Identification and Sequence Analysis of the Keratin-Associated Protein 24-1 (KAP24-1) Gene Homologue in Sheep

The study identified and analyzed the keratin-associated protein 24-1 (KAP24-1) gene homologue in sheep, which is crucial for the structural properties of wool fibers. Using a BLAST search with the human KRTAP24-1 coding sequence, researchers found a putative ovine KAP24-1 gene on sheep chromosome 1, clustered with six other known KAP genes. The gene was amplified from the genomic DNA of 260 New Zealand Romney-cross sheep, revealing four unique DNA sequences through stem–loop conformational polymorphism analysis. These sequences showed the highest similarity to KRTAP24-1 sequences from various species, suggesting they are allelic variants of ovine KRTAP24-1. The ovine KAP24-1 polypeptide, consisting of 252 amino acids, was likely part of the high-sulphur KAP group, with moderate cysteine and high serine and tyrosine content, and potential glycosylation and phosphorylation sites. This research contributed to understanding the genetic basis of wool traits, which could aid in improving wool quality.