Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) belongs to the mitochondrial sirtuin class of NAD+-dependent protein deacylases. This gene plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, cellular growth, and metabolism in mammals. Here, potential polymorphisms were sought in the bovine SIRT4 gene, and the relationships between the detected polymorphisms and carcass quality in Qinchuan cattle were assessed. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the promoter region of the SIRT4 gene from the sequencing results of 452 individual cattle. A total of 8 different haplotypes were identified. Of these, the 3 most frequently observed haplotypes had frequencies of 35.0% (-CTG-), 18.3% (-CTA-), and 12.9% (-CCG-). The frequencies of g.-311C > T, g.-771C > T, and g.-1022G > A conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in all the samples (chi-square test, P < 0.05). The association analysis indicated that these 3 polymorphisms were significantly associated with subcutaneous fat depth and intramuscular fat content (at P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Interestingly, the Hap1/2 (-CAG-CAA-) diplotype was more highly associated with desirable ultrasound than other haplotype combinations.
Keywords: Chinese Qinchuan cattle; Polymorphisms; SIRT4 gene; Ultrasound traits.