Association of a novel SNP in the ASIP gene with skin color in black-bone chicken

Anim Genet. 2019 Jun;50(3):283-286. doi: 10.1111/age.12768. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Abstract

The agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP) is a widely studied pigmentation gene that plays an important role in melanin synthesis. To determine the variety of ASIP expression in the Muchuan Black-Bone chicken, we examined genetic variation in the ASIP promoter region. A single nucleotide polymorphism (c.-1826A>T) was found to be associated with the skin color (dorsal and subalar) of black-bone chicken. Individuals with TT and AT genotypes had higher ASIP mRNA levels in the skin than did those with the AA genotype (P < 0.01). In addition, individuals with the TT genotype had higher ASIP mRNA levels than did those with the AT genotype (P < 0.05). Expression of melanogenesis-related genes (melanocortin 1 receptor and tyrosinase genes) was higher in the skin of chickens with the TT and AT genotypes than in those with the AA genotype (P < 0.01). A luciferase assay showed that promoter activity was higher in chickens with the TT genotype than in those with the AA genotype. Putative transcription factor prediction suggested that the c.-1826A>T mutation might shift the promoter binding affinity with differential transcription factors. In summary, we identified a novel mutation in the ASIP gene promoter that may affect chicken skin color by altering ASIP transcriptional activity.

Keywords: gene expression; melanin; promoter; single nucleotide polymorphism.

MeSH terms

  • Agouti Signaling Protein / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Avian Proteins / genetics*
  • Chickens / genetics*
  • Female
  • Pigmentation*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*

Substances

  • Agouti Signaling Protein
  • Avian Proteins