The alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase 1 enzyme (GGTA1) produces the -Gal epitopes, responsible for pig-to-human hyperacute xenograft rejection. Recently, efforts have been directed at inactivating the porcine GGTA1 gene in order to reduce hyperacute rejection. As very little is known about the genetic variability of this key gene among pig breeds, we investigated the variation in its nucleotide sequence, by amplification of the entire coding region with the use of polymerase chain reaction followed by DNA sequencing. Eight commercial pig populations were analysed and 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected: 11 in intronic regions and 6 in the 3' untranslated region (UTR). No SNPs change the encoded protein; however, 8 of these SNPs may alter the transcriptional regulation and pre-mRNA splicing of GGTA1.
The term nutrigenomics refers to the effect of diet on gene expression, while the term nutrigenetics refers to the influence of genetic variation (single nucleotide polymorphisms and/or copy number variation) on the response to a specific diet, functional food or diet supplement. Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics become an important new research areas because there is growing evidence that diet can influence the long-term risk for metabolic, degenerative or cancer diseases. Various nutrients can influence DNA and chromatine structure, regulation of transcription and signal transduction. Understanding of the diet-gene interactions will allow to redefine current concepts of preventive medicine or dietetics and improve functional food production.
The diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase 1 gene (DGAT1) was investigated in Polish Black-and-White cattle. The frequency of the K allele was 0.60, 0.68 and 0.48 for AI sires (n = 150), young bulls (n = 139) and cows (n = 213), respectively. The method of selective genotyping for identification of the quantitative trait nucleotide was verified through identification of DGAT1 effect on milk production traits. Daughters of six heterozygous bulls were selectively genotyped based on their milk traits. The genotypic frequencies differed between high and low yield groups representing milk and fat contents. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a highly significant effect of DGAT1 K232A in cows with extremely low fat content and a significant effect in cows with extremely high protein content of milk. No significant effect of AI sires' genotypes on their breeding value was found.
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