| Abstract: | A highly homologous sequence to AIF gene in Alpaca was obtained through selecting from established cDNA library of Alpaca skin and ESTs analysis. After verification by sequence analysis, the new gene was designated as AIF, and submitted to Genbank. In similarity comparison with AIFgene sequence of norway rat, mouse, and human being, the similarities were 100%, 91%, and 71.6%, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was applied for further investigating the expression and location of this gene in Alpaca skin. Results showed that positive expressions of AIF were found in hair root, root sheath, hair bulb, and dermal papilla, with higher expression in brown skin than grey skin. Our findings indicated that the gene could be related to the establishment of Alpaca coat color and hair growth. |
