Origin and distribution pattern of pelvic limb nerves of a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).

The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a species belonging to the Felidae family. In Argentina, tigers are currently only found in captivity. The longevity of individual animals in human-controlled environments depends on proper management and practices that prioritize animal welfare. Regular veterinary care is essential to maintain optimal health conditions. Professionals must have a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of tigers to effectively perform medical procedures and administer treatments. The study described in the text focuses on the trajectory and distribution of nerves in the pelvic limb of a Bengal tiger specimen, providing detailed dissection findings. The results revealed that the lumbosacral plexus is formed from the ventral rami of the LIV, LV, LVI, LVII, SI, SII and SIII nerves. Among the observations to highlight is the great development of the nerves N. cutaneus femoris lateralis and N. cutaneus femoris caudalis some differences were observed in the distribution of the N. femoralis and N. obturatorius; the N. ischiadicus, together with its division into the fibularis communis and tibialis nerves, showed the same configuration observed in other cats. Finally, it was observed that the nerves N. gluteus cranialis and N. gluteus caudalis also originated from the truncus lumbosacralis. The similarities and differences with studies carried out on other cats are relevant and provide anatomical data for medical procedures in the Bengal tiger.

IDENTIFICATION OF ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT ON NATURAL HABITATS BY ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE QUANTIFICATION IN TWO NEOTROPICAL WILD CATS AND THEIR GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS.

Human activities such as habitat degradation and fragmentation threaten biodiversity in Neotropical areas. This work proposes an analytical methodology to identify natural areas in Central America with anthropogenic impact, analyzing the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in accordance with their theoretical relationship with human-related activities. Sixteen ARGs were quantified in feces of different individuals of 13 jaguars (Panthera onca) and 13 pumas (Puma concolor) in three conservation areas in Costa Rica by real-time PCR. At least one ARG was detected in all samples. Of the ARGs encoding tetracycline resistance, the most frequent were tetQ and tetY (85% and 69%, respectively). The sulfonamides (sulI and sulII; 69% each), phenicols (catI and catII; 19% and 54%, respectively), and quinolones (qnrS; 12%) were also detected. The presence of human settlements, livestock farms (pigs, cattle, and poultry), roads, human health centers, flood zones, and rivers were identified within each area to generate an index of human activity. We found no difference between the presence of ARG by roads, agricultural activities, and human settlements (P>0.05). However, tetW showed higher percentages with porcine and bovine farms; both tetY and tetW were more frequent in jaguars than in pumas. Of concern is that many of the most contaminated samples were taken from national parks, such as Braulio Carrillo and Tortuguero, where animals should not have direct contact with humans.

Ticks, mites, fleas, and vector-borne pathogens in free-ranging neotropical wild felids from southern Brazil.

The study of vectors and vector-borne diseases associated with ectoparasites from free-living Neotropical small wild felids is scarce, and the few existing studies on this theme focused on the genus Panthera, Paleartic species or in captive animals. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the diversity of ectoparasites and potentially associated Rickettsia and Bartonella species in free-ranging neotropical wild cats collected in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. A total of 82 ticks, 10 fleas and 22 mites were collected from 18 Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi), 11 margays (Leopardus wiedii), two southern tiger cats (Leopardus guttulus), two jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), three ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and two pumas (Puma concolor). We identified four tick species: Rhipicephalus microplus and three species from genus Amblyomma, the most frequent being Amblyomma aureolatum; three flea species corresponding to Ctenocephalides felis, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Pulex irritans; and one mite of genus Eutrombicula. In ectoparasites we found DNA of Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia asembonensis in ticks and DNA of Bartonella clarridgeiae, Bartonella sp. and R. asembonensis in fleas. Our results highlight the evidences of vectors and vector-borne agents in wild animals, and their potential wide distribution in the Pampa biome and the southernmost portion of the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil.

Cellular Characterization and Effects of Cryoprotectant Solutions on the Viability of Fibroblasts from Three Brazilian Wild Cats.

Preserving genetic material in cryogenic conditions presents a viable alternative for the protection of species' gene variability. However, there is an enormous need to establish and test cryopreservation protocols that are suitable for each diverse cell type to guarantee technical success in the long run. Considering this, fibroblasts from jaguar (Panthera onca), oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), and pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo) were subjected to cell characterization and then cryopreservation in different cryoprotectant solutions (2.5%, 10% dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] or CryoSOfree™). Further testing was conducted to determine each solution's performance in preserving cell viability. In culture, a growth curve to assess cellular growth potential showed that exponential proliferation lasts for about the first 50 hours of in vitro culturing, declining in pace afterward. L. colocolo and L. tigrinus presented no difference in cell viability while using 2.5% DMSO protocols. P. onca cells did not present difference on viability for both concentrations of DMSO. Protocols using CryoSOfree resulted in a decreased viability of P. onca fibroblasts. Morphological differences between fibroblasts among the species were noted under bright field microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. L. colocolo and P. onca cells are fusiform, and L. tigrinus are spherical. All cells presented cytoplasmic projections. Transmission electron microscopy revealed vacuoles and secretion granules, indicating intense cell activity after thawing. Differences found in the efficiency of cryopreservation protocols according to the type of cryoprotectant indicate that species react differently to freezing and thawing processes. This research evaluates key aspects of in vitro protocols for cryopreservation of wild animals, which need to be optimized to guarantee successful cell culturing. More suitable protocols lead to increased efficiency in establishing fibroblast cryobanks and also facilitating the use of wild cats' cells in cloning techniques, contributing directly to preserving wild fauna.

Molecular and Serological Survey of the Cat-Scratch Disease Agent (Bartonella henselae) in Free-Ranging Leopardus geoffroyi and Leopardus wiedii (Carnivora: Felidae) From Pampa Biome, Brazil.

The genus Bartonella comprises emerging bacteria that affect humans and other mammals worldwide. Felids represent an important reservoir for several Bartonella species. Domestic cats are the main reservoir of Bartonella henselae, the agent of cat scratch disease (CSD). It can be transmitted directly by scratches and bites from infected cats and via cat fleas. This study aims to investigate the circulation of Bartonella spp. in free-ranging Neotropical wild felids from Southern Brazil using serological and molecular methods. In this study, 53 live-trapped free-ranging wild felids were sampled, 39 Leopardus geoffroyi and 14 Leopardus wiedii, from five municipalities in the Rio Grande, do Sul state, southern Brazil. All captured animals were clinically healthy. Two blood samples of L. geoffroyi were positive, by PCR, for the presence of B. henselae DNA. Conversely, none of L. wiedii blood samples were positive when tested using PCR. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) showed that 28% of serum samples of wild felids were reactive (seropositive) for B. henselae by immunofluorescence, with titers ranging from 64 to 256. The results presented here provide the first evidence of a Bartonella-enzootic cycle involving L. geoffroyi and L. wiedii, which may account for the spillover of the emerging zoonotic pathogen B. henselae for the indigenous fauna in Southern Brazil.

Anatomical description of the origin and distribution of the lumbosacral plexus in one puma (Puma concolor).

Wild felids often suffer spinal and limb disorders; however, their nervous system anatomy is poorly studied. Herein, the lumbosacral plexus (Plexus lumbosacralis) of an adult puma and the motor and sensitive innervation of the pelvic limb is described. We found anatomical similarities to other felids, but also some differences. Branches L4-S3 form the lumbosacral plexus (Plexus lumbosacralis) in the puma. The femoral nerve (N. femoris) arises from the union of L4-L5, while in other felids, it is formed by L5-L6. Unlike in the cat, the sartorius muscle receives branches from the saphenous (N. saphenous) and femoral nerves (N. femoris), and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius and superficial digital flexor muscles are innervated by a branch of the soleus muscle.

Técnicas reprodutivas, criopreservação espermática e coleta de sêmen em felinos selvagens visando à conservação – revisão bibliográfica

As técnicas de reprodução assistida (TRAs) como a inseminação artificial (IA), fertilização in vitro (FIV), transferência de embrião (TE) e a criopreservação de espermatozoide são de fundamental importância para que a variabilidade genética dos felinos selvagem de cativeiro não seja perdida, tal fato está diretamente ligado à conservação dessas espécies. Embora a criopreservação ainda seja um grande desafio devido a queda na qualidade espermática, essa tecnologia possibilita a utilização dos gametas masculinos por um período relativamente longo ou indeterminado, reduz riscos e custos com aquisição e transporte de reprodutores, além de favorecer rápida distribuição do material genético entre locais distantes.

Assisted reproduction techniques (ART), artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer (ET) and cryopreservation of spermatozoa are of fundamental importance for the genetic variability of wild felines of captivity not to be This fact is directly related to the conservation of these species. Although cryopreservation is still a major challenge due to a decrease in sperm quality, this technology allows male gametes to be used for a relatively long or indeterminate period, reduces risks and costs with the acquisition and transport of breeding stock, and favors rapid distribution of genetic material between distant locations.

Técnicas reprodutivas, criopreservação espermática e coleta de sêmen em felinos selvagens visando à conservação revisão bibliográfica

As técnicas de reprodução assistida (TRAs) como a inseminação artificial (IA), fertilização in vitro (FIV), transferência de embrião (TE) e a criopreservação de espermatozoide são de fundamental importância para que a variabilidade genética dos felinos selvagem de cativeiro não seja perdida, tal fato está diretamente ligado à conservação dessas espécies. Embora a criopreservação ainda seja um grande desafio devido a queda na qualidade espermática, essa tecnologia possibilita a utilização dos gametas masculinos por um período relativamente longo ou indeterminado, reduz riscos e custos com aquisição e transporte de reprodutores, além de favorecer rápida distribuição do material genético entre locais distantes.(AU)

Assisted reproduction techniques (ART), artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer (ET) and cryopreservation of spermatozoa are of fundamental importance for the genetic variability of wild felines of captivity not to be This fact is directly related to the conservation of these species. Although cryopreservation is still a major challenge due to a decrease in sperm quality, this technology allows male gametes to be used for a relatively long or indeterminate period, reduces risks and costs with the acquisition and transport of breeding stock, and favors rapid distribution of genetic material between distant locations.(AU)

Molecular and morphologic characterization of Sarcocystis felis (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in South American wild felids from Brazil.

Wild felids are thought to share parasites with domestic cats. However, little is known of the coccidian parasites of wild felids. We investigated the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in tissues of 6 species of 90 Neotropical small felids killed in road accidents in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil by using microscopic and molecular techniques. Formalin-fixed tissues from 28 felids were examined, and Sarcocystis felis-like sarcocysts were detected in 4 wild cats (2 Puma yagouaroundi and 2 Leopardus guttulus). By transmission electron microscopy, sarcocysts from a P. yagouaroundi were identical to S. felis from domestic cats in the USA. Direct sequencing of PCR amplicons resulted the unambiguous sequences of the ITS-1 region from 18 of the 31 PCR positive wild cats; 5 sequences from each P. yagouaroundi, and Leopardus geoffroyi, 4 sequences from L. guttulus, and 2 sequences from each Leopardus wiedii, and Leopardus colocolo. Sequences analysis of ITS-1 region revealed the highest identiy (97-99%) with that of previously describe isolates of S. felis from domestic cats in the USA and identified them as S. felis. Tissues of 1 Leopardus pardalis tested by PCR and histology were negative. The phylogenetic relationship indicated that S. felis is quite different to species which employ opossums as their definitive host. This is the first report of S. felis infection in small wild felids from Brazil.

Uso do feromônio facial felino fração F3 no tratamento de dermatite psicogênica em gatos-maracajá (Leopardus wiedii) cativos - relato de casos / The use of the fraction F3 of the feline facial pheromone as a treatment for psychogenic dermatitis on captive margay cats (Leopardus wiedii) - cases report / Uso de feromona felia facil fracciónF3 en el tratamiento de dermatitis psicogénica en gatos monteses (Leopardus wiedii) cautivos - relato de casos

A dermatite psicogênica é uma afecção crônica da pele, caracterizada pelaautomutilação, que resulta em rarefação pilosa, alopecia, abrasão e úlceras. Emgatos domésticos , a ansiedade ou o estresse geram lambedura excessiva dos pelos. Os feromônios vêm sendo utilizados em gatos domésticos para a redução do estresse. Cinco espécimes de gato-maracajá (Leopardus wiedii), mantidos em cativeiro no Zoológico de Sorocaba, foram diagnosticados com dermatite psicogênica. Este trabalhoteve como objetivo relatar a feromonioterapia (fração F3 do feromônio facial felino) em gatos-maracajá, no controle da dermatite psicogênica. Durante sessenta dias,o produto foi borrifado nos recintos em que os animais viviam, e dos cinco queapresentavam lesão, quatro obtiveram repilação total, mostrando que a feromonioterapia é uma ótima ferramenta no tratamento da dermatite psicogênica em gatos-maracajá.

Psychogenic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by self mutilation behavior that results in partial or complete hair loss (alopecia) and ulcersor injuries on the skin. ln domestic cats, anxiety or stress can also generate excessive licking of the coat and, in this species, pheromones have been used to reduce stress and treat compulsive behavior. The aim of this study is to report the use of pheromonetherapy (fraction F3 of the feline facial pheromone) in a group of five margay cats (Leopardus wiedií) kept at Sorocaba Zoo that were diagnosed with psychogenic dermatitis. The pheromone was sprayed at the rooms that held the five individuals for 60 days. After the treatment, four of the five animals showed full recovery, whichsuggests that pheromone therapy is a useful tool to treat psychoqenic dermatitis in margay cats.

La dermatitis psicogénica es una enfermedad crónica de la piel que secaracteriza por la automutilación, y que provoca rarefacción pilosa, alopecia, abrasión y úlceras. En gatos domésticos la ansiedad o el estrés provocan lamido excesivo de los pelos. Las feromonas se han utilizado en gatos domésticos para reducir el estrés. En cinco especímenes de gato montés (Leopardus wiedii) del zoológico de Sorocaba se diagnosticó la presencia de dermatitis psicoqénica. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo relatar la terapia con feromonas (fracción F3 de feromona facial felina) en gatosmonteses a fin de controlar la dermatitis psicoqénica. Durante sesenta días elproducto fue aplicado en forma de spray en los recintos donde vivían los animales. De los cinco animales que presentaban lesiones, cuatro tuvieron una recuperación completa del pelambre, mostrando que la terapia con feromonas es una excelenteherramienta para el tratamiento de la dermatitis psicogénica en gatos monteses.

Uso do feromônio facial felino fração F3 no tratamento de dermatite psicogênica em gatos-maracajá (Leopardus wiedii) cativos - relato de casos / The use of the fraction F3 of the feline facial pheromone as a treatment for psychogenic dermatitis on captive margay cats (Leopardus wiedii) - cases report / Uso de feromona felia facil fracciónF3 en el tratamiento de dermatitis psicogénica en gatos monteses (Leopardus wiedii) cautivos - relato de casos

A dermatite psicogênica é uma afecção crônica da pele, caracterizada pelaautomutilação, que resulta em rarefação pilosa, alopecia, abrasão e úlceras. Emgatos domésticos , a ansiedade ou o estresse geram lambedura excessiva dos pelos. Os feromônios vêm sendo utilizados em gatos domésticos para a redução do estresse. Cinco espécimes de gato-maracajá (Leopardus wiedii), mantidos em cativeiro no Zoológico de Sorocaba, foram diagnosticados com dermatite psicogênica. Este trabalhoteve como objetivo relatar a feromonioterapia (fração F3 do feromônio facial felino) em gatos-maracajá, no controle da dermatite psicogênica. Durante sessenta dias,o produto foi borrifado nos recintos em que os animais viviam, e dos cinco queapresentavam lesão, quatro obtiveram repilação total, mostrando que a feromonioterapia é uma ótima ferramenta no tratamento da dermatite psicogênica em gatos-maracajá.(AU)

Psychogenic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by self mutilation behavior that results in partial or complete hair loss (alopecia) and ulcersor injuries on the skin. ln domestic cats, anxiety or stress can also generate excessive licking of the coat and, in this species, pheromones have been used to reduce stress and treat compulsive behavior. The aim of this study is to report the use of pheromonetherapy (fraction F3 of the feline facial pheromone) in a group of five margay cats (Leopardus wiedií) kept at Sorocaba Zoo that were diagnosed with psychogenic dermatitis. The pheromone was sprayed at the rooms that held the five individuals for 60 days. After the treatment, four of the five animals showed full recovery, whichsuggests that pheromone therapy is a useful tool to treat psychoqenic dermatitis in margay cats.(AU)

La dermatitis psicogénica es una enfermedad crónica de la piel que secaracteriza por la automutilación, y que provoca rarefacción pilosa, alopecia, abrasión y úlceras. En gatos domésticos la ansiedad o el estrés provocan lamido excesivo de los pelos. Las feromonas se han utilizado en gatos domésticos para reducir el estrés. En cinco especímenes de gato montés (Leopardus wiedii) del zoológico de Sorocaba se diagnosticó la presencia de dermatitis psicoqénica. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo relatar la terapia con feromonas (fracción F3 de feromona facial felina) en gatosmonteses a fin de controlar la dermatitis psicoqénica. Durante sesenta días elproducto fue aplicado en forma de spray en los recintos donde vivían los animales. De los cinco animales que presentaban lesiones, cuatro tuvieron una recuperación completa del pelambre, mostrando que la terapia con feromonas es una excelenteherramienta para el tratamiento de la dermatitis psicogénica en gatos monteses.(AU)

Molecular characterization of SINES integrated in endogenous retrovirus sequences from Leopardus geoffroyi and Puma concolor / Molecular characterization of SINES integrated in endogenous retrovirus sequences from Leopardus geoffroyi and Puma concolor

Background: Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are transposable elements which are transcribed by RNA polymerase III and widespread in mammalian genomes. Can-SINE is a family of SINE sequences specific to carnivores, predominant in their genomes and present in high copy numbers. The aim of this study was to characterize sequences of Can-SINEs integrated into sequences of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) from Brazilian wild cats Puma concolor and Leopardus geoffroyi. Additionally, these sequences are considered from some perspectives of their evolution. Material, Methods and Results: By using PCR and sequencing to screen for ERVs within the genomes of L. geoffroyi and P. concolor, two new ERV sequences were amplified with an insertion around 220 nucleotides long, similar to published carnivore SINEs. The sequences were further identified and characterized using a combination of BLAST, BLAT searches and phylogenetic analyses. The results showed that SINE sequences integrated into the ERV from P. concolor (SINE_Pco) and L. geoffroyi (SINE_Lg) are lysine-tRNA derived. These sequences presented a typical RNA polymerase III-specific internal promoter sequence followed by a microsatellite region (TC)n and by an A/T-rich tail with the polyadenylation signal AATAAA. BLAST searches using the whole sequence of L. geoffroyi clone as query (ERV plus SINE) detected two sequences which

Background: Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are transposable elements which are transcribed by RNA polymerase III and widespread in mammalian genomes. Can-SINE is a family of SINE sequences specific to carnivores, predominant in their genomes and present in high copy numbers. The aim of this study was to characterize sequences of Can-SINEs integrated into sequences of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) from Brazilian wild cats Puma concolor and Leopardus geoffroyi. Additionally, these sequences are considered from some perspectives of their evolution. Material, Methods and Results: By using PCR and sequencing to screen for ERVs within the genomes of L. geoffroyi and P. concolor, two new ERV sequences were amplified with an insertion around 220 nucleotides long, similar to published carnivore SINEs. The sequences were further identified and characterized using a combination of BLAST, BLAT searches and phylogenetic analyses. The results showed that SINE sequences integrated into the ERV from P. concolor (SINE_Pco) and L. geoffroyi (SINE_Lg) are lysine-tRNA derived. These sequences presented a typical RNA polymerase III-specific internal promoter sequence followed by a microsatellite region (TC)n and by an A/T-rich tail with the polyadenylation signal AATAAA. BLAST searches using the whole sequence of L. geoffroyi clone as query (ERV plus SINE) detected two sequences which

Molecular characterization of SINEs integrated in endogenous retrovirus sequences from Leopardus geoffroyi and Puma concolor

Background: Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are transposable elements which are transcribed by RNA polymerase III and widespread in mammalian genomes. Can-SINE is a family of SINE sequences specific to carnivores, predominant in their genomes and present in high copy numbers. The aim of this study was to characterize sequences of Can-SINEs integrated into sequences of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) from Brazilian wild cats Puma concolor and Leopardus geoffroyi. Additionally, these sequences are considered from some perspectives of their evolution. Material, Methods and Results: By using PCR and sequencing to screen for ERVs within the genomes of L. geoffroyi and P. concolor, two new ERV sequences were amplified with an insertion around 220 nucleotides long, similar to published carnivore SINEs. The sequences were further identified and characterized using a combination of BLAST, BLAT searches and phylogenetic analyses. The results showed that SINE sequences integrated into the ERV from P. concolor (SINE_Pco) and L. geoffroyi (SINE_Lg) are lysine-tRNA derived. These sequences presented a typical RNA polymerase III-specific internal promoter sequence followed by a microsatellite region (TC)n and by an A/T-rich tail with the polyadenylation signal AATAAA. BLAST searches using the whole sequence of L. geoffroyi clone as query (ERV plus SINE) detected two sequences which were highly similar to the cougar (P. concolor) and the domestic cat. However, the SINE from Leopardus geoffroyi is not present in these related sequences. On the other hand, during searches using the whole sequence of the P. concolor clone as query, we found the same SINE insertion in a very similar ERV from domestic cat. All insertions occurred in the RT domain, but SINE_Lg was integrated in a distinct site when compared to SINE_Pco. Another interesting difference between these SINE sequences was that the statistics reported in BLAST searches recovered a much higher number of hits from the domestic cat genome using SINE_Lg as seed than in searches for sequences related to SINE_Pco. The phylogenetic tree based on the SINE fragment grouped these new SINE sequences with Can-SINEs from felids. Within this major clade SINE_Lg and SINE_Pco are related to different lineages of felids Can-SINEs. Discussion: In this study we showed that two different sequences from felid endogenous retrovirus harbor Can-SINE sequences. These insertions are not surprising taking account that ~11% of domestic cat genome is composed of SINE sequences and they are ubiquitous in felid genomes. Furthermore, the insertions of SINEs into the ERV sequences reported here are not unique events. However, they are curious insertions representing genomic fossils and a little piece of felid history. Based on the results of the phylogenetic analyses and position of the integration sites, we suggest that SINE_Lg and SINE_Pco represent independent integration events originated by derived copies from different progenitors. We hypothesized that SINE_Lg is a "young" integration due to the absence of highly similar ERVs from Puma concolor and Felis catus. This lineage may be recently active in felid genomes given that we found very similar MegaBLAST hits at EST database from domestic cat. Instead, SINE_Pco seems to be "old", sharing an identical insertion site to ERVs from domestic cat and its lineage could be inactive in felids considering that any MegaBLAST hits resulted from EST database searches. The latter suggests an integration event in an ancestor species at least 6.7 million years ago, which represents the split between puma and domestic cat lineages.

Molecular characterization of SINES integrated in endogenous retrovirus sequences from Leopardus geoffroyi and Puma concolor / Molecular characterization of SINES integrated in endogenous retrovirus sequences from Leopardus geoffroyi and Puma concolor

Background: Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are transposable elements which are transcribed by RNA polymerase III and widespread in mammalian genomes. Can-SINE is a family of SINE sequences specific to carnivores, predominant in their genomes and present in high copy numbers. The aim of this study was to characterize sequences of Can-SINEs integrated into sequences of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) from Brazilian wild cats Puma concolor and Leopardus geoffroyi. Additionally, these sequences are considered from some perspectives of their evolution. Material, Methods and Results: By using PCR and sequencing to screen for ERVs within the genomes of L. geoffroyi and P. concolor, two new ERV sequences were amplified with an insertion around 220 nucleotides long, similar to published carnivore SINEs. The sequences were further identified and characterized using a combination of BLAST, BLAT searches and phylogenetic analyses. The results showed that SINE sequences integrated into the ERV from P. concolor (SINE_Pco) and L. geoffroyi (SINE_Lg) are lysine-tRNA derived. These sequences presented a typical RNA polymerase III-specific internal promoter sequence followed by a microsatellite region (TC)n and by an A/T-rich tail with the polyadenylation signal AATAAA. BLAST searches using the whole sequence of L. geoffroyi clone as query (ERV plus SINE) detected two sequences which

Background: Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are transposable elements which are transcribed by RNA polymerase III and widespread in mammalian genomes. Can-SINE is a family of SINE sequences specific to carnivores, predominant in their genomes and present in high copy numbers. The aim of this study was to characterize sequences of Can-SINEs integrated into sequences of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) from Brazilian wild cats Puma concolor and Leopardus geoffroyi. Additionally, these sequences are considered from some perspectives of their evolution. Material, Methods and Results: By using PCR and sequencing to screen for ERVs within the genomes of L. geoffroyi and P. concolor, two new ERV sequences were amplified with an insertion around 220 nucleotides long, similar to published carnivore SINEs. The sequences were further identified and characterized using a combination of BLAST, BLAT searches and phylogenetic analyses. The results showed that SINE sequences integrated into the ERV from P. concolor (SINE_Pco) and L. geoffroyi (SINE_Lg) are lysine-tRNA derived. These sequences presented a typical RNA polymerase III-specific internal promoter sequence followed by a microsatellite region (TC)n and by an A/T-rich tail with the polyadenylation signal AATAAA. BLAST searches using the whole sequence of L. geoffroyi clone as query (ERV plus SINE) detected two sequences which