EFFECTS OF MUTATIONS IN FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE RECEPTOR (FSHR) GENE IN SELECTED POULTRY SPECIES USING IN-SILICO METHODS

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of mutations in the Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) gene in some selected poultry species, specifically chickens (Gallus gallus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), and geese (Anser cygnoides), utilizing in-silico methods. The FSHR gene sequences were retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), revealing varying base pair lengths: 3,516 in chickens, 3,508 in ducks, and 2,652 in geese. An analysis of evolutionary divergence demonstrated varying degrees of genetic distance, with ducks and geese exhibiting the closest genetic similarity (0.038), while chickens and geese displayed the greatest divergence (0.958). In-silico characterization of the FSHR gene identified 27 genetic variants, with Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant (SIFT) scores assessing the potential impact of these mutations. Among these, 13 variants were predicted to be deleterious, likely affecting the gene's function significantly and 14 were beneficial. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic variability and possible adaptive differences in FSHR gene function among poultry species. In conclusion, the study highlights significant genetic divergence in the FSHR gene among chickens, ducks, and geese, with the closest evolutionary relationship observed between ducks and geese. Exploring the potential of using FSHR gene variants as markers in selective breeding programs to improve reproductive efficiency and overall poultry production is recommended.