Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Genes of Equines.

The researchers investigated the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) genes in different breeds of horses and donkeys. They discovered four SNPs, including one non-synonymous SNP which led to a change in the IL-8 protein sequence.

Study Overview

This study aimed to discover Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-6 and IL-8 genes of various horse and donkey breeds.

• Subjects: The study was conducted using 42 animals from Marwari, Kathiawari, Manipuri, and Zanskari horse breeds, and Poitou and Halari donkey breeds.
• Focus of Investigation: Researchers focused on the expression of genes associated with the production of cytokines, specifically IL-6 and IL-8, which are produced by skeletal muscles during exercise.

Findings

The investigation revealed SNPs in both the IL-6 and IL-8 genes with varying occurrence among the different breeds of equines studied.

• IL-6 Gene: Sequence analysis of exon 2 of the IL-6 gene revealed an intronic SNP (C>T) at position Equcab3.0:4:54607583 in Poitou donkey. However, no SNP was detected in the IL-6 exon 5, exon 6 and their flanking sequences for any of the equines covered.
• IL-8 Gene: In exon 1 of the IL-8 gene of all the breeds, a non-synonymous SNP (G > C) which led to a change in amino acid from leucine (L) to phenylalanine (F) (p. Leu10 > p. Phe10) was observed at position EquCab3.0:3:63720817. Another nucleotide substitution (T>C) was found in the intron 1-2 of IL-8 gene in all equids studied at position EquCab3.0:3:63720770. A third change was found in the 5′ UTR of IL-8 gene in Poitou donkey, where the guanosine (G) was changed to a heterozygous condition S (C/G) at position EquCab3.0:3: 63720883.

Conclusion

In total, the research paper presents four SNPs with one non-synonymous SNP leading to a change in the IL-8 protein’s sequence in equines. These findings add to our understanding of genetic variation in equines related to cytokine production, particularly in response to muscle exercise.