MHC promoter polymorphism in grey wolves and domestic dogs.

• A functional immune system requires a tight control over major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene transcription, as the abnormal MHC expression patterns of severe immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases demonstrate. Although the regulation of MHC expression has been well documented in humans and mice, little is known in other species. In this study, we detail the level of polymorphism in wolf and dog MHC gene promoters. The promoter regions of the DRB, DQA and DQB locus were sequenced in 90 wolves and 90 dogs. The level of polymorphism was high in the DQB promoters, with variation found within functionally relevant regions, including binding sites for transcription factors. Clear associations between DQB promoters and exon 2 alleles were noted in wolves, indicating strong linkage disequilibrium in this region. Low levels of polymorphism were found within the DRB and DQA promoter regions. However, a variable site was identified within the T box, a TNF-alpha response element, of the DQA promoter. Furthermore, we identified a previously unrecognised 18-base-pair deletion within exon 1 of the DQB locus.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Genetik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Genetics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Alleles

Animals

Base Sequence

Comparative Study

DNA/genetics

Dogs/*genetics/*immunology

Exons

Linkage Disequilibrium

Major Histocompatibility Complex

Molecular Sequence Data

Polymorphism; Genetic

Promoter Regions (Genetics)

Research Support; Non-U.S. Gov't

Sequence Deletion

Sequence Homology; Nucleic Acid

Species Specificity

Variation (Genetics)

Wolves/*genetics/*immunology

Genetics

Genetik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)