绵羊多羔性状主效基因BMP15，GDF9和BMPR-1B的定向SNPs、DNA甲基化及蛋白质互作机制

Genetic mechanism of the multiple lambs has always been one of the important topics in animal breeding, genetics and reproduction. It is a complex trait influenced by interactions of mutiple genes such as major and minor gens as well as epistatic effect. However, genetic variations and molecular mechanism of the trait formed during the long-term natural and artificial selections are still unclear. Therefore, the study on genetic mechanism of the multiple lambs in sheep will enrich the theory of reproductive genomics of domestic animals. This study will focus on the three major genes (BMP15, GDF9 and BMPR-1B) for the multiple lambs in sheep. We will use the modern techniques such as resequencing, targted SNP genotyping, DNA methylation and protein interactions for the genes in combination with the population genomics and bioinformatics statistical methods. Chinese native multiple-lamb sheep breeds (e.g. Hu sheep and Small-tailed Han sheep) coupled with international single-lamb or small-litter-size sheep breeds for a comparison will be investigated. Targted SNPs, the level of DNA methylation and protein interactions for the major genes will be studied from different perspectives such as genomics, epigenetics and proteomics. Our study will contribute to the scientific and sustainable development of sheep industry in China. It will also provide insights into the theoretical basis for the genetic characteristics and multiple-gene-interaction mechanisms of the multiple births in sheep and other domestic animals.

绵羊多羔性状的遗传机制一直是家畜遗传繁育领域研究的重点。该性状是一个由主效基因、弱效基因及上位效应影响的多基因互作复杂性状。然而，其在长期的自然和人工选择下的遗传变异及形成的分子机制仍未完全阐明。因此，对于该性状的遗传机制探索将丰富家畜生殖基因组学理论。本项目将集中研究绵羊多羔性状的3个主效基因（BMP15, GDF9和BMPR-1B）, 采用基因重测序、定向SNP分型、DNA甲基化和蛋白质互作分析等技术，以及群体基因组学和生物信息学分析方法，利用我国优良的多羔地方绵羊品种（如：湖羊和小尾寒羊），并结合国内外单羔或产羔率低的品种， 在基因组学、表观遗传学以及蛋白质组学等不同角度上探索绵羊多羔性状主效基因的SNP遗传变异、DNA甲基化水平及蛋白质互作机制。本研究将为我国绵羊养殖业的科学和可持续性发展作出贡献，也将为理解绵羊及其它家畜高产子数性状的遗传学特性和多基因互作遗传机制提供理论依据。

绵羊多羔性状的遗传机制一直是家畜遗传繁育领域研究的重点。该性状是一个由主效基因、弱效基因及上位效应影响的多基因互作复杂性状。然而，其在长期的自然和人工选择下的遗传变异及形成的分子机制仍未完全阐明。因此，对于该性状的遗传机制探索将丰富家畜生殖基因组学理论。本项目集中研究了绵羊多羔性状的3 个主效基因（BMP15, GDF9和BMPR-1B）, 采用基因重测序、定向SNP 分型、DNA 甲基化和蛋白质互作分析等技术，以及群体基因组学和生物信息学分析方法，利用我国优良的多羔地方绵羊品种（如：湖羊和小尾寒羊），并结合国内外单羔或产羔率低的品种， 在基因组学、表观遗传学以及蛋白质组学等不同角度上探索绵羊多羔性状主效基因的SNP 遗传变异、DNA 甲基化水平及蛋白质互作机制。本研究为我国绵羊养殖业的科学和可持续性发展作出贡献，也为理解绵羊及其它家畜高产子数性状的遗传学特性和多基因互作遗传机制提供理论依据。