Mapping PRNP Polymorphisms in Portuguese Serra da Estrela Ovine Populations: Insights into Scrapie Susceptibility and Farm Animal Improvement

Scrapie (classical and atypical) susceptibility in sheep is strongly influenced by <i>PRNP</i> gene polymorphisms. In Portugal, limited data exist for native breeds such as Serra da Estrela, despite their relevance to animal conservation and food production. The full coding region of <i>PRNP</i> gene of 92 Serra da Estrela sheep was sequenced and SNP frequencies were analysed. The predicted functional impact of nonsynonymous SNPs was assessed using PolyPhen-2 and AMYCO. A total of 27 SNPs were identified, including 20 nonsynonymous variants. Thirteen major haplotypes were observed. The ARR allele, which provides resistance to classical scrapie, was present in 58.7% of the population, with 18.5% of animals being homozygous. Several previously unreported SNPs were identified, and their impact on prion protein aggregation propensity and structure was explored. The high frequency of the ARR allele without full ARR fixation suggests that no selective breeding for scrapie resistance has been applied. These results support the adoption of gradual selection strategies that preserve genetic variability and promote farmer compliance, while increasing classical and atypical scrapie resistance.