Genes, Vol. 8, Pages 225: Identification of the Ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 26-1 Gene and Its Association with Variation in Wool Traits

Genes, Vol. 8, Pages 225: Identification of the Ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 26-1 Gene and Its Association with Variation in Wool Traits

Genes doi: 10.3390/genes8090225

Authors: Shaobin Li Huitong Zhou Hua Gong Fangfang Zhao Jiang Hu Yuzhu Luo Jon Hickford

Keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are structural components of wool and hair fibres, and are believed to play a role in defining the physico-mechanical properties of the wool fibre. In this study, the putative ovine homologue of the human KAP26-1 gene (KRTAP26-1) was sequenced and four variants (named A–D) were identified. The sequences shared some identity with each other and with other KRTAPs, but they had the greatest similarity with the human KRTAP26-1 sequence. This suggests they represent different variants of ovine KRTAP26-1. The association of these KRTAP26-1 variants with wool traits was investigated in the 383 Merino-Southdown cross sheep. The presence of B was associated (p < 0.05) with an increase in mean fibre diameter (MFD), mean fibre curvature, and prickle factor (PF). The presence of C was found to be associated (p < 0.05) with an increase in wool yield (Yield) and mean staple length (MSL), and a decrease in MFD, fibre diameter standard deviation (FDSD), and PF. The results suggest that sheep with C have, on average, higher wool quality. These results may be useful in the future development of breeding programs based on decreasing wool MFD and FDSD, or on increasing wool MSL.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via alkiviadis.1961 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2x0ukSS