3’-UTR polymorphisms of SETD7 gene associate with economic traits in an F₂ population between Landrace and Jeju (Korea) Black pigs

In order to reveal the association between genotypes of SET domain-containing protein 7; Histone H3-lysine 4-specific methyltransferase (SETD7) gene and economic traits in pigs, this study tested the association between SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotypes of 3’-untranslated region of SETD7 g.1354C>T and growth and carcass traits in a resource population of the crossbred Landrace × Jeju Black pig (JBP). SETD7 T-pigs showed significantly thicker back fat levels than those of CC homozygotes (P<0.05). However, the levels of average daily gains, body weights, loin muscle area, marbling score, and meat colors did not show significant association (P>0.05). These results reveal faster growth rates in the late period of production, especially backfat deposition at the subcutaneous region according to genotypes of the SETD7 gene. These findings indicate that SETD7 genotypes may involve fat deposition or adipocyte differentiation and assist as molecular genetic markers for improving the JBP-related crossbreeding systems.