Molecular analysis of CIB4 gene and protein in Kermani sheep

Abstract

The human calcium- and integrin-binding protein (CIB) family is composed of CIB1, CIB2, CIB3, and CIB4 proteins and the CIB4 gene affects fertility. Kermani sheep is one of the most important breeds of Iranian sheep breeds. The aim of this study was to analyze for the first time molecular characteristics of the CIB4 gene and protein in Kermani sheep. Different tissues were collected from the Kermani sheep and real time PCR was performed. The PCR products were sequenced, comparative analyses of the nucleotide sequences were performed, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, and different characteristics of CIB4 proteins were predicted. Real time PCR results showed that the CIB4 gene is expressed only in testis of Kermani sheep. The cDNA nucleotide sequence was identical with small tail Han sheep, cattle, goat, camel, horse, dog, mouse and human, respectively 100, 99, 99, 98, 98, 96, 96, and 96%. Hence, it can be suggested that the CIB4 gene plays a role in male fertility. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, sheep CIB4 gene has a close relationship with goat and cattle first, and then with camel and whale. Although we demonstrated that CIB4 is a testis-specific gene, expressed only in the testis and it interacts with other proteins, the mechanisms by which CIB4 expression is regulated need to be elucidated.

On-farm evaluation of growth and reproductive performances of Washera and Gumuz sheep in northwestern Ethiopia: Basics for setting up breeding objectives/goals

“…Growth and reproductive performance of indigenous sheep could be improved through improvement of genetics and environment [5]. However, growth and reproductive performance of indigenous sheep was influenced by most of the non-genetic factors [33,34] and it is thus appropriate to consider the factors affecting their outcome.…”

“…The increased domestic and international demand for Ethiopian sheep and goats has established them as important sources of Inland Revenue as well as foreign currency [3]. Therefore, integrated attempt with emphasis on prescribing and genetic enhancement is crucial for improving animal output by improving growth and fertility traits [5]. In Ethiopia, there are 32.85 million sheep, more than 99% of which are indigenous [6].…”

G1 point mutation in growth differentiation factor 9 gene affects litter size in Sudanese desert sheep

“…Small ruminants, particularly native local breed types, play a significant socio-economic role in ensuring the livelihoods of a considerable portion of human populations in the tropics [1][2][3], and genetic manipulations in improving ewe production and reproduction present valuable opportunities to increase financial revenue [4][5][6][7][8]. Sudan harbors different sheep breeds referred to as the Sudanese Desert sheep which are distinguished according to the different Sudanese tribes that rear them such as the Dubasi, Shugor, and Watish breeds.…”

“…Species without sufficient genetic variability and diversity face more challenges in efficiently adapting to environmental fluctuations as they become less resilient and more susceptible to diseases [17,18]. Thus, preserving genetic diversity in indigenous breeds is a major concern during the design of selection programs to improve productive traits of a specific breed without diluting or losing other beneficial traits [7]. As conservation is dependent on deep and full knowledge of the genome of a specific breed [19], it is important to try to genetically characterize indigenous breeds [14] and to determine the applications of molecular genetics [20].…”

CIB4 is essential for the haploid phase of spermatogenesis in mice†

“…In contrast to CIB1 and CIB2, the functions of CIB3 or CIB4 remain unclear. It has been shown that Cib4 is expressed specifically in the testis in sheep [ 22 , 23 ], suggesting that CIB4 may play a role in male fertility. In this study, we mutated Cib4 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and analyzed its function in mice.…”