Journal article
Characterisation of MHC class I genes in the koala
Immunogenetics, Vol.70(2), pp.125-133
2018
Abstract
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations are on the decline across the majority of Australia's mainland. Two major diseases threatening the long-term survival of affected koala populations are caused by obligate intracellular pathogens: Chlamydia and koala retrovirus (KoRV). To improve our understanding of the koala immune system, we characterised their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes, which are centrally involved in presenting foreign peptides derived from intracellular pathogens to cytotoxic T cells. A total of 11 class I genes were identified in the koala genome. Three genes, Phci-UA, UB and UC, showed relatively high genetic variability and were expressed in all 12 examined tissues, whereas the other eight genes had tissue-specific expression and limited polymorphism. Evidence of diversifying selection was detected in Phci-UA and UC, while gene conversion may have played a role in creating new alleles at Phci-UB. We propose that Phci-UA, UB and UC are likely classical MHC genes of koalas, and further research is needed to understand their role in koala chlamydial and KoRV infections.
Details
- Title
- Characterisation of MHC class I genes in the koala
- Authors
- Yuanyuan Cheng (Author) - University of SydneyAdam Polkinghorne (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringAmber Gillett (Author) - Australia Zoo Wildlife HospitalElizabeth A Jones (Author) - University of SydneyDenis O'Meally (Author) - University of SydneyPeter Timms (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringKatherine Belov (Author) - University of Sydney
- Publication details
- Immunogenetics, Vol.70(2), pp.125-133
- Publisher
- Springer
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00251-017-1018-2
- ISSN
- 0093-7711
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451032902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Genetics & Heredity
- Immunology
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