Comparative genomic characterization and screening of regulatory regions of casein gene family in Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis

Both cattle and buffalo are rich genetic resource, raised for dairy, meat and draft purposes and possess great economic significance globally. Genomic characterization is imperative to explore inherent potential of animal species for targeted improvement in performance traits. This study aimed to perform comparative genomic characterization and sequence analysis of casein genes family (CSN1S1, CSN1S2, CSN2 and CSN3) in Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis. Phylogenetic, motif, conserved domain and gene structure analyses discovered evolutionarily conserved nature of these genes in cattle and buffalo. Results indicated that casein proteins were thermostable and hydrophilic, although αs1, β, and κ caseins showed acidic behavior except for αs2-casein that was somewhat basic. The present study revealed lower distribution of transcription binding (TFB) sites particularly CAP, GATA, HSF2 and LMO2COM in Bubalus bubalis as compared to Bos taurus which might have potential effects on the transcription and translational efficiencies of casein genes in Bos taurus. However, functional studies are required to evaluate the effects of these TFB sites on regulation of casein genes expression in Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis.