GENETIC ANALYSIS OF TYROSINASE GENE AMONG DROMEDARY CAMELS

The Arabian camel, specifically the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), has garnered considerable economic interest owing to its remarkable adaptation to desert climates, its valuable byproducts, engagement in racing, and participation in beauty contests. Various phenotypes exhibit distinct economic traits with the tyrosinase gene playing a pivotal role in determining camel coat colors. This study delves into a comprehensive analysis of the complete sequencing of the tyrosinase gene across 16 diverse dromedary camel phenotypes. These phenotypes encompass a spectrum of eumelanin and pheomelanin coat colors, including white (4), black (3), and dark brown (4) diluted including creamy, light brown, and fawn (5). Through sequencing analyses, this study uncovered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and deletions within the tyrosinase gene. Notably, white phenotypes exhibited a higher frequency of A↔G (109) nucleotide substitutions, while C↔T (312) mutations were more prevalent across all observed phenotypes. These findings draw valuable insights when higher sample size is analyzed derive the genetic variations associated with coat colors in dromedary camels, shedding light on potential implications for selective breeding programs and furthering our understanding of the intricate genetic mechanisms governing these economically significant traits. Keywords: Dromedary Camel, Tyrosinase Gene, Coat Color, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), Traits.