Abstract
cDNAs encoding IgM heavy chain constant region (Cμ) were isolated from two metatherians (marsupials) — the Australian common brushtail possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula) and the South American grey short-tailed opossum ( Monodelphis domestica). Analysis of the sequences suggested that they correspond to the secreted form of Cμ in both species. The domain size and structure of the marsupial Cμ sequences were compared with other Cμ sequences and a high degree of conservation throughout vertebrate evolution was observed. Amino acid sequence comparisons revealed a marked level of sequence similarity between the two marsupial sequences (79%), relatively high similarity between the marsupials and eutherians (63%), and lower similarities between marsupials and birds (45%), marsupials and amphibians (47%), marsupials and reptiles (45%) and marsupials and fish (37%). These data allow the incorporation of metatherians into the study of mammalian IgM evolution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
