RNA-seq analysis identifies key genes enhancing hoof strength to withstand barefoot racing in Standardbred trotters
Authors: Doreen Schwochow, Asmaa Alameddine, Ellinor Spörndly-Nees, Mathilde Montigny, Rakan Naboulsi, Anna Jansson, Adnan Niazi, Gabriella Lindgren
Journal: BMC Genomics
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Genetic Markers for Barefoot Racing Capability in Standardbred Trotters Swedish harness racing commonly employs barefoot racing to enhance performance, yet trainers currently rely on practical experience rather than objective criteria to determine which horses can sustain this demanding practice without excessive hoof wear and welfare compromise. Researchers used RNA-seq analysis of coronary band tissue—the growth zone critical for hoof development—comparing 11 Standardbred trotters capable of repeatedly racing barefoot across consecutive events with 7 that could not, employing rigorous phenotyping supported by racing records and trainer interviews to ensure meaningful comparison. Five significantly downregulated genes emerged as key differentiators: ACCS, IRX2 and TRAPPAC6A support structural integrity; MT2A regulates mineral homeostasis; and SLC35F3 influences local vascular tone—collectively suggesting a coordinated genetic strategy for hoof reinforcement and physiological resilience. These findings provide the first molecular evidence that hoof durability under barefoot racing conditions has a distinct genetic basis, potentially enabling development of genetic markers to predict suitability before training intensifies. For practitioners, this research opens the door to more objective selection methods and future genomic testing that could protect welfare whilst optimising performance, and may inform breeding decisions and management strategies across all equestrian disciplines where hoof quality is performance-limiting.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Genetic markers based on these five genes could potentially help trainers objectively identify which horses are suitable for barefoot racing, replacing current subjective experience-based decisions
- •Understanding the genetic basis of hoof durability may enable selective breeding for improved hoof strength and welfare outcomes in harness racing populations
- •Gene expression profiling of coronary band tissue offers a novel tool for objective assessment of individual hoof resilience before committing horses to barefoot competition
Key Findings
- •Five significantly downregulated genes (ACCS, IRX2, TRAPPAC6A, MT2A, SLC35F3) were identified in horses capable of racing barefoot without injury
- •Horses suited for barefoot racing show distinct gene expression patterns related to hoof structural integrity, metal homeostasis, and local vasoconstriction
- •Gene expression analysis of coronary band tissue can serve as an objective measure to identify horses genetically predisposed to barefoot racing capability