Comparative characteristics of DNA polymorphism for major histocompatibility complex loci DQB and DRB in representatives of the Bovidae family

: Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction analysis, the polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex (MHC, BoLA) class II DRB and DQB genes was studied in Belovezh, Caucasian-Belovezh, and mountain European bisons, European bison-bison hybrids, and bisons, as well as in some cattle breeds. An analysis of fragments of the second exon of DRB gene and the regulatory region of DQB gene in the samples studied revealed a number of polymorphic genotypic variants in representatives of cattle. European bisons have a narrower spectrum of polymorphic variants, and some variants unique for this population are described. A comparative genetic analysis of the groups mentioned above, with respect to the polymorphism of histocompatibility (DQB, DRB) and kappa-casein genes, revealed the similarity of Belovezh and Caucasian-Belovezh European bison lines. Measures are proposed to protect and support the genetic diversity of European bisons.