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Background  The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I family of genes encode for molecules that have well-conserved structures, but have evolved to perform diverse functions. The availability of the gray, short-tailed opossum,  Monodelphis domestica  whole genome sequence has allowed for analysis of MHC class I gene content in this marsupial. Utilization of a novel method to search for MHC related domain structures revealed a previously unknown family of MHC class I-related genes. These genes, named  UT1-17 , are clustered on chromosome 1 in the opossum, unlinked to the MHC region.  UT  genes are only found in marsupial and monotreme genomes, consistent with being ancient in mammals yet lost in eutherian mammals. This study investigates the expression and polymorphism of the  UT  loci in the opossum to gain insight into their possible function.    Results  Of the 17 opossum  UT  genes, most have restricted tissue transcription patterns, with the thymus and skin being the most common sites. Full-length structure of 11 UT transcripts revealed genes varying between five and eight exons, typical for class I family members. There were only two alternative splice variants found. The  UT  genes also have limited polymorphism and little evidence of positive selection. One locus,  UT8,  was chosen for further analysis due to its conservation amongst marsupials and generic characteristics.  UT8  transcription is limited to developing αβ thymocytes, and is absent from mature αβ T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues.    Conclusion  The overall characteristics and features of  UT  genes including low polymorphism and restricted tissue expression make it likely that the molecules encoded by  UT  genes perform roles other than antigenic peptide presentation.    Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12865-016-0181-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The UT family of MHC class I loci unique to non-eutherian mammals has limited polymorphism and tissue specific patterns of expression in the opossum