Vol. 12, Special Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Sylvia Lalhmingmawii, Zarzoliani and Dharamshaw CA

Abstract:
Copy number variation (CNV) is a term used to describe structural variations involving DNA segments varying from 50bp to several mega base pairs due to loss by deletion or gain by duplication and insertional translocation. It has been demonstrated as a crucial substrate for diversity, evolution, adaptation and breed development. It is an important source of genetic variation in an individual and is now being utilized more than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as it covers more genomic region. Several mechanisms such as non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR), non-homologous end- joining (NEJH), fork stalling and template switching (FosTes) and L-1 mediated retro transposition are involved in its genesis. In livestock animals, numerous researches had been done to evaluate the impact of CNV and its implication. A wide range of variation in copy number in both intra and inter population for different species had been reported occupying nearly 10% of the genome. Moreover, CNV was also determined to involve in the adaptation of animals to different climatic conditions. Overall, copy number variation is a phenomenon capable of influencing the genome structure and deciphering them is a must to not miss the forest for the trees.