An investigation of allelic diver diversity of the major histocompatibility complex class II DRB gene in the American black bear, Ursus americanus, in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Sabean, Micaela L.

Sabean, M. L. (2019). An investigation of allelic diver diversity of the major histocompatibility complex class II DRB gene in the American black bear, Ursus americanus, in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3241

Search for this publication on Google Scholar

Details:

Title: An investigation of allelic diver diversity of the major histocompatibility complex class II DRB gene in the American black bear, Ursus americanus, in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Author: Sabean, Micaela L.
Call Number: LE3 .A278 2019
Date: 2019
Supervisor: Stewart, Don
Coombs, Melanie
Degree Grantor: Acadia University
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science
Degree Level: Honours
Discipline: Biology
Affiliation: Biology
Abstract: It is extremely important to understand the genetic health of animal populations, especially large game mammals that are frequently hunted to implement appropriate management and conservation measures. The objectives of this study were to optimize polymerase chain reaction primers targeting the MHC class II DRB gene, to determine if there is allelic diversity in this gene, and to assess the population genetic health of the American black bear, Ursus americanus. The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is part of the adaptive immune system and is responsible for pathogen recognition by the peptide binding region (PBR). The allelic diversity of MHC, a non-neutral marker, more accurately assesses population health than neutral markers, such as microsatellites, which are not selected for. Primers were taken from the literature to target the MHC class II DRB and DQB genes. The URSDRB and URSDQB primer sets successfully amplified sequences with high similarity to DRB and DQB genes in other Ursus species. The PCR products of the DRB gene were cloned into plasmids and transformed into competent cells. However, the cloning of the PCR products into plasmids was not successful, although transformation of the plasmids into the JM109 competent cells was successful. In another set of experiments, the cloning and transformation of plasmids into TOP10 competent cells was also unsuccessful. It is necessary to separate the different alleles in the PCR products to obtain a nucleotide sequence. As an alternative to the methods used here, it should be possible to sequence the alleles without separation using next-generation sequencing techniques. With the allelic diversity of the MHC class II DRB gene the population genetic health can be assessed, and appropriate management strategies can be implemented.
Rights: The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.
Permanent Link: https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3241

Acadia Scholar

An investigation of allelic diver diversity of the major histocompatibility complex class II DRB gene in the American black bear, Ursus americanus, in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Details:

Bookmarks: