Recent studies on nucleotide sequences encoding the caseins

Molecular Characterization of the Llamas (Lama glama) Casein Cluster Genes Transcripts (CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2, CSN3) and Regulatory Regions

In the present paper, we report for the first time the characterization of llama (Lama glama) caseins at transcriptomic and genetic level. A total of 288 casein clones transcripts were analysed from two lactating llamas. The most represented mRNA populations were those correctly assembled (85.07%) and they encoded for mature proteins of 215, 217, 187 and 162 amino acids respectively for the CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2 and CSN3 genes. The exonic subdivision evidenced a structure made of 21, 9, 17 and 6 exons for the αs1-, β-, αs2- and κ-casein genes respectively. Exon skipping and duplication events were evidenced. Two variants A and B were identified in the αs1-casein gene as result of the alternative out-splicing of the exon 18. An additional exon coding for a novel esapeptide was found to be cryptic in the κ-casein gene, whereas one extra exon was found in the αs2-casein gene by the comparison with the Camelus dromedaries sequence. A total of 28 putative phosphorylated motifs highlighted a complex heterogeneity and a potential variable degree of post-translational modifications. Ninety-six polymorphic sites were found through the comparison of the lama casein cDNAs with the homologous camel sequences, whereas the first description and characterization of the 5'- and 3'-regulatory regions allowed to identify the main putative consensus sequences involved in the casein genes expression, thus opening the way to new investigations -so far- never achieved in this species.

Investigating the genetic polymorphism of sheep milk proteins: a useful tool for dairy production

Sheep is the second most important dairy species after cow worldwide, and especially in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. In some countries, the difficult environmental conditions require a peculiar adaptation and, in these contexts, sheep are able to provide higher quality protein than cattle. In the least-developed countries, the amount of dairy sheep and ovine milk production is progressively increasing. In order to improve dairy productions, in particular those with local connotations, it is necessary to obtain in-depth information regarding milk quality and rheological properties. The genetic polymorphisms of milk proteins are often associated with quantitative and qualitative parameters in milk and are potential candidate markers that should be included in breeding strategies similar to those already available for cattle. Due to the current and growing interest in this topic and considering the large amount of new information, the aim of this study was to review the literature on sheep milk protein polymorphisms with a particular emphasis on recent findings in order to give scientists useful support. Moreover, the effects of different protein variants on milk yield and composition are discussed.

Invited review: milk protein polymorphisms in cattle: effect on animal breeding and human nutrition

The 6 main milk proteins in cattle are encoded by highly polymorphic genes characterized by several nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations, with up to 47 protein variants identified. Such an extensive variation was used for linkage analysis with the description of the casein cluster more than 30 yr ago and has been applied to animal breeding for several years. Casein haplotype effects on productive traits have been investigated considering information on the whole casein complex. Moreover, mutations within the noncoding sequences have been shown to affect the specific protein expression and, as a consequence, milk composition and cheesemaking. Milk protein variants are also a useful tool for breed characterization, diversity, and phylogenetic studies. In addition, they are involved in various aspects of human nutrition. First, the occurrence of alleles associated with a reduced content of different caseins might be exploited for the production of milk with particular nutritional qualities; that is, hypoallergenic milk. On the other hand, the frequency of these alleles can be decreased by selection of sires using simple DNA tests, thereby increasing the casein content in milk used for cheesemaking. Furthermore, the biological activity of peptides released from milk protein digestion can be affected by amino acid exchanges or deletions resulting from gene mutations. Finally, the gene-culture coevolution between cattle milk protein genes and human lactase genes, which has been recently highlighted, is impressive proof of the nonrandom occurrence of milk protein genetic variation over the centuries.

A method for kappa-casein genotyping of bulls

A method for kappa-casein genotyping in bulls has been developed. By analysis of DNA polymorphisms we are able to discriminate between the kappa-casein variant A and B in the bulls. This method will be an efficient tool in selection for the most desirable kappa-casein variant.

kappa-casein-deficient mice fail to lactate

Acquisition of milk production capabilities by an ancestor of mammals is at the root of mammalian evolution. Milk casein micelles are a primary source of amino acids and calcium phosphate to neonates. To understand the role of kappa-casein in lactation, we have created and characterized a null mouse strain (Csnk-/-) lacking this gene. The mutant kappa-casein allele did not affect the expression of other milk proteins in Csnk-/- females. However, these females did not suckle their pups and failed to lactate because of destabilization of the micelles in the lumina of the mammary gland. Thus, kappa-casein is essential for lactation and, consequently, for the successful completion of the process of reproduction in mammals. In view of the extreme structural conservation of the casein locus, as well as the phenotype of Csnk-/- females, we propose that the organization of a functional kappa-casein gene would have been one of the critical events in the evolution of mammals. Further, kappa-casein variants are known to affect the industrial properties of milk in dairy animals. Given the expenses and the time scale of such experiments in livestock species, it is desirable to model the intended genetic modifications in mice first. The mouse strain that we have created would be a useful model to study the effect of kappa-casein variants on the properties of milk and/or milk products.

Caprine κ-Casein (CSN3) Polymorphism: New Developments in Molecular Knowledge

A high degree of polymorphism was recently found at the kappa-casein (CSN3) locus in the domesticated goat (Capra hircus). In the present study, 2 new patterns previously identified by PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) were characterized. The allele provisionally named "X" (GenBank Accession no. AY350425) differs from CSN3*C (AF485341) by a (silent) A-->G substitution at position 509 of the goat CSN3 reference sequence (X60763). As this newly identified sequence changes the amino acid sequence, and the already known CSN3*C allele (AF485341) has an additional silent mutation, we proposed a change in nomenclature to reflect these changes, indicating the silent mutation with the prime symbol (i.e.,'). The CSN3*M allele (provisionally named "Y") results in a new protein variant, differing by 2 nonsynonymous mutations from the CSN3*F allele. The new variant is characterized by a G-->A transition at nucleotide position 384, resulting in the amino acid exchange Asp90-->Asn90, and a C-->T transition at position 550, resulting in a Val145-->Ala145 substitution. Thus, the number of alleles identified in the domesticated goat has increased to 16, of which 13 are protein variants and 3 are silent mutations, involving a total of 15 polymorphic sites in CSN3 exon 4. Data on the distribution of the main alleles in 7 goat breeds of Europe, West Africa, and the Near East show differences in the occurrence and frequency of the alleles between breeds and geographic origin with the highest number of alleles found in goat breeds from the Near East.

Multispecies comparison of the casein gene loci and evolution of casein gene family

Caseins, the major milk proteins, are present in a genomic cluster spanning 250-350 kb. The divergence at the coding level between human, rodent, and cattle sequences is rather extensive for most of the genes in this region. Nevertheless, comparative analysis of genomic sequences harboring the casein gene cluster region of these species (with equal evolutionary distances 79-88 Myr) shows that the organization and orientation of the genes is highly conserved. The conserved gene structure indicates that the molecular diversity of the casein genes is achieved through variable use of exons in different species and high evolutionary divergence. Comparative analysis also revealed the presence within two species of uncharacterized casein family members and ruled out the previously held notion that another gene family, located in this region, is primate-specific. Several other new genes as well as conserved noncoding sequences with potential regulatory functions were identified. All genes identified in this region are, or are predicted to be, secreted proteins involved in mineral homeostasis, nutrition, and/or host defense, and are mostly expressed in the mammary and/or salivary glands. These observations suggest a possible common ancestry for the genes in this region.

Post-translational phosphorylation affects the IgE binding capacity of caseins

IgE response specific to those molecular regions of casein that contain a major phosphorylation site was analyzed using native and modified caseins and derived peptides. This study included (i) the naturally occurring common variants A1 and A from beta- and alphas2-caseins, respectively, which were purified in the native form and then dephosphorylated, (ii) a purified rare variant D of alphas2-casein which lacks one major phosphorylation site, and (iii) the native and dephosphorylated tryptic fragment f(1-25) from beta-casein. Direct and indirect ELISA using sera from patients allergic to milk showed that the IgE response to caseins is affected by modifying or eliminating the major phosphorylation site.

Comparative aspects of milk caseins

The caseins comprise the major protein component of milk of most mammals and are secreted as micelles that also carry high concentrations of calcium. They are phosphoproteins that represent the products of four genes, equivalent to those that encode the bovine alpha s1, alpha s2, beta, and kappa-caseins. There is considerable variation in the relative proportions of the particular caseins across species. The primary sequences of the alpha s1, alpha s2, and beta-caseins also show considerable species variation consistent with rapidly evolving genes that are proposed to have a common precursor. In contrast, the kappa-caseins exhibit features that demonstrate a separate origin and function where they are proposed to stabilise the micelle structure. This review focuses on comparative aspects of the caseins across a number of species for which information is now available.

Regulation of milk protein gene expression

Studies using both transgenic mice and transfected mammary epithelial cells have established that composite response elements containing multiple binding sites for several transcription factors mediate the hormonal and developmental regulation of milk protein gene expression. Activation of signal transduction pathways by lactogenic hormones and cell-substratum interactions activate transcription factors and change chromatin structure and milk protein gene expression. The casein promoters have binding sites for signal transducers and activators of transcription 5, Yin Yang 1, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, and the glucocorticoid receptor. The whey protein gene promoters have binding sites for nuclear factor I, as well as the glucocorticoid receptor and the signal transducers and activators of transcription 5. The functional importance of some of these factors in mammary gland development and milk protein gene expression has been elucidated by studying mice in which some of these factors have been deleted.

Identification, characterisation and cDNA cloning of two caseins from the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)1

Two major caseins have been isolated from the milk of the common brushtailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). These have been identified as alpha- and beta-casein on the basis of the similarity of their N-terminal sequences to those of the caseins of another marsupial (Macropus eugenii). Both proteins appear to exist in multiple forms. Possum alpha-casein is glycosylated mainly in the form of sialic acid residues and was shown by electrospray mass spectrometry to have multiply phosphorylated forms of three families with molecular masses 22700 and 23200 Da that may represent genetic variants. Two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that beta-casein exists as a complex of five or six proteins of identical N-terminal sequence but differing pI. Electrospray mass spectrometry indicated that the beta-caseins also are multiply phosphorylated with masses between 32300 and 32600 Da. A subfamily with mass values 1530 greater was also detected. The patterns were not affected by stage of lactation and quantitative analysis of two-dimensional gels of whole milk shows that alpha- and beta-caseins are present at a constant ratio throughout lactation. cDNA clones for the possum alpha- and beta-caseins have been isolated from an early lactation mammary cDNA library and sequenced.

Physical mapping of the murine casein locus reveals the gene order as alpha-beta-gamma-epsilon-kappa

The murine casein locus has been characterized by long-range restriction mapping and the analysis of large fragment genomic clones. Cloned sequences from five mouse casein genes (alpha, beta, gamma, epsilon, kappa) were used to screen a murine (strain 129) genomic library in a bacterial artificial chromosome vector (BAC). Of the nine clones isolated, two contained three casein genes alpha, beta, gamma and gamma, epsilon, kappa, respectively. The following combinations were found in other clones: alpha + beta, beta + gamma; and gamma + epsilon. Thus, the gene order in the locus can be deduced to be alpha-beta-gamma-epsilon-kappa. This order was confirmed by restriction analysis of the clones. A contig map of the clones and flanking sequences has been established by characterizing seven BAC clones, which together span approximately 470 kb. Long-range restriction analysis of genomic DNA indicates that the murine casein locus is confined to a 250-kb partial Xho I fragment. The alpha and beta casein genes were shown to be arranged in a tail-to-tail orientation.

A novel complementary deoxyribonucleic acid is abundantly and specifically expressed in the uterus during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to identify novel genes expressed by the uterus during late pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

A complementary deoxyribonucleic acid library constructed from late pregnancy mouse uterus was screened by differential hybridization with complementary deoxyribonucleic acid probes constructed from late pregnancy mouse uterus and nonpregnant mouse uterus. Radiolabeled complementary deoxyribonucleic acid probes derived from one of the complementary deoxyribonucleic acids isolated were used in northern hybridizations against ribonucleic acid collected from pregnant and nonpregnant uterus and a variety of other mouse tissues.

RESULTS

A total of 40 positive clones were isolated; half were identified as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha (a putative inhibitor of the protease cathepsin L) and the other half represented a novel complementary deoxyribonucleic acid. Conceptual translation of the complementary deoxyribonucleic acid predicted a novel protein of 154 amino acids that is proline rich and acidic (pregnancy-specific uterine protein). Northern hybridizations demonstrated that message is abundant in the uterus during late pregnancy. After birth expression rapidly decreased and message was no longer found in the uterus by the third day. A minimal amount of message is present in placental ribonucleic acid, but expression is otherwise not detected in a variety of adult and fetal tissues surveyed, suggesting that expression of this gene is limited to the pregnant uterus.

CONCLUSIONS

The abundance of message and expression apparently limited to the pregnant uterus suggests that the protein represented by this complementary deoxyribonucleic acid may play an important role in pregnancy.

Structure and expression of the mouse casein gene locus

The analysis of yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) containing the complete mouse casein gene locus revealed the presence of five casein genes, alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-, and kappa-casein, in this order, in the locus. The alpha- and beta-casein genes are only 10 kb apart and have convergent transcriptional orientations. The distance between the beta-casein gene and the alpha s2-like gamma-casein gene is about 70 kb, and these genes have divergent transcriptional orientations. The gamma- and delta-casein genes, both encoding a alpha s2-like casein, are linked within 60 kb and convergently transcribed. The kappa-casein gene is located about 100 kb from the delta-gene. Except for the presence of the delta-casein gene, the organization of the mouse casein locus resembles that of the bovine locus, including the transcriptional orientation of the genes. In contrast to the other casein genes, which are strongly induced at mid-lactation, expression of the delta-casein gene is abruptly induced upon parturition. Comparative analysis of alpha s2-like sequences from various species suggests that the ancestral alpha s2-like gene duplicated around the time of radiation of the rodent and artiodactylid ancestors.

Exon skipping in the ovine alpha s1-casein gene

The reported cDNA sequences for the bovine (Bos taurus) and ovine (Ovis aries) alpha s1-caseins display a high degree of identity with the exception that a 24 bp region, corresponding to bovine exon 16, is absent in the ovine sequence. Here we show that the ovine gene for alpha s1-casein contains a sequence block displaying 23/24 identity to bovine exon 16, indicating that the absence of this block from ovine mRNA is due not to genomic deletion but to exon skipping. Analysis of the products obtained by reverse transcription of ovine alpha s1-casein mRNA followed by amplification, demonstrated the presence of mRNA species containing the exon 16 sequence as well as the species in which it had been spliced out. It was estimated that the latter constitutes 20% of the total ovine alpha s1-casein mRNA. We propose that a substitution within the donor splice site is responsible for the partial skipping of exon 16, possibly through the formation of an inhibitory RNA secondary structure.

Expression of synthetic cDNA sequences encoding human insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the mammary gland of transgenic rabbits

We have developed an expression system where foreign proteins are synthesized specifically in the mammary gland of transgenic rabbits and secreted into the milk. Regulatory elements were isolated from the bovine alpha S1-casein-encoding gene and combined with a synthetic DNA coding for human IGF-1 and for [Gln58]IGF-1, an IGF-1 analogue. The resulting hybrid DNA constructs were used to generate transgenic rabbits. Females of seven transgenic lines tested were positive for synthesis of IGF-1. Transmission of the transgene to progeny and IGF-1 production in female offspring was observed in all transgenic lines analysed. As expected, expression of transgene mRNA could only be detected in the mammary gland. Production levels of transgenic protein were as high as 1 g IGF-1 per liter rabbit milk. IGF-1, as well as [Gln58]IGF-1, when secreted into rabbit milk, was correctly processed and biologically active. IGF-1 was purified from the milk of transgenic rabbits to a nearly homogenous active form.

Variants within the 5'-flanking regions of bovine milk protein genes: I. κ-casein-encoding gene

In order to identify DNA variants within the 5'-flanking region of the bovine κ-casein (κCn)-encoding gene, this area of the gene from 13 cows belonging to seven breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, German Simmental, Jersey, Galloway, Scottish Highland and Ceylon Dwarf Zebu) was analysed. For each individual, about 1 kb of the 5'-flanking region including exon I was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The biotinylated PCR product was immobilized on magnetic beads followed by direct bidirectional sequencing using an automated DNA sequencer. Fifteen DNA variants were identified, some of which are located within potential regulatory sites and possibly involved in the expression of the κ-casein encoding gene.

The identification of nuclear and mitochondrial genes by sequencing randomly chosen clones from a marsupial mammary gland cDNA library

To increase the number of genes that can be mapped to the genome of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), we sequenced 100 randomly chosen clones from a mammary gland cDNA library. Provisional identifications were made of seven nuclear genes and one mitochondrial gene encoding two caseins, beta-galactosidase, acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase, lipoprotein lipase, inorganic pyrophosphatase, an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, and cytochrome c oxidase I. Highly conserved genes, such as that encoding acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase, were easily identified even from cross-kingdom matches. Genes which are highly divergent, however, such as those encoding the mature casein peptides, could not be aligned with homologues in the databases. Even in an organ where there is high mRNA species redundancy, the sequence characterization of expressed sequence tags provides a rapid means of gene identification for mapping purposes.

Functions of milk protein gene 5' flanking regions on human growth hormone gene

Fragments containing 5' flanking regions of four bovine milk protein genes--alpha lactalbumin (b alpha LA), alpha S1 casein (b alpha S1CN), beta casein (b beta CN), kappa casein (b kappa CN)--and mouse whey acidic protein (mWAP) gene were prepared by PCR and ligated to human growth hormone (hGH) gene. These recombinant DNAs were microinjected into rat embryos to produce transgenic rats, and the functions of the 5' regions to direct secretion of hGH in the milk were tested. Although milk was obtained only in 5 of 19 mWAP/hGH rat lines, more than two-thirds of the rats carrying the other four DNAs produced milk. More than 80% of the lactated rats carrying b alpha LA/, b beta CN/, and mWAP/hGH, and 33% of the lactated b alpha S1CN/hGH rats secreted detectable amounts of hGH (> 0.05 microgram/ml) in the milk. In some rats, the hGH concentrations in the milk were comparable to or more than that of the corresponding milk protein in bovine milk. The ranges of hGH concentrations in the milk of b alpha LA/, b beta CN/, b alpha S1CN/, and mWAP/hGH rats were 1.13-4,360 micrograms/ml, 0.11-10,900 micrograms/ml, 86.8-6,480 micrograms/ml, and 6.87-151 micrograms/ml, respectively. HGH was also detected in the sera of these rats, and some abnormalities of growth and reproduction were observed. All but one virgin mWAP/hGH rat secreted up to 0.0722 microgram/ml of hGH in the serum, and more than half of them showed abnormal fat accumulations at their abdomen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of two novel casein transcripts in rabbit mammary gland

Two clones were isolated from a cDNA library corresponding to mRNAs which accumulate in mid-lactating (14 day) rabbit mammary gland and characterized by DNA sequencing. The two clones sequenced corresponded to two novel casein transcripts (pBRM5 and pBRM42). Relative mRNA abundances for the two clones were assessed by dot-blot analysis. Phylogenetic analysis and comparison of both pBRM5 and pBRM42 with other members of the casein family revealed that the rabbit may be unique among mammals in expressing two alpha s2-casein genes. The presence of two alpha s2-casein genes in the rabbit may be the result of a relatively recent intergenic duplication event.

Protein composition of rhesus monkey milk: comparison to human milk

1. Proteins in human milk and Rhesus monkey milk have been compared by FPLC gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography, SDS-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, nitrogen and protein determination. 2. Mature Rhesus milk is higher in protein concentration (15-20 mg/ml) than human milk (8-9 mg/ml). 3. Non-Protein nitrogen is 6-13% in Rhesus milk but 25-30% in human milk. 4. Secretory IgA, lactoferrin, serum albumin, alpha-lactalbumin and lysozyme are present in Rhesus milk, but at a lower concentration than in human milk. 5. The casein subunit pattern is more complex in Rhesus milk compared to human milk. 6. The ratio of whey proteins to casein is similar in both milks (approximately 60/40). 7. A protein with a M(r) of 21,600 is a major component in monkey whey but is not found in human milk.

The complete sequence of the gene encoding bovine alpha s2-casein

From a bovine genomic library, five overlapping clones, spanning some 50 kb, have been isolated. These clones contain the complete alpha s2-casein-encoding gene (alpha s2ca) and its 5' and 3' flanking regions. The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the complete gene including 2510 bp of the 5' flanking region and 276 bp of the 3' region has been determined. The total length of alpha s2ca appears to be 18483 bp and, therefore, it is the longest of the four bovine casein-encoding genes. The alpha s2ca gene is comprised of 18 exons ranging in size from 21 to 266 nt. There are 16 Alu-like artiodactyla retroposons inserted at ten different locations within the gene. About 14% of the gene is composed of these repetitive sequences. Although the organization of alpha s2ca appears to be similar to that of the alpha s1-casein-encoding gene (alpha s1ca), sequence comparisons and the length of the exons indicate that it is more closely related to the beta-casein-encoding gene. Furthermore, it is shown that both genes could have evolved from a common ancestor by means of internal duplications.

Isolation of recombinant proteins from milk

Milk is a complex bio-colloid which presents some unique problems for the protein isolation chemist, but the majority of the processing criteria for purifying recombinant proteins are the same as with any complex biological mixture. The casein micelles and fat globules behave as separate phases; they prevent filtration of the milk and interfere with the usual separation methods. The usual first step is to centrifuge the milk to remove the fat and precipitate the casein micelles with low pH or precipitating agents. Some recombinant proteins may associate to some degree with the micelles which may necessitate solubilizing them with chelating agents. If the majority of the product protein associates with either the fat or micelles, this can be used to advantage. Once the casein micelles have been removed or disrupted, the clarified milk can be processed by the usual separation methods. There also are proteases in milk which can degrade recombinant proteins. The greatest advantage of producing recombinant proteins in milk is the high concentration which can be obtained. The high levels of product protein can alleviate many problems associated with the application of classical purification strategies to transgenic milk proteins.

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibody directed against bovine alpha s2-casein

A monoclonal antibody 62-1A of isotype IgM, directed against bovine alpha s2-casein, was isolated and characterized. Monoclonal antibody 62-1A recognized bovine alpha s2-11P- and alpha s2-9P-caseins by indirect solid phase radioimmunoassay and Western blot analysis. Crossreactivity toward native genetic variants (A, B, and C) of alpha s1-casein was similar but lower (approximately 60 to 70%) than that for alpha s2-11P-casein). Little or no crossreactivity was observed for other bovine milk or serum proteins. Antibody affinity for alpha s2-11P-casein was 1.3 x 10(9)/M. As little as 25 ng/ml (.5 ng/well) of alpha s2-11P-casein was detected by solid phase radioimmunoassay.

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies monospecific for bovine alpha-casein and beta-casein

Two monoclonal antibodies monospecific for bovine alpha s1-casein, which recognize three genetic variants of alpha s1-casein, have been isolated and their binding properties characterized. Antibodies 57-115 and 57-310 recognize different antigenic determinants on the alpha s1 protein with affinity constants of 1.63 x 10(11) and 2.13 x 10(11) M-1, respectively. Five monoclonal antibodies, 58-409, 58-416, 58-488, 58-504, and 58-557, monospecific for bovine beta-casein with affinity constants greater than 10(9) M-1, which recognize a similar epitope(s) also were isolated. All seven antibodies are of isotype IgG1 and recognize both the denatured and undenatured forms of their antigen, making them suitable for qualitative and quantitative radioimmunoassay.

Long range restriction analysis of the bovine casein genes

Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to analyse the organization of the bovine alpha s1, alpha s2, beta and kappa casein genes. High molecular weight DNA was prepared from fibroblasts and lymphocytes embedded in agarose and was digested with the restriction endonucleases Clal, Sall, Smal, Xhol. The digestion products were separated by PFGE, transfered to nitrocellulose filters and hybridized to probes corresponding to the cDNAs of the four bovine casein genes. The casein genes were demonstrated to be physically linked within a region of 300 kb, represented by two adjacent Xhol fragments in fibroblasts and by a single fragment in lymphocytes. A restriction map of the casein locus was derived and the order of the genes was shown to be kappa, alpha s2, beta, alpha s1.

Cloning and sequencing of a cDNA encoding human milk beta-casein

A cDNA of 1065 bp encoding the human milk beta-casein was cloned and sequenced using a synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide probe and a human mammary gland library. The nucleotide (nt) sequence contained an open reading frame sufficient to encode the entire amino-acid (aa) sequence of a beta-casein precursor protein consisting of 210 aa and a signal peptide of 15 aa. The nt sequence shows 45-62% homology to those of bovine, ovine, rat, and mouse beta-caseins. The highly phosphorylated site, which is responsible for the calcium-binding capacity of beta-casein, the signal peptide, and a sequence encoding for an inhibitor to the angiotensin-converting enzyme seem highly conserved among the beta-caseins with known sequences.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the kappa-casein locus in cattle

The two common genetic variants (A and B) of bovine kappa-casein originate from two point mutations in the codons for the aminoacids in position 136 and 148. These mutations give rise to polymorphic sites for the restriction endonucleases Hin dIII, AluI, HinfI, Mbo II and TaqI. We have examined DNAs of several Italian Friesian cows and bulls of known and unknown genotype by Southern analyses using kappa-casein cDNA probes. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) specific for the A and B alleles were identified for each of the above enzymes, except for AluI, which has a non-polymorphic site 12bp away from the polymorphic one. We have also found two new polymorphic sites for MboII and TaqI in the non-coding regions. These sites differentiate the A allele into two new variants, named A1 and A2. The RFLP analysis permits the characterization of kappa-casein alleles even in the absence of their expression. This should facilitate selective breeding programmes aimed at increasing the frequency of the kappa-casein B allele whose product improves the cheesemaking properties of milk.

Alteration of milk composition using molecular genetics

Advances in genetic technology have made it possible to consider making substantial changes either in the composition of milk or in the production of entirely new products in milk. The technological capabilities that have given rise to the introduction and expression of new genes in animals are discussed. Examples are given of transgenic animals that express foreign proteins in their milk. Advantages of the mammary synthesis of proteins are discussed and potential alterations of milk composition and scenarios for introduction of new proteins are considered. Technological capabilities that either currently exist or are being developed are discussed along with the requirements for making it feasible to utilize the technology on a broad scale in dairy cattle.

Isolation and characterization of the bovine kappa-casein gene

1. The bovine kappa-casein gene has been isolated as a series of overlapping lambda clones and shown to consist of five exons distributed over a total length of approximately 13 kb. Most of the mature protein-coding sequence is contained in a single large exon. 2. Approximately 65% of the gene has been sequenced together with portions of the 5'- and 3'-flanking sequences. The immediate 5'-flanking sequence contains several motifs which are characteristic of upstream regions including a TATA box, a CAAT box, a sequence similar to that recognized by transcription factor AP-1 and a purine-rich sequence resembling that found upstream in all other lactoprotein genes. Other possible regulatory sequences are found upstream of exon 4. 3. The organization of the kappa-casein gene, together with its upstream sequence, confirms previous conclusions that it is unrelated to the calcium-sensitive-casein gene family to which it is linked. Evidence is presented which supports a previous suggestion that kappa-casein and the fibrinogens are evolutionarily related. 4. Intron sequences contain several examples of the A family of the artiodactyl Alu-like repeated sequences, together with a single example of a C-family sequence. The remainders of the introns of the kappa-casein gene, compared with the repeat elements and exons, are A + T-rich. 5. Among the lambda clones isolated, representatives were found of the A and B genetic variants which can be distinguished by restriction-enzyme analysis. Several other examples of polymorphisms in the non-coding region were found.

Casein gene expression in bovine mammary gland

The objectives were to examine the rate of synthesis of casein mRNA transcripts in bovine mammary tissue at different hormonal states and to study the effects of hormonal stimuli (insulin, hydrocortisone, and prolactin) on the accumulation of casein mRNA and on the rate of protein secretion by epithelial cells from bovine mammary tissues. Total cytoplasmic RNA was extracted from mammary tissues of cows obtained by biopsy (8 mo pregnant) and upon slaughter (lactating). The relative specific activities of cytoplasmic mRNA for alpha s1-, alpha s2-, beta-, and kappa-casein were about 3.2, 4.6, 3.3, and 4.5-fold higher in tissues of lactating cows than in those of 8 mo pregnant cows. Mammary alveolar epithelial cells retained hormone-inducible milk protein gene expression for total milk protein gene expression for total milk protein secretion and for alpha s1- and beta-casein messages. Prolactin, even in the absence of insulin and hydrocortisone, induced significant amounts of milk protein mRNA. Hydrocortisone in the presence of prolactin amplified the lactogenic effects on mammary epithelium. Maximal induction of beta-casein mRNA and protein secretion occurred when all three hormones were present.