Using PCR-SSCP Technique to Investigate Polymorphism of Leptin Gene in Kermani Sheep

Identification of associated genes with energy balance, yield and feed intake are recent interests of the animal breeding researchers. With consider to rich resources of animals, in our country-Iran, accomplish a little assay for identification of genes that controlling its traits with molecular techniques. Identify the candidate genes in sheep breeds using DNA test can have a great help for their breeding progress. In this research, for analysis of leptin gene polymorphism in Kermani sheep, we collected blood samples of one hundred and twenty male and female Kermani sheeps which were rearing in breeding center of Shahre Babak, Kerman. Genomic DNA was extracted using commercial DNA extraction Kit. The exon 3 (275 bp segment of exon 3) of leptin gene was amplified with specific primers. The single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) patterns of PCR product were studied using Acrilamid gel and silver staining method. We obtained 10 band patterns for leptin gene: A/A, C/C, A/B, A/C, A/B/C, A/B/E, A/B/F, A/C/F, A/B/D/E and A/B/C/F. The results showed that leptin gene is so polymorphic in studied population.