Functions, structure, and read-through alternative splicing of feline APOBEC3 genes

APOBEC3 (A3, Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide 3) genes in the genome of domestic cat (Felis catus) were identified and characterize

Variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 in squirrels, Germany and the Netherlands

We screened squirrels in Germany and the Netherlands for the novel zoonotic variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1). The detection of VSBV-1 in 11 squirrels indicates a considerable risk for transmission to humans handling those animals. Therefore, squirrels in contact with humans should routinely be tested for VSBV-1

Parasitological examination results of zoo animals in Germany between 2012 and 2022

Parasitic infections in zoo animals are a critical concern for both animal health and management. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of endo- and ectoparasites among zoo animals in Germany. A retrospective analysis of the submitted samples of a diverse range of zoo animals (5768) from a ten-year period (2012–2022) was conducted. Overall, 31.1% of those samples tested positive for at least one parasite. In the examined samples, helminths (28.4%) were found more often than protozoans (10.3%) or ectoparasites (0.8%). Among the various animal groups the following parasites were found most commonly: Artiodactyla: Coccidia (34.6%), Strongylida (23.4%); Perissodactyla: Strongylida (19.3%), Ascaridida (12.0%); Carnivora: Ascaridida (16.6%), Coccidia (8.1%); Rodentia: Oxyurida (18.2%), Coccidia (10.5%); Marsupialia: Coccidia (9.4%), Oxyurida (5.9%); Primates: Trichuris spp. (9.7%), Oxyurida (2.2%); Aves: Capillaria (7.8%), Ascaridida (7.6%); Reptilia, Amphibia, Insecta: Oxyurida (18.7%); Pisces: Ciliates (6.2%). Furthermore, potentially zoonotic parasites were identified, including Toxoplasma gondii (0.1%), Cryptosporidium sp. (0.1%). By examining the occurrence of specific parasites, these findings demonstrate the importance of parasites in the context of zoo animal health. They also highlight the need for effective strategies to control parasite burden to improve the overall welfare of zoo animals

Variegated Squirrel Bornavirus 1 in Squirrels, Germany and the Netherlands

We screened squirrels in Germany and the Netherlands for the novel zoonotic variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1). The detection of VSBV-1 in 11 squirrels indicates a considerable risk for transmission to humans handling those animals. Therefore, squirrels in contact with humans should routinely be tested for VSBV-1

Comparison of the nucleotide coding and amino acid sequences of the feline A3C genes

Pairwise comparison of the domestic cat A3 cDNA to the predicted A3Ca, A3Cb and A3Cc genomic coding sequences and the predicted amino acid sequences. Amino acid sequence alignment of A3C cDNA and the predicted proteins for A3C genes. Highlighted in yellow are amino acid residues different between the A3Cs based on the genomic sequence, whereas amino acid sites displaying non-synonymous amino acid substitutions are boxed in blue and red for A3Cb and A3Cc, respectively, as identified by SNP genotyping of eight domestic cat breeds for exons 2-4 of A3Ca, A3Cb and A3Cc (for more details see Table 4 in Additional data file 2). Arrows indicate exonic junctions. Below the alignments, variant amino acids are boxed in red for A3Cc (for example, W65R) and blue for A3Cb with respect to the breed from which they were identified: Turkish van (VAN), Egyptian mau (MAU), Sphynx (SPH), Birman (BIR) and Japanese bobtail (BOB). A dash indicates the amino acid is identical to genomic sequence. Numbers adjacent to breed identifiers refer to alleles 1 and 2 identified by clonal sequence analysis of the PCR products that are in phase for exons 3 and 4, but not for exon 2 (1/2). The residue corresponding to functionally significant amino acid replacement identified in human A3G (D128K) is highlighted by an asterisk (see text).<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Functions, structure, and read-through alternative splicing of feline APOBEC3 genes"</p><p>http://genomebiology.com/2008/9/3/R48</p><p>Genome Biology 2008;9(3):R48-R48.</p><p>Published online 3 Mar 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2397500.</p><p></p

Cat A3 proteins selectively inhibit the infectivity of different retroviruses

A3 expression in the transfected 293T cells was detected by immunoblotting with anti-HA monoclonal antibody. Wild-type (wt) or ΔFFV wild type (b), wild-type FIV-Luc, Δvif FIV-Luc + Vif expression plasmid (vif.V5) and ΔFIV luciferase reporter vector particles (c), FeLV/GFP (d), and ΔSIVagm luciferase viruses (e) were produced in 293T cells in the presence or absence of the indicated APOBEC3s.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Functions, structure, and read-through alternative splicing of feline APOBEC3 genes"</p><p>http://genomebiology.com/2008/9/3/R48</p><p>Genome Biology 2008;9(3):R48-R48.</p><p>Published online 3 Mar 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2397500.</p><p></p