DGAT1 Gene in Dairy Cattle: A Review

The interest in the bovine DGAT1 gene has increased during the last few years. DGAT1 gene, encodes a microsomal enzyme that by using diacylglycerol and fatty acyl CoA as substrates catalyzes the terminal and committed step of triacylglycerol biosynthesis. This step is the most important storage form of energy for eukaryotic cells. DGAT1 is also important for the physiological processes involving triacylglycerol metabolism such as intestinal fat absorption, lipoprotein assembly, adipose tissue formation and lactation. Lactation was impaired in female mice lacking both copies of DGAT. This observation leads to a suggestion that DGAT1 gene was the functional candidate gene for milk production traits. The frequency of polymorphism in DGAT1 gene has been found to be very high in dairy cattle. Some associated studies such as, milk yield, fat content, protein yield and content have been carried out in dairy cattle. These associations will provide insight in to the underlying mechanism of DGAT1 gene and polymorphisms that can be used for selection purposes in dairy cows.