cDNA cloning and characterization of Type V/XI procollagen α1 chain in the skate, Raja kenojei

The full-length cDNA of the Type V/XI procollagen α1 [pro-α1(V/XI)] chain was determined by the RACE technique, using a cDNA library constructed from the 4-week embryo of the skate, Raja kenojei. The expression property and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the skate pro-α1(V/XI) chain was close to other vertebrate pro-α1(V) chains rather than pro-α1(XI) chains. The present study is the first evidence for the primary structure of full-length cDNA of the pro-α1(V/XI) chain in an elasmobranch.