Molecular characterization of the apoptosis-related SH3RF1 and SH3RF2 genes and their association with exercise performance in Arabian horses

Abstract

Abstract Background Apoptosis plays an important role in the regulation of healthy tissue growth and development as well as in controlling the maintenance of homeostasis in exercising muscles. During an intensive physical effort, the regulation of cell death by apoptosis results in the replacement of unaccustomed muscle cells by new cells that are better suited to exercise. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of two genes (SH3FR1 and SH3RF2) that control apoptosis in muscle tissues during training periods characterized by different intensities. The gene expression levels were estimated using real-time PCR method in skeletal muscle biopsies collected from 15 Arabian horses (untrained, after an intense gallop phase, and at the end of the racing season). An association study was performed on 250 Arabian horses to assess the effect of the SH3RF2:c.796 T > C (p.Ser266Pro) variant on race performance traits in flat gallop-racing. Results A gene expression analysis confirmed a significant decrease (p C missense variant was associated with selected racing performance traits, which is important information during the evaluation of horses’ exercise predisposition. The association results and frequencies of the CT and TT genotypes suggest the possibility of using SH3RF2 variant in selection to improve the racing performance of Arabian horses.

Keywords

• POSH (gene)
• POSHER (gene)
• Arabian horses
• Training
• Apoptosis
• Flat-racing