Cloning, phylogeny and three dimensional structure analysis of the gene encoding Interferon-e of Sheep (Ovis aries)

Interferon (IFN) epsilon (e) has been identified as an important protein of interest, which plays a major role in innate immune system of mammals. Indian Avishaan sheep is well known for its twinning and triplet traits. Hence, the present study has been undertaken with the aim to characterize Indian Avishaan sheep IFNe, although reports found on Ovis aries IFN-epsilon and Arabian Camel IFN-epsilon. The cDNA of type I interferon viz., Interferon-e from the liver of Avishaan sheep has been amplified by PCR and subsequently cloned for sequence analysis. Sequence analysis revealed that Avishaan sheep shared 100 % both at nucleotide and amino acid levels with that of Rambouillet sheep. With other artiodactyls, the range of identity of Avishhan sheep was 85- 99 % and 78- 98 %, at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Perissodactyls shared 84-85 % and 77-78 % identity at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively, with that of Avishaan sheep from India. Three dimensional structure of Interferon-e protein of Avishaan sheep was also discussed. Phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequences indicated the close relationship in Interferon-e gene between sheep and other artiodactyls. The structural and functional specific residues noticed across amino acid sequences shows specificity towards orthologs, which needs further characterization.