Expressed sequence tags from feline uterine library

Abstract

Partial nucleotide sequences of 634 cDNAs randomly isolated from a feline uterine cDNA library (Stratagene) were determined by single pass sequencing. Homology search of the sequences to the non-redundant nucleotide databases revealed that 83% of the cDNAs matched registered feline or non-feline genes. Based on the gene identifications, these genes were predicted to be related with immunological, biochemical and regulatory functions in cats. Interestingly, the rest 17% of the cDNAs did not show homology to gene or EST sequence present in the nucleotide and protein databases, suggesting that these cDNAs include novel genes expressed only in the Felidae. This large scale sequencing of uterine cDNA will provide a useful molecular source for research not only towards health and disease conditions in cats but also in different fields of science where genetic information from cats will be of interest.

• Felis catus
• cDNA library
• expressed sequence tags
• viral leukemia

Acknowledgements

We thank Ms Louise C. Averill for generous support and encouragements given to Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. The sequencing service rendered by the DNA sequencing facility at Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS is duly acknowledged.