Abstract:
The cDNA encoding the follicle stimulating hormone beta subunit (FSH-β)was isolated from a red kangaroo pituitary cDNA library by using a porcineprobe and the nucleotide sequence for the coding region was determined. Thehighest degree of deduced amino acid sequence identity (91%) wasobserved between the red kangaroo and another marsupial, the brushtail possum(Trichosurus vulpecula), followed by eutherian species(76%, 75% and 74%, respectively, for pig, mouse andsheep). Based on the deduced red kangaroo FSH-β amino acid sequence,putative antigenic sites have been identified that may prove useful forstudying the hormonal control of reproduction in marsupials.