The Polymorphism of Pituitary Factor 1 (POU1F1) in Cattle

Abstract

The development and function of mammary gland is mainly controlled by growth hormone and prolactin, two protein hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Their synthesis is under regulatory influence of pituitary factor 1 (PIT1 or POU1F1), a protein factor produced in hypothalamic nuclei. In cattle, it was shown that a HinfI polymorphism located in exon 6 of PIT1 gene may have significant influence on milk quantity. In particular A allele was associated with a higher milk yield and could be a valuable genetic marker for improving milk quantity in cattle. In an effort to better understand the possible influence of this polymorphism on mammary gland development and function in cattle, we have studied the frequency this polymorphism in Romanian Black and White breed, a high milk production cattle breed versus Romanian Grey Steppe breed, a primitive breed with very low milk production. In both breeds the frequency of B allele is much higher as compared with the frequency of A allele. The study of PIT1 polymorphism in Romanian cattle breeds is a part of a more complex study targeting several key genes involved in mammary gland function

Keywords

• cattle
• milk
• polymorphism
• pit1
• romanian grey steppe
• romanian black and white