Comparison of the gene encoding, and the predicted amino acid composition of, platelet membrane receptor subunit glycoprotein Ibα in members of the family Felidae.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is minimal information regarding platelet receptors in the family Felidae. Comparative studies assist with identifying amino acids critical for protein structure and function. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare the gene encoding, and the predicted amino acid composition of, platelet membrane receptor subunit GPIbα in Felidae family members. METHODS: Genomic DNA samples isolated from whole blood of 13 domestic cats and 50 big cats representing 8 different species were subjected to PCR using primers designed to flank the coding region of GPIbα in overlapping fashion. PCR products were separated via electrophoresis on agarose gels, and extracted products were submitted for sequencing. DNA sequences were used to predict the length and amino acid composition of the protein. RESULTS: Varying protein lengths were predicted in Felidae family members which were primarily due to polymorphisms in the variable number of tandem repeats region encoding the macroglycopeptide region of GPIbα. Other areas of the gene and predicted amino acid compositions were fairly conserved when compared to human sequences and between Felidae family members. CONCLUSION: Various polymorphisms within GPIbα, including length variants encoding the macroglycopeptide region, were identified in members of the family Felidae. More studies are needed to determine if a correlation exists between various polymorphisms and predisposition for hemorrhage or thrombosis as suggested in people.