AB Genotype Research Articles

PaLAR3 genotype variability for enhanced resistance against Heterobasidion parviporum in Norway spruce: Insights into allelic frequencies, disease response, and the role of mycoviruses

Heterobasidion parviporum is a destructive forest pathogen causing root and stem rot of Norway spruce (Picea abies) in northern hemisphere. Previous research has suggested that a gene form of PaLAR3 that encodes for the leucoanthocyanidin reductase enzyme, may increase resistance to H. parviporum in Norway spruce, whether heterozygous or homozygous. Our experiment was initially focused on testing this assertion with materials from the Finnish Norway spruce breeding program, comprising 52 full-sib families. Additionally, we investigated the influence of mycoviruses on the growth of H. parviporum. The frequencies of the three PaLAR3 genotypes AA, AB, and BB were 64%, 30%, and 6%, respectively. We found no significant differences in the necrotic response to H. parviporum between the homozygous (BB) and heterozygous (AB) genotypes vs. the homozygous (AA) genotype across the two fungal strains tested, suggesting the gene is rather ineffective as a marker for overall H. parviporum resistance. The two H. parviporum strains used in the study showed significantly different necrosis responses from the control. Mycovirus infection in H. parviporum strains led to a significant reduction in lesion width in phloem and sapwood. Furthermore, the growth of the fungus was notably restricted when hyphae hosted mycoviruses, indicating a high potential of mycoviruses to reduce fungal growth and necrosis development.

Influence of different genotype combinations of β-lactoglobulin and β-casein in cow milk on physicochemical and sensory properties of stirred yoghurt

In this study, stirred yoghurts were produced from Turkish Holstein cow milk with different genotype combinations of β-lactoglobulin and β-casein. The distribution of AA, AB, and BB genotypes of β-lactoglobulin and A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2 genotypes of β-casein was determined in a total of 135 cow milk samples. Raw cow milk samples containing AA genotype of β-LG exhibited higher non-fat total solids, protein, and fat contents in comparison to milk containing AB and BB genotypes of β-LG. Compared to the samples made from milk with other β-LG genotypes, the stirred yoghurt made from milk with β-LG AA genotype showed lower degree of syneresis and higher for hardness, apparent viscosity, and consistency coefficient. The lowest number of grains, the perimeter of grains, and the visual roughness values were obtained in the stirred yoghurts made from milk with BB genotype of β-LG and A2A2 genotype of β-CN. The sensory analysis revealed that β-CN genotypes of milk significantly influenced the overall acceptability scores of the stirred yoghurts, while β-LG genotypes did not significantly influence these scores except for the visual grainy score. The findings of this study showed that the selection of specific milk protein genotypes resulted in substantial differences in the physicochemical and sensory properties of stirred yoghurt.

Correlations of PSGL-1 VNTR polymorphism with the susceptibility to severe HFMD associated with EV-71 and the immune status after infection

Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) has strong neurotropism, and it is the main pathogen causing severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). In clinical observations, significant differences were observed in the severity and prognosis of HFMD among children who were also infected with EV-71. Genetic differences among individuals could be one of the important causes of differences in susceptibility to EV-71–induced HFMD. As P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is an important receptor of EV-71, the correlation between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PSGL-1 and the susceptibility to severe HFMD following EV-71 infection is worth studying. Given the role of PSGL-1 in immunity, the correlations between PSGL-1 SNPs and the immune status after EV-71 infection are also worth studying. Meanwhile, PSGL-1 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) represents a research hotspot in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but PSGL-1 VNTR polymorphism has not been investigated in HFMD caused by EV-71 infection. In this study, specific gene fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and PSGL-1 VNTR sequences were genotyped using an automatic nucleic acid analyzer. The correlations of PSGL-1 VNTR polymorphism with the susceptibility to EV-71–associated severe HFMD and the post-infection immune status were analyzed. The PSGL-1 VNTR A allele was identified as a susceptible SNP for severe HFMD. The risk of severe HFMD was higher for AA + AB genotype carriers than for BB genotype carriers. The counts of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were lower in AA + AB genotype carries than in BB genotype carries. In conclusion, PSGL-1 VNTR polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to EV-71–induced severe HFMD and the immune status after infection. PSGL-1 VNTR might play a certain role in the pathogenesis of severe cases.

Identification of the association of the GH, IGF-I and Pit-I gene polymorphism with growth traits in Saanen, Alpine and Boer goat breed

This study aims to determine an effect between GH, IGF-I, and Pit-I gene polymorphisms and growth traits such as body weight, heart girth, body length, height at wither, and chest width in Saanen, Alpine, and Boer goat breeds. The polymorphism was identified using the PCR-RFLP technique. GH/HaeIII gene polymorphism results identified two alleles (A and B) and two genotypes (AB and BB). A and B allele frequencies for Saanen, Alpine, and Boer goat breeds were found to be 0.438 and 0.562, 0.444 and 0.556, and 0.197 and 0.803, respectively. AB and BB genotype frequencies were found to be 0.876 and 0.124, 0.889 and 0.111, and 0.394 and 0.606, respectively. IGF-I/HaeIII gene polymorphism results identified two alleles (A and B) and three genotypes (AB, BB, and AA). A and B allele frequencies for the Saanen, Alpine, and Boer breeds were found to be 0.191 and 0.809, 0.173 and 0.827, and 0.182 and 0.818, respectively. The AB, BB, and AA genotype frequencies were found to be 0.315, 0.652, and 0.033 for Saanen, 0.247, 0.704, and 0.049 for Alpine, and 0.242, 0.697, and 0.061 for Boer, respectively. Regarding Pit-I/PstI gene polymorphism, T and C allele frequencies were determined as 0.921 and 0.079, 0.988 and 0.012, and 0.985 and 0.015 for Saanen, Alpine, and Boer breeds, respectively. TT and TC genotype frequencies were found to be 0.843 and 0.157, 0.975 and 0.025, and 0.970 and 0.030 in Saanen, Alpine, and Boer goats, respectively. An association was found between GH polymorphism and chest width in Saanen and Alpine goats and between body weight and heart girth in Boer goats. Additionally, an association was identified between IGF-I polymorphism and body weight in Alpine and chest width in Boer. There was also an association between Pit-I polymorphism and body weight in Alpine goats.

The study of capa-casein gene polymorphism in cattle populations created on the maternal basis of the Lebedyn breed

Scientifc studies were conducted in breeding herds of the Ukrainian Brown dairy breed and the Sumy inbred type of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed to investigate the peculiarities of capa-casein gene polymorphism. What these breeds have in common is their descent from the same autochthonous breed, the Lebedyn breed. The process of creating these breeds was distinguished by the use of sires of different breeds, namely Swiss and Holstein. Genotyping of 60 cows (30 of each breed) was carried out. The polymorphism of the capa-casein gene was determined in the genetic laboratory of the Bogomolets Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine using molecular biological analysis of allele recognition by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that Ukrainian brown dairy cows were distinguished by a higher frequency of the desired homozygous BB genotype, it was 40%. A higher frequency of homozygous genotype AA was characterised by cows of Sumy inbred type of Ukrainian Black-andWhite dairy breed (68 %). The proportion of heterozygous genotype AB was higher in cows of the Ukrainian Brown dairy breed (48 %). The frequency of the B allele in animals of the Ukrainian Brown dairy breed was 0.64, while in cows of the Sumy inbred type of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed it was only 0.20. Correspondingly, a higher frequency of allele A was observed in animals of the Sumy inbred type of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed (0.80). The ratio of allele frequencies in the animals of the studied breeds was, respectively, 1.8 times and 4 times. The actual proportion of heterozygotes was lower than expected in animals of the Sumy inbred type of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed. On the contrary, the actual heterozygosity was higher than expected in cows of the Ukrainian Brown dairy breed. The results of the analysis of the breeding data of the sires from which the animals in the experimental farms originated indicate that a small proportion of them were evaluated for the capa-casein genotype. Of the sires evaluated, only 44% of Holstein sires had the BB genotype, while 67% of Swiss sires had the BB genotype. Considering the results of the research, we believe that the formation of herds with the BB genotype is possible in the populations of both studied breeds. In the future, it will be possible to create quickly enough breeding herds with specifed genetic parameters at the request of processing enterprises. For this purpose, it is necessary to use sires that have the BB genotype for the capa-casein gene. Key words: breed, milk yield, fat content, protein content, capa-casein, genotype, allele.

Detection and Analysis of Antidiarrheal Genes and Immune Factors in Various Shanghai Pig Breeds

The aim of this study was to identify effective genetic markers for the Antigen Processing Associated Transporter 1 (TAP1), α (1,2) Fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1), Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1), Mucin 4 (MUC4) and Mucin 13 (MUC13) diarrhea-resistance genes in the local pig breeds, namely Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs, to provide a reference for the characterization of local pig breed resources in Shanghai. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLR) and sequence sequencing were applied to analyze the polymorphisms of the above genes and to explore the effects on the immunity of Shanghai local pig breeds in conjunction with some immunity factors. The results showed that both TAP1 and MUC4 genes had antidiarrheal genotype GG in the five pig breeds, AG and GG genotypes of the FUT1 gene were detected in Pudong white pigs, AA antidiarrheal genes of the NRAMP1 gene were detected in Meishan pigs, the AB type of the NRAMP1 gene was detected in Pudong white pigs, and antidiarrheal genotype GG of the MUC13 gene was only detected in Shanghai white pigs. The MUC13 antidiarrhea genotype GG was only detected in Shanghai white pigs. The TAP1 gene was moderately polymorphic in Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs, among which TAP1 in Shanghai white pigs and Shawutou pigs did not satisfy the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The FUT1 gene of Pudong white pigs was in a state of low polymorphism. NRAMP1 of Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs was in a state of moderate polymorphism, which did not satisfy the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The MUC4 genes of Shanghai white pigs and Pudong white pigs were in a state of low polymorphism, and the MUC4 genes of Fengjing pigs and Shawutou pigs were in a state of moderate polymorphism, and the MUC4 genes of Fengjing pigs and Pudong white pigs did not satisfy the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The MUC13 gene of Shanghai white pigs and Pudong white pigs was in a state of moderate polymorphism. Meishan pigs had higher levels of IL-2, IL-10, IgG and TNF-α, and Pudong white pigs had higher levels of IL-12 than the other pigs. The level of interleukin 12 (IL-12) was significantly higher in the AA genotype of the MUC13 gene of Shanghai white pigs than in the AG genotype. The indicator of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the AA genotype of the TAP1 gene of Fengjing pigs was significantly higher than that of the GG and AG genotypes. The indicator of IL-12 in the AG genotype of the Shawutou pig TAP1 gene was significantly higher than that of the GG genotype. The level of TNF-α in the AA genotype of the NRAMP1 gene of Meishan pigs was markedly higher than that of the AB genotype. The IL-2 level of the AG type of the FUT1 gene was obviously higher than that of the GG type of Pudong white pigs, the IL-2 level of the AA type of the MUC4 gene was dramatically higher than that of the AG type, and the IgG level of the GG type of the MUC13 gene was apparently higher than that of the AG type. The results of this study are of great significance in guiding the antidiarrhea breeding and molecular selection of Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs and laying the foundation for future antidiarrhea breeding of various local pig breeds in Shanghai.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE KAPPA-CASEIN GENOTYPE ON THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF MILK

The nutritional property of milk depends on its chemical composition and a high degree of digestibility (95-98%) of all organic substances. The composition of milk includes more than 200 components that are complex in chemical structure, many of which nature has not repeated in any other products. Milk protein, fat and lactose are the main components that directly affect the taste and technological properties of milk. The actual content of the main components in commercial milk can vary in wide ranges: protein from 2.8 to 3.6%, fat from 2.8 to 6%, lactose from 4.5 to 4.8%. To determine the polymorphism of kappa-casein genes and evaluate economically useful traits in animals with different genotypes of kappa-casein, only 60 cows were selected, including 20 Holstein cows, 20 Alatau cows and 20 black-and-white cows. The polymorphism of kappa-casein genes was evaluated by PCR analysis. For further research, 3 subgroups of cows were formed in each group according to the principle of analogues, the results of genotyping and kappa-casein gene. The first group included cows with the AA kappa-casein genotype, the second – the AB genotype, and the third – the BB genotype.

Milk Protein Genes Polymorphism in Indigenous and Crossbred Cattle from a private Dairy Farm in Ethiopia

Kappa casein and beta lactoglobulin genes are major milk proteins which have a direct effect on protein content in dairy cattle. Molecular-based selection through the identification of genetic polymorphism of major protein genes can be used to gain genetic improvement of milk protein yield. The objective of this study was to identify kappa casein (CSN3) and beta lactoglobulin (LGB) genes polymorphisms in indigenous and crossbreed cattle. A total of 90 whole blood samples were collected from individual animal in a private dairy farm. DNA extraction and quality assessment were done salting out procedure and gel electrophoresis, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with gene specific primers. For genotyping, PCR products of CSN3 gene was digested with HinfI and HindIII while LGB gene was digested with HaeIII restriction enzymes. Two haplotypes A and B; three genotypes, AA, AB and BB were observed at CSN3 of HinfI site and LGB HaeIII site, but only AA and AB were observed at CSN3 of HindIII site in crossbred and indigenous cattle populations. However, at CSN3 locus, A allele was found to be more common (0.65) in indigenous cattle than the B allele (0.35), while B (0.51) allele and AB genotype (0.81) were more frequent in crossbred cattle. But, LGB B allele was higher in indigenous cattle (0.67) compared to Allele A (0.33). LGB BB genotype (0.57) is higher followed by AA genotype in indigenous cattle while both allele and genotypic frequencies are equal in crossbred cattle. Both CSN3 and LGB loci were polymorphic in studied populations. Expected heterozygosity was higher in crossbred (0.49, 0.50) than in indigenous (0.38, 0.33) cattle at CSN3 and LGB locus, respectively which might be due to breed variation. The current findings showed that both CSN3 and LGB genes could be promising diagnostic markers in selecting dairy cattle breed. However, further investigations with large sample size and association study with milk composition is required to substantiate the current result.

Frequency of occurrence of k-casein genotypes and their effect on the milk productivity of Kholmogory cows

To increase the volume of domestic dairy products, it is necessary to use modern breeding methods and select animals with high genetic potential. To determine the genetic potential of animals, molecular genetic markers are used, which make it possible to study how a specific genetic variant or combination of genes affects the desired trait. The purpose of the study is to identify the frequency of occurrence of allelic variants of the kappa-casein gene (CSN3) in Kholmogory cows and their relationship with milk production. The object of the study is 195 cows. To determine the genotypes of kappa-casein, the method of polymerase chain reaction of restriction fragment length polymorphism was used. The research was carried out in 2023 on the basis of JSC Kholmogorsky Breeding Plant (Arkhangelsk region). Results: in the studied herd, allele A of the kappacasein gene dominates – 80 %, respectively, allele B was 20 %. The predominant genotype is AA – 63.08 % (n = 123), the less common genotype AB is 33.33 % (n = 65), the least common genotype is BB – 3.59 % (n = 7). To assess milk productivity and milk quality in cows with different CSN3 genotypes, productivity indicators for the last completed lactation were compared. The total number of cows with completed lactation in the study sample was 130 heads, of which: 37 cows were first-calf heifers, 6 cows in the second lactation and 87 cows in the third or more lactation. In total, according to the comparison results, cows with the BB genotype had the highest indicators: milk yield – 6916±275 kg, mass fraction of fat – 4.14±0.22 %, mass fraction of protein – 3.16±0.07 %, amount of milk fat – 286±19 kg, amount of milk protein – 219±12 kg. Thus, the desired genotype for the CSN3 gene is BB. At the moment, there are very few carriers of this gene, so it is necessary to carry out selection and breeding work aimed at increasing their numbers.

Associations of bovine beta-casein and kappa-casein genotypes with genomic merit in Holstein Friesian cattle

Abstract. The relationship between the index values used to evaluate the genomic value and essential markers such as casein genes provides important information at the herd level. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between casein gene genotypes and the indices of genetic merit in Holstein Friesian cattle. A total of 805 cows were genotyped using the Affymetrix® Axiom® array system. We used data composed of the total performance index (TPI) and net merit (NM) values as well as the predicted transmitting abilities (PTAs) indices, including milk, fat, fat percentage, protein, protein percentage, combined fat and protein (CFP), productive life (PL), somatic cell score (SCS), daughter pregnancy rate (DPR), livability (LV), udder composite (UDC), and feet–legs composite (FLC) of each animal. The statistical analysis consisted of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by Tukey's test. The A2A2 and the AB genotypes were predominant in the CSN2 and CSN3 genes, respectively. The A2A2 animals were found to have higher TPI and NM values. Moreover, they exhibited higher PTA values for proteins, CFP, and PL. On the other hand, the A1A1 genotype was significantly associated with the highest UDC. Concerning the CSN3 haplotypes, the BB animals had higher protein percentage and PL than alternative haplotypes. The AA and AB haplotypes were found to be significantly associated with the highest SCS and DPR values, respectively. In addition, the BE haplotype had the highest NM. Selection procedures focusing on casein genes in dairy cattle are becoming increasingly common worldwide, especially for A2 milk. However, herd-based dynamics are also fundamental to providing a desired genetic merit for the animals. This study may be valuable for further analyses regarding selection decisions using the breeding values of candidate animals in commercial dairy herds.

Investigation of Genetic Polymorphisms of CSN1S1 and BLG Genes in Norduz sheep by PCR-RFLP method

This study was undertaken to examine genetic polymorphisms of Alpha-S1 casein (CSN1S1) and β-Lactoglobulin (BLG) genes in Norduz sheep by PCR-RFLP method. In the study, 10 ml blood samples were taken from 102 heads of Norduz sheep into tubes with EDTA. DNA isolation from blood samples was done with ready-made commercial kits. The target DNA region of alpha-s1 casein and beta-lactoglobulin genes was amplified by PCR technique. The obtained PCR patterns were digested with MboII and RsaI restriction enzymes to determine the genotypes of Alpha-S1 casein and β-lactoglobulin genes, respectively. The cut fragments were run on 2% agarose gel electrophoresis and genotypes were determined under UV light. Statistical analysis, after calculating allele and genotype frequencies by direct gene counting method, the distribution of observed and expected genotypic frequencies was determined according to the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, and whether it was compatible with the χ2 test. β-Lactoglobulin AA, AB and BB genotype frequencies were found to be 17.6%, 69.6 and 12.7%, respectively. It was determined that the β-Lactoglobulin gene was not in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. AlphaS1-Casein AA, AC and CC genotype frequencies were determined as 0.0, 2.9 and 97.1%, respectively. The Alpha-S1 casein gene was determined to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. It was determined that Norduz sheep showed polymorphism in terms of Alpha-S1 Casein and β-Lactoglobulin genes. In conclusion, it was determined that the A allele of the β-Lactoglobulin gene and the AB genotype were more common, the C allele and the CC genotype of the Alpha-S1 casein gene were more common, and the AA genotype was absent in Norduz sheep. It was concluded that it would be useful to investigate the economic effects of genetic polymorphisms of Alpha-S1 casein and β-Lactoglobulin genes on various yield traits in larger Norduz sheep populations.

Genetic Polymorphism of Growth Hormone Gene in Dorper Sheep using PCR-RFLP

Background: The growth hormone gene has a significant impact on postnatal longitudinal growth and development as well as the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fats moreover its effects indirectly relate to bone and skeletal development. The objective of the study was to identify a single nucleotide polymorphism of the growth hormone gene and its association with growth traits in Dorper sheep. Methods: Data were collected from 50 Dorper sheep of 1 to 2 years of age at the University of Limpopo Experimental farm. The objective of the study was achieved by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and General Linear Model (GLM). Result: PCR-RFLP reports revealed different segment patterns resulting in two genotypes such as AA and AB genotypes. Marker-traits association analysis showed that no significant difference was observed between AA and AB genotypes regarding all the measured traits except with wither height and AA genotype was remarkably related to higher withers height than AB genotype. It can be concluded that GH1 could be used as a genetic marker for marker-assisted selection (MAS) during breeding for the improvement of withers height.

Productive qualities of cows and their relationship depending on the kappa-casein genotype

Due to the rapid development of cheese making, questions arise about obtaining milk with the properties necessary for their production, which are determined, among other things, by heredity. There is a need to evaluate cows of different genotypes by kappa-casein to make a decision on their breeding. The purpose of the work is to study the productive qualities of Holstein cows and their relationship depending on the kappa-casein genotype. As a result of the conducted studies, it was found that cows with the kappa-casein BB genotype exceeded their peers from other groups by 452.35 kg (AA genotype) and 291.33 kg (AB genotype) or by 4.2- 2.7% in milk yield for the first lactation.Cows with the kappa-casein genotype AB and BB have stable lactation activity characterized by high milk yields in the second half of lactation, whereas cows with the AA genotype have a decrease in milk yield. Cows with the kappa casein AA and AB genotype have a negative correlation between milk yield and PMF in milk, while they are positive between milk yield and FMF in milk. The correlation coefficient between milk quality indicators – FMF and PMF in cows with the AA and AB genotypes was positive, while in animals with the BB genotype it was low and negative. Thus, it can be said that cows with different kappa-casein genotypes differ in indicators of the relationship between productive traits.

Genetic polymorphisms of calpain1 and calpain3 genes and their effects on growth, carcass, and meat quality traits in Betong chicken (KU line).

Betong chicken (KU line) is a slow-growing Thai native chicken used for meat production. The objectives of this study were to identify polymorphisms of the calpain1 (CAPN1) and calpain3 (CAPN3) genes and to investigate their effects on growth, carcass, and meat quality traits in Betong chickens (KU line). A sample of 252 Betong chickens (KU line) was screened for CAPN1 and CAPN3 polymorphisms. The polymorphisms of CAPN1 were detected using gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing, whereas the polymorphisms of CAPN3 were identified using restriction fragment length polymorphism. Polymorphisms were detected in both CAPN1 (AA, AB, and BB genotypes) and CAPN3 (CC, CT, and TT genotypes). The frequency of the B allele was higher than for the A allele (0.78 and 0.22, respectively) in CAPN1, while the C allelic frequency was higher than for the T allele (0.54 and 0.46, respectively) in CAPN3. The CAPN1 genotype and the combination of the CAPN1 and CAPN3 genotypes could be used as genetic markers for meat lightness. The CAPN3 could be useful for increasing body weight, live weight, and breast meat weight in Betong chickens (KU line).

Allele and genotype frequencies of β-lactoglobulin gene using PCR-RFLP in Algerian local cattle populations.

Milk protein genetic polymorphisms are associated with economically important traits in dairy cattle. The objective of this study is to genotype a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) responsible for the amino acid changes in the beta-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) variants A and B on 85 unrelated DNA representing Algerian cattle populations: Chelifienne (28), Cheurfa (31) and Guelmoise (26). The method used is the PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). Genetic polymorphism was detected by digestion of PCR products amplified of exon II of β-Lg gene by with the endonuclease HaeIII enzyme. The results revealed that the amplified product was observed as 247 bp. Restriction digestion with HaeIII revealed three genotypes: AA, AB and BB. The genotypic frequencies of AA, AB and BB genotypes were 0.08, 0.41, 0.50; 0.08, 0.41, 0.50 and 0.01, 0.19, 0.56 in Chelifienne, Cheurfa and Guelmoise and respectively. Frequency of AA genotype was absent in Guelmoise population. Frequencies of A and B alleles were 0.29 and 0.71 in both Chelifienne and Cheurfa and 0.25 and 0.75 Guelmoise population. These results further confirm that Bos torus cattle are predominantly of β-Lactoglobulin B type. The Chi-square test at p-value < 0.05 results revealed that the Chelifienne and Cheurfa populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the results are not significant for the Guelmoise. This genetic information could be useful to estimate the effect of polymorphism on different milk production of Algerian bovine populations.

Association of the Genetic Diversity of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Genes and HLA-C Ligand in Saudi Women With Thyroid Cancer.

Genetic diversity in the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene composition and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands, such as HLA-C, can affect the activity of natural killer cells and determine anti-cancer immunity. Specific KIR-HLA combinations can enhance cancer predisposition by promoting immune evasion. Studying the relationship between KIR-HLA polymorphisms and thyroid cancer (TC) risk can offer insights into how natural immunity fails, leading to disease development. Therefore, we investigated the association between KIR and HLA-C genotypes and TC risk in Saudi women. In this retrospective study, sixteen KIR genotypes and 2 HLA-C allotypes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method, and the genotypes of 50 Saudi female patients with TC were compared with those of 50 Saudi female healthy controls (HC). We observed a highly significant decrease in the presence of the KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS4 genes (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.05-0.41, P = 0.0001; OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.02-0.2, P = 0.000, respectively) and in the presence of the KIR2DL5A gene (OR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.02-0.14, P = 0.0000) in the TC group compared to the HC group. The frequency of the HLA-C2C2 allotype was significantly higher in HC compared to patients with TC (P = 0.02). The KIR haplotype group A and AB genotypes revealed a protective effect against TC (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.000, respectively), while the BB genotype showed a risk effect on TC compared to HC. Our results showed significant differences in the KIR gene combinations and KIR-HLA combinations between Saudi female TC patients and HC. These results suggest that the expression of KIR genes and their HLA-C ligands may influence the risk of TC development in Saudi women.

GENETIC DIVERSITY AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN LOCAL AND IMPORTED IRAQI COWS USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

The study was conducted us to identify the genetic features of the microsatellite markers CSSM66 and ETH10 and ILSTS34 and their relationship to genetic diversity and productive performance this study was carried out using 100 cows of five breeds presented in Iraq ; Restaki (n=10) , Janoubi (n=10) , Sharabi (n=10) , (local), Holstein (n=50) and male Brahman (n=20) (imported).The results showed the presence of a very high diversity and a highly significant difference in a sample of studied cows in the allele distribution ratios for the three markers, the results showed a significant effect (P≤0.05) superiority of the genotype LY within the ETH10 marker in the least number of inseminatons required for fertilization of Restaki cows, namely 1.16 insemination, and the genotype GP and AB within ETH10 and CSSM66 markers, respectively, recorded the highest total average milk yield with a significant value (P≤0.05) for Holstein cows, reached 1.44 . The CC genotype within markers CSSM66 had the highest mean total weight with an average of 502.75 among Brahman bulls. Therefore, microsatellites markers contributed to the mapping of quantitative traits in the studied cows

Determinants of worse liver-related outcome according to HDV infection among HBsAg positive persons living with HIV: Data from the ICONA cohort.

We aimed to study hepatitis D virus (HDV) prevalence and risk of progression to severe liver-related events (SLRE) in HBsAg positive people living with HIV (PLWH) in Italy; role of HDV-RNA copy levels, HCV coinfection and nadir CD4 counts were also investigated. People living with HIV (PLWH) from Italian Foundation cohort Naïve antiretrovirals (ICONA) with available HBsAg and HDV Ab were enrolled. HBsAg, HDV Ab, HDV-RNA and HDV genotypes were tested. time from first HDV screening to Severe Liver Related Events (SLRE: decompensated cirrhosis, liver transplantation, HCC). Fine-grey regression models were used to evaluate the association of HDV Ab, HDV-RNA, HDV/HCV coinfection, CD4 nadir and outcome. Secondary end-points: time to SLRE or death;HDV Ab and HDV-RNA prevalence. A total of 152/809 (18.8%) HBsAg positive PLWH showed HDV Ab reactivity; 63/93 (67.7%) were HDV-RNA positive. Being male, persons who inject drugs (PWID), HCV Ab positive, with FIB-4 > 3.25 were independent factors of HDV Ab positivity. In a median follow-up of 5 years, 37 PLWH (4.1% at 5-year) developed SLRE and 97 (12.0%) reached the SLRE or death end-point. HDV-RNA positive (independently from HDV-RNA copy level) PLWH had a 4.6-fold (95%CI 2.0-10.5) higher risk of SLRE than HDV negatives. PLWH positive for both HCV Ab and HDV Ab showed the highest independent risk of SLRE (ASHR: 11.9, 95%CI: 4.6-30.9 vs. HCV neg/HDV neg). Nadir CD4 < 200/mL was associated with SLRE (ASHR: 3.9, 95% 1.0-14.5). One-fifth of the HBsAg positive PLWH harbour HDV infection, and are at high risk of progression to advanced liver disease. HCV contributes to worse outcomes. This population needs urgently effective treatments.

Association of microsatellite genotypes with layer economic traits in a selected strain of Rhode Island Red chicken

Randomly selected 76 pullets of RIR selected strain were screened for microsatellite polymorphs and investigated for their association with layer economic traits. Microsatellite alleles were separated from genomic DNA samples through 3.4% MetaPhor® agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were recorded on age at first egg (AFE), egg weights and egg production (EP) at certain age. Microsatellite analysis revealed nine polymorphic loci (EW) and genotypes at ADL0020 locus were significantly associated with EP at 40 and 64 weeks of age, CC (110 bp/110 bp) genotype had the highest EP, whereas, AD (126 bp/102 bp) and BD (118 bp/102 bp) genotypes recorded the lowest EP. Genotypes at ADL0023 locus were associated with AFE, EP at 40 weeks of age, CC (176 bp/176 bp) genotype followed by AB (202bp/188bp) genotype had earlier AFE, whereas, AC (202bp/176bp) genotype followed by BB (188bp/188bp) genotype demonstrated late AFE. ADL0210 locus had significant impact on AFE, egg weight at 28/40/64 weeks of age; BB (124bp/124bp) genotype followed by AA (132 bp/132 bp) genotype had earlier AFE than AB (132 bp/124 bp) genotype. Both AB and AA genotypes revealed significantly higher egg weight at 28/40/64 weeks of age than BB genotype. The BB (176 bp/176 bp) genotype followed by AB (192 bp/176 bp) genotype at MCW0014 locus revealed higher egg weight at 28 weeks of age in comparison to AA (192bp/192bp) genotype. Allele C (110 bp) at ADL0020 and A (132 bp) at ADL0210 either in homozygous or heterozygous condition were linked to the traits of egg weight and egg production performance, respectively. The results might impact on genomic selection aided poultry breeding programme.

Genetic variations of α-casein and K-casein genes associated with milk composition in goats

The quality of animal milk varies between individuals of the same breed. The present study aimed to detect the favorable SNPs for α-casein (CSN1S1) and k-casein (CSN3) genes associated with high-quality milk traits. Blood and milk samples of Zaraibi and Damascus goats were collected from Sakha farm in Kafr El-Shiekh. The solid non-fat, lactose, protein, and fat contents, were determined in milk using the biochemical method, and amino acids were determined using HPLC. To identify genotypes and nucleotide variations (SNPs), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing methods were used. One-way ANOVA test was used to determine the effect of different genotypes on milk traits. The SSCP-PCR results in Zaraibi and Damascus goats showed that the CSN1S1 gene has 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB), and also the CSN3 gene has 3 genotypes (AA, AG, and GG). The results of sequencing showed three SNPs at positions 41G˂T, 69A˂G, and 80C˂T in the CSN1S1 gene, and three SNPs at positions 49C˂T, 111A˂G, and 340C˂T in the CSN3 gene. The milk results showed that the high protein, fat, and lactose content were associated with the AB genotype in the CSN1S1 gene while they were associated with the AG genotype in the CSN3 gene. Likewise, essential and branched-chain amino acids were increased in goat milk with the AB and AG genotypes of CSN1S1 and CSN3 genes, respectively. The essential amino acids for protein synthase were higher in Zaraibi than in Damascus goats. Therefore, the Zaraibi goats may more possess genotypes in the CSN1S1 and CSN3 genes, which affect the fat and protein level in milk.