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Characterization of equine cDNA sequences for αS1-, β- and κ-casein

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 February 2003

Tina Lenasi
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domzale, Slovenia
Irena Rogelj
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domzale, Slovenia
Peter Dovc
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domzale, Slovenia

Abstract

Here we report the entire cDNA sequences for equine αS1-, β- and κ-casein. Based on interspecies comparison, nine exons were found in equine β-casein and five in κ-casein. In equine αS1-casein cDNA the exon 5 was missing, which resulted in the total of 18 exons instead of 19 theoretically possible exons in αS1-casein cDNA. Comparison of DNA sequences representing exon 5 in other species with corresponding equine genomic region confirmed the presence of cryptic exon in horse genomic DNA. Equine αS1-casein mRNA was present in three forms in the lactating mammary gland and we showed that the two shorter forms were produced by skipping either the exon 8 or exon 15. In horse, as in some other mammals, β- and κ-casein are considerably more conserved (sequence identity 53% to 59% and 57% to 67%, respectively) than αS1-casein which appears as the most variable casein among species (sequence identity 40% to 54%). Interestingly, horse caseins resemble human much more than bovine caseins which may also explain the high dietetic value of mares' milk.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Proprietors of Journal of Dairy Research 2003

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