A.M. da Silva, M.A.R. de Freitas, A.F.L. Rios, A. Renzi, R.B. Lôbo, M.A.V. Galerani, R.A. Vila and E.S. Ramos
Genet. Mol. Res. 10 (3): 1409-1415 (2011)
Published July 12, 2011
DOI: 10.4238/vol10-3gmr1266

Cite this Article:
A.M. da Silva, M.A.R. de Freitas, A.F.L. Rios, A. Renzi, R.B. Lôbo, M.A.V. Galerani, R.A. Vila and E.S. Ramos (2011). Polymorphism in the Bov-A2 element of the bovine CYP21 promoter region and its association with DNA methylation in Brazilian Zebu cattle. Genet. Mol. Res. 10(3): 1409-1415. 10.4238/vol10-3gmr1266

About the Authors:
A.M. da Silva, M.A.R. de Freitas, A.F.L. Rios, A. Renzi, R.B. Lôbo, M.A.V. Galerani, R.A. Vila and E.S. Ramos
Corresponding author: E.S. Ramos
E-mail: esramos@genbov.fmrp.usp.br

ABSTRACT

The CYP21 (steroid 21-hydroxylase) gene is involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones. Bov-A2 is a retroposon that is common in ruminant genomes. The promoter region of bovine CYP21 contains a short interspersed nucleotide element of Bov-A2, which overlaps a putative Sp1 binding site. We looked for RFLP/HpaII polymorphism in the Bov-A2 element in bovine Zebu breeds by PCR-RFLP, and examined whether polymorphism in this element is associated with methylation. Among DNA samples from 135 Brazilian Zebu breed cattle, we identified an RFLP/HpaII polymorphism (T/C), which, based on a restriction methylation-sensitive assay employing HpaII and isoschizomer MspI enzymes (methylation-sensitive and -non-sensitive enzymes, respectively), appears to be a DNA methylation point. This is the first report of this polymorphism and on DNA methylation in the bovine CYP21 promoter region in Brazilian Zebu cattle.

Key words: CYP21 gene; Bov-A2; SINE; Cattle; Epigenetics; Methylation.