TIR8 receptor expression in bovine tissues.

The TIR8 receptor (also called SIGIRR) is an orphan member of the TIR superfamily. Its function is still elusive, but it is believed to trigger a negative pathway of regulation of the Toll-like/IL-1 receptor system, crucial for modulating inflammation in gastrointestinal (GI) tract and in other tissues (lung and kidney). The expression pattern of TIR8 in bovine tissues is unknown.

The expression pattern of TIR8 is conserved among vertebrates.

IL-1R/TLRs play an important role in the inflammatory responses. Their signaling pathway is tightly regulated to keep inflammation under control. The regulation involves both extracellular and intracellular mechanisms.

Bovine fetal microchimerism in normal and embryo transfer pregnancies and its implications for biotechnology applications in cattle.

Fetal cells and DNA have been detected in the maternal circulation during and after pregnancy in a few mammalian species. The incidence of similar microchimerism in cattle could have repercussion for the application of modern biotechnologies such as the transfer of transgenic embryos. To determine if feto-maternal leakage can occur in pregnant cows, we have analyzed maternal blood samples for the presence of fetal DNA during gestation and post-partum periods.