Integration of GWAS and eGWAS to screen candidate genes underlying green head traits in male ducks

Sexually dimorphic plumage coloration is widespread in birds. The male possesses more brightly colored feathers than the female. Dark green head feathers comprise one of the most typical appearance characteristics of the male Ma duck compared with the female. However, there are noticeable individual differences observed in these characteristics. Herein, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were employed to investigate the genetic basis of individual differences in male duck green head-related traits. Our results showed that 165 significant SNPs were associated with green head traits. Meanwhile, 71 candidate genes were detected near the significant SNPs, including four genes (CACNA1I, WDR59, GNAO1 and CACNA2D4) related to the individual differences in the green head traits of male ducks. Additionally, the eGWAS identified three SNPs located within two candidate genes (LOC101800026 and SYNPO2) associated with TYRP1 gene expression, and might be important regulators affecting the expression level of TYRP1 in the head skin of male ducks. Our data also suggested that transcription factor MXI1 might regulate the expression of TYRP1, thereby causing differences in the green head traits among male ducks. This study provided primary data for further analysis of the genetic regulation of duck feather color.