Association of the ACTN3 Gene Polymorphisms with the Performance of Thoroughbred Horses

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Abstract

The article presents the results of studying single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ACTN3 gene (rs1144978872G>A and rs1150531051T>C) in Thoroughbred horses, as well as their associations with indicators of racing performance. The protein α-actinin, which is actively involved in the contraction of muscle fibers, in mammals is represented by several genetic variants that can affect athletic abilities. Genotyping of Thoroughbred horses, carried out in the genetics laboratory of the All-Russian Research Institute for Horse Breeding, showed the presence of polymorphism in the promoter region of the ACTN3 gene. Horses with different SNP genotypes (rs1150531051T>C) differed in their speed and distance qualities, which indicates the need for further study of the associations of ACTN3 variants with performance.

About the authors

S. A. Zinovieva

Scriabin Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology

Author for correspondence.
Email: pyshkarev@mail.ru
Moscow, 109472 Russia

L. A. Khrabrova

All-Russian Research Institute for Horse Breeding

Email: pyshkarev@mail.ru
Ryazanskaya oblast, pos. Divovo, 391105 Russia

S. S. Markin

Scriabin Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology

Email: pyshkarev@mail.ru
Moscow, 109472 Russia

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