Comparative molecular characterization of Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) gene of swamp-type (Bubalus carabanensis) and riverine-type (Bubalus bubalis) water buffaloes.

FoxP3 is a forkhead family member that plays an important role in the development and function of a type of CD4 + T cell called T regulatory cells. Molecular characterization of FoxP3 gene in swamp- and riverine-type water buffaloes was conducted to determine its homology and compare it to the FoxP3 gene of other animal species (cattle, goat, sheep, horse, pig, cat, and dog), determine its unique characteristics in water buffaloes, and provide a reference for future studies to analyze its immunological function. FoxP3 nucleotide sequence of swamp- and riverine-type water buffaloes was 99% identical, whereas its protein translation revealed 97% homology. FoxP3 of swamp- and riverine-type water buffaloes were compared to FoxP3 of other animal species and revealed a high degree of homology which suggests that they may have the same biological properties. This study is the first report that describes the genetic characteristic of FoxP3 gene in water buffalo.

Molecular characterization of the gag gene of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus from goats in the Philippines.

Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) causes caprine arthritis encephalitis syndrome, which is an emerging disease of goats in the Philippines. DNA sequence analysis showed homology of 86-93 % between Philippine CAEV and available CAEV sequences in GenBank. CAEV was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and new sets of primers were designed in order to amplify the gag gene, which is a highly conserved region of the viral genome. In addition, the Philippine CAEV isolate clustered in group B with the prototype caprine lentivirus. Based on amino acid sequence alignments, it is possible that the Philippine CAEV isolate is a new strain of CAEV, but it is also possible that it was already present in the country even before the start of goat importation. Molecular characterization of the CAEV gag gene is important for the development of a detection kit specific for the local strain of CAEV and the establishment of small ruminant lentivirus eradication programs in the Philippines. This study is the first report to describe the molecular characteristics of CAEV circulating in the Philippines.