Characterisation and expression profile of the bovine cathelicidin gene repertoire in mammary tissue

Whelehan, C. J., Barry-Reidy, A., Meade, K. G., Eckersall, P. D. , Chapwanya, A., Narciandi, F., Lloyd, A. T. and O’Farrelly, C. (2014) Characterisation and expression profile of the bovine cathelicidin gene repertoire in mammary tissue. BMC Genomics, 15(1), p. 128. (doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-128)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2164-15-128

Abstract

Background: Cathelicidins comprise a major group of host-defence peptides. Conserved across a wide range of species, they have several functions related to host defence. Only one cathelicidin has been found in humans but several cathelicidin genes occur in the bovine genome. We propose that these molecules may have a protective role against mastitis. The aim of this study was to characterise the cathelicidin gene-cluster in the bovine genome and to identify sites of expression in the bovine mammary gland.<p></p> Results: Bioinformatic analysis of the bovine genome (BosTau7) revealed seven protein-coding cathelicidin genes, CATHL1-7, including two identical copies of CATHL4, as well as three additional putative cathelicidin genes, all clustered on the long arm of chromosome 22. Six of the seven protein-coding genes were expressed in leukocytes extracted from milk of high somatic cell count (SCC) cows. CATHL5 was expressed across several sites in the mammary gland, but did not increase in response to Staphylococcus aureus infection.<p></p> Conclusions: Here, we characterise the bovine cathelicidin gene cluster and reconcile inconsistencies in the datasets of previous studies. Constitutive cathelicidin expression in the mammary gland suggests a possible role for these host defence peptides its protection.<p></p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Eckersall, Professor David
Authors: Whelehan, C. J., Barry-Reidy, A., Meade, K. G., Eckersall, P. D., Chapwanya, A., Narciandi, F., Lloyd, A. T., and O’Farrelly, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:BMC Genomics
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1471-2164
ISSN (Online):1471-2164
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2014 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMC Genomics 15(1):128
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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