Abstract

FLORES-MEDINA, Saúl; DIAZ-GARCIA, Francisco J.  and  GUERRA-INFANTE, Fernando M.. Sequencing of an armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) leukocyte-derived cDNA fragment homolog to human interleukin-1 alpha. Vet. Méx [online]. 2008, vol.39, n.3, pp.341-347. ISSN 0301-5092.

Messenger RNA (RNAm) detection was done by a reverse-transcription assay coupled to the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) specific for human interleukin-1 alpha on armadillo leukocytes stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). This strategy allowed amplifying a DNA fragment of 491 bp. Furthermore, the sequence showed high nucleotide homology with the human (99%), monkey (93%), pig (82%), horse (81%) and llama (81%) cDNA. Meanwhile, the deduced amino acid sequence was compatible with the precursor of the human interleukin-1 alpha. These results suggest the presence of the interleukin-1 gene in the armadillo genome. However, it is necessary to characterize the complete sequence of the gene and prove the functionality of the translated protein to clarify the immune response mechanisms in the armadillo against Mycobacterium leprae.

Keywords : Dasypus novemcinctus; Interleukin-1; RT-PCR; Sequencing.