Genetic characterization of coat color genes in Brazilian Crioula sheep from a conservation nucleus

Danielle Assis De Faria,José Carlos Ferrugem Moraes,Lilian Cristina Gomes Cavalcanti,Carlos José Hoff De Souza,Concepta Margaret Mcmanus,Samuel Rezende Paiva,Alexandre Rodrigues Caetano,Alcebiades Renato Nepomuceno

doi:10.1590/s0100-204x2017000800007

Danielle Assis De Faria, José Carlos Ferrugem Moraes + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0100-204x2017000800007

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Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this work was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in resequencing data from MC1R, ASIP, and TYRP1 genes derived from Crioula sheep (Ovis aris) with different coat colors. Polymorphisms in the ASIP (agouti-signaling protein), MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor), and TRYP1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1) genes were analyzed in 115 sheep from Embrapa’s conservation nucleus of crioula sheep, in Brazil. A total of 7,914 bp were sequenced per animal, and 14 SNPs were identified. Two additional assays were performed to detect duplications and deletions in the ASIP gene. Ninety-five percent of the coat color variation was explained by epistatic interactions observed between specific alleles in the MC1R and ASIP genes. Evidence suggests an important role of TYRP1 variants for wool color, despite their low frequencies. The marker panel was efficient enough in predicting coat color in the studied animals and, therefore, can be used to implement a marker-assisted selection program in the conservation nucleus of sheep of the crioula breed.

Highlights

Crioula sheep (Ovis aries L.) have been locally adapted to Southern Brazil after centuries of use for lamb and wool production, during colonization of the region
Partial sequencing of the three main genes previously shown to determine coat color in mammals revealed a total of 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after the analysis of 7.914 bp per animal (MC1R, 953 bp; ASIP, 5.353 bp; and TYRP1, 1.609 bp)
Five previously reported SNPs were observed in the MC1R gene

Summary

Introduction

Crioula sheep (Ovis aries L.) have been locally adapted to Southern Brazil after centuries of use for lamb and wool production, during colonization of the region. The Crioula breed shows a distinct and frequent wool color called mouro, which can be defined as a mix of black and brown fibers. The identification of genetic factors responsible for the determination of skin and wool color in this breed would allow selection and directional breeding for specific colors, aiming at different niche producers, transformation industries, and sale activities. It can assist the planning of the optimal composition of the Crioula germplasm bank, in order to preserve the greatest possible genetic diversity for these traits

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