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Identification and expression analysis of interferon gamma genes in channel catfish

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Abstract

Multiple species of type I interferon (IFN) were recently identified in catfish (CF) (Ictalurus punctatus). Herein we extend these studies and report the existence of two distinct type II IFN genes in channel CF. As with zebrafish and the green spotted pufferfish, the two CF IFN-γ genes are dissimilar in sequence but closely linked on the same chromosome. One of the genes (IFN-γ2) encodes two distinct messages that likely arose via alternative splicing at two closely spaced splice donor sites within the first intron. Sequence analysis indicates that CF IFN-γ genes contain the hallmarks of authentic IFN-γ including: (1) a conserved nuclear localization site at the C terminus (CF IFN-γ2 only), (2) an IFN-γ signature sequence, (3) six putative helical regions within the mature protein, (4) one or more potential glycosylation sites, and (5) multiple mRNA instability motifs within the 3′ untranslated region. Moreover, well-characterized CF T and NK cell clones were shown to synthesize IFN-γ transcripts. This is the first unequivocal demonstration in any lower vertebrate species that NK and T cells synthesize IFN-γ and is consistent with results in mammalian systems where T cells and NK cells are the major sources of type II IFN production. Collectively, these studies indicate that Siluriformes possess two evolutionarily conserved IFN-γ genes and demonstrate that CF possess three key elements of the innate immune response: NK cells and types I and II IFN.

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Acknowledgements

The work was partially supported by grants from the United States Department of Agriculture NRI/CGP (award number 2002-35204-12211) and the National Institutes of Health (award number R01-AI-19530). We thank S. Quinou and G. Waldbieser (USDA/ARS, Stoneville, MS) for initial sequencing of the CF IFN-γ clones. The experiments described herein comply with current laws of the United States of America.

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  1. Department of Microbiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

    Ivanka Milev-Milovanovic, Scott Long, Melanie Wilson, Eva Bengten, N. W. Miller & V. G. Chinchar

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  1. Ivanka Milev-Milovanovic
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  2. Scott Long
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  3. Melanie Wilson
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  4. Eva Bengten
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  5. N. W. Miller
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  6. V. G. Chinchar
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Correspondence to V. G. Chinchar.

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Milev-Milovanovic, I., Long, S., Wilson, M. et al. Identification and expression analysis of interferon gamma genes in channel catfish. Immunogenetics 58, 70–80 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00251-006-0081-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00251-006-0081-x

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