Determination of genetic variability at αs1-casein gene in Indian dromedary

Abstract

The analysis of genetic variability at αs1-casein gene in 112 Indian dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) was carried out. The 930 bp fragment of exon 5 of αs1 casein gene was successfully amplified by PCR. The nucleotide substitution at g.942G>T SNP (GenBank ID: JF429140) was detected by PCR-RFLP using SmlI restriction enzyme and verified by sequencing. The GT genotype was not observed in Bikaneri and Kachchhi camels but was observed in Jaisalmeri and Mewari camels at the frequency of 0.143 and 0.071, respectively. Though, the frequency of GT genotype was quite low but still it was enough to document the dynamic nature of the locus g.942G>T SNP in Indian dromedary. Due to the existence of full agreement between genotyping by PCR-RFLP and Isoelectric Focusing at αs1-casein, as envisaged by earlier researchers, the existence of two protein patterns corresponding to αs1-casein alleles, A and C at the same frequency values in the Indian dromedary breeds may also be inferred from the present study. Hence, this DNA based test can be used for typing camel αs1-casein gene variability in Indian dromedary.