Cloning of the elk common glycoprotein alpha-subunit and the FSH and LH beta-subunit cDNAs.

We report the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the pituitary glycoprotein hormone common alpha-subunit, and the FSH and LH beta-subunits of the elk (Cervus elaphus). These sequences were obtained by RT-PCR of pituitary gland polyadenylated RNA. A partial genomic fragment of the elk follicle stimulating hormone beta-subunit was also amplified from genomic DNA and sequenced.

Cloning of the elk TSH beta-subunit cDNA and seasonal expression of the pituitary glycoprotein hormone genes.

We report the elk (Cervus elaphus) thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) beta-subunit cDNA cloning, nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences. The TSH beta-subunit cDNA was obtained by RT-PCR of polyadenylated pituitary RNA. The deduced elk TSH beta-subunit peptide chain shares between 93 to 99% sequence similarities with the reported TSH beta-subunit of a sub-set of related species.

Cadmium stimulates transcription of the cytochrome p450 side chain cleavage gene in genetically modified stable porcine granulosa cells.

We investigated the effects of cadmium (Cd2+) on transcription of the cytochrome p450 side chain cleavage (p450scc) gene and on progesterone synthesis in stable granulosa cells. We used the stable porcine granulosa cell line, JC-410, genetically modified to express a luciferase genomic construct carrying 2320 base pairs (bp) of the p450scc gene promoter (p450scc-2320-LUC). A construct containing only the luciferase gene, pOLUC, was used as a promoterless control.

Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the equine and elk pituitary pre-prolactin cDNA.

We report the equine (Equs equs) and elk (Cervus elaphus) pituitary pre-prolactin (PRL) cDNA cloning, and their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences. Pre-PRL cDNA was obtained by RNA ligation mediated-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RLM-RACE) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The elk pre-PRL cDNA exhibits two polymorphisms at positions 96 and 672, which are silent since they encode for the same amino acids, proline and isoleucine, respectively.