CHICKEN NEUROPEPTIDE GENE USEFUL FOR POULTRY PRODUCTION

Abstract: The nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding two chicken neuropeptides is disclosed, together with the amino acid sequences of these neuropeptides. The neuropeptides are useful to modify the body composition of poultry.

Description: CHICKEN NEUROPEPTIDE GENE USEFUL FOR POULTRY PRODUCTION Field of the invention This invention relates to the improvement of poultry production through the use of recombinant neuropeptides. The invention is premised on the discovery of gene sequences from chicken encoding the neuropeptides GRF (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) and PACAP (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide). Background of the invention Poultry is a major source of protein in the western diet. However, the result of many years of breeding selection for fast-growing chickens and turkeys has resulted in the production of commercial poultry strains which have increased fat deposits. Because of this increased fat content, some nutritionists no longer recommend poultry over trimmed red meat. In addition, four times as much feed is required to produce 1 gram of fat compared to 1 gram of muscle, and so this increased fat content also elevates production costs (notably, the cost of feed represents over half of the expense of raising poultry--69 % for broiler chickens, 61 % for turkeys). Accordingly, the ability to produce poultry with a lower fat content would have both health and economic benefits. Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH or GRF) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase- Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) are two members of the glucagon superfamily of proteins. They are neuropeptides which, amongst other activities, stimulate the release of pituitary growth hormone (GH), the major growth hormone in animals. In human studies, recombinant GH has been shown to increase lean body mass and reduce fat content in elderly adults. By extrapolation, the regulation of GH in agricultural animals may be useful to control growth rates and body composition. Accordingly, there is much interest in GRF and PACAP, and a major focus of the ongoing research is the search for genes which encode these neuropeptides in agriculturally important animal species, including poultry. Although rat and human GRF have been shown to stimulate GH release from chicken pituitary cells in vitro, a chicken GRF has not yet been reported. It is a goal of the present invention to provide neuropeptide gene sequences and peptide sequences which function to stimulate GH release in poultry. Summary of the invention This invention provides, for the first time, a gene from chicken which encodes a precursor polypeptide for both GRF and PACAP (this gene is referred herein to as the chicken GRF/PACAP gene). The chicken GRF/PACAP gene sequence is provided, along with 5' and 3' regulatory sequences which regulate expression of the gene. Also provided are die amino acid sequences of the peptides encoded by this gene (because of alternative splicing of the introns in the gene, three different mRNAs, encoding drree slightly different peptides, are produced). This invention permits the generation of nucleotide sequences encoding either the GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide or the individual GRF or PACAP peptides, or both of these individual peptides. Other aspects of the invention involve recombinant cloning vectors including nucleotide sequences encoding the chicken GRF and/or PACAP peptides, and transgenic host cells transformed with such cloning vectors. Genetic constructs designed for optimal expression of the chicken PACAP and/or GRF peptides are also provided. These constructs include nucleotides encoding the chicken GRF/PACAP precursor peptide or the individual chicken PACAP or GRF peptides in association with regulatory sequences which control the expression of the coding sequences. For example, a cDNA molecule encoding the chicken GRF may be functionally linked to the 5' promoter region found upstream of the chicken GRF/PACAP gene. Also encompassed by this invention are nucleotide sequences which include less than the entire chicken GRF/PACAP gene. For example, oligonucleotide primer and probe sequences which are derived from the nucleotide sequences provided are included within the scope of the invention. Such sequences, which are typically 10-50 nucleotides in length are useful, amongst other things, for amplifying the chicken gene from various tissues, performing hybridization studies and for cloning corresponding gene sequences from other species. Nucleotide sequences which encode larger sub- parts of the chicken GRF/PACAP are also part of the invention. Such sequences include, for example, DNA molecules encoding the individual GRF and PACAP peptides, as well as regulatory regions useful in controlling gene expression. These sequences preferably include at least 10 contiguous nucleotides of die disclosed GRF/PACAP gene sequence (and more preferably at least 25, 30 or at least 50 contiguous nucleotides). In other embodiments, these nucleotide sequences encode a peptide capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells. The provision of the chicken GRF/PACAP gene sequence also enables the cloning of related genes from other species, and the production of variants on the disclosed gene sequence. These variant sequences are defined as sequences which hybridize under conditions of at least 75 % stringency to the disclosed sequences and which retain the characteristic of encoding a polypeptide capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells. Another aspect of the invention are the purified chicken GRF and PACAP peptides. The peptides may be purified from cell extracts, for example from host cells transformed with a recombinant vector expressing the peptides, or they may be synthesized by standard peptide synthesis methods. Purified GRF and PACAP peptides may be administered to animals directly to modulate GH levels and thereby regulate body composition and growth rates. For example, me purified peptides may be administered orally to chicks in feed, or may be formulated into slow release pellets which are administered subcutaneously. Such slow-release pellets comprise the peptide combined wiύi a biocompatible matrix, such as cholesterol. Other methods of administration include injection of the peptides incorporated into a biocompatible matrix, and the use of mini osmotic pumps. The amino acid sequences of the disclosd GRF, PACAP and GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptides may also be modified in exact sequence, while retaining the characteristic function of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells. Such variant amino acid sequences preferably include a stretch of at least 20 consecutive amino acids identical to the amino acid sequence of the disclosed peptides. The nucleotide sequences disclosed herein may also be used to enhance the growth rate or improve the body composition of farmed animals. For example, genetic constructs including the chicken GRF/PACAP gene may be introduced into chicken primordial germ cells to produce genetically altered chickens. Successful integration of such constructs into the chicken genome will produce a bird carrying additional copies of the GRF/PACAP gene which, in turn, would be expected to produce higher levels of die GRF/PACAP polypeptide and thereby elevated levels of pituitary GH. Even higher levels of GRF/PACAP expression may be obtained by using GRF/PACAP constructs in which the open reading frame is operably linked to a promoter known to direct high level expression of downstream gene sequences. Promoter sequences specific for particular tissues (e.g. brain or gonads) or particular developmental stages may also be employed. The present invention also facilitates the ready detection of transgenic birds carrying introduced GRF/PACAP constructs. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows the subclone organization of the chicken GRF/PACAP gene and the cDNA encoding the GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide, together with the location of PCR primers. Fig. 2 shows the nucleotide sequence of the chicken GRF/PACAP gene. Nucleotides comprising subclones 1.8, 3.1, and 3.2 are shown along with the intron/exon boundaries and the 5'- and 3'- flanking regions. The translated amino acid sequence is shown in the single letter code below the nucleotide sequence of coded exons and both sequences are numbered on the right. The nucleotide numbering begins at the beginning of the clone, whereas the amino acid numbering begins at the initiating methionine. GRF is underlined with a solid line and PACAP is underlined with a dotted line. All exons are in bold capital letters with the first exon being composed completely of 5'UTR. GRF M6 is encoded on two exons. The intervening inton has alternate splice sites The intron-exon boundary for nucleotides encoding die second part of GRF wβ is shown (+ ). The other splice site, 9bp toward the 3' end, is shown by die double symbol (+ +). This splice site removes nine nucleotides resulting in a shortended GRF W3 . Only a portion of the nucleotides that encode die promoter region and intron 2 and 4 are shown. The remaining nucleotides are provided in Seq. I.D. No. 1. Widiin the promoter, the CAAT and TAT AAA sequence motif have been underlined. Sequence listing The accompanying sequence listing comprises the following sequence information: Seq. I.D. No. 1: complete nucleotide sequence of the chicken GRF/PACAP gene. Seq. I.D. No. 2: full length cDNA encoding chicken GRF/PACAP neuropeptide precursor. Seq. I.D. No. 3: amino acid sequence of me peptide encoded by full length cDNA shown in Seq. I.D. No. 2 (including 46 amino acid GRF peptide and 38 amino acid PACAP peptide). Seq. I.D. No. 4: amino acid sequence of me 46 amino acid GRF peptide encoded by full length cDNA shown in Seq. I.D. No.2. Seq. I.D. No. 5: amino acid sequence of the 38 amino acid PACAP peptide. Seq. I.D. No. 6: alternatively spliced cDNA sequence encoding chicken GRF/PACAP neuropeptide precursor (alternatively spliced cDNA #1). Seq. I.D. No. 7: amino acid sequence of die peptide encoded by alternatively spliced cDNA #1 (including 43 amino acid GRF peptide and 38 amino acid PACAP peptide). Seq. I.D. No. 8: amino acid sequence of die 43 amino acid GRF peptide encoded by alternatively spliced cDNA #1. Seq. I.D. No. 9: alternatively spliced cDNA sequence encoding chicken GRF/PACAP neuropeptide precursor (alternatively spliced cDNA #2). Seq. I.D. No. 10: amino acid sequence of the peptide encoded by alternatively spliced cDNA #2 (including 14 amino acid truncated GRF peptide and 38 amino acid PACAP peptide). Seq. I.D. No. 11: nucleotide sequence encoding chicken 43 amino acid GRF peptide. Seq. I.D. No. 12: nucleotide sequence encoding chicken 46 amino acid GRF peptide. Seq. I.D. No. 13: nucleotide sequence encoding chicken 38 amino acid PACAP peptide. Seq. I.D. No. 14: nucleotide sequence of primer D used in PCR amplification. Seq. I.D. No. 15: nucleotide sequence of primer F used in PCR amplification. Seq. I.D. No. 16: nucleotide sequence of primer A used in PCR amplification. Seq. I.D. No. 17: nucleotide sequence of primer 1 used in PCR amplification. Seq. I.D. No. 18: nucleotide sequence of primer 2 used in PCR amplification. Seq. I.D. No. 19: amino acid sequence of PACAP 27 (PACAP 27 is a form of PACAP which results from alternative post-translational processing). Seq. I.D. No. 20: amino acid sequence of GRF 29 (the first 29 amino acids of GR, this is believed to represent the minimally active unit of GRF). Detailed description of the invention I. Definitions Particular terms and phrases used have die meanings set forth below. Isolated: An "isolated" nucleic acid has been substantially separated or purified away from other nucleic acid sequences in the cell of the organism in which the nucleic acid naturally occurs, i.e., other chromosomal and extrachromosomal DNA and RNA. The term "isolated" thus encompasses nucleic acids purified by standard nucleic acid purification methods. The term also embraces nucleic acids prepared by recombinant expression in a host cell as well as chemically synthesized nucleic acids. cDNA (complementary DNA): a piece of DNA lacking internal, non-coding segments (introns) and regulatory sequences which determine transcription. cDNA is synthesized in the laboratory by reverse transcription from messenger RNA extracted from cells. ORF (open reading frame): a series of nucleotide triplets (codons) coding for amino acids without any termination codons. These sequences are usually translatable into a peptide. Probes and primers: Nucleic acid probes and primers may readily be prepared based on die nucleic acids provided by tiiis invention. A probe comprises an isolated nucleic acid attached to a detectable label or reporter molecule. Typical labels include radioactive isotopes, ligands, chemiluminescent agents, and enzymes. Methods for labeling and guidance in the choice of labels appropriate for various purposes are discussed, e.g., in Sambrook et al. (1989) and Ausubel et al. (1987). Primers are short nucleic acids, preferably DNA oligonucleotides 15 nucleotides or more in length. Primers may be annealed to a complementary target DNA strand by nucleic acid hybridization to form a hybrid between the primer and the target DNA strand, and then extended along the target DNA strand by a DNA polymerase enzyme. Primer pairs can be used for amplification of a nucleic acid sequence, e.g., by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other nucleic-acid amplification meuiods known in the art. Methods for preparing and using probes and primers are described, for example, in Sambrook et al. (1989), Ausubel et al. (1987), and Innis et al., (1990). PCR primer pairs can be derived from a known sequence, for example, by using computer programs intended for that purpose such as Primer (Version 0.5, ® 1991, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA). Purified: the term purified does not require absolute purity; rather, it is intended as a relative term. Thus, for example, a purified peptide or protein preparation is one in which the protein referred to is more pure tiian the protein in its natural environment witiiin a cell. Operably linked: A first nucleic acid sequence is operably linked with a second nucleic acid sequence when the first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with the nucleic acid sequence. For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence. Generally, operably linked DNA sequences are contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein coding regions, in die same reading frame. Recombinant: A recombinant nucleic acid is one that has a sequence that is not naturally occurring or has a sequence that is made by an artificial combination of two otherwise separated segments of sequence. This artificial combination is often accomplished by chemical synthesis or, more commonly, by the artificial manipulation of isolated segments of nucleic acids, e.g., by genetic engineering techniques. GRF: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (alternatively referred to as GHRH). PACAP: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide. GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide: a polypeptide which includes both GRF and PACAP polypeptide sequences. Cleavage of this precursor polypeptide yields die individual GRF and PACAP polypeptides and a cryptic polypeptide. Additional definitions of common terms in molecular biology may be found in Lewin, B. "Genes IV" published by Oxford University Press. π. Cloning of chicken GRF/PACAP gene A. Materials and methods 1. DNA amplification i. Amplification of the chicken GRF PACAP mRNA 3' end Chicken (Gall s domesticus) brains were removed, placed immediately in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80 °C. Total RNA was extracted with an acidic guanidinium thiocyanate method (Chomczynski and Sacchi, 1987), followed by purification of poly A + rich mRNA on two consecutive oligo dT 12 . 18 columns. Single stranded cDNA was synthesized with lOμg poly A + rich mRNA, 2mM ohgo dT M (primer E), 5 times Superscript buffer, 2mM dNTP, lOmM DTT, 5U RNA guard (Pharmacia), and 200 U RT Superscript (BRL) to a final volume of 25μl. The reaction was heated to 42°C for 1.25hr and terminated by increasing die temperature to 95°C for 10 min. Amplification was performed in a 50μl volume with 0.2μg cDNA, 5U Taq, lx Taq buffer (Promega), 200mM dNTP's, 2.5mM MgCl 2 and 20 pmol of primers D (5'- catgtttggacagaacacaacgtgagcg) (Seq. I.D. No. 14) and F (5'-cattcggatgggatcttcacggatag) (Seq. I.D. No. 15). The reaction was carried out for 35 cycles at 94°C for 1 min, 45°C for 1.5 min, 72°C for 1.5 min and for a 5.3 min extension at 72°C. Amplified bands were cloned into pBluescript KS + (Stratagene), electroporated into XL-1 competent cells, and prepared for sequencing with an alkaline hydrolysis mediod (Birnboim 1983). Both strands were sequenced with [α- 35 S] dATP using die USB Sequenase chain termination method (Sanger et al, 1977) and CircumVent thermal cycle sequencing kit (New England Biolabs). All sequencing gels were 6% polyacrylamide/7M urea wedge gels, dried under vacuum at 80°C and exposed to Kodak XAR-5 film for 12-24h. ii. Amplification of the 5 'end A modified version of Frohman's (1988) RACE protocol was utilized to amplify the 5' end of die chicken GRF/PACAP cDNA. To amplify the 5' end, lμg Poly A+ mRNA was mixed with lOpmol primer D, and 7μl DEPC treated water to a final volume of lOμl, heated at 65°C for 5min, and then cooled on ice. Single stranded cDNA was syndiesized with die above mRNA/primer mixture, 5μl Superscript buffer, lμM dNTP, lOmM DTT, 5U RNA guard (Pharmacia), and 200 U RT Superscript (BRL) to a final volume of 25μl. The reaction was heated to 42 °C for 1.25hr and terminated by increasing the temperature to 95 °C for 6min. The first strand syndiesis was concentrated to 12.5 μl, of which lOμl was extended witii dATP, lμl water and lμl TdT enzyme (BRL). PCR conditions were identical to die above except for die use of primers D and E (ohgo dT M ). iii. Amplification of GRF/PACAP mRNA splice variants Brains were removed from 25-day-old chickens and extracted in TriZol (BRL). Complementary DNA was synthesized from lμg of total RNA using 200U avian reverse transcriptase (H RT Superscript, BRL), lOmM DTT, 0.5mM each dNTP, 50U RNA guard, 2μM primer E, and IX H " RT buffer for a total reaction volume of 20μl. The reaction proceeded for 9Qmin at 41 °C followed by 10 min at 90°C. PCR amplifications were done with 0.5μl of newly transcribed single stranded cDNA from each tissue, 5U Taq DNA polymerase, lx Taq buffer (Promega), 0.2mM each dNTP, 0.4μM of primers A (5'-gagccccgcccgtgcttaccgcag) (Seq. I.D. No. 16) and D (Fig. 1), and 2.5mM MgCl 2 in a 50μl reaction for 35 cycles (94 0 (1')-55°(1.5')- 72°(1.75'). PCR reactions were purified through a 1.5% agarose gel. Bands were isolated, cloned into pBluescript KS+ (Stratagene), electroporated into XL-1 competent cells, and prepared for sequencing with an alkahne hydrolysis method (Birnboim 1983). Both strands were sequenced with [α- 35 S] dATP using die USB Sequenase chain termination mediod (Sanger et al, 1977) and CircumVent thermal cycle sequencing kit (New England Biolabs). iv. Reverse transcriptase/PCR assay Brain, ovary/oviduct, testis, pituitary, heart, liver, kidney, crop, small intestine, large intestine, eye, and die muscle were removed from 25-day-old chickens and extracted in TriZol (BRL). Complementary DNA was synthesized from lμg of total RNA using 200U avian reverse transcriptase (H RT Superscript, BRL), lOmM DTT, 0.5mM each dNTP, 50U RNA guard, 2μM primer E, and IX H RT buffer for a total reaction volume of 20μl. The reaction proceeded for 90min at 41 °C followed by 10 min at 90°C. PCR amplifications were done with 0.5μl of newly transcribed single stranded cDNA from each tissue, 5U Taq DNA polymerase, lx Taq buffer (Promega), 0.2mM each dNTP, 0.4μM of primers A and D (Fig. 1), and 2.5mM MgCl 2 in a 50μl reaction for 35 cycles (94 0 (1 , )-55°(1.5 , )-72°(1.75'). 2. Genomic library screening A total of 10 6 pfu from the chicken genomic library (Stratagene) were screened with the 294bp PCR cDNA fragment (primers D/F). Duplicate nylon membrane (BioRad) lifts were prehybridized at 50°C in 6x SSC, 5x Denhardt's solution, 0.5% SDS and 30mg/ml sea urchin DNA (blocking DNA) for 4 hours. The hybridization solution, consisting of 6x SSC, 0.5% SDS, and lOOmg blocking DNA, was added to the [α- 32 P]dCTP (Dupont) labeled probe (2.4xl0 7 cpm/ml) and incubated at 50 °C overnight. The membranes were washed under high stringency (0. lxSSC/0.1 %SDS) for 50 min at 50°C, men exposed to Kodak XAR-5 film for 7 days at -80°C. Three additional rounds of screening were used to purify a positive clone that had been isolated from die genomic library. The insert was excised from die phage DNA witii Sacl, purified by agarose gel electrophoresis and subcloned into pBluescript KS (Stratagene) using T4 Ligase (Pharmacia). Three of the four Sacl subclones were shortened by nested deletions (double stranded nested deletion kit, Pharmacia) on botii strands followed by sequencing of the two strands, according to die manufacturer's instruction. 3. Southern analysis Chicken liver DNA was ground and treated witii proteinase K (Sigma) in buffer (lOmM Tris, pH 8; lOOmM EDTA, pH 8; 0.5% SDS; 200μg/ml proteinase K) overnight at 55°C. The DNA was purified witii three subsequent phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol extractions (24:24: 1) and one chloroformύsoamyl (24: 1) extraction; end-over end mixing was carried out for 3 hours after each addition of fresh phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol. The DNA was dialyzed against TE (pH 8) overnight to remove the organic solvents. lOμg (30μl) DNA was digested wddi either EcoRI, Sacl, Hindlll, PvuII, and Kpnl and electrophoresed dirough a 1 % agarose gel, in duplicate. The DNA was transferred as to the manufacturer's specification (BioRad) for the alkahne Zeta-Probe GT membrane. Prehybridization was in 7 % SDS, 0.25M NaHPQ, pH 7.2, ImM EDTA at 65 °C for 15min. Hybridization was in fresh prehybridization solution plus die random primed α- 32 P[dCTP] labeled probe for 17hr at 65°C. The hybridized membranes were rinsed under low stringency (45°C) with 5%SDS, 40mM NaHP0 4 , ImM EDTA and then washed for 45min with fresh solution (45 °C). The wash solution was raised to high stringency (65 °C) by washing with 1 % SDS, 40mM NaHP0 4 , ImM EDTA and washed twice for 45min at 65 °C with fresh solution. After washing, the membranes were sealed in plastic and exposed 24hr to Kodak Biomax film with intensifying screens at -80°C. B. Results 1. Gene organization A single band of 294bp resulted from the first DNA amplification of chicken RNA/cDNA. This cDNA fragment was used to screen die chicken genomic library. One million clones were screened to produce a single plaque that hybridized to the probe. The lambda clone of approximately 12500bp, produced 4 fragments when digested with Sacl (Figure 1). These smaller fragments were purified and subcloned into pBluescript KS (subclones 1.8, 3.1, 3.2, and 4.4). Subclones 1.8, 3.1 and 3.2 contained 6469bp of die chicken GRF/PACAP gene; clone 4.4 consisted of approximately 5Kb of 3' flanking region and dierefore was omitted. Subclone 1.8 (1682bp) contained exons 3, 4, and 5 encoding the cryptic peptide, GRF, and PACAP, respectively. Exon 3 containing part of the cryptic peptide was 134bp in length and contained the nucleotide reading frame that encodes a dibasic processing site (Lys-Arg) between die cryptic and GRF peptide. Exon 4 has 96 nucleotides tiiat code for the initial 32 amino acids of chicken GRF. The final portion of GRF on exon 5 shows that chicken GRF is unique because it is 46 amino acids, die longest known GRF. On exon 5 immediately downstream of die coding region of chicken GRF W6 is die coding region for separated from GRF by a Lys-Arg processing site. The chicken PAC AP j . 38 is identical to die mammalian form except at position #2 which has an isoleucine substituted for an alanine. Clone 3.1 (2160bp) contained exon 1 that encoded die 5' -untranslated region (UTR) (194bp), an intron (142bp) and exon 2 that encoded the signal peptide and a portion of the cryptic peptide (114bp). Clone 3.1 also contained 344bp of regulatory region. Within the 344bp was a CAAT regulatory region at position 2974bp, and die TATAA at position 3002bp; these nucleotides are consensus regulatory regions not found in other pacap genes. Intron 2 of 1337bp was the longest intron and introns 3 of 178bp and 4 of 371bp contained an unusually high G/C content and numerous (G) n repeats. Clone 3.2 (2627bp) was exclusively promoter. 2. Alternative Splicing To confirm intron-exon boundaries, brain mRNA/cDNA was screened using the PCR and primers A and D. All intron-exon boundaries were confirmed, however the boundary between exons 4 and 5 was found to vary: in some bands, die first boundary was at position 5703bp, the second boundary had slid nine bases downstream to position 5712 bp and the third boundary shows that exon 4 is lacking altogether. 3. Tissue expression In juveniles at 25 days after hatching, chicken GRF/PACAP mRNA was detected not only in the brain, but also in tissues external to the brain using a RT/PCR method. GRF/PACAP mRNA expression was detected witiiin the brain, ovary /oviduct and testis of the chicken. Expression was not detected within die pituitary, heart, liver, kidney, crop, small intestine, large intestine, eye, or the muscle. From the brain mRNA, two bands were amplified from the RT/PCR mediod. These two bands, along witii the single bands from the ovary/oviduct and testis, were purified and sequenced to verify the PACAP sequence. The longest band in die brain and single band in gonads contained all exons, whereas the shorter band in die brain lacked exon 4. The cDNA appeared to be of good quality as determined by die PCR products obtained witii tubulin primers. 4. Southern analysis Soudiern analysis of chicken genomic DNA using the 294bp PCR cDNA fragment as a DNA probe revealed two bands. All five genomic DNA restriction digests had two areas hybridizing to the cDNA probe. Both bands appeared when low and high stringency washes were applied to the membrane and no otiier bands appeared with low stringency washes. C. Discussion of results 1. Gene organization reveals two neuropeptides encoded in one gene We have isolated from a chicken (c) genomic library a clone that encodes bodi a GRF peptide and PACAP. This is the first report of an avian GRF. Both PACAP and GRF belong to the glucagon superfamily in which the members have similar intron/exon organization and sequence identity. For example, the amino acid identity between chicken GRF and PACAP is 30% . This organization in which both peptides are encoded on die same gene is similar to that in fish (see U.S. patent application serial No. 08/062,472), but unhke mammals, which have two genes encoding each peptide separately. The association of chicken PACAP (cPACAP) with members of a superfamily including glucagon, secretin, GRF, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is illustrated by a high sequence identity between cPACAP and cVIP (Talbot et al. , 1995). In comparing mRNAs, the nucleotides encoding die cPACAP region have 80% identity witii the nucleotides encoding the cVIP region. This high degree of identity likely explains the observation of two bands hybridizing witii the cPACAP probe on Soudiern blots. The nucleotides of the cPACAP coding region are 92% identical to die human PACAP gene. The deduced cPACAP amino acid sequence is 97 % identical to the human sequence with the only change being at position 2 where an isoleucine is substituted for an alanine. In contrast, the chicken GRF (cGRF) peptide has only 42% amino acid identity to human, 47% to rat and 76% to carp GRF (Vaughan et al., 1992). This divergence among species is not surprising in view of die relatively low sequence identity of 68% between human and rat GRF. 2. Alternative splicing produces 3 different mRNAs The chicken GRF/PACAP gene is composed of 5 exons. All 5 exon locations and intron/exon boundaries were confirmed by isolating cDNA clones from the 5' and 3' RACE reactions with adult brain cDNA (Figure 5). However, in sequences of the PCR fragments, we observed that the intron/exon boundary between exons 4 and 5 has considerable variation (Figure 5). The dominate boundary occurs at position 5703bp; die second boundary slides 9bp downstream to position 5712; and die third boundary shows tiiat exon 4 is lacking altogether. At both splice sites nine bases apart, proper consensus splice sites exist. Therefore, the chicken GRF/PACAP mRNA transcript has splice donor sites tiiat encode a 43-amino-acid GRF. The acceptor site was also shown to shift 9bp upstream to encode a GRF of 46 residues. The intron nucleotides at die 5' splice site of intron 4, AG:GT(A) and die last 4 nucleotides of intron 4 at both 3' splice sites (NCAG:C), closely match the splice site consensus sequences as found in vertebrates (Padgett et al., 1986; Green 1991). This pattern of alternative splicing has not been reported for transcripts in this family of peptides. The function of the alternative splicing is not known other than to encode two GRFs of different length with, potentially, two different functions. Recent evidence suggests tiiat human GRF^ in the chicken may affect somatotroph differentiation in the embryonic chicken pituitary (Porter et al., 1995) and the development of chick neuroblasts and tiieir neurotransmitters (Kentori and Vernadakis 1990). These effects on early brain development and GH-releasing somatotrophs in the pituitary may reflect an early role of GRF lJt3 and/or GRF W6 in avian systems. The final mRNA transcript synthesized is a cDNA for chicken GRF/PACAP that lacks exon 4, which encodes GRF^. The critical part of the peptide is thought to be contained in the missing sequence as mammalian GRFι. 29 is the core required for full biological activity (Ling et al., 1984). The importance of GRF during development is imphed by die absence of exon deletion in the embryo prior to hatching. This deletion of exon four has been reported for cDNAs from three otiier family members (Parker et al. , 1993; Seugkwon et α/., 1995; Talbot et al., 1995). As a result of this alternative splicing, three cDNA sequences may be derived from the GRF/PACAP gene. They are as follows: 1. "Full length" cDNA (Seq. I.D. No. 2) encoding GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide (Seq. I.D. No. 3) including 46 amino acid GRF peptide (Seq. I.D. No. 4) and 38 amino acid PACAP peptide (Seq. I.D. No. 5). 2. "Alternatively spliced cDNA #1" (Seq. I.D. No. 6) encoding GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide (Seq. I.D. No. 7) including 43 amino acid GRF peptide (Seq. I.D. No. 8)and 38 amino acid PACAP peptide (Seq. I.D. No. 5). 3. "Alternatively spliced cDNA #2" (Seq. I.D. No. 9) encoding GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide (Seq. I.D. No. 10) including the presumptively non-functional 14 amino acid truncated GRF peptide and 38 amino acid PACAP peptide (Seq. I.D. No. 5). The nucleotide sequences comprising the open reading frames of the 43 and 46 amino acid GRFs and die 38 amino acid PACAP are shown in Seq. I.D. Nos. 11, 12 and 13, respectively. m. Physiological activity of GRF/PACAP neuropeptides In animal systems studied to date, purified GRF and PACAP have been shown to stimulate the release of GH. For example, PACAP releases GH from mouse and rat clonal pituitary cell lines (Propato-Mussafiri et al., 1992), and human GRF initiates the release of GH from chicken pituitary cells both in vitro (Perez et al. , 1987) and in vivo (Scanes and Harvey, 1984). The ability of purified GRF and PACAP to stimulate GH release may therefore be regarded as a defining functional characteristic of these peptides. The ability of the chicken GRF and PACAP peptides to stimulate the release of GH from chicken pituitary cells may readily be confirmed using the procedure described by Perez et al. (1987, incorporated herein by reference). The assay procedure described by Perez et al. (1987) may also be used to determine whetiier variant forms of the chicken GRF and PACAP peptides, produced as described in Section V below, retain the ability to stimulate GH release. IV. Preferred method for making GRF/PACAP genes and cDNAs The foregoing discussion describes die original means by which the chicken GRF/PACAP gene was obtained and also provides the nucleotide sequence of this gene and of cDNAs produced from this gene. With the provision of this sequence information, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may now be utilized in a more direct and simple method for producing the GRF/PACAP gene and the disclosed cDNA sequences. To amplify the cDNA sequences, total RNA is extracted from chicken brain cells as described above. The extracted RNA is then used as a template for performing the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of cDNA. Methods and conditions for RT-PCR are described above and in Kawasaki et al. (1990). The selection of PCR primers will be made according to die portions of the cDNA which are to be amplified. Primers may be chosen to amplify small segments of a cDNA or the entire cDNA molecule. Variations in amplification conditions may be required to accommodate primers of differing lengths; such considerations are well known in the art and are discussed in Innis et al. (1990). For example, the open reading frame of the chicken GRF cDNA molecule may be amplified using the following combination of primers: primer 1 5' CACGCCGATGGGATCTTCAGCAAA 3' (Seq. I.D. No. 17) primer 2 5' CCCGACCCGCTTGGCCATCAGGGA 3'(Seq. I.D. No. 18) These primers are illustrative only; it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that many different primers may be derived from the provided cDNA sequence in order to amplify particular regions of the cDNAs encoding GRF, PACAP or the GRF/PACAP precursor. Alternatively, the gene sequence encoding the GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide (i.e. the genomic sequence including introns) or pieces thereof may be obtained by amplification using primers based on the presented gene sequence and genomic chicken DNA as a template. V. Production of GRF/PACAP sequence variants It will be apparent to one skilled in die art that the biochemical activity of die chicken GRF and PACAP peptides may be retained even though minor variations are made to the nucleotide sequences encoding them. Thus, a nucleic acid sequence could be designed that encodes for the chicken GRF peptide, but which differs by reason of the redundancy of the genetic code, from the exact GRF cDNA sequence disclosed herein. Therefore, the degeneracy of the genetic code further widens die scope of the present invention as it enables major variations in the nucleotide sequence of a DNA molecule while maintaining the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein. For example, the seventh amino acid residue in the chicken GRF peptide is serine. This is encoded in die GRF gene by the nucleotide codon triplet AGC. Because of the degeneracy of die genetic code, five other nucleotide codon triplets~TCT, TCA, TCG, TCC, and AGT~also code for serine. Accordingly, the nucleotide sequence of the GRF gene or cDNA could be changed at this position to any one of these five codons widiout affecting die amino acid composition of the encoded GRF peptide or the functional characteristics of the peptide. The genetic code and variations in nucleotide codons for particular amino acids is presented in Tables 1 and 2. Based upon the degeneracy of die genetic code, variant DNA molecules may be derived from the DNA sequences disclosed herein using standard DNA mutagenesis techniques, or by direct chemical synthesis of DNA sequences. TABLE 1 The Genetic Code First Third Position Position (5' end) Second Position (3' end) Phe Ser Tyr Cys c T Leu Ser Stop (och) Stop A Leu Ser Stop (arαb) Trp G 1 1 Leu Pro His Arg T Leu Pro His Arg C c Leu Pro Gin Arg A Leu Pro Gin Arg G i 1 He Thr Asn Ser T He Thr Asn Ser C A He Thr Lys Arg A Met Thr Lys Arg G 1 J_ Val Ala Asp Gly T Val Ala Asp Gly C G Val Ala Glu Gly A Ival (Met) Ala Glu Gly G 1 1 "Stop (och) " stands for the ocre termination triplet, and "Stop (arαb) " for the amber. ATG is the most common initiator codon; GTG usually codes for valine, but it can also code for methionine to initiate an mRNA chain. TABLE 2 The Degeneracy of the Genetic Code Number of Total Synonymous Number of Codons Amino Acid Codons Leu, Ser, Arg 18 Gly, Pro, Ala, Val, Thr 20 3 He 3 2 Phe, Tyr, Cys, His, Gin, 18 Glu, Asn, Asp, Lys 1 Met, Trp __2 Total number of codons for amino acids 61 Number of codons for termination __3 Total number of codons in genetic code 64 Additionally, standard mutagenesis techniques may be used to produce peptides which vary in amino acid sequence from the disclosed GRF and PACAP peptides. Such variant peptides include those with variations in amino acid sequence including minor deletions, additions and substitutions. While the site for introducing an amino acid sequence variation is predetermined, the mutation per se need not be predetermined. For example, in order to optimize the performance of a mutation at a given site, random mutagenesis may be conducted at die target codon or region and the expressed protein variants screened for the optimal combination of desired activity. Techniques for making substitution mutations at predetermined sites in DNA having a known sequence as described above are well known. In order to maintain the ability of the GRF/PACAP peptides to stimulate GH release, preferred peptide variants will differ by only a small number of amino acids from the GRF and PACAP peptide sequences disclosed herein. Preferably, such variants will be amino acid substitutions of single residues. Substitutional variants are those in which at least one residue in the amino acid sequence has been removed and a different residue inserted in its place. Such substitutions generally are made in accordance with the following Table 3 when it is desired to finely modulate die characteristics of the protein. Table 3 shows amino acids which may be substituted for an original amino acid in a protein and which are regarded as conservative substitutions. TABLE 3 Original Residue Conservative Substitutions Ala ser Arg lys Asn gin, his Asp glu Cys ser Gin asn Glu asp Gly pro His asn; gin He leu, val Leu ile; val Lys arg; gin; glu Met leu; ile Phe met; leu; tyr Ser thr Thr ser Trp tyr Tyr trp; phe Val ile; leu Substantial changes in immunological and functional identity are made by selecting substitutions that are less conservative tiian those in Table 3, i.e., selecting residues that differ more significantly in their effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site, or (c) the bulk of die side chain. The substitutions which in general are expected to produce the greatest changes in protein properties will be those in which (a) a hydrophilic residue, e.g., seryl or threonyl, is substituted for (or by) a hydrophobic residue, e.g., leucyl, isoleucyl, phenylalanyl, valyl or alanyl; (b) a cysteine or proline is substituted for (or by) any otiier residue; (c) a residue having an electropositive side chain, e.g., lysyl, arginyl, or histadyl, is substituted for (or by) an electronegative residue, e.g., glutamyl or aspartyl; or (d) a residue having a bulky side chain, e.g., phenylalanine, is substituted for (or by) one not having a side chain, e.g., gly cine. The present invention thus encompasses not only the precise GRF/PACAP peptides described herein but also peptides which are derived from those disclosed and which retain the ability to stimulate the release of GH from chicken pituitary cells in vitro. Similarly the scope of die invention is not limited to me precise nucleic acid sequences disclosed. V. Construction of recombinant vectors for expression of GRF/PACAP peptides in heterologous systems With die provision of die nucleotide sequence for die chicken GRF/PACAP gene and nucleotide sequences encoding the individual chicken GRF and PACAP peptides, this invention enables the construction of recombinant cloning vectors for expressing any combination of die GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide, die GRF peptide or die PACAP peptide (as well as variants on these sequences, as described in die preceding section). For example, the nucleotide sequence depicted in Seq. I.D. No. 2 may be selected for expression of the full length cDNA encoding the precursor polypeptide, whereas the sequence shown in Seq. I.D. No. 12 may be selected for expression of GRF W6 alone. The expression of these open reading frames (ORFs) in heterologous cell systems involves the introduction of die ORF into a vector (such as a plasmid), in such a way mat the ORF is operably linked to regulatory sequences to direct transcription of the ORF. The recombinant vector is introduced into the selected host cell, which is then grown under conditions which support the expression of the ORF and production of die peptide sequence. Methods for expressing proteins by recombinant means in compatible prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells are well known in the art and are discussed, for example, in Sambrook et al. (1989) and in Ausubel et al. (1987). The most commonly used prokaryotic hosts are strains of Escherichia coli, although other prokaryotes, such as Bacillus s btiUs or Pseudomonas may also be used, as is well known in die art. For expression in a bacterial host, the selected ORF is ligated into bacterial expression vectors. Methods for expressing large amounts of protein from a cloned gene introduced into Escherichia coli (E. coli) may be utilized for the purification of the peptide. Metiiods and plasmid vectors for producing fusion proteins and intact native proteins in bacteria are described in Sambrook et al. (1989) (ch. 17). Such fusion proteins may be made in large amounts, are easy to purify, and can be used to produce antibodies. Native proteins can be produced in bacteria by placing a strong, regulated promoter and an efficient ribosome binding site upstream of the cloned gene. If low levels of protein are produced, additional steps may be taken to increase protein production; if high levels of protein are produced, purification is relatively easy. Often, proteins expressed at high levels are found in insoluble inclusion bodies. Metiiods for extracting proteins from tiiese aggregates are described in ch. 17 of Sambrook et al. (1989). Vector systems suitable for the expression of lacZ fusion genes include die pUR series of vectors (Ruther et al. (1983)), pEXl-3 (Stanley and Luzio (1984)) and pMRlOO (Gray et al. (1982)). Vectors suitable for die production of intact native proteins include pKC30 (Shimatake and Rosenberg (1981)), pKK177-3 (Amann and Brosius (1985)) and pET-3 (Studiar and Moffatt (1986). Fusion proteins may be isolated from protein gels, lyophilized, ground into a powder and used as antigen preparations. Mammalian or other eukaryotic host cells, such as those of yeast, filamentous fungi, plant, insect, amphibian or avian species, may also be used for protein expression, as is well known in the O 98/32857 _ lg _ art. Examples of commonly used mammalian host cell lines are VERO and HeLa cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and WI38, BHK, and COS cell lines, although it will be appreciated by the skilled practitioner that other prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and cell lines may be appropriate for a variety of purposes, e.g., to provide higher expression, desirable glycosylation patterns, or other features. For expression in mammalian cells, the ORF sequence may be ligated to heterologous promoters, such as the SV40 promoter in die pSV2 vector (Mulligan and Berg, 1981), and introduced into cells, such as monkey COS-1 cells (Gluzman, 1981), to achieve transient or long- term expression. To achieve this, the ORF or a mini gene (a cDNA with an intron and its own promoter) is introduced into eukaryotic expression vectors by conventional techniques. These vectors are designed to permit the transcription of a cDNA in eukaryotic cells by providing regulatory sequences that initiate and enhance die transcription of the cDNA. Vectors containing the promoter and enhancer regions of die SV40 or long terminal repeat (LTR) of the Rous Sarcoma virus and polyadenylation and splicing signal from SV40 are readily available (Mulligan et al., 1981; Gorman et al. , 1982). The level of expression of the cDNA can be manipulated with diis type of vector, either by using promoters that have different activities (for example, the baculovirus pAC373 can express cDNAs at high levels in S. frugiperda cells (Summers and Smith, 1985)) or by using vectors that contain promoters amenable to modulation, for example, the glucocorticoid-responsive promoter from the mouse mammary tumor virus (Lee et al., 1982). In addition, some vectors contain selectable markers such as the ggl (Mulligan and Berg, 1981) or n≤Q (Southern and Berg, 1982) bacterial genes. These selectable markers permit selection of transfected cells tiiat exhibit stable, long-term expression of the vectors (and therefore the introduced ORF). The vectors can be maintained in the cells as episomal, freely replicating entities by using regulatory elements of viruses such as papilloma (Sarver et al., 1981) or Epstein-Barr (Sugden et al. , 1985). Alternatively, one can also produce cell lines that have integrated the vector into genomic DNA. Both of these types of cell lines produce die gene product on a continuous basis. One can also produce cell lines that have amplified the number of copies of the vector (and therefore of the ORF as well) to create cell lines that can produce high levels of the gene product (Alt et al. , 1978). The transfer of DNA into eukaryotic, in particular human or other mammalian cells, is now a conventional technique. The vectors are introduced into the recipient cells as pure DNA (transfection) by, for example, precipitation with calcium phosphate (Graham and vander Eb, 1973) or strontium phosphate (Brash et al., 1987), electroporation (Neumann et al., 1982), lipofection (Feigner et al., 1987), DEAE dextran (McCutiian et al., 1968), microinjection (Mueller et al., 1978), protoplast fusion (Schafner, 1980), or pellet guns (Klein et al., 1987). Alternatively, the cDNA can be introduced by infection widi virus vectors. Systems are developed tiiat use, for example, retroviruses (Bernstein et al., 1985), adenoviruses (Ahmad et al., 1986), or Herpes virus (Spaete et al., 1982). This invention encompasses in part, recombinant cloning vectors encoding the GRF/PACAP sequence, or portions thereof. The GRF/PACAP sequence is operatively linked in the vector to an expression control sequence in the recombinant DNA molecule so that the GRF/PACAP polypeptide, or a portion diereof, can be expressed in a host cell. The expression control sequence may be selected from the group consisting of sequences that control the expression of genes of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells and their viruses and combinations thereof. The expression control sequence may be specifically selected from a wide group of characterized regulatory sequences, including the lac system, the trp system, the tac system, the trc system, major operator and promoter regions of phage lambda, die control region of fd coat protein, the early and late promoters of SV40, promoters derived from polyoma, adenovirus, retrovirus, baculovirus and simian virus, the promoter for 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, the promoters of yeast acid phosphatase, the promoter of the yeast alpha- mating factors and combinations thereof. Another aspect of the present invention is a host cell containing a recombinant vector which encodes die GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide or die GRF or PACAP peptides. VII. Formulation of purified peptides for administration to poultry The chicken GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide or die individual GRF or PACAP peptides may be purified from host cells as described above. Alternatively, these peptides may be chemically synthesized using common peptide synthesis techniques. An exemplary peptide synthesis technique is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,326,860, which is incorporated herein by reference. Once purified, tiiese peptides may be incorporated into slow-release formulations for administration to chicks. Such formulations include die purified peptide and a biocompatible matrix, such as cholesterol. Slow release formulations may take the form of pellets, which can be administered subcutaneously, or may be preparations suitable for injection. The dosage of peptide administered will vary with the predicted speed of release in the body, but will be in die appropximate range of lμg - lOOmg for a 2kg chicken. Thus, for example, a pellet for subcutaneous administration may be prepared by combining 30mg of powdered cholesterol with lmg of the selected peptide and compressing the formulation using a standard pellet maker. The peptides may be pelleted alone or in combination (e.g. pellets may be made using just purified GRF, or witii GRF combined witii PACAP). Formulation of peptides into slow release preparations may be performed according to standard techniques, or may be performed by a commercial supplier of such materials. Vπi. Production of antibodies to GRF and PACAP Monoclonal antibodies may be produced which bind die chicken GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide or the individual GRF or PACAP peptides (referred to as die "target peptide"). Optimally, antibodies raised against any of the peptides would specifically detect the target peptide against which they were raised. That is, such antibodies would recognize and bind that peptide and would not substantially recognize or bind to otiier proteins found in chicken cells. The determination that an antibody specifically detects a particular peptide is made by any one of a number of standard immunoassay methods; for instance, the Western blotting technique (Sambrook et al. , 1989). For example, to determine that a given antibody preparation (such as one produced in a mouse) specifically detects the chicken GRF peptide by Western blotting, total cellular protein is extracted from chicken cells (for example, gonad cells) and electrophoresed on a sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel. The proteins are then transferred to a membrane (for example, nitrocellulose) by Western blotting, and die antibody preparation is incubated with die membrane. After washing the membrane to remove non-specifically bound antibodies, die presence of specifically bound antibodies is detected by the use of an anti-mouse antibody conjugated to an enzyme such as alkaline phosphatase; application of the substrate 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate/nitro blue tetrazolium results in die production of a dense blue compound by immuno-localized alkaline phosphatase. Antibodies which specifically detect die GRF peptide will, by this technique, be shown to bind to die GRF peptide band (which will be localized at a given position on the gel determined by its molecular weight). Non-specific binding of the antibody to other proteins may occur and may be detectable as a weak signal on the Western blot. The non-specific nature of tiiis binding will be recognized by one skilled in the art by the weak signal obtained on die Western blot relative to the strong primary signal arising from the specific antibody-GRF peptide binding. Substantially pure target peptide suitable for use as an immunogen is isolated from the transfected or transformed cells as described above. Concentration of the target peptide in the final preparation is adjusted, for example, by concentration on an Amicon filter device, to the level of a few milligrams per mdliliter. Monoclonal antibody to the target peptide can then be prepared as follows: Monoclonal antibody to epitopes of the target peptide identified and isolated as described can be prepared from murine hybridomas according to the classical method of Kohler and Milstein (1975) or derivative metiiods thereof. Briefly, a mouse is repetitively inoculated with a few micrograms of the target peptide over a period of a few weeks. The mouse is then sacrificed, and die antibody-producing cells of die spleen isolated. The spleen cells are fused by means of polyethylene glycol with mouse myeloma cells, and the excess unfused cells destroyed by growtii of the system on selective media comprising aminopterin (HAT media). The successfully fused cells are dduted and aliquots of the dilution placed in wells of a microtiter plate where growth of the culture is continued. Antibody-producing clones are identified by detection of antibody in die supernatant fluid of the wells by immunoassay procedures, such as ELISA, as originally described by Engvall (1980), and derivative methods tiiereof. Selected positive clones can be expanded and their monoclonal antibody product harvested for use. Detailed procedures for monoclonal antibody production are described in Harlow and Lane (1988). Monoclonal antibodies raised against the chicken PACAP, GRF or PACAP/GRF precursor peptides are useful in purifying these peptides and in detecting the presence of these peptides using standard biochemical techniques (such as radioimmunoassay, RIA). For example, the antibodies may be used to quantify levels of PACAP or GRF in poultry to which peptide pellets have been administered. IX. Introduction of GRF/PACAP gene into poultry The present invention also facilitates the production of transgenic poultry, expressing elevated levels of GRF and/or PACAP. A vector expressing die desired peptide may be produced as described in Section V above. It may be desirable to produce a construct expressing the GRF/PACAP polypeptide (or die individual GRF or PACAP polypeptides) under the control of the native GRF/PACAP gene promoter, such that the introduced construct expresses the encoded peptide in the same cells and at the same developmental stages as the native peptide is expressed. This may be achieved by operably linking die 5' promoter region of the GRF/PACAP gene (identified as nucleotide numbers 1 to 3074 of Seq. I.D. No. 1) to the selected ORF. While nucleotides 1 to 3074 are known to include regions controlling the expression of the native GRF/PACAP gene, one of skill in the art wdl also recognize that less than this entire sequence may provide satisfactory regulation of gene expression. Similarly all or part of the nucleotide sequence located 3 ' of the native GRF/PACAP gene (represented as nucleotide numbers 6201 to 6529 of Seq. I.D. No. 1) may be operably linked to die 3' end of die selected ORF. Higher or constitutive levels of GRF or PACAP expression may be obtained by using GRF/PACAP constructs in which the open reading frame is operably linked to a promoter known to direct high level or constitutive expression of downstream gene sequences. Promoter sequences specific for particular tissues (e.g. brain or gonads) or particular developmental stages may also be employed. These recombinant vectors can then be introduced into chickens. Standard methods of producing transgenic fish are not suitable for use in chickens, in part because chicken ova are nearly impossible to obtain as they are fertilized inside the hen and begin to divide rapidly long before they are laid as eggs. Recendy, new approaches have been developed, including embryonic stem cell methods (Pain et al., 1996) and primordial germ cell (PGC) isolation (Chang et al., 1992). PGCs are the precursors to ova and sperm; they are formed in die hypoblast, then move through the blood to the genital ridge where they settle and remain in the gonads. PGCs may thus be found in die blood of chicken embryos, and may be separated from die blood cells using a Ficoll gradient. Gene constructs may be introduced into die PGCs using a lipid carrier and die injected PGCs injected into host embryos. The host embryos are then incubated, hatched and allowed to mature to reproductive age. These chickens will have extra copies of the gene only in their eggs and sperm. , and may be bred conventionally to produce chicks which have the introduced genetic construct in all of their cells (the presence of the construct can readily be detected using standard PCR techniques). Successful transfer of PGCs from one chicken to anotiier has already been achieved with a hatch rate of 18-30% (Naito et al., 1994). Accordingly, die present invention includes recombinant DNA molecules that include sequences encoding chicken GRF or PACAP peptides or a GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide, as well as transgenic non-human animals wherein the genome of these animals includes such a recombinant DNA molecule. X. Cloning of related genes from other species This invention provides the nucleotide sequence of the chicken GRF/PACAP gene, as well as regulatory sequences associated witii this gene. These nucleotide sequences may now be used to obtain corresponding and related sequences from other species. For example, die chicken GRF/PACAP gene sequence may be used as a hybridization probe to isolate corresponding neuropeptide genes from other avian species, such as turkey. Related avian neuropeptide genes may alternatively be obtained using primers derived from the sequences provided herein, in conjunction with standard gene amplification techniques. Hybridization probes and amplification primers useful in such techniques and derived from the disclosed nucleotide sequences are part of the present invention. By way of example, related avian neuropeptide genes may be obtained by creating a library of avian cDNA or genomic DNA in a plasmid, bacteriophage or phagemid vector and screening this library with a hybridization probe using standard colony hybridization techniques. The hybridization probe consists of an oligonucleotide derived from die chicken GRF/PACAP gene sequence labeled witii a suitable marker to enable detection of hybridizing clones. Suitable markers include radionuclides, such as P-32 and non-radioactive markers, such as biotin. Methods for constructing suitable libraries, production and labelling of oligonucleotide probes and colony hybridization are standard laboratory procedures and are described in standard laboratory manuals such as Sambrook et al. (1989) and Ausubel et al. (1987). Having identified a clone that hybridizes witii the oligonucleotide, the clone is sequenced using standard methods such as described in Chapter 13 of Sambrook et al. (1989). Determination of the translation initiation point of the DNA sequence enables the open reading frame of the cDNA to be determined. An alternative approach to cloning genes homologous to the disclosed chicken nucleotide sequences is the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In particular, the inverse polymerase chain reaction (IPCR) is useful to isolate DNA sequences flanking a known sequence. Methods for amplification of flanking sequences by IPCR are described in Chapter 27 of Innis et al. (1990). Accordingly, within die scope of tiiis invention are small DNA molecules which are derived from the disclosed chicken nucleotide sequence. Such small DNA molecules include oligonucleotides suitable for use as hybridization probes or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. For use in gene amplification techniques, these oligonucleotides will preferably comprise a contiguous stretch of at least 10-15 nucleotides of die chicken sequences shown in Seq. I.D. No. 1 or the salmon sequence shown in Seq. I.D. Nos. 8 or 9. For use as hybridization probes, tiiese oligonucleotides will preferably comprise a contiguous stretch of at least 20-30 nucleotides of tiiese sequences. Also encompassed in the present invention are nucleotide sequences which are homologous to the chicken GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide gene and which hybridize to this sequence, or a fragment thereof, under stringent hybridization conditions. Hybridization conditions resulting in particular degrees of stringency will vary depending upon the nature of the hybridization mediod of choice and die composition and length of die hybridizing DNA used. Generally, the temperature of hybridization and die ionic strengtii (especially the Na + concentration) of the hybridization buffer will determine the stringency of hybridization. Calculations regarding hybridization conditions required for attaining particular degrees of stringency are discussed by Sambrook et al. (1989), chapters 9 and 11, herein incorporated by reference. By way of illustration only, a hybridization experiment may be performed by hybridization of a DNA molecule to a target DNA molecule which has been electrophoresed in an agarose gel and transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane by Southern blotting (Southern, 1975), a technique well known in the art and described in (Sambrook et al., 1989). Hybridization with a target probe labeled with [ 32 P]-dCTP is generally carried out in a solution of high ionic strength such as 6xSSC at a temperature that is 20-25 °C below the melting temperature, 7^, described below. For such Southern hybridization experiments where the target DNA molecule on the Southern blot contains 10 ng of DNA or more, hybridization is typically carried out for 6-8 hours using 1-2 ng/ml radiolabeled probe (of specific activity equal to 10 9 CPM/μg or greater). Following hybridization, the nitrocellulose filter is washed to remove background hybridization. The washing conditions should be as stringent as possible to remove background hybridization but to retain a specific hybridization signal. The term T m represents the temperature above which, under die prevailing ionic conditions, die radiolabeled probe molecule will not hybridize to its target DNA molecule. The T m of such a hybrid molecule may be estimated from the following equation (Bolton and McCarthy, 1962): T m = 81.5°C - 16.6(log 10 [Na + ]) + 0.41(%G+C) - 0.63(% foπnamide) - (600/1) Where / = the length of the hybrid in base pairs. This equation is valid for concentrations of Na + in the range of 0.01 M to 0.4 M, and it is less accurate for calculations of T m in solutions of higher [Na + ]. The equation is also primarily valid for DNAs whose G+C content is in the range of 30% to 75%, and it applies to hybrids greater than 100 nucleotides in length (the behavior of oligonucleotide probes is described in detail in Ch. 11 of Sambrook et al., 1989). Thus, by way of example, for a 150 base pair DNA probe derived the open reading frame of the chicken GRF/PACAP precursor polypeptide gene (witii a hypotiietical %GC = 45%), a calculation of hybridization conditions required to give particular stringencies may be made as follows: For this example, it is assumed at the filter will be washed in 0.3 xSSC solution following hybridization, thereby [Na + ] = 0.045M %GC = 45% Formamide concentration = 0 / = 150 base pairs T m = 81.5 - 16(log 10 [Na + ]) + (0.41 x 45^®^ and so T m = 74.4°C. The T m of double-stranded DNA decreases by 1-1.5°C witii every 1 % decrease in homology (Bonner et al., 1973). Therefore, for this given example, washing the filter in 0.3 xSSC at 59.4-64.4 c C will produce a stringency of hybridization equivalent to 90%; that is, ohgonucleotides witii more than 10% sequence variation relative to die target sequence will not hybridize (such hybridization conditions may be referred to as "conditions of 90% stringency"). Alternatively, washing the hybridized filter in 0.3 xSSC at a temperature of 65.4-68.4°C will yield a hybridization stringency of 94% (conditions of 94% stringency); that is, oligonucleotides with more than 6% sequence variation relative to the target sequence will not hybridize. The above example is given entirely by way of theoretical tilustration. One skilled in die art wtil appreciate that other hybridization techniques may be utilized and tiiat variations in experimental conditions wdl necessitate alternative calculations for stringency. The present inventions encompasses nucleic acid molecules which hybridize to the specifc nucleic acid molecules presented in the accompanying sequence listing under conditions of high stringency. In prefeπed embodiments of die present invention, stringent conditions are tiiose under which DNA molecules with more than 25 % sequence variation (also termed "mismatch") will not hybridize. 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(ii) TITLE OF INVENTION: CHICKEN NEUROPEPTIDE GENE USEFUL FOR IMPROVED POULTRY PRODUCTION (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 20 (iv) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS: (A) ADDRESSEE: Klarquist Sparkman Campbell Leigh & Whinston, LLP (B) STREET: One World Trade Center 121 S.W. Salmon Street Suite 1600 (C) CITY: Portland (D) STATE: Oregon (E) COUNTRY: United States of America (F) ZIP: 97204-2988 (v) COMPUTER READABLE FORM: (A) MEDIUM TYPE: Disk, 3-1/2 inch (B) COMPUTER: IBM PC compatible (C) OPERATING SYSTEM: MS DOS (D) SOFTWARE: WordPerfect 7.0 & ASCII (vi) CURRENT APPLICATION DATA: (A) APPLICATION NUMBER: 08/789,329 (B) FILING DATE: 01/23/97 (C) CLASSIFICATION: (vii) PRIOR APPLICATION DATA: (A) APPLICATION NUMBER: (B) FILING DATE: (viii) ATTORNEY/AGENT INFORMATION: (A) NAME: Earp, David J. (B) REGISTRATION NUMBER: 41,401 (C) REFERENCE/DOCKET NUMBER: 2847-46468/DJE (ix) TELECOMMUNICATION INFORMATION: (A) TELEPHONE: (503) 226-7391 (B) TELEFAX: (503) 228-9446 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 1: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 6529 bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS : double (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID Nθ:l: tttttcccac agtaacaatt ctggttgaaa taataaaaag gattattttt tggatatgtt 60 aaatactgaa attttgattt ttggactctg gtgtaatttt ttttcctggg ggttccttgc 120 taccaagtgt aagtatatta ttgacttttg aatccgatgg gcttttagaa aaaggagtta 180 atttatatat ttggggtgtt tctctgagat atttcactcc atgaaaacag atttcttcta 240 agcctcagca agacttgaga tcaccctaaa atgtatgcat tgttcttgtt ttccataagc 300 atccttgagt tagccttctc tgatgtttaa atgtagggag gtgaccagaa tttgctctga 360 gacacaatga caaggaaggt atgagcacag aattacagaa agggaaaaaa tacatattct 420 actcagataa aataaagctg ttgtcaataa catgatttat tcaaactcct catctatggg 480 aagtaagtaa ctctgttctg aatatatcta ctgtctataa ctcgacagat cagttctgca 540 gttcgtgttc tggaccaggg attgcgtggg gtgcactggg cacaaccaca tctttgattt 600 ctttcttcaa attctcagtg tagaatgttt ttatattacc tcaaaagctt gagatacaag 660 gtaaatacag gggtataggt ttaaagttct gtgtaagtgt ggggaaaata tctccacatc 720 acagagtttg gagaaaaggc aatctgcatt tgctgatgtg cacatacaaa tttctatggg 780 ttcttcatgc tacattaaaa gcttcacaag gaatctttcc ccaacttcca gcgttgatta 840 gtgaacagcg ctattagtca ttacactcaa tatacttggt gtccttcctt gattttcctg 900 aagaagcagc agtagggaga gctgaatcac gagttttcct catatttttc ttaatgaaaa 960 atcatttgca ctgctgttct ggaacacagc accaggtaat gtcaacacat tagaaagatg 1020 acaaaagttc ccaatcacgg gtctcgagtc agctcccttt agtgaggtta attgagcttc 1080 caattcgaat atagtgagtc gtattacgcg cgctcactgg ccgtcgtttt acaacgtcgt 1140 gactgggaaa ccctggcgtt acccaactta atcgccttgc agcacatccc cctttcgcca 1200 gctggcgtat agcgaagagg cccgcaccga tcgcccaacc caacagttgc gcagcctgaa 1260 tggcgaatgg gacgcgccct gtagcgctca ttaagcgcgg cgggaagctc taaatcgggg 1320 ggctccttta ggttccgatt agtgctttac ggcacctcga ccccaaaaaa acttgattag 1380 ggtgatggtt cacgtagtgg cctacgccct gatagacggt ttttttcgcc ctttgacgtt 1440 ggagtccacg ttctttaata gtggactctt gttccaaact ggaacaacac tcaaccctat 1500 ctcggtctat tcttttgatt tataagggat tttgccgatt tcggcctatt ggttaaaaaa 1560 tgagctgatt taacaaaaat ttaacgcgaa ttttaacaaa atattaacgc ttacaattta 1620 ggtggcactt ttcggggaaa tgtgcgcggg gcccctattg tttatttttc taatacattc 1680 aaatatgtat ccgctcatga gacaataacc ctgataaatg cttcagtaat attgcataat 1740 ttacaatggc gaagaaaact atacatcccc ccccagacaa tctagggtgt ctctctacct 1800 ccaagagatc gatgtcaaga gatcgcctag aacatcgtat tatctctttc ccggagaggc 1860 aagtatacaa gaagaattaa ctcaatgtga agaatacatc ttagagggat tatacgatga 1920 ctcctaccct ctgatctggg cttcttccta tcgcgcactc tgagagaagc aaccgagaat 1980 tcagcccttt ataagagtgt gattttagcc aaaatgaatt ccatcccacc catcccaaaa 2040 gtcggatact gtgggttcag taccgtgcat cgatcgatcg atggagcatg catcgatgct 2100 agcatgcatg ctagctagct attctttatt tttttttttg tatgctagat aaagctttcg 2160 gtttggattt tacgacgtct tgcatacgca ctgaacttga cattgacatc tctttgcaca 2220 cctaaactaa aaataattaa gcccattact catcctcaga gaaccaaggt aatcaaggag 2280 tctttgcaac tgagcaaaag ctgtccttca gaaggaatct ttccccaact tccagcgttg 2340 attagtgaac agcgctatta gtcattacac tcaatatact tggtgtcctt ccttgatttt 2400 cctgggggaa gaagcaggag taggggagaa ctgaatcacg agttttcctc atatttttct 2460 taatgaaaaa gctcattaat ggatgctgtt ctggaacaca ggaccaggta atgtcaaaac 2520 attaaaaaga tgacaaaagt tcccaaggac ggatctcgag tcgactcaca accagaggtt 2580 gccaggacat tgcaggactg aactttctct ttcaaccctc caatctattt tgagctctcc 2640 agaggaaatg ggatttgtcc acagtaacca ctgtggctga gataataaac tgcattactc 2700 tctggatatg tttaaaatac tgagacttta atatgatttt tgcatctcag tgtaatttct 2760 tttccgatgc tagcatcgat gctagctggg cgggttatca tgcccaacgt cgtagctgtg 2820 ataaaaaaaa atgacgtctg tgctgtagct gatcgatgca tgcatgaata aaaaaagtgt 2880 gtgtgtgact ccgtgctgat gctgtgcttg gggctttctt gctaccaagt gtaagtgcta 2940 tgtgagttgc agcttcgcat ttgcagactc ctatgggcaa tttttagaaa aaggagttaa 3000 tttaatataa atttggggtg tttctctgaa gatatttcac tccacagtga aaacagattt 3060 cttctaagcc tcagGCGAAT ATTGACAGCC CCCCTTTTTT TTCCTTTATT TGTCGAGTCG 3120 ATTCCCTAAC CACCCAACAA CTCTCTGCGC TTCTGCGCCT TCTTCATCCT TGCCCAGCGG 3180 AAAAGCCGGG AGCCCTTTGA CTCTTTCGGC CGCAACTTGG GGAGATAGCT CTATTTTTCC 3240 CCCCTCCTCT CTGGGGTTTT TCTCCTTTTT CCTCTCTCCC TTTCCCTTCC GCAGCCACAC 3300 GCTCTCAGTG CCGGGTGTCA CAgtgtgtaa atcaagactt gaggatcacc ctaaggtgta 3360 tgccttgttc ttgtttcagt agtacagagt gaatgaaaaa ccactggata agcatgttga 3420 gttagcttct ctgatttggg tgtaggagtg acaagaattt gctctgagac acagGTTTCA 3480 TGAGTGGCAA TGTGTATAAA ACGCTCTTAA CCCTCCTGGT CTATGGATTA ATAATGCATT 3540 GCAACGTCTA CTGCTCACCC GACCGTTGGA CTCCAGTACC CGGCGCTAAG gtgagtctgt 3600 cagtgcaata tgctactctc acatcaggct ctgtgtcaca agtcatctgc caatctatca 3660 gtgctgttaa gtggaattac tgagtaggtg cttggcccac caaggctgag aatccagctg 3720 cagtggatca gcccatctac cccctgcaca cacgtgtgga ttcaccccat cccctgccaa 3780 ccctgccacc ccatgctgcc ccacacagtc cctataggga tgaggctctc ccaccagggg 3840 actgtgctgc caccatccga cactcctcta gcaaccaagc aaccaaccaa attggtgttt 3900 tgtaataggc tgcatgctgt tttgtaatag gaaatataga tgattctact ttattctccc 3960 tggctcctgc aacgataaga atgttctaat tcattattaa tttgttcctt ctatttctgg 4020 taattctaaa ctatggataa cctcagtgat gccattagca atacctcgag gactacgaga 4080 tggggtttac gtttctggac atggggtcgt ggaggcagcc cctctggcca taaggtggtt 4140 ccctaaaccc tgacacattt gggacataac tggtacttgc cattcacact gggttacagt 4200 gttgtgacaa acaacctgga gcacagagaa atcgtggcta gttatttgtc tggtgtaaat 4260 gattgtagct cagcagcact ccgtgaaact tgcttattcc atctgtttat ggatttactc 4320 tccactgagc acaaatggaa atgagggtgg gagcagggcc tagggtcttc tgccagcacc 4380 aggggctgac tcctcccatg ggcctgccaa ggcctgcagt gacattctgc aagctagctg 4440 gtgttagtgt agaggagggg ccatggaaca ttacatctcc aaaaggtact ttttcgatct 4500 tggattgcac tttcataatt tatttctcta ttcaaatgat tgattgaaga acagttgtta 4560 aaaaatctag ggaaatgata tttttattct tctgtaaaat acaaacttat ctgggtgaaa 4620 aatgggagat tacaagtata tctgttggtc tctggaggaa attagctgca acccgtgtgg 4680 catgatggca cctccttgtg cagccaagcc ttctgttagg ctttccgttc atctagaaag 4740 tgctctcctt gcctttgtgt tttgatagga atgactcctc ctttgctact cttatttcca 4800 ctgtatgggg ttaagaagac tcgtcacgct gggctgagca ctggagcgag ctcgctccgt 4860 cccgcacggt cccgcggcgg ggacggggct ggggacgtcc ggctgagccc gcccgtgctt 4920 accgcagCTG GAGGAGGAGG TATACGACGA GGACGGGAAT ACCCTACAGG ACTTCGCACT 4980 ACGAGCAGGA GCCCCTGGGG GTGGCGGGCC GCGCCCGCGC TGGGGCAGGT GTACGGCGCT 5040 GTACTACCCG CCGGGAAAGA Ggtgacagag gggcgccgga tagggccggg gggggagggg 5100 gggaatggga aacctaaggg cccccggggg aggccgggaa atatcgtaat tccgccccac 5160 ctgggctgcg cgagcggggg aggggggtgg ggagggaggg cgcctcgggg atgggcgctg 5220 acgggccgtg ccccggcagG CACGCCGATG GGATCTTCAG CAAAGCCTAC AGGAAACTCC 5280 TGGGCCAGCT GTCCGCAAGA AATTACCTGC ACTCCCTGAT GGCCAAGCGG GTCGGgtaag 5340 ggctgcggcg ggacgggagc gaacaaagcg cggcgcgcgg cggccggggc ggggcggccc 5400 attctccccg cggtgctctg ccggaacgag agaggcggcc gcacccgggg ctcggcgtcc 5460 ctcccgcggg gcagccccgg gtggtgccat cggagcgaac cccccccggg aacgcgatgc 5520 ataatgcatg gggggggggg ggggagacgt ctcgctccgg cccggccccg ccctttgtct 5580 gccgggagat gcggggccgg ggcgggggtt agggccgggg ttggggttgg ggttgggtta 5640 gggccgggtt gggtcgggcc cgggagggcc cctcctgatg gttgtgtcct tctcggtgct 5700 ttgcagCGGT GCCAGCAGCG GCCTGGGGGA CGAGGCGGAA CCGCTCAGCA AGCGCCACAT 5760 AGACGGCATC TTCACGGACA GCTACAGCCG CTACCGGAAA CAAATGGCTG TCAAGAAATA 5820 CTTAGCGGCC GTCCTGGGGA AAAGGTATAA ACAAAGAGTT AAAAACAAAG GACGCCGAGT 5880 AGCGTATTTG TAGgatgagc aaccgccgct gccgtgcgta gtcctgagag agagagagag 5940 agagagagag agattgagag agagagagag agagagagag acccaaccac cccaacccaa 6000 acaaaagtca tttccaaagt gacggaacga ccgccgctcc cgtgttcccc aaacatgtat 6060 ttatgtataa gtaagccatt aaatgaataa tattttgata ataatatggt tttcttttgt 6120 acgaaagcac agatctactt tgtggaccaa tccttgagtt atatatgaga tagaatatat 6180 atatataata ctgctactaa agagcgattc ttcataccaa gctgcaccag gacgagagtt 6240 cgcctgagct gttagttttt atagaaaaca aatagacgaa aaaaaaaaaa aagacaatca 6300 ccgcttccaa cagcgctcct atttttgtaa cggaaacgaa aagggcactg tttttattgc 6360 cacgggggcg aacacctcag ttctcaccgt gtgcgctgtg atagggaggg ctcacgcagc 6420 aggggtcccc ccggcctcga tctctctctc tatttccccc acccccccct tttttttttt 6480 tccctttgat tccggtccta tccgtatcag tcctcctcag agcgatgag 6529 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 2: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS : (A) LENGTH: 1088 bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS : double (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 2: gcgaatattg acagcccccc ttttttttcc tttatttgtc gagtcgattc cctaaccacc 60 caacaactct ctgcgcttct gcgccttctt catccttgcc cagcggaaaa gccgggagcc 120 ctttgactct ttcggccgca acttggggag atagctctat ttttcccccc tcctctctgg 180 ggtttttctc ctttttcctc tctccctttc ccttccgcag ccacacgctc tcagtgccgg 240 gtgtcacagt ttcATGAGTG GCAATGTGTA TAAAACGCTC TTAACCCTCC TGGTCTATGG 300 ATTAATAATG CATTGCAACG TCTACTGCTC ACCCGACCGT TGGACTCCAG TACCCGGCGC 360 TAAGCTGGAG GAGGAGGTAT ACGACGAGGA CGGGAATACC CTACAGGACT TCGCACTACG 420 AGCAGGAGCC CCTGGGGGTG GCGGGCCGCG CCCGCGCTGG GGCAGGTGTA CGGCGCTGTA 480 CTACCCGCCG GGAAAGAGGC ACGCCGATGG GATCTTCAGC AAAGCCTACA GGAAACTCCT 540 GGGCCAGCTG TCCGCAAGAA ATTACCTGCA CTCCCTGATG GCCAAGCGGG TCGGCGGTGC 600 CAGCAGCGGC CTGGGGGACG AGGCGGAACC GCTCAGCAAG CGCCACATAG ACGGCATCTT 660 CACGGACAGC TACAGCCGCT ACCGGAAACA AATGGCTGTC AAGAAATACT TAGCGGCCGT 720 CCTGGGGAAA AGGTATAAAC AAAGAGTTAA AAACAAAGGA CGCCGAGTAG CGTATTTGTA 780 Ggatgagcaa ccgccgctgc cgtgcgtagt cctgagagag agagagagag agagagagag 840 attgagagag agagagagag agagagagac ccaaccaccc caacccaaac aaaagtcatt 900 tccaaagtga cggaacgacc gccgctcccg tgttccccaa acatgtattt atgtataagt 960 aagccattaa atgaataata ttttgataat aatatggttt tcttttgtac gaaagcacag 1020 atctactttg tggaccaatc cttgagttat atatgagata gaatatatat atataatact 1080 gctactaa 1088 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3: (l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 175 aa (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 3: Met Ser Gly Asn Val Tyr Lys Thr Leu Leu Thr Leu Leu Val Tyr Gly 1 5 10 15 Leu Ile Met His Cys Asn Val Tyr Cys Ser Pro Asp Arg Trp Thr Pro 20 25 30 Val Pro Gly Ala Lys Leu Glu Glu Glu Val Tyr Asp Glu Asp Gly Asn 35 40 45 Thr Leu Gin Asp Phe Ala Leu Arg Ala Gly Ala Pro Gly Gly Gly Gly 50 55 60 Pro Arg Pro Arg Trp Gly Arg Cys Thr Ala Leu Tyr Tyr Pro Pro Gly 65 70 75 80 Lys Arg His Ala Asp Gly Ile Phe Ser Lys Ala Tyr Arg Lys Leu Leu 85 90 95 Gly Gin Leu Ser Ala Arg Asn Tyr Leu His Ser Leu Met Ala Lys Arg 100 105 110 Val Gly Gly Ala Ser Ser Gly Leu Gly Asp Glu Ala Glu Pro Leu Ser 115 120 125 Lys Arg His Ile Asp Gly Ile Phe Thr Asp Ser Tyr Ser Arg Tyr Arg 130 135 140 Lys Gin Met Ala Val Lys Lys Tyr Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Gly Lys Arg 145 150 155 160 Tyr Lys Gin Arg Val Lys Asn Lys Gly Arg Arg Val Ala Tyr Leu 165 170 175 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 4: (l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 46 aa (B) TYPE: ammo acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 4: His Ala Asp Gly Ile Phe Ser Lys Ala Tyr Arg Lys Leu Leu Gly Gin 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ala Arg Asn Tyr Leu His Ser Leu Met Ala Lys Arg Val Gly 20 25 30 Gly Ala Ser Ser Gly Leu Gly Asp Glu Ala Glu Pro Leu Ser 35 40 45 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:5: (l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 38 aa (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 5: His Ile Asp Gly Ile Phe Thr Asp Ser Tyr Ser Arg Tyr Arg Lys Gin 1 5 10 15 Met Ala Val Lys Lys Tyr Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Gly Lys Arg Tyr Lys 20 25 30 Gin Arg Val Lys Asn Lys 35 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 6: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 1079 bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: double (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 6: gcgaatattg acagcccccc ttttttttcc tttatttgtc gagtcgattc cctaaccacc 60 caacaactct ctgcgcttct gcgccttctt catccttgcc cagcggaaaa gccgggagcc 120 ctttgactct ttcggccgca acttggggag atagctctat ttttcccccc tcctctctgg 180 ggtttttctc ctttttcctc tctccctttc ccttccgcag ccacacgctc tcagtgccgg 240 gtgtcacagt ttcATGAGTG GCAATGTGTA TAAAACGCTC TTAACCCTCC TGGTCTATGG 300 ATTAATAATG CATTGCAACG TCTACTGCTC ACCCGACCGT TGGACTCCAG TACCCGGCGC 360 TAAGCTGGAG GAGGAGGTAT ACGACGAGGA CGGGAATACC CTACAGGACT TCGCACTACG 420 AGCAGGAGCC CCTGGGGGTG GCGGGCCGCG CCCGCGCTGG GGCAGGTGTA CGGCGCTGTA 480 CTACCCGCCG GGAAAGAGGC ACGCCGATGG GATCTTCAGC AAAGCCTACA GGAAACTCCT 540 GGGCCAGCTG TCCGCAAGAA ATTACCTGCA CTCCCTGATG GCCAAGCGGG TCGGCAGCGG 600 CCTGGGGGAC GAGGCGGAAC CGCTCAGCAA GCGCCACATA GACGGCATCT TCACGGACAG 660 CTACAGCCGC TACCGGAAAC AAATGGCTGT CAAGAAATAC TTAGCGGCCG TCCTGGGGAA 720 AAGGTATAAA CAAAGAGTTA AAAACAAAGG ACGCCGAGTA GCGTATTTGT AGgatgagca 780 accgccgctg ccgtgcgtag tcctgagaga gagagagaga gagagagaga gattgagaga 840 gagagagaga gagagagaga cccaaccacc ccaacccaaa caaaagtcat ttccaaagtg 900 acggaacgac cgccgctccc gtgttcccca aacatgtatt tatgtataag taagccatta 960 aatgaataat attttgataa taatatggtt ttcttttgta cgaaagcaca gatctacttt 1020 gtggaccaat ccttgagtta tatatgagat agaatatata tatataatac tgctactaa 1079 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 7: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 172 aa (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO : 7 : Met Ser Gly Asn Val Tyr Lys Thr Leu Leu Thr Leu Leu Val Tyr Gly 1 5 10 15 Leu Ile Met His Cys Asn Val Tyr Cys Ser Pro Asp Arg Trp Thr Pro 20 25 30 Val Pro Gly Ala Lys Leu Glu Glu Glu Val Tyr Asp Glu Asp Gly Asn 35 40 45 Thr Leu Gin Asp Phe Ala Leu Arg Ala Gly Ala Pro Gly Gly Gly Gly 50 55 60 Pro Arg Pro Arg Trp Gly Arg Cys Thr Ala Leu Tyr Tyr Pro Pro Gly 65 70 75 80 Lys Arg His Ala Asp Gly Ile Phe Ser Lys Ala Tyr Arg Lys Leu Leu 85 90 95 Gly Gin Leu Ser Ala Arg Asn Tyr Leu His Ser Leu Met Ala Lys Arg 100 105 110 Val Gly Ser Gly Leu Gly Asp Glu Ala Glu Pro Leu Ser Lys Arg His 115 120 125 Ile Asp Gly Ile Phe Thr Asp Ser Tyr Ser Arg Tyr Arg Lys Gin Met 130 135 140 Ala Val Lys Lys Tyr Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Gly Lys Arg Tyr Lys Gin 145 150 155 160 Arg Val Lys Asn Lys Gly Arg Arg Val Ala Tyr Leu 165 170 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 8: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 43 aa (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 8: His Ala Asp Gly Ile Phe Ser Lys Ala Tyr Arg Lys Leu Leu Gly Gin 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ala Arg Asn Tyr Leu His Ser Leu Met Ala Lys Arg Val Gly 20 25 30 Ser Gly Leu Gly Asp Glu Ala Glu Pro Leu Ser 35 40 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 9: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 992 bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO : 9 : gcgaatattg acagcccccc ttttttttcc tttatttgtc gagtcgattc cctaaccacc 60 caacaactct ctgcgcttct gcgccttctt catccttgcc cagcggaaaa gccgggagcc 120 ctttgactct ttcggccgca acttggggag atagctctat ttttcccccc tcctctctgg 180 ggtttttctc ctttttcctc tctccctttc ccttccgcag ccacacgctc tcagtgccgg 240 gtgtcacagt ttcATGAGTG GCAATGTGTA TAAAACGCTC TTAACCCTCC TGGTCTATGG 300 ATTAATAATG CATTGCAACG TCTACTGCTC ACCCGACCGT TGGACTCCAG TACCCGGCGC 360 TAAGCTGGAG GAGGAGGTAT ACGACGAGGA CGGGAATACC CTACAGGACT TCGCACTACG 420 AGCAGGAGCC CCTGGGGGTG GCGGGCCGCG CCCGCGCTGG GGCAGGTGTA CGGCGCTGTA 480 CTACCCGCCG GGAAAGAGCG GTGCCAGCAG CGGCCTGGGG GACGAGGCGG AACCGCTCAG 540 CAAGCGCCAC ATAGACGGCA TCTTCACGGA CAGCTACAGC CGCTACCGGA AACAAATGGC 600 TGTCAAGAAA TACTTAGCGG CCGTCCTGGG GAAAAGGTAT AAACAAAGAG TTAAAAACAA 660 AGGACGCCGA GTAGCGTATT TGTAGgatga gcaaccgccg ctgccgtgcg tagtcctgag 720 agagagagag agagagagag agagattgag agagagagag agagagagag agacccaacc 780 accccaaccc aaacaaaagt catttccaaa gtgacggaac gaccgccgct cccgtgttcc 840 ccaaacatgt atttatgtat aagtaagcca ttaaatgaat aatattttga taataatatg 900 gttttctttt gtacgaaagc acagatctac tttgtggacc aatccttgag ttatatatga 960 gatagaatat atatatataa tactgctact aa 992 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 10: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 143 aa (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 10: Met Ser Gly Asn Val Tyr Lys Thr Leu Leu Thr Leu Leu Val Tyr Gly 1 5 10 15 Leu Ile Met His Cys Asn Val Tyr Cys Ser Pro Asp Arg Trp Thr Pro 20 25 30 Val Pro Gly Ala Lys Leu Glu Glu Glu Val Tyr Asp Glu Asp Gly Asn 35 40 45 Thr Leu Gin Asp Phe Ala Leu Arg Ala Gly Ala Pro Gly Gly Gly Gly 50 55 60 Pro Arg Pro Arg Trp Gly Arg Cys Thr Ala Leu Tyr Tyr Pro Pro Gly 65 70 75 80 Lys Ser Gly Ala Ser Ser Gly Leu Gly Asp Glu Ala Glu Pro Leu Ser 85 90 95 Lys Arg His Ile Asp Gly Ile Phe Thr Asp Ser Tyr Ser Arg Tyr Arg 100 105 110 Lys Gin Met Ala Val Lys Lys Tyr Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Gly Lys Arg 115 120 125 Tyr Lys Gin Arg Val Lys Asn Lys Gly Arg Arg Val Ala Tyr Leu 130 135 140 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 11: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 129bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 11: CAC GCC GAT GGG ATC TTC AGC AAA GCC TAC AGG AAA CTC CTG GGC CAG 48 CTG TCC GCA AGA AAT TAC CTG CAC TCC CTG ATG GCC AAG CGG GTC GGC 96 AGC GGC CTG GGG GAC GAG GCG GAA CCG CTC AGC 129 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 12: (l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 138bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 12: CAC GCC GAT GGG ATC TTC AGC AAA GCC TAC AGG AAA CTC CTG GGC CAG 48 CTG TCC GCA AGA AAT TAC CTG CAC TCC CTG ATG GCC AAG CGG GTC GGC 96 GGT GCC AGC AGC GGC CTG GGG GAC GAG GCG GAA CCG CTC AGC 138 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 13: (1) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 114bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi ) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 13: CAC ATA GAC GGC ATC TTC ACG GAC AGC TAC AGC CGC TAC CGG AAA CAA 48 ATG GCT GTC AAG AAA TAC TTA GCG GCC GTC CTG GGG AAA AGG TAT AAA 96 CAA AGA GTT AAA AAC AAA 114 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 14: (l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 27bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi ) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 14: CATGTTTGGA CAGAACACAA GTGAGCG 27 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 15: (l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 26bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 15: CATTCGGATG GGATCTTCAC GGATAG 26 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 16: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 24bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:16: GAGCCCCGCC CGTGCTTACC GCAG 24 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 17: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 24bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 17: CACGCCGATG GGATCTTCAG CAAA 24 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 18: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 24bp (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 18: CCCGACCCGC TTGGCCATCA GGGA 24 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 19: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 27 aa (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 19: His Ile Asp Gly Ile Phe Thr Asp Ser Tyr Ser Arg Tyr Arg Lys Gin 1 5 10 15 Met Ala Val Lys Lys Tyr Leu Ala Ala Val Leu 20 25 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:20: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 29 aa (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:20: His Ala Asp Gly Ile Phe Ser Lys Ala Tyr Arg Lys Leu Leu Gly Gin 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ala Arg Asn Tyr Leu His Ser Leu Met Ala Lys 20 25

Claims: Claims: 1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule including at least 25 contiguous nucleotides of die sequence shown in Seq. I.D. No. 1. 2. An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to claim 1 wherein the molecule includes at least 30 contiguous nucleotides of the sequence shown in Seq. I.D. No. 1. 3. An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to claim 1 wherein the molecule includes at least 50 contiguous nucleotides of die sequence shown in Seq. I.D. No. 1. 4. An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to claim 1 wherein the nucleic acid molecule encodes a polypeptide capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells. 5. A nucleotide vector including a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 4. 6. A transgenic host cell produced by introducing into a host cell a nucleotide vector according to claim 5. 7. A method of producing a polypeptide capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a transgenic host cell according to claim 6; (b) cultivating the cell under conditions supporting the production of the polypeptide; and (c) harvesting the polypeptide. 8. A purified polypeptide produced according to the method of claim 7. 9. A composition for administration to poultry comprising a purified polypeptide according to claim 8. 10. An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a chicken neuropeptide precursor polypeptide, die polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from die group consisting of the sequences shown in: (a) Seq. I.D. No. 3; (b) Seq. I.D. No. 7; or (c) Seq. I.D. No. 9. 11. A nucleotide vector including a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 10. 12. A transgenic host cell produced by introducing into die host cell a nucleotide vector according to claim 11. 13. A method of producing a polypeptide capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells, the mediod comprising the steps of: (a) providing a transgenic host cell according to claim 12; (b) cultivating the cell under conditions supporting the production of die polypeptide; and (c) harvesting the polypeptide. 14. A purified polypeptide produced according to die method of claim 13. 15. A purified polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from group consisting of the sequences shown in: (a) Seq. I.D. No. 3; (b) Seq. I.D. No. 7; or (c) Seq. I.D. No. 9. 16. A purified chicken neuropeptide precursor polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide includes at least 20 consecutive amino acids selected from die amino acid sequences shown in: (a) Seq. I.D. No. 3; (b) Seq. I.D. No. 7; or (c) Seq. I.D. No. 9. and wherein die polypeptide includes both a chicken GRF peptide and a chicken PACAP peptide. 17. An isolated nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising at least 10 consecutive nucleotides of the sequence shown in Seq. I.D. No. 12, wherein the nucleic acid molecule encodes a polypeptide capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells. 18. An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to claim 17 wherein the nucleic acid molecule encodes a chicken GRF peptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in: (a) Seq. I.D. No. 4; or (b) Seq. I.D. No. 8. 19. A purified polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 17. 20. A purified chicken GRF polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in: (a) Seq. I.D. No. 4; and (b) Seq. I.D. No. 8. 21. An isolated DNA molecule wherein the molecule includes at least 10 consecutive nucleotides of tiie sequence shown in Seq. I.D. No. 13 and wherein the DNA molecule encodes a polypeptide capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells. 22. A DNA molecule according to claim 21 wherein the DNA molecule encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence as shown in Seq. I.D. No. 13. 23. A DNA molecule according to claim 22 wherein the DNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence as shown in Seq. I.D. No. 5. 24. A recombinant DNA molecule including a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 4. 25. A transgenic non-human animal wherein the genome of the animal includes a recombinant DNA molecule according to claim 24. 26. A composition including a purified polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 4, wherein the polypeptide is capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells. 27. An isolated nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of the sequences shown in: (a) Seq. I.D. No. 1 or its complementary strand; (b) Seq. I.D. No. 4 or its complementary strand; (c) Seq. I.D. No. 12 or its complementary strand; and (d) sequences which hybridize under conditions of at least 75 % stringency to the sequences defined in (a)-(c); and wherein die nucleic acid molecule encodes a peptide capable of stimulating the release of pituitary growth hormone from chicken pituitary cells. 28. An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to claim 27 (d) wherein the nucleic acid molecule hybridizes under conditions of at least 90% stringency.

Inventors: MCRORY JOHN E, SHERWOOD NANCY G M, MCRORY, JOHN, E., SHERWOOD, NANCY, G., M.
Applicants: UNIV VICTORIA INNOVAT DEV, UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Application year: 1998
Main classification: C12N15
IPC codes: A61K38, C07K14, C12N1, C12N15