DNA sequence variation in the porcine growth hormone promoter region from Danish and exotic pigs

Abstract

An extension of the porcine growth hormone (GH) gene sequence from ‐178 to ‐331 was performed. Comparison of the porcine GH promoter between ‐331 and +169 with the published sequences from rat, human and bovine GH genes revealed conservation of several transcription factor binding sites. The sequence of the GH promoter between position ‐294 and +145 was determined in a total of ten animals from four Danish breeds (Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire). The animals were homozygous for five different haplotypes defined by five polymorphic restriction sites. The sequences revealed nine additional polymorphic base pairs of which the most notable are located within the TATA‐box, within the recognition sequence for transcription factor Spl, and within a recognition sequence for the thyroid hormone receptor. Sequence was determined in the same region of the porcine GH promoter from one wild boar and three Meishan animals. At any single nucleotide position, the sequence was shared with at least one Danish animal. However, including data from restriction enzyme digests, the haplotypes of the Meishan animals were different from all haplotypes detected in Danish pigs.