B-F DNA sequence variability in Brazilian (blue-egg Caipira) chickens

• Published in: Animal genetics 2004-08, Vol.35 (4), p.278-284
• Main Authors: Lima-Rosa, C.A.V, Canal, C.W, Streck, A.F, Freitas, L.B, Delgado-Canedo, A, Bonatto, S.L, Salzano, F.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amino Acid Sequence; amino acid sequences; animal genetic resources; animal proteins; Animals; avian genetics; B-F genes; Base Sequence; Brazil; Brazilian chickens; Caipira breed; chicken breeds; chickens; Chickens - genetics; DNA Primers; DNA variability; exons; Exons - genetics; Gallus gallus domesticus; gene expression; genes; Genetic Variation; major histocompatibility complex; Major Histocompatibility Complex - genetics; Molecular Sequence Data; nucleotide sequences; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Sequence Homology; Species Specificity
• ISSN: 0268-9146; 1365-2052
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2004.01160.x

Summary A total of 100 chickens from the Brazilian (blue‐egg Caipira) native breed were studied in relation to exon 2 of the B‐F genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region. After a first screening on 100 birds, 22 animals were selected for amplification, cloning and sequencing experiments of exons 2–4 (a total of 1048 bp) of their DNA. Twenty‐three sequences were obtained, of which at least 10 appear novel. Inferred protein sequences were compared with those previously described, totalling 41 different sequences with amino acid changes in 33 of the 88 sites in α1, and 34 of the 91 sites in α2 domains. Allele expression was investigated in these animals through cloning experiments. The blue‐egg Caipira chickens may provide a source of novel B‐F alleles for genetic improvement programmes.