Polymorphisms and expression of monocarboxylate transporter MCT1 and the ancillary protein CD147 in red blood cells in Arabian and Quarter Horses

Abstract

In recent years, equine production has gained importance in the sports and leisure activities. The exportation of racehorses has been increasing and breeding techniques aiming to a better performance have become the desire of horse breeders. The study of muscle physiology associated to genetic improvement techniques can develop knowledge to improve equine breeds, although other factors can interfere on the development of the animals. Different training types applied to athlete horses can change physiological processes, e. g., homeostasis acid/base mechanisms ATP is the main fuel provided for muscle contraction to occur. One of the routes of ATP production is the anaerobic glycolysis whose final products, lactate and hydrogen ions, are responsible for muscle fatigue. Monocarboxylate transporters type 1 (MCT1) and its ancillary protein (CD147) have as function to transport H+ and lactate ions from plasma to red blood cells contributing to the maintenance of acid/base homeostasis retarding systemic acidosis and fatigue of glycolytic muscle fibers. Thus, the present project aims to exam the distribution of proteins MCT1 and CD147 on red blood cells of Arabian and Quarter Horses of high and low performance, identify polymorphisms of genes related to those proteins and verify if there is an association between the polymorphism and the expression of proteins on different breeds and performances, searching for possible alternatives to improve the performance of athlete horses. (AU)