Nucleotide sequence of complementary DNA encoding for quaking protein of cow, horse and pig.

The research article discusses the study where identical nucleotide sequences of the quaking gene were found in the cow (Bqk), horse (Eqk), and pig (Pqk), similar to those in the mouse (qkI). This suggests a high level of conservation in the quaking gene family throughout mammalian evolution and the likelihood of this gene’s significant biological function in these organisms.

Complementary DNA Sequencing of Quaking Gene

• The research aimed to study the quaking gene in different mammalian species – cows, horses, and pigs.
• The researchers isolated the Complementary DNA (cDNA) for bovine quaking gene (Bqk), equine quaking gene (Eqk), and porcine quaking gene (Pqk), which are homologous to the mouse quaking gene (qkI).
• Then, the nucleotide sequences of these were determined and compared to the existing sequences of the quaking gene in mice.

High Homology of Nucleotide Sequences

• The results showed that the cDNA sequences of Bqk, Eqk, and Pqk had a very high resemblance to that of qkI at the nucleotide level; 94.2, 95.7 and 95.6%, respectively.
• This high level of sequence identity indicates a strong similarity in the genetic makeup of these animal species, at least related to the quaking gene.

Deduced Amino Acid Sequences

• Not only the nucleotide sequences, but also the deduced amino acid sequences for Bqk, Eqk, and Pqk perfectly matched to that of qkI.
• This means that the proteins produced by these quaking genes are also very likely to be the same in these different species of animals.

Implications on Evolution and Biological Functions

• The findings suggest a high conservation of the quaking gene family throughout mammalian evolution.
• Such conservation across different species often implies an important biological function that is critical for the survival of these animals.
• It’s therefore likely that the Bqk, Eqk, and Pqk genes have important biological functions also in cows, horses, and pigs, just like the qkI gene does in mice.