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Comparison of the gene encoding, and the predicted amino acid composition of, platelet membrane receptor subunit glycoprotein Ibα in members of the family Felidae
Author(s) -
Boudreaux Mary K.,
Christopherson Pete W.,
Blair Cori
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
veterinary clinical pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.537
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1939-165X
pISSN - 0275-6382
DOI - 10.1111/vcp.12312
Subject(s) - protein subunit , gene , glycoprotein , platelet membrane glycoprotein , receptor , platelet , biology , composition (language) , amino acid , membrane glycoproteins , biochemistry , genetics , immunology , linguistics , philosophy
Background There is minimal information regarding platelet receptors in the family Felidae. Comparative studies assist with identifying amino acids critical for protein structure and function. Objective The purpose of the study was to compare the gene encoding, and the predicted amino acid composition of, platelet membrane receptor subunit GPI bα in Felidae family members. Methods Genomic DNA samples isolated from whole blood of 13 domestic cats and 50 big cats representing 8 different species were subjected to PCR using primers designed to flank the coding region of GPI bα in overlapping fashion. PCR products were separated via electrophoresis on agarose gels, and extracted products were submitted for sequencing. DNA sequences were used to predict the length and amino acid composition of the protein. Results Varying protein lengths were predicted in Felidae family members which were primarily due to polymorphisms in the variable number of tandem repeats region encoding the macroglycopeptide region of GPI bα. Other areas of the gene and predicted amino acid compositions were fairly conserved when compared to human sequences and between Felidae family members. Conclusion Various polymorphisms within GPI bα, including length variants encoding the macroglycopeptide region, were identified in members of the family Felidae. More studies are needed to determine if a correlation exists between various polymorphisms and predisposition for hemorrhage or thrombosis as suggested in people.