Polymorphisms of the DHCR24 Gene are Associated with Carcass and Fat Deposition in Chinese Simmental Steers

Abstract

3-β-hydroxysteroid-Δ-24-reductase (DHCR24) gene regulates the abdominal fat of broilers and it is hypothesized that it can also play a role in the fat metabolism of cattle. A mutation in the 3’ untranslated region of the DHCR24 gene was identified that led to the differential expression of DHCR24 in cattle. In this study, we detected mutation at g.32435 from G > A in 3’UTR of DHCR24 gene in a Chinese Simmental steer population. In mutated individuals at g. 32435 G > A of DHCR24 the kidney fat weight of GG was higher than that of GA and AA individuals. Steers of the GG and AA genotype having high backfat thickness (p < 0.05) and a higher carcass fat coverage rate (p < 0.05). Furthermore, GG genotype individuals had higher marble grade than GA genotype individuals (p < 0.05). It is predicted through bioinformatics analysis that bta-miR-12059 can bind to 3’UTR of the DHCR24 gene. Our results indicate that single nucleotide polymorphisms might be used as a molecular marker for marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding.