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

Abstract

Abstract

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a multifunctional enzyme that catalyzes de novo biosynthesis of long-chain saturated fatty acids in body. During the last few years, there is increased interest for bovine FASN gene. Modification of this enzyme may influence economic traits including fatty acid composition of milk and meat. FASN is an important potential candidate gene affecting fat composition of milk due to its main role in de-novo lipogenesis in mammals and is also involved in fat metabolism. FASN 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 controls the termination of fatty acid synthesis and therefore determines the quality of fat synthesized in milk by early termination of fatty acid chains. Within the FASN complex, TE domain ranges from exon 39–41. Gene frequency of polymorphism/genetic variability in FASN gene has been found to be very high in dairy cattle. A number of association studies such as milk yield, fat content, fat yield and protein yield have been carried out in dairy cattle. These associations will offer insight in to the basic mechanism of FASN gene and polymorphisms or genetic variability 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.