SNPs Analysis And Chromosomal Location Of MC1R Gene In Chicken

Melanocortin 1-receptor (MC1R) gene is a key gene in melanogenesis in animals. In this study, we selected melanocortin 1-receptor ( MC1R ) gene as the candidate gene which regulates the melanin synthesis in chicken. We detected the polymorphisms of MC1R gene by PCR-SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism) and PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) in founder population of chicken and in generations F2 of CAU three-generation chicken population whose founder populations are broiler and silkie chickens, and then we analyzed the genetic correlation between the polymorphisms and melanin trait of MC1R gene by SAS in chicken.Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in MC1R gene using PCR-SSCP, PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing in chicken. The result of these analysis indicated that the polymorphisms are due to four single point mutations C-A , G-A , C-T and C-G at base position 191, 867, 1292 and 1377, respectivly. The mutations at base position 867 and 1377 resulted in two amino acids change A137T and R307G. Lastly, the relations between SNPs and chicken melanin traits were analyzed, the results showed that there was significant correlation (P < 0.01) between the C191A mutation and chicken skin and live body shank color, was significant correlation (P < 0.05) between the G867A mutation and chicken skin color , was significant correlation ( P < 0.05 ) between the C1292T mutation and chicken live body shank color, and was significant correlation ( P < 0.05) between the C1377G mutation and chicken-meat color.Radiation hybrid mapping was performed by using the INRA-Instirute of a chicken whole-genome radiation hybrid panel (ChickRH6) The results showed that the MC1R gene is located between markers ADL0033 and ROS0112 on chicken chromosome (GGA)11. MC1R is very close to marker ADL0033 at a distance of 3 cRays on GGA11. MC1R was precisely mapped on GGA 11 in mis study.The results of the study indicated that MC1R gene is the candidate gene that regulates melanin synthesis in chicken.