Sequence characterization of lactoferrin gene promoter region in Bos indicus cattle

Prevalence of several diseases especially mastitis in dairy animals causes reduction in milk production leading to heavy economic loss to the dairy farmers. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a minor whey non-heme iron binding protein produced by the mammary gland may serve a dual role, protecting both the mammary gland and the neonatal intestine from infection. The characterization of lactoferrin gene promoter region has been described in Bos taurus cattle, but there are no reports available in Bos indicus cattle which are widely distributed in Indian sub-continent. About 1kb sequence of lactoferrin gene was generated and the BLAST analysis revealed 99% sequence homology with the exotic cattle sequence. The phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of indicus and taurine cattle together in a single node indicating 5’ regulatory region of lactoferrin gene is highly conserved in these two sub-species. A total of 13 putative transcription factor binding sites were indentified. Although it seems unlikely that all the putative transcription factors identified in the promoter region exert their individual effects, some may actually influence the regulation of bovine lactoferrin gene expression in various tissues especially in mammary gland which need to be further assessed for their functional significance.