Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the cDNA encoding beta-lactoglobulin in Bubalus bubalis

The cDNA for bubaline beta-lactoglobulin (beta lg) has been cloned through RT-PCR approach and sequenced. Sequence data showed a single open reading frame coding for a protein of 180 amino acids with a signal sequence of 18 amino acid residues. Comparison with other ruminant beta lg sequences revealed a high homology indicating the protein to be conserved through evolution. The degree of homology, at amino acid level, is 96.1%, 95.6%, 93.9% and 63.7% with goat, sheep, cow and pig, respectively.