Structural characterization and biological function annotation of cluster of differentiation 14 gene of crossbred cattle - An In silico approach

Cluster of Differentiation 14 (CD14) gene has been considered as an important candidate gene for its association with various disease resistance or susceptibility in several livestock species. For better understanding of the molecular mechanism of CD14, the present study aims to conduct a detailed in silico analysis of this protein in Karan Fries (KF) cattle in terms of its physicochemical properties, three dimensional (3D) structure predictions, interacting partners and phylogenetic relationship with other orthologs. Major part of this protein is alpha helix and random coil, making it suitable for interaction with other proteins. The 3D protein structures were predicted using Modeller 10.3 and Swiss Model and validated by Ramachandran plot. Protein-protein interaction suggested that the protein may act as a cell surface receptor and play a crucial role in regulating innate immune response along with 10 potential interaction partners. Sequence based phylogenetic tree analysis showed the KF CD14 gene has close evolutional relationship with that of Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle. The structural characterization and the predicted 3-D model of this protein will not only help in providing comprehensive idea on its molecular mechanism of action but also act as a base for further understanding its other functional potential.