A 3′ UTR polymorphism g.1618 G > A in the MAFA gene modulates miR-3678-3p binding and enhances meat production in sheep via the MAFA/GHR/JAK2 pathway

In summary, The G/A polymorphism at position g.1618 in the 3' UTR of the MAFA gene affects the binding of miR-3678-3p, thereby regulating the expression of the transcription factor MAFA at the post-transcriptional level. MAFA, in turn, directly influences the transcription of its target gene GHR, which affects JAK2 phosphorylation, ultimately regulating myoblast proliferation and muscle growth.