SIRT1 gene polymorphisms associated with carcass traits in Luxi cattle

Abstract. SIRT1 is the gene that codes for Sirtuin 1, an NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)-dependent class III histone deacetylase. This gene plays a key role in adipose tissue and muscle development in animals. Chinese Luxi cattle (n  =  169) were selected to identify SIRT1 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and investigate the relationship of these SNPs with carcass traits. Five SNPs (g.-382G  >  A, g.-274C  >  G, g.17324T  >  C, g.17379A  >  G, and g.17491G  >  A) were identified by direct sequencing. SNPs g.-382G  >  A and g.-274C  >  G were located within the promoter region of this gene. SNP g.-382G  >  A was significantly associated with dressing percentage, meat percentage, and striploin and ribeye weights, and the g.-274C  >  G polymorphism had a strong effect on carcass, tenderloin, and high rib weights in Luxi cattle. These findings will provide possible clues for the biological roles of SIRT1 underlying beef cattle carcass traits.