Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene are presumably associated with transcription level and carcass traits in pigs

Summary The main goal of this study was to screen for polymorphisms in the porcine adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene promoter, analyse their influence on transcription and identify any association with production traits in pigs. A 1018‐bp region of the ADIPOQ gene promoter was analysed in 113 pigs, and seven novel polymorphisms found. Luciferase assays were performed in HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cells and primary porcine adipose mesenchymal stem cells (pADMSCs) to investigate their affect on promoter activity. A 16‐bp indel (c.−106_−91delGCCAGGGGTGTGAGCC) was found to influence promoter strength in vitro. In the HEK293 cell line, the Del/Del genotype showed greater luciferase activity than did the Ins/Ins genotype (P