ABSTRACT. b 2 -Microglobulin (β 2 m) is related to major histocompatibility complex class I alpha chains, and forms cellsurface glycoproteins that mediate a variety of functions in immune defense. In general, β 2 m has no isoforms and is not polymorphic in higher vertebrates, but polymorphisms between different alleles have been found in some fish species. In this study, full-length β 2 m cDNA and genomic sequences were cloned from the miiuy croaker (Miichthys miiuy). The miiuy croaker β 2 m gene shares many of the same characteristics as other fish species. Three exons and two introns were identified in the miiuy croaker β 2 m gene; these genomic structural features are similar to those present in other fish. The deduced β 2 m amino acid sequence exhibited 34.7-90.1% identity with mammal and teleost β 2 m amino acid sequences. Sequence polymorphism analysis in six individuals identified three alleles that encoded two proteins, confirming that β 2 m polymorphisms exist in this species. Phylogenetic analysis elucidated the evolutionary history of the β 2 m protein among warm-blooded vertebrates and bony fish.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.