Amino acid sequence of the Felis catus prion protein

Abstract

A new determination of the house cat ( Felis catus) prion protein gene sequence (f Prnp), which has so far been subject of controversy, is reported. The newly determined f Prnp sequence is similar to dog ( Canis familiaris) and mink ( Mustela putorius) Prnp, but differs significantly from both f Prnp sequences that were previously deposited in the GenBank. Comparison of the canine and feline prion protein sequences suggests a set of amino acid replacements relative to bovine PrP that might relate to the observed different susceptibilities of the two species to TSE infection by ingestion of BSE-infected beef.