Myostatin Gene in Thoroughbreds: Further Research Completed

Researchers are working to understand the link between the myostatin gene and Thoroughbreds’ racing potential.
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Thoroughbred horses are selectively bred to improve both speed and stamina in an attempt to create the perfect racehorse. With the knowledge gleaned from the completion of the equine genome and advanced laboratory techniques available to genetic researchers, it seems this seemingly fleeting feat could be nearly within breeders’ grasps.

Previous research by Teruaki Tozaki, PhD, from the Department of Molecular Genetics at the Laboratory of Racing Chemistry in Tochigi, Japan, and colleagues found a region on equine chromosome 18 (ECA18) that is associated with racing "phenotypes," or characteristic traits, such as optimal racing distance.

"Addition research … has shown that specific regions of ECA18 can potentially predict racing performance in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses," said Tozaki. This part of ECA encodes a protein called myostatin, which is involved in controlling both the number and growth of skeletal muscle fibers.

"This study was therefore designed to look at the relationship between the mysotatin gene (MSTN) and various physical characteristics of Thoroughbred horses prior to training such as body weight, wither height, and chest and cannon bone circumference," Tozaki explained

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Written by:

Stacey Oke, MSc, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. She is interested in both large and small animals, as well as complementary and alternative medicine. Since 2005, she’s worked as a research consultant for nutritional supplement companies, assisted physicians and veterinarians in publishing research articles and textbooks, and written for a number of educational magazines and websites.

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