Characterization of exon 2 and intron 2 of leptin gene in Indian goats

Leptin, the hormonal product of the leptin (obese) gene (LEP), has multiple physiological effects and plays a pivotal role in the control of body growth, immune function, and reproduction. LEP gene polymorphism has been analyzed in cattle, buffalo, and pigs, and the polymorphic pattern has been associated with energy balance, milk production, and live weight and fertility trait in different livestock species. The present study has been designed to analyze polymorphism in exon 2 and intron 2 region of leptin gene in Indian goats. Genotyping was carried out in 111 kids including 70 samples from Barbari and 41 samples from Jamunapari breeds. The amplified product of exon 2 and intron 2 region of leptin gene was 152 bp and 400 bp, respectively, in both breeds. Sequencing of the exon 2 and intron 2 region of leptin gene and restriction analysis were carried out to analyze the polymorphism in goats. Five major haplotypes were observed in exon 2 region and six major haplotypes observed in intron 2 region in both breeds. Restriction fragment analysis and sequence analysis confirmed the mutation at 60 bp position of exon 2 and 100 bp position in intron 2 in all the analyzed samples. Sequences of exon 2 region of goats were unique as compared to other livestock species in BLAST analysis.