Keratin-associated proteins (KAP) are one of the main structural components of hair fiber. Within this protein group, high glycine tyrosine (HGT)-KAP play a crucial role in the definition of their physical-mechanical properties. Polymorphisms in HGT genes have been associated with the variation of different wool traits in sheeps and goats. The Argentine llama is a fiber-producing animal which is valued by the textile industry. However, the genes encoding for fiber proteins have not yet been identified in this species. Here, we focus on studying the HGT-KRTAP7-1 and KRTAP8-1 genes and their variation using the High Resolution Melting (HRM) technique in a sample of 117 llamas. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in KRTAP7-1, two of which were non-synonymous substitutions leading to amino acid changes in the protein. Of the 5 polymorphisms identified in KRTAP8-1, c.1-5A > G was located in the Kozak sequence, known to regulate protein synthesis level. The other four, two SNPs and one double nucleotide polymorphism (DNP), were found in the coding region and produced three amino acid replacement: c.43 T > C and c.45C > A (p.Y15Q), c.46 G > T (p.G16W) and c.173 A > G (p.Y58C). In summary, most of the polymorphisms found in both KRTAP7-1 and KRTAP8-1 genes produce non-conservative amino acid changes involving tyrosine and glycine residues, which are essential to maintain HGT protein properties. Therefore, these mutations as well as the regulatory SNP here identified could modify the fiber characteristics. We discuss the possible impact of these polymorphisms on KAP7-1 and KAP8-1 structure and/or interaction with other fiber proteins.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.