Amino acid sequence of the Felis catus prion protein

A new determination of the house cat (Felis catus) prion protein gene sequence (fPrnp), which has so far been subject of controversy, is reported. The newly determined fPrnp sequence is similar to dog (Canis familiaris) and mink (Mustela putorius) Prnp, but differs significantly from both fPrnp sequences that were previously deposited in the GenBank. Comparison of the canine and feline prion protein sequences suggests a set of amino acid replacements relative to bovine PrP that might relate to the observed different susceptibilities of the two species to TSE infection by ingestion of BSE-infected beef. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.