A Chinese indicine pangenome reveals a wealth of novel structural variants introgressed from other Bos species.

Chinese indicine cattle harbor a much higher genetic diversity compared with other domestic cattle, but their genome architecture remains uninvestigated. Using PacBio HiFi sequencing data from 10 Chinese indicine cattle across southern China, we assembled 20 high-quality partially phased genomes and integrated them into a multiassembly graph containing 148.5 Mb (5.6%) of novel sequence. We identified 156,009 high-confidence nonredundant structural variants (SVs) and 206 SV hotspots spanning ∼195 Mb of gene-rich sequence. We detected 34,249 archaic introgressed fragments in Chinese indicine cattle covering 1.93 Gb (73.3%) of the genome. We inferred an average of 3.8%, 3.2%, 1.4%, and 0.5% of introgressed sequence originating, respectively, from banteng-like, kouprey-like, gayal-like, and gaur-like Bos species, as well as 0.6% of unknown origin. Introgression from multiple donors might have contributed to the genetic diversity of Chinese indicine cattle. Altogether, this study highlights the contribution of interspecies introgression to the genomic architecture of an important livestock population and shows how exotic genomic elements can contribute to the genetic variation available for selection.

A sheep pangenome reveals the spectrum of structural variations and their effects on tail phenotypes.

Structural variations (SVs) are a major contributor to genetic diversity and phenotypic variations, but their prevalence and functions in domestic animals are largely unexplored. Here we generated high-quality genome assemblies for 15 individuals from genetically diverse sheep breeds using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) high-fidelity sequencing, discovering 130.3 Mb nonreference sequences, from which 588 genes were annotated. A total of 149,158 biallelic insertions/deletions, 6531 divergent alleles, and 14,707 multiallelic variations with precise breakpoints were discovered. The SV spectrum is characterized by an excess of derived insertions compared to deletions (94,422 vs. 33,571), suggesting recent active LINE expansions in sheep. Nearly half of the SVs display low to moderate linkage disequilibrium with surrounding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and most SVs cannot be tagged by SNP probes from the widely used ovine 50K SNP chip. We identified 865 population-stratified SVs including 122 SVs possibly derived in the domestication process among 690 individuals from sheep breeds worldwide. A novel 168-bp insertion in the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of HOXB13 is found at high frequency in long-tailed sheep. Further genome-wide association study and gene expression analyses suggest that this mutation is causative for the long-tail trait. In summary, we have developed a panel of high-quality de novo assemblies and present a catalog of structural variations in sheep. Our data capture abundant candidate functional variations that were previously unexplored and provide a fundamental resource for understanding trait biology in sheep.

Multiple omics analysis reveals the regulation of SIRT5 on mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism during the differentiation of bovine preadipocytes.

Preadipocyte differentiation represents a critical stage in adipogenesis, with mitochondria playing an undeniable pivotal role. Given the intricate interplay between transcription and metabolic signaling during adipogenesis, the regulation of sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) on mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism was revealed via multiple omics analysis. The findings suggest that SIRT5 plays a crucial role in promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis and maintaining mitochondrial function during preadipocyte differentiation. Moreover, SIRT5 modulates the metabolic levels of numerous bioactive substances by extensively regulating genes expression associated with differentiation, energy metabolism, lipid synthesis, and mitochondrial function. Finally, SIRT5 was found to suppress triacylglycerols (TAG) accumulation while enhancing the proportion and diversity of unsaturated fatty acids, and providing conditions for the expansion and stability of membrane structure during mitochondrial biosynthesis through numerous gene regulations. Our findings provide a foundation for the identification of crucial functional genes, signaling pathways, and metabolic substances associated with adipose tissue differentiation and metabolism.

Large-Scale Chromosomal Changes Lead to Genome-Level Expression Alterations, Environmental Adaptation, and Speciation in the Gayal (Bos frontalis).

Determining the functional consequences of karyotypic changes is invariably challenging because evolution tends to obscure many of its own footprints, such as accumulated mutations, recombination events, and demographic perturbations. Here, we describe the assembly of a chromosome-level reference genome of the gayal (Bos frontalis) thereby revealing the structure, at base-pair-level resolution, of a telo/acrocentric-to-telo/acrocentric Robertsonian translocation (2;28) (T/A-to-T/A rob[2;28]). The absence of any reduction in the recombination rate or genetic introgression within the fusion region of gayal served to challenge the long-standing view of a role for fusion-induced meiotic dysfunction in speciation. The disproportionate increase noted in the distant interactions across pro-chr2 and pro-chr28, and the change in open-chromatin accessibility following rob(2;28), may, however, have led to the various gene expression irregularities observed in the gayal. Indeed, we found that many muscle-related genes, located synthetically on pro-chr2 and pro-chr28, exhibited significant changes in expression. This, combined with genome-scale structural variants and expression alterations in genes involved in myofibril composition, may have driven the rapid sarcomere adaptation of gayal to its rugged mountain habitat. Our findings not only suggest that large-scale chromosomal changes can lead to alterations in genome-level expression, thereby promoting both adaptation and speciation, but also illuminate novel avenues for studying the relationship between karyotype evolution and speciation.

Beef Cattle Genome Project: Advances in Genome Sequencing, Assembly, and Functional Genes Discovery.

Beef is a major global source of protein, playing an essential role in the human diet. The worldwide production and consumption of beef continue to rise, reflecting a significant trend. However, despite the critical importance of beef cattle resources in agriculture, the diversity of cattle breeds faces severe challenges, with many breeds at risk of extinction. The initiation of the Beef Cattle Genome Project is crucial. By constructing a high-precision functional annotation map of their genome, it becomes possible to analyze the genetic mechanisms underlying important traits in beef cattle, laying a solid foundation for breeding more efficient and productive cattle breeds. This review details advances in genome sequencing and assembly technologies, iterative upgrades of the beef cattle reference genome, and its application in pan-genome research. Additionally, it summarizes relevant studies on the discovery of functional genes associated with key traits in beef cattle, such as growth, meat quality, reproduction, polled traits, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. Finally, the review explores the potential of telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly, structural variations (SVs), and multi-omics techniques in future beef cattle genetic breeding. These advancements collectively offer promising avenues for enhancing beef cattle breeding and improving genetic traits.

PRNP gene polymorphism frequencies for comparing possible vulnerability to BSE in Chinese bovine population.

Among the numerous transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is the most well-known TSEs. It is a potential Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) disease mutation that can be transferred through cattle to humans. In several animals, the prion protein gene (PRNP) is recognized to take active part in TSE vulnerability or tolerance. Previous studies have found indels polymorphism in PRNP gene promoter and intron1 region linked to BSE vulnerability. It's linked with 23 bp indels polymorphism in putative promoter and 12 bp indel in intron 1 of the PRNP gene. The aim of this study was to compare the allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies of PRNP indel polymorphisms in Zhongdian Yak (Bos grunniens) (YK), Zhongdian Yellow cattle (Bos taurus) (YC) and Zhongdian Yakow (Bos primigenius taurus × Bos grunniens) (PK) with worldwide reported healthy or affected BSE cattle, in order to assess their potential resistance to BSE. A comparison of Chinese bovine populations with healthy and BSE-affected German and Swiss cattle from globally was conducted, and result indicating significant difference (p < .001) between healthy and affected cattle. Additionally, as compared to prior studies with Chinese bovine population, the significant results were found. In this study, the allelic frequency D23 finding high deletion in all analyzed Chinese bovine species, and haplotype D12-D23 exhibited a less significant inclination toward susceptibility to BSE.

Two High-Quality Cygnus Genome Assemblies Reveal Genomic Variations Associated with Plumage Color.

As an exemplary model for examining molecular mechanisms responsible for extreme phenotypic variations, plumage color has garnered significant interest. The Cygnus genus features two species, Cygnus olor and Cygnus atratus, that exhibit striking disparities in plumage color. However, the molecular foundation for this differentiation has remained elusive. Herein, we present two high-quality genomes for C. olor and C. atratus, procured using the Illumina and Nanopore technologies. The assembled genome of C. olor was 1.12 Gb in size with a contig N50 of 26.82 Mb, while its counterpart was 1.13 Gb in size with a contig N50 of 21.91 Mb. A comparative analysis unveiled three genes (TYR, SLC45A2, and SLC7A11) with structural variants in the melanogenic pathway. Notably, we also identified a novel gene, PWWP domain containing 2A (PWWP2A), that is related to plumage color, for the first time. Using targeted gene modification analysis, we demonstrated the potential genetic effect of the PWWP2A variant on pigment gene expression and melanin production. Finally, our findings offer insight into the intricate pattern of pigmentation and the role of polygenes in birds. Furthermore, these two high-quality genome references provide a comprehensive resource and perspective for comparative functional and genetic studies of evolution within the Cygnus genus.

Whole-genome sequencing of six dog breeds from continuous altitudes reveals adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia.

The hypoxic environment imposes severe selective pressure on species living at high altitude. To understand the genetic bases of adaptation to high altitude in dogs, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 60 dogs including five breeds living at continuous altitudes along the Tibetan Plateau from 800 to 5100 m as well as one European breed. More than 150× sequencing coverage for each breed provides us with a comprehensive assessment of the genetic polymorphisms of the dogs, including Tibetan Mastiffs. Comparison of the breeds from different altitudes reveals strong signals of population differentiation at the locus of hypoxia-related genes including endothelial Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain protein 1 (EPAS1) and beta hemoglobin cluster. Notably, four novel nonsynonymous mutations specific to high-altitude dogs are identified at EPAS1, one of which occurred at a quite conserved site in the PAS domain. The association testing between EPAS1 genotypes and blood-related phenotypes on additional high-altitude dogs reveals that the homozygous mutation is associated with decreased blood flow resistance, which may help to improve hemorheologic fitness. Interestingly, EPAS1 was also identified as a selective target in Tibetan highlanders, though no amino acid changes were found. Thus, our results not only indicate parallel evolution of humans and dogs in adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia, but also provide a new opportunity to study the role of EPAS1 in the adaptive processes.

Genetic variability of MHC class II DQB exon 2 alleles in yak (Bos grunniens).

The major histocompatibility class (MHC) DQ molecules are dimeric glycoproteins revealing antigen presentation to CD(4+) T cells. In the present study, the exon 2 of the MHC class II DQB gene from 32 yaks (Bos grunniens) was cloned, sequenced and compared with previously reported patterns for other bovidae. It was revealed by sequence analyses that there are 25 DQB exon 2 alleles among 32 yaks, all alleles are found to belong to DQB1 loci. These alleles exhibited a high degree of nucleotide and amino acid polymorphisms with most amino acid variations occurring at positions forming the peptide-binding sites. The DQB loci were analyzed for patterns of synonymous (d S) and non-synonymous (d N) substitution. The yak was observed to be under strong positive selection in the DQB exon 2 peptide-binding sites (d N = 0.15, P < 0.001). It appears that this variability among yaks confers the ability to mount immune responses to a wide variety of peptides or pathogens.

Exploring the additive effect of Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids and Tween 80 on feeding Nubian goats.

Introduction: The ban on antibiotics in animal husbandry underscores the crucial need for safe, natural feed additives. This study investigates the effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids (AGF) and Tween 80 on the growth performance, blood indexes, and rumen microbiota of Nubian goats, evaluating their potential as alternative feed additives in livestock management. Methods: Thirty-two goats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group (CON group) was provided with a basal diet, while the experimental groups received diets supplemented with various dietary additives for a duration of 100 days: either a basal diet supplemented with 25 mg/kg of monensin (MN group), a basal diet containing 2.0 g/kg of Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids (AGF group), or a basal diet containing 7.5 mL/kg of Tween 80 (TW group). Blood and rumen fluid samples were collected for analysis at the end of the feeding period. Growth performance was monitored through regular weighing and feed intake measurements. Blood indexes were analyzed using standard biochemical techniques, while the microbial composition of the rumen fluid was determined through high throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess microbial diversity and function. The effects of the dietary treatments on growth performance, blood indexes, and rumen microbial composition were then evaluated. Results: The AGF group exhibited significantly increased average daily gain, and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.05). Blood indexes analysis revealed no differences between the CON and AGF groups, with both showing higher concentrations of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase compared to the monensin group (p < 0.05). The TW group had significantly higher glucose, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase levels than the MN group (p < 0.05). Microbial diversity analysis revealed that the TW group had significantly greater alpha-diversity than other groups, while beta-diversity analysis showed closer similarity between the rumen microbiota of the AGF and CON groups. LEfSe analysis identified Proteobacteria, Deferribacteres, Ehryarchaeoia, and Elusimicrobia as biomarkers distinguishing the rumen microbiota among the groups. In conclusion, AGF supplementation increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the rumen of Nubian goats, and thus enhanced the growth performance. TW supplementation significantly increased rumen microbial diversity and abundance, suggesting benefits for rumen health despite poor palatability. These findings highlight the potential of AGF as a new green additive with important implications for the efficiency and development of animal husbandry.

Transcriptomic annotation of the Chungtien schizothoracin (Ptychobarbus chungtienensis) using Iso-seq and RNA-seq data.

The Chungtien schizothoracin (Ptychobarbus chungtienensis), an endangered fish species endemic to the Zhongdian Plateau, remains underexplored in terms of transcriptomic sequencing. This investigation used tissues from five distinct organs (heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain) of the Chungtien schizothoracin for PacBio Iso-seq and RNA-seq analyses, yielding a repertoire of 16,598 full-length transcripts spanning lengths from 363 bp to 7,157 bp. Gene family clustering and phylogenetic analysis encompassed a comprehensive set of 13 fish species, all of which were cyprinids, including the zebrafish and the examined species Ptychobarbus chungtienensis. Moreover, the identification of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and coding sequences was accomplished across all five tissues. Comprehensive analyses of gene expression profiles and differentially expressed genes among the above five tissues were performed. In summary, the obtained full-length transcripts and detailed gene expression profiles of the Chungtien schizothoracin tissues furnish crucial expression data and genetic sequences, laying the groundwork for future investigations and fostering a holistic comprehension of the adaptive mechanisms inherent in the Chungtien schizothoracin under various conditions.

The antioxidant effects of butylated hydroxytoluene on cryopreserved goat sperm from a proteomic perspective.

At present, there are few reports about the proteomics changes provoked by butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) supplementation on cryopreserved semen in mammals. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of BHT on goat sperm and to investigate the proteomics changes of adding BHT to cryopreserved goat (Capra hircus) sperm. Firstly, semen samples were collected from four goats, and frozen in the basic extenders containing different concentrations of BHT (0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, 2.0 mM) and a control without BHT, respectively. After thawing, the protective effects of dose-dependent replenished BHT to the freezing medium on post-thaw sperm motility, integrities of plasma membrane and acrosome, reactive oxygen species levels were confirmed, with 0.5 mM BHT being the best (B group) as compared to the control (without BHT, C group). Afterwards, TMT-based quantitative proteomic technique was performed to profile proteome of the goat sperm between C group and B group. Parallel reaction monitoring was used to confirm reliability of the data. Overall, 2,476 proteins were identified and quantified via this approach. Comparing the C and B groups directly (C vs. B), there were 17 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) po-tentially associated with sperm characteristics and functions were identified, wherein three were upregulated and 14 were downregulated, respectively. GO annotation analysis demonstrated the potential involvement of the identified DAPs in metabolic process, multi-organism process, reproduction, reproductive process, and cellular process. KEGG enrichment analysis further indicated their potential roles in renin-angiotensin system and glutathione metabolism pathways. Together, this novel study clearly shows that BHT can effectively improve quality parameters and fertility potential of post-thawed goat sperm at the optimal concentration, and its cryoprotection may be realized through regulation of sperm metabolism and antioxidative capability from the perspective of sperm proteomic modification.

Pan-Omics in Sheep: Unveiling Genetic Landscapes.

Multi-omics-integrated analysis, known as panomics, represents an advanced methodology that harnesses various high-throughput technologies encompassing genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Sheep, playing a pivotal role in agricultural sectors due to their substantial economic importance, have witnessed remarkable advancements in genetic breeding through the amalgamation of multiomics analyses, particularly with the evolution of high-throughput technologies. This integrative approach has established a robust theoretical foundation, enabling a deeper understanding of sheep genetics and fostering improvements in breeding strategies. The comprehensive insights obtained through this approach shed light on diverse facets of sheep development, including growth, reproduction, disease resistance, and the quality of livestock products. This review primarily focuses on the application of principal omics analysis technologies in sheep, emphasizing correlation studies between multiomics data and specific traits such as meat quality, wool characteristics, and reproductive features. Additionally, this paper anticipates forthcoming trends and potential developments in this field.

Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of the 5' Regulatory Region of the SLC11A1 Gene from Yaks.

The solute transport protein family 11 A1 (SLC11A1), also recognized as natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1), represents a transmembrane protein encoded by the SLC11A1 gene. A variety of prior investigations have illuminated its involvement in conferring resistance or susceptibility to bacterial agents, positioning it as a promising candidate gene for breeding disease-resistant animals. Yaks (Bos grunniens), renowned inhabitants of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, stand as robust ruminants distinguished by their adaptability and formidable disease resistance. Notwithstanding these unique traits, there is scant literature on the SLC11A1 gene in the yak population. Our inquiry commences with the cloning of the 5' regulatory region sequence of the Zhongdian yak SLC11A1 gene. We employ bioinformatics tools to identify transcription factor binding sites, delineating pivotal elements like enhancers and cis-acting elements. To ascertain the promoter activity of this region, we amplify four distinct promoter fragments within the 5' regulatory region of the yak SLC11A1 gene. Subsequently, we design a luciferase reporter gene vector containing four site-specific deletion mutations and perform transient transfection experiments. Through these experiments, we measure and compare the activity of disparate gene fragments located within the 5' regulatory region, revealing regions bearing promoter functionality and discerning key regulatory elements. Our findings validate the promoter functionality of the 5' regulatory region, offering preliminary insights into the core and principal regulatory segments of this promoter. Notably, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may be associated with important regulatory elements such as NF-1 and NF-1/L. This study provides a theoretical framework for in-depth research on the function and expression regulation mechanism of the yak SLC11A1 gene.

Exploring the Impact of Ampelopsis Grossedentata Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Ruminal Microbiota, and Plasma Physiology and Biochemistry of Kids.

This study was conducted to evaluate the influences of supplementing Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids (AGF) on the rumen bacterial microbiome, plasma physiology and biochemistry, and growth performance of goats. Twenty-four Nubian kids were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments: the control (CON, basal diet), the 1.0 g/kg AGF treatment (AGF), and the 12.5 mg/kg monensin treatment (MN). This trial consisted of 10 days for adaptation and 90 days for data and sample collection. The results reveal that Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria are the dominant phyla in kids' rumen. Compared with the CON group, the alpha diversity in the MN and AGF groups significantly increased (p < 0.01). Beta-diversity shows that rumen microbial composition is more similar in the MN and AGF groups. LEfSe analysis shows that Prevotella_1 in the AGF group were significantly higher than those in the MN and CON group. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose levels in the AGF group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05), whereas the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase levels exhibited the opposite trend. The average daily gains in the AGF and MN groups significantly increased, while the feed-to-gain ratios were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The results suggest that adding AGF to the diet improves microbial composition and has important implications for studying juvenile livestock growth and improving economic benefits.

Comparative Analysis of PRNP Gene Indel Polymorphism and Expression among Zhongdian Yellow Cattle, Zhongdian Yak, and Their Hybrids.

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a fatal disease in cattle caused by misfolded prion proteins and linked to indel polymorphisms in the promoter and intron 1 of the PRNP gene. The aim of this study was to determine the allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of PRNP indel polymorphisms and to investigate the effect of PRNP gene expressions of 23 bp and 12 bp indels via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Zhongdian Yak (Bos-grunniens) (YK), Zhongdian Yellow cattle (Bos-taurus) (YC), and Zhongdian Yakow (Bos-primigenius taurus × Bos-grunniens) (PK). Resultant high allelic frequencies were found in 23- and 12+, while haplotype frequencies were very low in 23+/12 in YK, YC, and PK. PRNP expression was higher in the +-/-- diplotype of the PK and (mean ± SE) was 3.6578 ± 1.85964. Furthermore, two variable sites were investigated-a 23 bp indel polymorphism holding AP1 binding site and a 12 bp indel polymorphism holding SP1 binding site. Additionally, reporter gene assays revealed a link between two proposed transcription factors and lower expression levels of the +/+ allele compared with the -/- allele. The expression level of PRNP was shown to be dependent on two indel polymorphisms in the bovine PRNP promoter, which includes binding sites for RP58 and SP1 transcription factors. These findings raised the possibility that the PRNP genotype may contribute to the high variation in PRNP expression.

Unveiling the common loci for six body measurement traits in Chinese Wenshan cattle.

Introduction: Body measurement traits are integral in cattle production, serving as pivotal criteria for breeding selection. Wenshan cattle, a local breed in China's Yunnan province, exhibit remarkable genetic diversity. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating body measurement traits in Wenshan cattle remain unexplored. Methods: In this study, we performed a genome-wide association method to identify genetic architecture for body height body length hip height back height (BAH), waist height and ischial tuberosity height using the Bovine 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism Array in 1060 Wenshan cattles. Results: This analysis reveals 8 significant SNPs identified through the mixed linear model (MLM), with 6 SNPs are associated with multiple traits and 4 SNPs are associated with all 6 traits. Furthermore, we pinpoint 21 candidate genes located in proximity to or within these significant SNPs. Among them, Scarb1, acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase and HIVEP3 were implicated in bone formation and rarely encountered in livestock body measurement traits, emerge as potential candidate genes regulating body measurement traits in Wenshan cattle. Discussion: This investigation provides valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underpinning body measurement traits in this unique cattle breed, paving the way for further research in this domain.

Nucleotide diversity of the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) in the gayal (Bos frontalis).

The melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) plays a crucial role in determining coat colour of mammals. To investigate the relationship of polymorphism of the MC1R with coat colour in gayal, the coding sequence (CDS), and the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTR) of the MC1R were sequenced from 63 samples from the gayal and compared with the sequences of the MC1R from other ruminant species. A sequence of 1,136 bp including the whole CDS (954 bp) and parts of the 5'- and 3'-UTR (164 and 18 bp, respectively) of the gayal MC1R was obtained. A total of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including four SNPs (c.-129T>C, c.-127A>C, c.-106C>T, c.-1G>A) in the 5'-UTR and five SNPs (c.201C>T, c.583C>T, c.663T>C, c.871A>G and c.876T>C) in the CDS were detected, revealing high genetic diversity. Three novel coding SNPs including c.201C>T, c.583C>T and c.876T>C, which have not been reported previously in bovid species, were retrieved. Within five coding SNPs, c.201C>T, c.663T>C and c.876T>C were silent mutations, while c.583C>T and c.871A>G were mis-sense mutations, resulting in changes in the amino acids located in the fifth (p.L195F) and seventh (p.T291A) transmembrane regions, respectively. The alignment of amino acid sequences was found to be very similar to those for other bovid species. It was demonstrated, using the functional effect prediction, that the p.T291A amino acid replacement could have an effect on MC1R protein function but not for the p.L195F substitution. Using phylogenetic analyses it was revealed that the gayal has a close genetic relationship with the yak. However, three classical bovine MC1R loci the E (D), E (+) and e were not retrieved in the gayal, indicating other genes or factors could affect coat colour in this species.

Genetic variability of the coding region for the prion protein gene (PRNP) in gayal (Bos frontalis).

The gayal (Bos frontalis) is a rare semi-wild bovid species in which bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has not been reported. Polymorphisms of the prion protein gene (PRNP) have been correlated significantly with resistance to BSE. In this study, the coding region of PRNP was cloned and characterized in samples from 125 gayal. A total of ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including six silent mutations (C60T, G75A, A108T, G126A, C357T and C678T) and four mis-sense mutations (C8A, G145A, G461A and C756G), corresponding to amino acids T3K, G49S9, N154S and I252M were identified, revealing high genetic diversity. Three novel SNPs including C60T, G145A and C756G, which have not been reported previously in bovid species, were retrieved. There also was one insertion-deletion (187Del24) at the N-terminal octapeptide repeat region. Alignment of nucleotide and amino acid sequences showed a high degree of similarity with other bovid species. Using phylogenetic analyses it was revealed that gayal has a close genetic relationship with Zebu cattle. In short, preliminary information is provided about genotypes of the PRNP in gayal. This could assist with the study of the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and cross species transmission as well as a molecular breeding project for gayal in China.

Molecular cloning, sequence identification and tissue expression profile of three novel genes Sfxn1, Snai2 and Cno from Black-boned sheep (Ovis aries).

The complete coding sequences of three of Black-boned sheep (Ovis aries) genes Sfxn1, Snai2 and Cno were amplified using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) according to the conserved sequence information of the cattle or other mammals and known highly homologous sheep ESTs. Black-boned sheep Sfxn1 gene encodes a protein of 322 amino acids which has high homology with the Sfxn1 proteins of five species--cattle 98%, pig 95%, human 95%, rat 93%, and mouse 93%. Black-boned sheep Snai2 gene encodes a protein of 268 amino acids that has high identity with the Snai2 proteins of six species--cattle 99%, pig 94%, human 93%, dog 93%, rat 91%, and mouse 90%. Black-boned sheep Cno gene encodes a protein of 214 amino acids that has high homology with the Cno proteins of four species--cattle 97%, human 75%, mouse 67%, and rat 65%. The phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated that Black-boned sheep Sfxn1, Snai2 and Cno proteins have close relationship with cattle Sfxn1, Snai2 and Cno proteins. The tissue expression analysis indicated that Black-boned sheep Sfxn1, Snai2 and Cno genes were expressed in a range of tissues including leg muscle, kidney, skin, longissimus dorsi muscle, spleen, heart and liver. Our experiment is the first to provide the primary foundation for further insight into these three sheep genes.