Abstract: Novel mutations in cytochrome P450C17 (CYP17) and cytochrome b5 (CYB5) affecting 16-androstene steroid synthesis are disclosed. The novel mutations result in alterations in production of critical intermediaries in the synthesis of 16-androstene steroids. Altering the activity of these enzymes may be useful in enhancing reducing androstenone synthesis and reducing boar taint. The identification of these novel mutations also allows for the development of transgenic pigs bearing mutations in these enzymes or for genetic screening to identify pigs on the basis of their CYP17 and/or CYB5 genotype. Pigs having these mutations may be selected and bred to produce pigs that have a lower incidence of boar taint.

Abstract: Novel mutations in cytochrome P450C17 (CYP17) and cytochrome b5 (CYB5) affecting 16-androstene steroid synthesis are disclosed. The novel mutations result in alterations in production of critical intermediaries in the synthesis of 16-androstene steroids. Altering the activity of these enzymes may be useful in enhancing reducing androstenone synthesis and reducing boar taint. The identification of these novel mutations also allows for the development of transgenic pigs bearing mutations in these enzymes or for genetic screening to identify pigs on the basis of their CYP17 and/or CYB5 genotype. Pigs having these mutations may be selected and bred to produce pigs that have a lower incidence of boar taint.

Abstract: Genetic markers are disclosed with a useful association with boar taint that can be used for screening and selection of pigs for those with more favorable boar taint characteristics associated with androstenone/skatole metabolism. Specific polymorphic alleles of the 3?HSD, 3?HSD, CYP17A1, CYP2A, CYP2E1, CYTB5, BAC-CT and/or SULT1A1 genes are disclosed for tests to screen pigs to determine those more likely to produce desired boar taint traits.

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing boar taint, a method of screening pigs to determine those more likely to have reduced boar taint and a method for screening substances that enhance skatole metabolism or androstenone in a pig, are disclosed These methods involve the use of the nuclear receptors constitutive androstane receptor, pregnane X receptor and farnesoid X receptor, which have been found to modulate the activity of the enzymes involved in skatole and/or androsterone metabolism

Abstract: Novel metabolites and enzymes involved in skatole metabolism are disclosed. The novel metabolites are 3-OH-3-methylindolenine (HMI); 3-methyloxindole (3MOI); indole-3-carbinol (I-3C); and 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AM). Measuring levels of these metabolites in a pig may be useful in identifying the pig's ability to metabolize skatole and its susceptibility to boar taint. The novel enzymes involved in skatole metabolism are aldehyde oxidase and CYP2A6. Enhancing the activity of these enzymes may be useful in enhancing skatole metabolism and reducing boar taint. The identification of the enzyme also allows the development of screening assays for substances that interact with these enzymes and skatole metabolism or for genetic screening to identify pigs on the basis of their skatole metabolism. Pigs having high levels of these enzymes may be selected and bred to produce pigs that have a lower incidence of boar taint.

Abstract: A method of preventing or reducing boar taint is described. The method involves increasing the metabolism of skatole in a pig by modulating the activity or expression of the enzymes involved in skatole metabolism.

Abstract: Novel metabolites and enzymes involved in skatole metabolism are disclosed. The novel metabolites are 3-OH-3-methylindolenine (HMI); 3-methyloxindole (3MOI); indole-3-carbinol (I-3C); and 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AM). Measuring levels of these metabolites in a pig may be useful in identifying the pig's ability to metabolize skatole and its susceptibility to boar taint. The novel enzymes involved in skatole metabolism are aldehyde oxidase and CYP2A6. Enhancing the activity of these enzymes may be useful in enhancing skatole metabolism and reducing boar taint. The identification of the enzyme also allows the development of screening assays for substances that interact with these enzymes and skatole metabolism or for genetic screening to identify pigs on the basis of their skatole metabolism. Pigs having high levels of these enzymes may be selected and bred to produce pigs that have a lower incidence of boar taint.

Abstract: Novel metabolites and enzymes involved in skatole metabolism are disclosed. The novel metabolites are 3-OH-3-methylindolenine (HMI); 3-methyloxindole (3MOI); indole-3-carbinol (I-3C); and 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AM). Measuring levels of these metabolites in a pig may be useful in identifying the pig's ability to metabolize skatole and its susceptibility to boar taint. The novel enzymes involved in skatole metabolism are aldehyde oxidase and CYP2A6. Enhancing the activity of these enzymes may be useful in enhancing skatole metabolism and reducing boar taint. The identification of the enzyme also allows the development of screening assays for substances that interact with these enzymes and skatole metabolism. Pigs having high levels of these enzymes may be selected and bred to produce pigs that have a lower incidence of boar taint.

Abstract: Novel metabolites and enzymes involved in skatole metabolism are disclosed. The novel metabolites are 3-OH-3-methylindolenine (HMI); 3-methyloxindole (3MOI); indole-3-carbinol (I-3C); and 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AM). Measuring levels of these metabolites in a pig may be useful in identifying the pig's ability to metabolize skatole and its susceptibility to boar taint. The novel enzymes involved in skatole metabolism are aldehyde oxidase and CYP2A6. Enhancing the activity of these enzymes may be useful in enhancing skatole metabolism and reducing boar taint. The identification of the enzyme also allows the development of screening assays for substances that interact with these enzymes and skatole metabolism. Pigs having high levels of these enzymes may be selected and bred to produce pigs that have a lower incidence of boar taint.

Abstract: A method for determining if a pig is predisposed to boar taint comprising assaying for a low molecular weight isoform of cytochrome b5 in a sample from the pig.