Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ARTIODACTYLA”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

Origin and evolution of the TKDP gene family.

The placenta is arguably the most diverse mammalian organ, and several gene families expressed in trophoblast tissue are evolving unusually rapidly. The trophoblast Kunitz domain protein (TKDP) gene family arose relatively recently within the Artiodactyla order in the lineage leading to modern day ruminants. Each contains a classical Kunitz-type serine peptidase inhibitory domain at the carboxyl-terminus and one or more unique N-domains preceded by the signal peptide/propeptide (SP/PP) region. We isolated, mapped and fully sequenced the ovine (ov) TKDP-1 gene. Making use of available cDNA sequences to other TKDP family members and recent information from the bovine genome sequence, we have been able to make inferences about the origin and evolution of the entire gene family. The crucial event that created the initial TKDP gene was when a short exon was inserted into the intron that separated the sequences encoding the SP/PP and Kunitz domains of an ancestral Kunitz gene. This short exon was flanked by endogenous retroviral repetitive elements that likely promoted subsequent duplication events to provide a tripartite N-domain containing three repeats. This three-exon structure further duplicated once in its entirety to provide the progenitor of the present day ovTKDP-1 gene, which has two N-domains, and most probably twice to provide the progenitor of the bovine TKDP-1 gene, which has three N-domains. The TKDPs provide an example of a gene family that is evolving rapidly by whole gene duplication, intragenic duplication events, and selection for amino acid (aa) change.

Animals↗

Environment and evolution through the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum.

The modern orders of mammals, Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla and Primates (APP taxa), first appear in the fossil record at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary, c. 55 million years ago. Their appearance on all three northern continents has been linked to diversification and dispersal in response to rapid environmental change at the beginning of a worldwide 100 000-200 000-year Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) and carbon isotope excursion. As I discuss here, global environmental events such as the PETM have had profound effects on evolution in the geological past and must be considered when modeling the history of life. The PETM is also relevant when considering the causes and consequences of global greenhouse warming.

Animals↗

Cloning and sequence analysis of llama cytokines related to cell-mediated immunity.

In order to characterize the T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines of llama, we have cloned several llama cytokine genes and compared them to those of other mammalian species. The cDNAs encoding for interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)gamma, IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 were amplified using specific primers designed from reported sequences of bovine cytokine genes. The cDNAs for llama IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-12 p35 and IL-12p40 were found to be 465, 501, 669 or 993 bp in length, with open reading frames encoding 154, 166, 222 or 330 amino acids, respectively. Homology analyses of nucleotide and deduced amino sequences of llama IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 and phylogenetic analysis based on their nucleotide sequences indicated the close relationship in these cytokine genes between llama and eutherian mammalian order Artiodactyla, which includes pig and cattle.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and sequence analysis of llama cytokines related to cell-mediated immunity.

In order to characterize the T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines of llama, we have cloned several llama cytokine genes and compared them to those of other mammalian species. The cDNAs encoding for interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN), IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 were amplified using specific primers designed from reported sequences of bovine cytokine genes. The cDNAs for llama IL-2, IFN-, IL-12 p35 and IL-12p40 were found to be 465, 501, 669 or 993 bp in length, with open reading frames encoding 154, 166, 222 or 330 amino acids, respectively. Homology analyses of nucleotide and deduced amino sequences of llama IL-2, IFN-, IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 and phylogenetic analysis based on their nucleotide sequences indicated the close relationship in these cytokine genes between llama and eutherian mammalian order Artiodactyla, which includes pig and cattle.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and sequence analysis of llama (lama glama) Th2 (IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) cytokines.

This paper describes the cloning and sequence analysis of the cDNAs encoding the T helper (Th) 2 cytokines of llama including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10 and IL-13. The cDNAs encoding for IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 were amplified using specific primers designed from reported sequences of bovine cytokine genes. The cDNAs for llama IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 were found to be 402, 537 and 411 bp in length, with open reading frames encoding 133, 178 or 136 amino acids, respectively. Homology analyses of nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of llama IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 and phylogenetic analysis based on their nucleotide sequences indicated the close relationship in these cytokine genes between llama and eutherian mammalian order Artiodactyla (pig, cattle) and Perissodactyla (horse).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Comparative assessment of Th1 and Th2 cytokines of swamp type buffalo and other bubaline breeds by molecular cloning, sequencing and phylogenetics.

Comparative assessment of Th1 and Th2 cytokines of three bubaline breeds namely swamp buffalo, its crossbreed with riverine buffalo (CB), and the improved breed of Bulgarian Murrah buffalo (BMB), was done by molecular cloning, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The Th1 cytokines analyzed included IL-2, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, and IFN-gamma while Th2 cytokines included IL-4 and IL-10. Both groups showed strict conservation in the putative secondary structures and amino acid residues within the tribe Bovini, which indicated functional cross-reactivity. Nucleotide sequence homology ranged from 98.6 to 100.0% and was lowest for IL-12p35. With regard to amino acid sequence, the lowest homology was observed in IL-4 with 97.8%. This substitution was mainly due to differences in mRNA splicing. The phylogenetic relationship of the buffalo breeds was analyzed and showed them as a cluster comprised mainly of species belonging to the order Artiodactyla, including cattle and pigs. A deeper knowledge of these cytokine structures will favor understanding of water buffalo immunology and how much it differs from its closest subspecies and other animals.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cryptosporidium: a water-borne zoonotic parasite.

Of 155 species of mammals reported to be infected with Cryptosporidium parvum or C. parvum-like organisms most animals are found in the Orders Artiodactyla, Primates, and Rodentia. Because Cryptosporidium from most of these animals have been identified by oocyst morphology alone with little or no host specificity and/or molecular data to support identification it is not known how many of the reported isolates are actually C. parvum or other species. Cryptosporidiosis is a cause of morbidity and mortality in animals and humans, resulting primarily in diarrhea, and resulting in the most severe infections in immune-compromised individuals. Of 15 named species of Cryptosporidium infectious for nonhuman vertebrate hosts C. baileyi, C. canis, C. felis, C. hominis, C. meleagridis, C. muris, and C. parvum have been reported to also infect humans. Humans are the primary hosts for C. hominis, and except for C. parvum, which is widespread amongst nonhuman hosts and is the most frequently reported zoonotic species, the remaining species have been reported primarily in immunocompromised humans. The oocyst stage can remain infective under cool, moist conditions for many months, especially where water temperatures in rivers, lakes, and ponds remain low but above freezing. Surveys of surface water, groundwater, estuaries, and seawater have dispelled the assumption that Cryptosporidium oocysts are present infrequently and in geographically isolated locations. Numerous reports of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis related to drinking water in North America, the UK, and Japan, where detection methods are in place, indicate that water is a major vehicle for transmission of cryptosporidiosis.

Animals↗

The broad spectrum of Trichinella hosts: from cold- to warm-blooded animals.

In recent years, studies on Trichinella have shown that the host range is wider than previously believed and new Trichinella species and genotypes have been described. Three classes of vertebrates are known to act as hosts, mammals, birds and reptiles, and infected vertebrates have been detected on all continents but Antarctica. Mammals represent the most important hosts and all Trichinella species are able to develop in this vertebrate class. Natural infections with Trichinella have been described in more than 150 mammalian species belonging to 12 orders (i.e., Marsupialia, Insectivora, Edentata, Chiroptera, Lagomorpha, Rodentia, Cetacea, Carnivora, Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, Tylopoda and Primates). The epidemiology of the infection greatly varies by species relative to characteristics, such as diet, life span, distribution, behaviour, and relationships with humans. The non-encapsulated species Trichinella pseudospiralis, detected in both mammals (14 species) and birds (13 species), shows a cosmopolitan distribution with three distinguishable populations in the Palearctic, Nearctic and Australian regions. Two additional non-encapsulated species, Trichinella papuae, detected in wild pigs and saltwater crocodiles of Papua New Guinea, and Trichinella zimbabwensis, detected in farmed Nile crocodiles of Zimbabwe, can complete their life cycle in both mammals and reptiles. To the best of our knowledge, T. papuae and T. zimbabwensis are the only two parasites known to complete their entire life cycle independently of whether the host is warm-blooded or cold-blooded. This suggests that these two Trichinella species are capable of activating different physiological mechanisms, according to the specific vertebrate class hosting them.

Animals↗

The polymerase (L) protein of rinderpest virus interacts with the host cell protein striatin.

Rinderpest virus (RPV) is a morbillivirus that causes a highly contagious disease affecting members of the order Artiodactyla. The viral L protein is the catalytic subunit of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. To search for host cell proteins with which L interacts, a library screen was performed using the yeast two-hybrid system. Several host cell proteins were recovered from the library screen as putative L-interactors; one of these was identified as striatin. A direct interaction between RPV L and striatin was confirmed using both co-immunoprecipitation assays and co-localisation studies using confocal microscopy. Striatin was also shown to co-localise with the RPV L protein in infected cells. The L proteins of morbilliviruses consist of three long highly conserved domains separated by short unconserved stretches of amino acids. The L domain with which striatin interacts was investigated by co-immunoprecipitation and striatin was shown to interact primarily with the central conserved domain.

Calmodulin-Binding Proteins↗

Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding growth hormone in finback whale (Balaenoptera physalus).

In mammals growth hormone (GH) is generally a strongly conserved protein, reflecting a slow rate of molecular evolution. However, during primate and artiodactyl evolution episodes of rapid change occurred, so that the GHs of higher primates and ruminants differ markedly from those of other mammals. To extend knowledge of GH evolution in Cetartiodactyla (Artiodactyla plus Cetacea) we have previously characterized GH genes from several members of this group, including the common dolphin. Surprisingly the sequence deduced for dolphin GH differed at several residues from that described previously for another cetacean, finback whale. To investigate this anomaly we have now cloned and characterized the GH gene from finback whale. The overall organization of this gene is similar to that of dolphin, and the deduced amino acid sequence of finback whale GH differs from that of dolphin GH at only residue 47, and from that of pig GH at only residue 149. Phylogenetic analysis of the data provides further support for inclusion of Cetacea within the order Cetartiodactyla, as sister group of Hippopotamidae. The results support the idea that in Cetartiodactyla a burst of rapid evolution of GH occurred after the separation of the line leading to ruminants from other cetartiodactyls. Overall, the GH gene in cetaceans appears to be evolving more slowly than in most other cetartiodactyls.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gamma herpesvirus carrier status of captive artiodactyls.

Between 1998 and 2000, 103 individuals of 19 species of the order Artiodactyla at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park were tested for evidence of infection with gamma herpesviruses in order to distinguish between species which are susceptible to malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), caused by alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AlHV-1) of wildebeest (Connochaetes sp.) or ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) of domestic sheep, and species which carry related viruses sub-clinically. Gamma herpesvirus DNA was detected in the known, or suspected, carrier species: roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), gemsbok (Oryx gazella), musk ox (Ovibos muschatus) and mouflon (Ovis musimon). In six other species: lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) yak (Bos grunniens), sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei), greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) and Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros), DNA was present in some newborn calves and over 30% of adults, strongly suggesting a carrier state. In contrast five Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) and two swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli) died of MCF during the study. A virus isolated from scimitar-horned oryx calves produced cytopathic effects in scimitar-horned oryx kidney cell-culture and caused MCF in a rabbit.

Aging↗

Evolutionary dynamics of mammalian mRNA untranslated regions by comparative analysis of orthologous human, artiodactyl and rodent gene pairs.

Most evolutionary studies based on molecular data refer to the portion of genomes encoding for proteins. Today, however, more and more attention is paid to the so-called 'non-coding' regions, which constitute a notable portion of the metazoan nuclear genome. Among them, the untranslated regions of messenger RNAs (mRNA UTRs) are particularly important, as they are involved in the regulation of gene expression, controlling translation efficiency as well as mRNA localization and stability. Up to now, only few studies have focused on the analysis of the compositional and structural features of UTRs, or carried out to investigate quantitatively their evolutionary dynamics. For this reason we have carried out an inter-order study on the evolutionary rate of 5' and 3' UTRs with respect to the corresponding coding region in 93 triplets of orthologous genes (selected through a phylogenetic approach, for a total of 645 625 nt) belonging to Primates (Homo sapiens), Artiodactyla (Bos taurus) and Rodentia (Mus spp.). Our study, that considered only likely orthologous genes, has revealed interesting features on the evolution of these regions concerning nucleotide substitution rate and indels and repetitive element distribution. UTRs from different genes showed a remarkable heterogeneity in the evolutionary dynamics, with some homologous so highly divergent to prevent their alignment, and other rather conserved, at least in some regions, most divergent sequence pairs were excluded from our analysis. The comparison between the nucleotide substitution rates calculated for 5' and 3' UTRs with those calculated on synonymous coding position allowed us to verify and measure the existence of functional constraints acting upon the UTRs of different genes which have shown, in many cases, a positive selection driven evolutionary dynamics.

Animals↗

Systematic study of the internal iliac artery in llama (Lama glama).

The aim of this research was to determine the origins of the parietal and visceral branches of the internal iliac artery of the llama and to match those with the known types and classifications in the human being and domestic animals. The internal iliac artery divides at the level of the third sacral vertebra into the caudal gluteal and internal pudendal arteries corresponding to an intermediate long iliac type. It gives off the following collateral branches: umbilical, cranial gluteal, obturator and iliolumbar arteries. The intrapelvic visceral branches, vaginal or prostatic arteries, arise from the internal pudendal artery as occurs in carnivores. This is an important difference in relation to the distribution in characteristic long iliac and artiodactyla types. The origins of the parietal and visceral branches of internal iliac artery in the llama have characteristics in common with the domestic cat, which belongs to the carnivores. In relation to the Adachi classification, the internal iliac artery of the llama will be included in the IVa type. We believe that this study is a contribution of a new aspect in teaching and research in comparative anatomy.

Animals↗

Post-testicular development of a novel membrane substructure within the equatorial segment of ram, bull, boar, and goat spermatozoa as viewed by atomic force microscopy.

Atomic force microscopy has been used to investigate changes in the plasma membrane overlying the head region of mammalian spermatozoa (bull, boar, ram, goat, stallion, mouse, and monkey) during post-testicular development, after ejaculation, and after exocytosis of the acrosomal vesicle. On ejaculated ram, bull, boar, and goat spermatozoa the postacrosomal plasma membrane has a more irregular surface than that covering the acrosome. The equatorial segment, by contrast, is relatively smooth except for an unusual semicircular substructure within it that has a coarse uneven appearance. This substructure (referred to as the equatorial subsegment) is situated adjacent to the boundary between the postacrosomal region and the equatorial segment itself and seems to be confined to the order Artiodactyla as it has not been observed on stallion, mouse, or monkey spermatozoa. The equatorial subsegment develops during epididymal maturation, and following induction of the acrosome reaction with Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, its topography changes from a finely ridged appearance to that resembling truncated papillae. A monoclonal antibody to the equatorial subsegment binds only to permeabilized spermatozoa, suggesting that the subsegment is related to the underlying perinuclear theca that surrounds the sperm nucleus. A role for the equatorial subsegment in mediating fusion with the oolemma at fertilization is discussed.

Acrosome↗

Detection of species-specific genetic markers in farm animals through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD).

The potential use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was evaluated as a source of development of alternative genetic markers for studying variation in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and other related species of the Artiodactyla family Bovidae, in order to ascertain genetic relationships and diversities. Fourteen arbitrary primers were used to amplify DNA fragments in four species such as Indian Zebu cattle (Bos indicus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus). Clear and distinct RAPD patterns with a higher level of polymorphism was detected between species, while fewer polymorphisms were found within the species. Species were subsequently scored for presence or absence of RAPD fragments and Jaccard's similarity coefficients were calculated to quantify the genetic divergence among the species. Wagner parsimony analysis of the RAPD data for 542 markers resulted in one most parsimonious tree which revealed very low similarity among the four species analysed.

Animals↗

A new filarial nematode (Onchocercidae) from warthogs (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) of the Kruger National Park.

Fifty-five warthogs [Phacochoerus aethiopicus (Suidae: Artiodactyla)] from the Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa, were examined for parasites. Adult filarial nematodes were found in lymphatic vessels adjacent to peripheral and visceral lymph nodes, and microfilariae were found in lymph nodes and circulating blood. Both the adult parasite and the microfilaria are described. Specific identification is pending confirmation and recovery of intact adult specimens and microfilariae identical to those described herein.

Animals↗

Origin of human chromosome 21 and its consequences: a 50-million-year-old story.

Great apes (Pongidae) possess a chromosome similar to human chromosome 21 (HSA21), whose trisomy was described in both chimpanzee and orangutan. Having studied more than 200 mammalian species by chromosome banding techniques and reconstructed Primates phylogeny, we reinvestigated, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, primate and non-primate mammals that we considered to possess a karyotype representative of their taxonomic group. DNA sequences from HSA21 and human chromosome 3 (HSA3) are synthenic and form a large and similar chromosome in species from distinct orders, such as Primates, Carnivora, Artiodactyla and Scandentia. In Primates, this syntheny was maintained in lemurs and was disrupted by a fission in Old World monkeys (catarrhines). Another fission occurred in New World monkeys (platyrrhines), conserving a syntheny between HSA21 and a very short segment of HSA3 DNA sequences. Thus, the ancestral HSA21 was formed after the divergence between platyrrhines and catarrhines and before the emergence of Cercopithecidae. This exposed the human and Pongidae ancestry to trisomy 21 for a period of 30-50 million years, while, in other catarrhines, the equivalent of HSA21 was further involved in various translocations forming large chromosomes whose aneuploidy, very probably incompatible with life, protected them against trisomy 21.

Aneuploidy↗

Fossil mammals and artefacts from the Middle Awash Valley, Ethiopia.

A review of fossil mammalian faunas from the Middle Awash indicates they span most of the later Neogene and document evolutionary change in several mammalian groups, especially Primates, Proboscidea and Artiodactyla. Oldowan artefacts first appear in the late Pliocene, while Acheulian and later industries and apparent occupation sites occur in Pleistocene beds.

Animals↗