Sequence Diversity of MAOA Gene within Wild and Docile Animal Species

Abstract

Background: Molecular characterization of MAOA gene was performed to investigate aggressive behaviour within wild (lion, leopard, and wolf) as opposed to docile animal (sheep, goat) species living in different habitats, by undertaking sequence diversity analysis of this gene. Methods: The MAOA gene was partially amplified by PCR for wild and docile animal species. Amplified DNA was sequenced and then analyzed using BioEdit and Sequencher softwares, while multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetics analysis were conducted through MEGA software. Bioinformatics tool like Prosite scan, Motif Scan and Prot Param were used to study properties of mutant proteins of MAOA gene. Results: Different polymorphic sites were observed which included c.956, c.1063 in docile animals and c.2530 in wild animals. Phylogenetic analysis based on this candidate gene endorsed the existing taxonomy of subject animals, while bioinformatics tools explored the altered characteristics of mutant MAOA protein. Conclusion: The newly found polymorphic loci in wild and docile animals in this study could have a role in behavioral response and acclimatization within their peculiar habitats. This study also highlights the genetic diversity of MAOA gene, which will add knowledge to the existing animal genetic resource of Pakistan.

Keywords

• Sequence diversity
• MAOA gene
• Wild animal
• Docile animal