Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones for α- and β-subunits of ovine luteinizing hormone

Abstract

A cDNA library of ovine pituitary DNA in plasmid pBR322 has been constructed by conventional methods with certain modifications. The library was screened using partial cDNAs for rat α-subunit and LHβ. We have isolated cDNA clones for ovineα -subunit and LHβ. The identification of these clones was confirmed by partial sequencing. The clones bear about 80% sequence homology with the respective rat cDNAs in the sequenced regions and hybridize with the rat clones in 5 X SSC at 55°C. The ovine LHβ clone has an insert of about 650 bp and selects an RNA of about 750 bases in a northern blot. The α-subunit cDNA clone has an insert of about 550 bp; it has two internal Pst I sites and thus shows restriction-based differences from rat α-subunit cDNA, which does not have anyPst I site.