Growth Hormone Gene Research Articles

Detection of growth hormone (GH|MspI,GHR|AluI, Pit1|HinfI) genes polymorphism and its association with body weight of Grati-Bali Cattle (Bos sondaicus)

Bali cattle is the only native Indonesian cattle that still exist and well developed. Bali cattle are known to have adaptability and a higher percentage of carcasses than other local cattle. Molecular selection related to growth traits can be done by exploration of growth hormone genes in the population of Bali cattle. This study aims to detect the level of polymorphism of GH, GHR and Pit1 genes and their association with the body weight of Grati-Bali cattle as a first step to produce a MAS (marker assisted selection). A total of 171 DNA samples Grati-Bali cattle were collected from the Beef Cattle Research Station experiment cages and its body weight data of 2014-2018 include birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and yearling weight (YW). Blood samples were isolated using a zymo extraction kit. Detection of the diversity of growth hormone genes (GH, GHR and Pit1) using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method with MspI, AluI, HinfI restriction enzymes. Data analysis used Chi-Square test for genotype, allele frequencies and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). Association analysis used the GLM model. The results showed that the average BW, WW and YW of Grati- Bali cattle in the study were 13.3±0.3 kg, 73.7±2.4 kg and 121.3±4.2 kg, respectively and there was no statistical difference in body weight for male and female calves. The analysis showed that GH and Pit1 genes were detected by 1 genotypes respectively, each with an allele frequency > 99% and monomorphic. GHR gene was detected 3 genotypes namely AA, AG, GG, with allele frequencies A were 0.579 and G were 0.421. The GHR gene PIC value was in the moderate category. It was concluded that the GHR|AluI gene in Bali cattle is polymorphic but has not been significantly associated with the body weight of Grati-Bali cattle.

IMPACT OF GROWTH HORMONE GENE TRANSFER BY SPERM-MEDIATED GENE TRANSFER ON EGG PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF BANDARAH LOCAL CHICKEN

The experimental was aimed to improve genetic of Bandarah Local chicken strain to insert Growth hormone gene (cGH) from (Cobb 500) broiler strain by method sperm-mediated gene transfer technique (SMGT). This study investigated for two generations. Total RNA was extracted from chicken liver tissue and the cDNA was successfully prepared. PCR Products GH, mRNA normal Length 810bp for transgenic Bandarah chickens which treated by SMGT method, the same result was found in the first and second generation. The averages of fertility percentage were 88.97% and 92.14 % for SMGT and control, respectively. The overall mean of the second generation was nearly value 90.76% of the first one 90.38%.The responses of the transgenic techniques SMGT for fertility percentage were 5.64%. The responses of hatchability for SMGT were 18.35% and 21.82% for fertile and total eggs, respectively The SMGT of transferring was decreased the age at sexual maturity ASM at the second generation by 35.01 d. Egg number which produced during the first 90 days from SMGT method significantly increased compared by the control. There was highly significant difference between treated found, the SMGT method had the heaviest egg weight 49.20 g followed by control one 48.22 g. After two generations, the SMGT technique was improved egg number by 10.62 egg, decreased egg weight by 0.9g and improved egg mass during the first 90 days of laying by 512.62 g. SMGT is an efficient method that will hopefully facilitate the implementation of strategies for securing the benefits that can be expected to arise from the introduction of transgenic chicken. Chicken cGH gene was affected in egg productive traits and reproductive traits and moved from the first generation to the second generation with the same shape and increased the effect. Growth hormone gene transfer by SMGT will save time to improve egg productive traits and reproductive traits.

Polymorphism of GH Exon 2 (c.100A>G) and GH Exon 4 (c.68A>C) in Sapera Goat

Growth hormone gene plays a key role in regulating body growth and in developing mammary gland. Saanen and Etawah Grade (Peranakan Etawah) are widely cultivated in Indonesia to produce milk. Sapera goat is the crossing between Saanen goat and Etawah Grade goat. Sapera goats are used in Indonesia because they are more adaptive to the tropical climate compared to Saanen and more milk yield compared to Etawah Grade. This study aimed to identify on two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the growth hormone gene, namely GH exon 2 (SNP: c.100A>G) and GH exon 4 (SNP: c.68A>C). These two SNPs were identified by the PCR-RFLP method. The GH exon 2 showed three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG). All breeds of dairy goat exhibited the highest AG genotype frequency (0.600-0.100). On the other hand, GH exon 4 was monomorphic. GH exon 2 could be employed as a useful marker to assist selection related to the growth and milk traits in dairy goat breeds. Further analysis is needed to investigate GH exon 4 (SNP: c.68A>C) in a larger sample size.

GENETICALLY IMPROVEMENT OF SOME PERFORMANCE TRAITS OF EGYPTION LOCAL CHIKENS BY TRANSFERRING GROWTH HORMONE GENE FROM BROILER

The present study was aimed to investigate isolation, cloning and se-quencing of chicken Growth hormone gene (cGH) from chicken (cobb 500 broilers) then transfer chicken Growth hormone gene by two methods the first gene transfer method by using sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT) technique and the second gene transfer method using bioresonance (Bio) to local chicken strain (Bandarah).This study was investigate for two generation. The body weight at hatch and 4 weeks of age in-creased by 3.32 and 8.09 g for SMGT method and by 1.27 and 5.22g for Bio method respectively. The SMGT method was increased the body weight at 12 wk of age by 60.17 and 7.96 g for males and females respectively. The growth rate during 0-4 weeks of age was 131.64, 130.68 and 132.35%, for SMGT, Bio and control respectively. In conclusion cGH Gene successfully isolate, molecular cloning from Cobb 500 and transferring by two methods SMGT and Bio to produce transgenic chickens of a local strain in Egypt .SMGT is an efficient method that will hopefully facilitate the imple-mentation of strategies for securing the benefits that can be expected to arise from the introduction of transgenic chicken, Bio open important new perspectives in the field of animal transgenic would be more rapid, with quick and effective delivery of genes to target tissues. Chicken cGH gene was effect in all growth traits and moved from the first generation to the second generation with the same shape and increased the effect. The second generation gave higher body weight at 0,4,8 and 12 weeks of age.

DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY OF FIRST COWS WITH DIFFERENT GENOTYPES BY GROWTH GENE

The aim of the study was to study the allelic polymorphism of the growth hormone gene in a group of cows of the Montbeliard breed and to search for associations of its different genotypes with the parameters of the dynamics of milk yield during lactation. The research was conducted in the Department of Animal Genetics and Biotechnology of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics of NAAS on a group of 30 cows of the Montbeliard cattle breed from PSP "Zhadkivske" of Chernihiv region. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood leukocytes by standard methods using the set "DNA-sorb-B" ("Ampli-Sense", Russia). Dairy productivity of first-born cows was determined monthly by control milkings. Types of lactation curves were studied according to the method of A. S. Emelyanov (1953). Polymorphism of the growth hormone (GH) gene in our first-born cows is represented by two alleles L I V, the frequency of which differs, and the frequencies of genotypes differ accordingly.
 In the studied group of animals, all possible genotypes of the growth hormone gene were identified: 25 animals (83%) have the GHLL genotype, 4 (13%) have the GHLV genotype, and only one cow has the GHVV genotype. The frequency of the L allele is 0.9, and the V allele is 0.1. The mean expectation for 305 days of the first lactation of a group of cows with the GHLL genotype was 352 kg higher than the expectations in the group of heterozygous cows with the GHLV genotype. In terms of milk fat and protein yield, cows with GHLL genotype were significantly dominated by cows with GHLV genotypes (74 kg fat and 36 kg protein, respectively, p < 0.001). Analysis of the dynamics of monthly milk yield of the studied cows for 305 days of the first lactation showed that the productivity of cows with GHLL genotype exceeds the average monthly milk yield of other groups of animals at the beginning (from 1 to 3 months), at the peak of lactation (4th month) and at the end of lactation (from 8 to 10 months). In general, during the 305 days of the first lactation, first-borns with the GHLL genotype had better milk yields compared to their peers with other growth hormone gene genotypes. Analysis of variance showed that the obtained share of variability in milking in animals with different genotypes of the GH gene is due to random factors.
 Analysis of lactation curves of primiparous women showed that milk yield of cows with all variants of genotypes in the GH gene gradually increased and reached its peak at 3–4 months of lactation, and then gradually decreased. This lactation curve, according to the classification of A. S. Emelyanov is characteristic of animals with high and stable lactation, and cows are able to digest food well and produce high hopes. \
 Thus, a statistically significant difference in quantitative and qualitative characteristics of milk productivity of cows of Montbeliard breed with different variants of genotypes by GH gene on the example of a group of cows from "Zhadkivske" Chernihiv region suggests that the use of genetic markers, in particular the growth hormone GH selection of selection and further formation of the herd in the direction of increasing milk productivity.

Laron syndrome: a case report

Laron syndrome (LS) is a rare, genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The disease is caused by mutations of the growth hormone (GH) gene, leading to GH/insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF1) signalling pathway defect. A 13-month-old, male child, born of second-degree consanguineous marriage presented with short stature (57 cm, below- 3 SD) with normal head size, mild motor developmental delay, micropenis and bone age of 9 months. Basal GH was 28.7 ng/ml (normal 1-13.6 ng/ml). IGF-1 was less than 20 ng/ml (normal up to 170 ng/ml). GH stimulation test done using clonidine revealed increased levels. Post stimulation levels at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min (ng/ml) were 29.3, 37.9, 29.3 respectively, which was suggestive of resistance to GH that is laron dwarfism. Treatment is focused on improving growth and generally includes injections of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This case is being reported for its rarity and early detection.

Preferred and undesirable genotypes of bGH and bIGF-1 genes for the milk yield and quality of black-and-white breed.

Background and Aim:The market demand for the quality of milk and dairy products, in particular in terms of such indicators as fat content, the amount and composition of milk protein, etc., is growing. Thus, the need for the selection of dairy herds using genetic markers associated with qualitative traits of milk productivity is becoming urgent. This study aimed to determine the preferred and undesirable genotypes of the AluI polymorphism of the growth hormone gene and SnaBI polymorphism of the insulin-like growth factor-1 gene associated with milk productivity and quality indicators of the black-and-white breed. The genotypes of animals were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Materials and Methods:Samples of the black-and-white breed from Kazakhstan served as the research subjects. The polymorphism of the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 genes was determined by PCR-RFLP. The relationship of bGH-AluI and bIGF-1-SnaBI polymorphisms with productivity was assessed (fat, protein, and milk yield for 305 days of lactation, live weight, somatic cells, and milk production coefficient) by analysis of variance using Statistica 6.0 software.Results:The black-and-white cows with the bGH-AluILV genotype had significantly higher milk yield in 305 days (3174.5±157.2 kg) than those with the bGH-AluILL (2940.0±152.6 kg) and bGH-AluIVV genotypes (2964.0±36.0; p<0.05). The milk fat content of cows with genotypes bGH-AluILV and bGH-AluILL (121.8±6.5 and 120.6±10.2, respectively) was significantly higher than those with bGH-AluIVV genotype (109.8±10.8; p<0.05). The black-and-white cows with the bGH-AluILV genotype (96.7±5.3) had significantly more milk protein than those with the bGH-AluILL (90.3±5.6) and bGH-AluIVV (86.9±4.6) genotypes (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the indicators of milk productivity of cows with different genotypes of bIGF-1-SnaBI polymorphism.Conclusion:The results showed that the bGH-AluILV genotype was preferred for the black-and-white breed. The study demonstrated that genotype determined the relevant qualities, while the conditions of feeding, maintenance, and industrial technology provided the manifestation of this genotype. Thus, cows of the same (Wis Burke Ideal) line, having common ancestors in close (IV–V) ranks but living in different farming conditions, had large differences in milk productivity level. The variation was 2046 kg or 67.6% of milk per lactation.

Cloning and expression of the growth hormone gene and its effect on the proliferation of skeletal muscle cells of Guizhou cattle

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of growth hormone (GH) gene on skeletal muscle cell proliferation of Guizhou cattle. The coding sequence of cattle GH gene was amplified by reverse transcription PCR, cloned into the pUCM-T vector and then used to construct the GH gene overexpression vector pEGFP-N3-GH. The expression of the GH gene in skeletal muscle-related tissues (psoas major and longissimus dorsi) of Guizhou cattle was determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). This was followed by culturing and identification of the bovine primary skeletal muscle cells. Subsequently, we introduced the GH gene overexpression vector into the cells to investigate its effect on the proliferation of bovine skeletal muscle cells and the expression of insulin like growth factor 1 and 2 genes related to skeletal muscle growth and development. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression level of GH gene was higher in the psoas major than in the longissimus dorsi of Guizhou cattle, and the expression level in the psoas major of Guanling cattle and Weining cattle was significantly higher than in the longissimus dorsi (P<0.05). The transfection and proliferation results showed that pEGFP-N3-GH significantly increased the expression of GH, IGF-1, and IGF-2 genes in skeletal muscle cells compared to pEGFP-N3 (PP<0.05), and that overexpression of the GH gene also significantly increased the proliferation rate of skeletal muscle cells at the four periods examined (PP<0.01). Our results suggest that GH gene can promote the proliferation of skeletal muscle cells of Guizhou cattle and exerts a positive regulatory effect. This lays the foundation for further exploring the mechanism by which the GH gene affects the growth and development of Guizhou cattle.

Supplementation of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) diet with barberry (Berberis vulgaris) fruit extract: Growth performance, hemato-biochemical parameters, digestive enzyme activity, and growth-related gene expression

In this study, barberry fruit extract (BFE) was used as an herbal feed additive at 0 (control), 150, 300, 600, and 750 mg/kg to evaluate growth performance, physiometabolic responses, and gene expression related to growth and appetite in Siberian sturgeon. The fish (N = 150; 29.7 ± 2.2 g) were fed with the experimental diets for 56 days. Upon the completion of the feeding trial, the fish fed with BFE at 750 mg/kg showed higher growth indices than the control fish and the lowest feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). The highest levels of red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were observed in the group fed with 750 mg/kg BFE (P < 0.05). Different dietary levels of BFE had no significant effect on the levels of alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase in the serum samples (P > 0.05), while a decreasing trend was seen in aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, and triglyceride contents by increasing in the dietary levels of BFE. The activities of lipase, amylase, and protease in the BFE-added groups were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). The highest expression of growth hormone gene was recorded in 600 and 750 mg/kg BFE treatments (P < 0.05). The transcription of insulin-like growth factor-I gene was significantly up-regulated in 750 mg/kg BFE treatment compared to others (P < 0.05). Ghrelin gene expression was significantly elevated in both brain and stomach tissue samples by increasing dietary levels of BFE. Overall, dietary BFE markedly at 750 mg/kg exerts growth-promoting effects in Siberian sturgeon.

DNA Markers for Meat Quality of Pigs

This paper presents the results of determining genotypes of 3-breed pig hybrids (Landrace x Yorkshire x Duroc) by marker genes MC4R (melanocortin receptor-4 gene), IGF2 (insulinoid growth factor-2), POU1F1 (pituitary transcription factor), H-FABP (protein gene binding fatty acids), GH (growth hormone gene), LEP (leptin gene) and their interrelation with meat productivity. Allele frequencies for the studied genes were determined (MC4R: А = 0.58, G = 0.42; IGF2: Q = 0.96, q = 0.04; POU1F1: Е = 0.66, F = 0.34; H-FABP: D = 0.38, d = 0.62; GH: А = 0.26, G = 0.74; LEP: С = 0.27, Т = 0.73). The study showed that 3-breed hybrids did not have the highest level of heterozygosity in most allelic genes. MC4R (AG = 48%), POU1F1 (EF = 68%) and H-FABP (Dd = 52%) genes had the greatest number of heterozygotes; IGF2 (QQ = 92%), GH (GG = 58%) and LEP (TT = 56%) genes had the greatest number of homozygotes. The data showed that the breeds used to obtain three-breed hybrids were selected for analogous (meat quality) traits and that they had a higher frequency of the desired Q (IGF2), G (GH) and T (LEP) gene alleles, which were lost from hybrids in the homozygous condition. We identified the most desirable genotypes for the studied genes (GGMC4R, AGMC4R, QQIGF2, EFPOU1F1, DDH-FABP, AAGH, CTLEP) which are recommended for pig selection as well as for selection of parent pairs for producing commercial hybrids with high meat productivity.&#x0D; Keywords: gene-dependent selection, slaughter and meat qualities of pigs, marker genes, MC4R, IGF2, POU1F1, H-FABP, GH, LEP

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the somatotropin gene with indicators of meat productivity in meat-wool sheep

Modern methods, which are based on the use of DNA technology, allow scientists to improve the accuracy and efficiency of traditional breeding by using molecular markers. One of the ways to identify markers is DNA assessment in the candidate gene, which is the basis of the trait and contributes to the manifestation of the phenotypic characteristics of the organism. Currently, there is growing interest in the genetic improvement of economically important traits in sheep [Fatima Abd Al-Muhsen et al., 2019]. The study of the relationship between gene polymorphism and productivity indicators has high practical importance, which lies in solving many applied problems of breeding. One of these tasks is to determine genetic markers which affect the meat productivity of sheep [Serdyuk G.N., Prituzhalova A.O., 2019; Pogodaev V.A., Kononova L.V., et al., 2019; Lushnikov V.P., Fetisova T.O., Selionova M.I. et al., 2020]. Growth hormone gene GH, which controls and regulates the growth and development of animals, can be considered as a promising marker gene for evaluating meat productivity. The study focuses on the research of the somatotropin gene polymorphism and the analysis of its associations with the indicators of meat productivity of meat-wool sheep of the genotype 1/2 Poll Dorset x 1/2 North Caucasian meat-wool (1/2 PD х 1/2 SC), which are bred in the Stavropol Territory. Polymorphism of somatotropin gene loci was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by the determination of the restriction fragments lengths – RFLP. The results of PCR showed that the polymorphism of somatotropin gene is represented by two alleles A and B. When studying the polymorphism of GH gene in the experimental animals, genotypes AA, BB and AB were found with different frequency of occurrence. It was found that the heterozygous AB genotype (42.8%) was the most common in meat-wool sheep, while the homozygous AA and BB variants were basically equal and amounted to 29.7 and 27.5%. Further research made it possible to analyze the relationship of the allelic variants of the somatotropin gene with the slaughter parameters of meat-wool sheep. Based on the results, we found that the presence of heterozygous AB and homozygous BB genotypes has a positive effect on the indicators of sheep meat productivity.

Association of GH gene polymorphism with growth and semen traits in rabbits

&lt;p&gt;Although growth hormone (&lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt;) gene mutations are described in several species, the studies concerning their variabilities and associations with economic traits in rabbits are scarce, particularly associations with semen traits. A total of 149 rabbit bucks from five populations (V-line=36, Moshtohor line=28, APRI line=42, cross ½A½M=23, and Gabali=20) were used in the present study to identify polymorphism of c.-78 C&amp;gt;T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene among these populations and to investigate the association of &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene polymorphism with body weight (BW), daily weight gain (DG) and semen traits. DNA was extracted from blood samples for genotyping of c.-78 C&amp;gt;T SNP of &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene based on polymerase chain reaction with the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The genetic diversity of SNP C&amp;gt;T of &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene was assessed in terms of genotypic and allelic frequencies, effective number of alleles (Ne), observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), reduction in heterozygosity due to inbreeding (F&lt;sub&gt;IS&lt;/sub&gt;) and polymorphism information content (PIC). Three genotypes of TT, CC and TC of PCR product of 231 bp of &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene were detected and all the populations were in HWE in terms of &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene. The highest Ne was obtained for the Moshtohor line (1.978), while the lowest allelic numbers were obtained for V-line (1.715) and Gabali breed (1.800). The highest genotype frequency of &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene was 0.48 in TT genotype of V-line, 0.21 in CC genotype of Moshtohor line, 0.67 and 0.56 in TC genotype of ½A½M and Gabali rabbits (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05). The highest frequency for C allele was recorded by Moshtohor line (0.45) and the lowest frequency by Gabali (0.32). The genetic diversity scores for &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene were intermediate (Ho=0.551, He=0.471, PIC=0.358). The values of Ho ranged from 0.444 in V-line to 0.667 in ½A½M cross, while the values of He were 0.425 in V-line and 0.508 in Moshtohor line. The values of PIC were moderate and ranged from 0.332 in V-line to 0.375 in M-line. The highest F&lt;sub&gt;IS&lt;/sub&gt; was observed in Moshtohor line (0.042) and the lowest value was observed in ½A½M cross (–0.413). The CT genotype of &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene showed the highest and significant values for body weights at 4, 8, 10 and 12 wk (542, 1131, 1465 and 1861 g) and daily gains at intervals of 4-6 and 8-10 wk (23.1 and 26.5 g). Additionally, the CT genotype recorded the highest and significant values for volume of ejaculate (1.1 mL), sperm motility (57.6%), live sperm (85.6%), normal sperm (93.1%) and sperm concentration in semen (611×106/mL), along with the lowest and significant values for dead sperms (14.4%) and abnormal sperms (6.9%).&lt;/p&gt;

Identification of nucleotide variation of growth hormone gene in rabbit populations reared in Bulgaria

Five rabbit populations of New Zealand White (NZW), Californian (CAL), crossbred NZW×GW and two generations of the synthetic population – SPF&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; and SPF&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; reared in Bulgaria were included in the present study with the aim of detecting the genetic variability of the growth hormone encoding gene (&lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt;) via polymerase chain reaction with the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing. The targeted region of the rabbit &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene was amplified and a fragment of a total of 231 bp was obtained in all studied populations. Allele identification was determined after enzymatic digestion, where two fragments of 62 and 169 bp correspond to allele C and an undigested fragment of 231 bp corresponds to allele T. Two additional bands of 107 and 124 bp evidenced A/G genetic polymorphism in the rabbit &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene. Thirtyeight percent of the studied rabbits were carriers of the double mutation (C/T+A/G) in the same locus as the studied &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; gene. The sequence analysis revealed two nucleotide substitutions – g.111C&amp;gt;T and g.156A&amp;gt;G in the non-coding region between the regulatory TATA box and 5’ UTR region, and a novel g.255G&amp;gt;A genetic variant in intron 1 of GH gene. The A&amp;gt;G transition was most frequent (40.57%), compared to the other ones, G&amp;gt;A (28.57%) and C&amp;gt;T (10.80%), respectively. The most frequent genotype in the NZW population was homozygous TT (0.93), with a prevalence of the T allele (0.97) over allele C (0.03) for g.111C&amp;gt;T SNP site. The distribution of the allele and genotype frequencies at the sites g.156A&amp;gt;G and g.255G&amp;gt;A in this rabbit group was identical, with the highest value of 0.93 for alleles A and G, respectively. The rabbit populations CAL and NZW×GW showed equal frequencies of the prevalent T allele (0.83) and for homozygous TT genotype (0.67) according to g.111C&amp;gt;T SNP. The highest values were obtained for the allele А (0.83) and for homozygous AA genotype (0.67) at c.33A&amp;gt;G SNP in these rabbit groups. The highest values (0.67, 0.60 and 0.80) for the heterozygous genotypes at g.111C&amp;gt;T, g.156A&amp;gt;G and g.255G&amp;gt;A SNPs, respectively, were detected among the SPF&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; rabbit population, compared to the both homozygous genotypes. The results obtained in the present research indicates a significant degree of genetic variability of the studied polymorphic &lt;em&gt;GH&lt;/em&gt; locus in the SPF&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; rabbit group.

Molecular characterization and analysis of the association of growth hormone 1 gene with growth traits in Chinese indigenous yak (Bos grunniens)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of polymorphisms in growth hormone 1 (GH1) gene on the growth traits in Chinese indigenous yak. Using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-PFLP) approach, one novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), termed as g.1721G>A, was identified in the exon 4 of GH1 gene in 423 individuals of yak population. Based on the chi-square (χ2) test, the frequencies of g.1721G>A alleles agreed with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) (P < 0.05). A significant association was observed between this SNP and several growth traits (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), in which the genotype GG exhibited the best values. The present study suggested that the identified SNP was a useful genetic marker for the improvement of growth traits in Chinese indigenous yak.

Meta-analysis of SNP in growth hormone gene associated with milk traits in dairy cows.

Previous studies reported varied findings regarding growth hormone polymorphisms and their association with milk traits in dairy cattle. The objective of the present study was to combine the information of Alu1-derived gene polymorphisms of growth hormone in 6571 dairy cows using 51 published studies for obtaining pooled estimate of gene frequency of L allele in dairy cows and for deriving common effect size of association of gene variants with various milk traits (lactation milk yield, fat yield, fat%, protein yield, and protein%) using meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of gene frequency was obtained using proportion as effect size with 95% confidence interval under random effects model. For association analysis, standardized mean difference was employed as effect size under four genetic models comprising additive (LL vs. VV), dominant (LL + LV vs. VV), completely over dominant (LL + VV vs. LV), and recessive (LL vs. LV + VV). The heterogeneity between studies was estimated using Q test and I2 statistic. The results showed that pooled estimate of gene frequency of L allele was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77, 0.85; I2 = 96.86%). Subgroup analysis revealed that it was significantly higher in Bos indicus cows (0.97, 95% CI 0.89, 1.00; I2 = 95.15%) than Bos taurus/cross cows (0.78, 95% CI 0.73, 0.82; I2 = 96.84%). An association analysis showed that the effects of GH variants on milk-related traits were not significant (P > 0.1) under all genetic models. Substantial range of heterogeneity indicated modest effects of SNP genotypes with milk traits. It was concluded that although allele L is predominant than V allele of GH in dairy cows over large geographical populations, they may not be particularly useful for selection programs for improving milk traits in dairy cows.

Assessment of growth‐related parameters and immune‐biochemical profile of nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) fed dietaryulva fasciataextract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Ulva fasciata methanol extract (UFME), as a dietary supplement on growth performance and growth-related gene expression in liver, intestinal morphometry, haemato-biochemical profile, immune response and oxidative status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four triplicate groups (Control, UFME50, UFME100 and UFME150) of fish (initial weight=1.32 ± 0.12 g, N = 180) were fed with 4 dietary inclusion levels: 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg kg−1 UFME respectively, for 3 months. Results showed non-significant improvement in the growth performance of fish. Growth hormone gene expression was upregulated in UFME100 fish (p < 0.05). Histomorphometrical assessment of intestinal villi absorptive capacity revealed an improvement in villus length and goblet cell number in fish fed UFME specially UFME100 (p < 0.05). UFME100 showed higher haematological parameters (p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05) and catalase (p > 0.05) were induced by UFME100 diet. Diets supplemented with three levels of UFME stimulated lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity and white blood cells count of fish with the best effect in UFME100 (p < 0.05). Conclusively, dietary inclusion of 100 mg kg−1 UFME strongly improves health status, immune responses and antioxidant activity of Nile tilapia.

Identification and analysis of a novel microsatellite marker within the growth hormone gene promoter of Colossoma macropomum (Characiformes: Characidae) detected by TAIL‐PCR

Identification and analysis of a novel microsatellite marker within the growth hormone gene promoter of <i>Colossoma macropomum</i> (Characiformes: Characidae) detected by TAIL‐PCR

Dexamethasone Rescues an Acute High-Fat Diet-Induced Decrease in Human Growth Hormone Gene Expression in Male Partially Humanized CD-1 Mice.

Obesity in puberty, already a time of insulin resistance, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Human (h) growth hormone (GH) levels also peak during puberty, where it contributes to growth and energy homeostasis through positive effects on maintaining pancreatic β cell mass. Thus, it is important to understand the effects of overeating and obesity on hGH production in puberty. Three days of overeating in young male adults or high-fat diet (HFD) in pubescent male transgenic (171hGH/CS) CD-1 mice containing the hGH gene (hGH-N) results in excess insulin and a decrease in hGH production. This reduction in these mice occurred during the light phase of the daily cycle, and was associated with decreased availability of the clock-related transcription factor Brain and Muscle ARNT-Like 1 (Bmal1). However, the HFD-induced decrease in hGH-N expression was blocked by forced daily swim activity, which is expected to increase glucocorticoid (GC) levels. The aim of the study was to assess whether GCs, specifically daily injections with a pharmacological dose of dexamethasone (DEX) in the light or dark phase of the daily cycle, can limit the negative effect of HFD for 3 days on hGH-N expression in male 171hGH/CS mice. DEX treatment increased or rescued hGH-N RNA levels, and was associated with elevated Bmal1 transcripts when assessed 12 h after final treatment, and at a time when serum corticosterone levels were suppressed >90%. In addition, a diet-dependent effect on hGH-N RNA levels was observed at 36 h after final treatment, but only in the light stage, presumably due to residual effects of DEX treatment and/or recovery of endogenous corticosterone levels. This is the first evidence for a direct effect of GCs on hGH-N expression in vivo and the ability to potentially limit the negative effect of overeating/obesity on hGH production in puberty.

Genetic polymorphism in the POU1F1 gene in Kalahari Red and two Nigerian goat breeds and their relationship with litter size

POU1F1 gene controls cell differentiation and animal growth by binding to target DNA promoter sequence, thereby auto-regulating its own expression and expression of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and thyroid-stimulating hormone beta sub-unit (TSHβ) genes. Therefore, the exploration of caprine POU1F1 gene polymorphisms may be vital in the formulation of conservation and breed improvement strategies. In this study, POU1F1 gene was characterized for sequence polymorphisms in 366 individuals from two Nigerian goat breeds ((West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS)) and one South African goat breed (Kalahari (KR)). The effects of polymorphisms on litter size were investigated using linear mixed model. Two intronic mutations (g.306G&gt;A and g.11236C&gt;T) were identified. However, no significant association was found between the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and litter size in the three populations. The genetic distance based on POU1F1 investigated region revealed that the two Nigerian breeds and the South African breed were identical (pairwise genetic distance of 0.00). Phylogenetic tree constructed from the pairwise distance clustered the three breeds into a single clade with the two Nigerian goat breeds having a more recent common ancestor. Structural analysis of the POU1F1 protein confirmed that Pit-Oct-Unc transcription factors domain (POU) and Homeodomain (HOX) domains are conserved in mammals, with several overlapping sub-domains across the same region in all the three populations. We found a subdomain Subfamily of SANT domain or myb/SANT-like domain in Adf-1 (MADF) in goat, cattle, buffalo and camel that has not been reported in mammals

Characterization and expression of DNA sequences encoding the growth hormone gene in African Pygmy Mouse (Mus minutoides).

We determined the nucleotide sequence of the growth hormone (Gh) gene in Mus minutoides, one of the smallest mammals, where was predicted to be distinct in the functional regions between M. minutoides and Mus musculus. To investigate the evolutionary characteristics of Gh in M. minutoides, we constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the putative amino acid sequences of Gh, suggesting that the Gh of M. minutoides diverged earlier than M. musculus. Furthermore, the Gh gene expressed higher in M. minutoides than in M. musculus. Our results suggest that the specific feature of the Gh in M. minutoides is in rather the regulatory mechanism than the sequence.