Bovine HSD17B8 gene and its relationship with growth and meat quality traits

17 β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 8 (HSD17B8) is an important regulator of lipid and steroid metabolism. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effects of HSD17B8 on growth and meat quality traits in cattle. Transcription profile analysis showed that HSD17B8 was primarily expressed in the salpinx, liver, and testis. Meanwhile, we identified three SNPs (SNP1: intron 1-A91G; SNP2: exon 1-A90G; and SNP3: intron 8-A86G) of the bovine HSD17B8 gene and investigated its haplotype frequencies and linkage disequilibrium. The detected SNPs were found associated with growth traits (body weight, body length, height at withers, heart girth, hip width, and average daily gain) in native cattle populations (Nanyang and Jiaxian) as well as the meat quality traits (Warner-Bratzler shear force, rib area, dressing percentage, carcass weight, and backfat thickness) in commercial breeds (Angus, Hereford, Limousin, Luxi, Simmental, and Jinnan). Our results provided evidence that polymorphisms in the HSD17B8 gene were associated with growth traits and meat quality traits. Moreover, our findings might be used for marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding program.