Association of miR-208b polymorphism with meat quality traits and texture parameters in pigs

Previous studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs328743478) located downstream of pre-miR-208b in MYH7 gene is correlated with fibre number composition and drip loss in pigs. Because fibre characteristics are linked to meat quality, the aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between rs328743478 polymorphism and meat quality and texture parameters. The study utilised 578 pigs belonging to Polish Landrace, Polish Large White, Puławska, Pietrain, Duroc, and Hampshire breeds. Association study was performed for the first three breeds separately and for all six breeds joined together. Obtained results showed a significant influence (P ≤ 0.05) of miR-208b genotypes on water holding capacity (WHC) in the whole population and individual breeds and on intramuscular fat content (IMF) and luminosity in the whole population as well as in Landrace and Puławska breeds, respectively. By analysing texture parameters, we found association (P ≤ 0.05 or P ≤ 0.01) between rs328743478 polymorphism and toughness, firmness, and chewiness measured in m. semimembranosus and m. longissimus lumborum. The highest values of these traits in m. semimembranosus were noticed for AA genotype, however in m. longissimus lumborum for GG in the whole population and some individual breeds. It was found that miR-208b genotypes were also associated with cohesiveness (P ≤ 0.01), springiness, and hardness (P ≤ 0.05) but obtained results were not consistent among breeds and the whole population. The obtained results confirm that miR-208b polymorphism is associated with some economically important traits in pigs.