Identification and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms in DMRT3 gene in Indian horse (Equus caballus) and donkey (Equus asinus) populations

Equines' ability in racing and riding as well as gaitedness have influenced the human civilization. Aim of this study was to identify and characterize the novel polymorphisms or SNPs in DMRT3 gene in Indian horse and donkey breeds. In this study, the DMRT3 gene was sequenced and characterized in 72 Indian horses' and 33 Indian donkeys' samples. One SNP (A > C) at 878 was found in studied horses while identical SNPs (A > C) at two different nucleotide positions i.e., 878 and 942 in DMRT3 gene (chromosome 23) were observed in studied Indian donkey breeds. Horses and donkeys both have a non-synonymous mutation (A > C) at nucleotide 878 (codon 61) that converts a Stop codon (TAG > TCG) to coding codon Serine, whereas donkeys have a synonymous mutation at nucleotide 942 (codon 82) that converts Serine (TCA > TCC) into Serine. A phylogenetic tree indicated that the DMRT3 gene was equally distributed among the equine breeds. Most of the donkey breeds have been shown high levels of genetic diversity while horse breeds and Halari donkey showed the least genetic diversity. Mutation in DMRT3 has a major impact on gaitedness in horses and is presented at a high frequency in gaited breeds and in horses breed for harness racing.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize novel polymorphisms or SNPs in the DMRT3 gene in Indian horse and donkey breeds. The DMRT3 gene was sequenced and characterized in 72 Indian horses and 33 Indian donkeys, revealing a SNP at position 878 in horses and identical SNPs at positions 878 and 942 in donkeys. These mutations have a major impact on gaitedness in horses and are present at a high frequency in gaited breeds and horses bred for harness racing.