Identification, Structure and Phylogenetic Tree Progression of Mucin-4 Gene in Pig and Other Mammals Using Avian as an Out-Group

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to identify the Structure and phylogenetic tree progression of Musin-4 (MUC-4) gene in pig and with other mammals and avian as out-group using appropriate bioinformatics tools. The results obtained revealed that the identity of mammalian species ranged from 70 -100% while the chicken as an out-group ranged from 42 -50%. The pig MUC-4 gene is closer to the Bovine family (0.34-0.35) and goat (0.282-0.286). The result from the structural prediction of mucin4 by phyre2, 467 residues have been accurately modelled with 100% confidence using a single template. Additionally, 738 residues (65%) have been modelled with over 90% confidence using multiple templates. From various amino acid substitutions obtained from protein effect variation in the three mammalian species, only one was deleterious in pigs, only two were deleterious in bovine, and only three were deleterious in goat. The dendrogram obtained from the phylogenetic tree revealed that different species were separated from each other based on their different taxonomic classes. In conclusion, these mammalian species had a high genetic relationship and conservation. The deleterious variants observed in the pig need to be investigated to prevent the malfunction of the reproductive, digestive and disease-resistant traits. This study gives basic information that may be useful in the genetic improvement of livestock species.

Keywords

• Pig; Gene MUC-4; Protein Mucin; protein structure; phylogenetic tree