of animal production interest is the leptin receptor (LEPR) which is located on chicken chromosome 8, and five mutations in this gene were associated with growth, feed efficiency and bone traits in chickens. Leptin is a hormone secreted mainly by adipose tissue and acts in the regulation of food intake and satiety in mammals, but the action of this hormone in birds is not yet well understood. Therefore, this research aims to identify and characterize genetic variations (SNPs) in LEPR gene from next-generation sequencing data of two experimental lines of chickens (broiler and layer) developed by Embrapa Swine and Poultry by Bioinformatics tools, and to obtain a detailed catalog of mutations in this gene for future studies and to identify potentially functional SNPs or present exclusively in one line.