Genome sequencing and protein domain annotations of Korean Hanwoo cattle identify Hanwoo-specific immunity-related and other novel genes

• Published in: BMC genetics Vol. 19; no. 1; p. 37
• Main Authors: Caetano-Anolles, Kelsey, Kim, Kwondo, Kwak, Woori, Sung, Samsun, Kim, Heebal, Choi, Bong-Hwan, Lim, Dajeong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 29.05.2018; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Adaptation; Animals; Base Sequence - genetics; Beef; Bovidae; Breeding; Cattle; Cattle - genetics; Cattle - immunology; Chromosome Mapping; Data processing; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; DNA sequencing; DNA-Seq; Error correction & detection; Gene expression; Genetic aspects; Genetic markers; Genome sequencing; Genomes; Genomics; Hanwoo; Immune response; Immunity; Immunity - genetics; Immunoglobulins - genetics; Medical research; Molecular Sequence Annotation; Protein domain; Protein Domains - genetics; Proteins; Quality; Republic of Korea; Selection, Genetic; Selective breeding; Statistical methods; Unaligned read assembly; Whole Genome Sequencing - methods; Republic of Korea; South Korea; United States > US; DNA-Seq; Unaligned read assembly; Genome sequencing; Cattle; Hanwoo; Protein domain
• ISSN: 1471-2156; 1471-2156
• DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0623-x

Identification of genetic mechanisms and idiosyncrasies at the breed-level can provide valuable information for potential use in evolutionary studies, medical applications, and breeding of selective traits. Here, we analyzed genomic data collected from 136 Korean Native cattle, known as Hanwoo, using advanced statistical methods. Results revealed Hanwoo-specific protein domains which were largely characterized by immunoglobulin function. Furthermore, domain interactions of novel Hanwoo-specific genes reveal additional links to immunity. Novel Hanwoo-specific genes linked to muscle and other functions were identified, including protein domains with functions related to energy, fat storage, and muscle function that may provide insight into the mechanisms behind Hanwoo cattle's uniquely high percentage of intramuscular fat and fat marbling. The identification of Hanwoo-specific genes linked to immunity are potentially useful for future medical research and selective breeding. The significant genomic variations identified here can crucially identify genetic novelties that are arising from useful adaptations. These results will allow future researchers to compare and classify breeds, identify important genetic markers, and develop breeding strategies to further improve significant traits.