What gene causes double muscling in cattle?

What gene causes double muscling in cattle?

The MSTN (myostatin) gene has been identified as the cause of the double-muscled phenotype in cattle [16]. An 11 base-pare deletion of the protein is responsible for muscular hypertrophy in Belgian Blue DM (BBDM) cattle.

Which breed is characterized by double muscling?

Two of the breeds that possess the double muscle gene are the Piedmontese and the Parthenais. The Piedmontese was discovered in Italy 1897, and the Parthenais were found in France in 1893. The Belgian Blue is another cattle that can lack myostatin and have double muscles.

What type of mutation is observed in the myostatin gene in double muscle cattle?

(B) The deletion mutation is detected by fluorometric sequencing of myostatin cDNA from normal- and double-muscled cattle.

What type of mutation occurs in the Piedmontese cattle to inactivate the myostatin protein?

C313 mutations
C313 mutations decrease myostatin disulphide-linked covalent dimerisation.

What mutation causes myostatin muscle hypertrophy?

Mutations in the MSTN gene cause myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy. The MSTN gene provides instructions for making a protein called myostatin, which is active in muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles) both before and after birth.

Why do humans have myostatin?

Myostatin (also known as growth differentiation factor 8, abbreviated GDF8) is a myokine, a protein produced and released by myocytes that acts on muscle cells to inhibit muscle cell growth. In humans it is encoded by the MSTN gene.

What causes double muscling in cattle?

Double Muscling Double muscling is the term used to designate a muscle hypertrophy characteristic of cattle and Texel sheep. It is due to a mutation in the myostatin (MSTN) gene, which encodes the growth-regulating factor myostatin. Muscle hypertrophy arises from an increased total number of fibers.

Why are double-muscle pigs and cows being bred?

MUTANT “double muscle” pigs and cows are being bred to potentially help ward off beef and pork shortages. Shocking images of the super-sized farm animals have emerged as scientists reveal selective breeding and genetic mutation behind the monstrous muscles.

What is a double muscled cow?

In cattle, double muscling is inherited as a simple Mendelian trait with incomplete dominance. Double-muscled cattle have a generalized deficiency of connective tissue, including a paucity of adipose cells. Thus, their meat is lean and relatively tender (unless cold-shortened).

Is double muscling a natural mutation?

While double muscling is natural, the way the mutation has been perpetuated is not. The meat industry selectively breeds animals who exhibit this mutation to produce bigger animals and, therefore, more meat.