Mapping and genotypic analysis of NK-lysin gene in chicken

Authors: LEE, MI OK - Texas A&M University; YANG, ENCE - Texas A&M University; MORRISON, MIREILLE - Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique (INRA); VIGNAL, ALAIN - Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique (INRA); HUANG, YONG-ZHEN - Northwest Agricultural & Forestry University; Cheng, Hans; MUIR, WILLIAM - Purdue University; LAMONT, SUSAN - Iowa State University; Lillehoj, Hyun; Lee, Sung; WOMACK, JAMES - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: Genetic Selection Evolution
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/13/2014
Publication Date: 7/7/2014
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/59540
Citation: Lee, M., Yang, E., Morrison, M., Vignal, A., Huang, Y., Cheng, H.H., Muir, W.M., Lamont, S.J., Lillehoj, H.S., Lee, S.H., Womack, J.E. 2014. Mapping and genotypic analysis of NK-lysin gene in chicken. Genetic Selection Evolution. 46:43. Available: http://www.gsejournal.org/content/46/1/43.

Interpretive Summary: Molecular genetic characterization of biological relevant genes is become more common with genome assemblies, such those in livestock species including chicken. NK lysin is known to encode an important anti-microbial peptide with known variants that influence this activity. In this study, the variant was examined in a large number of chicken breeds in an effort to characterize the frequency in populations and to potentially correlate with anti-microbial activity. This information will help in genetic selection of disease resistance in a variety of chicken strains.

Technical Abstract: Background: Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are important elements of the first line of defence against pathogens in animals. NK-lysin is a cationic AMP that plays a critical role in innate immunity. The chicken NK-lysin gene has been cloned and its antimicrobial and anticancer activity has been described but its location in the chicken genome remains unknown. Here, we mapped the NK-lysin gene and examined the distribution of a functionally significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) among different chicken inbred lines and heritage breeds. Results: A 6000 rad radiation hybrid panel (ChickRH6) was used to map the NK-lysin gene to the distal end of chromosome 22. Two additional genes, the adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1-like gene (AEBP1) and the DNA polymerase delta subunit 2-like (POLD2) gene, are located in the same NW_003779909 contig as NK-lysin, and were thus indirectly mapped to chromosome 22 as well. Previously, we reported a functionally significant SNP at position 271 of the NK-lysin coding sequence in two different chicken breeds. Here, we examined this SNP and found that the A allele appears to be more common than the G allele in these heritage breeds and inbred lines. Conclusions: The chicken NK-lysin gene mapped to the distal end of chromosome 22. Two additional genes, AEBP1 and POLD2, were indirectly mapped to chromosome 22 also. SNP analyses revealed that the A allele, which encodes a peptide with a higher antimicrobial activity, is more common than the G allele in our tested inbred lines and heritage breeds.