Sequences and evolution of mammalian RH gene transcripts and proteins

The presence of Rh30-like polypeptides with an apparent relative molecular mass of 33000 in the erythrocyte membranes from nonhuman primates and nonprimate mammals (mouse, rat, and dog) was demonstrated by immunoblotting. Nonhuman primates (orangutan, baboon, New World monkeys, lemur) and mouse Rh-like transcripts were amplified and sequenced. Analysis of the deduced amino acids sequences allowed us to determine the amino acid variability of Rh-like polypeptides which correlated with the hydrophylicity indexes. Hence, the putative transmembrane domains exhibited low indexes of variability, while the highest indexes were observed on extramembrane loops with a maximum on the sixth external loop. The cDNA sequences were compared with those previously reported in human, nonhuman primates, and cattle. The time of coalescence of mammalian Rh cDNA sequences was estimated by phylogenetic analysis to be 100 million years.