Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Hair Shape Variation in Dromedary Camels

January 2025 in “ Kuwait Journal of Science ”

Kawther M. Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

Keratin 71 KRT71 polymorphisms genetic basis hair shape variation

Studysummary In this study, researchers sequenced the KRT71 gene in 102 dromedary camels to find genetic polymorphisms linked to hair shape, identifying 17 variants but none that fully explained hair shape variations, suggesting other genes may also play a role.

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This study sequenced the KRT71 gene in 102 dromedary camels to investigate genetic polymorphisms that might explain hair shape variations, identifying several SNPs, including a potentially damaging one affecting protein structure. While certain alleles and genotypes were more frequent in specific camel types and hair shape categories, no definitive association with hair shape was found, indicating that other genes might influence hair shape in dromedaries. The research confirms the KRT71 gene's role in hair structure and suggests the need for large-scale GWAS to identify other responsible genes, as well as testing the phenotyping protocol on a larger camel population.

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