Identification of Point Mutation in Exon 3 of Leptin Gene in Munjal Sheep

Background: Leptin is a varied hormone which plays vital role in body development by regulating the balance between food intake and energy expenditure by signaling to the brain. Leptin has diverse effect on controlling appetite, energy metabolism, growth, reproduction, body composition and immunity. The present study was aimed to screen candidate point mutation (g.332G>A) in the targeted genomic region of leptin gene in Munjal sheep. Methods: A total of 50 Munjal sheep were selected and genomic DNA was isolated in Automated Maxell RSC DNA/RNA purification system by using Maxwell RSC whole blood DNA kit. Reported set of primers was used to amplify 463 bp fragment encompassing targeted region (exon 3) of leptin gene. PCR-RFLP was performed to genotype targeted point mutation in our resource population. PCR products were digested by Cail 1 restriction enzyme to genotype g.332G>A (at 332th nucleotide of exon 3 leptin gene) non-synonymous mutation (Arg to Gln). Result: All studied samples resolved into monomorphic banding pattern, revealed only AA (463 bp single band bp) genotype. The absence of candidate mutation in our resource population might be due to small sample size.