Identify of G―: A point mutation at positions 477 and 721 in exon 2 of GDF9 gene in Kermani sheep

The genes of super family TGFβ are one from of the most important factors that are effective on litter size of sheep. The Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9) gene is one of the most important members of this super family. The aim of the present study was identification of G2, G3 and G4 mutations in exon 2 of the GDF9 in Kermani sheep using PCR-SSCP. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from jugular vein from 102 Kermani sheep. Genomic DNA was extracted using salting-out method. The exon 2 (634 bp) of GDF9 gene was amplified with designed specific primers. The single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) patterns of PCR product were studied using acrilamid gel and silver staining method. Finally, 3 banding patterns 1, 2 and 3 with frequencies of 0.187, 0.333 and 0.48, obtained respectively. So this segment of the exon 2 from GDF9 gene was polymorphic in studied population. The sequencing results showed presence 2 mutations (477 and 721 situations) and lack of G2 (471 situation) mutation in studied population.