Expression analysis, single nucleotide polymorphisms within SIRT4 and SIRT7 genes and their association with body size and meat quality traits in Qinchuan cattle

Abstract

Silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) proteins, or sirtuins, are nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylases that connect metabolism with longevity in lower organisms. In mammals, there are seven Sir2 homologs, namely, silent information regulators (SIRT1–7). SIRT4 and SIRT7 genes play a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism, cellular growth and metabolism. This suggests that they are potential candidate genes for affecting body size and meat quality traits in animals. Hence, this study aimed to detect genetic variations of both SIRT4 and SIRT7 bovine genes in Qinchuan cattle, and to evaluate the effect of these variations on economically important body size and meat quality traits. Expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) indicated that SIRT4 and SIRT7 were broadly expressed in all thirteen studied tissues. The expression of SIRT4 was higher in liver, muscle, and in subcutaneous fat tissue. In the case of SIRT7, the expression was higher in lung, abomasum, and subcutaneous fat. Using DNA sequencing, a total of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within SIRT4 and SIRT7 genes in 468 Qinchuan cattle. These included one novel SNP within 3′ untranslated regions (UTR) of SIRT4 (SNP1: g.13915A>G) and two novel synonymous substitutions in SIRT7 (SNP2: g.3587C>T and SNP3: g.3793T>C). Statistical analyses indicated that all three SNPs could significantly influence some body size and meat quality traits in Qinchuan cattle. These novel findings will provide a background for application of bovine SIRT4 and SIRT7 genes in the selection program of Chinese cattle.