From sheep genes to human genes - Science Update - Brief Article

Agricultural Research, June, 2003 by Bradley A. Freking

A mutated sheep gene co-discovered with scientists at Duke University may provide clues to the roles of certain genes in human health. Named "callipyge, "the gene was found in a flock of Oklahoma sheep in the early 1980s. Its expression gave the animals large muscling in their loins and legs. The feature was the result of expression of a normal copy of a specific gene from the mother and a mutated copy of the same gene from the father--an inheritance pattern known as paternal polar overdominance. This was its first known occurrence in a mammalian species.

This research shows the value of obtaining genomic sequences of more agricultural species to align with the human genome in the search for novel genes. Alignment of genomic sequences from several species could help identify important genetic regions not previously recognized in the human genome. This is especially true for regions containing mutations in livestock that have a major impact on the animal, such as the callipyge sheep gene. Bradley A. Freking, USDA-ARS Genetics and Breeding Research Laboratory, Clay Center Nebraska; phone (402) 762-4278, e-mail freking@email.marc.usda.gov.