Polymorphism of M307 of the FUT1 gene and its relationship with some immune indexes in Sutai pigs (Duroc x Meishan).

ABSTRACT

The alpha (1,2)fucosyltransferase (FUT1) gene has been identified as a candidate gene for controlling the expression of the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18 receptor. Polymorphisms were detected at the M307 position in FUT1 of a breeding base population of Sutai pigs and their correlations to immune parameters analyzed. After digestion by Hin6I, three genotypes were identified at M307, AA (frequency 0.235), AG (0.609), and GG (0.156), with significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.01). The hemoglobin and white blood cell count of the AA genotype pigs were significantly higher than those of AG and GG pigs (P < 0.05). The results indicated that AA pigs not only are resistant to edema disease and post-weaning diarrhea in piglets but also have relatively strong resistance to disease in general.