Polymorphisms in the LASP1 gene allow selection for smaller stature in ponies

The LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) and the ligand dependent nuclear receptor corepressor-like (LCORL) genes were selected as candidates in this study of growth and height of equines of the Brazilian Pony breed. Until now, no genomic studies on the morphometry of Brazilian ponies have been reported in the literature. Both genes are correlated with osteogenesis and transcription factor TFIID of genes involved in skeletal growth, respectively. The objective of this study was to analyze two height associated mutations in LASP1 and LCORL genes and their associations with equine morphometry. This is the first study that genotyped these known variants in the Brazilian Pony breed. The DNA was extracted from hair follicles and the two variants were amplified by PCR. The genotyping was performed by RFLP markers through restriction enzyme cleavage; the samples were submitted to capillary electrophoresis for allelic discrimination by size; and the polymorphism was identified and associated with the morphometric measures of the animals. Regarding the LASP1 gene, the ponies with genotypes G/G and G/A presented the smallest measures for head length, neck length, withers height, croup height and body length. Mutation analysis [T > C] of the LCORL gene identified the T/T genotype in all ponies except one individual of the control group, with shoulder height of 1.69 m, which presented the C/C genotype, confirming the association of this gene with the height of horses of the Brazilian Pony breed. The stature and morphometry of horses of this breed were influenced by variants of the LASP1 gene.