Molecular cloning and characterization of the alphaX subunit from CD11c/CD18 horse integrin.

This research focused on a detailed study of the horse alpha subunit of the integrin CD11c/CD18, fundamental to dendritic cells. It includes the extraction and mapping of the cDNA code that is 4582 base pairs long, associated with this specific integrin, and reveals the structural characteristics of the corresponding protein.

Cloning and Sequence Determination

• The main objective of the research was cloning, which involves producing identical copies of a gene, and revealing the sequence of the horse alpha subunit of the integrin CD11c/CD18.
• The researchers were successful in obtaining a cDNA copy encompassing 4582 base pairs. This sequence represents a blueprint for generating the horse alpha integrin subunit, which in turn contributes to producing the CD11c/CD18 integrin.

Structure of the Protein Encoded by the cDNA

• The integrin subunit’s structure corresponds to the specific base sequence provided by the cDNA. This protein subdivision is composed of 1086 amino acid residues that makeup the extracellular domain, a segment outside the cell.
• Additionally, researchers identified 10 potential glycosylation sites within the extracellular region. Glycosylation denotes the addition of a carbohydrate (sugar) to a protein, and it modulates many functionalities of proteins, like their folding and transportation.
• The protein further comprises a transmembrane domain, which traverses the cell membrane and consists of 32 residues, and a short cytoplasmic tail of 24 amino acid residues, located inside the cell.

Phylogenetic Analysis

• Phylogenetic analysis – the comparison of species based on their genes – was executed on the identified horse integrin subunit.
• Studies revealed close similarities (83%) between the horse integrin and that of Canis familiaris, more commonly known as the domestic dog. This high degree of resemblance suggests a comparable role and function for the protein across species.