Nucleotide sequence of a cDNA for canine beta-spectrin reveals high evolutionary conservation

A cDNA coding for the carboxy-terminus of canine beta-spectrin was isolated from a canine tracheal cDNA library. Analysis of the 3267 nucleotide sequence revealed a single open reading frame coding for 707 amino acids. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence to that of the recently reported general isoform of human beta-spectrin (beta G) revealed 98% identity. This high degree of conservation of the general isoform of beta-spectrin illustrates a strong evolutionary selection and should help in identification of sites that are candidates to mediate specialized functions of this general isoform. This is the first report of a cDNA encoding canine beta-spectrin.