Association analysis of polymorphisms in six keratin genes with wool traits in sheep.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic effects of six keratin () genes on the wool traits of 418 Chinese Merino (Xinjiang type) (CMXT) individuals.

Methods: To explore the effects and association of six genes on sheep wool traits, The polymerase chain reaction-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP), DNA sequencing, and the gene pyramiding effect methods were used.

Results: We report 20 mutation sites (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) within the six genes, in which twelve induced silent mutations; five induced missense mutations and resulted in Ile→Thr, Glu→Asp, Gly→Ala, Ala→Ser, Se→His; two were nonsense mutations and one was a same-sense mutation.

WITHDRAWN:Identification of Polymorphisms and Association of Five KAP Genes with Sheep Wool Traits.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.