A novel SNP in the 3'UTR region of WNT10A promotes granulosa cell proliferation in goats.

Molecular marker-assisted breeding technology, which utilizes molecular markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to select target trait genotypes, can effectively improve breeding efficiency. In this study, the 3'UTR SNP (c.*166C > T) of WNT10A was significantly associated with the third and fourth litter sizes of Haimen goats. Population genetic analysis indicated that goats with the TT genotype have higher litter sizes in the third and fourth parities within the Haimen goat population. TT genotyped goats have higher expression of WNT10A in reproductive axis tissues. And we found that the T allele had higher transcriptional activity and mRNA stability. Additionally, the SNP was located within an enhancer region, where the T allele specifically interacted with the transcription factor NFKB1, thereby increasing the expression of WNT10A. Furthermore, the study revealed that WNT10A effectively activates the Wnt signaling pathway and regulates cyclin proteins to promote granulosa cell proliferation. In conclusion, WNT10A c.*166C > T is a functional SNP that can interact with NFKB1 to enhance mRNA stability and gene expression, and activate the WNT10A/β-Catenin signaling pathway to promote granulosa cell proliferation. This SNP can be used as a genetic marker for breeding and provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of SNPs in reproductive processes.