Characterization and Expression Profiling of KRTAP9.2 at Different Developmental Stages of Pashmina Fiber in Changthangi Goat

Abstract

Background: Keratin-associated protein’s (KRTAPs) are the major constituent proteins of cashmere fibre and have been implicated to have an important effect on the quality traits of this commercially valuable fibre. The objective of the present study was to determine the molecular characteristics of KRTAP9.2 gene in Pashmina (Cashmere) goat, known as Changthangi breed in J and K, India and well known for its finest fiber quality. Methods: We have studied the KRTAP9.2 gene expression status in hair follicles at different fiber development stages viz Anagen (growth) and Telogen (rest) in Changthangi goats of Kashmir and Ladakh region by performing quantitative Real Time PCR from fresh skin biopsies using gene specific primers. Furthermore, KRTAP9.2 structural models were generated and validated using various Bioinformatic tools. Result: Phylogenetic studies reveal close relation of KRTAP9.2 gene with Pantholops hodgsonii KRTAP9.2 (XM-005964828.1) and Ovis aries musimon KRTAP9.9 (XM-012152535.1). In our study we predicted a total of 20 KRTAP9.2 protein structures by QUARK and LOMET server and 5 structures by RaptorX, moreover, the validity of predicted structures was checked by using different parameters like RMSD value, C-Score, TM-value and ramachandran values, all parameters suggested structure predicted by RaptorX as better in our case. Real time PCR results showed expression of KRTAP9.2 in Pashmina hair follicles with a higher expression at the Telogen stage as compared to the Anagen stage. Owing to the structural importance of KRTAPs, such studies are indispensable for deciphering the molecular mechanism of pashmina growth which in turn will improve production, quality and diversity of pashmina fiber.