Nucleotide sequence variation(s) in Bovine Diacyl-Glycerol Acyl-coAAcyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) GeneAcross Nigerian Cattle Breeds

Abstract

The DGAT1 gene expresses a protein which is responsible in the production of triglycerides. Triglycerides, being the key components of fat are synthesised by the linking of diacylglycerol to long chain fatty acyl CoAs. This process is aided by a minimum of two enzymes at least. One of which, is encoded by DGAT1. In this study, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) along with single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was used to reveal genetic variations in bovine DGAT1 gene in 154 cattle, belonging to two breeds farmed in Nigeria. These included the White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali cattle breeds. Sequence analysis of the exon 8 region of bovine DGAT1 gene revealed the pK232A variation in the White Fulani cattle breed. This has been previously described in other cattle of Bos taurus origin in Europe. The presence of this common variant in different cattle breeds irrespective of location may indicate a relationship from an evolutionary standpoint, in the same way the differences within a breed might be explained by either selection pressure or random genetic drift. Since this variation was found to increase milk fat in cattle of European origin, it is likely that it may be controlling the same metabolic process in the White Fulani cattle breed. However, further research need to be carried out to ascertain this.