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Cloning, monoclonal antibody production, and bodily distribution pattern of a bovine lipocalin

Tamar Japaridze1, Akitsugu Senda, Hirofumi Nozaki

  • 1Department of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.

Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
|April 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Bovine lipocalin (bcOBP) is secreted in milk and other bodily fluids, suggesting a role as a pheromone carrier in cattle. This protein, found in various farm animals, may facilitate communication through scent.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Animal Science
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • A bovine lipocalin, identified as a putative odorant-binding protein in bovine colostrum (bcOBP), was investigated.
  • Previous research suggested bcOBP's role in olfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clone and express bcOBP.
  • To develop a monoclonal antibody for bcOBP detection.
  • To investigate the distribution and potential function of bcOBP in bovines.

Main Methods:

  • Cloning and expression of bcOBP.
  • Development of a monoclonal antibody against bcOBP.
  • Quantification of bcOBP in various bovine bodily fluids using the antibody.
  • Sequence analysis for conserved motifs.

Main Results:

  • bcOBP was successfully cloned, expressed, and its monoclonal antibody established.
  • bcOBP was consistently secreted into milk postpartum (181±39 µg/L) and found in nasal mucus, saliva, amniotic fluid, vaginal discharge, and blood plasma.
  • bcOBP contains a conserved CxxxC motif, characteristic of pheromone-binding proteins.
  • Homologous proteins were detected in the colostrum of other Cetartiodactyla species.

Conclusions:

  • The distribution pattern and conserved motif suggest bcOBP functions as a pheromone carrier in bovines.
  • bcOBP is secreted into milk from blood, with concentrations varying by lactation stage.
  • The findings indicate a potential role for bcOBP in pheromonal communication within and between bovine individuals and related species.

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