Molecular cloning and expression analysis of feline α1-microglobulin

Full-length cDNA that encodes feline α₁-microglobulin (Feα₁m)-bikunin was obtained from a feline liver and cloned using an oligo-capping method. The Feα₁m-bikunin cDNA was found to contain 1284 nucleotides, and Feα₁m was found to include an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 201 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of Feα₁m showed varying amino acid identity when compared with the published sequences of the related α₁-m of other species, ranging from 71.1 to 82.1%. Feα₁m mRNA expression was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR analysis in the cerebrum, cerebellum, lung, heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, and testicle. The highest Feα₁m mRNA level was found in the liver.