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Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (생화학분자생물학회)
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Molecular Cloning of Hemoglobin Alpha-chain Gene from Pantholops hodgsonii, a Hypoxic Tolerance Species

  • Yingzhong, Yang (Research Center for High Altitude Medical Sciences, Qinghai University Medical School) ;
  • Droma, Yunden (First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine) ;
  • Guoen, Jin (Research Center for High Altitude Medical Sciences, Qinghai University Medical School) ;
  • Zhenzhong, Bai (Research Center for High Altitude Medical Sciences, Qinghai University Medical School) ;
  • Lan, Ma (Research Center for High Altitude Medical Sciences, Qinghai University Medical School) ;
  • Haixia, Yun (Research Center for High Altitude Medical Sciences, Qinghai University Medical School) ;
  • Yue, Cao (Research Center for High Altitude Medical Sciences, Qinghai University Medical School) ;
  • Kubo, Keishi (First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine) ;
  • Rili, Ge (Research Center for High Altitude Medical Sciences, Qinghai University Medical School)
  • Published : 2007.05.31
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Abstract

To investigate the possible mechanisms of high-altitude native animals in adapting to high altitude, we cloned hemoglobin alpha-chain (alpha-chain Hb) gene from Pantholops hodgsonii, an animal species that indigenously lives at elevations of 3700-5500 m on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, the alpha-chain Hb gene was amplified from total RNA in the liver of the Pantholops hodgsonii. TA cloning technique was used and the PCR product was cloned into pGEM-T vector. The DNA sequence of the gene was highly homologous with sheep (99.1%), goat (98.6%), cattle (95.6%) and human (86.5%). The alpha-chain Hb gene encoded a 142-amino acid protein that could be identified with the homology of alpha-chain Hb protein in sheep (98%), goat (96%), cattle (91%) and human (87%). However, 18 alternations were detected when compared with the alpha-chain Hb gene in human, and 2 in sheep. Moreover, the alterations of a117 GluAsp and $\alpha$132 AsnSer in important regions were noted in human and sheep, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the structure of alpha-chain Hb was highly similar to that in sheep. This study provided essential information for elucidating the possible roles of hemoglobin in adapting to extremely high altitude in Pantholops hodgsonii.

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References

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