Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR)‎ gene in native Egyptian chickens

Abstract EN

Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) or Ghrelin receptor gene is legend for a peptide hormone produced by chicken proventriculus which stimulates growth hormone release and food intake.

The purpose of this study was to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GHSR gene in six native Egyptian chicken breeds (Fayomi, Dandarawy, El-Salam, Dokki-4, Inshas, and Mandara) compared to Rhode Island Red (RIR).

Blood samples were collected from these chickens at eight weeks of age.

A PCR product of 598 bp, GHSR was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently, subjected to sequence analysis to identify its different allelic patterns.

Two different SSCP banding patterns (TT and TC) were detected.

Nucleotide sequencing revealed presence of a novel T40C SNP in the first intron of GHSR at nucleotide number 59 before the second exon.

Results from SSCP and sequencing denoted absence of CC genotype in all examined chicken breed.

Although, we did not perform association analysis for these genotypes due to small population size, the present results put the basis for further studies to associate this SNP and others in GHSR with growth traits in local chicken breeds