Investigation of Polymorphisms in Promoter and Exon Regions of HSP70 Gene and Their Associations with Reproduction Traits of Indigenous Turkeys of Iran

Heat shock proteins of 70 kDa (HSP70) are a natural protector of the cell during heat stress through maintaining cell homeostasis and preventing proteins from denaturation, especially in stressed conditions. In addition, HSP70 widely influence growth and reproduction traits. The present study objected to identify polymorphisms in regions of promoter and part of exon 1 of HSP70 gene and their association with reproductive traits in indigenous turkeys of north-western Iran. The blood samples of 193 turkeys recorded for reproduction traits, were taken and after DNA extraction, promoter and exon 1 regions were amplified. Various haplotypes were identified by SSCP method and their association with the traits in the turkeys analyzed. The results of this study identified 3 different pattern in the investigated regions of the HSP70 gene. Sequencing the different haplotype pattern revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in 211bp. The Statistical analysis of the effect of the genotypes of HSP70 on the reproduction traits showed that the GG genotype of this gene had a significant association with higher egg number and total egg mass of turkeys. Regarding the effect of the HSP70 gene as an effective gene on the reproductive traits of the indigenous turkeys, it can be used in breeding programs to improve reproductive traits and egg production in the indigenous turkey population.