Abstract
The gene encoding the high glycine/tyrosine keratin-associated protein 20-2 (KAP20-2) gene has been described in humans, but has not been identified in any livestock species. A search for similar sequences in the caprine genome using the human KAP20-2 gene (KRTAP20-2) revealed a homologous sequence on chromosome 1. Three different banding patterns representing distinct sequences (A–C) in Longdong cashmere goats were identified using polymerase chain reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis. These sequences shared high sequence similarity with the human and mouse KRTAP20-2 sequences, suggesting that A–C are caprine variants of the human and mouse genes. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, and three of them were non-synonymous. KRTAP20-2 was found to be expressed in secondary hair follicles, but not in heart, liver, lung, kidney, spleen, or longissimus dorsi muscle. The presence of A was associated with increased cashmere fibre weight, while the presence of B was associated with a decrease in cashmere fibre weight and curly fibre length. Goats with genotype AA had a higher cashmere fibre weight and a higher curly fibre length than those with genotypes AB or BB. These results indicate that caprine KRTAP20-2 variation may have value as a genetic marker for improving cashmere fibre weight.
Highlights
Cashmere goat fibre is a heterogeneous fleece comprised of wool and cashmere fibres, which are produced by the primary and secondary hair follicles, respectively
This study reports the identification of a new caprine keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) gene encoding a HGT-KAP protein, and the association between variation in the sequence of that gene, and some cashmere fibre traits
A number of ovine KRTAPs have been identified using a similar investigative approach, including KRTAP8-2 [32], KRTAP15-1 [8], KRTAP22-1 [7], and KRTAP24-1 [33], and this suggests that the approach described in the study is robust as regards identifying KRTAPs in goats as well as sheep
Summary
Cashmere goat fibre is a heterogeneous fleece comprised of wool and cashmere fibres, which are produced by the primary and secondary hair follicles, respectively. Due to its characteristics of being finer, lighter, softer, stronger, and having better elasticity and insulating properties, cashmere prices are typically more stable and higher than wool and mohair prices, and it is considered a luxury product. Of all the cashmere traits of value, weight and mean fibre diameter are the most important traits economically, and they underpin most of the commercial return to cashmere producers [1]. Keratins and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are believed to play an important role in defining the physico-mechanical properties of the fibre, and fibre growth involves the expression of both the keratin and KAP genes [2]
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