Molecular cloning and expression analysis of Myxovirus resistance gene in Yangzhou goose ( Anser cygnoides domesticus).

1. Myxovirus resistance (Mx) is a protein produced by the interferon-induced natural immune response with broad spectrum antiviral function. However, the role and expression characteristics of the Mx gene in immune defence against viral infection in goose have not yet been reported.2. This study found a 2576 bp genomic sequence and a 2112 bp mRNA sequence for Mx , encoding 703 amino acids. Multiple sequence alignments of the amino acid sequences showed that the Yangzhou goose Mx (goMx) had 86.99% similarity to the mallard duck ( Ana s platyrhynchos ).3. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed that the expression of goMx was highest in the lung and spleen. Both poly (I:C) and GPV were found to elevate the expression of goMx . The upregulated expression of goMx was associated with interferon pathway-related genes IRF7 , JAK1 , STAT1 , and STAT2 . Furthermore, overexpression of goMx significantly activated the transcription of poly (I:C) induced TNF-α , IL-1β , IL-6 , and IL-18 .4. The findings of this study suggest that the goMx modulation of the antiviral response is mediated by the interferon pathway.