Molecular characterization, polymorphism and association of porcine SPATA19 gene

Spermatogenesis associated 19 (SPATA19) is an important reproduction related gene. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA sequence of porcine SPATA19 gene through the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The porcine SPATA19 gene encodes a protein of 154 amino acids which shares high homology with the SPATA19 of ten species: giant panda (87 %), dog (86 %), cattle (84 %), rabbit (78 %), sumatran orangutan (72 %), human (71 %), rhesus monkey (71 %), chimpanzee (70 %), mouse (71 %) and rat (69 %). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the porcine SPATA19 gene has a closer genetic relationship with the SPATA19 gene of dog. This gene is structured in six exons and five introns as revealed by computer-assisted analysis. PCR–RFLP was established to detect the GU475012:c.515T>C substitution of porcine SPATA19 gene mRNA and association of this mutation with litter size traits was assessed in Large White (n = 100) and Landrace (n = 100) pig populations. Results demonstrated that this polymorphic locus was significantly associated with the litter size of all parities in Large White sows and Landrace sows. Therefore, SPATA19 gene could be an useful candidate gene in selection for increasing litter size in pigs. These data serve as a foundation for further insight into this novel porcine gene.