A Novel Test System for Genotyping rs43703016 Single-nucleotide Substitutions in the Bovine CSN3 Gene

Aims: Caseins are among the main milk proteins that determine many of its properties. Bovine kappa-casein (CSN3) is associated with the qualitative composition of milk, as well as with the quality of cheese obtained from this milk. The rs43703016 single-nucleotide substitution (g.88532332A>C; Asp148Ala) in exon 4 of the bovine CSN3 gene plays an important role in the production of quality hard cheeses. Various methods for the DNA testing of this substitution have been developed in the last three decades. Emergent DNA technologies provide an opportunity to modernize methods of genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Results: We have developed and verified a method to differentiate A/C alleles of the rs43703016 substitution in the bovine CSN3 gene by real-time PCR using allele-specific fluorescent probes. Conclusion: Our new method allows fast genotyping of animals, and may be used for selection of cows carrying the CC genotype, which determines good cheese-making properties of milk.

Frequencies of Genotypes and Alleles of the K232A Substitution in the DGAT1 Gene in Four Cattle Breeds of Russian Selection

The enzyme DGAT1 is involved in the synthesis of triglycerides. The most well-known polymorphic variant of the DGAT1 gene is substitution of lysine with alanine at position 232 of the protein (K232A). The 232K allele is associated with increased enzyme activity and a higher content and yield of fat in milk. There is less data on the frequencies of alleles of this replacement in different breeds in literature. In our research work, we analyzed the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of the K232A substitution in the DGAT1 gene in 4 breeds of Russian selection: Black-and-white Holsteinized, Kalmyk, Ayshire and Angus. We demonstrated that the K allele is minor in the populations of the analyzed cattle breeds.

The Search for a Receptor for Cell Infection by Bovine Leukemia Virus: Data Mining and Signaling Pathways Analysis

The bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) is widely spread all over the world. Currently, treatment of leukaemia-infected animals is not carried out. Not all virus carriers become ill with leukaemia. The existing genetic resistance to the disease is due to the presence of alleles of resistance of the main histocompatibility complex. However, another mechanism of resistance is possible, which is associated with the penetration of the virus into the cell. The work aimed to analyse the currently available data on possible receptors of the virus. Four potential molecules were found. The results suggest that the potential BLV receptor is a CD209 protein.