Characterization, Genetic Variation and Chromosomal Assignment to Sheep Chromosome 2 of the Ovine Heart Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Gene (FABP3)

The purpose of this study was to locate and detect genetic variation in the sheep FABP3 gene, a candidate gene for milk and meat quality traits in sheep. We have obtained an almost complete sequence (4,689 bp, excluding a part of intron 1) of the sheep FABP3 gene using PCR-based comparative genome walking. Sheep FABP3 has been located to chromosome 2 by sheep sequence-specific PCR on DNA from a sheep/rodent cell hybrid panel, and confirmed by linkage mapping using the International Mapping Flock. Direct sequencing of PCR products amplified from different DNA samples of Manchega breed sheep over the complete sheep FABP3 gene revealed 13 SNPs, one CTC insertion/deletion and a variable polyA tract. This poly A tract was found in association with a SINE/artiodactyls repeat. In addition, two SNPs were screened in different sheep breeds.