Association between an electron transfer flavoprotein alpha subunit polymorphism (rs321948383) and the meat quality of Berkshire pigs

• Main Authors: Seung Chang Yang, Go Eun Yu, Jeongim Ha, Seulgi Kwon, Jung Hye Hwang, Da Hye Park, Deok Gyeong Kang, Tae Wan Kim, Hwa Chun Park, Sang Mi An, Chul Wook Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2018-01-01
• Series: Journal of Applied Animal Research
• Subjects: Berkshire pig; ETFA; meat quality; non-synonymous SNP
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2018.1481856

The electron transfer flavoprotein α subunit gene (ETFA) encodes a protein that forms part of the ETF enzyme. This enzyme is normally active in mitochondria, the energy-producing centres of cells, to donate electrons derived from fatty acid oxidation to ETF- ubiquinone oxidoreductase. In the present study, we identified a non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP) (rs321948383, c.569G > A) in the porcine ETFA gene and analyzed the association between this nsSNP and meat quality traits in 405 Berkshire pigs. The pigs with rs321948383 G/G had a higher meat quality from the aspects of meat colour (L*, p = 0.013), water-holding capacity (p = 0.001), drip loss (p = 0.000), carcass temperatures (T1, p = 0.000; T4, p = 0.000; T12, p = 0.000; T24, p = 0.001), and pH24 (p = 0.014). Therefore, this nsSNP (c.569G > A) could play an important role in improving the meat quality of pigs.