Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in sperm adhesion molecule 1 (SPAM1) gene are associated with egg production in Yangzhou geese

Sperm adhesion molecule 1(SPAM1) is a vital candidate gene that plays an important role in fertilization and hatchability of geese. In this study, we investigated for the first time the genetic variation of the SPAM1 gene and its association with egg production trait in Yangzhou geese. By using the direct sequencing technique, we detected three single nucleotide polymorphisms, g206 G>C, c123 T>A, and c159 T>C, located in the promoter and exon one regions, respectively. Six alleles and nine genotypes (GG, CC, GC, TT, TA, AA, TT, TC and CC) were obtained, respectively. The results indicated that the GG (g206 G>C) genotype had a significantly higher egg production rate during the 34-week egg-laying period. In the case of the SNPs c123 T > A and c159 T > C individuals with the AA and TT genotypes produced more eggs number, respectively. The SPAM 1 gene was highly expressed in the oviduct, abdominal fat, ovary and small intestine tissues. The mRNA expression level in the oviduct and ovary indicated that the geese with GG genotype recorded significantly lower expression levels (0.72 ± 0.02; 0.93 ± 0.02) compared to the geese with CC genotype (1.27 ± 0.19, 1.11 ± 0.06), respectively. Transcriptional activity results showed that both constructed vectors (pGL3-328G and pGL3-333C) had higher and more significant luciferase activity than the pGL3-basic vector. Future studies in Yangzhou and other native breeds of geese may be required to validate the association between these polymorphisms and egg production traits. • Screened promoter and exon one of SPAM1 gene in 250 individuals from Yangzhou geese breed. • Single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in promoter and exon regions. • g206G > C polymorphisms affected the egg production and mRNA expression. • Levels of mRNA expression of SPAM1 had a negative correlation with egg number. • The SPAM1 gene exhibited a high expression levels in ovary and oviduct of goose.