Detection oOf Polymorphism aAnd In Silico Characterization oOf Fecundity Gene (MTNR1A) iIn Beetal Goats oOf Punjab, India

Abstract

Melatonin Receptor 1A regulates seasonal reproduction and circadian rhythms in goats and sheep. Limited reports are available on the polymorphism of the MTNR1A gene, especially in indigenous goats. This study investigated genetic polymorphism and the evolutionary perspectives of the MTNR1A gene in Beetal goats from Punjab. Blood samples of 35 female Beetal goats were collected, and DNA was isolated from PBMCs using the PCI method. PCR amplified the exon 2 region of the MTNR1A gene (856 bp). The samples were screened by PCR-RFLP by digestion with the restriction enzyme, RsaI. No SNPs were detected at all four cleavage sites of the RsaI enzyme in the 856 bp amplicon of the MTNR1A gene. Phylogenetic analysis of the MTNR1A gene using MEGA 11 indicated that breeds of goats were evolutionarily divergent from ruminant and non-ruminant species. Selection pressure analysis showed that the MTNR1A gene has evolved under neutral selection between species. Secondary and tertiary structure predictions using Psipred and Swiss Model tools, respectively, showed a combination of α- helix, strand, and coil structures for the MTNR1A protein. The Ramachandran plot analysis using the Molprobity indicated that 93.4% and 97.9% of all amino acid residues of the MTNR1A protein in Beetal goats were in favoured and allowed regions, respectively, indicating a correct prediction of conformation. Further research in a larger sample is warranted to explore informative SNPs in the MTNR1A gene.