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Mx genes belong to a family of dynamin-like large GTPases with intrinsic antiviral activities. The focus of this thesis was to analyse genetic variation in the ovine Mx2 gene and to develop molecular tools. Sequence analysis revealed novel and previously identified SNPs across different regions of the gene. Phage probes that can recognise the N-terminal region of ovine Mx2 protein were developed. The probes successfully bound to the target Mx2 proteins in plate binding assays. Immunocytochemistry assay successfully revealed cytoplasmic subcellular localisation. However, the western blot and flowcytometry assays did not confirm specific binding of the phage probes. Future research is required to optimise the experiment conditions for using these N-terminal Mx2 directed phage probes. |
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