Characterization, polymorphism and selection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) DAB genes in vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes).

ABSTRACT: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an excellent molecular marker for the studies of evolutionary ecology and conservation genetics because it is a family of highly polymorphic genes that play a key role in vertebrate immune response. In this study, the functional genes of MHC Class II B (DAB) were isolated for the first time in a vulnerable species, the Chinese egret (Egrettaeulophotes). Using a full length DNA and cDNA produced by PCR and RACE methods, four potential MHC DAB loci were characterized in the genome of this egret and all four were expressed in liver and blood. At least four copies of the MHC gene complex were similar to two copies of the minimal essential MHC complex of chicken, but are less complex than the multiple copies expressed in passerine species. In MHC po

SUBMITTER: Wang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3760844 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature