Sequence variations of the bovine prion protein gene (PRNP) in native Korean Hanwoo cattle

• Published in: Journal of veterinary science (Suwŏn-si, Korea) Vol. 13; no. 2; pp. 127 - 137
• Main Authors: Choi, S.H., Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Woo, H.J., Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Lee, J.M., Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 대한수의학회 01.06.2012; The Korean Society of Veterinary Science
• Subjects: Animals; Base Sequence; BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; Cattle; DNA - genetics; ENCEFALOPATIA ESPONGIFORME BOVINA; ENCEPHALOPATHIE SPONGIFORME BOVINE; Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform - genetics; genetic polymorphisms; Genetic Variation; Haplotypes; Original; PRION; PRIONES; PRIONS; Prions - genetics; Republic of Korea; 수의학; Republic of Korea; genetic polymorphisms; prion; bovine spongiform encephalopathy
• ISSN: 1229-845X; 1976-555X; 1976-555X
• DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2012.13.2.127

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is one of the fatal neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) caused by infectious prion proteins. Genetic variations correlated with susceptibility or resistance to TSE in humans and sheep have not been reported for bovine strains including those from Holstein, Jersey, and Japanese Black cattle. Here, we investigated bovine prion protein gene (PRNP) variations in Hanwoo cattle [Bos (B.) taurus coreanae], a native breed in Korea. We identified mutations and polymorphisms in the coding region of PRNP, determined their frequency, and evaluated their significance. We identified four synonymous polymorphisms and two non-synonymous mutations in PRNP, but found no novel polymorphisms. The sequence and number of octapeptide repeats were completely conserved, and the haplotype frequency of the coding region was similar to that of other B. taunts strains. When we examined the 23-bp and 12-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms in the non-coding region of PRNP, Hanwoo cattle had a lower deletion allele and 23-bp del/12-bp del haplotype frequency than healthy and BSE-affected animals of other strains. Thus, Hanwoo are seemingly less susceptible to BSE than other strains due to the 23-bp and 12-bp indel polymorphisms.