Molecular characterization of complete coding DNA sequence of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) in corpus luteum of GOAT (Capra hircus)

Goats provide significant contribution to the human health, nutrition and income generation. The oocyte-derived, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) is important for fertility and fecundity in mammalian species. Species-specific different expression pattern of GDF-9 indicates its involvement in regulating follicular development and female reproduction in various mammalian species. The present study was undertaken to amplify the full length coding DNA sequence (CDS) of GDF-9 from corpus luteum of goat. Mid-luteal stage was collected for RNA isolation. Quality and quantity of RNA was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis and nanodrop spectrophotometer, respectively. cDNA was prepared from total RNA using commercially available kit and used subsequently. PCR amplification from cDNA using gene specific primers revealed full length product of size 1362 bp. Two exons and one intron comprise the GDF-9 gene structure. Several synonymous and non-synonymous mutations with other selected species were revealed in the GDF-9 CDS. In conclusion, GDF-9 full length cDNA sequence showed high homology with those of other species indicating conserved nature of GDF-9 in mammals.