Characterization of a 7 bp indel in MARCH1 promoter associated with reproductive traits in Malabari and Attappady Black goats of India

Abstract

Membrane-associated RING CH-type finger 1(MARCH1) gene belongs to a family member of RING-v type E3 ubiquitin ligases, which consists of 11 known members, some of which targets important aspects of immune response. MARCH1 gene has a regulatory role in immunity and placental health; hence it affects foetal growth and survivability. To understand the role of MARCH1 gene in caprine reproduction, differential gene expression profile was studied in reproductive tissues of goats. Relative abundance of MARCH1 mRNA was significantly (≤0.01) higher in placenta than ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. Further, the differential placental gene expression profile was studied in two groups of goats with normal kidding and kid mortality at birth. MARCH1 gene was significantly upregulated in the placenta of goats with early kid mortality than normal kidding. An indel mutation (a 7 bp insertion) located in the promoter region of MARCH1 gene was screened in 282 goats belonging to Malabari and Attappady Black breeds by agarose gel electrophoresis and revealed three genotypes (DD, ID and II). A novel High resolution melt curve analysis protocol was designed for the rapid screening of this indel. Genotype II had higher litter size and average birth weight of kids than ID and DD genotypes. These results suggest the influence of the detected indel in placental health and foetal growth, together the role of MARCH1 in reproduction as well as the potential use of indel in MARCH1 as a molecular marker in future goat breeding programmes.