Genetic Polymorphisms of IGF-1 Gene in Pakistani Marecha Camel

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is secreted peptide growth factor, that involved in a variety of physiological processes such as somatic growth, metabolism, tissue repair, lactation and reproduction. It controls differentiation and maintenance of different function in various and specific tissues. The liver is the primary source of IGF-1 and considered as candidate genes for growth because they play a significant role in development and growth regulation. IGF-1 control protein metabolism and is extremely conserved region amongst species. IGF-1 have not been studied before in camel. The DNA samples of Marecha camel were collected from the Camel Breeding and Research Station at Rakhmani Bhakkar, Pakistan. Four polymorphic sites were detected in the IGF-1 gene. A significant finding was the occurrence of a T -> C polymorphism in exon 5 that causes a substitution of an amino acid from Cysteine to Arginine. That Cys/Arg polymorphism may serve as authoritative genetic marker for selective improvement of growth traits in camel. These results suggest that Marecha camel has genetic variability in the IGF-1 and may be helpful for preservation strategies and future selection programs.