cDNA cloning, structural organization, and expression of the sheep NRAMP1 gene

Mouse resistance to several intracellular pathogens including Mycobacteria, Leishmania, and Salmonella is under the control of the Chromosome (Chr) 1 Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein I gene (Nramp1). This gene could have an economic and health importance for domestic animals and huma ns as well. Therefore, equivalents of the NRAMP1 gene have been cloned by s everal research,groups in various animal species. To study in sheep the inf luence of the NRAMP1 gene on the susceptibility to intracellular pathogens induced diseases, we have cloned the sheep NRAMP1 cDNA by screening a splen ic cDNA library. The genomic organization of the sheep NRAMP1 gene was then determined by sequencing the exon/intron boundaries. The transcription sta rt points (tsp) from the NRAMP1 mRNA have been located with primer extensio n experiments. RT-PCR reactions have been used to determine the profile of mRNA expression of this gene.