Nucleotide sequence and expression of a cDNA encoding canine carbonic anhydrase VI (CA-VI)

A full-length cDNA clone of a canine carbonic anhydrase VI (CA-VI) was generated from the canine parotid gland by using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique with degenerate primers designed from conserved regions of the same locus in humans and bovines employing RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) techniques. The cDNA sequence was 1351 base pairs (bp) long and was predicted to encode a 320-amino-acid polypeptide containing a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of mature CA-VI showed the highest similarity of 74% to that of human CA-VI. RT-PCR analysis with primers specific to the canine CA-VI demonstrated strong signals in the major salivary glands and weak signals in the minor salivary glands and esophagus of a healthy dog. No CA-VI mRNA was detected in the pancreas, liver or the digestive tract except the esophagus.