RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The olfactomedin-like domain (OLFML) is present in at least four families of proteins, including OLFML2A and OLFML2B, which are expressed in adult rat retina cells. However, no expression of their orthologous has ever been reported in human and baboon. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of OLFML2A and OLFML2B in ocular tissues of baboons (Papio hamadryas) and humans, as a key to elucidate OLFML function in eye physiology. METHODS: OLFML2A and OLFML2B cDNA detection in ocular tissues of these species was performed by RT-PCR. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced, phylogenetically analyzed and their proteins products were confirmed by immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: OLFML2A and OLFML2B transcripts were found in human cornea, lens and retina and in baboon cornea, lens, iris and retina. The baboon OLFML2A and OLFML2B ORF sequences have 96% similarity with their human's orthologous. OLFML2A and OLFML2B evolution fits the hypothesis of purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis shows clear orthology in OLFML2A genes, while OLFML2B orthology is not clear. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of OLFML2A and OLFML2B in human and baboon ocular tissues, including their high similarity, make the baboon a powerful model to deduce the physiological and/or metabolic function of these proteins in the eye.
Assuntos
Proteínas da Matriz Extracelular/metabolismo , Olho/metabolismo , Glicoproteínas/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Animais , Código de Barras de DNA Taxonômico , Evolução Molecular , Proteínas da Matriz Extracelular/análise , Proteínas da Matriz Extracelular/genética , Olho/química , Imunofluorescência/métodos , Glicoproteínas/análise , Glicoproteínas/genética , Humanos , Proteínas de Membrana/análise , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Fenômenos Fisiológicos Oculares , Papio , Valores de Referência , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Via Transcriptase Reversa , Transcrição Reversa , Análise de Sequência de ProteínaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of WNV in birds, horses and humans in northeast Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum samples from 33 birds, 24 horses and 237 humans were screened by ELISA for Anti-WNV antibodies. Human serum samples were also screened for WNV RNA using an RT-PCR assay. RESULTS: Positive sera were found in three birds and 15 horses. Forty percent of the human serum samples were positive for IgG antibodies and 0% for IgM antibodies and viral RNA. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that WNV is present in northeast Mexico and it is a new emergent infectious agent that represents a challenge for research and prevention programs in Mexico.
