Abstract
Genetic improvement in livestock was achieved earlier by selective breeding of individuals with superior phenotypes. Now due to the advances in molecular genetics and biotechnology candidate genes of economic traits can be included in selection for breeding programmes. Genes responsible for the resistance/susceptibility to infections with various pathogens (Major Histo Compatibility (MHC) genes, Solute Carrier family11 member A1 (SLC11A1) gene, Toll Like Receptor (TLR) genes etc.), have been recently identified and characterized in human beings as well as in many animals. Among these the role of SLC11A1 gene is very important due to its association with resistance/ susceptibility to various intracellular pathogens in human as well as in livestock species. The SLC11A1 gene, formerly known as natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) encodes an integral membrane protein regulating the activity of macrophages. Genetic resistance/ susceptibility to diseases due to candidate gene polymorphisms could be used in selection and breeding for disease resistance in animals.
Highlights
The Solute Carrier family11 member A1 (SLC11A1) gene, previously known as Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene is a member of large family of metal ion-transport proteins and it was the first positional cloned gene related to infectious disease susceptibility in mouse (Vidal et al, 1993)
The SLC11A1 gene is located on human chromosome 2q35 contains 15 exons with a microsatellite polymorphism with a Z-DNA forming dinucleotide repeats in the 5’ terminal region and it is associated with susceptibility/resistance to viral as well as protozoal infections
In a similar study conducted in goats in Greece, it was observed that the 3’UTR of caprine SLC11A1 gene contains two microsatellites with a variable number of guanine-thymine (GT) repeats named region A and B and statistically significant association was established between genotypes of region B and ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) results of paratuberculosis, whereas the presence of B7 allele was found to contribute to ELISA negativity (Korou et al, 2010)
Summary
The Solute Carrier family member A1 (SLC11A1) gene, previously known as Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene is a member of large family of metal ion-transport proteins and it was the first positional cloned gene related to infectious disease susceptibility in mouse (Vidal et al, 1993). SLC11A1 gene have pleiotropic effects on macrophage function, that include increased chemokine KC, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase and major histocompatability complex class II expression; all are important in resistance to intracellular pathogens (Awomoyi, 2007). There are so many experimental evidences regarding the association of SLC11A1 gene polymorphisms with resistance to infectious diseases in human beings as well as animals. The polymorphism of this gene and its association with disease resistance is widely studied in many species and important ones are reviewed here
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