Association of a missense mutation of the MC4R gene with growth traits in cattle (Brief report) (Assoziation einer Mutation im MC41 Gen mit Wachstumsmerkmalen beim Rind)

Abstract. Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is one of five G-protein-coupled receptors binding melanocortins that is implicated in the control of ingestive behavior and energy homeostasis. Mutations have been described in the human and mouse MC4R genes which are associated with obesity (YEO et al., 1998; HUSZAR et al., 1997). Moreover, a mutation in porcine MC4R is associated with economically important traits in the pig (KIM et al., 2000). The SNPs reported in bovine MC4R coding region were specific to breeds (VALLE et al., 2004; THUE et al., 2001; HAEGEMAN et al., 2001). In the present experiment over 95% of the coding region of MC4R were screened to detect the SNPs in the predominant cattle breeds of China. Association of a missense mutation of MC4R gene with growth traits was analyzed.