Identification of SNPs and their validation in camel (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

The dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and the bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) are among the last species that have been domesticated around 3000-6000 years ago. To understand relationship between genetic and phenotypic variations in camel, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers covering the coding part of genome were developed. These gene-associated SNPs can themselves be causative SNPs for traits. The main objective of this work was to identify SNPs from coding regions using high-throughput next generation sequencing. The data was generated on two tissues as 75bp paired end reads by using Illumina platform. These reads were generated were mapped on cattle genes (Ensemble gene version 69.0). The mapping was carried out separately for each tissue and camel species. The mapped reads were analysed for SNP identification based on coverage depth. The 374 SNPs were validated using a set of 672 camels using golden gate assay of Illumina. The SNPs identified in this report provides a much needed resource for genetic studies in camel and shall contribute to the development of a high density SNP array. Validation and testing of these SNPs using SNP arrays will form the material basis for genome association studies and whole genome-based selection in camel.