A simple sexing test for elephant species and its application to faecal DNA.

We developed a novel real-time PCR assay for rapid sexing in all three elephant species, which amplifies small fragments of the orthologous sexual chromosome zinc finger protein genes ZFX/ZFY (65 bp). This assay is a simple, inexpensive and reliable tool that is suitable for non-invasive DNA samples and can be incorporated into larger SNP panels for individual identification and population genetic studies.

Roles of phagocytosis activating protein (PAP) in Aeromonas hydrophila infected Cyprinus carpio.

Cyprinus carpio (koi) is one of the most popular ornamental fish. A major problem for C. carpio farming is bacterial infections especially by Aeromonas hydrophila.

Activation of an immune response in Litopenaeus vannamei by oral immunization with phagocytosis activating protein (PAP) DNA.

The phagocytosis activating protein (PAP) gene has been reported to stimulate the phagocytic activity of shrimp hemocytes and to protect shrimp from several pathogens. In this study oral administration of the chitosan-PAP gene to shrimp was investigated for its ability to induce immunity. The PAP gene was cooperated into a phMGFP plasmid, named PAP-phMGFP.