Identification of a synonymous snp in the ftl gene and its association with meat quality traits in berkshire pigs

Ferritin light chain (FTL) is a subunit of the ferrit in protein, which plays an essential role in intracellular iron storage. To evaluate the association of FTL gene expression and meat quality, the expression patterns of FTL in four pig breeds, Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire, were examined. The FTL mRNA expression in liver and kidney of all four breeds was noticeably higher when we compared to other tissues examined in this study. To identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FTL gene, the livers of Berkshire pigs were examined and a synonymous SNP, FTL c.472C>G Pro, was identified. In the same population, various meat quality traits were evaluated and the relationship between FTL genotype and meat quality was examined. The identified FTL SNP was significantly associated with carcass weight, meat color, drip loss, water holding capacity, post-mortem pH24hr, and chemical composition (collagen and fat content). The C allele showed higher carcass weight, water holding capacity, and post-mortem pH24hrand lower drip loss which considered higher economic merit and meat quality. Together, these data suggest that FTL synonymous SNPs may be an important factor for determining meat quality in Berkshire pigs.