Variants in the CYP19A1 gene can affect in vitro embryo production traits in cattle

Author details:

1 Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Genetic Improvement, Norte Fluminense State University, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil; 2 PESAGRO-RIO, Laboratory for Animal Reproduction, Santa Mônica Experimental Farm (CESM), Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 3 Embrapa Dairy Cattle Research Unit, Laboratory for Animal Reproduction, Santa Mônica Experimental Farm (CESM), Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to associate DNA variants in promoter and exon-flanking regions of the CYP19A1 gene with in vitro embryo production traits in cattle. The role of transcription factor binding sites created or lost due to DNA sequence variation and their possible effect on gene expression was also evaluated.

Methods

We collected date from Gyr dairy oocyte donor cows (Bos taurus indicus) at a commercial in vitro embryo production farm and analyzed the genotype–phenotype association with in vitro production traits. Using Sanger sequencing and web-based software, we assessed important CYP19A1 gene regions in oocyte donor cows and analyzed the effects of variants on the transcription factor binding sites.

Results

Two SNP mutations significantly associated with oocyte production, oocyte viability, embryo development, and pregnancies were found (T > C in the untranslated exon 1 flanking region ([GenBank: AJ250379.1]: rs718446508 T > C), and a T > C in the 5′-upstream region (1.1 promoter) ([GenBank: AC_000167.1]: rs41651668 T > C). Six new transcription factor binding sites were created. A binding site for transcription factors associated with the development of the placenta and embryo implantation was eliminated due to variations in the DNA sequence identified.

Conclusions

The CYP19A1 gene contributes to genetic variation of in vitro embryo production traits in cattle. The complexity of the physiological phenomena related to estrogen pathways and their influence on reproduction in cattle allow indication of the mutations evaluated here as possible genetic markers for embryo production traits, which should be validated in the next steps of marker-assisted selection.

Keywords: Embryo transfer, Estrogen, Genetic marker, Oocyte donor, Regulatory element, Transcription factor.

Abstract published in Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1320-4.