Differential expression of six genes in fat-type Hungarian Mangalica and other pigs

Abstract. In order to identify potential variances in gene expression of phenotypically different pig breeds, six fat-metabolism-related genes were analyzed in backfat and muscle tissues of fat-type Mangalica (MAN), Mangalica × Duroc (MD), and lean-type Hungarian Large White (HLW) and Pietrain × Duroc (PD) pigs by means of quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Higher (P < 0.05) adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein (A-FABP) expression was observed in backfat and muscle tissues of purebred and crossbred MAN than in those of HLW and PD. In all breeds and crosses, adiponectin (ADIPOQ) was predominantly expressed in backfat at a similar level (P > 0.05), whereas muscle ADIPOQ expression was highest (P < 0.05) in MAN and MD. Levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) mRNA were greatest in MAN, moderate in MD, and lowest in HLW and PD backfat and muscle. The fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) was more abundant in MAN and MD backfat, whereas muscle expressions did not differ (P > 0.05) between breeds. Regarding leptin (LEP) expression, MAN produced the greatest levels in backfat, while HLW produced the lowest. In muscle, highest LEP was detected in MAN and MD. Between groups, perilipin 2 (PLIN2) was expressed similarly in backfat; however, PLIN2 was more abundant in muscle of MAN and MD than in that of HLW and PD. Differences in gene expression can contribute to the development of the characteristic fatty phenotype in MAN pigs. The identification of differentially expressed genes facilitates targeted sequencing and genotyping efforts for further studies.