Abstract:
Leptin hormone is primarily expressed in adipose tissue and plays a significant role in regulating
various functions, including growth, puberty, reproduction, and milk production in both animals
and humans. Polymorphisms in the LEP gene have been observed and correlated with a variety
of reproductive and productive traits in several sheep breeds worldwide. The objective of this
study was to identify polymorphisms in the Leptin (LEP) gene in Sudanese Desert Sheep.
A total of 60 blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the Sudanese Desert Sheep,
and genomic DNA was isolated and purified using a commercial kit (G-spin™ Total DNA
Extraction Kit, INTRON). DNA was then amplified using a thermocycler. Polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) was carried out to amplify a 471 bp fragment of exon 3 of the leptin gene.
Genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP technique. PCR products were digested with
the OliI restriction enzyme for allelic variant detection in the Sudanese Desert Sheep.
The results revealed polymorphisms in exon 3, resulting in two bands (384 bp and 87 bp) for
homozygous GG, three bands (471 bp, 384 bp, and 87 bp) for heterozygous GT, and one band
(471 bp) for homozygous TT individuals. These preliminary findings suggest that these
polymorphisms may have a significant impact on the improvement of productive traits in the
Sudanese Desert Sheep. However, further research with larger sample sizes and DNA
sequencing and analysis using advanced molecular techniques is needed, particularly to explore
the potential impact of these genetic variants on the Sudanese Desert Sheep meat traits.
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