Genetic polymorphism at CSN1S2 locus in two endangered sicilian goat breeds.

In this study we surveyed two endangered Sicilian goat breeds (Girgentana and Argentata dell'Etna) for genetic polymorphism at the CSN1S2 locus. In a total of 537 goats, we detected CSN1S2A, CSN1S2B, CSN1S2C° (CSN1S2C + CSN1S2E), CSN1S2D, CSN1S2F and CSN1S2O alleles by means of various polymerase chain reaction (PCR), allele specific-PCR (AS –PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) reactions with the aim of improving the knowledge of the genetic resource of these two breeds. Three and five alleles, with six and twelve genotypes, were identified at CSN1S2 locus, in Girgentana and Argentata, respectively. Argentata dell'Etna showed a higher degree of genetic variation. The allelic and genotypic distribution seems to be significantly different (p < 0.001) in the two breeds. In Argentata the rare null allele (CSN1S2O) was found at low frequency (0.033); this genetic peculiarity makes its preservation worthwhile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]