The association of bovine T1R family of receptors polymorphisms with cattle growth traits

The three members of the T1R class of taste-specific G protein-coupled receptors have been proven to function in combination with heterodimeric sweet and umami taste receptors in many mammals that affect food intake. This may in turn affect growth traits of livestock. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bovine TAS1R gene family, which encodes receptors for umami and sweet tastes. Complete DNA sequences of TAS1R1-, TAS1R2-, and TAS1R3-coding regions, obtained from 436 unrelated female cattle, representing three breeds (Qinchuan, Jiaxian Red, Luxi), revealed substantial coding and noncoding diversity. A total of nine SNPs in the TAS1R1 gene were identified, among which seven SNPs were in the coding region, and two SNPs were in the introns. All five SNPs in the TAS1R2 gene and all three SNPs in the TAS1R3 gene were identified in the coding region. Four SNPs (TAS1R1 g.5081C > T, TAS1R1 g.5110C > A, TAS1R2 g.288A > G, TAS1R2 g.2552T > C) were significantly associated with body height of Qinchuan cattle (P < 0.05). The heterozygous genotypes of the four SNPs showed a molecular heterosis on cattle heights at hip cross and sacra. The individuals with different genotypic combinations of the four SNPs had significant association with heights at hip cross and sacra (P < 0.05).