Variability in the PRDM9 gene in Sindhi cattle

Background Sindhi is a dual-purpose breed adapted to tropical environments. However, this breed has the smallest total population among indicine breeds in Brazil and the smallest effective number. In addition, the inbreeding coefficient is higher than 6.25% in similar to 60% of the population. Therefore, alternatives to increase genetic diversity are important. Within this context, the PRDM9 gene is particularly interesting since it is involved in meiotic recombination events, consequently enhancing genetic variability in the population by increasing the number of circulating haplotypes. Each allele of the gene induces recombination at a different hotspot. The larger the number of circulating alleles, the higher the recombination rate and the greater the genetic variability. Methods The aim of this study was to characterize alleles of the PRDM9 gene in Sindhi cattle. The region of the zinc finger domains of the gene was amplified by PCR, genotyped, and sequenced for allele identification in 50 Sindhi animals. Results Three alleles (A-cattle1, B-cattle14, and C-cattle19) and six genotypes (AA, BB, CC, AB, AC, and BC) were identified. Conclusion The allele variation of the PRDM9 gene in the Sindhi breed enables to guide the mating of animals with different genotypes/alleles and to promote genetic variability by recombination if there is intralocus variability.

Automated summary

This study aimed to characterize alleles of the PRDM9 gene in Sindhi cattle. The zinc finger domain region of the gene was amplified by PCR, genotyped, and sequenced for allele identification in 50 Sindhi animals. Three alleles (A-cattle1, B-cattle14, and C-cattle19) and six genotypes (AA, BB, CC, AB, AC, and BC) were identified.