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Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of putative chicken prolactin cDNA
M C Hanks1, J A Alonzi, P J Sharp
1AFRC Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research, Roslin, Midlothian.
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers identified a chicken prolactin cDNA clone, PRL101, from bantam hen pituitary glands. This clone encodes a protein highly homologous to mammalian prolactins, confirming its role in chicken prolactin production.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Avian Genetics
Background:
- Prolactin is a crucial hormone in avian reproduction and development.
- Anterior pituitary glands are the primary site of prolactin synthesis.
- Understanding avian prolactin provides insights into hormonal regulation in birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a chicken prolactin cDNA clone.
- To confirm the identity of the clone through sequence homology and gene analysis.
- To investigate the presence and copy number of the prolactin gene in the chicken genome.
Main Methods:
- cDNA library construction from anterior pituitary mRNA.
- DNA sequencing of isolated cDNA clones.
- Sequence homology analysis with known prolactin and growth hormone sequences.
- Southern blot analysis of chicken genomic DNA.
Main Results:
- Identified and sequenced an 871 bp cDNA clone, PRL101, encoding a putative chicken preprolactin.
- PRL101 showed approximately 70% homology to mammalian prolactins and 26% to chicken growth hormone.
- Detected an abundant mRNA of approximately 880 b in pituitary poly(A)+ RNA.
- Determined there is a single copy of the prolactin gene in the chicken genome.
Conclusions:
- PRL101 represents a chicken prolactin cDNA clone.
- The identified clone provides a tool for studying prolactin gene expression and regulation in chickens.
- The prolactin gene is conserved across related avian species.