Analysis of polymorphism of MHC class II BuLA DRB3 exon 2 gene in North West Iranian populations of the Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) through PCR-SSCP

The DRB3 gene is a highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II gene and plays an important role in variability of immune responsiveness and disease resistance. In the present study, the MHC class II DRB3 gene in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) populations from Northwest regions of Iran was investigated through PCR-SSCP. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples collected from 50 buffaloes. A 284 bp segment of exon 2 of BuLa-DRB3 was amplified by standard PCR, using locus-specific primers. The PCR products were subjected to a non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. A number of 11 different SSCP patterns indicating allelic variation were identified. The three most frequent patterns 1, 4 and 10 accounted for 58% of the total patterns. Results indicated that exon 2 of the BuLA-DRB3 gene is highly polymorphic among the examined animals.