POU class 1 homeobox 1 gene polymorphisms associated with growth traits in Korean native chicken

Objective: POU class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1) mediates growth hormone expression and activity by altering transcription, eventually resulting in growth rate variations. Therefore, we aimed to identify chicken POU1F1 polymorphisms and evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and growth-related traits, and logistic growth curve parameter traits (${\alpha}$, ${\beta}$, and ${\gamma}$). Methods: Three SNPs (M_1 to M_3) were used to genotype 585 $F_1$ and 88 $F_0$ birds from five Korean native chicken lines using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Single marker analyses and traits association analyses showed that M_2 was significantly associated with body weight at two weeks, weight gain from hatch to 2 weeks, and weight gain from 16 to 18 weeks (p<0.05). M_3 was significantly associated with weight gain from 14 to 16 weeks and from 16 to 18 weeks, and asymptotic body weight (${\alpha}$) (p<0.05). No traits were associated with M_1. The POU1F1 haplogroups were significantly associated with weight gain from 14 to 16 weeks (p = 0.020). Linkage disequilibrium test and Haploview analysis shown one main haploblock between M_2 and M_3 SNP. Conclusion: Thus, POU1F1 significantly affects the growth of Korean native chickens and their growth curve traits.