A causal SNP in the promoter of myogenin is essential for lean meat production

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) widely existing in different breed genomes represent population-specific variations. Under the influence of long-term evolution and artificial selection, there are a large number of SNPs between Western lean-type pig breeds and Chinese indigenous pig breeds, however, until now, little is known about their roles in inter-breed differences. Our study revealed that SNP rs3471653254 C>T generated from the two types of pigs mentioned above, and located in the promoter shared by MyoG and Myoparr, played an important role in myoblast differentiation by influencing the enrichment of HOXA5 to regulate the transcription of MyoG and Myoparr. Meanwhile, Myoparr could act as a sponge for miR-30b-3p which repressed myogenic differentiation and muscle regeneration by targeting MyoD. Our results indicated that SNP rs3471653254 C>T is essential for myogenic differentiation and regeneration and could be used as an ideal site for increasing lean meat production in pigs.