Cloning, chromosomal localization, expression profile and association analysis of the porcine WNT10B gene with backfat thickness.

The Wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt) family encodes secreted glycoproteins that are ligands for the frizzled family of seven-transmembrane receptors and the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein family of co-receptors. The WNT10B gene inhibits differentiation of preadipocytes in vitro and impairs adipose development in vivo. In the present study, a 1,615-bp cDNA sequence of the porcine WNT10B gene was obtained by RT-PCR. The porcine WNT10B gene was assigned to 5p11-p15 by using the somatic cell hybrid panel (SCHP) and the radiation hybrid (IMpRH) panel. One SNP in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) was found and association analysis suggested that the SNP was associated with backfat thickness. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that the porcine WNT10B gene was expressed in all tissues examined in 35d and adult pigs and the mRNA expression of WNT10B in fat tissue of Tongcheng pigs was dramatically higher than that in Large White pigs.