Genotyping and Molecular Detection of Polymorphism in FUT1 Gene of Swine

Alpha (1, 2)-fucosyltransferase (FUT1), as a candidate gene in controlling the expression of E. coli F18 receptor has been identified to determine whether an animal is resistant or susceptible to infections. This study was conducted to determine the genotypes of 150 blood samples of the three swine breeds and 20 representatives were randomly selected for sequencing. Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism results revealed that among the 150 blood samples, seven of the Duroc x Pietrain samples carried AG genotype which was previously reported susceptible to ETEC infection. Two AA genotypes that are presumptively resistant and 50 were presumptively susceptible as these samples carried either AG or GG genotypes from the Landrace variety. Of the Large White samples, two samples carried AA genotype and 89 have either AG or GG genotype. The twenty samples sent for DNA sequencing registered 100% homologies to Sus scrofa FUT1 gene. Twelve of the sequenced samples exhibited a shift from G to A in the 117th nucleotide and one sample had a C to T shift in the 39th nucleotide. The mutation was found in all of the Duroc X Pietrain samples as well as those samples with AA genotype. Heterozygous forms of Landrace and Large White also exhibited this mutation.