Significance of Butyrophilin Gene in Relation to Milk Constituents in Dairy Animals

Butyrophilin (BTN1A1) has been categorized as member of transmembrane proteins of immunoglobulin family. BTN1A1 is a QTL candidate gene having role in milk production and composition (fat) in dairy animals. The gene product BTN1A1 has function during secretion of milk fat and its expression is tissue specific in lactating mammary tissue. BTN1A1 constitutes more than 40% by weight of total protein associated with fat globule membrane of bovine milk. BTN1A1 is synthesized as a peptide of 526 amino acids with an amino-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence of 26 amino acids which is cleaved before secretion in association with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). Cholesterolemia-lowering factor, inhibitors of cancer cell growth, vitamin binders and inhibitor of various bacterial diseases are different health favorable components of MFGM. The gene frequency of polymorphism in BTN1A1 gene has been found to vary among dairy animals. In dairy animals, several studies revealed association of BTN1A1 gene with high milk yield, fat content and protein yield. These associations suggest gene polymorphisms that can be further utilized for selecting superior dairy animals. Keywords: bovine , butyrophilin, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), milk fat secretion Cite this Article Ratwan P, Kumar M, Vohra V. Significance of Butyrophilin Gene in Relation to Milk Constituents in Dairy Animals. Research & Reviews: Journal of Dairy Science and Technology . 2017; 6(1): 24–30p.