Molecular cloning, sequencing, and expression of equine interleukin-6

Equine interleukin-6 (IL-6) cDNA was amplified from mitogen-stimulated equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using consensus sequence primers. The 727bp amplified cDNA contains the entire coding region for equine IL-6 and includes 118 bases in the 3' non-translated region. The coding sequence translates to a protein of 208 amino acids with a predicted 28 amino acid leader sequence. The mature protein of 180 amino acids has a predicted molecular mass of 20471Da without post-translational modifications. The amino acid sequence of equine IL-6 displays between 46 and 84% similarity to other mammalian IL-6 sequences. Expression of equine IL-6 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells yielded a supernatant that supported the proliferation of B9 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of B9 cells with an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody ablated the response to the recombinant equine IL-6.     

Prevention of immune responses to human erythropoietin in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Genes and proteins of human origin are often administered to monkeys for research purposes, however, it can be difficult to obtain sufficient levels of the products in vivo due to immunological clearance. In this study, we showed that human erythropoietin (hEPO) induces generation of anti-hEPO antibody in cynomolgus macaques (n=2), although 92% of amino acid residues are common between the human and macaque EPO. The administered hEPO was thus eliminated from the animals. On the other hand, when an immunosuppressant, cyclosporin A (CyA), was administered (6 mg/kg) intramuscularly every other day in combination with hEPO (n=2), no anti-hEPO antibody was generated and high serum levels of hEPO were obtained during administration of hEPO, resulting in an increase in serum hemoglobin levels. No adverse effects associated with CyA were observed. Thus, CyA treatment is useful for prevention of immune responses associated with the administration of human proteins in monkeys.     

Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the equine and elk pituitary pre-prolactin cDNA

We report the equine (Equs equs) and elk (Cervus elaphus) pituitary pre-prolactin (PRL) cDNA cloning, and their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences. Pre-PRL cDNA was obtained by RNA ligation mediated-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RLM-RACE) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The elk pre-PRL cDNA exhibits two polymorphisms at positions 96 and 672, which are silent since they encode for the same amino acids, proline and isoleucine, respectively. We found no polymorphisms in the equine pre-PRL cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequence of the equine pre-PRL is 99% identical to the previously reported protein sequence. Pre-PRL mRNA is <1 kb in length and is highly expressed in the anterior pituitary gland, as demonstrated by Northern hybridization analysis. In summary, we cloned and sequenced the equine and elk pre-PRL cDNAs. The deduced amino acid sequence of elk and equine pre-PRL appears to be moderately conserved among other mammalian species. The polymorphic sites found in the elk cDNA could potentially be used in parentage testing and gene mapping.     

Molecular characterization and functional expression of equine interleukin-1 type I and type II receptor cDNAs

cDNA generated from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells was used to amplify and clone type I and type II equine interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1RI and IL-1RII) using primers derived from semi-conserved regions between human and mouse IL-1RI and IL-1RII sequences, respectively. 5' and 3' terminal sequences of equine IL-1RI and IL-1RII were amplified by 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The deduced amino acid sequence of equine IL-1RI demonstrated 77, 64 and 63% similarity with human, mouse and rat sequences, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequence of equine IL-1RII demonstrated 70, 60 and 58% similarity with human, mouse and rat sequences, respectively. Recombinant equine soluble IL-1RI and IL-1RII produced in insect cells bound recombinant equine IL-1alpha and IL-1beta. Furthermore, both receptors suppressed the growth inhibitory activities of equine IL-1alpha and IL-1beta toward A375 cells in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that the present equine IL-1RI and IL-1RII cDNA encodes biologically active proteins.     

Cloning and sequence analysis of the complementary DNA for feline preproparathyroid hormone

OBJECTIVES: To clone and sequence the cDNA for feline preproparathyroid hormone (preproPTH) and to compare that sequence with other known parathyroid hormone (PTH) sequences. SAMPLE POPULATION: Parathyroid glands from 1 healthy cat. PROCEDURES: A cDNA library was constructed in lambda phage from feline parathyroid gland mRNA and screened with a radiolabeled canine PTH probe. Positive clones were sequenced, and nucleic acid and deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed and compared with known preproPTH and PTH sequences. RESULTS: Screening of approximately 2 X 10(5) recombinant plaques revealed 3 that hybridized with the canine PTH probe; 2 clones comprised the complete sequence for feline preproPTH. Feline preproPTH cDNA consisted of a 63-base pair (bp) 5'-untranslated region (UTR), a 348-bp coding region, and a 326-bp 3'-UTR. The coding region encoded a 115-amino acid peptide. Mature feline PTH consisted of 84 amino acids. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that feline PTH was > 83% identical to canine, bovine, swine, equine, human, and macaque PTH and 69, 71, and 44% identical to mouse, rat, and chicken PTH, respectively. Within the region responsible for hormonal activity (amino acids 1 to 34), feline PTH was > 79% identical to other mammalian PTH sequences and 64% identical to the chicken sequence. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The amino acid sequence of PTH is conserved among mammalian species. Knowledge of the cDNA sequence for feline PTH may be useful to investigate disturbances of calcium metabolism and alterations in PTH expression in cats.     

Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of equine retinal and pineal gland phosducin

OBJECTIVES: To determine the full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence of equine retinal and pineal gland phosducin (PHD) and to clone these sequences. SAMPLE POPULATION: Samples of equine retinal RNA. PROCEDURE: A primer set was designed for use in identifying a fragment of the equine PHD nucleotide sequence, derived from retinal RNA samples, and subsequently for use to deduce specific primers for additional examination. The full-length cDNA was determined by the method of rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). For full-length cDNA, newly designed primers were used. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed by use of computer software. The deduced amino acid sequence was compared with sequences of PHD reported for other species. In addition, the sequence of equine pineal PHD was cloned. RESULTS: The cDNA nucleotide sequence for equine PHD was 1,209 base pairs (bp) in length with an open-reading frame encoding a protein of 245 amino acids and a calculated molecular mass of 28.214 kd. Similarity with amino acid sequences of PHD from other species was 89 to 93%. Sequences of equine PHD from retina and pineal gland were identical. Equine PHD contained a peptide sequence with 100% homology to an uveitopathogenic peptide reported for rat PHD. CONCLUSIONS: Equine PHD is a highly conserved protein that has homology of immunologic interest with rat PHD. These results establish a basis for studying the role of PHD in ocular inflammation of horses.     

Use of an antineoepitope antibody for identification of type-II collagen degradation in equine articular cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an antibody that specifically recognizes collagenase-cleaved type-II collagen in equine articular cartilage. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cartilage specimens from horses euthanatized for problems unrelated to the musculoskeletal system. PROCEDURE: A peptide was synthesized representing the carboxy- (C-) terminus (neoepitope) of the equine type-II collagen fragment created by mammalian collagenases. This peptide was used to produce a polyclonal antibody, characterized by western analysis for reactivity to native and collagenase-cleaved equine collagens. The antibody was evaluated as an antineoepitope antibody by ELISA, using peptides +/- an amino acid at the C-terminus of the immunizing peptide. Collagen cleavage was assayed from equine articular cartilage cultured with interleukin-1 (IL-1), +/- a synthetic MMP inhibitor, BAY 12-9566. Cartilage specimens from osteoarthritic and nonarthritic joints were compared for antibody staining. RESULTS: An antibody, 234CEQ, recognized only collagenase-generated 3/4-length fragments of equine type-II collagen. This was a true antineoepitope antibody, as altering the C-terminus of the immunizing peptide significantly decreased competition for binding in an inhibition ELISA. The IL-1-induced release of type-II collagen fragments from articular cartilage was prevented with the MMP inhibitor. Cartilage from an osteoarthritic joint of a horse had increased staining with the 234CEQ antibody, compared with normal articular cartilage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We generated an antineoepitope antibody recognizing collagenase-cleaved type-II collagen of horses. This antibody detects increases in type-II collagen cleavage in diseased equine articular cartilage. The 234CEQ antibody has the potential to aid in the early diagnosis of arthritis and to monitor treatment responses.     

Molecular cloning of cDNA for equine follistatin and its gene expression in the reproductive tissues of the mare.

A cDNA clone encoding equine follistatin was isolated from an equine ovarian cDNA library. Out of 1.2 x 10(5) independent clones screened, one positive clone was isolated and its cDNA sequence determined. The isolated clone, named EQ-FS-1, contained a complete open reading frame encoding 344 amino acid residues. The similarity of its deduced amino acid sequence to these of other mammalian species was greater than 95%. Although its expression level varied among the tissues examined, follistatin mRNA was detected in the equine uteroplacental tissues, follicles and corpora lutea by Northern blot analysis. In situ hybridization revealed that the expression of follistatin mRNA in the equine follicle was restricted exclusively to granulosa cells. When the expression pattern of follistatin mRNA in the equine uteroplacental tissues from mid- to late-pregnancy was examined, it was shown that its expression level tended to decrease after mid-pregnancy. These results suggest that follistatin acts in the reproductive tissues of the mare in maintaining pregnancy.     

Molecular cloning and expression of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) interleukin-8

The bottlenose dolphin interleukin (IL)-8 cDNA was molecularly cloned. The dolphin IL-8 has an open reading frame of 303-bp encoding 101 amino acids. The homology of the amino acid sequence with that of other species was: sheep, 89.1%; cattle, 88.1%; pig, 85.1%; dog, 85.1%; horse, 79.2%; human, 74.5%; and macaque, 72.3%. The amino acid sequence suggested that dolphin IL-8 was a CXC chemokine. The recombinant dolphin IL-8 protein was recognized with anti-ovine IL-8 monoclonal antibody.     

Nucleotide sequence and restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the equine Cvarepsilon gene

IgE is the dominant immunoglobulin isotype involved in type I hypersensitivities in mammals. The heavy chain constant region domains of equine IgE are encoded by a single gene, the Cvarepsilon gene. By restriction analysis of cDNA from 15 unrelated horses, we have now identified two Cvarepsilon alleles, characterised by a Sma I restriction fragment length polymorphism, which we designated Cvarepsilon(a) and Cvarepsilon(b). Sequence analysis of both, Cvarepsilon(a) and Cvarepsilon(b) cDNA, showed in addition two single base exchanges resulting in two amino acid substitutions. Both sequences have only 95.9% homology of the coding region sequence with the published equine Cvarepsilon sequence, which could represent a third haplotype. Polymorphism of the IgE heavy chain constant region gene, as described here, might well impose genetic variability on the effector functions of equine IgE predisposition to allergic diseases in horses.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of equine NK-lysin

NK-lysin is an antimicrobial peptide of cytotoxic and NK lymphocytes that has powerful antibacterial properties as well as antitumoral activity. Here we report the full-length cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence for equine NK-lysin. Equine NK-lysin is 67% identical to porcine NK-lysin, 53% identical to bovine NK-lysin and 41% identical to granulysin in amino acid sequence. Complete conservation of cysteine residues between equine, bovine and porcine NK-lysin suggests similar disulfide bonding patterns among these peptides. Equine NK-lysin has the most positive surface charge when compared with other homologues. Similar to expression profiles in other species, equine NK-lysin is constitutively transcribed in various lymphocytes that include CD4+ and CD8+ staining cells. These findings suggest that equine NK-lysin, similar in cDNA sequence to the porcine, bovine and human homologues may play a role in antimicrobial defense.     

Cloning and tissue expression of the equine transferrin receptor

Background: Characterization of anemia in horses presents a challenge, as they do not release reticulocytes into peripheral blood. Transferrin receptor (TfR) expression is highest on erythroid cells in people and rats, and measurement of a soluble serum form (sTfR) is used to quantify erythropoiesis in these species. We hypothesized that equine TfR (eTfR) expression is similar in quantity and distribution to that in these other species and thus has potential for characterization of the regenerative response in anemic horses. Objective: This study was conducted to clone and sequence the eTfR gene and measure expression levels using quantitative real‐time PCR and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Methods: Total RNA from equine bone marrow was used to produce cDNA. The eTfR gene was amplified using pooled gene‐specific primers, and PCR products were sequenced. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends was used to obtain the first 22 nucleotides of the coding sequence. Quantitative PCR was performed using eTfR gene‐specific primers, and IHC staining was used to localize TfR protein expression. Results: The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence (767 aa) of the eTfR was 75–83% identical with sequences of the receptor in several other mammals. As in people and rats, eTfR mRNA expression was highest in the bone marrow, and distribution in other tissues was also similar. Conclusion: The eTfR gene is similar to that of other mammals in structure and expression levels. We hypothesize that it is also similar in function and that, following development of an immunoassay, determining sTfR concentrations will be useful for identifying the regenerative response in anemic horses.     

Molecular cloning of equine chromogranin A and its expression in endocrine and exocrine tissues

Chromogranin A (CGA) is a member of a family of highly acidic proteins co-stored and co-released with catecholamines in the adrenal medullary cells as well as in other neurons and paraneurons. The nucleotide sequence encoding equine CGA was determined using RT-PCR and rapid amplification of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends (RACE) techniques. A total 1,828 bp of the nucleotide sequence reveals that equine CGA is a 448-residue protein preceded by an 18-residue signal peptide. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of equine CGA with those of human, porcine, bovine, mouse, rat and frog CGA showed high conservation at the NH2-terminal 1-77 amino acids regions (94.8%, 93.5%, 92.2%, 81.8%, 83.1% and 66.2%, respectively) and COOH-terminal 314-430 amino acids regions (90.6%, 81.4%, 90.6%, 80.5%, 83.3% and 39.0%, respectively), as well as a potential dibasic cleavage site, whereas the middle portion showed marked sequence variation (52.5%, 49.1%, 38.9%, 26.6%, 27.9% and 6.2%, respectively). Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR elucidated the tissue distribution of equine CGA mRNA. Its expression was confirmed not only in the adrenal medullary cells but also in other organs (cerebrum, cerebellum, pituitary gland, spinal cord, liver, thyroid gland, striated muscle, lung, spleen, kidney, parotid gland and sublingual gland). Further, in adrenal chromaffin cells and pituitary cells of the anterior-intermediate lobe, the expression was confirmed by in situ hybridization with anti-sense CGA cRNA probe.     

猪ADAR2基因全长cDNA克隆、序列特征及表达模式分析

旨在克隆猪作用于RNA的腺苷脱氨酶2基因(ADAR2)全长cDNA序列,同时对该基因在猪不同组织中的表达规律进行探索.利用RACE(rapid-amplification of cDNA ends)对大白猪ADAR2基因mRNA全长序列进行克隆,并进行生物信息学分析;用荧光定量PCR方法检测35日龄大白猪心、肝、肺、肾...     

军曹鱼MHC-Ⅱα基因全长cDNA的克隆及其组织表达分析

本研究根据其他鱼类MHC-Ⅱα基因的保守序列设计兼并引物,运用同源克隆和末端快速扩增方法扩增了军曹鱼MHC-Ⅱα基因的全长cDNA序列,并对cDNA及其氨基酸序列进行了分析,比较了军曹鱼和其他物种的MHC-Ⅱα氨基酸序列的差异,分析了军曹鱼MHC-Ⅱα基因的组织分布及经LPS刺激后头肾组织中MHC-Ⅱα基因的表达变化。结果表明,军曹鱼MHC-Ⅱα cDNA全长998 bp,包括53 bp的5′末端非编码区（5′UTR）、234 bp的3′末端非编码区（3′UTR）及711 bp的开放阅读框（ORF）,编码236个氮基酸,其蛋白质分子质量约为25.94 ku,等电点为4.39;军曹鱼MHC-Ⅱα蛋白质序列具有一些重要的特征,包括前导肽、α1、α2、CP/TM/CYT区和保守的半胱氨酸等;军曹鱼MHC-Ⅱα与鼠、人及其它鱼类的氨基酸同源性在25.0%～69.5%之间。Real-time PCR检测结果显示,MHC-Ⅱα基因在正常军曹鱼组织中均有表达,但其表达量在各种组织中存在差异,其中较强表达于头肾、鳃,中等程度表达于脾脏、肠,在心脏、脑、肌肉中表达较弱;经LPS刺激后,头肾中MHC-Ⅱα基因表达下调。