Molecular Characterization of Partial Fragment of Keratin Associated Protein (KAP 6.1) Gene in Rambouillet Sheep

A study aimed to characterize molecularly a partial fragment (219 bp) of keratin-associated protein 6.1 (KAP 6.1) gene in Rambouillet sheep and explore its evolutionary relationship with other mammalian species. PCR amplification followed by sequencing confirmed gene identity with reference ovine sequences. Basic local alignment search tool results indicated high sequence similarity with Capra hircus (98.89%) and Ovis aries (96.11%, Chokla breed) and more distant homology with non-ruminant species, such as Cavia porcellus, Homo sapiens and Mus musculus. Nucleotide composition analysis revealed the guanine and cytosine-rich structure (63.11%) in Rambouillet sheep, suggesting sequence stability. Multiple sequence alignment demonstrated conserved motifs among small ruminants. Phylogenetic analysis clustered Rambouillet sheep closely with related species, supported by strong bootstrap values. Pair-wise distance estimations reflected minimal divergence from other ruminants and increasing genetic variation among unrelated taxa. Tajima's neutrality test yielded a negative D value (-2.1622), indicating possible purifying selection. These findings establish KAP 6.1 as a structurally conserved and potentially significant gene with applicability as a genetic marker for wool trait improvement in sheep.