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Complete coding sequence of rainbow trout Mhc II beta chain
1Danish Biotechnology Center for Livestock and Fish Production, Statens Seruminstitut, Copenhagen.
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) possess a single major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) class II B gene. This gene shows conserved regions despite low sequence identity to other vertebrates, suggesting limited polymorphism.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Comparative Genomics
- Aquatic Animal Health
Background:
- The major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) plays a crucial role in adaptive immunity across vertebrates.
- Understanding Mhc diversity in fish is vital for aquaculture and conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Mhc class II B gene.
- To investigate the sequence, structure, and polymorphism of this critical immune gene in a key aquaculture species.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and sequencing of multiple cDNA clones encoding the rainbow trout Mhc class II B gene.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence, including comparisons with other vertebrate species.
Main Results:
- A single Mhc class II B gene is transcribed in rainbow trout, encoding a 247 amino acid polypeptide.
- While sequence identity to mammalian, avian, and amphibian class II beta chains is low (~30%), conserved residues are present in the peptide-binding and Ig-like domains.
- Polymorphism is concentrated in the beta 1 domain, particularly the amino-terminal region, consistent with limited gene polymorphism.
Conclusions:
- Rainbow trout exhibit a single expressed Mhc class II B gene with conserved structural features despite evolutionary divergence.
- The observed pattern of limited polymorphism in the Mhc class II B gene has implications for immune response variability and disease resistance in rainbow trout populations.