Abstract
Different levels of the major milk protein β-lactoglobulin are found in evolutionarily related ruminant species: with sheep milk containing as much as three times the concentration in goat milk. In an attempt to understand why these differences exist, we have characterised, using DNaseI as a probe of structure, the chromatin surrounding the goat β-lactoglobulin promoter and compared it to that of the sheep homologue. The goat gene displays a mammary-specific chromatin pattern, which is reformed on expressing goat β-lactoglobulin transgenes. This implies that this chromatin structure is sequence dependent and suggests that it plays a role in regulating β-lactoglobulin gene expression. This pattern differs from that seen on the ovine β-lactoglobulin gene in lactating sheep mammary chromatin. Thus, even between highly related species, the transcriptional mechanisms regulating activity of a gene can differ.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
