Genetic Association of MSTN Gene Variant (18:66493737T>C) with Track Performance & Muscle Development in Pakistani Horses: Genetic Association of MSTN Gene Variant in Horses

Rashid Saif; Muhammad Hassan Raza; Muhammad Osama Zafar; Wajeeha Tariq; Muhammad Danish; Muhammad Wasim

doi:10.54393/fbt.v4i01.89

Authors

Rashid Saif Department of Biotechnology, Qarshi University, Lahore, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8915-242X
Muhammad Hassan Raza Decode Genomics, Punjab University Employees Housing Scheme, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Osama Zafar Decode Genomics, Punjab University Employees Housing Scheme, Lahore, Pakistan
Wajeeha Tariq Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Danish Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Wasim Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/fbt.v4i01.89

Keywords:

Equus caballus, ARMS-PCR, MSTN Gene, Muscle Development

Abstract

The horse, revered for its diverse traits including racing prowess, gaitedness, and distinctive behavior, plays a pivotal role in various sports. Numerous studies have linked racing performance in horses to the MSTN gene across global populations. Objectives: To investigate the genetic variability of the 18:66493737T>C variant in Pakistani random-bred horses. Methods: ARMS-PCR was employed where 24 horses sourced from UVAS equine clinic were genotyped. Results: Revealing a population distribution of 54% homozygous wild-type (TT), 41% heterozygous (TC), and 4% homozygous mutant (CC) at this locus. The alternative allele frequency within elite performers and control horses stood at 0.36 and 0.12, respectively. Application of the Chi-Square association test using the PLINK data toolset yielded a highly significant p-value of 7.832×10^-6. Conclusions: This underscores significant genetic variability at the locus in the Pakistani horse population, aligning with global patterns. Future studies are advocated, incorporating racing performance data and encompassing diverse indigenous horse breeds with substantial sample sizes. Identification of subject markers can inform targeted breeding strategies, contributing to the enhancement and preservation of desirable traits across various horse breeds

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