The bovine 5-︡ AMP activated protein kinase gene family: mapping and single nucleotide polymorphism detection

Abstract

The 5`-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family is an ancient stress response system whose primary function is regulation of cellular ATP. Activation of AMPK, which is instigated by environmental and nutritional stresses, initiates energy conserving measures that protect the cell by inhibition and phosphorylation of key enzymes in energy consuming biochemical pathways. Initially the seven genes that compose the bovine AMPK family were mapped in cattle using a radiation hybrid panel. Seven genes mapped to six different chromosomes in cattle, each with a LOD score greater than 10.0. PRKAA1 mapped to BTA20, PRKAA2 and PRKAB2 to BTA3, PRKAB1 to BTA 17, PRKAG1 to BTA5, PRKAG2 to BTA 4 and PRKAG3 to BTA 2. Five of the seven genes mapped to regions expected from human/cattle comparative maps. PRKAB2 and PRKAG3, however, have not been mapped in humans. We predict these genes to be located on HSA 1 and 2, respectively. Additionally, one synonymous and one non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) have been detected in PRKAG3. Various herds of mixed breed cattle have been tested for these SNPs by use of high resolution electrophoresis of allele specific restriction enzyme digests. Statistical analysis shows no association between these SNPs and Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex. However, due to the physiological importance of this gene family, we believe that its individual genes are possible candidate genes for conferring differential disease resistance in cattle.