Screening weight related genes of velvet antlers by whole genome re-sequencing.

The velvet antler is a special organ that has important biological significance for deer, and its growth is a complicated biological metabolism process. Growing evidence suggests that genetics factors play essential roles in the weight of velvet antlers. In this study, we investigated five sika deer (Cervus nippon) populations under the same feeding condition, and screened genetic variations in the 100 samples (including 50 heavy and 50 light velvet antler weight samples) by whole genome re-sequencing. The results showed that 94 genetic variations were related to the velvet antler weight, among which two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites were located on the exon regions of OAS2 and ALYREF/THOC4, respectively. Furthermore, ALYREF/THOC4 is highly expressed in the velvet antler. The biological functions of these genetic variations were highly related to the growth and development of deer velvet antlers. Collectively, we screened genes related to the velvet antler weight in sika deer populations by whole genome re-sequencing and identified 94 sites as candidate genetic variations related to the velvet antler weight. We hope that it will contribute to further mechanistic studies of velvet antler development and weight variations.

Research progress in deer antler regeneration and stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

Deer antlers are the unique mammalian organs that can be periodically regenerated,i.e.,they hold interest for researchers on stem cells and regenerative medicine,and have the potential to become an excellent biomedical research model.Deer antler regeneration may use stem cells.Antler growth appears to involve specific stimulation of the necessary stem cells present in the locality,and involves similar mechanisms to those used in limb development,unlike the regenerative process in the newt.Development regulation of antler and growth mechanism of antler stem cells have significance in limb regenerated medicine and stem cell research.Many scientists have carried out thorough research on the deer antlers development,thus,have drawn many concepts.This article reviews the field of deer antlers development such as antler regeneration and stem cells,and introduces research technique of antler development and relevant theories.