Molecular studies in gorgonian alloimmunity : search for gene homologs of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily in Swiftia exserta
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Major/Program
Biology
First Advisor's Name
Charles H. Bigger
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Martin L. Tracey
Third Advisor's Name
Case K. Okubo
Fourth Advisor's Name
David N. Kuhn
Date of Defense
11-26-1991
Abstract
Humoral and cells surface molecules of the mammalian immune system, grouped into the Immunoglobulin Gene Superfamily, share protein structure and gene sequence homologies with molecules found among diverse phylogenetic groups. In histocompatibility studies, the gorgonian coral Swiftia exserta has recently demonstrated specific alloimmunity with memory (Salter-Cid and Bigger, 1991. Biological Bulletin Vol 181). In an attempt to shed light on the origins of this gene family and the evolution of the vertebrate immune response, genomic DNA from Swiftia exserta was isolated, purified, and analyzed by Southern blot hybridization with mouse gene probes corresponding to two molecules of the Immunoglobulin Gene Superfamily, the Thy-1 antigen, and the alpha-3 domain of the MHC Class I histocompatibility marker. Hybridizations were conducted under low to non-stringent conditions to allow binding of mismatched homologs that may exist between the mouse gene probes and the Swiftia DNA. Removal of non-specific binding (sequences less than 70% homologous) occurred in washing steps. Results show that with the probes selected, the method chosen, and the conditions applied, no evidence of sequences of 70% or greater homology to the mouse Thy-1 or MHC Class I alpha-3 genes exist in Swiftia exserta genome.
Identifier
FI14051878
Recommended Citation
Bundschuh, Julia, "Molecular studies in gorgonian alloimmunity : search for gene homologs of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily in Swiftia exserta" (1991). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1942.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1942
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