Sequence analysis of 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes in Iranian Afshari sheep

Phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation in Iranian Afshari sheep breed were analyzed using 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene sequences. The genomic DNA was isolated by salting out method and amplified 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes using PCR method. PCR amplification of 12S and 16S rRNA generated PCR amplicons at 859 and 1053 bp lengths, respectively. Sequence analysis was performed using BioEdit software. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA software. Phylogenetic analysis of haplotype in the combination with the sheep from GenBank showed that Iranian Afshari sheep made a close to the Australian sheep cluster. This study was found informative for establishing relationships between breeds from different parts of the world. This study may facilitate the future researchers and breeders for better understanding the genetic interactions and breed differentiation for devising future breeding and conservation strategies to preserve the rich animal genetic reservoir of the country.