Molecular phylogeny and genetic diversity of interferon-α-a domestic yaks (bos grunniens) in Pakistan

Abstract

Among the livestock species, wild yaks (Bos grunniens) survive only in the Tibetan region and Pakistan K2 re-gion. They have declined dramatically in range and numbers and, therefore, were domesticated even in Pakistan due to the multipurpose function of the animal, which provides meat, milk, and other dairy products. Interferons were initially characterized for their ability to `interfere' with viral replication, slow cell proliferation, and pro-foundly alter immunity. They are a group of hormone-like molecules synthesized and secreted by macrophages, monocytes, T lymphocytes, glia, and neurons. For this purpose, Domestic yak blood 53 samples were collected from Gilgit and Bultistan and genotyped using a set of labeled microsatellite loci for this purpose. After PCR, DNA fragment sizes were determined in an ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer. All microsatellite markers were success-fully amplified and exhibited a polymorphic nature. Phylogenetic analysis based on the microsatellite DNA IFN-α-A of the control region (401 bp) showed nine microsatellite DNA haplogroups identified in Pakistani domestic Yaks. Phylogenetic analysis of the IFN-α-A gene suggested the domestic yak's sequences clustering into nine highly divergent maternal lineages. The current study analyzed the genetic variation and phylogenetic analysis of the IFN-α-A gene in the domestic yak, with comparisons to other IFN regions to investigate immune diversity levels and to design molecular selection strategies for better disease-resistant animals. It found nine clusters, and the implications of these findings can be utilized for yak conservation.