cDNA Characterization and Molecular Analysis of Buffalo MHC Class II Gene, DRA (Bubu-DRA)

Sakaram, D., Niranjan, S.K., Kumar, S., Naskar, S., Deb, S.M., Mitra, A., Sharma, A. and Sharma, D. 2010. cDNA characterization and molecular analysis of buffalo MHC class II gene, DRA (Bubu-DRA). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 37: 73-76. Fail cDNA of DRA gene was amplified in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and analysed to identify the genetic variability. Buffalo DRA (Bubu-DRA) sequence showed highest similarity with cattle (98%) followed by goat (96.5%) and sheep (96.1%). DRA gene was highly conserved among all the species especially ruminants. The residues involved in antigen binding at peptide binding site (PBS), N-linked glycosylation and heterodimer formation were highly conserved across the species. Unlike other MHC molecules, PBS sites of Bubu-DRA were highly conserved in alpha 1 domain among all species. The absence of much variation in Bubu-DRA supports the notion that gene is mostly conserved among all mammalian species. However, highly conserved DRA gene among ruminants including buffalo may be attributed to its recent separation in evolutionary process.