LAUSR

The melanogenesis pathway regulates pigmentation through the synergic action of various genes. We are interested in analysing the genetic variations in the ASIP which determine eumelanin production in the dermis layer. In the present study, the ASIP gene was characterized in buffalo and 268 genetically unrelated buffaloes belonging to 10 different populations were genotyped for the non-synonymous SNP (c.292C>T) identified in the exon 3 region of the gene using Tetra-ARMS-PCR. The TT genotype occurred at a higher rate in Murrah, followed by Nili Ravi, Tripura, and Paralakhemundi (42.63%, 19.30%, 3.45%, and 3.33%). These results convey the association of the black coat colour of Murrah with the ASIP gene TT genotype and the lighter shades of black coat (brown and greyish-black) colour phenotype in other breeds with the CC genotype. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.