Fatty Acid Synthase Polymorphism of Awassi Sheep and its Impact on Fatty Acid Composition

Abstract

Livestock intramuscular fat content is determined by fatty acid synthase (FASN). The fatty acid profile of the fat is of relevance to human health.  Thus, this study explores the relationship between the polymorphism of the FASN gene in Awassi sheep and its impact on fatty acid composition. The study used 100 Awassi rams, ranging in age from 1 to 2.5 years. Molecular DNA was isolated from each blood sample; genotyping, sequencing reactions, and in silico tools were subsequently used to confirm the variants in amplified fragments.  The results revealed two genotypes (GG and GA) of the ovine FASN gene (exon 2). The novel missense c.186 GA was identified in the genotype GA.  The GA genotype had significantly (P0.05) increased intramuscular fat, higher unsaturated fatty acid content, and lower saturated fatty acid content than the GG genotype. Cumulative in silico analysis indicated a detrimental effect of the SNP c.186 GA on FASN activity. The intramuscular GA genotype of Awassi sheep had a low saturated content relative to unsaturated fats. The result confirmed that the c.186 GA SNP in ovine FASN gene variation is potentially helpful in assessing carcass traits, and this might lead to a more efficient selection of animals with healthier fatty acid profiles, resulting in higher-quality meat.