Abstract

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is synthesized in the mammalian small intestine and liver, where it serves an essential role in the assembly and secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and is the constituent of very low density lipoprotein, intermediate density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein (LDL), and is the ligand for the LDL receptor. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of the apoB gene on chicken growth and deposition of adipose tissues. The Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat were used. Two novel polymorphisms, a synonymous mutation T-->G at 123 of 26th exon, and a 9 bp deletion at 500 bp after the stop code TGA of the apoB gene were found, and then the association between these 2 polymorphisms and traits were detected using both single marker and haplotype analysis. Results showed that the haplotype of the 2 polymorphisms of apoB gene was linked with potential major loci or genes affecting the body growth and fatness traits. The results of the present study not only suggest a primary function of apoB gene in the chicken, but also suggest that the use of molecular genetic markers associated with the apoB gene can be used in a selection program for low abdominal fat.