Significance of TE Domain and Genetic Variations in FASN Gene in Dairy Animals

Abstract

The interest in the bovine fatty acid synthase (FASN) gene has increased during the last few years. FASN is a multifunctional enzyme that catalyzes de novo biosynthesis of long-chain saturated fatty acid, and alteration of this enzyme may affect economic traits including fatty acid composition. FASN is involved in fat metabolism and is an important candidate gene affecting fat composition of milk because of its central role in de-novo lipogenesis in mammals. This cytosolic enzyme catalyses palmitic acid synthesis from acetyl coenzyme-A and malonyl coenzyme-A in the presence of NADPH. Thioesterase (TE) domain of FASN gene regulates the termination of fatty acid synthesis and thus determines the quality of fat synthesized in milk through early termination of fatty acid chains. TE domain spreads from exon 39–41 within the FASN complex. The gene frequency of polymorphism in FASN gene has been found to be very high in dairy cattle. Some associated studies such as milk yield, fat content and protein yield have been carried out in dairy cattle. These associations will provide insight in to the underlying mechanism of FASN gene and polymorphisms that can be used for selection purposes in dairy animals.

Keywords: Bovine, fat content, TE domain, polymorphism

Cite this Article

Manoj Kumar, Poonam Ratwan, Uday Kannegundla et al. Significance of TE Domain and Genetic Variations in FASN Gene in Dairy Animals. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(3): 33–38p.