Md. Rashedul Hoque

Discrimination of Korean Native Chicken Lines Using Fifteen Selected Microsatellite Markers

In order to evaluate the genetic diversity and discrimination among five Korean native chicken lines, a total of 86 individuals were genotyped using 150 microsatellite (MS) markers, and 15 highly polymorphic MS markers were selected. Based on the highest value of the number of alleles, the expected heterozygosity (He) and polymorphic information content (PIC) for the selected markers ranged from 6 to 12, 0.466 to 0.852, 0.709 to 0.882 and 0.648 to 0.865, respectively. Using these markers, the calculated genetic distance (Fst), the heterozygote deficit among chicken lines (Fit) and the heterozygote deficit within chicken line (Fis) values ranged from 0.0309 to 0.2473, 0.0013 to 0.4513 and −0.1002 to 0.271, respectively. The expected probability of identity values in random individuals (PI), random half-sib (PIhalf-sibs) and random sibs (PIsibs) were estimated at 7.98×10−29, 2.88×10−20 and 1.25×10−08, respectively, indicating that these markers can be used for traceability systems in Korean native chickens. The unrooted phylogenetic neighbor-joining (NJ) tree was constructed using 15 MS markers that clearly differentiated among the five native chicken lines. Also, the structure was estimated by the individual clustering with the K value of 5. The selected 15 MS markers were found to be useful for the conservation, breeding plan, and traceability system in Korean native chickens.

Phylogenetic Analysis of a Privately-owned Korean Native Chicken Population Using mtDNA D-loop Variations.

The use of Korean native chicken is increasing, and the discovery of new genetic resources is very important from both economic and genetic conservation points of view. In this study, mtDNA D-loop sequences from 272 privately-owned Korean native chickens from a Hyunin farm were investigated. Seventeen nucleotide substitutions were identified from the sequence analysis and they were classified as 6 haplotypes. Previously investigated haplotypes in five Korean native chicken populations have been compared with the Hyunin chicken population. The results indicated that two haplotypes, H10 and H15, in the Hyunin chicken population were not previously identified in other Korean native chicken populations, representing 33.09% (90/272) and 1.1% (3/272) of the Hyunin population, respectively. On the other hand, four other haplotypes were identical to those of a previous study of Korean native chicken populations. This result is indicative of conservation strategies of Hyunin chicken populations for expanding the genetic diversity in the Korean native chicken population.

Investigation of MC1R SNPs and Their Relationships with Plumage Colors in Korean Native Chicken

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene is related to the plumage color variations in chicken. Initially, the MC1R gene from 30 individuals was sequenced and nine polymorphisms were obtained. Of these, three and six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were confirmed as synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations, respectively. Among these, three selected SNPs were genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method in 150 individuals from five chicken breeds, which identified the plumage color responding alleles. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree using MC1R gene sequences indicated three well-differentiated different plumage pigmentations (eumelanin, pheomelanin and albino). Also, the genotype analyses indicated that the TT, AA and GG genotypes corresponded to the eumelanin, pheomelanin and albino plumage pigmentations at nucleotide positions 69, 376 and 427, respectively. In contrast, high allele frequencies with T, A and G alleles corresponded to black, red/yellow and white plumage color in 69, 376 and 427 nucleotide positions, respectively. Also, amino acids changes at position Asn23Asn, Val126Ile and Thr143Ala were observed in melanin synthesis with identified possible alleles, respectively. In addition, high haplotype frequencies in TGA, CGG and CAA haplotypes were well discriminated based on the plumage pigmentation in chicken breeds. The results obtained in this study can be used for designing proper breeding and conservation strategies for the Korean native chicken breeds, as well as for the developing breed identification markers in chicken.

ISAG-recommended Microsatellite Marker Analysis Among Five Korean Native Chicken Lines

The objective of this study was to determine genetic variation of five Korean native chicken lines using 30 microsatellite (MS) markers, which were previously recommended by ISAG (International Society for Animal Genetics). The initial study indicated that two microsatellite markers, MCW0284 and LEI0192, were not amplified in these lines and excluded for further analysis. Twenty eight microsatellite markers were investigated in 83 birds from five Korean native chicken lines. The identified mean number of alleles was 4.57. Also, the expected, observed heterozygosity (He, Ho) and polymorphism information content (PIC) values were estimated in these markers and they ranged from 0.31~0.868, 0.145~0.699, and 0.268~0.847, respectively. The results were used for the discrimination of five chicken lines using genetic distance values and also neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was constructed. Based on the He and PIC values, eighteen markers are enough for the discrimination of these Korean native chicken lines for the expected probability of identity values among genotypes of random individuals (PI), random half sibs () and random sibs (). Taken together, these results will help the decision of conservation strategies and establishment of traceability system in this native chicken breed. Also, the use of ISAG-recommended microsatellite markers may indicate that the global comparison with other chicken breeds is possible.

Mitochondrial D-Loop Variations for Discrimination of Commercial Korean Native Chicken Populations

The increasing demand for Korean native chicken meat indicates that the discovery of haplotypes is very important from both economic and conservation points of view. In this study, mtDNA D-loop sequences from two crossbred Korean native chicken populations of 138 individuals were investigated. Twenty six nucleotide substitutions were identified from sequence analysis and were classified into 12 haplotypes. The haplotype H_8 represents 73.47% of Woorimatdag (chicken population) sequences, which were identified in all five Woorimatdag chicken populations investigated. The H_7 haplotype (Dhap1) for D population covers 45% sequences, which indicate maternal inheritance from black Korean native chicken. On the other hand, Chap3 and Chap4 for C population are specific haplotypes, as H_5 and H_2, respectively. Based on the network profiles, six SNPs (C199T, A239G, G242A, A291G, T330C and C391A) of the D-loop region are effective markers for discrimination between Woorimatdag and Hanhyup chicken populations. Also, the phylogenetic analyses of Woorimatdag and Hanhyup chicken populations were used to identify the genetic relationships among the haplotypes. The results presented here can be used for developing molecular markers to discriminate between two commercial Korean native chickens.

Identification of MC1R SNPs and their Association with Plumage Colors in Asian Duck

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene is a candidate functional gene that controls the pigment production in melanocytes. The aim of this study was to identify polymorphisms and investigate the effect of the MC1R gene on plumage coloration in duck breeds, including Korean native ducks. Initially, 34 individuals from seven duck breeds were sequenced, obtaining 12 polymorphisms. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region were non-synonymous, with mutations corresponding to amino acid changes. Among these, four SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 264 individuals from same seven duck breeds. Fishers exact test was conducted to identify possible relationships between the MC1R gene polymorphisms and plumage color variations. Four non-synonymous SNPs, c.52A>G (p.Lys18Glu), and c.376 A>G (p.Ile126Val), c.409G>A (p.Ala137Thr) and c.649C>T (p.Arg217Cys), were associated with the two deduced genotypes (i.e., E/E and e+ /e+) based on plumage color phenotypes. In addition, we reconstructed MC1R gene haplotypes, where the haplotype AAGC showed its highest frequency in Nageswari duck breed, which presents an extended black phenotype. Our results indicate that the identified polymorphisms by this study can be used to explore associations with plumage color variations in Asian duck breeds.

Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Analysis of South-East Asian Duck Populations Based on the mtDNA D-loop Sequences

The maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D–loop region is widely used for exploring genetic relationships and for investigating the origin of various animal species. Currently, domestic ducks play an important role in animal protein supply. In this study, partial mtDNA D–loop sequences were obtained from 145 samples belonging to six South-East Asian duck populations and commercial duck population. All these populations were closely related to the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos), as indicated by their mean overall genetic distance. Sixteen nucleotide substitutions were identified in sequence analyses allowing the distinction of 28 haplotypes. Around 42.76% of the duck sequences were classified as Hap_02, which completely matched with Anas platyrhynchos duck species. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree also revealed that South-East Asian duck populations were closely related to Anas platyrhynchos. Network profiles were also traced using the 28 haplotypes. Overall, results showed that those duck populations D-loop haplotypes were shared between several duck breeds from Korea and Bangladesh sub continental regions. Therefore, these results confirmed that South-East Asian domestic duck populations have been domesticated from Anas platyrhynchos duck as the maternal origins.

Investigation of KIT Gene Polymorphisms in Korean Cattle

KIT gene is the major causative gene for coat color variation in diverse animal species. This gene regulates melanocyte migration from the neural crest to target tissues and the mutation of this gene can affect dominant white phenotypes in animals. Because this gene has a major influence for the coat color variation, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 14 Korean cattle (Hanwoo) and 5 Holstein individuals were investigated. The Hanwoo DNA samples included three different colored (5 Black, 5 Yellow and 4 Stripe) animals. Total 126 polymorphisms have been identified and 23 of them are located in the exon region. Also, 5 bp (TTCTC) and 3 bp (TCT) intronic indels in intron 3 and intron 5, respectively, were identified. Out of 23 exonic polymorphisms, 15 SNPs are the missense mutations and the rest of the SNPs are silence mutations. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was constructed for the different colored animals using the obtained KIT gene sequences. Holstein breed showed a clear breed-specific cluster in the phylogenetic tree which is differed from Hanwoo. Also, three colored Hanwoo animals were not discriminated among the breeds. The KIT gene polymorphisms identified in this study will possibly give some solutions for the color variations in cattle with further verifications.

Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in PRNP Gene of Korean Native Goats

Prion protein (PRNP) is known to be a causative protein for transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), a disease occurring in human and animals. Previous results indicate that the genetic variability can affect the resistance and susceptibility of goat scrapie and can give the guideline for reducing the risk of this disease. Until now, 35 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in goat PRNP gene from many countries such as Great Britain, Italy, United States of America and Asian countries etc. In this study, SNPs in PRNP gene have been investigated to research the PRNP variations and their possible TSE risks in 60 Korean native goats. Based on the sequencing results, we identified four SNPs and three of those polymorphisms (G126A, C414T and C718T) were synonymous and the A428G polymorphism was non-synonymous which changes the amino acid histidine to arginine. Previously, all of these four SNPs were identified in Asian native goats. Specifically, five polymorphisms were identified in Asian native goats and two of them (G126A and C414T) were silent mutations, and the other SNPs (T304G, A428G and T718C) caused amino acid changes (W102G, H143R and S240P). Comparing with SNP results from other breeds, this study is an initial step to understand resistance and susceptibility of this disease in Korean native goats. (Key words : Korean native goats, Prion protein (PRNP), Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE))