Molecular characterisation of keratin-associated protein-7 (KRTAP7) gene for hair quality in Indian Dromedary Camel

The keratin-associated proteins (KRTAPs) play important role in describing the physical and mechanical properties of the fibre viz. fibre thickness and curliness to the hair fibres. In this report, the molecular and functional characterisation of the KRTAP7 gene in four Indian camel breeds i.e. Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi and Mewari is described based on a comprehensive analysis of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences. The blood sample was collected from representative animals differing in fibre quality. The KRTAP7 gene was amplified, sequenced and analysed for genetic characterisation. The coding sequence of the KRTAP7 gene was of 264bp. The KRTAP7 gene sequences from all four breeds of camel were identical. No SNPs were noticed in coding (CDS) and non-coding (5' UTR and 3' UTR) regions of KRTAP7 gene. The complete coding sequence (CDS) of the KRTAP7 gene translated to 87 amino acids (aa) long KRTAP7 protein. The phylogeny analysis of nucleotide and protein sequence of Indian dromedary KRTAP7 gene revealed closet relationship with Camelidae family. This study provides information about the KRTAP7 gene in Indian dromedary camel.