Thrombin-like enzymes from venom gland of Deinagkistrodon acutus: cDNA cloning, mechanism of diversity and phylogenetic tree construction
Abstract
Aim: To clone cDNAs of thrombin-like enzymes (TLEs) from venom gland of
Deinagkistrodon acutus and analyze the mechanisms by which their structural
diversity arose. Methods: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and
gene cloning techniques were used, and the cloned sequences were analyzed by
using bioinformatics tools. Results: Novel cDNAs of snake venom TLEs were
cloned. The possibilities of post-transcriptional recombination and horizontal
gene transfer are discussed. A phylogenetic tree was constructed. Conclusion:
The cDNAs of snake venom TLEs exhibit great diversification. There are several
types of structural variations. These variations may be attributable to certain
mechanisms including recombination.
Keywords:
Deinagkistrodon acutus and analyze the mechanisms by which their structural
diversity arose. Methods: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and
gene cloning techniques were used, and the cloned sequences were analyzed by
using bioinformatics tools. Results: Novel cDNAs of snake venom TLEs were
cloned. The possibilities of post-transcriptional recombination and horizontal
gene transfer are discussed. A phylogenetic tree was constructed. Conclusion:
The cDNAs of snake venom TLEs exhibit great diversification. There are several
types of structural variations. These variations may be attributable to certain
mechanisms including recombination.