PRNP polymorphisms in Tunisian sheep breeds
Views
0% 0
Downloads
0 0%
Limited access
Citation
Samira Kdidi, M. H. Yahyaoui, Michela Conte, Barbara Chiappini, Guendalina Zaccaria, M. Ben Sassi, A. Ben Ammar El Gaaied, Touhami Khorchani, Gabriele Vaccari. (9/5/2014). PRNP polymorphisms in Tunisian sheep breeds. Livestock Science, 167.
Abstract
In this study, genetic variation of ovine prion protein in Tunisian sheep breeds was
analysed. Sequencing of the entire coding sequence of prion protein gene (PRNP) was
performed in a total of 201 samples belonging to four breeds (Barbarin, Western Thin Tail,
Sicilo Sarde and Black Thibar). Five haplotypes (ARQ, ARR, ARH, AHQ and VRQ) and 10
genotypes were observed based on codons 136, 154 and 171, with different frequencies
among the investigated breeds. The ARQ, ARR and ARH haplotypes were present in all
breeds, the VRQ haplotype was observed at low frequencies in Barbarin and Western Thin
Tail breeds. The ARQ and ARR haplotypes were the most common with frequencies
ranging from 33.4% to 47.8% and from 26.5% to 46.5% respectively, in the different breeds.
Moreover, 12 additional non-synonymous (Q101R, M112T, G127S/V, M137T, L141F, H143R,
N146S, R151G, Y172D, N176K and H180Y) as well as 2 synonymous polymorphisms at
codons 231 and 237 were found in the PRNP gene. Among them, the R151G polymorphism
has never been described in sheep. Moreover an insertion of an octarepeat in the ARQ
haplotype has been observed. These results represent the first survey on PRNP variability
in Tunisian sheep and may serve as basis for the development of breeding programme to
increase scrapie resistance in national sheep breeds.