Molecular characterization of serine oligopeptidase B gene of Trypanosoma evansi equine isolate from semi-arid India and its phylogenetic analysis with other trypanosomatids

Proteases are group of proteins with immense therapeutic and diagnostic significance. Serine oligopeptidase B (opd B) of trypanosomatid parasites is one of such proteases. The present communication deals with the molecular cloning, characterization and phylogenetic analysis of opd B gene of Trypanosoma evansi isolated from equine host (horse). The gene was amplified and subsequently cloned into TA cloning vector which was followed by its transformation in competent cells. The nucleotide sequence hence obtained was submitted to NCBI and an accession number KX657872 was obtained. Sequence analysis revealed that the present isolate was phylogenetically closer to two isolates of T. evansi, followed byT. brucei, T. cruzi and Leishmania sp. isolates across the globe.