Abstract:

Abstract The T-cell leukemia homeobox protein (TLX) gene is essential in vertebrate brain development and cognition. Polymorphisms in TLX can influence productive traits in quail. This study analyzed TLX gene variation in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Blood samples were collected from 100 quails. The 544 bp of the TLX gene was amplified by PCR. The PCR-RFLP methods were used for genotyping. The PCR product was digested with PstI and three genotypes were obtained. AA (544 bp), AB (544, 402 and 142 bp) and BB (402 and 142 bp). Allele frequencies were 0.60 (A) and 0.40 (B). Genotype frequencies were 0.50 (AA), 0.19 (AB) and 0.31 (BB). The observed genotype proportions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These results demonstrate polymorphism in the TLX gene within this Japanese quail flock. The genetic variability can be utilized in future studies to uncover potential associations between TLX genotypes and phenotypic traits related to cognition, learning, and behavior in quail. This foundational data will inform selective breeding and genome editing strategies targeting the TLX gene.

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