Copy number variation in livestock: A mini review

• Published in: Veterinary World Vol. 11; no. 4; pp. 535 - 541
• Main Authors: Bhanuprakash, V, Chhotaray, Supriya, Pruthviraj, D R, Rawat, Chandrakanta, Karthikeyan, A, Panigrahi, Manjit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Veterinary World 01-04-2018
• Subjects: Base pairs; Biochemistry; Biological evolution; Cattle; Chromosomes; Copy number; copy number variation; copy number variation regions; Domestication; Environmental conditions; Environmental quality; Gene deletion; Gene expression; Genes; Genetic aspects; Genetic diversity; Genetic polymorphisms; Genomes; Genomics; Genotyping; Ionizing radiation; Livestock; Livestock industry; Quantitative genetics; Quantitative trait loci; Review; Sequences; Single nucleotide polymorphisms; Single-nucleotide polymorphism; copy number variation regions; copy number variation; quantitative trait loci; single nucleotide polymorphisms; livestock
• ISSN: 0972-8988; 2231-0916
• DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.535-541

Copy number variation (CNV) is a phenomenon in which sections of the genome, ranging from one kilo base pair (Kb) to several million base pairs (Mb), are repeated and the number of repeats vary between the individuals in a population. It is an important source of genetic variation in an individual which is now being utilized rather than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as it covers the more genomic region. CNVs alter the gene expression and change the phenotype of an individual due to deletion and duplication of genes in the copy number variation regions (CNVRs). Earlier, researchers extensively utilized SNPs as the main source of genetic variation. But now, the focus is on identification of CNVs associated with complex traits. With the recent advances and reduction in the cost of sequencing, arrays are developed for genotyping which cover the maximum number of SNPs at a time that can be used for detection of CNVRs and underlying quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the complex traits to accelerate genetic improvement. CNV studies are also being carried out to understand the evolutionary mechanism in the domestication of livestock and their adaptation to the different environmental conditions. The main aim of the study is to review the available data on CNV and its role in genetic variation among the livestock.