Expression of calpastatin gene in Raini Cashmere goat using Real Time PCR

Calpastatin has been found in skeletal muscle tissue of animals and could prevent unrestrained cellular growth by suppressing calpain activity. The involvement of calpains in apoptosis has been a subject of debate, although their involvement is limited to certain cell types and to specific stimuli. Various studies have shown that this gene is involved in growth performance and meat quality, therefore the aim of this study was to investigate Calpastatin gene expression in different tissues of Raini cashmere goat using Real Time PCR.

Totally 21 tissue samples including muscle, adipose, kidney, spleen, liver, lung and heart tissues were taken from 3 Raini cashmere goats. RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized. Real Time PCR was performed using SYBR Green method to study relative gene expression. GAPDH gene was used as housekeeping gene. Pfaffl method was used to analyze achieved data.

Results : 

For calpastatin gene 89bp fragment and for GAPDH 101bp fragment were observed in all studied tissues. Real Time PCR results of this study showed that Calpastatin gene is expressed in all studied (muscle, adipose, kidney, spleen, liver, lung and heart) tissues and the highest level of expression was observed in heart, spleen and liver tissues and the lowest level was seen in adipose tissue.

Results showed that Calpastatin are widespread in different tissues of goat. This study would also lay a foundation for further Calpastatin research in Raini cashmere goat. It is suggested that this study be conducted with greater number of livestock, different sexes, different ages and different physiological stages in different breeds of goats in order to reach a comprehensive conclusion.