LYST gene expression in Iraqi water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with Chediak-Higashi syndrome

Abstract

The present study sought to identify Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) in Iraqi water buffaloes and characterize the lysosomal trafficking regulator (LYST) gene associated with this syndrome. A total of 65 buffaloes consisting of 25 black buffaloes, 25 buffaloes with black-white patches, and 15 white buffaloes were included from Central and Southern regions of Iraq. The relative reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results demonstrated under-expression of LYST gene in line with CHS clinical and hematological profile. Both Iraqi white buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and black buffaloes LYST genes were added to the National Center for Biotechnology Information database (accession numbers MN148890.1 and MN614089.1, respectively). This study confirmed association of clinical and hematological profile of CHS in buffaloes with LYST gene expression. In addition, the RT-qPCR approach was found to be the most efficient and cost-effective approach for detection of CHS in buffaloes. This study further differentiated CHS from other genetic diseases with similar clinical profile (Albinism).