Associations of TCF12, CTNNAL1 and WNT10B gene polymorphisms with litter size in pigs

In previous research, several WNT signaling pathway genes including transcription factor 12 (TCF12), catenin alpha-like protein 1 (CTNNAL1) and wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 10B (WNT10B) were differentially expressed in PMSG-hCG stimulated preovulatory ovarian follicles of Large White and Chinese Taihu sows. In the present research, these three genes were selected as the candidate genes for litter size traits in pigs. Four mutations (TCF12 c.−201+65 G>A, TCF12 c.−200−300 G>A, CTNNAL1 c.1878 G>C and WNT10B c.*12 C>T) were detected in eleven pig populations, and results indicated CTNNAL1 c.1878 G and WNT10B c.*12 C were the major alleles in all tested pig populations, while TCF12 c.−201+65 A and TCF12 c.−200−300 A were the major alleles in several Chinese native pig breeds. Association analysis of four mutations with litter size in Large White and DIV pigs showed that both the signficant differences of total number born (TNB) and number born alive (NBA) among three genotypes and the significance of additive effects appeared at TCF12 c.−200−300 G>A and CTNNAL1 c.1878 G>C loci, suggesting these two mutations might be reliable markers for pig selection and breeding.