Abstract
Keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are structural components of wool and hair fibres, and are believed to play a role in defining the physico-mechanical properties of the wool fibre. In this study, the putative ovine homologue of the human KAP26-1 gene (KRTAP26-1) was sequenced and four variants (named A–D) were identified. The sequences shared some identity with each other and with other KRTAPs, but they had the greatest similarity with the human KRTAP26-1 sequence. This suggests they represent different variants of ovine KRTAP26-1. The association of these KRTAP26-1 variants with wool traits was investigated in the 383 Merino-Southdown cross sheep. The presence of B was associated (p < 0.05) with an increase in mean fibre diameter (MFD), mean fibre curvature, and prickle factor (PF). The presence of C was found to be associated (p < 0.05) with an increase in wool yield (Yield) and mean staple length (MSL), and a decrease in MFD, fibre diameter standard deviation (FDSD), and PF. The results suggest that sheep with C have, on average, higher wool quality. These results may be useful in the future development of breeding programs based on decreasing wool MFD and FDSD, or on increasing wool MSL.
Highlights
The keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are structural components of wool and hair fibres.They form a semi-rigid matrix and cross-link with keratin (K) in the keratin intermediate filaments (IFs) [1]
We describe the identification of a sequence encoding a putative ovine KRTAP26-1, report variation in this gene detected using PCR-single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP), and reveal associations between variation in the gene and in some wool traits
All research involving animals were carried out in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (New Zealand Government), and the collection of sheep blood drops by nicking sheep ears is covered by Section 7.5 Animal Identification, of the Animal Welfare (Sheep and Beef Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010; a code of welfare issued under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (New Zealand Government)
Summary
Shaobin Li 1,2 , Huitong Zhou 1,2,3 ID , Hua Gong 2,3 , Fangfang Zhao 1 , Jiang Hu 1,2 , Yuzhu Luo 1,2, * and Jon G. Gene-marker Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand. Received: 11 July 2017; Accepted: 6 September 2017; Published: 13 September 2017
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