Population genetic variations of the matrix metalloproteinases-3 gene revealed hypoxia adaptation in domesticated yaks (Bos grunniens)

OBJECTIVE: As an iconic symbol of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and of high altitude, yak are subjected to hypoxic conditions that challenge aerobic metabolism. Matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP3) is assumed to be a key target gene of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α that function as a master regulator of the cellular response to hypoxia. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to identify the DNA polymorphism of MMP3 gene in domestic yak and to explore its possible association with high-altitude adaptation. METHODS: The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping and mutations scanning at the MMP3 locus were conducted in total of 344 individuals from four domestic Chinese yak breeds resident at different altitudes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, using high-resolution melting analysis and DNA sequencing techniques. RESULTS: The novel of SNPs rs2381 A→G and rs4331 C→G were identified in intron V and intron VII of MMP3, respectively. Frequencies of the GG genotype and the G allele of SNP rs2381 A→G observed in high-altitude Pali yak were significantly higher than that of the other yak breeds resident at middle or low altitude (p<0.01). No significant difference was mapped for SNP rs4331 C→G in the yak population (p>0.05). Haplotype GC was the dominant among the 4 yak breeds, and Pearson correlation analysis showed that the frequencies of GC was significantly lower in Ganan (GN), Datong (DT), and Tianzhu white yaks (TZ) compared with Pali (PL) yak. The two SNPs were in moderate linkage disequilibrium in high-altitude yaks (PL) but not in middle-altitude (GN, DT) and low-altitude (TZ) yaks. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that MMP3 may have been subjected to positive selection in yak, especially that the SNP rs2381 A→G mutation and GC haplotypes might contribute to adaptation for yak in high-altitude environments.