Nucleotide sequence polymorphism of the growth hormone gene in American mink (Neovison vison)

Abstract

The nucleotide sequence variation of the American mink (Neovison vison) growth hormone gene was analysed. For this purpose 1,113 bp region of the mink genomic DNA, encompassing four exons and three introns of somatotmropin gene, was amplified by nested-PCR and sequenced. The study included 116 individuals of wild mink (Nova Scotia, Canada), ranch mink (Scanblack, Wild, Sapphire, Pearl, Black Cross and Sapphire Cross; West Pomerania, Poland) and feral mink (Poland and Iceland). Sequencing allowed to determine the nucleotide composition of previously unrecognized non-coding regions, as well as exons and to identify 12 new SNP substitutions, one single nucleotide deletion and one ins/del polymorphism. The average incidence of SNPs in coding sequences was equal to 1/156.6 bp and in non-coding – 1/86.9 bp. Analysis of the observed number and location of substitutions revealed its non-random distribution and significant preponderance of transitions over transversions. The results also revealed a significant differences between originally wild mink and domesticated animals (both ranch and feral) in identified SNPs type and distribution. The results of the present study, supported by further analysis, can help in effective genetic monitoring of feral mink, as some differences were also found between ranch and feral mink.